Those security guards need to go.
 

I've heard a lot of people having problems with the drink prices (it's not sunset strip, so don't charge like it is, otherwise people might as well no go out of their way to freakin' highland park), as well as the $20 minimum for running a card at the bar, especially because it's super likely that if you open a tab, you're gonna end up with someone else's drinks on there anyway. This one big problem that I've been made aware of.
 

I just left Mr. T's like 20 minutes ago. (Missed the Nathan memorial. :-( ) I have great memories there and continue to patronize the place. Shit.... Manny the bartender was even in a fucking happy mood which is rare to me considering that he's always missing me at the bar when I'm flagging him down for drinks.

I don't want this place to go anywhere. I grew up in Highland Park and my first bowling experience was at Mr. T's. 9 years later, I still keep coming and will keep coming here. Please don't sell it. I heard through the grapevine that it's up for sale. Please don't let that happen. Please don't let them turn it to the new "York" or "Johnnies or "Marty's". Please stay true to the music scene. It was your place where I got to see Green Jello. Don't take that away from me.... please!?
 

There is always Alex's - I'm not gonna be heartbroken. if they want to be pricks fuck them.
 

Hello,

I have become increasingly disappointed with Mr. T's as well. I grew up in Highland Park so I've been frequenting the Bowl for many years.
The main reason I have stopped going there so often is very simple- $6-7 dollars for well drinks.
Now, of course I do not expect a return to the good old days of $3 wells, but $7 (despite how trendy/expensive Highland Park has become) is simply too much. Many bars in the neighborhood and even in Silver Lake have substantially better deals on drinks. In the past I would spent $20 (this would get me at least 4 drinks) on an average night at Mr T's, now I spend $7 (one drink) listen to few songs and go somewhere else to drink. Mr T's used to be a weekly affair for me now I rarely go more than once every couple of months. This it true for most of my friends. You do the math.

While on the subject of drinks, the strength of the average cocktail has also diminished significantly. This is particularly true of the bald man (I apologize, I can't remember his name). I have received many drinks from him recently that are humorously laking in alcohol. The general attitude of the bartenders is nothing to write home about either.

Don't get me wrong, Mr T's is still the greatest. It is the first bar I take friends from out of town.
With a few changes in prices and possibly bartenders (although I don't want anyone to loose their job because of stupid boozer like me) Mr T's will be great again. There is no reason why Mr T's shouldn't be packed every night.

Cheers,
James
 

love the place and i have not been there lately but i remember being amazed at the prices of the drinks being so high
 

Thanks to The Mormons for bringing this matter up. As a fan of their band, I've seen them at T's a few times and have even gotten the chance to play on some of the same nights back in the day, which leads me to my point...The drinks situation sucks, but it has also become increasingly difficult to book a gig or even get noticed at the place. Ever since Arlo stopped handling it, I haven't even gotten a response for gigs. I guess that's what happens when a place becomes legenary. It forgets about the bands who played there when it was starting out.

Peace
 

i don't drink so i don't really care about drink prices, i just go out to see bands. i haven't had a problem with any of the staff at mr. t's lately

i love mr t's, i've been going there since high school and it seems pretty much the same to me. just went there on friday night to see the mighty Saccharine Trust - where else can you pay just $5 to see such a great band and bring along a friend who might just want to have a couple of beers? admittedly i don't go all that much because highland park has always been a little out of the way for me, and my friends who lived there all moved away. however, it would be a shame to lose this venue.

if bands aren't being treated well, that seems like a big problem, but i guess you'd have to hear back from the bands about that. good luck!
 

I'll e-mail the Yahoo Address. I remember this as being an ongoing thing since 'the man' himself died. Mike TV used to argue the price down, then it would creep up, and so on. Its been a while for me, too, but, its our place collectively, so I'll put in my word.
 

Better bands.
 

FIND THEM THEN
 

The security guards definetely need to get off their power trip.
 

The drinks are weak and too pricey, Manny is not happy anymore, and the guards stink! I'll still go once in a while, but it's lost something after Mr. T passed away.... ::SIGH::
 

the drink prices ARE high. they often drive me to drink in the parking lot. which i have to be really swift about.
 

thanks for taking the time to post this and listen to the patrons.
sadly, i think too many bands might be scared to give feedback because they play there.

1) shitty security. they are all douche bags.

2) now the drinks are $8 !!
i agree with everyone else. drinks cost too much for the area. the strength of the liquor is getting skimpy. the bald man cant make drinks. where the hell did the two other good bartender women go???! the new one is very unfriendly.

3) why dont the bands playing the night they perform not getting any drink deals, anymore ?!?!

