Spanish Ballroom

Founded in 2004, Federale has released seven cinematic records inspired by obscure spaghetti westerns, folk-based murder ballads, '60s and '70s European soundtracks, and stylishly dramatic vocalists such as Lee Hazelwood and Nick Cave. Federale's music has appeared in films, including A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, The Bad Batch, and The Lego Movie, while the band has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe.

Federale's newest album Love & Other Lies (2026) teems with a dark sentimentality and a pronounced gloomy sensibility drawing from British new wave, post-punk, goth, and 1960s rock n 'roll. Strains of The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Tears for Fears, and even The Beatles abound. Here, lead singer and primary songwriter Collin Hegna's emotive baritone is swathed in period-perfect Prophet-5 synthesizers and glistening counter-melody guitar lines, and supported by intricate but lyrical basslines and coldly mechanical drums.

Love & Other Lies picks up where Federale's previous album, Reverb & Seduction, left off. That album was a radical departure from the band's previous releases which featured mostly instrumentals. "There are a lot more similarities than you think," Hegna says of the group's seemingly two distinct aesthetic periods. "When we were referencing the obscure influences, we liked the drama and darkness. Those elements are in new wave, goth, and post-punk. I just grabbed another couple of colors from the Crayon box."

Holiday Dan (drums) and Rayko Stanislav (piano) started a cacophony of curious clanging helter skelter sounds in 2017. Using a 100 year old upright Meister piano which has travelled across the west and a rickety Pearl drum set they were joined by equally dysfunctional horns: a thrift store tuba (Tubano), knock off Indian valve trombone (Tom Bone) and street find trumpet (Roly). Together they make (mostly) wordless sound eruptions that have only best been described as "if Danny Elfman and Eliot Smith had a baby and if fell down a spiral staircase in New Orleans"

Come try and describe the ear twisting music yourself! See ya on the asphalt!

Watch all the NFL action live on our big screen while you enjoy McMenamins ales, spirits and wines, plus a full menu.

Authentic to the Northwest music scene, The Finger Guns are here to rock your proverbial socks off. Armed with musicianship and passion, this three-piece band leaves it all on the stage every time the amps get warm. Their performances are unpretentious, witty, and guaranteed to make a crowd move. The bands unique set of influences brings out songs that have a sensibility that spans decades. Slices of 80's punk topped with sprinkles of 90's rock and spatters of country make up a big steaming batch of awesome. They feature a veteran line-up of Seattle musicians including: Eric Chapman (Big Splash Champion, Kingpin Hayes) on drums, Kyle Curnutt (We Are Not Mel Torme', Radio Telescope) on bass, and Steve Bergstrom (Dapper Jones) on vocals and guitar. The Finger Guns have released five albums to date: "A Double EP", "The Bigfoot EP", "Yeti ", their vinyl debut "Sasquatch", "Blowsy", and their sixth release, "Finch". The band has supported these releases with shows all over the PNW and West Coast. Let's rock this together.

Metallica fans a front row seat for a live performance of the highest level. With an ever-increasing repertoire of 50+ songs spanning across every album in their catalog, we aim to continue expanding our reach with the mightiest tribute to Metallica you'll ever experience!

Nevermind - Nirvana Tribute is a Seattle based rock and roll trio that pays tribute to legendary rock band, Nirvana. Born in the heart of Seattle in the old Studio 7 rehearsal spaces they have taken the region by storm. Nevermind is able to deliver the powerful and energetic performance that captures the sonic energy of Nirvana. Come as you are and experience a performance that will take you through BLEACH, NEVERMIND, UNPLUGGED, and IN UTERO in a splash zone of destroyed guitars.

Critical Mass Big Band and Sugartime Trio unite powerhouse instrumentation with dazzling vocal harmonies to create an unforgettable live music experience. For nearly 25 years, Critical Mass Big Band has stood as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz in the Pacific Northwest, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and a rich, full-bodied sound. Featuring an expansive lineup of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and a driving rhythm section, the ensemble delivers high-energy big band jazz with precision, passion, and undeniable swing.
Sugartime Trio, joining forces with this dynamic orchestra, adds a fresh and stylish vocal dimension. Since 2016, this acclaimed female jazz/pop ensemble has charmed audiences with their tight three-part harmonies, blending hot swing with lush ballads. Their repertoire spans from the golden age of the 1930s to modern favorites, all delivered with a signature blend of sophistication, charisma, and polish.
Together, these standout acts create a vibrant fusion of classic big band power and sleek vocal artistry-offering audiences a timeless yet contemporary musical experience that is as exhilarating as it is truly unforgettable.

Every handful of years, Neko Case resurfaces with a new album and reminds listeners that she is one of our greatest living songwriters - perpetually becoming more fearless and adventurous. "She has cultivated one of the most distinctive voices in American song," Stereogum declared. "Her albums unravel like musical picaresque: restlessly digressive, bluntly funny, strange - but never in ways you'd anticipate."

The Grammy-nominated iconoclast's ninth LP, Neon Grey Midnight Green, is her biggest-sounding and most intimate-feeling album yet. Released last fall to immediate critical acclaim and declared an essential album in her catalog, the album was laid down live with a full band. More "in the room" than any of her past work, even breaths and shirt-sleeve rustlings were kept in the final mix as a reminder that "humans were here."

"There are so few producers who are women, nonbinary, or trans," says Case, who identifies as gender fluid and uses she/her pronouns. "People don't think of us as an option. I'm proud to say I produced this record."

