Alternative Club Features All-Ages Rock

A new alternative-rock club, dubbed 8 1/2 after the Fellini film, is opening tonight on the site of Goodies, the heavy-metal pay-to-play palace that went out of business last year.

John Pantle, the new club’s promoter and manager, said it will feature all-ages rock shows every Thursday, beginning with tonight’s concert at 8 headlined by Orange County punk veterans Youth Brigade. Guttermouth and Face to Face open.

The 375-capacity club will serve alcohol-free “smart drinks” for now, but Pantle said prospects for expanded bookings and long-range success depend on its ability to acquire a beer and wine license. Without that, he said, “it’s an uphill battle that I don’t think is even worth fighting.”

In addition to the weekly live shows, 8 1/2 will offer Friday and Saturday night techno-rave parties with recorded music. It also plans a Sunday afternoon concert series featuring grass-roots local bands, starting July 25.

The schedule of Thursday night headliners includes: The Dickies, July 8; SNFU, July 15; the Muffs, July 22; Shelter, July 29; Jump With Joey, Aug. 5; and Firehose, Aug. 12. Information: (714) 323-8683.

Pantle, a 21-year-old Anaheim resident, said he previously worked as an intern for Goldenvoice Presents and promoted his own series of all-ages concerts at the Quality Hotel and Inn at the Park in Anaheim.