4) i will only go back to mr. t's for the bands i like playing there and just on those nights.
 

Well, We (NIBIRU) are performing there on January 31st.. WE can be hard asses!!!!!WE WILL LAY DOWN THE LINE AT MR. T'S!!!! STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, RIGHT??? We will send Mr. T's a message that they need to be more "nice" and "supportive" of the bands.. ALSO, WE ARE WORKING ON MAKING THEM "drop the drink prices".....


a wise old drunk man once said, "WHERE THE CHEAP BOOZE IS, PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW!"



STAY STRONG MORMONS!!!!!!!!!
 

I love Mr. T's....and I agree with most of these folks...the hike up the on drinks is bad buisness...I love you manny ( the bald guy) but shit... your not up on your game man...I used to frequent there several years ago quite often...but these days its just not the same since Mr. T passed on....Security is a bit off....The place absolutly needs help...the stage feels awkward where it is...and it needs an update on the decore...maybe some good art on the walls....you know...incorporate some work by some local artists....its a bit stale....if it were up to me i would open up the spot by knocking down that wall that seperates the bar from the front entrance hall way and for god sakes....give Arlo the sound man some more props.... that man has been handlin that shit for a while now and im sure he has alot of good ideas...is he not being heard???whos runnin the joint ??? the son??? i dont get it .....somebody needs to step up to the plate and recognize the potential of this ledgendary spot!! Be a coffee joint too...have orderves and or appetizers.... have more comfortable seating... do something!!!! somebody ...ok i said my peice... thanks for asking cause ive been thinking about it ...shit this is my community i want to see it prosper!!
anna banana
 

Yeah some of those security guards need to calm the fuck down.
This Marina from The Sirens and the security guard working during the New Year's show totally crossed the line. He was the biggest asshole I've encountered in months.
They make a big ass deal about our fans who aren't 21 and over so people rather not go there anymore because it always seem to be such a hassle for the bands and their fans.
 

YEA man! those security pigs must go.
And mr.t's needs to get some better bands in there. don't get me wrong mormons!
we love you guys.we heard that you guys aren't playing anymore, sad to hear.
we've played there before and it sucked balls!
the guy that was trowing the "show" told us that we wore going on at 12pm and we wore cool with that. we got there we saw a couple of bands play.it was getting close to our playing time and BAM!
this other band comes up that wasn't it the flyer and takes our spot away.personally (johnny)i didn't mine.but on the other hand the redeem section of the band wore a little mad on that.

you need to find some one that knows what hes or she's doing wen it comes to booking shows.

I really don't know much about the drinking situation
im not 21 yet but i will soon this year. first thing I'll do is go to mr. t's to drink and pass the time.




we really like going to mr. t's
you should to!
 

hey vince,
timothy from artichoke here, and like you, i've been playing at mr. t's for a pretty long time, now that i think about it!

i think this is a productive conversation... here are my 2 cents on a couple subjects that have been raised:

i'm personally not worried abut the "no free drinks for bands" issue because on the flip side, nobody gives you a hard time about not bringing a ton o' people each time you play. i do think the prices should drop a couple bucks and that would help all of us entertain and be entertained. who wants to play to sober people? he he he.

the decor -- posters for beer are lame. if you like beer, please drink some. but get that shit outta there and put something -- anything! -- else up. (i'll paint a mural in the street entrance if somebody wants it. that's what i do for a living, but i might do it for free at t's.)

the stage is definitely in the wrong place. this should be obvious!

arlo and gus are great. they get flooded with bands asking for shows. that's just how it is.

i'd like to start an acoustic sunday afternoon or early evening. arlo and gus are up for it, but we need a bartender to open up the place on sundays. this idea is NOT an open mic!!! those things drive people with ears away :) (and it doesn't have to be sunday. any weekly thing would work if we kept the quality up.)

and boy did the sound improve a year or so ago when tweeters were added / replaced. woo hooo!!

well, i'll stop there. but good luck to mr. t's and our little music scene.
 

Well, I've been going to Mr. T's for years...

ARLO is one of the GREATEST people you will ever meet in this town. GUS is also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. It's hard to believe they run a club. Most promoters in this town are not nice at all.

I cherish them.

But no one seems to complain about them, the problem I'm seeing here has to do with the attitude of the security guys and the drink strength and costs.

Now, every time I got to Mr. T's, I never have a problem. It's ALWAYS EASY GOING. Even the security guys are cool to me. Now I am not saying they haven't treated others with excessive control, but I can only tell you of my experiences there.

After the stabbing a few years ago (which was a shock in itself), the place was certainly going to change. It used to be that you could drink in the parking lot and do whatever. We all knew that would change after the stabbing incident.

