Art on the Ave Stages
All Ages Stage Presented by Real Art Tacoma: Art on the Ave Festival on July 21st takes place on 6th Avenue between Alder and State streets. The All Ages Stage will be on the corner of 6th and State Street. Daniel Rounds from Real Art Tacoma hand picked these bands in order to help us showcase some of the most promising young bands playing in Tacoma.
Velvet: Velvet is a group of high school students creating new sound with their blend of rock and pop instrumentals paired with R&B vocals. Despite their short time together, they have gained a solid following, performing at Real Art, Journey Hall, and various house shows. Now they’re set to play at Art on the Ave 2024. The band plans to release an EP later this summer, drawing inspiration from artists like No Doubt, Boa, and Steve Lacy.
Static: STATIC is a 3-piece band of high school and college-aged musicians: Layla Valentine, (bass and vocals), Luci Camper (drums) and Vina Love (guitar). Each member brings different influences, resulting in music with elements of punk, rock, grunge, funk, riot grrrl, and hard rock. They’ve played at venues like Real Art Tacoma, Spanish Ballroom, The Shed, and The Charleston, delivering powerful rhythmic performances. Influences include Kittie, Turnstile, Bikini Kill and System of a Down.
Mourning Glory: Mourning Glory is a punk-ish band from Tacoma known for surprising their audiences. They use effects pedals to create heavy and alien sounds for their guitar and vocals. The rhythm section, with fast beats, syncopation, and groovy bass fills, ties everything together. Mourning Glory consists of Jackie (guitar, vocals), Raven (bass, vocals), and Carlos (drums). Their performances are a mix of noise and unusual antics.
T.R.U.E. (The Rat Utopian Experiment): TRUE is an anarchist American rock band based in Tacoma. The five members—Phia (lead vocals, guitar), Aine (bass, backup vocals), Maddox (guitar), Jackson (guitar) and Evan (drums)—bring together diverse music tastes to form a unique sound. Their music combines metal riffs, emo, nu-metal, and anti-establishment themes. They’ve performed at SoundOff! 2024, received airplay on KEXP and KISW, and were selected as KISW’s Loud and Local Band of the Week.
O’Malley’s Stage Presented in Cooperation with The Valley: Art on the Ave Festival on July 21st 2024 takes place on 6th Avenue between Alder and State streets. The O’Malley’s Stage will be on the corner of 6th and Steele street. Carson Miller from The Valley selected the bands for this stage.
Stargazy Pie: Stargazy Pie has been captivating audiences with their shred-pop since 2019. Known for their bright melodies, sing-along choruses, shredding guitars, and slamming double-bass drumming, they’ve won the People’s Choice award at the 2022 ShoreLake Battle of the Bands and participated in MoPop’s SoundOff! 2023. They’ve played numerous venues and festivals in the Pacific Northwest and are now touring with their latest album, “Pacific Northwestitis.”
Mel Drop: Mel Drop is a four-piece indie rock group of college-aged musicians who met while working as bussers at a local seafood restaurant. Their sound, a fusion of various genres, is anchored by Elijah Tuncap on drums and Aidan Maggi on bass, with intricate guitar play between River Esqueda and Kirran Medchill. Aidan Goodman’s smooth keys add depth and texture to their music, which blends blues, jazz, and indie rock influences into a unique sonic experience.
Kim & Brian: From smoky dive bars to grand festival stages, Kim & Brian’s magnetic presence transcends venues of all sizes. Whether it’s the melancholic wail of a blues ballad or the explosive rock of a rock anthem, this band weaves a tapestry of sonic colors that leave audiences moved, invigorated and craving more.
Ghost in Glass: Ghost in Glass is the collaborative project of singer-songwriters Jonny Mahler (Trusty Sea Creatures) and Victoria Fragoso. They first combined their love for indie alternative and pop melodies at Tacoma’s Porchfest in 2023, creating a unique sound. Joined by bassist Brian “Grayman” Templeton, guitarist Blake Tomasch and drummer Marcus Pomeroy, Ghost in Glass draws inspiration from artists such as Regina Spektor, Coldplay, Phoebe Bridgers and Radiohead.
