I was an ancient 18 years old when I went to Ground Zero for the first time. My friend Dan and I drove out to the Eastside to see Home Grown play an early show, but we arrived late, pretty much missing their whole set. After the show, though, a small group of kids gathered in the back room as Adam Lohrbach, lead singer of Home Grown, got his nipple pierced by a fan. I'll never forget that evening: It was hilarious to watch Adam's face during the whole ordeal, and oh how I wish I had my camera.

Anyone who has been involved in the local all-ages music community for years has a favorite Ground Zero memory (and Old Fire House, RKCNDY, Paradox, and Velvet Elvis memories). The club/teen center has been around for nine years.

Back in 1994, GZ held its very first show with the Plan (who are now members of Mayday), Appleseed (who now have members in Pretty Girls Make Graves), and the Wayouts. In the nine years since, everyone from Modest Mouse and Elliott Smith to Sunny Day Real Estate and Harvey Danger have played at the venue.

Now to celebrate the years of music (and more), GZ is throwing an all-day party. At 2 pm, Lands Farther East, Rocky Votolato, and Seldom play a matinee show. And later that night, at 8 pm, the punk show begins with the Social Scene, Mayday, August Spies, the HollowPoints, and my favorite local pop-punk trio, Sicko!

Chances are, no one will be getting pierced in the back room this time around, but you really never do know.

And if you're looking to do something special for Valentine's Day, the Downtown YMCA's Fusion Cafe is hosting a special V-Day show showcasing solo performers from fabulous local bands like Asahi, Vermilion, Yeek Yak Air Force, the New Avenues, and Luna Park. The evening also has games, valentine-making, candy, and a bunch of other love-filled festivities (worry not, singles, you don't need a date). Tickets are $5 (proceeds go toward the Cafe's purchase of a new stage), and the show starts at 7 pm.

But if you're in a less cutesey-wutesey mood and really just want to rock, Ballard's Brick House (at Golden Gardens park) is hosting an "Anti-Valentine's Day Bash" with All She Wrote, Kane Hodder, Pistol for a Paycheck, and School Yard Heroes. You can pay the $4 admission or bring a can of food to donate and pay only $2. The show starts promptly at 6:30 pm.

Happy Birthday to Ground Zero, and Happy Valentine's Day to the rest of ya. (And for the record, I love daisies... and anything chocolate.) MEGAN SELING