As for drinks, well I always remembered cheap drinks at the club, but since I have not been drinking since last May, perhaps I am unqualified to comment on this. I will say that it shocks me that mixeddrinks are now $8. That is pretty high for any place. Perhaps the rise in drink prices reflects a need for more income at the club (i.e. a business need). Maybe the drink prices are high now to help keep the doors open?

Only the staff could tell you the truth about that...

Yeah, over the years, the club has changed, but everything changes. You can't expect things to stay the same because you want them to be.

I think that Mr. T's is one of the few (and I mean FEW) clubs in LA that is artist friendly, and has that welcome vibe, no matter who you are.My only hope is that this little forum leads to some discussion, and thus a solution for both the club and it's patrons.

I, for one, will continue to go there and play there.
 

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU JOHNNY. THE GUYS WHO RUN IT GUS AND ARLO ARE THE NICEST GUYS EVER. ITS THE SECURITY AND BARTENDERS THAT SUCK. I HATE PAYING FOR ALL MY BEERS!!
 

you guys should buy it
 

I got a newspaper thrown at me by a 300lbs cholo gangster who was promoting a lame ass reggae tone/Hip Hop show at the Airliner while I was spinning. It fucked up my turntables and scratched an original pressing of New Order's Temptation. The whole place went silent killed the whole mood. The security needs to do their jobs and keep lame assholes like that out of there. Also the drinks need to be cheaper. I'm talking like $2 PBRs like Footsies down the road.
 

Haven't been to t's in a long while since my friend got robbed at gunpoint in the alley.
went once a few months ago and was astounded by what the place had become. first of all the bartender overcharged me for my drinks (a $50 tab? I think not). and well drinks are supposed to be $4. It's T's. bad decor, bad service, and no crowd so the drinks should be cheap.
The stage is totally wrong and no one dances anymore.
security were twats.
It just felt like it was trying to be something it aint. I'm not going back again.
-t
 

well we have played there about 4 or 5 times and the owner gus and the sound guy arlo have been sooooooo nice to us!!! i really shouldnt complain because they let bands who have no draw put on entire shows, they are giving these bands a chance to get thier feet wet and start getting their names out there. but, they dont give the bands any drinks or drink discounts and that is a little bad because they are the entertainment and sometimes putting on a show can cost a band "X" amount of money for flyers, merch, equipment and not to mention time spent promoting. i think bands deserve a drink or 2. another complaint i have to agree with is that the bartenders there are kind of rude or maybe condescending. the bouncers are usually cool with us but maybe thats cause we are the band, i dont know how they treat regualr patrons. for the most part t's is a very very very great venue for bands to play. its easy to book and they let u take charge. i love gus and what he is doing for these bands!!!he's doing a great community service and he's a very nice guy. not a douche at all. t's is not my favorite place to play in l.a. but its in my top 5 for sure. i really hope they stay in business!!
-bobby vega
STAB CITY
 

I've never had a problem with any of the security guards. I stopped going because the drink prices were way toooooo high for what is respectfully - a dive bar w/bands. I like my dive bars.. love em - so the drink prices have to match the environment.
 

i have not been there for a while. i love playing there. i love arlo.

the drink prices have been insane for a while now. i agree with everyone on that. it has gotten to the point where i go up the street to the little cave to buy a beer, pound it and come back. i am sure the prices go up to keep the doors open but maybe a compromise can be reached. Maybe charge 2-3 dollars for pabst, bud and well drinks and regular prices for anything else?
 

I am a former regular of Mr T's.

In my day Mr T was the most awesome bar owner (we all miss him!), Arlo was the coolest of cool sound dudes, and Manny poured them just how we like 'em.

It makes me sad to see all these changes at my old bar. I hope these complaints aren't valid, and if they are... I hope the new owner takes them to heart.

WWMTD?
 

I've never had a problem with any of the security guards. I stopped going because the drink prices were way toooooo high for what is respectfully - a dive bar w/bands. I like my dive bars.. love em - so the drink prices have to match the environment.
 

I'm going to be honest - I have NEVER had a problem with the security guards there - I must be in the minority, but they always say hello and shake my hand. As far as the drinks go - yes, the prices suck. At the very least there should be a daily drink special, and perhaps the prices clearly listed somewhere. As far as bands being treated well, two drink tickets per member is an EASY fix. If the bands wanted to be paid, then Mr. T's would probably have to start charging a cover, which would bring more complaints.

On the flip side, there is rarely a cover charge there, which you could say *offsets* the drink prices. The sound is great, and the vibes, in general, are good.

