I'd like to see more shows being booked at the Underground Events Center in Belltown. After going there Friday night for the Noise for the Needy benefit show with the Whore Moans, Speaker Speaker, Wallpaper, and the Greatest Hits, I am convinced that this could be one of my favorite clubs in the entire city, if it were to, you know, become a regularly functioning club.

I had only been there once before for a Punk Rock Flea Market, and it was hard to see its greatness when it was full of tables covered in cute felt animals and handmade buttons and such. But the space is awesome in the same way that those rock clubs in ’80s teen-angst movies are awesome; it's the kind of club you'd see in Valley Girl or Pretty in Pink. It's dimly lit, with graffiti covering the walls. One wall is lined with dirty mirrors and high, bouncy, white vinyl booth seats that are fun to sit on between bands, and another wall has a small counter area near the stage where the bands can sell merch.

The bar is pretty big and in the center of the room, separating the showroom from the "lobby," so you don't have to miss any of the show when you're grabbing another drink. And in the lobby area, there are at least a dozen tables and chairs (and room for a DJ booth, should you require one) for hanging out between sets. Even with the bar taking up a big chunk of space, there's still room to walk around it on both sides, so it's never difficult to get from one room to another.

And just look at how much fun can be had there!

All it needs now is a good booker and a better name. "The Underground Events Center" just won't do.

(All photos courtesy Andy Pixel for Noise for the Needy.)