Olympia, Washington is a city that has a rich and varied music scene. The city, which is located about an hour south of Seattle, has been home to many of the country’s most popular musicians over the years, including Kurt Cobain, who spent some time in Olympia before skyrocketing to fame with Nirvana.
Olympia’s music scene has always been eclectic, featuring everything from punk and metal to folk and electronic music. The city has a long history of powerful social movements, including radical feminism and queer activism, that has influenced its music scene. Olympia’s music scene is also known for its DIY ethos, with many musicians and fans working together to create their own music, promote shows, and build communities.
One of the most prominent venues in Olympia is the Capitol Theater. The historic theater, which was built in 1924, has been a fixture in the city’s music scene for decades. Known for its ornate interior and incredible acoustics, the Capitol Theater has played host to countless musicians over the years, including Joan Baez, Nirvana, Sleater-Kinney, and Bikini Kill.
Obsidian, another popular venue in Olympia, is a relatively new addition to the city’s music scene. The club, which opened in 2015, is known for hosting underground punk, metal, and experimental music. Obsidian has quickly become a hotspot for up-and-coming musicians and fans who are looking for something outside of the mainstream.
Olympia’s music scene is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year. The Olympia Arts Walk, which takes place in April and October, is a city-wide celebration of art, music, and performance. The Procession of the Species, which happens in April, is a parade that celebrates the natural world and features giant puppets, music, and dance.
The city has also been home to several music festivals over the years. The annual Olympia Experimental Music Festival, which began in 2001, features experimental and avant-garde musicians from around the world. The Capitol Theater’s annual music festival, Hell’s Belles, is a celebration of women in rock that brings together some of the best female musicians from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Olympia’s music scene has been home to many influential musicians and bands over the years. Bikini Kill, the riot grrrl pioneers, got their start in Olympia in the early 1990s. Sleater-Kinney, another pioneering feminist punk band, also got their start in Olympia in the mid-1990s. Other notable bands and musicians from Olympia include Beat Happening, Mecca Normal, Gossip, Chromatics, and Kendl Winter.
Overall, Olympia’s music scene is a vibrant and exciting community that offers something for everyone. With a rich history of radical activism, DIY culture, and eclectic music, Olympia remains a city that is worth exploring for any music lover.
