The Rise of Robert Cray and His Influence on the Blues
by Hongying Neubauer I’m sitting here listening to The Robert Cray Band playing their monster hit Right Next Door (Because Of Me). Cray blends his soulful vocals and exceptional guitar skills with traditional blues to tell a story that the protagonist’s guilty feeling of causing the woman next door to be accused of unfaithful to the one who really loves her: “I can hear the … Continue reading The Rise of Robert Cray and His Influence on the Blues
Grandfathers of Grunge: The Sonics
by Jenna Swetz Out of all of the musicians and bands that Tacoma has hosted and raised over its long history, one of the most influential of those bands has to be The Sonics. Known for their loud, wild, and raw sound, The Sonics are considered the progenitors of the grunge subgenre of rock & roll. Founded in 1960 by a teenage Larry Parypa, The … Continue reading Grandfathers of Grunge: The Sonics
Visionary, Violin, Viola
by Kelsey Lyons Born in October of 1904 and residing at 1224 North Prospect Street, Viola Wasterlain was a Tacoma-based musician who would make a name for herself through her extraordinary violin skills. Throughout her life, Viola would be recognized for her remarkable talent and would go on to give numerous performances all over the United States, one of which would have the attendance of … Continue reading Visionary, Violin, Viola
The Great Big Baked Potato Song
by Kim Davenport In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railroad announced Commencement Bay as the western terminus of their transcontinental railroad line, frustrating expectant boosters in Seattle, and forever impacting the growth and development of Tacoma. 2023 marks the sesquicentennial of that momentous event, and Tacoma Historical Society will be celebrating that history throughout the year with our museum exhibit, Dreams & Dispossessions: The Railway Comes … Continue reading The Great Big Baked Potato Song
Tacoma Dome: Then and Now
by Mia Wright When I hear people talk about this amazing city, they mention a couple of things: Tacoma aroma, the diverse group of people, and the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome is the city’s main event place for concerts, festivals, and even football and basketball games. Just like most things, the Tacoma Dome started as just a vision by an engineer named Taylor Gardener … Continue reading Tacoma Dome: Then and Now
The Ventures
by Diana Zagorenko The Ventures was a rock and roll ball band that formed in Tacoma, Washington in 1958. As a band, they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary and continue to perform live shows to this day. They are well-known in other parts of the world and particularly popular in Japan. The Ventures experienced many different band members throughout the years. Bob Bogle and Don … Continue reading The Ventures
The Tacoma Armory
by Gabby Quinnett Picture yourself. It’s the middle of summer, your car windows are down, the cool wind blowing through your hair, and you’re blasting your favorite tunes. You’ve decided to take a scenic drive through Tacoma this fine afternoon. Driving past Wright Park, you’ve decided to take South Yakima Ave into the Hilltop area. Your sights are soon set upon a large, castle-like building. … Continue reading The Tacoma Armory
Ted Brown Music: Through the Years
by Janessa Pihl If you live in the state of Washington and have an interest or passion for playing or performing music, chances are you have come across Ted Brown Music. From instruments to sheet music, Ted Brown is a go-to for all things music! This family-owned company is sure to offer a friendly face and quality advice from employees who are committed to ensuring … Continue reading Ted Brown Music: Through the Years
Symphonic Eugene Linden
by Erica Yadao The city of Tacoma is known for its beautiful and diverse culture. Many people from around the world have traveled to Tacoma, Washington, to create art. Have you ever wanted to start afresh and make your mark away from home? Uncertain of his accomplishment, Eugene Linden arrived in Tacoma and achieved what he hoped: becoming a conductor of his orchestra. Before I … Continue reading Symphonic Eugene Linden
The Ring from Gunderson’s
–by Kim Davenport I spread the fingers of my left hand on the table and looked at the ring on my finger. The bright blue sapphire twinkled back up at me, as it seemed capable of doing in any light. As had become a habit, I folded my left hand into my right, took the ring between the thumb and index finger of my right … Continue reading The Ring from Gunderson’s
Tales of Tacoma 