--by Elizabeth Culp For almost eight decades now, there has been a symphony right in the heart of Tacoma that is composed of members of our community. That’s right - those we see at the grocery store, walking their dogs, driving the streets of downtown Tacoma - are people who play in the Symphony! Changing... Continue Reading →
by Nadia Naushab The Tacoma Dome is arguably the most recognizable structure in Tacoma, Washington. As someone not from the city, seeing the massive building just off I-5 is how I know I've entered Tacoma. The iconic venue is one of the largest wood-domed structures in the world, and can accommodate up to 23,000 people... Continue Reading →
by Evan Hoang Chances are, you’ve never heard the name Richard Cousins before, but millions of people have heard his bold, brazen bass lines from albums accompanying legends like Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Van Morrison and John Lee Hooker. This 2 time Grammy-winning bassist was one of the founding members of the Robert... Continue Reading →
- by Harry Gers Tacoma sits in a unique and strange place culturally. Colonized relatively late (at least in comparison to the entrenched settlements of New England), the Pacific Northwest has carved out its own distinct corner of the modern musical landscape. Tacoma hit the scene with a boom after the railroad was first built,... Continue Reading →
by Abigail Sayles 1957 The Fabulous Wailers started off in 1957 as just a few teenage high school boys getting together to make some music on the McChord Air Force Base, with no expectation of getting recognized. The group consisted of John Greek who played guitar, Rich Dangel who played lead guitar, Kent Morrill who... Continue Reading →
by Athena Taylor Introduction In the early 1990s, a revolutionary wave of feminist punk rock, known as the Riot Grrrl movement began in Olympia Washington and eventually made its strides throughout the United States. Rooted in a fierce desire for equality, self-expression, and activism, Riot Grrrl was a powerful cultural and musical phenomenon that challenged... Continue Reading →
by Parker Cacatian In the vibrant city of Tacoma, one band has carved out its own unique path and left an incredible mark on the local music scene. The band Seaweed, known for its distinct sound and energy, has become intertwined with the spirit of Tacoma's music community. With its style of punk, grunge, and... Continue Reading →
--by Kim Davenport Thanks in large part to the selection of Commencement Bay as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific railroad in 1873, Tacoma has witnessed visits by prominent musical soloists and ensembles throughout the city's history. Either through targeted searching or casual browsing, I have found fascinating coverage of performances here by a... Continue Reading →
by Gerry Weir The Elks Lodge located at 565 Broadway was constructed in Tacoma in 1916. The building was opened up to the Elks Temple members and their families for the first time on February 19th 1916. This 44,361 square foot building was constructed with seven different floors, many kinds of rooms, several banquet halls,... Continue Reading →
-by Francine Ruth Today we feature a sultry voice born and raised in our own Tacoma. Known for vivacious beats, smooth rhythm, and producing talent, Phinisey. Born DuWayne Phinisey began his interest in music while attending Pacific Lutheran University's (PLU) music program for opera. Phinisey even performed as an opera singer with the Tacoma Opera... Continue Reading →
Tacoma Music History 