Holy wowza! Have I got some great news for you!

Ground Zero, that fabulous all-ages venue in Bellevue, is finally and completely reopening, after closing waaaay back in January for a remodel. And while the venue may have been very quiet for the past seven or so months, director Amy Mahardy and assistant director Christian Schmitt have been working as hard as ever planning wonderful things for the future. Lucky for us, the future is now.

During the down time, the two have been applying for (and getting) grants from various and deep pockets. The extra money has allowed Ground Zero to expand into something even better than before.

They've just installed 10 new PCs, along with a DSL connection, turning GZ's basement into a free computer lab. They've also purchased amps, guitars, outboard/recording gear, basically the whole shebang needed to turn the other half of the basement into a recording studio. And while I'm not the most literate person when talking about fancy-schmancy recording equipment, Christian says they're in the process of setting up a Mac T-4 and digital ProTools. I think that's a good thing.

Another good thing is the calendar of upcoming events. On Friday, Aug 23, GZ hosts Punk vs. Hiphop, where Schoolyard Heroes and Youth at Risk face off with Hoptown Production's DJs (like Redheadone, D20, and Feat-One). This show is a benefit to raise money for a half-pipe GZ hopes to build in the very near future.

And on September 20, kind of far away, but still exciting, is the all-day hiphop festival with Oldominion and Unexpected Arrival. Not only will the day boast great hiphop, but it'll feature the first installment of what will be a weekly graffiti class.

Also in September is the kickoff for the five-part DIY workshop, where new artists and musicians will learn everything they need to know about "the business." Local know-it-alls, including Kate Becker and Lori LeFavor (two kick-ass women who do tons for the all-ages scene), will get together and talk about everything from recording a demo to booking one's own tour.

Besides that, GZ will bring local and out-of-town bands to its stage every Friday and Saturday night for as little as five bucks a pop. Oh, Ground Zero, how we've missed you. And how happy we are that you're 100 percent back.

megan@thestranger.com