Today she is announcing a new run of 'Neon Grey Midnight Green' tour dates that begin this fall on the East coast and end with two shows in Case's hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

Every handful of years, Neko Case resurfaces with a new album and reminds listeners that she is one of our greatest living songwriters - perpetually becoming more fearless and adventurous. "She has cultivated one of the most distinctive voices in American song," Stereogum declared. "Her albums unravel like musical picaresque: restlessly digressive, bluntly funny, strange - but never in ways you'd anticipate."

The Grammy-nominated iconoclast's ninth LP, Neon Grey Midnight Green, is her biggest-sounding and most intimate-feeling album yet. Released last fall to immediate critical acclaim and declared an essential album in her catalog, the album was laid down live with a full band. More "in the room" than any of her past work, even breaths and shirt-sleeve rustlings were kept in the final mix as a reminder that "humans were here."

"There are so few producers who are women, nonbinary, or trans," says Case, who identifies as gender fluid and uses she/her pronouns. "People don't think of us as an option. I'm proud to say I produced this record."

Today she is announcing a new run of 'Neon Grey Midnight Green' tour dates that begin this fall on the East coast and end with two shows in Case's hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

"For those who've ever wondered what Massive Attack would sound like doing bong hits with Miles Davis" - The Georgia Straight

Seattle-based Polyrhythmics are celebrating 16 years of sonic exploration following the release of their latest album, Life from Below (2025). Since forming in 2010, this six piece powerhouse has redefined instrumental music with a sound that blends funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and Afrobeat into a kaleidoscope of rhythm and groove. Known for their dynamic live performances and innovative compositions, the band has earned a reputation as one of the most captivating acts on the contemporary music scene.

Polyrhythmics emerged from the rich creative soil of Seattle's eclectic music community, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2011. Since then, their discography has grown to include fan-favorite albums such as Octagon (2015), Caldera (2017), Man from the Future (2020), and Life From Below (2025). Each release showcases their fearless exploration of genre boundaries and their commitment to crafting vibrant, deeply textured soundscapes.

Last year's Life From Below marked an exciting chapter for Polyrhythmics, delivering a fresh collection of grooves infused with the bold creativity and signature tight-knit musicianship that fans have come to expect. The band reflects on over a decade and a half of musical evolution, countless miles on the road, and a loyal community of listeners that continues to grow.

Over the years, Polyrhythmics have graced stages at major festivals and renowned venues across the United States and internationally, sharing bills with legendary artists while carving out a distinct space in the global funk and soul scene. Their music - equal parts danceable, thoughtful, and immersive - offers a rich listening experience that draws from the roots of American funk and soul while incorporating global influences.

As Polyrhythmics continue their journey, they remain committed to pushing boundaries, creating new grooves, and bringing their celebrated live energy to audiences around the world.

Ben Bloom - Guitar
Grant Schroff - Drums
Nathan Spicer - Keyboards
Jason Gray - Bass
Scott Morning - Trumpet
Art Brown - Saxophone & Flute

Dr. Crüe - Motley Crue tribute kickstarts the good times, presenting the image, sound, and stage persona of vintage Crüe. Dr. Crüe's live retrospective journey through peak Mötley Crüe features album-perfect performances of the songs that made the band iconic and infamous, including "Live Wire," "Looks That Kill." "Home Sweet Home" and many more!

A singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style, Joe Pug dropped out of college and moved to Chicago where he worked as a carpenter before breaking into the city's music scene. Since 2008 he has released a string of critically-acclaimed albums and toured heavily in the U.S. and abroad. Paste Magazine wrote of his music: "Unless your surname is Dylan, Waits, Ritter or Prine, you could face-palm yourself to death trying to pen songs half as inspired."

He has toured with Steve Earle, Levon Helm, The Killers, Justin Townes Earle, Sturgill Simpson, and many others. He has appeared at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and The Newport Folk Festival. His music has appeared on NPR's "Prairie Home Companion" and "Mountain Stage". His music has been released by Lightning Rod Records, which features an alumni roster of Jason Isbell, Billy Joe Shaver, and James McMurtry.

Additionally, he is the creator and host of the popular podcast The Working Songwriter.

On November 3, 1885, five hundred white Tacomans rounded up hundreds of the city's remaining Chinese residents and forcibly marched them through the pouring rain to a railroad station and crammed them into boxcars bound for Portland. After terrorizing local businessmen known to be supporters of the Chinese, this mob burned Tacoma's Chinatown to the ground. The mob was so methodical in its expulsion of Chinese residents, local newspapers reported, that its approach was hailed as the "Tacoma Method."

Tacoma's Chinese Expulsion was the dark culmination of national and local anti-Chinese sentiment, numerous outbursts of violence in the Puget Sound region, and a culture within the city of Tacoma that reinforced xenophobia and an enduring nativism. The terrorism in Tacoma dehumanized an immigrant population and stimulated expulsions of Chinese communities in over two hundred West Coast and Northwest towns and cities between 1885 and 1887.

History Professor Dr. Dearinger concentrates on the ways Tacoma 's Chinese Expulsion was depicted in the late 1880s and how the city reckoned with its anti-Chinese history in the generations that followed, leading to the creation of Chinese Reconciliation Park.

