i lived a block away from small’s for two years. it’s one of those places that has a lot of potential but seems to be run by total jackasses. the owners couldn’t determine whether they wanted to run a bar, venue, or both — so they’d often switch between charging cover at the door proper and the venue door. the sound system IS great, though the (past?) sound guys seemed fond of all bass/drums and burying guitar/vocals/keyboards. i’ve also heard a lot of stories about shadiness and bands not getting paid, though i know they’ve changed management a number of times.

the neighborhood wasn’t too bad while i was there, though it sounds like it has been going downhill as of late. have heard about a couple of shootings and the house i used to live in was recently robbed… not fun.