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, 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 from the UW Tacoma campus and conveniently close to the CD store Buzzard’s and its popular bulletin board, this three-room venue features music as varied as its beer selection. All genres are welcome, and Monday nights serve host to free blues shows. Send an email to info@theswisspub.com or send a press kit to the venue two to three weeks in advance.

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. Send an email to Derek Smith at derek@clubimpact.org, or mail material to ATTN: Club Impact, 207 South 9th Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Vinyl submissions garner extra points. Allow at least one month for booking.

THE MANDOLIN CAFé

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 cafe@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

Check the online contact page for 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

Contact pop music writer Ernest Jasmin at ernest.jasmin@

thenewstribune.com, or (253) 274-7389. Submit calendar

listings to calendar@thenewstribune.com.

WEEKLY VOLCANO

POB 98801

LAKEWOOD, WA 98498

(253) 584-1212

www.weeklyvolcano.com

WV’s “Spew Blog” is an excellent additional resource for scene info. Contact editor Ron Swarner for consideration at editor@weeklyvolcano.com. Direct calendar submissions to calendar@weeklyvolcano.com.

*Popular Seattle media like KEXP 90.3 FM, The Stranger and The Seattle Weekly also reach Tacoma.*

Gear/ Repairs

PARSONS GUITAR/GUITAR CENTER

2919 SOUTH 38TH STREET, SUITE A

TACOMA, WA 98409

(206) 271-8566

www.parsonsguitar.com

Ron Puccetti services guitars, basses, and performs minor amp repair. One to two day turnaround, but emergency service is available. Walk-ins accepted. Open Tuesday to Saturday 12-6.

TED BROWN MUSIC

6228 TACOMA MALL BOULEVARD

TACOMA, WA 98409

(253) 272-3211

www.tedbrownmusic.com

Main guitar tech is in Tuesdays and Thursdays for major repairs. A rush order can be placed for an additional $10 fee. Walk-ins accepted. Open Monday to Friday 10-8, and Saturday 10-6.