Seattle has been considered a musical arena for decades now. Especially in terms of indie or alternative forms of music, this city maintains its growth in both popularity and admiration. A substantial number of music legends got their start in this lonely northwest corner of the United States.
There is Jimi Hendrix for one. The man responsible for the transformation of our country’s national anthem into an amplified rock song was born and raised in Seattle. Nirvana, the band who emulated the angst and raw emotion felt by the Generation X of the 1990s also tops the list.
Other famed musical success stories from Seattle include Pearl jam, Alice in Chains, Dave Matthews of Dave Matthew’s Band, and the renowned Quincy Jones.
Not only does Seattle create talented musicians, the emerald city poses an attraction for people with a passion for listening to music as well. Many music lovers choose to come to Seattle in pursuit of its wide array of live shows.
Many Seattleites are constantly on the lookout for shows to see and venues to attend. So when the news that even the concert industry has been hit by the nation’s current economic recession, it seemed clear that the people of this city were going to be disappointed.
In an article on the Wall Street Journal’s website, reporter Ethan Smith qualified that the sales of concert tickets are falling. A similar article in the January 22 issue of Rolling Stone, by Steve Knopper, affirms Smith’s testament.
Knopper, who covers the business side of music for the magazine, says that people in the industry are doing what they can to “cut expenses like special affects, buses, lighting and crew, slashing ticket prices, or waiting a few months before hitting the road.” He says many are choosing to wait it out - especially the smaller acts.
But Seattleites have no fear. There are still plenty of shows selling locally, and for perfectly reasonable prices. On Capitol Hill and First Hill alone there are four great venues where the privilege of seeing performers in their element won’t cost you a fortune.
Neumos Chrystal Ball and Reading Room, commonly referred to as Neumos, is a local favorite. Located on the corner of 7th and Pike, it attracts a substantial sized crowd almost nightly and has been known to form a line down the street on weekends.
Neumos is accompanied by its adjoining restaurant, Pike Street Fish Fry, and its lounge, MOE Bar. They also have a V.I.P. room in which people can request the room for private parties. Some acts perform in the bar as well.
According to their website, they book “indie rock, hip hop, punk rock, DJs, metal, singer/song writers, country, and much more.” Tickets sell for a mere $7 or $8 dollars during the week. Even their weekend prices are cheap: anywhere between $10 and $20 for a ticket.
This is the perfect venue for fans who appreciate a place with an impressive history. Many artists and bands who have found fame and recognition performed at Neumos when they were still getting their feet in their door.
Other already famous musicians have also played there, and in great numbers. Neil Young’s collaboration with Pearl Jam debuted at Neumos. Oasis, Garbage, and Radiohead also top the long list.
El Corazon, a smaller and more intimate setting, sits on Denny and Howl. Its dark walls and low ceiling radiate an air of grit that seems to almost transport its guests back to the grunge era of the 90s.
They are primarily a 21 and over venue, technically built as a performance bar, however they do offer some all ages shows with ID access to their bar. The music played at El Corazon is primarily rock ranging anywhere from alternative to metal to emo. They do “also dabble in electronic and hip hop,” so their website claims.
Their ticket prices are along the lines of Neumos’, cheaper during the week yet still easily affordable on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available for purchase at local QFCs and Rudy’s including the QFC on Broadway and the Rudy’s on Pine St.
Chop Suey, another local concert house, books the widest range of musicians. Their genres include rock, electronic, indie, hip hop, world, alternative country, and DJs.
It is also the cheapest concert venue on the list. Located on 13th and Madison, tickets sell anywhere from $7 to $12 even on the weekends.
Guests can enjoy a variety of Asian appetizers and entrees at its restaurant Iron Wok. The restaurant, whose most expensive food item is a mere $7, serves curry, pad thai, chow mein, spring rolls, and more.
A person in search of a fun show and a good time can’t go wrong with Chop Suey. Its low prices on tickets and food paired with its immense variety of musicians promises a good time.
The final venue is the Showbox at the Market. First established in 1939, it has seen a lot throughout the decades. Its list of impressive and varied performers is almost endless and includes The Ramones, The Police, Blondie, Iggy Pop, Snoop Dogg, and Modest Mouse, to name a few.
The Showbox also has an adjoining lounge, The Green Room. It includes endless appetizers as well as entrees during designated hours. The Green Room has a history of its own, marked by performances by both Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.
Entrance into this venue is a bit pricier than the previously mentioned concert houses. A typical purchase would cost between $20 and $30. That said, they normally attract more well-known bands.
A plethora of options are still available for the music lover at heart who doesn’t have extra money to throw around. And for those of you who have been saving up in anxious preparation for the arrival, or the return, of your favorite big-star headliner, you have no reason to fret either. Big headliners have always stopped by Seattle when touring the northwest. And they aren’t shying away now.
The nation is facing hard times economically, there is no denying it. However, that does not mean that the music lovers of Seattle have to suffer its consequences in terms of their passion. The following links are the lineups at the four venues mentioned above. Enjoy!
Neumos: http://neumos.com/neumos.php?action=calendar
Chop Suey: http://www.chopsuey.com/calendar.html
Showbox: http://www.showboxonline.com/market/events.php
El Corazon: http://www.elcorazonseattle.com/
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