Hey guys, remember the Paradox Theatre? That old venue on the Ave that used to do all-ages shows? Yeah, I remember it too. Sadly, it closed down in February, but even without a permanent venue, the P-Dox crew have been hard at work hosting a plethora of all-ages shows at various venues around the city, including Studio Seven and 2nd Avenue Pizza.

They've been kind of quiet as of late, putting on fewer and fewer shows, and me being my worrisome self, I had to check in and make sure they weren't losing steam and slowly starting to die out (perish the thought!). And boy did I find out some juicy gossip! Well, okay, it's not really gossip, but it's good news. They're getting a new venue!

It's being built on the side of Mars Hill Church (the big blue warehousey-looking building right off the Ballard Bridge in Ballard), and the 5,000-square-foot venue will hopefully be ready for constant rock action in late January/early February (they're just waiting on a couple of permits before finishing construction). Bubba Jennings, co-founder of the Paradox, walked me through the space (which, right now, is still a bunch of concrete, steel beams, and unfinished plaster walls) and when finished, it's going to be pretty amazing.

The main showroom has about the same dimensions as the old Paradox Theatre, except it's a little narrower (and without the seats). They'll be using the same sound system as before, but it's been updated with a few recent additions. And Tooth & Nail Records has donated its old light rig, so gone are the days of only a few dim red and blue lights.

Behind the stage is a "lounge" area, and they're even including a kitchen to allow for small concessions and espresso and stuff. The good news for touring bands who will someday play the space is that the bathroom will also have showers, so they don't have to stew in their own sweat after the show.

"Obviously, it's a totally different vibe in here, compared to the old venue," said Jennings. "This space isn't a historic movie theater, but as far as quality is concerned, it will be much better."

In the meantime, the Paradox has two shows this weekend. On Friday, November 21, at 2nd Avenue Pizza, you've got Exempli Gratia, 5 Good Reasons, Life in Braille, and Fall of Troy at 8 pm for $5 (go). Then Saturday night, November 22, Dolour, Vertibird, the Sheets, the Nervous Return, and Life in Braille play in Mars Hill's lobby at 8 pm for $8.

Vertibird, in case you aren't familiar, are a delicious-sounding pop dripping with sugary hooks and rock 'n' roll beats. Think Superchunk, think Pinkerton with less angst. Think good. MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com