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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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140 results for: Performing Arts and Music

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Image of Jacket from “Boys Will B-Boys,” owned by Steve Sneed, 1987

Jacket from “Boys Will B-Boys,” owned by Steve Sneed, 1987

In 1987, Seattle theater company On the Boards presented the rap musical “Boys Will B-Boys” at Washington Hall Performance Gallery. It was directed by Steve Sneed, who ran the Madrona Youth Center at the time and managed Seattle’s pioneering hip-hop group the Emerald Street Boys. The Emerald Street Boys also worked as consultants for the show. These jackets were decorated…
ID Number:2016.18.1
Date:1987
Image of Black NASTYMIX bomber jacket owned by Nes

Black NASTYMIX bomber jacket owned by Nes "Nasty Nes" Rodriguez, ca. 1988

DJ “Nasty” Nes Rodriguez (1962-2025) wore this jacket from NASTYMIX records, the influential hip-hop label he co-founded in 1985 with promoter Ed Locke and rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot. The label started with hip hop acts, then went on to sign West coast synth-pop acts and the occasional punk band. Rodriguez also hosted “Freshtracks” on Seattle station KKFX 1250 AM, the first…
ID Number:2016.22.1
Date:Circa 1988
Image of NuMark DM 1650 mixer from Nes

NuMark DM 1650 mixer from Nes "Nasty Nes" Rodriguez, ca. 1980s

In the early 1980s, Nasty Nes (1962-2025) launched the Northwest's first all-rap radio program, "Fresh Tracks." He used this mixer to create classic "Mastermizes" heard on Seattle-area radio stations, local parties, and popular nightclubs in the area.
ID Number:2016.22.2
Date:Circa 1980
Image of Barnyard Cannibals denim vest handpainted by Milestone, 2010

Barnyard Cannibals denim vest handpainted by Milestone, 2010

Pele Washington, a.k.a. B-Boy Play, is the leader of Seattle breakdance crew Barnyard Cannibals. Washington asked local graffiti artist Milestone to help create a look for competitions, something that represented B-Boy Play and his crew while he was dancing. Milestone painted the back panel and removed the jacket sleeves to create this unique vest.
ID Number:2016.41.1
Date:2010-2011
Image of Record album, J. Pinder

Record album, J. Pinder "Go Far," Fin Records, (c) 2011

J. Pinder is a contemporary Seattle Hip Hop artist and emcee, and has worked with notable local artists such as Vitamin D, Jake One and Jonathan Moore. Fin Records was founded in 2010 in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.
ID Number:2016.43.1
Date:2011
Image of Record album, Grynch and Budo,

Record album, Grynch and Budo, "Treadin'," Fin Records, 2013

Grynch is the DJ name for local Hip Hop artist John Overlie, who was born and raised in Seattle and released his debut LP in 2005. "Treadin'" was released in 2013. Fin Records was founded in 2010 in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.
ID Number:2016.43.2
Date:2013
Image of Cotton tote bag featuring the logo for

Cotton tote bag featuring the logo for "Fin Records," ca. 2015

Fin Records promoted Hip Hop music in the Seattle community and was voted Best Local Label of 2012 by the Seattle Weekly. It was founded in 2010 and promoted a variety of artists including KAIROS, Low Hums, Lures, Tangerine, SEACATS, Gavin Guss, Red Jacket Mine, J. Pinder, Pigeonhed, The Young Evils, Jack Endino, Long Distance Poison, STAG, and dozens more,…
ID Number:2016.43.RefFinBag
Date:Circa 2015
Image of Boom box with Fed Ex sticker, owned and used by Rob Castro (R.B. Cummings), ca. 1990s

Boom box with Fed Ex sticker, owned and used by Rob Castro (R.B. Cummings), ca. 1990s

Rob Castro has been studio owner and operator of ATB Studios since 1997. He has produced beats for Grayskul, an alternative hip hop group from Seattle, and has performed live with Bakudan and the Stanford Prision Experiment. This boom box was featured in MOHAI's "Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop" exhibit in 2016.
ID Number:2016.50.1
Date:Circa 1990-2010
Image of Boom box with graffiti art,

Boom box with graffiti art, "Solid Analog", ca. 1990s

Rob Castro has been studio owner and operator of ATB Studios since 1997. He has produced beats for Grayskul, an alternative hip hop group from Seattle, and has performed live with Bakudan and the Stanford Prison Experiment.
ID Number:2016.50.2
Date:Circa 1990-2010
Image of Costume swatch board for the Ring cycle, 1975-1984

Costume swatch board for the Ring cycle, 1975-1984

In 1975 Seattle Opera presented all four of Richard Wagner’s epic Ring operas (Der Ring des Nibelungen). It was the first time an American opera company had produced the full cycle since 1939, and the first time outside of New York. This board was used by the production team to show costume swatches of fabric for each of the four…
ID Number:2016.75.4
Date:1975-1984
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