Dr. Ryan Dearinger is Professor of History and Faculty Fellow in the Honors College at George Fox University, where he teaches courses on the American West, labor and working-class history, and immigration. His book The Filth of Progress: Immigrants, Americans, and the Building of Canals and Railroads in the West won the 2017 "Best Book Award" from Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society. His current book project explores the history of Tacoma's 1885 Chinese Expulsion.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp

Born and raised in Tacoma, Erina McLaren is a soulful singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist! She began studying music as a child and took advantage of opportunities to travel the country to share her gift while studying at the University of Vermont! Nowadays, you can catch her playing solo acoustic shows or with her band at venues across the greater South Sound - performing both original music and contemporary covers of songs we all know and love!

A Flock Of 80s is the Ultimate New Wave Experience. We deliver authenticity and energy to everyone of our performances! Playing the 80s hits from artists like Depeche Mode, The Cure, ABC, David Bowie, New Order, A-HA and many more. So come spend a night with A Flock Of 80s it's New Wave 80s Done Right!

We think that under the right lights, an elk can look a lot like a reindeer. And those lights are Christmas lights. Grab your ugly sweater, fasten your red nose, and come help us kick off the holiday season as early as we were allowed to at the Elks Temple Holiday Brewfest. Is it too early? No! This event will feature holiday ales and ciders from around the Northwest, live music, reindeer games and other festive libations as we dive into the holiday season in style. Don't miss your chance to get into the holiday spirit and holiday spirits at Elks Temple.

Brewfest fun
20 taps of beer & cider
Wine, spirits & holiday punch
Photo booth
Photos with Santa * 4-6pm

Live music
Dancer & Prancer * 2-4:30pm
Kristen Marlo & James Coates* 5:30-8pm

"HOLY JOHN HUGHES THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!"

Get ready to turn up the nostalgia and sing your heart out! Synthpop sweethearts Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill are returning to Tacoma with 80s kids 2 - the second installment of their breakout national hit show 80s kids.

80s kids 2 - lovingly referred to by those in the know as "80s kids 2: The Empire Strikes Back" - is a high-octane joyride through the best of 1980s synthpop - tied together with funny, moving stories about growing up in the 80s.

From the electrifying beats of Pet Shop Boys and New Order to the heart-on-the-sleeve melodies of OMD and Erasure, this show is a love letter to the decade of iconic anthems and underdog heroes.

This dynamic concert-style theater show features all-time favorites from Thompson Twins, Soft Cell, Alphaville, Naked Eyes, The Human League, and many more - delivered in a wildly fun and interactive performance that feels like you're experiencing them live for the first time.

With awesome, era-authentic sound, amazing immersive video art, killer merch, inclusive energy, and magnetic, joyful stage presence, 80s kids is an experience that you absolutely don't want to miss!

* Freebies at the merch table for people wearing 80s fashion!

Live videos and more information: https://80skids.live

RAVES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

"HOLY JOHN HUGHES THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! You guys were amazing!!" - Andrea W, Burlington, VT

"Wow! Just wow! Thanks for bringing us back 40 years." - TD, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

"I wasn't sure what to expect from your show, but I didn't have any idea it was going to be that amazing. That was phenomenal!!" - Mary S, St. Louis, MO

"OMG that was so incredible!! It was sincerely the best time I've had in months." - Simone D, Oakland, CA

"It was electric, exciting, and emotional. I needed to see your show so much more than I anticipated!" - Hillary C, San Diego, CA

"My partner and I had such a great time singing and dancing along to literally every single song! SO. Friggin. Good!!" - Brenton S, Austin, TX

"Best. Show. Ever!!" - Doug W, New York, NY

Souled Out Funk is an energetic 10-member party dance band featuring the powerful 'Funkafize Horns', a driving rhythm section, and soulful vocals.
Originally formed in 1998 the band underwent a transformation in 2023 when musical director Todd Eggebraaten added his son Grant and daughter Noël to the lineup, bringing fresh energy, diversity, and a unique family vibe. Joining the band in 2025 is the talented Marley Quinn, who delivers powerful and harmonious vocals.

Souled Out Funk's exceptional musicianship, honed over 25 years, ensures an exciting party experience for audiences of all ages.

With a mix that spans classic hits to modern grooves, they blend soul, funk, rock, and disco from the '60s to the present. Expect to dance to favorites by Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin, Wild Cherry, KC & The Sunshine Band, Steve Winwood, Amy Winehouse, Huey Lewis, Chicago, Jimi Hendrix, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Peter Gabriel, Duffy and many more.

Get ready for a night of authentic funk, smiles, and good times with Souled Out Funk!

For the absolute best 90's pop-rock performing tribute band in the Pacific Northwest, you've come to the right place. 90's Rewind plays the songs that you probably remember listening to in between bites of 3D Doritos and sips of Surge... or maybe Zima... depending on your age or how good you were at sneaking alcohol past your parents. We focus on those tunes with great rhythmic beats to get butts out on the dance floor, melodic riffs that defined the era and memorable lyrics that make you go "Ohhhh I remember this song!" Our musical selection is uptempo to keep your evening bumpin' - our main focus is that you have an amazing, memorable, 90's-fueled time!

Monica Nevi is regularly touring nationally and internationally and can be seen performing in clubs, colleges, and theaters across the country. The Seattle-based comedian's debut special "Big Stepdad Energy" (Helium Studios) released in October 2022, and was immediately voted top 50 specials of the year by We Own The Laughs magazine.