On another note - John if you're listening - Mr. T's Bowl should have a weekly ad in the LA Weekly - just like The Echo and Spaceland and all those other crummy/expensive "dive" bars. That will help bring people to the shows.

Steve/Abe Lincoln Story
 

As far as the door guys being Jerks... I think youall shoud suck it up... a few years back a door man at Mr. T's got the "s!T" kicked out of him and he lost and eye doing his job!
I'd rather have the new doormen be dicks, than let some thing like that happen again!
however... I think drink specials would be nice to encourage people to come back... many bars offer it...
then again... the expencive drinks over the years have probabally contributed to the new sound system, the doormen, bartender and Arlo's salary, rent, electricity and all other bills related to running a business, it's not as cheap as it used to be.
Frankly it's a Catch 22... abandoning the Bar cause they have made it better and safer? isn't necessarily the solution.
However Drink specials would be nice....
 

Other patrons have told me about the drinks. Not giving bands drinks or atleast a cheap beer really sucks. Reminds me of that asshole from the AirLiner. Any way...

Security well I am a chic so I am not much of a challenge for them any way, but I do see them kinda "creating" problems. Jumping around over the counters, not paying attention, not being where they should be, being smart asses, being accusational, "frisking" guys, and carrying loaded weapons? I have witnessed this.

Underage drinkers have been coming thru too. I did it too, but shit like that will get the place closed down.

Bar drinks: a little too high, need drink specials. And legally you cant require a minimum on credit cards. Report them.

Decor: it could use a face lift, but I am more concerned with the social aspect. I think we should some artists to put their work in there.

Bartenders: I notice the regulars are more likely there when the friendlier bartenders are there. Many patrons know who is there when and wont come when a certain big eyed martian is there.

Booking or booker: this isnt your personal garage to jam out in. Bring acts that have talent and get fucken excel or something. Get organized and stop sitting there stroking your chin hair thinking your important when the place is fucken empty. Or an intern would kill to be there. Like some pcc student to help with sound and set up. Its a control issue. Some ppl would rather be in control and be bad at it than hand it to someone who has the spirit to bring that place back to where it belongs.

Promotion: the website sucks, those colors wtf? The myspace again, whats with the decor?
Fliers should be at all the other bars in the local area, an email list should be mailing ppl with events and opportunity to refer bands, bulletining more often, and a bigger space for "big" evnets in the LA Weekly.

too much work drama there, politics etc, and what is paying for it is the patrons and establishment
 

I had the place for a few hours in December and it was an amazing experience. Everyone involved with Mr. T's was wonderful to us. We thought the drinks were really cheap too! I love Mr. T's! I think the security guard AFTER our show (not Duley- we love him!), was kind of tough and some people commented on his attitude.
 

I promoted shows in the 90's(mike watt, banyan, tijuana bibles , useless, captain zero, etc..) when Joe T WAS STILL AROUND( GOD BLESS HIM), and things are not as friendly to bands or patrons to be honest. Between high drink prices, the 20 dollar minimum on credit cards and the lack of good bands I can see why this blog has arisen. If the bowl could somehow get good promoters to bring good shows to T's then everyone could be happy. Its cool to support local acts but lets be real this is a business and people need to pay the rent. let the local acts play on tuesdays arlo acoustic alley and lets get some name acts in here as well as the local favorites like VIRGINIACITY REVIVAL, THE SIRENS, AND SUCH. Mr T's rules but theres always room for improvement( like a sound system). get a sponsor guys! and by the way my wife and I were followed to the atm outside t's by a couple of homies. I looked em in the eye and let them know they lost the element of supreise, but those fuckers wanted to rob us!The security needs to be outside the club thats where all the trouble is!
Lets make this place better!
 

Security is kind of a new thing, I personally haven't had any issues. I've still been at and played good shows at Mr. T's recently. The drink prices are definitely still a shock. I don't know exactly when they went up, but it was sort of a weird thing. They occasionally have cheap bud/pbr, but not that cheap.

I still love the hell out of the place, and as a transplant I've only known it for the past 3 years or so. I didn't have time to read everyone's comments, but needless to say it's still a killer venue it just needs something back. I don't know the solution... sorry.
 

***Due to the comment I left above, I get a message from Mr.Ts that says the following:

Sweetie I know who you are...I do a better good job...I get it in the weeklies and and out on the net, you think I get paid..ha ha ha...I'm not going to flyer each show around town , thats for the bands to do..your little late to the place...when we meet I got upset that you picking my brain, when your going to book somewhere esle...huh..I'm not stupid go to the airliner pick there brain.....I'm not a teacher here...booking one or two shows a month is easy, try organizing shows 7 days a week...we do far more business now at shows then we did before I took over booking...but I been doing single shows here since 1995,how little you now...whats
you problem?...

