A memorial bench for Kurt Cobain in Viretta Park is a common site for tourists and fans of the grunge band. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
We’ll get this out of the way first — yes, he’s from Aberdeen. However, there’s no denying the vast impact Seattle had on Kurt Cobain’s early career, nor the way his work continues to influence our city’s reputation as the grunge capital of the world.
The ‘90s legend and frontman of rock band Nirvana is a natural fit for our Mount Rushmore of Seattle Music. Here are some of the local spots where he made his mark.
The Central Saloon
While also operating as the oldest saloon in town, Pioneer Square’s Central Saloon is where Nirvana played their first show in Seattle. It was April 16, 1988 and two representatives from Sub Pop, the label responsible for Soundgarden and Green River, were in the crowd of ~10 other people. While they said they weren’t initially very impressed with the band, they liked Cobain’s voice. “Nevermind” would be released under Sub Pop three years later.
Screwdriver Bar
The basement at 2320 First Ave. in Belltown is now a rock ‘n’ roll themed dive bar, but it was previously a rehearsal spot for Nirvana between the release of “Bleach” in 1989 and “Nevermind” in 1991. The group ended their lease eventually and the space sat empty before becoming Screwdriver Bar and its sister event space Belltown Yacht Club.
Robert Lang Studios
The north Seattle recording studio has been a host to legends like Alice in Chains, Brandi Carlile, and Leon Bridges. It’s also the location where Cobain recorded his final session with Nirvana. The fated sessions took place January 28-30, 1994.
Linda’s Tavern
Still up and running, this Capitol Hill dive was known as a frequent spot for Cobain. It’s also where he was last seen alive before he was found in his home on April 5, 1994.
Embroidery Class: Positive Plants | Monday, March 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Monster, 1716 NW Market St., Seattle | $60 | Join this beginner-friendly workshop to learn the basics and create your own stitch.
Dancing with the Stars: Live! - 2024 Tour | Monday, March 11 | 8 p.m. | Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle | $49-$129.50 | Get ready for some incredible dancing as the hit TV show tours the nation.
Tuesday, March 12
Madison Park Tuesday TED Talks | Tuesday, March 12, Tuesday, April 9 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Madison Park Bath House, 1898 43rd Ave. E, Seattle | $15-$20 | Hear creativity instructor Kate Gavigan’s speech on “The Creative Comeback: Unlocking Your Potential.”
Wednesday, March 13
Cocktail Masterclass: Build Your Own Old Fashioned | Wednesday, March 13 | 6:15 p.m. | W Bellevue, 10455 NE Fifth Place, Bellevue | $70 | Learn how to make your own fancy cocktail using Woodinville Whiskey Co.'s spirits as your base.
Thursday, March 14
Tech Roast 2042: RE: RE: RE: Repent | Thursday, March 14 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | $48-$109 | These ex-techies and stand-up comedians are touring the US and India to spread their message of hope — you’re not the only one who got laid off.
The Bumbershoot arts and music festival is shooting for the stars this year. It just released its lineup of visual arts exhibitions, which includes a choral concert paired with project images from the James Webb Space Telescope in partnership with NASA, a wig farm, kissing booth, and — of course — the return of the cat circus.
Outdoors
Start your pedals — bike riders will be able to cruise across the high-rise West Seattle Bridge during this year’s annual Emerald City Ride hosted by the Cascade Bicycle Club. This year’s event, scheduled for May 5, will close the West Seattle Bridge and an adjacent section of Highway 99 for two hours that day. Registration begins tomorrow. (Seattle Times)
Open
A new floating sauna recently made its debut on Lake Washington. Inspired by Norwegian sauna culture, Von Sauna allows its users to take a dunk directly in the cold lake waters during their 75-minute sessions. Book a seat for $40 or rent the whole thing out for $600. (Seattle Times)
Holiday
The start of Ramadan, a month of reflection + fasting in Islam, depends on the sighting of the new moon. Learn more through Seattle-based nonprofit Wasat or join them for an iftar on Monday, March 18 at Cafe Turko.
Sports
The Washington Huskies recently fired men’s basketball coach Mike Hopkins with one year left on his contract. Hear more about what that means for the team with Locked On’s daily, Huskies-focused podcasts.
Shop
This cozy men’s sweatshirt has been climbing the sales ranks and we can see why — the brushed fleece makes this everyday essential super comfortable.*
Armistice Coffee and Caffe Vita | Armistice has four locations across the city if you need to do a little taste test, but Caffe Vita does have a location right next to KEXP where you can also buy records.
Ready to decide who moves on to the final two in our bracket? Cast your vote below.
Flower pots, solar lights, or lemon trees in QVC’s garden deals. “Love your garden” items are on sale until Thursday, March 28, meaning it’s the perfect time to start dreaming up this year’s outdoor spaces.
Last week we asked you this question in anticipation of the blooms that should start to pop at any time now. Most of you (61%) said your favorite place to enjoy the pretty, pink flowers was UW’s Quad. But we also got some recommendations for Terry Avenue on the Virginia Mason Medical Campus and neighborhood streets in the Central District.
I’ve had quite the busy week after moving into my new apartment — I got my nails done with a good friend before going to karaoke, two of my other friends came over with some Pike Place Fish Market caviar and champagne for a teensy housewarming, I enjoyed some Seattle Cocktail Week events, and I did my first big grocery shop. All in all, it was a very fun week.
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