This June, The Sunset Tavern, the eclectic Ballard Avenue venue that boasts "the cleanest bathrooms in rock 'n' roll," hits the 10-year mark after thousands of shows and millions of drinks.

Sunset booker Mike Jaworski, who has worked various jobs at the club for seven years and played it about 30 times, said celebrating The Sunset's 10th anniversary is extremely special to everyone involved with the club.

It has a close-knit staff who truly love and believe in it, he said.

"It's a pretty big accomplishment to have survived as a successful music venue for 10 years, especially in today's rough economy," Jaworski said. "We couldn't have done it without a great staff and so many talented artists who have performed here over the years."

Since it opened at 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W. in June 2000, The Sunset has hosted bands that range from legends to up-start locals. Bands that have graced The Sunset's stage include The Fleet Foxes, Camper Van Beethoven, Green River, The Presidents of the United States of America, The Young Fresh Fellows, Of Montreal and Monotonix (who culminated their Sunday afternoon show by leading the crowd onto the streets and scaling the Ballard Avenue street sign).

Jaworski said The Sunset is the most diverse venue in Ballard. In addition to covering all genres of music the club also hosts films and comedy.

He said The Sunset has a great vibe, great sound and is always a good time.

"There are so many amazing venues in this city and country, many with more bells and whistles than The Sunset," he said. "However, this place just feels special."

Like legendary New York club CBGB, The Sunset just feels like a rock 'n' roll venue, Jaworski said. He said newer spots lack character.

"Just because we don't have newly stained wood work and extra-fancy booths, doesn't take away from the beauty of the venue," he said. "It needs to be the kind of place where it's OK if you spill a beer."

Ryan Ellis works at both The Sunset Tavern and the Tractor Tavern a few blocks down Ballard Avenue. He said he considers The Sunset and The Tractor as not only two of the best clubs in Seattle but in the country.

The two clubs work together to foster local music, Ellis said.

"It's great to see a band for the first time at The Sunset, watch them grow for a bit, then move up to the Tractor and be around long enough to sell out the place," he said.

Jaworski said he believes The Sunset, and venues like it, are culturally important pieces of any community.

"I think the show-goers of Seattle and Ballard appreciate us as a venue," he said. "We have great shows, and we're nice people."

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, The Sunset is holding a four-day celebration, June 24 to June 27, featuring performances from Red Fang, The Cops, The Catheters, Jason Dodson of The Maldives, Kinski, The Tripwires and more.

The Benevolent Fez and Mask Society will be holding a charity raffle each day to raise money for the Ballard Food Bank and the Ryther Child Center.

The Sunset's 10th Anniversary Schedule:

Thursday, June 24:
Jason Dodson (of The Maldives)
Drew Victor
Tomo Nakayama (of Grand Hallway)
Kaylee Cole
DJ Kevin Large
$10/$8 with a nonperishable food donation to the Ballard Food Bank.
Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m.

Friday, June 25:
The Cops
The Catheters
The Tripwires
The Basements
DJ Danger Nun
$12/$10 with a nonperishable food donation to the Ballard Food Bank.
Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m.
 
Saturday, June 26:
Red Fang
Kinski
Virgin Islands
Eugene Wendell and The Demon Rind
$12/$10 with a nonperishable food donation to the Ballard Food Bank.
Doors at 9 p.m. Show at 9:30 p.m.
 
Sunday, June 27:
Sunday Bloody Sunset Anniversary Party
Atomic Bride
Hearseburner
Omega Moo
$5
Doors at 4 p.m. Show at 5 p.m.