She has appeared on FOX's nationally syndicated TV show ‘Laughs' and ESPN's Sports Center, as well as Seattle based television programs ‘New Day Northwest' and ‘[the 206]' Monica released her documentary series '80 For 80′ on Amazon Prime Video this year where she hosts and interviews hilarious short episodes with people over the age of 80. It is available now on YouTube.

She debuted two albums in late 2020 within one month of each other. Her first standup album, Mostly Finger Guns followed by her debut comedic guided meditation Chill. Both went #1 on the comedy charts.

LA-based singer-songwriter Matt Hansen has quickly emerged as one of today's most captivating voices. Without a record label, he has independently built a devoted global following with his powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged songwriting, first connecting with fans on TikTok, where he now has over 3 million followers, before breaking out with original music that has amassed more than 1 billion streams worldwide. His recently released debut album Orchid marks his most personal project to date, an exceptionally raw body of work that navigates love, loss, and hope, bringing together the hits that fueled his independent rise, including "something to remember" "yellowstone," and "LET EM GO." By turning life's most vulnerable moments into deeply relatable songs, Hansen has built a global community rooted in shared experience, reframing vulnerability not as weakness, but as a powerful source of strength and connection. That emotional honesty has translated into a rapidly growing live presence, including headline tours across three continents, support slots with Train, Teddy Swims, Lauv, and Alec Benjamin, and most recently, his national television debut on The TODAY Show.

Jeremy McComb's "Christmas Cowboy Style" Tour

A Traditional Western Christmas Experience

Before Christmas became flashing lights, crowded shopping malls, and endless wish lists, it was about something more simple

Jeremy McComb's Christmas Cowboy Style brings that spirit back to the stage with an authentic celebration of the American West and the timeless music of the Christmas season.

Inspired by the Western Christmas traditions of Michael Martin Murphey, Asleep at the Wheel, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and the great cowboy storytellers, this one-of-a-kind holiday production blends classic Christmas favorites, Western swing, cowboy poetry, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of music that feels like coming home.

Led by Nashville recording artist and songwriter Jeremy McComb alongside a world-class group of musicians, the show captures the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas gathering-where the stories mean something, the songs feel familiar, and the spirit of the season takes center stage.

This isn't another flashy holiday production. It's a celebration of the Christmas traditions that have been passed down through generations, filled with laughter, beautiful musicianship, nostalgia, and a little cowboy charm.

Whether you grew up with cowboy Christmas records playing in the living room or you're discovering these traditions for the first time, Christmas Cowboy Style is a night meant to be shared with the people who matter most.

Some Christmas presents don't fit under a tree. Some become memories you'll carry for years.

¡Navidad! con EL VEZ
Y Los Centuries

Do You Hear What I Hear? Is Christmas the New Socialism?
Something for Everyone?
El Vez & The Centuries are back to Hark the Herald the Angels & Devils to Sing! Tis' the Season.
The End of the Year. The End of Times?!
Ho Ho Ho, laughing all the way. EL Vez continues his tradition since the early 90's (his band wasn't even born yet!)\
El Vez mixes the ideas of a White Christmas, a Brown Christmas and all the colors in-between.
He will mash-up Elvis-Rock a Billy, Bowie-Glam, Punk Rock w/Satire, Political Commentary, Chicano Culture & Christmas.
He will mix costume changing Elvis Jumpsuits with sequins & capes.
Giving you the best MEX-mas present, past....is there a Future?!

Give yourself the Gift that keeps on Giving!
Shop till you drop & avoid the Mall! The EL VEZ GIFT LINE will be available for you seasonal stocking stuffers.
This year will feature 90's vintage EL VEZ T-shirts & Posters (while they last)!
Get the Vinyl LP re-issue of the CD MERRY MEX-mas or the few remaining EL VEZ & the Centuries X-mas EPs.

This will NOT BE A SILENT NIGHT!
¡VIVA LA NAVIDAD!

Join us for a special holiday themed Poison Waters & Friends Drag Brunch December 5th at Spanish Ballroom! Sharing holiday cheer for those naughty and those nice - we all deserve to celebrate! Join us Saturday, December 5th at 10am or 12:30pm for a fabulous show hosted by Poison Waters. 21+// VIP tables that seat 4 including a bottle of sparking wine are also available!

Petty Thief has been rocking the greater Pacific Northwest for going on 20 years now. A no-frills rock band from the greater Seattle area that doesn't wear silly wigs or funny-looking hats to "authenticate" their shows. They provide a heartfelt, passionate tribute to the music of Rock and Roll Icon, Tom Petty.

Conceived at a Halloween party at the Rocksport Bar and Grill in West Seattle in 2007, Petty Thief plays all the big hits you know and love like, American Girl, Free Falling, I won't back down, The Waiting, Breakdown, Mary Jane's Last Dance and many more big hits, but they also dive into the lesser played nuggets like Even the Losers, Crawling back to you, Rebels, Cabin down below, Change of Heart, Kings Highway and many more. They even dip into the catalogs of The Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch!

When asked why they didn't take the impersonation or prop-driven approach, founder Andy Volmer says, "We wanted to approach the tribute band genre as a true live rock and roll band, not a novelty act, and we really feel that we have what no one else has - the most authentic and genuine sounding Tom Petty experience in the Pacific Northwest."

The annual South Sound Blues Association Holiday Party is returning to the Spanish Ballroom on Sunday, December 6, from 5-9pm. The evening will feature musical performances by the Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle and Mark Dufresne and Billy Stapleton.

