Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Slim's

We went in search of rock and roll, and found it last night at Slims.  BRMC was so good I am tempted to go see them again this evening.  You should go see them too.  Tickets are still available for tonight.



I have not been to Slim's since the ABC started their campaign to drive the club out of business, so it was kind of poignant to be at a sold-out, all ages show there.  I have recently been idly speculating that the ABC's vindictive campaign against all ages clubs in San Francisco may be directly tied to the DNA Lounge opting to challenge the ABC ruling against their all-ages liquor license.  The timing is about right.  If that is what actually happened, then this is inappropriate abuse of power by a state agency.

Here's something fun you can do.  As a state agency, the ABC has an online "customer service evaluation form" online.  Why not take a few moments of your day to fill out this online form and let the ABC know how *you* feel about their recent efforts to kill nightlife in San Francisco.  This is re-purposing their mandatory response form for our own purposes, but never for a moment forget that the ABC works for you.  All government agencies do.

Refraining from Mixology, but yes, its related

I am not as wound up about the arbitrary ABC campaign against rectification, as it is not quite the same thing as contemplating the loss of successful and venerated live venues to short-sighted, byzantine bureaucracy. I am glad it is getting so much press, and as I said, I am really curious what Alice Waters thinks about it all.

I have refrained from writing for a bit, but I simply have to share a great commentary written by Ben Van Houten for thebaybridged.com.  Five Ways to Think About the Crackdown on SF Venues.

He sums it up beautifully in my opinion, and I too wonder where the Convention and Visitors Bureau is on this issue.  Surely they must understand that tourists from near and far spend money at San Francisco's wonderful live venues.

This is a big music week for me, what with BRMC at Slim's and the Japonize Elephants and the Bottom of the Hill.  I'll try to get a picture or two and perhaps see what mischief the SFPD is up to with those two great clubs.