Latin Music in Seattle: A Guide
Contents
Looking for some great Latin music in Seattle? Check out this guide for the best venues, bands, and events!
Introduction
Welcome to the world of Latin music in Seattle! This guide will introduce you to the vibrant scene of Latin music in the city, from traditional genres like salsa and cumbia to contemporary styles like reggaeton and hip-hop. You’ll learn about the history of Latin music in Seattle, the city’s most important venues and festivals, and the diverse range of artists that call this city home. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Latin music or just getting started, this guide will help you get the most out of Seattle’s rich and vibrant scene.
History of Latin Music in Seattle
Seattle’s Latin music scene has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Seattle was a major stop on the Latin music circuit in the 1950s and ’60s, with renowned acts like Tito Puente, Machito, and Celia Cruz all playing here. In recent years, the scene has been revitalized by a new generation of Seattle-based Latin musicians.
Pre-1900s
Latin music in Seattle has its roots in the city’s Afro-Cuban community, which traces its origins to the late 19th century. Cuban immigrants began arriving in Seattle in the 1880s, fleeing political turmoil and economic hardship at home. Most settled in the Central District, where they found work as laborers or domestic workers.
The Afro-Cuban community continued to grow in the early 20th century, as more Cubans arrived seeking opportunities in the United States. By the 1920s, there was a sizable Cuban community in Seattle, and Afro-Cuban music began to make its way into the city’s clubs and bars. Latin music became increasingly popular in Seattle during the 1930s and 1940s, as immigrant communities from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American countries settled in the city.
After World War II, Latin music enjoyed a surge in popularity nationwide as young people embraced it as a symbol of rebellion against their parents’ conservative values. In Seattle, this newfound interest in Latin music led to the opening of several nightclubs that featured Latino bands. These clubs provided an important space for Seattle’s Latino community to socialize and celebrate their culture.
1900-1950s
Latin music has been a part of Seattle’s cultural fabric for over a century. The city’s first recorded instance of Latin music dates back to 1900, when the newly formed band “All America” played at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. In the years that followed, Seattle would play host to a number of popular Latin musicians, including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Machito.
The 1950s saw a boom in the popularity of Latin music, as Perez Prado’s “Mambo No. 5” and Xavier Cugat’s “Babalu” became crossover hits. In the years that followed, Seattle would become home to a number of Latin music clubs, including the Miramar and El Corazon.
Today, Latin music can be heard throughout Seattle, from live bands at clubs like Noches de Colombia to DJs spinning at parties and festivals like Seattle MambFest.
1960s-present
In the 1960s, a wave of Puerto Rican and Cuban immigrants came to Seattle, bringing with them a love of Latin music. These new residents set up clubs and organizations dedicated to promoting Latin music and culture, and soon the city had a vibrant Latin music scene.
Today, Seattle is home to a number of Latin music clubs and concert venues, as well as a number of festivals and events dedicated to celebrating Latin music and culture. The city is also home to several Latin music radio stations, and its Latin music scene continues to grow and evolve.
Popular Venues
Tula’s
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting to enjoy some Latin music in Seattle, Tula’s is the perfect spot. This jazz club is located in theBelltown neighborhood and features live music almost every night of the week. You can catch local and touring acts performing jazz, bossa nova, and Latin jazz.
While Tula’s isn’t exclusively a Latin music venue, it has earned a reputation as one of the best places in Seattle to enjoy this type of music. The club has been open since 1993, and over the years, it has hosted many renowned musicians from around the world.
If you want to experience some of the best Latin music in Seattle, be sure to check outTula’s.
The Crocodile
The Crocodile is a popular music venue located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. The Crocodile has a long and storied history, having opened its doors in 1991. In its early years, the Crocodile was known as a grunge music venue, and played host to many up-and-coming bands in the Seattle music scene. Today, the Crocodile has diversified its musical offerings, and is now also known as a venue for indie rock, hip hop, and electronic music. The Crocodile has something to offer everyone, and is one of the most popular music venues in Seattle.
Nectar Lounge
Nectar Lounge is one of the most popular venues for Latin music in Seattle. They offer a wide variety of music, from salsa and merengue to bachata and reggaeton. They also have a full bar and a dance floor, so you can really let loose and have a great time.
Emerging Artists
La Luz
Formed in 2012, La Luz is a surf rock band from Seattle, Washington. The band consists of Marian Li Pino (vocals, guitar), Shana Cleveland (lead guitar), Abbey Blackwell (bass), and Nick Tustin (drums). La Luz’s sound has been compared to that of 1960s girl groups and garage rock bands, as well as surf rock groups such as The Beach Boys and Dick Dale.
La Luz released their debut album, It’s Alive, in 2013. The album was recorded in just six days and was self-released on cassette tape. It’s Alive received positive reviews from music critics, with many praising the band’s retro sound. In 2014, the album was re-released on vinyl by Hardly Art Records.
The band’s second album, Weirdo Shrine, was released in 2015. Weirdo Shrine was recorded over the course of two weeks and was once again self-released on cassette tape. The album was met with critical acclaim, with many critics praising the band’s songwriting and retro sound. In 2016, Weirdo Shrine was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
La Luz is currently signed to Sub Pop Records and has released three studio albums through the label: Floating Features (2018), Domingo (2019), andgrabadodevozyradicaciónypabellónquecae(2020).
Tacocat
Tacocat is a four-piece band from Seattle, Washington. Their music has been described as “a mix of ’60s garage rock and ’90s punk, with a dash of ’80s surf rock.” They are known for their catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythms.
The band was formed in 2007 by guitarist and vocalist Emily Nokes, bassist Bree McKenna, and drummer Lelah Maupin. The three women had all been playing music together for years before starting Tacocat. They released their first album, Tacoma Catacombs, in 2008. Since then, they have released three more albums: NVM (2010), Lost Time (2014), and This Mess Is a Place (2019).
Tacocat has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada. In 2014, they toured Europe for the first time. They have also played at several major music festivals, including SXSW, Bumbershoot, and Ottawa Bluesfest.
Tacocat is considered one of the leading bands in the Seattle music scene. They have been praised for their positive messages andAdd creativity to your work fun, catchy tunes.
Chicha Libre
Chicha Libre is a Latin music band based in Brooklyn, New York. The band was founded in 2000 by Mexican-American musician Nicolas Córdova. The band’s music is a mix of Latin American styles, including cumbia, chicha, rock, surf rock, and jazz.
The band has released five albums: Sonido Amazonico (2006), Canibalismo (2009), Orinoco (2012), Canción de la Semana (2014), and Vista Azul (2017).
Chicha Libre has been praised by critics for their unique sound and energetic live performances. The band has toured extensively in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about Latin music in Seattle, we hope you’ll enjoy exploring all the fantastic options our city has to offer! Remember, there is no one “right” way to experience Latin music, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different genres and venues to find what works best for you. And above all, have fun!
