WITH A SPATULA IN ONE HAND AND A HOT DOG IN THE OTHER >>>

Bruce Walkup was the booking agent for Tacoma's Prosito Restaurant in the mid-'80s. Considered the first commercial venue to host alternative bands, Prosito's music was turned off by the Liquor Board for graffiti and noise complaints; Prosito let Walkup go. The restaurant morphed into the Central Tavern, which housed many a grunge-era show, then the 6th and Proctor Bar and Grill, and finally Hell's Kitchen (Gruv what?).

To fulfill his musical needs, Walkup changed his name to Spud Goodman and bought time on Tacoma's cable system for a parody/music show.  With a spatula in one hand and an open bottle of Pepto-Bismol in the other, Goodman interviewed guests and provided airtime for alternative bands in the area. It was the beginning of many cable access music shows to hit the local airwaves.

It was an awesome show.

It looks as if Spudman, his cast and crew will commemorate the show 3-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at The Red Hot on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue. Click here to join the Facebook event.