Don't forget - the best fresh horchata in town is there! Our family looks forward all week to our ride to the market- where we collect fresh fruit, bread or tamales (from the horchata vendor), horchata, and Dave Pops- spread out under the trees and enjoy the surroundings.

I only attended Venue once- it might have been Empire- hence my point about needing improvement if the next project is to be successful/desirable (to me and apparently others). I don't know about lack of promotion- for me it was actually a case of not having an enjoyable atmosphere (too few stellar shows, the aforementioned sound, and the 'club'-ness of it) that led to me not looking for their name on the social calendars anymore. I feel like they were pretty out there, though. Of course, walking is the obvious option- but I'm sure there are plenty of folks coming from off the grid. We usually ride our bikes to Shady Lady and Magpie, and whatever else happens to be of interest in Mid/Downtown- for big events and on weekends. Because it's enjoyable, and because it's built into city living that parking can be a drag. Sometimes we take a bus out and a cab back, or catch a ride home with friends. Or we just pay the parking or park far away- whatever. So many options- so many ways to have a good time in town and not be bummed out by parking, which- even though your thoughts were on who is making the money on the lot, Markes- seems to be the most popular beef of the thread. (Everyone seems to be of the same mind concerning the club, though!) Has there been Sac Press article on parking in the city yet? Maybe there should be. Who makes the money? Are free lots better for keeping parking open on the streets for residents? Etc....

My only hope is that if it carries on as a music venue, they consult with someone who knows their way around sound. It baffles the mind that it was built specifically for shows, but had the sound sophistication of a furnished warehouse. That said- I completely agree with Dane above, and would love to see the continuation of a nice mid level venue to keep our music scene alive and well. As far as the parking tangent goes- has anyone considered taking the bus (drink yourself silly!) or your bike (easiest parking ever! night wind in your hair!)? Parking costs- you pay for the convenience of a space close to your destination. Finding free parking is a lucky happenstance- in any city, 'world class', 'real', or otherwise.