Tacoma’s favorite rock music venue has reached the ripe old age of seven.
Seven years ago this month, Hell’s Kitchen opened its doors aiming to be a haven for punk, metal and hardcore music lovers in the city, a feat they seemed to have accomplished and maintained over the years.
“We started Hell’s Kitchen out of a need for a venue in Tacoma that catered to the harder side of things,” said co-owner and booking agent Flash Connel. “There were a few venues around doing rock in general, but most places were scared of punk, metal and hardcore bands, so we set out to change that.”
Starting out, Hell’s Kitchen was open to a strictly 21 and over crowd, but now hosts ample opportunities for those under the drinking age to get a taste for good local music.
“We were sick of seeing kids have to go to churches or church-sponsored clubs to be exposed to live music,” Connel said.
Hell’s Kitchen has provided a space not only for audiences to indulge their live music needs, but also a place for local talent to get some exposure and a chance to develop a following.
Many national acts (such as D.O.A scheduled again for May 23, Dick Dale scheduled again for June 27, Evanescence, The Melvins, Pat Travers Band, The Exploited, MDC and Agent Orange) have graced the small, intimate stage at Hell’s Kitchen as well, providing unforgettable shows for the lucky 299 people the venue can hold.
Connel attributes some of the Kitchen’s ongoing success to the low operating costs owners have maintained over the years. But now new fire regulations are putting the venue in a bit of a predicament.
Hell’s Kitchen’s staff has been working to raise money for installation of a sprinkler system, a new requirement for clubs and music venues that was put into motion last year. So far, they have raised a fraction of the approximately $60,000 price tag.
“(Fundraising for) the sprinkler system has been a very slow uphill climb, but the top of that hill is in sight. But we still need your help,” Connel said.
Patrons can support Hell’s Kitchen by donating money at the door or at sprinkler benefit fundraiser shows, which pop up from time to time.
If not, the Kitchen could be forced to relocate, or even close down permanently. Then they would never realize the long-range goal of expanding into a renowned 6th Avenue weekend breakfast joint.
“If there is something 6th Ave. needs it’s more good breakfast spots on the weekend,” Connel said.
Celebrate Hell’s Kitchen’s seventh birthday with them throughout the month of May with weekly food and drink specials Monday through Thursday and live music by Sweetwater, Zeke, D.O.A., Atomic Outlaws, Crooks to Kings and many more.
Hell’s Kitchen is located at 3829 6th Ave., and can be contacted at (253) 759-6003.
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