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PHOTO BY JOHN LARSON

NEW VENUE. Clark Smith goes over the equipment in Malarkey’s before a recent show.

Malarkey’s adds new option for fans of live music

By John Larson

There is a new venue for live music in Tacoma where 6th Avenue ends and downtown begins. Malarkey’s Pool and Brew recently began hosting shows.

Clark Smith and Michelle Barkdoll purchased the establishment last October. Formerly known as City Lights, it is located at 445 Tacoma Ave.

The main part of the establishment is filled with pool tables. It draws pool enthusiasts from around the region and even across the country. The new owners also acquired an adjacent space that was formerly a day care for dogs, which has been converted into the music room. Local musicians refer to it as the “Dog Pound.”

The clubs owns its own lights and public address system.

“There needs to be another venue for live music,” Smith said. “I want to keep it a fairly small, intimate environment.”

Smith wants to have weekend shows once or twice a month. Currently Beth McBride is hosting an open mic every Wednesday evening. He said he does not want to focus on one particular type of music. “Our intentions are to keep it different.”

There is no cover charge for shows. Smith is working to get sponsors for shows, perhaps through some of the brewing companies. Given the current state of the economy, he wants to keep an evening out affordable for fans of live music. “We want to keep it fun,” Smith observed.

Smith managed City Lights for several years, then pursued other interests for about a year. Last fall the owner contacted Smith to let him know it was for sale.

He enjoyed his time working at the establishment and always had an interest in owning a bar. “This is our dream come true,” he commented.

Some music clubs do not last long, often because the owners run into financial problems. Since Malarkey’s has a strong base as a pool hall, its owners have a steady financial footing. “This is more of a hobby,” Smith said as he looked around the music room.

Dirty Bird and Dirty Cartoons play Malarkey’s at 8 p.m. April 19. For more information on the club and booking shows, visit www.myspace.com/malarkeyspoolandbrew.

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