In recent weeks it has become apparent how much this city continues to support and love all-ages music. In addition to the old favorites that have booked kid-friendly shows for years, a number of brand-new venues are opening their doors to youngsters--including newbies like Double Trouble, the Milk Bar, and the Northgate Theater.
On September 30, I swung by Double Trouble to catch the highly recommended Ana Oxygen show (Tracy + the Plastics, unfortunately, canceled). The adorable lo-fi techno-pop crowd-pleaser led her two backup aerobic dancers in an impressive "left, right, work those hips!" routine as electronicized pop blasted from a makeshift sound system. The animated crowd did their best to keep up with Ana and her dancers. Mesmerized by the spectacle, I completely forgot that this display was happening in the middle of a used-clothing store.
Double Trouble hosts a couple shows a month, and while the schedule is kind of irregular, you can always drop by (it's right next to Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen on Pine) or call 323-7451 to get an update.
Like the friendly folks at Double Trouble, Burke Thomas is making extra-good use of an already functioning space, Secluded Alley Works (an art gallery on First Hill).
The Milk Bar's premiere was on September 27th, and future shows will take place on the last two weekends of each month (the next one falls on October 19). Each show will start at 6:00 p.m., cost seven bucks, and feature six local bands. You can find a complete schedule and directions at http://milkbar.prispop.com.
The last of the new kids is the Northgate Theater, which held its first show on Saturday, Oct 5. (This is the very same old one-screen movie theater nestled next to the eyesore called Northgate Mall.) The almost-2,400-capacity venue will finally give Seattle a place to house those bands that are too big for Graceland or the Showbox, but too small for KeyArena. All shows will be all-ages (though there is a bar for the 21-and-over crowd). Both Gwar and Dashboard Confessional are scheduled to play later this month.
And don't forget! The Vera Project is throwing the grand opening party for their new venue (at 1916 Fourth Avenue) on Friday, Oct 11, with the Catheters, Fitz of Depression, and Akimbo. Yet another wonderful place for all-ages music. MEGAN SELING
