New In The Square: Fenix Underground

NEW YEAR, NEW CLUBS: The folks at Pioneer Square's Fenix Cafe have taken over the former Hollywood Underground and last night officially reopened the venue as The Fenix Underground. The Duffy Bishop Band was the inaugural act, and plays again tomorrow night. The club is closed tonight for recovery.

Not only have cafe owners Mike Galloway, Rick Wyatt and Mike Lagervall taken over a new property, they're taking on a new partner: actor John Corbett - Chris the DJ on "Northern Exposure."

It's been rumored for some time that Corbett was planning to open a self-named downtown club. The truth is that Corbett and the Fenix family were looking together. They found a suitable property, but the deal fell through. Galloway said there's a "Corbett's Bar & Grill" in the future, but meanwhile, Corbett will be an Underground fixture.

"He's been hanging around since we opened the cafe," said Wyatt at a pre-opening bash. "He used to help me wash beer glasses when it got real busy."

Calling from Los Angeles earlier this week, Corbett had nothing but praise for his Fenix friends. "They've treated me right from the first time I walked in. I just felt good around 'em. I'm really looking forward to the new year, being part of the Seattle business community, and the other things I do, too."

Galloway said Corbett's pending partnership had been kept quiet, but when the actor appeared on the "Tonight Show" recently, he let his involvement in Seattle's town square club scene out of the bag. "But," added Galloway, "we certainly don't mind the attention we've been getting."

The old Hollywood Underground has been very nicely cleaned up, repainted and refurbished. There's a new bar, a new dance floor, mirrors you can actually see yourself in, artwork and ceiling neon. There's even carpeting - almost unheard of in a beer-and-wine joint. The partners plan to expand the kitchen and go Class H (full liquor).

As for music, Galloway said it'll be a mix: Duffy, Tiny Hat Orchestra, The Rattled Roosters, Andy O, and the Cardiff Reefers are some of the weekend acts booked. On Wednesdays, airwaver Kris Walton and The End will be hosting more alternative acts. Next Wednesday The Squirrels and Running with Scissors will play.

"I think the Fenix Underground is just gonna be a fun place for people to go to," enthused Corbett. "We're gonna have fun, fun, fun, ah, 'til our daddies take our T-Birds away. Yeah."

PIONEER SQUARE PIONEERS Mike and Donna Downing - they owned The Central Tavern during its alternative-music heyday - have gone south and opened The Central Clubhouse in Milton, the little drive-by hamlet just north of Tacoma off I-5. The club, at 2608 Milton Way - the main drag - kicked off Dec. 18, and according to Donna Downing, the response has been very good.

"The music is doing fine and we're getting along with the neighbors. There just really isn't anything else like this in Milton, and, you know, the people here don't like driving into Seattle."

Mojo Hand, Velvet Rain and Blowin' Smoke play tonight; Jolly Ranchers, Fitz of Depression and Delilah play tomorrow. Shows are at 9:30 p.m., $5 at the door. And Jan. 20, Mojo Nixon, who once played the old Central, comes to the new Clubhouse. Downing says it'll be "Mojo does Milton."

UP NORTH: Allen Hematt, of the Flamingo in Lynnwood and Everett's Casbah, is turning the Everett Masonic Temple on Everett Avenue into the Club Broadway, an entertainment multiplex that will feature four restaurants, a sports bar and lots of live and varied entertainment. The club is looking for a possible opening around the 11th, although as with all major renovations, there are myriad building codes to be met. The official announcement is expected soon.

YOU READ ABOUT IT ON PAGE 3: Under the Rail is finally under way. The long-awaited 900-plus capacity club at Fifth and Battery features Los Lobos with Little Women tonight. Richard Thompson appears the 16th.