The Common Space > February 2001

Paul's Monday Movie Nights
At Frederick's Music Lounge
4454 Chippewa
Each Monday, 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
No cover, no phone, 21-up only

Hello, this is Pee Wee If you drift in at the wrong moment, you might wonder where you are: a South City bar?, someone's basement rec room?, another planet? After all, regulars watching "Pee Wee's Playhouse" can be a pretty intimidating lot. Eyes focused on the telly. Ears perked for the next airing of the "word of the day," followed, of course, by a round of cheers and shouts. The only movement in the room is the nervous pacing of bartender Paul Stark and hands reaching into freshened bowls of popcorn.

The brilliant, sublime and surprisingly adult "Pee Wee" is the centerpiece of Paul's Monday Movie Nights at Frederick's Music Lounge, a club that's gaining steam as one of the must-hit places for those bored by the usual pub fare. And there's no night like Monday to sample the room, though it'd be nice if you didn't talk too loud, y'know?

After all, people are there to take in fine cinema and the great programs of modern comedic television, like "Police Squad," "The Young Ones" and "Monty Python's Flying Circus," all of which have graced the three Frederick's screens in past months.

The first film this month is the Ramones-fueled classic "Rock'n'Roll High School," which'll play on Monday, Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. Check the Fred's site for full details.

Keep your voice down and your hands outta my popcorn, and there's no problems, okay?

Geoff Kessell & the Kickbacks
Frederick's Music Lounge, 4454 Chippewa
Saturday, February 24; 21-up

He's no mild-mannered singer-songwriter when he plugs into the amps at Fred's. After all, this is a drinker's bar. He's gotta turn it up!

Geoff Kessell, out working his latest long-player, "Songs for a Caustic Guitar," is a songwriter who combines power-pop and moody folk rock, blending it with a wry and tart lyrical bent. His earlier work, propelled by the snappiest drum machines since Ultravox, can also be found on a sampler of his past cassettes, called "Musiac," a CD which highlights a half-dozen years of limited-released tapes, live cuts and assorted exclusive tracks.

Toying with the idea of putting together a backing band for a while now, Kessell may just be joined for a few tunes by the headlining Kickbacks on this evening.

For more info: www.geoffkessell.com.