We’ve got some news about well, the news! We are excited to share the first issue of Rainy Days, the newest online Seattle Arts & Culture Magazine, presented by SMASH! We’re here to give some love to the stories, artists, and events that make our city what it is—because if we don’t, who will?
Seattle’s known for its rich arts scene, but let’s be real, not all of it gets the spotlight it deserves. That’s where Rainy Days comes in. We plan to cover the stories that matter to artists, the folks who support them, share resources for musicians, and celebrate everything that makes Seattle… well, Seattle.
And yes, we’ll still be keeping you in the loop on what SMASH is up to—because supporting local musicians and keeping our creative community healthy is just as important as the art itself!
This first issue is a little light, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is kickass arts coverage! Consider this our soft launch, a sneak peek of all the amazing vibrant stories, resources, and updates we’ve got cooking for future issues. We’re just getting started, and trust us, it’s only going to get better from here.
Before we jump into some headlines, resources, and upcoming events, we want to take a moment to reflect on the passing of Charles R. Cross. For decades, he was the chronicler of Seattle’s music scene. His passion for local music was evident in every piece he wrote, whether he was diving deep into the life of Kurt Cobain in his celebrated biography, Heavier Than Heaven, or profiling emerging artists just starting to make waves in the biweekly Pacific Northwest music publication The Rocket.
In a city known for its rain, Charles was a ray of light. He illuminated the path for countless artists and writers, helping to shape the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest as we know it today. His legacy is not just in the articles he penned or the books he wrote but in the lives, he touched and the music he championed.
Charles may no longer be with us, but his influence will continue to echo through the streets of Seattle in every guitar riff, every lyric, and every story told. Rest in peace, Charles. Thank you for everything.
Charles was not just a music writer; he was the voice that narrated the story of the region's rich musical tapestry, from its grunge roots to its modern-day innovations.
SMASH HAS AN OFFICE!
We are excited to share that SMASH has an office at the new M5 Creative building in Seattle Center! Stay tuned for more info on in-person member navigation, sign-up, and fun events!
p.s. Our office pup, Dolly Barkin, can’t wait to meet you!
CLICK AN IMAGE TO VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE
CLICK AN IMAGE TO VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE
FEATURED EVENTS
Remember when, if you wanted to find out what shows were coming up in Seattle, you’d open up The Rocket or, later, The Stranger and find all the venue’s concert calendars in one easy-to-find place? Those were the days.
Many have tried to recreate this vital resource, and someone finally has! Run by Kay Redden, founder of Dentapes, and Mike Sampson, a local musician, Showlist Seattle is your straightforward guide to live music around town. If you like the resource, pitch in a few bucks to keep them around.
BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR
Got an event on the horizon? Dropping a new release that’ll blow our minds? Have something to say that Seattle needs to hear? Whether you’re organizing a gig, releasing a killer album, or have an op-ed that’ll spark some serious conversation, we want to hear from you! Fill out the form at the bottom of the Rainy Days page, submit your request for a feature, or become a contributor (or just click the button below to be taken right to the form). You can also email us directly at SMASH@SMASHSeattle.org.