Celebrating Three Years of the Warehouse
It’s time to officially declare The Warehouse an institution. For three years, Adam Ydstie, Katie Lowery, and Doug Stoeckicht have organized, produced, and presented incredible live music. Featuring talented musicians in venues both traditional and non, all over Tacoma and points north, The Warehouse has never disappointed.
I still remember their first Halloween show three years ago. My best friend had died the month before and I was determined to put on a brave face and try to have some fun. Turned out, I attended the perfect show at the perfect time – I was surrounded by hundreds of joyous friends and strangers, and the evening evolved to something more than fun when Goldfinch took the stage. As they wound through the set, I gave in to their earnest serenade. It was as if my broken heart jumped out of my chest and joined the band to wail at the autumn moon.
The show was so much more than a great costume party and good music – it helped me process grief and find some catharsis. It may sound maudlin but it’s true. That night, with tears running down my face, I knew I’d always love and appreciate Goldfinch, Grace Sullivan, and especially The Warehouse for making it all happen.
The transcendent relief we can all experience when witnessing really good live music is a significant part of the Warehouse vision – a vision they have brought to life time and time again. Since that show three years ago, I have had the privilege of admiring and engaging in The Warehouse’s successes, and had the pleasure of working on projects with this talented and committed team.
On October 27, The Warehouse will present their 3 Year Anniversary party, and I am incredibly excited. Not only are the performers incredible, but the show is a perfect manifestation of just how important The Warehouse is to Tacoma and its evolving – some may even venture to say, thriving – music scene.
Says The Warehouse to their supporters:
“It has been three amazing years since that first show and we are so proud and blessed that we have been able to do what we have done. This, of course, is all because of you. The community has been an amazing support to us and has allowed us to become what we are today. With that, we say THANK YOU! Thank you for your “likes” on Facebook; your poster stealing in Tacoma coffee shops and bars; and most importantly, for showing up. We could not do what we do without you.”
The show’s line-up is inimitable, displaying The Warehouse’s maturing ability to draw some serious talent to Tacoma, and inspiring a severe case of piqued anticipation:
Seattle’s Hot Bodies in Motion will headline the evening, making their second recent appearance in Tacoma. I was lucky to see them in glass-shattering action at the Museum of Glass Shatter Sessions this summer and am delighted to again enjoy their infectious funk/blues-infused rock and roll. You won’t be able to hold in your shimmies.
Hot Bodies in Motion by Morgen Schuler Photography
The Physics will bring their innovative South Seattle hip hop to a Warehouse stage for the first time: be prepared to be blown away by their genre-blending, mind-bending beats and lyrics. Since their 2007 LP release, Future Talk, The Physics have been building serious buzz. Make sure to catch up and listen to their most recent full length album Tomorrow People, released at the end of August. This ambitious trio isn’t done yet this year – expect another release Digital Wildlife, featuring an inventive mix of R&B, electronic, and hip hop genres.
The Physics in Bellingham by Innate
Also look forward to the triumphant return of a Tacoma hip hop hero: Rockwell Powers will perform for the first time in over a year. Mr. Powers in a hip hop force to be reckoned with of the talented, Tacoma-positive variety. An Alaskan native who has called Tacoma home since 2007, Rockwell Powers has been collaborating, producing, and delivering sincere, intelligent, and much-loved hip hop since the tender age of 18.
Rockwell Powers at The Space from ssgmusic.com
Colin Scott Reynolds may be better known in Tacoma as a vocalist and musician, as many of you have experienced his powerful and heart-wrenching performances (including his set at the Post Defiance Anniversary Party). But you are all about to discover that Colin is also an unapologetic pop DJ with a penchant for encouraging ass-shaking and Robyn dance impersonations.
Colin is happy spinning everything from Dr. Dre, Tone-Loc, and Naughty By Nature, to Beyonce, M.I.A., and Jay-Z. Colin also creates music under the moniker “I Low” and on his Soundcloud page, you can get a taste of his pop sensibility and composition. And here, check out his singer/songwriter style.
Colin Scott Reynolds behind the decks.
True to their goal of making quality live music accessible, the Warehouse Anniversary show will be all-ages. This is doubly significant as The Warehouse will use this event to not only celebrate their success, but to also raise funds and awareness for Campus MLK, a creative project supporting youth in Hilltop.
The Warehouse is one of the founding partners of Campus MLK and – together with Post Defiance, Write@253, the DASH Center for the Arts, and Fab-5 – is developing an innovative method of neighborhood outreach.
Campus MLK envisions the Hilltop neighborhood as an academic campus where youth can access and explore all the offerings available to them from the many creative, academic, and service agencies established there. In 2013, Campus MLK will debut a Course Catalogue to share opportunities and build connections for the youth of Hilltop.
Your roster of excuses for missing a Warehouse show must be empty by now so you may as well give in and mark your calendar for this, one of the best shows of the year. A killer party, a seriously good cause, and great Northwest music: what else do you really need this Halloween?
The Warehouse 3 Year Anniversary
October 27, 2012
The Space: 729 Court C, Tacoma, WA 98402
Tickets available online here.
Doors at 8:30 pm, show at 9
Watch the facebook page for any additional information.