Dance Flashback presents this year's 90s vs 2000s XMAS BALL! 🎄✨
Celebrate the season with a night packed with all your favorite 90s and 2000s music videos, plus some holiday classics from the era sprinkled into the mix!
The Spanish Ballroom will be fully decked out for Christmas and ready for a full night of dancing, nostalgia, and holiday fun.
And as always, festive holiday outfits are encouraged! Break out the Christmas sweaters, Santa suits, holiday sparkle, or whatever gets you into the spirit.
Come celebrate the holidays Dance Flashback style - 90s vs 2000s, all night long!

ROCK AROUND THE 80s TREE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Get ready to rewind to the era of big hair, neon leg warmers, and holiday cheer-when the synths were heavy, the sweaters were ugly, and the party absolutely ruled!

We're trading silent nights for high-energy synth-pop anthems, festive vibes, and a dance floor that's hotter than Yule log embers.

Wham!. Depeche Mode. Duran Duran. U2. Hall & Oates!

Ugly sweaters, tinsel glam, and Last Christmas sing-alongs.

Shoulder pads, hairspray, and the ultimate 80s holiday bash!

Why stand in a long line at the mall or department store waiting to talk to Santa when you can relax at a table with your family, enjoying a hot breakfast, fresh coffee and more?

This is an annual event for many families - come join the fun! And don't forget to bring your camera to record the moment your little one sits to chat with Santa.

Protest music often trades in broad stroke messaging born of group consensus. Red Ship, the new full length from Star Matriarch, is deeply personal protest music born of Carol Bui's lived experience as an AuDHD mother of color and (former) sex worker under Imperialist capitalism. Melding syncopated world rhythms with abrasive post-punk instrumental explorations, the album seethes with a palpable, raw humanity. A modernist, global link in the riot grrl chain, on Red Ship Star Matriarch has alchemized pain into potent, revolutionary, empowering art. The guitars are abrasive and pithy, the melodies are as ferocious as they are sweet, the rhythms viscerally primordial, and the words tell uncomfortable stories you probably haven't heard.

Reclaiming sexuality and radicalizing femininity, a huge part of Star Matriarch's redefinition of strength is boldly declaring the right to feel her emotions fully and loudly - no matter how inconvenient they may be to the white, cishetero patriarchy. From her boisterous drums that somehow suggest both post-hardcore and Levantine folk, her lyrical yet abrasive guitars, to her emotively robust voice, Star Matriarch displays the full spectrum of emotions born from her lived truth; sacred rage, disarming joy, deep grief, and spiteful celebration. A stunningly embodied record, Red Ship commands a fully somatic listening experience, challenging the limits of a supposedly dying genre.

Star Matriarch, joined by Pax Allen on drums and Cameron Arneson on bass, celebrates the release of Red Ship at Spanish Ballroom on July 3rd. With Echo Ravine, Worms in Dirt, and Koa Koala.

Local historian Michael Sullivan will present his research into the 1929 Tacoma trial over pioneer John McAleer's will, which provided for the family of his longtime Japanese farm manager, Kichigoro "Kay" Yamamoto, including Kay's fifteen-year-old son, Ray. The estate, valued at more than $200,000 plus valuable farmland, became the subject of a closely watched case in Pierce County Superior Court. This disputed inheritance brought questions of immigration, racial discrimination, and political power into a Tacoma courtroom.

Against the backdrop of Washington's discriminatory land laws, McAleer's wishes challenged the exclusionary politics championed by US Representative Albert Johnson, chair of the House Immigration and Naturalization Committee and a leading architect of the restrictive Immigration Act of 1924. This is a true story of loyalty, justice, immigration, and political power.

This event is presented by the World Affairs Council of Tacoma (WACT), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of world affairs and connecting the South Sound community with the wider world. Through educational programs, cultural activities, and public discussions, WACT explores international, political, economic, and cultural issues with particular relevance to our region.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp

One Street Over is an award-winning professional act with Nashville roots, known for polished musicianship, powerful vocals and a deep catalog of Yacht Rock, classic pop and R&B/Funk hits and originals. Led by producer/guitarist Michael Lewis alongside vocalist Bridgette Lewis and keyboardist Jordan Lewis, the group brings decades of touring, recording and live performance experience to the stage. For their Tacoma holiday show, One Street Over will deliver an evening of Yacht Rock, smooth grooves, timeless hits and feel-good classics with a festive twist.

Point of Sail is a dynamic 7-piece band delivering a premium Yacht Rock concert experience, featuring the smoothest AOR and soft rock hits of the '70s and '80s. With seasoned musicians, strong vocals, and polished arrangements, Point of Sail brings the timeless sound and feel of the Yacht Rock era to life on stage.

Saturday December 19th at McMenamins Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma
Get ready to sleigh the night away at "unWRAPPED!" A Holiday Tease.
This enchanting evening promises to dazzle your senses and warm your loins with a showcase of tantalizing performances, joyous revelry, and holiday magic!
Our talented performers will have you on the edge of your seat as they UNWRAP their gifts and tease you with their sizzling moves.
Come witness the best burlesque and circus in the Pacific Northwest.

Seating Notes: We have rearranged our seating for better sightlines! Tables with seats are all located at the front of the theater. They provide the best sightlines in the house. GA Seats are behind tables. The Mezzanine is first come first serve setting as available.

