What if neighborhood stories could change the way we think about community - what it means to have it, and what it means to lose it? Shelf Life is a podcast that uses community stories to amplify, preserve, and learn from the voices, experiences, and histories of Seattle’s Central District neighborhood - also known as the CD!!

When most people think of Seattle and music, a few big names come to mind: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Kenny G, maybe Sir Mix-A-Lot and likely Macklemore. But have you ever heard of Cold, Bold, and Together? What about Family Affair? While Seattle may be known for grunge and rock, the Central District also colored the city’s musical landscape with funk, soul, and jazz.

The CD was also home to a lot of artists, and many of them acted as community leaders, creating programs and opportunities for Central District youth to become artists too. It was a creative and inspiring place for painters, actors, dancers, and many other kinds of artists.

On today’s episode of the Shelf Life Podcast, we hear about all things music, theater, and art that came out of the Central District.

The Shelf Life Podcast is produced by Mayowa Aina, Domonique Meeks, and Jill Freidberg. Original score by Bubba Jones. Funding for this podcast from King County 4Culture.