***And my response is:
I know you could do a better job. Yeah, I would like to try it. Seriously, I would like to help in the process of making it better. I am not just talking. I would put some time into making it better.

And dont care if you know who I am, so what?

My problem is that this should be a better level. We all know that. It makes no difference how long you have been booking shows. The place is kinda empty. Its a fact. Many of the comments stated in the mormons comment area are facts and thoughts how ppl feel. There is a reason for it and there is much room for improvement.

"when we meet I got upset that you picking my brain, when your going to book somewhere esle...huh..I'm not stupid go to the airliner pick there brain"
I didnt get upset. You gave me advice and I used it. And it worked.No one said you were stupid. Relax. I would be more than happy to help if you would let me. Do you understand?

I have my opinion and thats it, but at the same time I am willing to do something. Most ppl just complain and dont offer to help.
 

Before Fuzzyland, I'm not sure if anyone visited Mr.T's. I remember venturing into the place when they still had operating bowling lanes and the locals were drunk by 2pm. But back to the issue at hand. My husband and I stopped going regularly when we realized the weekend beer prices rose significantly from the weekday price. I obviously felt hustled. Then the weeknight prices matched the weekend price. Oh no! And like most, we thought it was lame for the type of venue it was. The sound kinda sucks there too...but let's be real...it's always had sound trouble...sorry, I'm a sound whore. But for the most part, I blame the problems that Mr.T's suffers from on the gentrification of Highland Park. It's hard to maintain a laid back attitude when millions of dollars are flowing into the neighborhood for facelifts of the buildings...which, sadly, also boasts the facelifts of mental attitudes (mainly the locals who aren't all that happy with the "invaders" who are eager to sweep the old highland park under their newly expensive carpet)...I've heard this first hand from new homeowners in the area. So, T's raised the price of alcohol. It is a factor in how many times I visit the place in one month but doens't stop me from going when there's a good line up. I know people who walk over to The Cave to get a cheaper beer. Which means patrons do adjust with the times...although I don't know anyone who drinks in their car anymore, especially since I have witnessed T goers getting harrassed by local cholos looking for trouble. Having grown up in Highland Park with The Avenues, it makes me really mad when a 20 year old (whipper snapper) seriously 'hits' you up and asks where I'm from. I can handle it, though, since it's always been a given for the neighborhood. But I know a few friends that have come to see bands/acts that I've promoted that frieghten easy (who can blame them) and vowed to never return. If they want to keep the price of alcohol on the high end, then provide a high end service, like safety for transplants. Mr. T's seems to be stalling out, maybe it's trapped between keeping true to the dive attitude it had in a time that doesn't exist anymore. I don't think the owner had ever strived to have it become a music venue either...an experienced manager in entertainment and promotions is definitely in order to encourage the bands to promote themselves (DIY is like bandrule 101), and the prices of booze, band compensation and security issues can be handled without fussing the owner/bar staff with it. When the neighborhood changed, everything in it was also expected to change, including raising rents and new residents who want to take over the world...No bar should ever have minors...they could lose their license. I don't know if my rant is contributing anything solid...but from what I gather, it seems like Mr. T's has lost some basic business skills when T died and Arlo no longer handled the booking. But I've always rolled with the punches and am glad nothing stays the same forever. Maybe it's not Mr. T's that's changed but the patrons who encourage it. I never have problems with this place...it's a gem in the rough and I always have a great time even if I don't have enough to drink myself into oblivion...
 

Yeah - I loved Mr T's intensely for about two years, I played there at least 20 times total in two different bands.
The night of my birthday two years ago, before our show some drunk thug at the bar and his thug friend started threatening me and the rest of the folks at my booth and I had to leave the bar to avoid the fight. That was the last time I set foot in Mr T's.
 

First off, I love Mr. T's. Arlo and Gus are great, and it's always a pleasure to work with them. The security can be, ummm, problematic though. That guy with the beret is wayyyy over the top. I've had him hassle me when I was in the back tuning my guitar, seen him jumping over counters, the in-your-face attitude, and just generally being a prick. The guy seems to see everybody as a threat. We try to book on nights he's not working. The drink prices don't bother me much, I just drink beer anyways, but a free drink or two for band members would be nice. T's let's the bands I'm in (Hookah and Half Assteroids) set up cool shows and generally do what we want, where else are you going to see Saccharine Trust, Chuck Dukowski, The Amadans, Swords of Fatima, and Hookah for $5? The area is getting gentrified, changes are inevitable, let's just hope the place doesn't end up like Spaceland.
 

