Street of Vinyl Dreams

By Mark Thomas Deming

Our reporter takes a spin around Tacoma’s Record Store Row and returns with a handy guide to its niches and not-to-miss riches.

Speaking in Tongues

By Virginia Bunker

Born in Brooklyn, poet Lucas Smiraldo has transformed himself into a Tacoma spoken-word star called Vanilla Soul.

Commemorating a
History of Violence

By Stacey Levine

The former Western State Hill Ward insane asylum becomes a haunted, beautiful memorial park.

Always in Her Shadow

By Emily White

Western State’s most famous victim, film star Frances Farmer, inspired Kurt Cobain, Tom Cruise, Madonna and a lost biographical masterpiece that may come back to life.

 

Rocker to the Rescue

By Aadip Desai

By day, fireman Jesse Fox saves lives; by night, he drums for Seaweed.

Finish This Masterpiece or Look for a Job?

By Jamie Friddle

Seven hundred local artists reveal how they’re coping in our Hard Times Survival Guide.

 

City Seen

Seen and Overheard

Day + Night

Curator’s Eye

Steve Naccarato, Photographer

Selected by Robert Stocker, Robert Daniel Gallery