SCENE OF THE CRIME by Natasha
I have to admit that when I first heard the word Jazzbones I had the wrong picture in mind.
I envisioned pretentious 40 and 50-somethings drinking Syrah, talking about international politics with a Billie Holiday wannabe (no one could EVER be as good as she) performing on stage. Snooze.
Thank goodness my darling Damon's birthday festivities were held there to correct my terrible misconception.
Just like my homegirl Joan Jett said, I love rock 'n' roll (jazz, blues and punk, too), and Jazzbones is a fantastic place to get it. I'm not the type of girl who pays cover charges, but the shows that Jazzbones schedules are worth it.
I like to hit the place up with Weekly Volcano warriors like Wild Bill (the good ones are always taken). I also like to mix with the crowd there - even though, or possibly especially since, it's not my usual. Piercings and skateboards may be required during certain shows, but broads like me - with real black hair - can get away with just about anything (cracking of the whip noise goes here).
One of my other favorite things is Taylor the bartender, the feisty little she-devil. Her almond eyes speak volumes. She darted a look at Pappi Swarner the other night and called him a wussy with a p for not wanting to take a shot. Atta girl.
Jazzbones is loaded with art deco appeal. The multitude of paintings on the walls makes me feel like "Lucy in the Sky," and the white tablecloths force all of Jazzbones' colors to stand out even more, regardless of the low light. All of the art is for sale, too, unless it's noted otherwise.
I generally prefer to rock the upstairs balcony so I can watch the band and talk to my friends at the same time. Another fun muster spot is the chairs along the front of the building. Both are front row seats for scoping the peeps. I typically go for the all-American kind of guy, but there's something so tempting about those tattooed guys at Jazzbones.
Jazzbones maintains a beefy Web site with all of its upcoming shows so you can plan accordingly. If the cover change has you down, try it out on the Wednesday no cover jam night.  Also, if you purchase an entrée Monday through Thursday before 7 p.m. there's no cover unless it's a special event. Tuesdays are customer appreciation days with $3.50 domestic pitchers from 7 to 10 p.m.  Wednesday is service industry night where all of my favorite bartenders and servers can get 50 percent off drinks with a current pay stub or SIN card. Does anyone else think it's ironic that bartenders have SIN cards?
The word on the street is that Jazzbones is the spot. I concur.   
Finish your prescribed Weekly Volcano reading and go!
Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, (253) 396-9169

Tell me where you like to party here.