Central District / Southeast Seattle

Racial and ethnic diversity characterize this historic area. Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones both spent formative childhood years here, and Ray Charles walked its streets as a young musician.

7. The Blue Note / Local 493 Black Musicians’ Union Hall: 1319 E Jefferson. Before desegregation, the Black Musicians’ Union Hall was a performance and social club and every member had a key to get in. In 1958 the union merged with AFM Local 76.

8. Viretta Park: 151 Lake Washington Blvd E. Fans often leave flowers on a graffiti-laden bench at this unofficial public memorial near Kurt Cobain‘s former home.

9. Garfield High School: 400 23rd Ave. Led by the venerable Clarence Acox, the Garfield Jazz Band has established itself as one of the nation’s top high school ensembles. Famous alumni from the music-friendly school, built in 1923, include Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, and Ernestine Anderson. Visit by appointment only.