Tag: arts

  • Underground Sound: Tacoma’s Monthly Zine and the 6th Ave Scene Around It

    Underground Sound: Tacoma’s Monthly Zine and the 6th Ave Scene Around It

    Most of Tacoma’s official culture story lives in the Museum District. That is real, and we cover it. What gets missed is the cheaper layer: a monthly print zine that still shows up in bars, record shops, tattoo shops, and coffee counters from 6th Ave out across the South Sound.

    That zine is Underground Sound, published by Tacoma Loyal. It is not a visitor brochure and it is not a press release. It is a paper object you can pick up for free, take home, and actually finish.

    A free zine and a pint glass on a worn wood ledge, looking out at a wet Tacoma street at night with arcade light in a corner bar.
    6th Ave after dark — the layer of Tacoma culture that still lives on paper. Editorial illustration, not a Tacoma Loyal asset.

    Tygart Media received Tacoma Loyal’s September dispatch by email. This is not a paid placement.

    What Underground Sound is

    Odessa and James put out a print-only monthly. Latest issues have grown by a page — more advertisers, more stories. Tacoma Loyal says they print 2,000-plus copies and drop them at 200-plus South Sound spots. That is a distribution footprint most neighborhood blogs never touch.

    The project also has a physical quirk worth knowing: Underground Sound Box No. 1 sits at The Hob Nob, a rescued newspaper box built as a tribute to Ace Frehley’s 1970s “Spaceman” look, crafted by Steve Haverly. The longer idea is to keep pulling dead boxes off the curb and turning them into one-off art objects. Details live on the Underground Sound page.

    Where to pick one up

    Copies turn up in music venues, bars, coffee shops, tattoo studios, and dining rooms. Named drops include Hob Nob, Mary Mart, House of Records, Free The Funk, The Method, Hippie House, Magoos, 1111, South Sound Scooters, Black Cat Barber, and The Brotherhood Lounge. If a stack is gone, the next month’s drop is the fix — this is analog on purpose.

    This month on the page

    September’s cover artist is Matthew Cheramy, a Tacoma painter you may have already walked past at Art on the Ave or Porchfest. Tacoma Loyal is putting a Cheramy piece on merch next — tee, tank, maybe a hoodie — through Market Loyale. Recent issues also carried Art on the Ave artist collabs plus two 6th Ave fixtures, Wrecking Ball Records and The Swiss. Merch profits are shared with the artists.

    The community mixer is Thursday, September 10, 6:30 p.m. at The Triple Knock, 2713 6th Ave — pinball, drinks, and the people who make the zine. No ticket required from the listing we saw. If you only do one thing with this article, go to that or grab the issue first.

    253 VIP and ads, without the pitch deck

    253 VIP is their local-perk card: $2.53 the first month, then $10 a month, plus 10 percent off Tacoma Loyal merch. The current partner list includes Ted Brown Music, Odd Otter, Dahlman Cellars, Salty Dog, Phill-Wright Wellness, Sober AF, Hippie House, Happy Belly Eatery, Noir Bloom, Grit City Canine, CND Ventures, The Barber Parlor, Tygerwolf Tattoo, and Waddington Esthetics. Confirm the live list on their site before you spend the money; partners rotate.

    If you run a Tacoma shop and want print, they sell affordable pages because the zine is the product. Posted rates: full page $700, half $300, quarter $200, eighth $100. Ad requests and payment are due by the 25th of each month so the issue can go to Minuteman Press. Start at the ad sheet or email Ads@TacomaLoyal.com.

    How this sits next to the rest of Tacoma

    Use this page as the street-level companion to our Museum District guide and the institutional write-up on the Museum of Glass and Tacoma Arts Live. Sixth Avenue already has an academic anchor in our piece on the University of Puget Sound. Underground Sound is what you find between those buildings, on the bar, after the galleries close.

    For the wider city stack, start at the Tacoma hub or the Tacoma archive.

    Useful links

  • Tacoma Arts Live and the Historic Armory: A Hub for Culture and Community in 2026

    Tacoma Arts Live and the Historic Armory: A Hub for Culture and Community in 2026

    # Tacoma Arts Live and the Historic Armory: A Hub for Culture and Community in 2026

    Tacoma’s cultural landscape is continually evolving, yet some institutions remain steadfast anchors, enriching the community with vibrant programming and dedicated support for local artists. Among these, Tacoma Arts Live stands out, operating from the historic Tacoma Armory and serving as a vital hub for arts, culture, and community engagement. As we move through 2026, Tacoma Arts Live continues its mission to present high-quality programs that not only entertain and educate but also foster crucial cross-cultural understanding within our city.

    Founded in 1979, Tacoma Arts Live has grown into a cornerstone of the region’s artistic infrastructure. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, its work extends far beyond simply staging performances. The organization is deeply committed to expanding access to the arts for all residents, a critical endeavor in a diverse city like Tacoma. A core tenet of their mission is to uplift underrepresented voices, actively supporting BIPOC and women entrepreneurs within the creative sector. Furthermore, Tacoma Arts Live nurtures creativity through a range of youth-focused initiatives delivered throughout the region, ensuring that the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts are inspired and engaged from an early age.

