Spokane, WA
The metropolitan hub of the Inland Northwest, Spokane is Washington State’s second largest city, situated 280 miles east of Seattle and 375 miles northeast of Portland. Conveniently located off of Interstate 90, this thriving artist and music community proves to be a convenient stop for bands touring either towards the coast or inland. While deeply rooted in blues and jazz, the city also has a burgeoning hardcore scene and welcomes an extensive array of indie rock, metal and punk bands to its many accommodating bars, cafes and venues. Some of the annual musical festivals this city has to offer include the Green & Blues Fest, the youth-oriented Musicfest Northwest, and the Spokane Dixieland Jazz Festival. Spokane is also home to Gonzaga University and Whitworth College, and with their campuses centered near downtown, there are always plenty of students out and eager to support the music that comes through the city.
Guide to Gigging in Spokane
Book a Gig: Venues
BROOKLYN NIGHTS
122 S Monroe Street
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 835-4177
www.myspace.com/brooklyndeli
This quaint 21+ beer and wine bar hosts a diverse array of local and touring acts and houses live music most nights of the week. For booking, contact Mike through MySpace or call the above number and leave contact information.
MOOTSY’S
406 W Sprague Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 838-1570
www.mootsys.com
A famed 21+ watering hole, Mootsy’s is an essential stop for any punk or indie rockster passing through town. To book, email mootsys@gmail.com or send a promo kit to Matt Kincaid at the address above.
EMPYREAN COFFEE HOUSE
154 S Madison Street
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 838-9819
www.empyreancoffee.com
This favored coffee spot rocks a hot cup of joe and is the perfect place for any band — punk, jazz, folk or experimental — to play. To book, email Rhea at rhea@empyreancoffee.com or myspace.com/rheajoy.
THE SPREAD
230 W Riverside Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 456-4515
www.myspace.com/thespreadclub
Formerly known as The B-Side, this classy joint is the city’s premiere music club for an eclectic range of genres. Hip-hop acts take note. Contact through MySpace to book.
THE BLUE SPARK
15 S Howard Street
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 838-5787
www.bluesparkspokane.com
A fave amongst the local college students, this pub predominantly books shows for alt-rock bands two nights of the week. Contact Steve through the website for booking.
THE BLVD.
333 W Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 455-7826
www.theblvd.net
This popular 18+ venue loves its music loud. Presenting an unmatched mix of hardcore, metal and rock ‘n’ roll, The Blvd. showcases live music on most nights. Contact Terry at terry@fivefootthick.com at least two to three months in advance.
PRAGO ARGENTINE CAFÉ
201 W Riverside Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 443-0404
www.myspace.com/pragoargentinecafe
A cafe with the acoustic-based musician in mind, this small, all-ages hangout primarily books folkies and quieter-sounding acts, but is open to all genres. Call Patrick at (509) 389-2116 or the cafe for booking.
CATERINA WINERY
905 N Washington Street
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 328-5069
www.caterinawinery.com
Located in downtown Spokane, this winery offers all-ages shows for local and touring bands of all genres. Email Patrick at least a month in advance at patrickrockcoffee@gmail.com or myspace.com/rockcoffee for booking.
Promote a Gig: Media
SPOKANE SIDEKICK
POB 141630
Spokane Valley, WA 99214
(509) 216-5771
www.spokanesidekick.com
A bi-weekly arts and entertainment publication, this guide features a two-page calendar spread and is key for getting your band’s name out in Spokane. Forward event info to events@spokanesidekick.com and mail music to the address above at least a few weeks in advance.
THE WORD
2127 W Pacific Avenue #E
Spokane, WA 99204
(509) 481-8043
www.wordnorthwest.com
This monthly mag lists upcoming shows and features music reviews and interviews with local and touring bands. Send info far in advance to myspace.com/thewordmagazine.
KYRS, 89.9FM & 92.3FM
35 W Main Street Suite 340E
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 747-3807
www.kyrs.org
This volunteer-run, noncommercial and nonprofit community radio station airs a public service announcement for local music events and does in-studio interviews and performances. Contact the station through snail mail at least a month in advance.
Gear/ Repairs
HOFFMAN’S MUSIC COMPANY
1430 N Monroe Street
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 444-4140
www.hoffmanmusic.com
Hoffman’s has a huge inventory of new and used guitars, basses, keyboards, drums and pro audio gear. They do emergency repairs on most instruments, but not amplifiers. Open Monday through Saturday from 10-6.
DUTCH’S PAWN SHOP
415 W Main Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 747-5284
www.dutchs.com
Carries both guitars and amplifiers, and welcomes walk-ins for emergency repairs on most instruments. Open weekdays from 9-5:30. and Saturdays from 9-5.
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