Cape Nowhere: Cape Nowhere plays guitar-heavy emo-style indie rock with distinctive vocals and tight melodies. This Tacoma-based chamber pop band is fronted by songwrited Andrew Graham, who started the project in 2015. After various iterations and over a dozen different musicians, the lineup now includes Brady McCowan on drums and Devon Woodman on bass. For this special Art on the Ave performance, guest musician EJ Crocker will lend their talent on lead guitar. Cape Nowhere is capable of both soft intimacy and rock anthem energy, drawing on influences like Death Cab for Cutie and Built to Spill.
The Fun Police: In recent times, there has been a distinct lack of fun, and The Fun Police are here to fix that Their songs evoke images of floating rivers, spelunking vacant mines, pub-crawling sidewalks, and summoning a higher power around a campfire. In a world of rules that protect us from danger—and sometimes fun—The Fun Police find irony and inspiration, bringing joy and energy to their performances.
Lujack Stage: Art on the Ave Festival on July 21st 2024 takes place on 6th Avenue between Alder and State streets. The Lujack Stage will be near the corner of 6th and Oaks street. Kevin Enlow of Lujack Promotions selected bands for this stage.
Amelia Day: Amelia Day is a queer folk rock powerhouse entering the conversation with mainstays like Brandii Carlile, the Indigo Girls and Tracy Chapman. Amelia mixes elements of her adolescent Seattle mixtapes of folk, rock and jazz.
Raegan Leilani: Raegan Leilani is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves a lush tapestry of new age jazz and bedroom pop. She and jazz drummer Craig Cootsona create a mesmerizing fusion of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms.
Jillion Mixon: Jillian Mixon is a jazz musician and songwriter with a sultry, soulful vibe. Sweet and smokey vocals, accompanied by rhythmic guitar work, performing original music along with unique bluesy versions of popular songs.
Kyle Thompson: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009749044727
Community Stage: Art on the Ave Festival on July 21st 2024 takes place on 6th Avenue between Alder and State streets. The Community Stage will be near 6th and Pine street.
Hip Hop Cypher contest cancelled: Unfortunately this time slot is yet to be determined. We had a last minute schedule change. Stay tuned for more info coming soon.
Todos Unidos Stage: The Todos Unidos Stage will be on the corner of 6th and Cedar street. Elonka Perez from Taco Street Food organized the entertainment for this stage.
Bryan Bach: Bryan Bach, a solo acoustic artist, captivates with his soul-stirring music. He’s a master of vocals and guitar, bass, drums and piano. Bach’s versatility shines as he effortlessly switches from banjo to sax, crafting a rich, auditory experience that resonates long after the last note fades.
AoA Dog Fashion Show: Clipsie Entertainment presents the 2nd annual Art on the Ave Doggie Fashion Show! Sign up in advance or day of by sending an email to ava@aptfinder.org. Prizes for Best Overall, Runner Up Overall, and Best Costume. Time to show off that pup and win a prize!
Randy Campbell: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082505731278
AoA Fashion Show: The Art on the Ave Fashion Show was organized by Wazira Bey El featuring local designers including Nikita Pink, Teine Teu Teu and more!
Sam Cori: Sam Cori is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audiobook narrator and voice actor. She falls somewhere in the Indie/Alternative genre, writing quirky, romantic, soulful, sexy music. At World Famous Bob’s Java Jove she sings karaoke and transforms into Alice in Wonderland for her psychedelic ALICE PARTY shows.
APCC Dance Groups: The dance groups presented by Asian Pacific Cultural Center were chosen and organized by Dareth-rose Pak. Four groups will be performing traditional dances from the following cultures: Okinawa, Fiji, Cambodia and Guam.
Ceatl Tonalli: A traditional Aztec dance group of consisting of 10-14 people, they organize ceremonies, Danza presentations, historical and cultural workshops, as well as artistic and community engagement activities.
Mariachi Monarcas: With Mariachi Monarcas you’ll experience exciting music from all regions of Mexico. Styles include: Corridos, Huapangos, Rancheras, Tex-Mex Polkas and Romantic Boleros.