I used to love going to the T-Bowl for drinks any night of the week. I had a great pad right up the street on Ave. 57, so it was really convenient. It was great to walk in and be treated to some great (and sometimes shitty) music and hang out with some of our great country's Vets and drink. Many, many a good war story told in that bar. Best memory has to be after I had my wedding reception two blocks away at the American Legion Hall. Me and the wifey walked in our wedding duds and drank at the T-Bowl. Manny was always laughing and the beer was cheap! I'll be honest, it's been about 7 years since I've been back, but I hear that ever since Mr. T passed, it's been pretty fucked up. Gotta be cool to the bands and the patrons, that's what's always made that place great.

Arlo, you never did let my Oi! band play at T's. Yet, you'd let De De Troit (UXA fame) come in and do strung out accoustic sets! LOL!

Hope shit gets better there, I feel a need to go back home to Highland Park!
 

Things have changed. I complained to Gus about security a few months back. Quite frankly, they're amatuers and act like goons.
 

I have been doing shows at Mr. T's for about 2 years now... ARLO AND GUS ARE AWESOME!!!! I love those guys - they have always been very professional and are lots of fun.

Security have been hot and cold at my shows. Many of the shows I do have out of town bands with very good draws. The majority of the bands complain to me about security being assholes to them. The first few shows I did, security was out of control with their "power trip" over certain band members. The guys who have worked the majority of my shows have been Alex and Victor. They have always been nice to me, but have been known to hassle band members, the DJs, and patrons for nonsense such as bringing in a bottle of water, yelling at the DJ for having a flashlight to see the record, or yelling at band members for being in the back tuning a guitar or simply talking... On the other hand, I can see how they need to be "hard" because of the problems they had a few years back with the doorman being stabbed and beat up... they need to be "on guard" for something like that, but the crowd that comes to my shows are just people who want to dance to good bands and 60s garage music. They are not threatening whatsoever. I don't bring in that "element" that causes trouble and I think they should realize that and loosen up a bit during my shows.

The one time we had an incident, security should have been on top of it and they weren't. We had this rockabilly/psychobilly loser show up and get wasted and started shoving people. A dear friend got her face slammed into the drum kit causing her to get 8 stitches and rushed to emergency. They didn't kick him out when he started shoving people and instead were outside harrassing the homeless in the parking lot (from what I was told).

I do wish the bands would get drink tickets. That is one complaint I get. I end up buying the drinks instead... We usually draw an average of 100-150 each show. The bar is very busy and I think the bands should be rewarded with drink tickets at least...

I do hear complaints from customers about the drink prices and that sometimes the bartender "overcharges" and prices drinks at different prices throughout the night or "forgets" to give change back. That's just not cool...

I really love Mr. T's and hope it changes for the best.

I think if Arlo and Gus were given full reign, it would be an awesome venue!

Local artists decorating the place would be a great idea!! I also wish they would remodel a bit... get rid of the wall that separates the bar from the main room would be a great idea or moving the stage to where it used to be would also be a great idea - however I don't know what the restrictions are - perhaps they're city regulations.
 

This is regarding bands or thanking the bands.

they should get drink tickets
some come from far, some are kickass and well known, some are kickass and not that well known but they still deserve that, but unfortunately many venus dont give artists shit and they get away with it because musicians are desparate so bookers take advantage of them, perhaps bands need to have theirs standards rise

thanks
the bands always need a pat on the back from the audience, the booker, the sound guy, and all the staff, that I know does happen at Mr.Ts. Arlo is known for being that guy that makes them feel comfortable and appreciated

guest list
this may or may not apply to Mr.Ts, I always go on free nights or someone stamps me ahead of time
many bookers will not give a guest list or will give you 2 for a band that has 5? One per band member! Again they are most likely not getting paid so take care of them!

promoting
the venu needs to be more aggressive about promoting, its kinda like we promote up and coming bands and we all promote, the venu and the bands, its a win win situation

security
should be looking out for the bands, not everyone of them is a jerk, but walking around breathing on ppls backs makes ppl ansy. Its like walking into a "nice" clothing store and you have someone following you around making you feel like a shop lifter.

sets, bands
things need to be more consistent and organized, I am sure there is a way to be laid back and be organized without stressing any one out. Not saying its easy, but possible.

there are still good elements and ppl there, thats why ppl keeping using those reasons to return, however there is room for improvement and all of us noticing these things should do something about

perhaps that means to the owner, I really cant tell who is in charge?
 

