Iguana Cantina Has Closed, But `House Party' Lives At Tropix Cafe

KUBE-FM's "House Party" was one of the Iguana Cantina's most popular weekly events. Now that the troubled Pier 70 club has closed its doors for good, many are wondering what will become of the happenin' R&B dance night.

Well, the Iguana is finished, but the "House Party" isn't. It moves this week to Sunday nights at the equally equatorial-flavored Tropix Cafe Beach Club & Sports Bar, at 332 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle.

"We're not slowing down," said Tony B, who handles music promotions at KUBE. "The R&B night will definitely continue." The event will, however, see some changes.

"The music will be more in keeping with what we're playing at the station and less underground. We're looking for more diversification."

The new R&B night will be hosted by KUBE's "Hot Mix" DJ Marvin, with appearances by the station's Bobby O, Trai Free and Tony B himself.

This weekend's dance night will feature several live performances. Platinum recording artists MOKENSTEF headlines the show, which also includes the Main Attraction, long one of Seattle's most vibrant a cappella singing groups. Also scheduled to play are up-and-coming performers Baby C, Francci, Aneel, Tony O and Dionna Long, former vocalist for the ubiquitous Seattle cover band Hit Explosion.

"We think there'll be something for everyone, new school and old school," said Tony B. Proceeds from Sunday's dance night will benefit the John Stanford Book Fund, he said.

The party gets rolling at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 before 9:30 p.m. and $10 after. For more information, call the Tropix at 206-448-5957.

-- Home Alive, the nonprofit self-defense organization that came about after the killing of Seattle singer Mia Zapata five years ago, continues to fight the good fight, even when it hasn't been easy. The group offers classes on self-defense and safety awareness, and released a double-compilation CD featuring local and national alternative acts. Despite the record and other fund-raisers, the cash-poor organization was scheduled to lose its offices at the end of March.

Fortunately, contributions from concerned citizens and the local music scene helped keep the organization afloat.

Tonight there's another Home Alive benefit at the Showbox, and it promises to be a good one. Candlebox, a band that hasn't been heard from lately but is always there for a good cause, headlines the show. Also on the bill are the bouncy Green Apple Quickstep, mod rockers Servena Park and the more roots-oriented Muscadine. Tickets are $12, through TicketMaster or the Showbox. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.; you must be 21 or older to attend.

-- And from the diversity capital of the world - that would be Fremont - the Triangle Tavern reopened last week after being closed several months for major remodeling. It now has a full liquor license, and because the rest of the establishment operates as a restaurant, you can bring the kids. There are no plans for music entertainment now, but, hey, this is Fremont. The locals provide all the entertainment you need.

-- Parker's on Aurora Avenue will again host the local television stations' version of "Battle of the Bands." Employee bands from KOMO, KING, KIRO, KTZZ and KCPQ are expected to participate. Tickets are $5 at the door; the contest gets under way at 6 p.m. tonight. See your favorite weather man whip it!

Tom Phalen is a Seattle free-lance writer. His Ace of Clubs column appears every week in Ticket. Send club information to Clubs, c/o Ticket, The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111: or fax to 206-464-2239. You must include price and starting times to be considered for inclusion. Information must be received in writing 10 days before publication.