    The impact of Tacoma Arts Live is quantifiable and far-reaching. Annually, the organization inspires thousands of learners, bringing arts education and exposure to countless students. They host a significant number of live events, drawing in thousands of visitors who come to experience diverse artistic expressions. Crucially, Tacoma Arts Live actively supports hundreds of local creatives, providing them with platforms, resources, and opportunities to thrive. This commitment to local talent not only enriches the artistic fabric of Tacoma but also contributes directly to the local economy.

    U.S. Senator Patty Murray has recognized the profound difference Tacoma Arts Live makes, stating, “Tacoma Arts Live…are really making a difference for artists and small business owners here by giving people a voice, a space, and the support they need to succeed and grow… The work [they] do is helping to build a positive and inclusive community identity, promote local economic development, and give a voice to local artists.” This sentiment underscores the organization’s dual role as both a cultural presenter and an economic catalyst, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish and contribute to the broader well-being of the city.

    At the heart of Tacoma Arts Live’s operations is the historic Tacoma Armory, located at 1001 Yakima Ave. This venerable building serves as more than just a venue; it’s a character in Tacoma’s ongoing story. Leigh Sachwitz, Founder and Creative Director of flora&faunavisions, captured the essence of the Armory’s appeal, noting, “I feel the spirit here, the history of the Tacoma Armory and the staff…It’s the perfect venue for an immersive show.” This speaks to the unique atmosphere the Armory provides, a blend of historical gravitas and contemporary adaptability that makes it ideal for a wide array of artistic and community events.

    The organization’s dedication to education is particularly evident through programs like LENS. A LENS Liaison Teacher highlighted the tangible benefits, remarking, “This activity and the importance of the skills learned through LENS made a huge difference for these students when they needed it most.” Such testimonials reinforce Tacoma Arts Live’s commitment to not just showcasing art, but also using it as a powerful tool for personal development and community enrichment, especially for young people.

    Looking ahead to June 2026, the Tacoma Armory’s calendar, curated by Tacoma Arts Live, is bustling with diverse events that exemplify its mission:

    * **June 7, 2026: Skate the Armory** – A repeating event that transforms the historic space into a dynamic roller-skating rink. This event offers a unique blend of recreation and community gathering, utilizing the Armory’s expansive floor for an active and engaging experience. It’s a testament to the venue’s versatility, hosting events that appeal to a broad demographic beyond traditional performing arts.
    * **June 12, 2026: Black Night Market – Juneteenth Market** – This event highlights Tacoma Arts Live’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs. The Juneteenth Market provides a vital platform for Black-owned businesses and artists, fostering economic development within the community while celebrating a significant cultural holiday. It’s an opportunity for residents to engage directly with local creators and support a diverse marketplace.
    * **June 13, 2026: Gritty City Sirens Burlesque** – Held in the more intimate Tacoma Armory Roosevelt Room, this performance showcases the breadth of artistic expression supported by Tacoma Arts Live. It speaks to the organization’s willingness to embrace various art forms, providing a stage for local performers and offering unique entertainment options for Tacoma audiences. The Roosevelt Room’s setting allows for a more focused and engaging experience for attendees.
    * **June 18, 2026: Behind the Techniques: Dance and Video Mixing Workshop** – Also taking place in the Tacoma Armory Roosevelt Room, this workshop exemplifies Tacoma Arts Live’s educational and creative development initiatives. By offering hands-on learning experiences in contemporary art forms like dance and video mixing, the organization directly nurtures creativity and provides opportunities for skill-building within the community. This event is particularly geared towards those looking to explore new artistic techniques and collaborate in innovative ways.

    These events collectively paint a picture of an organization deeply embedded in the life of Tacoma, offering something for everyone, from recreational activities to cultural celebrations and artistic development.

    It is also important to acknowledge Tacoma Arts Live’s respect for the land and its history. The organization explicitly states that it operates on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup and Nisqually Tribes, and on lands with deep significance to other Coast Salish tribes. This recognition underscores a broader commitment to cultural understanding and respect, acknowledging the enduring presence and stewardship of Coast Salish people on these lands since time immemorial.

    In conclusion, Tacoma Arts Live, headquartered at the historic Tacoma Armory, continues to be an indispensable force in shaping Tacoma’s cultural identity. Through its diverse programming, unwavering support for local artists and entrepreneurs, and dedication to arts education, it not only entertains and educates but also strengthens the very fabric of our community. As a knowledgeable local operator, it’s clear that Tacoma Arts Live is not just presenting events; it’s building connections, fostering creativity, and ensuring that Tacoma remains a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich city for all. For more information on upcoming events or to support their mission, Tacoma Arts Live can be reached at 253.346.1721 or tickets@tacomaartslive.org.