Olympia Cumbia: Eduardo comes from Oaxaca, Mexico, and Cecile comes from France. Their friendship began 6 years ago while cumbia dancing. Now they teach cumbia dancing in Lacey. They will perform Cumbia dance followed by a quirk class for the audience.
Grub Crawl: The Art on the Ave Annual Grub Crawl judges share thoughts about the grub they taste tested and announce this year’s winners.
Banda Conjunto Mayabe: An 8 person band in the Conjunto/Tejano style. Performances are known for their energetic and engaging style, drawing audiences into the lively rhythms and melodies that characterize Banda and Conjunto music.
Mariachi Monarcas: They strive to bring life to every type of event. With Mariachi Monarcas you’ll experience exciting music from all regions of Mexico. Styles include: Corridos, Huapangos, Rancheras, Tex-Mex Polkas and Romantic Boleros.
Flor de Luna: Latin Rock band - Classic Santana tribute band Flor de Luna is the #1 northwest favorite Latin Rock band inspired by Afro Cuban rhythms fused with rock, jazz, and blues. The music blends the cultural backgrounds of many Latin countries with a progressive modern sound.
Hot Stepmom: Hot Stepmom is a 4-piece alternative rock band formed in July 2021. The lineup includes Anna Norris (vocals, guitar) Cameron McLennon (guitar) Ben Babcock (drums) and Jarin Szewczyk (bass). Their music blends indie, blues, jazz, funk, alt-pop and post-grunge. They released their debut album, “The Serial Killer in the Other Room is Better Than You,” in October 2022, and their new EP, “Nothing to Nowhere,” in March 2024.
DJ Pete Colon: Keeping the vibe alive with Old school bringing delicate but powerful spices of the new. Resident DJ @ club corridor-Archies Mexican Restaurant & Cheers West salsa Classic’s night. DJ @ Latino Night Markets in Ruston, Seattle outlet Collection-Puerto Rican Association of WA State-Five2Five y mucho mas.
Discover Lots of Other All Day Entertainment Throughout the Festival
Dancing Horses/Lazzo: Come see an exciting professional traditional Charros and dancing horses performance featuring 8 year old Lazzo performer Josemanuel Garrido Casares.
Milk Krayt: Formed in 2019 in the Greater Tacoma area, Milk Krayt has been actively playing shows in the Pacific Northwest since 2022. They’ve performed at many local venues including Real Art Tacoma, McMenamins Spanish Ballroom, The Realm, and The Valley. Their heavy rock sound is influenced by 90’s Seattle grunge, punk and metal.
Folklore Nicaragua Ometepe: Multi generational group that shares their culture through dance, art, and performances. Their mission is to share, with as wide an audience as possible, the traditional dance.
Vuelta La Luna Circus: The Vuelta La Luna Circus will be on the corner of 6th and Alder street with amazing performances for young and old alike.
Skaters Loop: Dockyard Roller Derby and Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby are back to showcase their skills on the skater’s loop which will be located near 6th and Junette street. This time they are joined by DJ Eli who is available for all types of events. He will be spinning tunes all day long and stands out from other DJs by entertaining the crowds with his fantabulous jam and rhythm skating skills. Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby League is a 501c3 non-profit organization who are currently raising funds to build a new roller skating facility since the loss of Skateworld. You can support them by donating cash or gently worn tennis shoes or their sneaker drive r by picking up some merchandise.
Tsumani Tattoo Stage: The Tsunami Tattoo Stage will be on the corner of 6th and Anderson street featuring DJs: Ajax, Big Chuck, Marcus K and Tim Mc spinning electronic music all day. This line up was organized by Tim McCarthy of Tsunami Tattoo.
Experience India’s Art and Bollywood: Experience the Indian art of Madhubani paintings and Bollywood music with conversations on how India is shaped by its culture and people. Learn about its film industry and how its global diaspora community influences the modern world. All this while enjoying the Indian food served by the Gateway of India. This area is located on the corner of 6th Ave and Fife street. This exhibit was organized by Syed K. Jamal.