I bet a smart, fun-loving person like you is wondering where to find live music and get your party on in this legendary South Sound town.

Well, what the Olympia/Thurston County Chamber of Commerce won’t tell you, the Weekly Volcano will.

Home of Kurt Cobain and grunge rock, The Evergreen State College, and the best crappy beer you can get, Olympia is the perfect place to fill the musical void in your life.

With a constant forecast of rain, an abundance of hairy armpits and the freshest green, creative minds flourish in this little town. Somehow this unique combination produces one of the best underground music scenes you can find.

So, get out there and break off your own piece of that funky Oly music love.

Start downtown, the heart of it all, where all the choice destinations are within walking distance. Jefferson Street and Fourth Avenue is a good starting point. That’ll put you right between Charlie’s Bar & Grill and McCoy’s Tavern, two bars that often have live music, usually rock. From there, you can bounce from venue to venue along Fourth Ave. while working your way west in a backward “L” shape, ending between Capitol Way and Columbia Street. There you will find The Brotherhood Lounge, The Royal and The Midnight Sun (all ages).

The Brotherhood has a variety of music and entertainment, from the best Elvis impersonator in the world, to dance parties, to rock ‘n’ roll. Worth mention is a free, must-see aerialist performance the first Wednesday of every month. If you are not familiar with what aerialists do, think gymnastics on the ceiling.

As you take your downtown exploratory tour, do not pass up the Eastside Club Tavern. This place has an assortment of grade A bands every weekend. Reggae, rock, blues and country, you name it. The Eastside also sports a cheap cover and a great beer selection.

Next door to The Eastside, Le Voyeur offers an intimate room in the back where many a traveling band and sweaty crowd have rocked into an Oly frenzy.

Head over to the opposite side of the street, and Northern greets you. It is an all age’s venue, and like you, new to the scene. A little further west, on the same side of the street, hides an alley that takes you straight to Capitol Theatre Backstage, another awesome all-ages space.

If you are looking for some dance action, hit up Jakes on 4th, The Vault, or The Royal (which, along with The China Clipper, is a hot spot for live hip-hop).  The Loft on Cherry Street and The Eagles Hall also host all-ages dance parties and live bands.
 
While you are out, take note that you pass three record stores, Capital City Guitars, and renowned K Records headquarters. Not to mention numerous other shops and happenings to indulge your other interests. (Burlesque show, anyone? Or perhaps a visit to a 24-hour coffee house?)

And keep an eye out for fliers; they are the key to the city. If they say the music is at a house party — get your ass there — they are always full of people, tasty licks on the guitar and after hours jam sessions.

Whatever your ears crave, Olympia has something for everyone. Get to know downtown, where the music flows and the scene is fresh.