Seattle Belltown Showbox Marquee Reverend Horton Heat Was Playing

This photo captures the marquee of The Showbox, one of Seattle’s most storied music venues, announcing a performance by the psychobilly band Reverend Horton Heat. Located at 1426 1st Avenue, near the iconic Pike Place Market, The Showbox has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s entertainment scene since it opened in 1939.

With its beautiful art-deco design, the venue has hosted an incredible range of artists over the decades, from jazz legends like Duke Ellington and the Ramones to the grunge-era icons that defined Seattle in the 90s, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Its history and central role in the city’s music culture have made it a beloved landmark, with significant public efforts made to preserve it from redevelopment.

Reverend Horton Heat, the band featured on the marquee, is a high-energy trio from Texas known for their loud, fast, and fun blend of rockabilly, punk, and country. A show like this at a venue like The Showbox is a classic Seattle music experience, bringing together a legendary space with a powerhouse live act.

Seattle Belltown Roq La Rue Gallery

This photo shows the entrance to Roq La Rue Gallery during its time in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Founded by Kirsten Anderson in 1998, Roq La Rue was a pioneering gallery that became internationally recognized for championing the burgeoning Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow art movements.

The gallery provided a crucial platform for a new generation of artists whose work was often countercultural, provocative, and informed by everything from street art and comics to tiki and Kustom Kulture. For years, its location at 2312 2nd Avenue in Belltown was a hub for this vibrant and accessible art scene, drawing crowds to its often-packed opening nights.

Over the years, Roq La Rue has moved to different locations, including Pioneer Square and its current home near the Olympic Sculpture Park, but its roots in Belltown mark a significant chapter in the history of Seattle’s alternative art world. It remains an influential force in contemporary art.

Seattle Belltown Lava Lounge

April 29, 2002

July 1, 2017

The Lava Lounge was a popular tiki-themed bar located at 2226 2nd Ave in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. For nearly two decades, it was a beloved local spot known for its extensive rum selection, live music, and laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere. The bar featured a shuffleboard table, a photo booth, and served famously strong boozy slushies.

Unfortunately, the Lava Lounge, along with other businesses on the block like Neon Boots and Rocco’s, closed its doors in January 2022 to make way for a new development project. Tragically, the building was destroyed in a fire just a month after its closure, marking the end of an era for this iconic Belltown establishment.

Santa Cruz Roller Palladium

June 30, 2013

This photo shows the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium, a beloved and historic roller-skating rink located at 1606 Seabright Avenue. A true local institution, the Palladium had its grand opening on November 30, 1950, and has been a cherished part of the Santa Cruz community ever since.

Built by Denny and Heddy Sargeant, the rink is famous for its original maple wood floor, which has provided a smooth glide for generations of skaters. With its vintage atmosphere, disco lights, and classic arcade games, the Palladium offers a fun and nostalgic experience for people of all ages, from public skating sessions to private parties.

For over 70 years, the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium has remained a family-friendly destination and a wonderful piece of living history in the Seabright neighborhood.

Santa Cruz Seabright Brewery

June 30, 2013

This photo shows the Seabright Brewery, a beloved Santa Cruz brewpub located at 519 Seabright Avenue. Established in 1988, it was one of the first craft breweries in the area and served as a popular neighborhood gathering spot for over three decades, known for its award-winning beers and spacious, dog-friendly patio.

For years, the brewery was a quintessential part of the Santa Cruz experience, offering a relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors to enjoy a pint of handcrafted ale. In March 2020, the brewery changed hands and has since been rebranded as the Seabright Social, continuing the location’s legacy as a community hub with a refreshed food and drink menu.

Saab 96 Car in Garage

June 4, 2018

This photo captures a vintage Saab 96, a classic car known for its distinctive and aerodynamic teardrop shape. Produced by the Swedish automaker from 1960 to 1980, the Saab 96 is a true icon of automotive design and engineering.

Early models were famous for their two-stroke engines, which gave them a unique sound and a reputation for punching above their weight, especially in the world of rally racing. With legendary driver Erik Carlsson behind the wheel, the Saab 96 achieved numerous victories in the 1960s. Later models, like the one likely pictured here with its longer front end, were equipped with a more conventional Ford V4 engine.

Beyond its quirky looks and rallying success, the Saab 96 was also known for its safety innovations and robust construction. This particular car was spotted in Portland, Oregon near NW 23rd Ave.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Austin

October 22, 2022

The story of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken begins over 60 years ago in the small town of Mason, Tennessee. Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt and his wife Maggie created a spicy fried chicken recipe that became a local legend. In a time of racial division, their chicken was something everyone in town—black and white—could agree on.

From a small, cinder-block shack, Gus’s has grown into a franchise with over 30 locations across the country. The photo here is of the Austin, Texas location at 117 San Jacinto Blvd. It’s a testament to a family’s culinary legacy that started in a tiny Tennessee town and is now celebrated nationwide.