Best Live Music Spots in Seattle, Washington
Recommending places to hear live music is a tricky subject. After all, each person has their own musical tastes, and each venue changes performers so often that you might just happen to catch a really bad night. But in Seattle, you tend to be fairly lucky. The city has quite a few independent venues that consistently put on good shows. Here are a few that represent some of the diversity of music you will find citywide:
Tulas- In the mood for big band or jazz? A lot of people will suggest that you head to Jazz Alley, just a few blocks away. But why go there, when you can go to Tula’s for a fraction of the price and still hear great jazz performances? This is a very cool spot: the fact that it is a jazz bar keeps a lot of the more obnoxious Belltown drunks out, leaving you with an enthusiastic crowd. You won’t get the great wine selection that you do at Jazz Alley, but they do have a full bar and a friendly staff, and the place is low-lit and clean. It fits right into that classy downtown ambiance Belltown is trying to establish in the post-grunge era. (2214 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA. 98121; (206) 443-4221.)
The Baltic Room- This lower Capitol Hill bar is a great place to catch some of Seattle’s most talented DJ’s. They have people spinning all the time, so the odds are that you’ll catch someone interesting. A lot are young and up and coming, which is always nice to see. Also check out your local listings, as the Baltic Room can get some really talented artists that you won’t want to miss. (1207 Pine St. Seattle WA, 98101; (206)625-4406.)
The Tractor Tavern- This Ballard bar is oh-so perfect. It is the place to go for country and folk shows, and has all the appearance of a rowdy country bar, with none of the behavior (ie- no bar fights, that I’ve witnessed.) Get yourself a beer, and try and wedge your way through the crowd to get super close to the stage. The odds are likely that if the tunes are right, people will start dancing. If you can catch a Gourds show there, then you’d better do it (and if the Gourds are playing Seattle, that’s probably where they will be.) (5213 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA, 98107; (206) 789-3599.)
The Dubliner- Who knows who will be playing at this Fremont Irish pub? They seem to book just about anything from country, to rock, to this one band I saw that I still don’t know how to categorize. The shows are usually pretty fun, though, and I’ve heard some great bands there. The crowd is mainly young and collegiate: a lot of UW students and Seattle Pacific students find their way here. And the covers are outrageously cheap for good music. (3517 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle, WA, 98103; (205) 548-1508.)
The Vera Project- You’ve got to support this, if for no other reason than the cause. The Vera Project is one of the few places that underage persons can go to hear live music, due to the fact that most venues are bars with strict, over 21 rules. It’s important for people of all ages to be able to hear music, and is one of the things that keeps our diverse and individualistic youth happy. Who says you have to be over 21 to love music- The Vera Project is run by minors, books great bands. You won’t feel like you are in a kiddy joint: young and old support the foundation’s worthy cause, and there’s a refreshing mix of both at the shows. (The easiest way to keep track of Vera Project happenings is to check out their excellent website: www.theveraproject.org.)
Seattle has a reputation for supporting a lot of great musicians. Help keep that tradition alive by supporting the people and the places that make it possible. These are just a few: you’ll find countless others all over the city, so take a good look around!
