Tacoma Jazz has always been hot in the south puget sound region!

A brief history of tacoma jazz

While Seattle's Jackson Street is often recognized as a key hub for jazz in the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma has a rich and enduring jazz history that continues to shape the region’s musical landscape. With its bustling ports, military presence, and a deep appreciation for live music, Tacoma has long been a city where jazz thrives. Today, the spirit of jazz is alive and well, carried forward by dedicated musicians, educators, and venues committed to preserving and evolving the genre.

The Rise of Jazz in Tacoma

In the early 20th century, Tacoma was a rapidly growing city with strong connections to national transportation routes. This made it an attractive stop for traveling musicians moving between Portland, Seattle, and beyond. As jazz gained popularity across the United States, Tacoma’s clubs and dance halls became vibrant spaces where music flourished. The presence of nearby military bases also played a major role in shaping the city's jazz scene, as military bands often performed in local venues and introduced new styles to Tacoma audiences.

Legendary Venues and Performers

Tacoma’s jazz scene centered around several iconic venues that catered to a mix of local talent and visiting stars. The Winthrop Hotel’s ballroom was one of the most famous, regularly hosting jazz orchestras and swing bands that drew crowds from across the region. The Hotel Olympus also became a hotspot for jazz, where musicians and fans gathered to enjoy performances deep into the night.

The Brown Derby and the Rhythm Inn were smaller but equally influential venues, serving as proving grounds for up-and-coming musicians. These clubs provided space for artists to refine their sound, experiment with new styles, and collaborate with national acts who stopped in Tacoma on their way to larger cities. The city was also home to The Evergreen Ballroom, a venue that welcomed major touring jazz artists and gave local bands the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in jazz.

Tacoma’s Military Bands and Jazz Influence

One of the most unique aspects of Tacoma’s jazz history is its connection to military bands. With nearby Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, the city had a steady influx of highly trained musicians who brought jazz influences from across the country. Military bands often performed at community events, parades, and local clubs, helping to spread jazz throughout the South Puget Sound area. Many musicians who served in these bands later transitioned into the local music scene, bringing with them a high level of skill and professionalism that enriched Tacoma’s jazz culture.

Notable Musicians from the South Puget Sound Area

Tacoma and the greater South Puget Sound region have produced an impressive array of jazz talent. One of the most influential figures was bassist Oscar Holden, often regarded as the patriarch of Seattle jazz but who also had deep ties to Tacoma’s scene. Saxophonist Jabo Ward, known for his dynamic and expressive playing, was another standout musician from the area. Vocalist Little Willie John, who would later become a pioneer of R&B, got his start in Tacoma’s jazz-infused music culture, blending jazz and blues into his early performances.

Other notable musicians include saxophone players Tracy Knoop and Kareem Kandi, trumpeter Lance Buller and drummer Garey Williams, all of whom have continued to inspire new generations of jazz musicians in the region. These artists, along with many others, have helped establish Tacoma as a city with a proud and ongoing jazz tradition.

A Bright Future for Jazz in Tacoma

Unlike many cities where jazz has faded into history, Tacoma continues to embrace and nurture the genre. Today, institutions like the Tacoma Jazz Association and venues such as Jazzbones and The Spar keep the jazz tradition alive with regular performances and jam sessions. Local universities and high schools offer robust jazz programs, ensuring that new generations of musicians have the opportunity to develop their craft.

Annual jazz festivals and community events celebrate the city's musical legacy while showcasing emerging talent. With a dedicated community of musicians, educators, and jazz enthusiasts, Tacoma’s jazz scene is not just surviving—it’s thriving. The future of jazz in Tacoma is bright, as the city continues to honor its past while embracing new styles and innovation.

The next time you visit Tacoma, take a moment to appreciate its jazz history and the vibrant scene that still exists today. From the echoes of past performances to the fresh sounds of new talent, jazz remains an essential part of Tacoma’s cultural identity. The music that once filled the ballrooms and clubs of the early 1900s is still alive, inspiring and energizing audiences across the South Puget Sound.