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Recently a couple new venues have emerged in the music scene in Little Rock.  Along with the tried and true venues that we know and love, Union and The Town Pump have entered the arena.  They've been booking shows now since fall of last year, but are now just coming to the attention of people in town.  It's not a competition at all, hell I'm just happy to see some new places open and furthering awesome music.  I chose the image because I think of Union as having class, and Town Pump as a grittier character, but both have similar qualities.  Even if it was a battle to see who would win, I couldn't decide because I like both places equally well.

I'll start with Union.  It's not your typical venue.  Union is a tapas bar at the bottom of Cantrell Road right behind The Red Door.  It boasts some of the best tapas in town, and to this date I've only had the hummus, but it was amazing! 

However, on to the shows.  Mike Poe, seasoned Little Rock scene veteran, is booking shows down there.  To this date, all shows have been free, which is certainly an appealing factor to them.  He's booked all types of genres so far, from crazy electronic/DJ duo Rural War Room, to the beautiful indie musical styling of The Blue Hit.  He's also booked hard hitting rock guys, Josh & The Devil Sinners.  So, there is definitely not a preference to one type of music to another.  In fact, he's encouraging bands to play there. 

The venue itself is pretty airy.  It offers a smoking environment after 9pm and has superb ventilation.  I could barely tell it was a smoking venue when I was there which was pleasantly nice.  There are tables to sit at and room to dance, so I suggest everyone go there at least once.  Shows usually run from 10-1 and drinks & tapas are aplenty. 

The Town Pump has come under new management and offers a bit more of a bar setting for shows.  Think White Water but a little less worn in & dirty.  They've been booking shows left and right it seems, and I'm glad there is another venue to see music in town.

I've been to several shows down there and my only complaint is the set up of the bar versus the venue itself.  The bar is ill placed as soon as you walk in, constricting the flow of traffic down to a narrow trickle between the game side and the music side.  They offer shuffleboard, pool, and foozball on one side of the bar, and the stage is on the other side.  Besides that one thing, it's a great place.  It offers drink specials every night, karaoke on Tuesdays, and great vittles until, I believe, 1am. 

They've booked the likes of local acts Frown Pow'r, Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth, and several out of band towns now.  I look forward to seeing what else they book in the future.  They offer a smokers' patio, and a down home cozy feeling. 

I wish both of these venues much luck in the coming future, and can't wait to see if they catch on a bit more with the masses in Little Rock.  Until then, happy show going!


(Photos belong to Warner Bros. & Paramount Pictures respectively)