Seattle Music Scene

Rich in music history, Seattle has everything from little dive bars with grunge bands to its very own symphony orchestra. Home to radio/online broadcasting businesses, recording studios, and record labels, the Seattle music scene offers a wide variety of fun for music lovers and music creators. You'll enjoy hearing the largest community chorus in the northwest or taking an underground rocket tour to learn about Seattle's most famous stars. If you're looking to explore the Seattle music scene, these ten venues are great places to start.

1. Chop Suey — This trendy club offers a great array of live music and DJ-mixed dance parties. On the trendier side, Chop Suey attracts many from the Seattle music scene for its vibrant energy and fun atmosphere. You'll enjoy the far-east motif, complete with black-and-white photos of Bruce Lee as well as large, bronze head of Buddha above the bar. Doors usually open around 8pm from Tuesday through Wednesday. To be sure, call ahead. (206)324-8005

2. The Funhouse—As Seattle's premiere punk music club, the Funhouse has influenced the Seattle music scene for years. You'll love the friendly staff, the loud music, and the grungy vibe. Live bands play often.

3. Waldo's Bar and Grille— A neighborhood bar and grill, Waldo's, has great cheap food and drinks. Visit on the weekends to hear a DJ ignite the place.During the week, fuel the Jukebox which has tune from the 1950's to now. You'll enjoy the friendly service and the laid-back vibe of the Seattle music scene.

4. 88 Keys—Have you ever heard 2 piano's duel? If not, you won't want to miss this bar and restaurant. On Friday and Saturday, 88 Keys brings a little more action to the Seattle Music scene. The lively music will take your body over and you won't be able to control your tapping toes. You'll like the well-priced drinks and the full Italian menu. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. (206)839-1300

5. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra—Since 1903, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra has played an integral role in the Seattle music scene. The symphony plays anything from classical favorites to new sounds. You won't want to miss hearing the full orchestra which rivals the best in the world. If you plan on enjoying a drink, consider going out for cocktails before the show; the lines inside can get very long and the drinks are relatively small.

6. Take an Underground Rock Tour—If you're interested in the little known stories of Seattle rockstars such as Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, and Jimmy Hendrix, take a "Sub Seattle" tour—wwhich takes groups to the lesser known sites that helped form the Seattle music scene. Visit Kurt Cobain's bench in Viretta Park and hear the story behind Courtney Love's wedding dress. Did you know it belonged to the estranged Hollywood starlet Frances Farmer? You'll see some other lesser known sights, including Japanese internment camps and the site of the Wah Mee massacre. The Sub Seattle Tour takes you to places that only a local could find. (206)682-4646

7. Neumo's—One of Seattle's best rock venues, Neumo's, has a great sound system and a nice bar isolated from the hustle and bustle of the dance floor. Come to experience the Seattle music scene by hearing one of the best P.A. systems in the Northwest. You'll love hearing the amazing live music and feeling the great vibe on the dance floor.

8. Dimitriou's Jazz Alley—For a classy jazz club and great music, make your way to Dimitriou's Jazz Alley on 6th Avenue between Lenora St. & Virginia St. All seats within the house have great views and acoustics. For the best seats, ask to be seated near the front. At Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, you'll hear great artists from Seattle and from around the world. Big names such as Maceo Parker, Tower of Power, Strunz and Farah, Arturo Sandoval, Roy Hargrove and the Pancho Sanchez Band play at Jazz Alley. The food is fantastic but fairly expensive. Consider splitting an appetizer and eating elsewhere if you want to save money.

9. Tractor Tavern—Pack and evening picnic and get ready for a great array of music. Whether you'd like to hear bluegrass, jazz, rock, or a jam band, Tractor Tavern will be a great place to visit. They have an exceptional bar and a great side dance floor. Though Tractor Tavern doesn't sell food, they do allow people to bring in anything from outside; so pack a picnic and get ready for a great evening of music.

10. Flying House Productions—Hear the largest community chorus in North America. Compiled of the largest Gay Men's Choir in the World with over 300 participants and a Women's Choir with over 200 hundred, Flying House Productions offers full-scale productions with great local artists as well as nationally-known guest arts. You'll be taken back by how Flying House Productions has innovated choir music and how amazing a choir with over 300 singers sounds.

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