www.performermag.com
www.myspace.com/westcoastperformer
Tacoma, WA
A vibrant scene emerges 30 miles south of Seattle and north of Olympia on I-5 in the city of Tacoma. Though a growing haven for all musical genres, rock shines brightest in T-Town. Birthplace of The Wailers and Jerry Cantrell, the “City of Destiny” also hosts the antics of Girl Trouble and the hardcore supersonics of Botch. Along with a handful of colleges, including Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, and UW Tacoma, the Tacoma School of Arts helps develop a musically mature youth culture. Subsequently, Tacoma boasts a healthy number of all-ages venues, and there’s always a house party, impromptu show or new club on the verge. Large annual events like LouieFest and the Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival help solidify the city’s reputation for taste in avid musicality as well. For bands touring the Northwest and those looking for an excuse to get out of town, all roads lead to Tacoma.
BOOK A GIG: VENUES
HELL’S KITCHEN
3829 6TH AVENUE
TACOMA, WA 98402
(253) 759-6003
www.hellskitchenonline.com
A staple along vibrant 6th Ave., this hotspot also sits a few steps from Rocket Records, an indie-friendly record store that consigns music. Submit band info in a message via www.myspace.com/hellskitchenvenue, and not through their website form, two to three months in advance.
JAZZBONES RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB
2803 6TH AVENUE
TACOMA, WA 98406
(253) 396-9169
www.jazzbones.com
This well-respected jazz, blues and rock venue also sells artwork along its balcony, and serves delectable Cajun Creole cuisine. Mail a press kit with ATTN: Booking, or establish contact via their website form, two to three months in advance. No calls or drop-ins.
THE SWISS PUB
1904 SOUTH JEFFERSON AVENUE
TACOMA, WA 98402
(253) 572-2821
www.theswisspub.com
Located directly across the UW Tacoma campus, this three-room venue features music as
varied as its beer selection. All genres are welcome, and Monday nights serve host for free blues music. Conveniently close to the CD store, Buzzard’s, and its popular bulletin board for promoting shows. Send an email to info@theswisspub.com, or deliver a press kit to the venue, two to three weeks prior to visiting.
CLUB VERTIGO
5240 SOUTH TACOMA WAY
TACOMA, WA 95409
(253) 476-0880
www.theclubvertigo.com
Hip and swank, with a beer garden and a VIP room. Local and touring acts are welcome from most genres, though hardcore is most prominent. Submit booking requests via their website form, at least three weeks in advance. Press kits are not accepted through the mail.
CLUB IMPACT
754 PACIFIC AVENUE
TACOMA, WA 98402
(253) 274-1583
www.clubimpact.org
A Church-sponsored all-ages venue with performing acts twice a week, Impact caters to a
young crowd of devoted rock, punk and metal lovers. Hosts a battle of the bands. Send an email to Derek Smith at derek@clubimpact.org, or mail material to ATTN: Club Impact, 207 South 9th St., Tacoma, WA 98402. Vinyl submissions garner extra points. Allow at least one month for booking.
THE MANDOLIN CAFà‰
3923 SOUTH 12TH STREET
TACOMA, WA 98405
(253) 761-3482
www.themandolincafe.com
Mandolin hosts pop and acoustic acts up to five times a week. Send material directly to the venue, or email café@themandolincafe.com for more info. Mandolin recommends direct
contact with the sound tech (Russ) for performance-related issues: KCFD715@aol.com. Allow two to three months advanced notice.
PROMOTE A GIG: MEDIA
KUPS 90.1 FM
1500 NORTH WARNER
TACOMA, WA 98416
(253) 879-3288
www.kups.ups.edu
University of Puget Sound’s station is 100% student-run. Check the Contact page for direct communication with your genre’s music director. For interviews and promotion, email Programming Director Aaron Lynch at kupsprogramming@ups.edu, or call (253) 879-3144.
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
1950 SOUTH STATE STREET
TACOMA, WA 98405
(253) 597-8742
www.thenewstribune.com
Started in 1880, TNT is Tacoma’s premier periodical. Contact Pop Music writer, Ernest Jasmin, at ernest.jasmin@thenewstribune.com, or (253) 274-7389. Submit calendar listings to calendar@thenewstribune.com.
WEEKLY VOLCANO
PO BOX 98801
LAKEWOOD, WA 98498
(253) 584-1212
www.weeklyvolcano.com
WV’s Spew Blog is an excellent additional resource for scene info. For consideration, contact Editor Ron Swarner at editor@weeklyvolcano.com. Calendar submissions should be directed to calendar@weeklyvolcano.com.
*Popular Seattle media like KEXP, The Stranger and The Seattle Weekly also cover Tacoma.*
GEAR/REPAIRS
PARSONS GUITAR/GUITAR CENTER
2919 SOUTH 38TH STREET, SUITE A
TACOMA, WA 98409
(206) 271-8566
www.parsonsguitar.com
Located within Guitar Center, technician, Ron Puccetti, services guitars, basses, and performs minor amplifier repair. One to two day turnaround, but emergency service is available for an additional fee. Walk-ins accepted. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12-6pm.
TED BROWN MUSIC
6228 TACOMA MALL BOULEVARD
TACOMA, WA 98409
(253) 272-3211
www.tedbrownmusic.com
Offers service for many instruments. Main guitar tech is in Tuesdays and Thursdays for major repairs. Up to five days turnaround, but a rush order can be placed for an additional $10 fee. Walk-ins accepted. Open Monday to Friday, 10-8pm, and Saturday, 10-6pm.
