Tune In
From historic concert halls to intimate neighborhood clubs, here are some of Seattle’s most dynamic places to watch both established and up-and-coming music acts.
The Crocodile photo credit Brittne Lunniss
The Crocodile
This hallowed Belltown club, which moved into a larger location in 2021, was at the epicenter of the grunge scene in the 1990s, regularly showcasing Nirvana, Soundgarden, and others. Its three spaces draw a wide range of acts, from rap to rock.
2505 First Ave; thecrocodile.com
Black & Tan Hall
Named for the famous Black-owned music club that thrived in Seattle from the 1920s for five decades, this multiracial venue in Hillman City pays homage to Black improvisational jazz culture, presenting music as well as cultural workshops and social-change events.
5608 Rainier Ave S; blackandtanhall.com
Conor Byrne Pub
So beloved is this venerable Ballard watering hole, known for foot-stomping folk and Americana music, it was recently saved from closure by being converted into a co-op.
5140 Ballard Ave NW; conorbyrnepub.com
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
A longtime jazz club in Denny Triangle with two tiers of candlelit tables, this is the perfect spot for a classy night out.
2033 Sixth Ave; jazzalley.com
Nectar Lounge
This venerated venue in Fremont—the city’s largest indoor/outdoor performance space—showcases every genre imaginable, from reggae to Latin to electronic. Chromeo, Wiz Khalifa, and Bon Iver have all performed here.
412 N 36th St; nectarlounge.com
Sea Monster Lounge
Head to this intimate but energetic music pub in Wallingford to see some of the city’s top funk, soul, Latin, and jazz acts.
202 N 45th St; seamonsterlounge.com
Showbox
It’s all music all the time at this downtown venue that has hosted everyone from Duke Ellington to the Ramones over the years. Also check out its sister venue, Showbox SoDo (1700 First Ave S; showboxpresents.com), a couple of miles south in a large warehouse space.
1426 First Ave; showboxpresents.com
Seattle Music Legends
Creativity and innovation are part of the DNA of the Pacific Northwest, so it’s no surprise that we lay claim to many notable musicians.
Jimi Hendrix courtesy Hannu Lindroos/Lehtikuva
Creativity and innovation are part of the DNA of the Pacific Northwest, so it’s no surprise that we lay claim to many notable musicians.
Perhaps no band is more linked to Seattle than Nirvana, which got its start in the city’s venues before hitting mainstream success with “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Drummer Dave Grohl went on to form the Foo Fighters here in 1994. Also on the scene were Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Mudhoney. And during the same era, local rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot topped the charts with “Baby Got Back.”
Before grunge defined the city, Seattle-born Jimi Hendrix was jamming with local bands, Ernestine Anderson was garnering Grammy nominations for her jazz singing, and Heart was topping the charts with hits like “Crazy on You” and “Barracuda.” Tacoma-born Bing Crosby did plenty of his signature crooning around town, and The Sonics were making major contributions to garage rock and punk.
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, helmed by Ben Gibbard, became a gold standard of indie rock. (His song “Teardrop Windows” is about Pioneer Square’s Smith Tower.) More recently, Brandi Carlile, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Mary Lambert, The Head and the Heart, SYML, and Fleet Foxes have made a splash.
Want to learn more? MoPOP (325 Fifth Ave N) has great exhibitions on Nirvana, Hendrix, and other local artists. Discover how the city has inspired a wide range of musicians in our series Seattle (Un)Covered.
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