East siders already know that the Hi-Hat Lounge, 1701 N. Arlington Pl., at Brady St., is one of the hippest and most popular bars in town. Now the Hi-Hat is getting bigger and better, with the addition of the Hi-Hat Garage, which opened March 1.

The Hi-Hat Garage, which celebrates with a grand opening bash, Wed., March 7, will host private parties and banquets and showcase live music acts. A sneak peek at the space, at 1709 N. Arlington Pl., was offered at an invite-only event during the last week of February.

The music will consist of alternative rock bands, mainly from the local scene. However, on Sun., March 4, DJ Todd & Old Man Malcolm will work the wheels of steel from 9 p.m.

"We're going for the cream of the local bands," promised Hi-Hat co-owner Scott Johnson, noting that they are not trying to compete with The Rave, The Globe or other Milwaukee live music venues.

"It's not that there's a lack of good music venues in the city," he says. "We're just doing it for fun. The shows are, for the most part, going to be on Sunday nights. That's always been a good night for us. A lot of people work all weekend and like to go out on Sunday nights."

The Hi-Hat Garage, which holds about 100 people, hopes to attract the same crowd that frequents the Lounge, added Johnson. It's open Thursday-Sunday. There are tables for bigger groups inside of the Garage.

"We get a lot of college kids and young professionals," Johnson said. "The main difference will be that the Garage is more for hanging out with friends while the Lounge is more for taking a date."

To connect the Garage with the Lounge, a sort of vestibule is being built so people can roam back and forth, Johnson said. For more information, call the Garage at (414) 220-8090.