Music

Underage

by Megan Seling

I can't quite remember what I did for my 10th birthday. I'm thinking that was the year of my infamous New Kids on the Block party, where everything (and I do mean everything) was NKOTB-related one way or another. My friends and I even staged a New Kids concert in my backyard (I, of course, played the part of Joey Joe McIntyre). Oh my poor parents.

But Ground Zero has much better taste in music at its young age, because this weekend the Bellevue teen center is celebrating its big 1-0, and there isn't a single NKOTB party favor in sight.

As far as Northwest all-ages venues go, only Redmond's Old Fire House has been around longer than GZ (the Fire House celebrated its 10th anniversary in September of 2002), so obviously a huge party is in order.

"For the anniversary shows, we are trying to bring together some of the best performers that have been featured at Ground Zero over the years," says Seth Dostart, the new programming director at GZ. "We wanted to bring more of an eclectic lineup to the table."

So Ground Zero will celebrate its decade of successful all-ages action for two nights. On Friday the 20th, Surrounded by Lions, Gods Among Men, Namesake for Noise, and Amy Mahardy play. Then Saturday night, Eli Kay, Chloe, Monstrawtikuss Frankenstienikuss, Ancille, and--you ready for this?--the Catheters (!) close out the weekend of birthday celebrations. Rarely do we have the chance to see that band in such a small space anymore, so I'm sure the place will be packed and steaming with bodies. (Both shows start at 7 pm and they're only six bucks.)

Chances are you're already familiar with the Catheters, who I'm sure will finish off the event by tearing the place apart per usual, but some of the other bands might be new to you, so here's a crash course of what I know (which admittedly isn't a whole lot in this case). Surrounded by Lions' emotionally driven rock may not sound too original, but I have to say they do deliver the goods live (MP3s are available on their website, www.surroundedbylions.com). Gods Among Men are more screamy and experimental, taking the hardcore genre and infusing it with lots of extra noise, creating a sound that's more complex and interesting.

Judging by the MP3 posted on their website (www.ancille.com), Bellingham's Ancille play an impressive mix of some of my favorite D.C. bands--I heard a bit of the Dismemberment Plan mixed in there, as well as some Fugazi moments. How have I never heard of this group until now?

The whole thing sounds like a great cause for celebration, so I'll just wish Ground Zero happy birthday and say thanks for "Hangin' Tough" through a decade of all-ages action. You got the right stuff, baby. (Get it? See the New Kids references? Ha, ha, ha... sorry.)

For All Ages Action listings, see page 47.

megan@thestranger.com

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