Uncle Slayton’s

Went here Friday night to see friends playing from Lexington. Roosters Crow, they were opening for Sundy Best. I’d been to this venue in a previous incarnation as Skull Alley and was pleasantly surprised by the remodel.
Small, but decent acoustics and sound, didn’t feel too loud and you could almost make out lyrics (which is difficult at many live shows.) Clean, I didn’t stick to the floor anywhere. Also, there’s a little area out back for sitting and smoking, they had oversized shells for ashtrays.

It isn’t fancy, but it isn’t a dump. Just a good olé, fun spot to grab a beer and watch live music in an intimate setting. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sound system, the laid back atmosphere, and the exposed brick walls. The beer selection is minimal as it is more just about grabbing a brew and listening to tunes.
Also, the location is what it is. Right on Broadway in the Smoketown area, isn’t the safest in the world. I felt fine, but 2 cars less than a block down had their windows smashed out, so park really, really close and in light. Just sayin.

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into this place.
I had tickets for a show… and for some reason, based primarily on the way it looks from the outside and what I had heard from others who had been there, I kind of expected it to be a dirty, tiny, little dive bar.
Well, it IS tiny. But in the cozy way. Drink selection is limited (just beer) and the bar is cash only, but I was told sometimes they have some Mike’s or Smirnoff drinks (wildly over-​priced, but isn’t that how it is everywhere?). It was clean and cozy and comfortable, which is exactly the right fit for the performers who I saw. They had set up ample seating for the audience, which I liked. I had expected a more bar-​like atmosphere… like a much smaller Headliners. Which it might be like when a louder, more raucous band plays.
And the acoustics in the room were fantastic.
As a venue for small-​scale live music performances, I’m a fan!

«Uncle Slayton’s got his texan pride,
Back in the thickets with his asian bride,
He’s got an airstream trailer and a Holstein cow,
Still makes whiskey cuz he still knows how.»
–James Mcmurty Choctaw Bingo
I had to include these lyrics in to let you understand how perfectly they fit this new music venue. If this song could play this in lobby as you walked in you would get the exact vibe of Uncle Slayton’s. This small music venue which has a stage, with seats for about 30 and a lobby bar that can fit another 25, has such a southern feel it’s hard to believe that is located right downtown. This bar is a perfect place for people looking to listen to southern talent and get that local watering hole vibe. I walked in and was instantly greeted by the owner to come on up to the bar. I was waiting at the door for my boyfriend to come in, but I could I refuse? I walked up and got to see a list of all there current and future acts. They have a small beer bottle selection, but the choices are perfect.
We arrived late, most of their shows start at 730 or 8 and have a cover. Since we did not show up until 10pm and the artist was on their last set, they just let us in. We walked into the next room and got the experience of a private show. Even for a small space, the sound was at perfect live music volume. That night they had some improve performers too, which shows this spot knows how to adapt and survive.
We noticed a large dessert table at the entrance and we were told by the caterer, who owns his own business too that he and the venue have a symbiotic relationship. He usually will make a buffet style dinner, snacks, or that night desserts for the patrons to eat. Uncle Slayton’s allows the caterer to charge his own prices on the food to help his business.
I am glad there is a little bit more Country in our Urban Downtown Community. I look forward to returning to this music hall. Just like the song which tells an entertaining story about dear Uncle Slayton, I look forward to seeing the story that develops here.