-- by Kailey Lawless Tacoma’s music history is often associated with rock, jazz, and grunge, yet another vital part of the city’s cultural sound emerges from hip-hop and the voices of immigrant and refugee communities. One artist who represents this history is Silong Chhun, a Cambodian American artist, music producer, community storyteller, and advocate whose... Continue Reading →
-- by Jenn Anthony If you walk near Jefferson Avenue and 15th street today, there’s no sign that one of Tacoma’s most eclectic 1970s music spots once stood there. The Last Chance Tavern has disappeared from the city’s physical landscape and almost its collective memory. No neon sign survived. No building remains. Even the address... Continue Reading →
-- by Magdalene Seelhoff Angsty, gritty, edgy, dirty, ugly—these are just a few words one might use to describe the grunge genre, yet all of them together couldn’t fully capture the quality of the grunge sound, which rebelliously eludes the limits of definition. Known for its punk rock, garage rock, and heavy metal influences, a... Continue Reading →
-- by Kaylah Wright Tacoma, Washington has historically existed in the shadow of Seattle when it comes to discussions surrounding music in the Pacific Northwest. However, the city has played a vital role in shaping the sound of the region, producing influential artists, and nurturing an underground music culture that continues to flourish today. From... Continue Reading →
-- by Valeria Bedolla-Mendoza In today's world almost everyone around the globe has definitely heard the term K-pop whether it's the impact of one of the biggest bands BTS or major success of girl group Blackpink or even cultural phenomenon like the film KPop Demon Hunters. The “Hallyu” or Korean Wave of K-pop culture has... Continue Reading →
-- by Ella Tao In 2007, the very first Porchfest came to life in Ithaca, New York. What started as twenty bands performing on porches in the city eventually became over 200 bands today. Since its beginning, Porchfest has expanded to about 230 other locations around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. ... Continue Reading →
--by Mason Seay Jazz music still floats throughout the streets and neighborhoods of Tacoma. While Jazzbones and Bob's Java Jive remain popular, The Spar Tavern is a hidden gem in Old Town. Let’s go back 110 years to 1916 when The Spar was built. The $7,500 building stands on the corner of North 30th Street... Continue Reading →
Tacoma Music History 