okay? yeah... what did happen to manny? last time i was there two weekends ago he basically MADE me buy a bottle of water when i asked for a cup. he said, "i gotta sell this so buy it." makes me think that ownership might be more than a bit harsh to him these days. i still tipped him on it :)

also, in terms of the stage, weren't there some kind of fire code issues back in 02 or 03, and that one fire that happened. that made the placement change, right?

ripping out the wall between the bar and the rest of the place would be a great start....as would the acoustic afternoon... hell, i'll be volunteer bartender and work for split tips just to raise the vibe.... and what about maybe opening up the lanes on a few nights w/o bookings? or nights where there are bands after a certain hour, bowling before. now that all star lanes has been wrecked (yick), we need a fun bowling alley in the northeast, yeah? extra income to help support the place too. bring your own shoes and ball....maybe the eagle rock bowling and drinking club could book a night too if gus and arlo are overwhelmed? new blood would be great; the same bands play all the time (as much as i love all you guys)

i think we need to write a letter to the owners. just letting them know how we feel and how much love there is for their place... how much we want to see them do so well! i mean, i won't ever stop going there as long as i live in hp but there's no reason T's should die a slow death. the immediate community is so full of talent, possibly the most in the city right now!

i love one of the security guards, the rest of them i have no opinion on! they've all been okay to me and even thanked me for throwing my trash away last time i was there (mmmm....folieros eggplant sandwich)

maryam
 

My mom Lisa Christine and dad Sash used to promote a club called Hot Pants from middle 1990s till 2002 .They started promoting here when hardly any other promoter was here after Jac Zinder from Fuzzyland died and their friend Ted got crazy drunk and socked a elderly patron.
Including your great band the Mormons they booked lots of bands first shows period or at least at Mr Ts Bowl regularly like Bratty and JackAss , the Art Ghetto, Biblical Proof O f UfOs ,Tracy and The Hindenburgh Ground Crew ,No,Cheeseburger,Masher,99th Fuck You ,B-Movie Rats ,Kids Of Widney High ,the Phantom Limbs,EMA3,Boy Scouts of Annihilation ,Deer Nuts ,NostraDumass , Rosemarys Billygoat ,Grandaddy ,Guns Book s and Tools , Prong, Glue, Fuck , Menthol Hill ,Ferdinand ,El Vez , Sleepy ,Moris Tepper ,The Excessories , Rob Zabrecky and the list goes on and lots of touring acts….They would dj themselves and play videos etc….
They had festivals like the Melting Pot ,CutFoot benefit etc.. They booked David Lovering of the Pixies Scientific Experiment regularly which brought in people like all of the members of the Pixies except Kim at the time and once PJ Harvey came up in a limo for a bit. They brought in magazines such as Glue ,The Weekly and got Joe T to put ads in there before any other promoters thought of it.
They had a full page article in the Los Angeles Times Calendar section and a few other magazines bringing lots of new patrons and fans and bands.
Anyways the festivals got exposure nationally for there were magazines covering these events .
Then in 2001 The Breeders played their first re-union show and this brought worldwide attention to everyone involved .They were supposed to play a second benefit that my parents booked that they had to cancel because it would have been way too crowded .There are some pictures at www.myspace.com/vampedrecords and links Just a few of the 100s in every language ..
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1439373/20010213/breeders.jhtml
http://www.rockbites.com/newsByMonth/index.html
http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1438863/20010130/breeders.jhtml
http://www.soitditenpassant.com/?go=news/newsbrief0397.html

