Children's Museum on the Foss?
In August of 2006, there were some rumors surfacing about the Children’s Museum moving to the Thea Foss Waterway.
There’s been some development of the story in the last 13 months, as well as some rising opposition. At issue is the use of a site for the museum that had previously been designated as open space. Today’s Tribune has more.
This part especially caught our eye:
Opponents of the museum plan not only want the property to remain open, but they also accuse the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Metro Parks and the Foss board of working behind the scenes on the museum plan.
The group Citizens for a Healthy Bay gave Foss officials a draft of a letter to Mayor Bill Baarsma objecting to the museum plan and complaining about the failure to include the public in the talks.
Previously on Exit133
More at The News Tribune
Filed under: Waterfront, Developments, Foss Waterway, Foss Waterfront
21 comments
J jamie from thriceallamerican February 8, 2008
Cool idea (as long as they avoid the smooth jazz and don’t over-do the blues angle).
Weird location (but great views).
Awful name (‘nuff said).
But I wish them luck.
D Daniel Blue February 8, 2008
yeah, that logo reminds me of this silk vest my dad used to wear in the early 80’s.
M mardod February 8, 2008
The gods have answered my prayers!
A Andrew February 8, 2008
Don’t you have to be a member to get in up there?
A altered chords February 8, 2008
Halleluiah!!!
I think they have a decent piano there. One reason the top names don’t come her is because there is no venue here w/ a good piano. They play in Seattle and Olympia but not here. Tacoma should have these top names here. Maybe this is the venue with a good piano? I admit that I don’t know what caliber piano they have there.
Looking forward to being a part of the expanding cultural development of this great city.
By the way, One Heart Cafe dishes up smokin’ hot and very cool jazz on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 8:30 – perfect for afterwork dinner!
J Jamie Chase February 8, 2008
The Tacoma Club will never be as gritty and vibrant as jazz and blues at Red Kelly’s; but it is great to see that someone is trying to fill the void Red left.
G grubedoo February 9, 2008
Sweet. Too bad their logo blows.
B Bryan February 9, 2008
I’m all for bringing good jazz to town, and the club-in-an-office-building has worked before (I think there’s a little place called Jazz Alley in Seattle). But Tacomans haven’t been supporting cheesiness (Winfield’s learned this), so lose the Cheezzy Blues name/logo.
C Crenshaw Sepulveda February 10, 2008
I hope they didn’t pay anyone to do that graphic. I also hope that the person that approved the usage of the logo can get a better vision insurance plan through their employer. You see something like this and you just want to run as fast as you can away from it. I notice the logo is copyrighted, I don’t think they really have to worry about someone stealing it.
The music and the venue sounds great. I like creative uses of space and even the price seems to be in line what a good many people can spend. I commend what is being done here. Just don’t insult the music and the people that will enjoy the music with such uninspired artwork.
M michael g. February 10, 2008
I’m all for more live music in Tacoma of all kinds, but what a horrible name and logo — reminds me of an elementary school advertising project from when I was in elementary school. This isn’t the only example of a cheesy mid-1980s aesthetic in this town — what’s up with that?
J jamie from thriceallamerican February 10, 2008
Unfortunately the “smooth jazz” crowd appears to be stuck in the 80s (see Six Olives as an example)…I guess that’s one of the things that really worries me about this place.
I miss Red Kelly’s.
A Andrew February 10, 2008
Well, that’s unfortunate.
I’m more of a bluesy jazz guy myself, so I’ll have to pass on this.
B Bryan February 11, 2008
The reaction to the name seems pretty unanimous, so let’s get constructive now. What do you call a Tacoma jazz club with a great view? Ed Murrieta’s blog has over 60 comments on what Pat Nagle (owner of The Harmon) should name his new place. If the Tacoma Club gets smart enough to fix this, what should the new name be? (and don’t say Bluesy Jazz)
A altered chords February 11, 2008
Birdland Northwest.
Equinox.
Ill Wind. (but not if chilli is on the menu)
Dizzy’s Place.
Footprints.
Tacoma Modes.
Altered Chords. (this might be copyrighted though)
McCoy Evan’s.
Round Midnight.
I am afraid, however, that because of the semi-pop status of the “Jazzy Blues” genre, the club may find success in terms of people showing up to grab a cocktail and listen. It’s not my favorite style either but I think that it’s why even 88.5 plays the “Blue Plate Special” show every day at noon. The station, like a club, needs people to show up.
A bone fide jazz club may take a while to get going. Longer than is affordable to a club owner.
I’m still glad to see someone taking a shot.
D DtownDweller February 11, 2008
Whoa. We have a group willing to bring live music to our struggling downtown. At a venue with a great view. In this thread, we’ve made disparaging remarks about the genre, re-named the place and critiqued the logo.
Smooth jazz/jazzy blues may not be your thing, but this genre has a loyal following and attracts a multi-cultural crowd this is a bit older (40-60) and definitely affluent. These are the folks who shop, dine and spend money on entertainment.
If downtown Tacoma is going to reach its potential, we need to attract a BROAD BASE of regular customers and visitors.
If we want to start a thread which critiques artists, business ventures and logos, Tacoma has plenty of material to work with. Let’s support and encourage each other instead.
M Marguerite February 11, 2008
While that logo may not be the most sophisticated in the world, we shouldn’t come down so hard on them. At least they’re trying. The whole thing is a great idea, and even if it’s a mix of “Real” and “Smooth” jazz, the world isn’t going to come to an end if you aren’t able to satisfy the hard core jazz fans every week. Good Luck guys!
J jamie from thriceallamerican February 11, 2008
Thanks DtownDweller and Marguerite…excellent point and I don’t mean to look a gift horse in the mouth. Jazz purists (which I guess maybe I’m one of) are notoriously unable to turn off our snobbishness, especially when it comes to anything “too commercial”. I do wish best of luck to the City Club on this endeavor, and am excited to see who they will book…
A Andrew February 12, 2008
Sketches of Spanaway.
A altered chords February 12, 2008
I have not seen any jazz venues in Spanaway. I have attended many jazz concerts hosted by the Bethel School District and I’ve got to say that their music program is great.
They will grow up seeking venues to listen to jazz and play jazz and guzzle coffee (maybe beer when they’re over 21). It is good to see venues cropping up in Tacoma to save these youngsters the trouble of driving all the way to Seattle, Olympia or Portland.
A Andrew February 12, 2008
Okay, for a serious name:
On The Corner.
It’s a great album, a cool-sounding club name, AND it’s accurate both geographically and in a larger Pacific Ave in Tacoma context.
I would, without a doubt, go to a show at a place called that.
M Mofo from the Hood February 12, 2008
Serious retro-Tacoma venue name:
THE FUN CIRCUS