Jumbalaya at the Baltic Room

Jumbalaya

Jumbalaya w/DJs Topspin, Vitamin D and others at the Baltic Room

By Keith Ancker

Hip Hop nights in Seattle are have gotten more diverse style-wise. While Top Forty and Club tunes are the staple at most hip hop venues, the Baltic Room has given the public a different view of what a hip hop club night can be.

The Baltic Room has long been a staple of the Seattle club scene, not just because of the music, but because of the atmosphere at the venue. Dark paneling, dim lighting and high ceilings give the place a much larger feel than it actually is.

Longtime Friday night headliners Jumbalaya continue to bring their unique mix of improvisational funk, hip hop, jazz and vocal gymnastics to the people, while during the band's downtime, DJs Vitamin D and Topspin keep the crowd moving on the ones-and-twos. Assorted guests drop by on a regular basis, including Darrius Wilrich, members of Maktub and Source of Labor.

The crowd is a good mix of urban hipsters and progressive minded artists, and has resulted in one of the most eclectic crowds of any Hip Hop night in Seattle.

The drinks are good, the staff is friendly and it's a good place to chill early and get your groove on later.

Friday nights at The Baltic Room, 1207 E. Pine, on Capitol Hill in Seattle - 206-625-4444.

Check out some pics from the Baltic Room!