Starring:
INGA (Seattle)
Miss Indigo Blue (Seattle)
Miss Mykie (Texas)
The VixXxens of Athena
Rummy Rose (Portland)
Valerie Veils
Dulce D'jour & Vanessa the Witch
Nick Knightly (Portland)
Kindra (Chair/Handstand Balancing)
Artemis Prowl (Pole)
Emcee: Sailor St. Claire

Hell on Heels is the ultimate tribute to the queens of country music - an 8-piece powerhouse delivering the biggest hits from legends like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and more. With show-stopping vocals, fierce harmonies, fiery fiddle, and a high-energy stage presence, Hell on Heels brings a polished, arena-worthy experience to every performance. Based in Seattle and built for national stages, Hell on Heels is actively booking festivals, casinos, performing arts centers, and major music venues across the U.S. If you're looking to deliver a standout show that celebrates the heart, grit, and glamour of country's leading ladies - this is it.

The Grunge Show is coming to the Spanish Ballroom! From the same city that produced the most influential musical movement of the 20th century come the spot-on tributes to Layne Staley, Chris Cornell, and Kurt Cobain. Covering vast expanses of the Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Nirvana catalogs, along with sprinkles of beloved side projects and supergroups, the Grunge Show delivers an authentic recreation of these rock & roll greats. The Grunge Show includes:
- JAR OF FLIES (The Ultimate Alice in Chains Experience)
- OUTSHINED (Tribute to Soundgarden & Temple of the Dog)
- NEGATIVE CREEP (Nirvana Tribute)

With intense and unforgettable live performances, their fan base has grown over the years to a fever pitch and Floater fans are legendary for their dedication. For more things Floater go to www.Floater.com

Sam Miller is a nationally touring comedian from Olympia, Washington. He is 6 foot 6, 360 pounds, has two kids, (one of them is on purpose) he's been married for 15 years, and has been clean and sober for 17 years. Sam likes to make jokes about what it's like to be a sober parent. He also likes to make jokes about what jails like in Yakima. His first album and special, Round Trip, was recorded and filmed under the tutelage of Grammy-winning producer Dan Schlissel, whose indie label, Stand Up! Records, Sam had recently signed a three-album deal with. Round Trip was released October 27th 2023 and immediately went to number one on the iTunes Comedy Charts. It even broke into the top 200 overall charts. Sam is a recurring guest and has been heard by an estimated 2.5 million listeners on the nationally syndicated "Bob & Tom Radio Show." He has written for Newsweek. He was the runner-up in the 2021 Seattle International Comedy Competition and won the Comedy on Trial Competition in 2017. He has headlined multiple major comedy clubs including Sidesplitters in Tampa, Helium in Portland, and The Laugh Factory and Zanies in Chicago. He's also performed with the Addicts Comedy Tour and at NA and AA conventions all over the country. For three consecutive years, he won awards in "The Best of Olympia" issue of the Weekly Volcano.

2016 Best Local Hero
2017 Best Local Celebrity
2018 Best Comic Relief

Carl & Wes is a country/rock band from Tumwater, Washington. Originally started as a duo between two middle school friends, has now turned into a full 5 piece band. With many inspirations coming from a lot of different genres Carl & Wes have a very unique sound that hard to put a pin on an exact genre. They started off in 2020, recording in Wes's parents at home gym with the cheapest equipment they could find on Amazon. Although it was a rocky start they finally recorded their breakthrough song "Smoke" which has now amassed over 10 million streams total across all streaming platforms. Which led them to be able to open up for world touring acts, and even play the legendary Troubadour venue.

CODA is a Led Zeppelin tribute super group with a cast of (7) world class musicians. This All Star cast come together in recreating the eternal epic sounds of the original studio recordings from the greatest rock & roll band in the world's history with a full 7-piece ensemble of career A-list musicians that deliver the most authentic, transformative audible experience since Led Zeppelin played their last concert in 2007 @ London's O2 Arena.

CODA transcends an art form that was created 50 years ago now played live by pitch perfect Susan Kendall lead vocals, drummer Jeff Kathan who could be John Bonham's own descendant, shredding lead guitarist Manuel Morais, keyboards & vocalist Joe Carolus, Dirk Leuenberger rhythm, lead and 12-string guitars, virtuoso bassist Todd Gowers, and Stephanie Smithlin harmony vocals , all culminating in a sonic explosion that would make Jimmy Page proud if he were seated beside you.

CODA's exhilarating show is best described as re-living Led Zeppelin as it was first written & produced and the way it is now meant to be - spanning a 3.5 hour library of songs from every album that every Led Zeppelin fan holds near and dear to their own musical life history. The musicality of Led Zeppelin combined with rich texturing, diversity and the bandwidth of emotions recreated by CODA is unsurpassed in the world of tribute bands. CODA is Led Zeppelin 2.0 - don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an evening with Led Zeppelin deservedly honored as the greatest rock music band in recorded history.

Award-winning author and naturalist David B. Williams presents a lively, groundbreaking exploration of Washington's Cascade Range.

Drawing on conversations with anthropologists, park rangers, ecologists, and climate scientists, as well as firsthand experience, Williams brings the audience into the mountains to uncover stories etched in the landscape over millennia. Through rich storytelling and careful research, Williams shares his vision of the Cascades, not only as mountains, but as a living, evolving realm of fire, ice, and hope.