My dad worked hard on all of this and he loves marketing and started promoting here when his band along with friends like The Burning Sofa 10 and others needed a place to play. My parents had worked at clubs like English Acid ,Scream ,Helter Skelter ,The Crypt and others since teenagers.
Anyways I write this because they should be able to get us a good playing slot no problem you would think..They did a lot in promoting this club and all .When Joe Theresa was a live and me and my sister met him a few times. My parents say he was like a Frank Sinatra and a Christmas tree combined .He loved to laugh and dance and greet people. Everyone loved him and he helped lots of people out. He really loved the bands and if he really liked you he would send rounds of drinks up stage..He was there every night except his annual trips or an occasional sick day.
They never had once met John his son or knew he existed until Joe’s death.
Manny the bartender was always cool and funny and a pleasure to see and talk to and loved to collect band t-shirts..
Arlo we hear is like the Brett Favre or Cal Ripken of sound and a musicians best friend .Never asks for much in return and is respected and loved by every band that plays there ….He is the backbone and engine for MrTs Bowl and probably because of him is the reason that most people come back and play..
Now when Joe passed away R.I.P. my parents were very sad and my dad was one of the few promoters to stay for the whole funeral and get together at MrTs afterwards ..
A lot of other promoters kissed ass and got to John real fast and probably talked shit or whatever about my parents …….
They can’t even book a night there anymore and John totally disrespected them and said the reason was that after one show someone messed up the newly painted bathroom .They never had one fight when they promoted the club or security guards ..Never let underage kids in like someone who became the main promoter and had Glue do a story about it and almost lost the entertainment lic.
That was someone wanting to move in and take control and backstab my parents when they were not around .Things have not been the same since Joe died …John probably is in it for the money only. He told my parents no more punk rock show bullshit but you see him on the site with the Germs all smiles with his wig and all..
Joe liked money to but more importantly loved the people that came and tried to cater to them..
A lot of the regulars are now gone and even though a few of them hated the music etc.. te brought character to the place ..
The Mormons have been around here for along time and my dad says are way cool people and if their mad somethings up..
John better take this seriously or people will stop showing up .Change security immediately and drink prices..
Since he has taken over its took a turn for the worse and lots of cool people we hear are now gone..
We will play here with pride and will do our best but it sucks that John did that to my parents and the pissed off bands and patrons who did so much for this place ..

We know this is long ..Who cares its true ……START A DONATION FUND FOR ARLO SO THAT HE CAN BUY THE PLACE AND OWN IT!ARLO FOR PRESIDENT!
WE PLAY THERE THIS SATURDAY AT FUCKING 12:30 AM THANKS TO BOB CANTU
The MORMONS ROCK !
 

I'm not sure about the alledged bad behavoir of the current employees. If this is the main problem, then its a sinking ship. An entity is only as strong as its weakest link. It would be sad and ashame for the legend to go, but I've seen it happen in LA with other businesses, that also had a legendary open mic, due to that exact problem. You see, it is not up to the people so much as the establishment itself hiring the right people to operate it effectively. The desire to want patrons to keep coming back for more has to be there, bottom line! When, I used to go to the open mic on a regular basis, the sound man was always corgial, which is no easy task in such a position. I did have the opportunity to perform there in 2006. It would be most welcomed to be invited to perform another show there this year.
 

I'm not sure about the alledged bad behavoir of the current employees. If this is the main problem, then its a sinking ship. An entity is only as strong as its weakest link. It would be sad and ashame for the legend to go, but I've seen it happen in LA with other businesses, that also had a legendary open mic, due to that exact problem. You see, it is not up to the people so much as the establishment itself hiring the right people to operate it effectively. The desire to want patrons to keep coming back for more has to be there, bottom line! When, I used to go to the open mic on a regular basis, the sound man was always corgial, which is no easy task in such a position. I did have the opportunity to perform there in 2006. It would be most welcomed to be invited to perform another show there this year.
 

The security guards are all right for the most part but I have experienced some unfriendly treatment when asking what was happening one night say 2 years ago and they told me to get the fuck out. I thought it was the end mr t 's then.
I wish they reopen the cafe I would like to take my family there for lunch. I try to tip whenever I can, water included, but with the drink prices so high it limits me. Yeah, I think Gus and Arlo are great, and all the bands hauling there shit just to play something. It a free space and only as free a we are. yes , I give a fuck .
See you at mr t’s,
Søren
 

Yeah you know it's really unfair for alot of people who have been locals for years! First off FUCK the two small little security's guards that think that Mr. T's is a Warzone, ok it's in Highland Park but it aint Compton, Those two little security guards have little guy syndrome and try to act like Rambo and Scare people/BUISNESS AWAY! On a another note it is bullshit to just have Manny, and That Russian Bitch be the only ones to work as bartenders at night because they both suck at there Job!! How do THEY expect People to come back to drink and hang out At Mr. T's when you can't even order a mixed drink because A: THE OLD MAN, AND THE RUSSIAN GIRL DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE ANY MIXED DRINKS RIGHT AND OVER CHARGE TO TRY TO COME UP! OR B: THE SECURITY GUARDS ARE TREATING EVERYONE LIKE WE ARE IN PRISON! Look being security is being just that, keeping a eye out for trouble trying to avoid conflict, but these security Guards don't do there job right. WE LOVE ARLO, GUS, SUE, SHANNON, DELAY, JOEY, MATT AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT STILL MAKE US HAPPY THERE. bUT JOHN T IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE YOU ARE RUINING YOUR BUISNESS MAKE SOME CHANGES BUT GOOD ONES THAT BENEFIT MR. T'S NOT RUIN IT! Start off by BringING Back SUE, AND SHANNON THEY BROUGHT HAPPINESS TO MR. T'S:)