West Seattle's Joe Mailloux may be his "real" name, but he is known by many in the local music scene as "Joe Motor". He and son Brian, 37, own Club Motor, 1950 S. 1st Ave., just south of Safeco Field. They have their hands full considering the club has over 6,000 square feet, 9,000 if you include the office and extra spaces, and has a 50-foot bar. They began renting the massive location four years ago, and opened for business one and a half years later.

"We're still the new kid on the block, even at two and a half years," said Joe, with his dog, Harley, a catahoula, gently by his side.

"It's not always easy working with family, but we're getting to do stuff together that a father and son don't always get to do- have a big old rock and roll bar," Joe said. He proudly described what makes Club Motor unique.

"It's like a garage with bar stools, kind of 'wearhousy', kind of rustic. It feels like you're walking into an old roadhouse in Texas. It's big and kind of dirty. It's rock and roll."

Joe moved to West Seattle from Yakima when he was 21, in 1977. He has lived near Alki Lumber for 20 years. Joe has kept his day job as owner of Drywall Wizards, while Brian has his own drywall business, Seattle Mudworx.

"This is pretty much a full time job (at the club) plus drywall full time," said Joe. "I'm kind of a workaholic. I'm at the club four nights a week for eight hours each night. If I get out of town at all I go camping."

One might say Joe owns the stage, as he sings and plays guitar at Club Motor, too.

"I play 50's, 60's, 70's covers, some originals," he said. "I'm putting a band together called 'Supergirl'.

"Our club features mostly local bands. A lot of people who come in to see the bands are musicians, too. We get some touring (bands) playing here, but we're definitely showcasing a lot of local talent."

Club Motor has hosted the Seattle Invitationals for Elvis impersonators three years in a row. The last was actually on His birthday, Jan. 8. Every third Thursday night they host Burning Hearts Burlesque's "Bad MOTOR Booty" show.

According to Club Motor's website, the bar is separated from the all-ages area by a four-foot pony wall and chicken wire; giving the bar a full view of main stage. An optional water bar with energy drinks, soda, juice and water can be opened for larger events located at the far end of the all-ages area near the bathrooms with a coat check. Chicken and burgers are on their menu.

For Hours and calendar of bands, check out: www.clubmotorseattle.com