David B. Williams is an author, naturalist, and tour guide whose award-winning books include Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound and Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle's Topography. His newest book is In the Range of Fire and Ice: A Human and Natural History of Washington's Cascades. Williams also publishes the free weekly newsletter, Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp

Jeffery Meyer conductor

Gregory Youtz Worlds Within Worlds (World Premiere)

Steve Reich Reich/Richter with Moving Picture (946-3)

Experience an immersive evening where music, film, and visual art converge in powerful dialogue. The program opens with the world premiere of Worlds Within Worlds, a collaboration between Tacoma composer Gregory Youtz and Seattle painter Gary Faigin, whose surreal still-life imagery confronts the beauty, fragility, and peril of our changing world. Reich/Richter unites Steve Reich's driving minimalism with Gerhard Richter's mesmerizing film Moving Picture (946-3). This multimedia experience transforms the concert hall into a living gallery of contemporary art.

Six Gun Rebels' live production of Bad Company's greatest hits preserves the image, sound, and stage persona of 70's era Bad Company. Audiences are amazed at the accuracy of our live retrospective journey through such Bad Company songs as Can't Get Enough - Feel Like Makin' Love - Shooting Star - Rock and Roll Fantasy - Free's All Right Now - and many more! They have performed in front of hundreds of people at casinos, theaters, and other music outlets across the western United States.

Garcia Birthday Band, based in Portland Oregon, isn't your mother's Grateful Dead cover band. Playing for over 20 years, GBB has evolved into something far deeper than the sum of its parts. The beating heart of the Pacific Northwest's GD community, the band's ever-expanding fanbase is an experience unto themselves. Using the Dead's repertoire as a springboard for limitless potential and improvisation, Garcia Birthday Band are a cornerstone of the modern Grateful Dead universe, and their fans have come to expect the unexpected as the norm.

Placing no boundaries on eras of the Dead's career or catalog, and drawing on decades of individual and shared experience, GBB play the music through an auditory kaleidoscope. Composed of some of the most ace players of the Oregon live music community, the band makes every show an act of exploration, both musically and spiritually. United hearts and minds blur the line between the stage and crowd - a carnival of human potential. If you're new to Garcia Birthday Band, their doors are always open, and you'll recognize it as something familiar when you first walk in: home.

You may recognize the fellas in GBB from acts such as Nine Days Wonder, Cubensis, Shafty, Turkey Bouillon Mafia, The Campfire Boys, Deadhenge, Shadow of Sound, The Buds of May, The Ike Willis Band, Dead Sessions, and Dark Matter Transfer.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp

PNW Burlesque invites you to BOTTOMS UP! - a deliciously naughty night of glamour, giggles, glitter, and jaw-dropping entertainment!
Whether you're drinking to remember or drinking to forget, we've got just the right kind of spirits to make your night unforgettable.
Join us at the beautiful and iconic McMenamins Spanish Ballroom for a fabulous evening of burlesque, circus, comedy, and sizzling performances featuring some of the Pacific Northwest's most captivating talent.

Celebrate with your sweetheart, spice up a date night, gather your besties, or fly solo, this is your excuse to dress up, let loose, and indulge in a little after-dark mischief.
Seating Notes: We have rearranged our seating for better sightlines! Tables with seats are all located at the front of the theater. They provide the best sightlines in the house.

GA Seats are behind tables. The Mezzanine is first come first serve seating as available.

Starring:
Aquarius Moon (Washington DC)
Ruby Mimosa (Seattle)
Moscato Sky (Seattle)
Josey Acroteasta & Kizmay (Acro Artists)
Lady Drew Blood (Seattle)
TUSH! Burlesque (Award Winning Group Act)
Clara Voyance (Seattle)
Valerie Veils
The Dark Fates (Portland - Pole Trio)
Numi & Sugar L'Estrange (Vancouver BC)

Contemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020, when Donegal musicians; Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; "The Auld Triangle", the video went on to be seen by over 3 million people worldwide. These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique.

Onóir are selling out venues in record time as their impassioned audiences are taken on a musical odyssey. From their new take on traditional Irish ballads all the way through to up-tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter, enjoy the onstage chemistry, excitement, and banter in a show not to be missed.

The Gothard Sisters, Greta, Willow, and Solana, are a contemporary Celtic folk trio from the Pacific Northwest whose music blends Celtic, folk, classical, world, new-age, and Americana influences. Multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, they bring their stories to life with layered violin work, guitar, mandolin, bodhrán, djembe, whistle, and tight sibling harmonies, highlighting careful attention to arrangement and melodic detail.

Raised in an artistic, nature-filled environment, they studied classical music while exploring folk traditions, developing a sound that is vivid, imaginative, and rooted in storytelling. They have released 11 albums, performed over 2,000 shows, and earned more than
70 million global streams, reflecting the broad appeal of their music to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Their newest album, Moment in Time, continues to showcase their blend of narrative, melody, and acoustic craftsmanship. They write and record near their home, drawing inspiration from traditions and landscapes from around the world.

To this day, each McMenamins brewery upholds the ideals of our original aim of experimentation: try new styles and ingredients alongside traditional favorites - and that's what you'll find at our brewfest, plus guest brewers, ciders and plenty of fun. More details to come!

The Brothers Reed are a Southern Oregon-based Americana/folk/punkgrass band built around family, storytelling, and a healthy appreciation for the beautiful mess of being alive. Founded in 2013 when Phil Reed moved from St. Charles, Missouri to reunite with his older brother Aaron, the band has spent the past 12 years touring relentlessly and carving out a sound that refuses to stay in one lane.

