The history of jazz in the Pacific Northwest is often told through the clubs and bandstands of Seattle and Tacoma, where young musicians listened, studied, and found their place in the music. Among the artists who emerged from this regional scene was tenor saxophonist Corky Corcoran, a Tacoma native who would go on to perform with some of the most prominent bands of the swing era.

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 t