Club Amp   

131 Taylor Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-448-0888

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Over the years, this blob-shaped, windowless building next to the Seattle Center has occasionally changed names (DV8, Skoochie's), but has always been a safe place to dance for Seattle teenagers. Now the re-christened Club Amp opens its doors every weekend and hundreds of hormone-fueled kids rush onto the 1,500-square-foot dance floor, much as they have done for the previous two decades. The difference: Instead of new wave or disco, this crowd rocks to deep house and funk (but no straight hip-hop). Club Amp offers a taste of real adult club attitude for kids without fake I.D.; folks must dress to impress if they want to get past the front door. The ubiquitous security presence ensures no bad behavior will bust up the party, and a juice bar gives patrons a selection of thirst quenchers. National touring bands in need of a good underage venue will occasionally stop in for a show -- the Chemical Brothers, Foo Fighters and Tricky have all graced the stage. Still, it's mostly about teenage dancing at Club Amp... and looking good while doing it. So strike a pose. -- P. Porter