Are you serious?! Best Underground Venue . . . if you're 15 years old or younger.

I recently went to the Blast-O-Mat to see my friend's son's Punk band. I had a hard time finding the location due to no visible sign or street number. It's near the NE corner of Federal Blvd. & 7th Ave - just E of the car wash.

For what it is, I was impressed. It's not a night club and does not serve alcohol. It's basically a metal garage turned into a jam room. The inside is relatively small but intimate. The Halloween decorations were still up and added to the atmosphere. Due to the metal structure, the acoustics are not ideal. I was glad that I brought ear plugs! You gotta give "management" credit for creating the venue.

Outside the jam room is a large open space for sitting and mingling. I was there on a clear crisp Fall night and the outdoor fireplace was awesome. It was kept stoked all night and provided warmth and a great location for conversation.

What I liked most about the venue was the kids. There were little to no pretenders or wannabees. They seemed to all be genuine. Despite the fact that I am twice the age of most of the kids and don't have any piercings, it didn't matter as conversations from music to politics came easy.

In today's get in the car and drive society, I thought it was cool that there were very few cars parked outside, yet many bicycles parked inside.

Go to the Blast-O-Mat with some friends and some beer and you'll have a good time!!