After Three Years, Moe's Still Rockin'

Hard to believe it, but Wednesday marks the third anniversary of the opening of Moe's Mo' Roc' N Cafe on Pike Street on Capitol Hill. Ah, what a night that was.

In the years since, some very recognizable names have favored the joint. "Anybody who's anybody has crossed this threshold," says Graham Graham, the man responsible for the club's interior design. "In fact, I think the threshold is gone, it just plain wore out."

Neil Young and Pearl Jam played one night. Trent Reznor has dropped by. The movie "Mad Love" with Drew Barrymore and featuring 7 Year Bitch was partially shot there. For a while, Moe's seemed to be THE place for Brit bands to break. Oasis, Bush, Portishead and Elastica all made their Seattle debuts at the club. Jason Finn of the Presidents of the United States of America was once the club's booker, and the President's first gold record (which the band members personally spray-painted) is nailed to one of the basement walls. When No Doubt first played in November '95, the band had five pre-sold tickets. By March '96, when the band returned, it had three hit singles.

Michelle Shocked, The Wallflowers, Flaming Lips and Stereolab have also all brought their individual contributions to the Moe stew.

Jerry Everard, who (along with Eric Shirley, Paul Norris and Laura Pasik) owns the club, says Moe's will be re-moe-dled soon.

"We're concentrating on the cafe, bringing in a new chef (Katherine Lister) and expanding the menu. A lot of the new items will be available for the anniversary party."

Playing Wednesday night will be Super Deluxe, MXPX and Subminute Radio. There's no telling who else might drop by. Moe's is also working on a live simulcast with KNDD-FM, and a hookup with the cyber service Imusic. One way or another, everybody will get a chance to attend.

Tonight, Moe's is hosting a benefit for filmmaker Tamara Paris, who worked with John Keister on the acclaimed local film, "That Night." She's seeking funds to finish a new short she's directing titled "It's Only Temporary," about working as a temp. Providing the music tonight will be Ken Stringfellow (Posies), Gus, Joe Bass and Just Tiger.

TCHKUNG! will be ripping it out tomorrow night at RKCNDY with the Bali Girls. The RK, incidentally, was the scene of a major, monstrous, moshing, mow-ya-down blowout last Friday with Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, skeletones and Allegro. The Ace believes he picked up a microbe or two there, leaving him bedridden and voiceless the rest of the weekend. So always remember these words of wisdom: "When you get done using a nightclub, always wash your hands with lots of soap and hot water."

Saturday the RK hosts a benefit for "Real Change" with Muzzle, 764-HERO and guests.

-- Jim Page, world-busking folk singer who's been a familiar face in these parts for decades, tonight does a CD release party at The Tractor for his latest album, "Whose World is This." He'll be joined by Sam Weis and Laura Furlong. Folk singer Fred Eaglesmith plays The Tractor Sunday.

-- The Rugburns return to The Crocodile tomorrow with Zumpano and Scribble. The 'burns are genuinely twisted, but in a good way.

Send club information to Clubs, c/o Tempo, Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle WA 98111; or fax to 464-2239.