Live Entertainment Venues in the South Puget Sound

Anyone interested in going out for an evening of live music in Western Washington usually thinks of going to Seattle, but there are plenty of places in the South Sound Region that you can find good food and live entertainment. I want to inform you of some really nice choices available to you. This list varies in the type of music you can hear and I think you will find that Everyone's taste in music can be satisfied.

Tacoma's 6^th Ave. District is the first to come to mind. Everybody's taste can be satisfied in and 8 block stretch on 6^th Ave. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Indian and Steakhouse cuisine can be found. The music here is just as varied. The first four listed here are on 6^th Avenue so you can easily choose the style of music you want. The rest of the establishments listed can be found in different places all over the South Sound area.

JazzBones

JazzBones is the first place that comes to mind for live music. The cost at the door varies and check the website to see what is coming up and the ticket price. Check out Daily Happy Hour and call for dinner reservations. The cuisine here is an Asian Fusion blend, check the website to see the menu. The music is varied and you will find, rock, metal, alternative, blues, folk/acoustic, jazz, and funk. Tuesday offers comedy and Karaoke. If you are a local talent JazzBones is always looking to book new acts.

Chopstix

There's no better description for Chopstix other than to say it is like dueling pianos. This is a live duet piano rock show that encourages sing-alongs. If you have a special guest who is having a birthday or any other important occasion, you can leave their name with the pianist and they will treat this person "special". The results are hilarious and can be seen on the website. The charge at the door varies so call or check online to see what is on their event calendar.

Hell's Kitchen

Now Hell's Kitchen falls under that category of "something for everyone". Here they play Metal, Alternative, Punk and Ska. While there isn't a mosh pit, there might as well be. The cover charge varies but is usually very reasonable. Depending on the group playing the prices vary from 3$ to 10$.

Engine House #9

This lovely firehouse was built in 1907 and was listed on the National Historical Register in 1975. The general ambience is that of a firehouse turned beer garden. They serve their own award winning ales as well as other foreign and domestic beers. The food is upscale bar food and is reasonably priced. In summer months on Tuesday nights they have "Smooth Jazz Night". You can enjoy a beer and groove with the outdoor "Smooth Jazz Series".

Wednesdays are the ever-popular Quiz Night and you can use your knowledge to win Doggie Dollars for food and drinks. Thursday nights offer drinks special with Ladies Night and at 9PM there is Karaoke. Sundays there is live music on the schedule from 6-9PM. There is no cover charge.

The Hungry Goose

This is my personal favorite because the food is great and the ambiance is charming. The Goose has a small lounge but the music can be heard all over the restaurant. Jazz is played on Fridays and Acoustic on Saturdays. Check the website to see who is playing. As recently as a month ago they were charging a small cover for the lounge of $3 but it doesn't seem to be the case now. If it is a concern you can call and check it out before you show up. The Hungry Goose is located on Main St. in Puyallup and this is one place you have to visit.

The Swiss

This place is another one of my favorites. This building was opened in 1913 and it took many years to revive it. It is designed like a Swiss Chalet and is absolutely huge inside. Located across from University of Washington - Tacoma, it is a favorite of college students. But if you aren't a student don't let that stop you. There is always something going on so check the event calendar to see who is playing.

The cover charge at the door on Fridays and Saturdays is as low as 3$ but rarely exceeds 8$. The dance floor is huge and this joint really rocks. I hear their New Year's Eve party is the Bomb. (Do they still say that?) Finally, you must try the food. It is great and they make it from scratch. No canned food here. There is also free Wi-Fi available here.

Jambalaya

If you like Cajun food and ambiance this is the place for you. On Friday and Saturday nights there is Jazz and Blues. The food is excellent and of course you must try the Jambalaya. The Michael Miller Blues Band plays there often... Preston are you out there? This plug is for you babe! If you are planning on seeing the show it is advisable for you to call and make reservations. Jambalaya is located in Parkland, a small suburb of Tacoma, and right down the street from Pacific Lutheran University. The whole 3 block area of Garfield Avenue is chock full of little places to eat and shop.

Mandolin Café

If you are looking for an old fashioned coffee house with a new groove, the Mandolin Café, located near University Place, is for you. They roast their own coffee beans and make a great Latte. There is also a great menu of sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Check them out on the weekends because there is always good music. On Sundays when it is raining, there is someone that plays the piano in front of the fire while you sip your Latte. This is a kid-friendly establishment and it is easy to sit at the large table with your kids and play checkers while listening to music. This is also a Wi-Fi Café so enjoy your computer here.

Antique Sandwich Company

Located in Tacoma's north end, if you are a time-warped hippie, this is the place for you. If you eat sprouts on your sandwich then you will be in heaven. There is a full menu for vegetarians and lots of sandwiches with meat for the meat lovers. The Antique Sandwich Company has lots of ambiance and there are international crafts with the work of local artists for sale. Tuesday nights are Live-Mic nights. If you have a song to sing drop by and share with the rest of us. On Sundays they have classical music and after you are finished listening here you can go down road a little ways to Point Defiance and feed the ducks.

Inni's 2 Wheel Blues Showroom

Inni's is an old establishment in Lakewood and they have had a recent rejuvenation. The 2 Wheel Blues Showroom is like a club inside another club. Inni's is the established club name and the 2 Wheel Blues Showroom is a separate club in the center of Inni's. They have their own bar and jammin' Blues shows. Check out Ricky Ray on MySpace and also check out 2 Wheel Blues Showroom on the Internet.

A huge outdoor patio is offered to customers for warmer weather. Monday nights is Live-Mic night and Wednesday nights The Tim Hall Band can be heard. On weekends Ricky Ray presents live entertainment and if you are a local blues band looking for a place to jam look him up. Call for directions 'cause it can be tricky to locate them.

**Well that's it for now folks. I just want to make on last comment to you all. Live entertainment is a largely unappreciated community function. The young bands coming up need places to gain their chops. With little or no funding these days there is little out there to support the arts. "The Muse", one local coffee house was forced to close almost as soon as they opened because of the recent financial upsets. Please support local businesses and as you can see from this publication there is something for everyone. **