BY MAUREEN PARKER for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 7/3/2026
OK, so boom! Yeah, I know I say that every time … lol. Deal.
If you’ve been anywhere near the live music scene in the Pacific Northwest, and especially around Tacoma, you’ve most definitely heard of Miss Kim Archer. My girl is an avid supporter of anything that has to do with music in these here parts and parcels. I’ve seen her perform in small venues, intimate settings, and theaters, and she’s incredible whether she’s performing solo, as a duo, or with her phenomenal band.
We’re going to start from the beginning or, like I like to say, from the giddyup.
Miss Archer was born in Indiana and made her way to the Pacific Northwest in 2004. She started performing when she was just 14 years old. Now, who has the chutzpah to do that at that age? That means she’s been making music for most of her life.
Kim has performed as a solo artist and with the Kim Archer Band over the years. She also collaborated with Brian Feist on a blues project, and I do believe you can still find it on YouTube. I’ve listened to some of it, and it’s an incredible collaboration. You should definitely check it out.
I’m really looking forward to her releasing new music later this year. “This Water” is music she’s been performing live for about a year, and if you’re one of the lucky people who’ve heard it already, you’ll understand why I’m excited that it’s finally getting an official release.
Kim has also been part of the Unity of South Sound family since around 2012. Unity of South Sound is an inclusive spiritual community in Tacoma, Washington, dedicated to helping people grow through love, compassion, and personal transformation. The church welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs, offering uplifting Sunday services, meditation, educational classes, community outreach, and opportunities to build meaningful connections in a supportive environment.
She has also been part of the Gigs4You family. Gigs4You is a Pacific Northwest live music programming and entertainment company that connects talented local musicians with venues, festivals, businesses, and community events. They provide artist booking, event programming, production, and project management, making it easy to bring high-quality live music to public, private, corporate, and civic spaces.
Now, if you’ve been reading my pieces over the past few weeks, you already “know” last week’s featured artist, Bradford King, who runs sound for Gigs4You and also performs at the airport.
But back to the subject at hand.
Kim is scheduled to perform for Unity of South Sound very soon, and anyone can log into its website to enjoy the performance.
She’s also the producer and organizer of the Old Town Summer Concert Series in Old Town Park, which kicks off July 1 and runs throughout August. She’s been organizing the series for the past 12 years. Our girl is busy, busy, y’all!
Incidentally, this will be her final year as coordinator before passing the reins to someone else. She has done an amazing job creating a community event that people truly look forward to every summer.
I cannot tell you the level of FOMO I get when I happen to drive by on a Wednesday evening and realize I completely forgot it was concert night. Seeing families spread out on the lawn, kids dancing, friends visiting, and everyone enjoying free live music just makes me smile.
It’s kid-friendly, fur-family-friendly, and absolutely one of those Tacoma summer experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Since it’s a free event, you’ll probably also see Kim walking around with the “Love Bucket,” collecting donations for the musicians performing at this historic and picturesque venue. Supporting live music isn’t just about showing up; it’s also about helping make sure these talented artists can keep doing what they love.
According to Kim’s mom, she’s loved music ever since she was an itty-bitty little thing. She’s also a prolific songwriter, and honestly, you can hear it. Her songs don’t just come from her heart; they come from her toes, people!
In this age of AI and easily accessible streaming music, supporting original artists has never been more important. There’s something magical about hearing music exactly as the artist intended it to be heard, especially when it’s happening live. So if you can, show up. Buy the ticket. Drop a few dollars in the Love Bucket. Cheer loudly.
Our local musicians deserve it.
Right now, Kim is splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and her second home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she’s fortunate enough to perform music in both places while traveling.
Pretty much living the dream.
So rude.
So, folks, while she’s on this side of the border, I’m going to post her and her band’s upcoming schedule. Go see our girl Kim before she hops on the next thing flying out of here and you’ll have to wait for her to make her way back to us.
Upcoming Kim Archer Performances
Friday, July 3, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Kim Archer Band live at the Red, White & Kaboom Celebration
Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup
Sunday, July 5, noon to 3 p.m.
Kim Archer live at Mercer Island Farmers Market
Mercer Island Farmers Market, Mercer Island
Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 p.m.
Kim Archer Band live at the Old Town Summer Concert Series
Old Town Park, Tacoma