With Phil on guitar, harmonica, and keys; Aaron on guitar, banjo, and drums; Bri Murphy on fiddle; and Nancy Martin on cello, The Brothers Reed blend folk, bluegrass, punk, rock, and roots music into something uniquely their own.Their songs explore love, loss, pain, joy, running, dogs, spirituality, and the strange experiences that make up a life. Known for deep storytelling, rich harmonies, and plenty of laughs, the band invites audiences along for an honest, soulful, and sometimes hilarious journey Winners of the 2025 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest, The Brothers Reed have released six studio albums and one live album, headlined festivals across the West, sold out Oregon's Historic Holly Theatre and Craterian Theatre, and were voted Best Band in Southern Oregon for 10 consecutive years.

Their latest album, Long Way to Go, was released in July 2026.

Griffin House is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller. Touring and making records for over 20 years, House has a discography that includes over 13 albums. His debut record "Lost and Found" (2004) was featured on CBS Sunday Morning by music critic and then VP MTV/VH1, Bill Flanagan, who named House one of the best emerging singer-songwriters of our time.

After forging a loyal fan base through years of grassroots touring as an opener for acts such as John Mellencamp and the Cranberries, House broke through as a national headliner in 2009 with an appearance on Late Night with Craig Ferguson and the release of his underground hit "The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind."

The music documentary "Rising Star," released on Amazon Prime in 2019, chronicles House's journey through the music business, as he attempts to balance the challenges of life as a traveling modern-day troubadour with marriage, fatherhood and sobriety.

House's music has been featured on prime time television shows such One Tree Hill, Rescue Me, Party of Five, and Everwood, and reviewed in magazines such as Paste, No Depression and Rolling Stone. American Songwriter writes "if you want to be blown away by raw talent, look no further than Griffin House."

His latest release "The Tides" is a five song EP recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Jacquire King and is set for release on Aug 29, 2023. House will appear this year at Sisters Folk Festival and will continue his US tour in 2023-2024.

The world is filling up with trash. Humanity remains addicted to pollution despite the planet getting hotter by the minute. People are downing horse dewormer because some goober on television told them it cured COVID. Tom Herman of pioneering avant garage band Pere Ubu still doesn't have his own Wikipedia article. The apocalypse, it seems, is stupider than anyone could've predicted.

Fortunately, the absurdities of modern life have always been prime subject matter for Seattle-based band Mudhoney. The foursome take aim at all of them with barbed humor and muck-encrusted riffs on Plastic Eternity, their 11th studio album.

Mudhoney (vocalist Mark Arm, guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters) remain the ur underground group, their gnarly primordial punk stew and Arm's sharply funny lyrics as potent a combination as they've been since the band's formation in the late 1980s. From taking on climate change from the perspective of the climate if the climate tried to play guitar like Jimi Hendrix ("Cry Me An Atmospheric River") to a driving rock and roll song about taking drugs meant for livestock ("Here Comes the Flood") to a classic punk attack on treating humans like livestock ("Human Stock Capital"), Plastic Eternity is a heady run through all the proto-genres of guitar rock with a keen eye on the inanities of the world in the 2020's.

The recording of Plastic Eternity delivered several firsts for the band. With Maddison planning on moving his family to Australia, Mudhoney was forced to work on a deadline, booking nine days at Crackle & Pop! in Seattle with longtime producer Johnny Sangster. Since the pandemic had made it impossible for them to convene in their practice space for nearly a year and a half, this meant they were going in to make a record with an assortment of half-forgotten riffs and nascent ideas rather than fully-fledged, well-rehearsed songs.

This was unusual for a band used to writing songs by "standing in a room and looking at each other and playing," says Arm. "We had the time and space to think about things as we were doing them, and to make a kind of course correction-to use a fucking terrible cliche." They built "Flush the Fascists" around a looping synth line, broke out a harmonizer on two tracks, added a vocoder to "Plasticity," and even created a protest song out of a spontaneous jam on "Move Under," the chorus of which Arm calls "something the Runaways might have come up with if they were us." "Undermine the foundations/ Of the lies that they repeat," implores Arm on the chorus. "You gotta move under/ Until it all comes down."

Plastic Eternity also marks the first time Mudhoney has given writing credit to anyone outside the band, thanks to Sangster, whom Arm calls "a brilliant musician and way more adept at musical theory than any of us," stepping in at times to offer advice on where the songs could go.

Also unusual for Mudhoney: Plastic Eternity contains two genuine love songs. The first is for the aforementioned Tom Herman, one Arm's favorite guitarists and the protagonist of "Tom Herman's Hermits." Then there's closing track "Little Dogs," an paean to the simple joys of hanging out with tiny canines, and one in particular: Arm's Pomeranian, Russell, whom he couldn't bear to give up after fostering him, sure that any other owner wouldn't allow the little fellow to "let his freak flag fly." No irony here-just gratitude to a little pal in dark times.

So it seems, despite its mordant delivery and crusty exterior, Plastic Eternity is not just a rebuke to the constant attacks on our intelligence and our planet-it's an ode to the connections we make with other living beings. What is the persistence of Mudhoney but a testament to that? When asked why they continue making records nearly four decades after forming, Arm's answer is simple.

"We like each other and we like being in a band together," says Arm. "Some people have poker night or whatever the fuck, and they have the excuse to get together with their friends. For us, this [band] is that. This is what we do."