Is live music killing Sharkies?

[Bitteeinbit]

I'd say Sharky's is on the right track, mostly because they've actually actively rebranded themselves. It's just that the place used to have a few rough edges, which I liked. I could go sit there, eat some decent food, people-watch and occasionally listen to some unpretentious live music. Felt like a real bar in the way it was set up and operated. Now it's also really busy which makes me avoid it further (I hate crowds), though business is obviously going quite well.

Freebird is one bar I've always wondered about. I'm a regular patron there but I find them a bit perplexing. Who exactly is their target clientele now? They seem to want to be an Applebee's of sorts, fun for the whole family (and they say so). But then they also have this sort of "Military Mess" thing going on with all those badges and pictures up on the far wall. But it's too clean cut to be a mess and though you see Marines from the embassy now and then, it can't pretend to be that type of place. I mean you can't be both Applebee's and a Tavern-type mess. So one section has gallery-type pictures (towards the entrance) while the back has a whole bunch of military memorabilia. But I think they've been around long enough (and have a good location and good connections with the Embassy) that it doesn't really matter what they do, they can keep sailing on as it's a good bar overall.They've also done a good job at attracting western women (as Sharky's has recently) with specials as I would say women make up approximately 40-60% of the customers on any given night.

[cambod]

I feel they have changed tracks completely. Had fun there, so no complaints.

[cambod]

..., and freelancers still around...not like before but he'll, other venues for that.

ROCK ON!

Another plus. Better to have them in only a few venues around town, as opposed to spread out all the place. Less stops to make.

[migratory]

Hey I wish them all the success in the world, just level down on the 'I'm the shit' musician attitude, everyone knows you failed in your homeland before showing up around here. Nothing new though, b-musicians always excel in that dep. while the a-class mostly are pretty cool, apart from being hellish busy all the time.