Work Hard, Play Hard
While working at Speakeasy, I also had the privilege of performing in a play on the Speakeasy Cafe Backroom stage.
Category: Cafe
On Loan from the Wall of Sound
I adored that we had a record exchange going with Wall of Sound records across the street.
Press: Local Nightclub Owners: Music To Their Ears
“It ruined us,” said co-owner Gretchen Apgar. “You spend two-and-a-half years building an identity, and then you’re told you can’t do what you are doing. We went down hill and floundered.”
JAMPAC Benefit Screening – L7: The Beauty Process
Founded by former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, JAMPAC was focused on fighting several anti-music and anti-performance laws being introduced or enforced in Washington State. One of its primary causes was to repeal the Teen Dance Ordinance, which it ultimately had a hand in achieving in 2002.
Press: Blue law meanies ruin a business that was an institution
“The Speakeasy has been really glorious,” says Gretchen Apgar. “From the beginning, we wanted to mix people,” she adds, referring to their mission.
Children Have the Right to Music
The Speakeasy Cafe had become a popular destination in the area, particularly for all-age fans of independent jazz. The atmosphere on the weekend nights was electric, and folks could enjoy free music while drinking coffee, surfing the ‘net, sipping on a beer or enjoying any of the cafe’s delicious food.
From NetDesk to VP
I started off doing tech support in the evenings on the weekend and found I had a lot of interesting things to learn.
Tickling the Ivories
One of my new roommates brought me down to the Speakeasy Cafe one night after Bumbershoot in early September. It was a packed house and Aaron Straight’s jazz group, ‘Mustard, Ketchup, Relish’ was playing. I was so immediately drawn to the place and the vibe.
The Final Song of Buddy Rose
Here’s my Killer saga; I was mercilessly taken out by Vain’s owner, Victoria Gentry.
Feats of Derring-Do
Belltown Killer was organized by myself and Adrienne Dailey. The participants (around 30 in the first run) were mostly members of Speakeasy, but other Belltown denizens were also playing.