TACOMA'S ALL-AGES MUSIC SCENE >>>

I asked 15 random young people what they thought about the local all-ages music scene here in Tacoma. Ten of them, yes, TEN, said something to the effect of, "What local all-ages music scene?" Now, they all looked like intelligent youngsters who went out of the house often enough, and I'm sure they have nice families and hobbies and the stuff of life just as we all do. But to say that Tacoma has no all-ages music scene implies that a chunk of our culture has simply been ignored or dismissed.

Josh Brumley has been trying to champion the all-ages music scene. Brumley, along with Cody Curley, ran the all-ages venue The Hall in University Place in 2006. Complaints shut it down. The two went on to book all-ages shows at Bob's Java Jive, which ended due to vandalism complaints. Next, they moved down South Tacoma Way and opened The Junkyard for young hardcore fans. The fire marshal shut it down for code violations.

Brumley, with partners Brian Skiffington (formerly of the all-ages Midland club The Frameshop) and Zack Ellis, went on to open the famed all-ages hardcore club The Viaduct in Tacoma's Nalley Valley, which closed a year ago due to financial issues.

Brumley – who performs in hardcore bands Erode and Cowardice, as well as co-publishes the all-ages music zine Solitude NW – books shows in the Redroom space on Tacoma Avenue South until he can find his perfect venue.

To keep the Redroom alive, as well as the local all-age scene, Brumley will host the South Sound Music Summit at the club on Tacoma Avenue South. Musicians, promoters, record labels, photographers, videographers, radio stations, venue owners, graphic designers, audio recording and other businesses and people involved in the local music scene are invited to network, exchange ideas and share their knowledge. Those interested in learning how to book shows or play an instrument will find answers, too. A $10 exhibitor table fee will go toward the Redroom; admission is free for the public.

After the conference, around 7 p.m., the tables will be pushed aside for Cowardice, Chyeah Chyeah, Arpeggiator, A Leaf and The Breaklites to perform.

Hopefully, several of the youngsters I met will attend the South Sound Music Summit and join the scene.

South Sound Music Conference

Sunday, Aug. 28, 1-6 p.m., free
$10 fee for exhibitor tables
all-ages show, 7-10 p.m., no cover
Redroom, 2313 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
Facebook