The Sweetwater Saloon

Long story short is that part of the reason I moved to MV in 1977 was to be near Sweetwater. Jules Broussard every Friday night and Sunday afternoon for the best party ever.
Last weekend I was in MV (moved to Corte Madera 1987) and noticed the «new» location for Sweetwater on Miller had a for lease sign on the door. Looks like all is lost and we’ll only have some You Tube recordings of the glorious old soul. I sent Paul Liberatore (Marin IJ) an e-​mail to see if he could confirm what I suspect. R.I.P.
Update 5−28−09 from the IJ
«The good news is that the Steeres have been in serious discussions with Mill Valley Live Arts, the nonprofit organization that operates the popular 142 Throckmorton Theatre.
Under the new management concept they’re discussing, Sweetwater would also become a nonprofit venue under Mill Valley Live Arts. In essence, Sweetwater and 142 Throckmorton would be sister entertainment operations under the same umbrella.
„The good thing is that 142 Throckmorton is already quite successful in its programming, and I think Sweetwater would add another venue for the community that’s smaller and would allow us to present acts that wouldn’t fit well into the larger venue,“ Larry Goldfarb, chair of Mill Valley Live Arts, said.»
Well hope is dwindling and all but lost as, according to the IJ, 142 Throckmorton and it’s foundation are in financial trouble now. 142 is struggling to keep their doors open, let alone, aid Sweetwater.
Ciao, Aju, Salukes, Cheerio, Bye bye, Auf Wiedersehen, Khairete, Aloha, Pirmelenge, Sayonara, Zai jian, Adiós, Adjö and Zay gesunt. You will live forever in our hearts, minds and memories.

This constantly changing interior still has the original walls the people are the same which is always nice. You may not find a working phone booth in Mill Valley but there is always someone to lend you their phone here. Old Mill Valley Funkiness and charm. Looks like they’ll be moving to Village Music’s spot! fingers crossed and then we can duck into pizza by the slice next door! THE BONUS will be the two ICONIC HISTORICAL charms of Mill Valley, melding into ONE SUPER HOT SPOT and it’ll feel like Village Music never really closed nor Sweetwater really moved!

Not to name names but, You people are missing the point!
Embrace it!
The Sweetwater is a special place not because of it’s première pampering luxury service or because of the internationally famous rock and roll stars that perform there. It’s special because it’s a small friendly venue in Marin County where local (or not) musicians can come and play. It’s not a place where you need to load up on cologne put on your best shoes and act like g-​damn Don Diego all the time, but one where you can relax and meet friendly people and explore different types of live music even if it’s not the best band in the world.

If you just have to be treated like a prince or a princess by wait staff all the time and where ever you go, then I can assure you it’s not the place for you, nor are 99% of bars I can think of in the world. If your Cleopatra then go get drinks at the Rtiz-​Carlton and free up some space at the bar for the fun people that aren’t offended so easily.

Encountering bands or music you don’t like here and there is part of the adventure into exploring new music. Thats going to come with any venue. So, it’s best to do your research to see who might be playing the night before you arrive. If you just cant stand southern rock for example then you might not want to show up on the night that «The Rattle Snake Zydeco Dandies» are playing. Be responsible for your own research and don’t depend on the venue to provide you and only you with exactly what YOU like each and every time YOU show up.

Anyway, it’s sad to hear the Sweetwater’s closing. I’ve watched many friends perform there and have had some good nights throwing a few back and checking out music I’ve never experienced before. I hope it bounces back so we can return again one day!

The day after its final 24 hours of existence, I post this 5 star rating for the people who worked there and the locals who spent their time and money frequenting an establishment whose slow and painful swandive into death was seen from many miles away…
My ode to the Sweetwater is bittersweet, having been a patron, employee, underage sneaker and Mill Valley local born and raised. I remember so many things about it as a kid, walking into the hippy health food store that used to be next door, hearing the clink of glasses and the hum of «adult» conversation that seemed so far away.
As an off-​again/​on-​again employee for the past 8 years, I have seen its painful decline into mediocrity and uselessness first hand. The neglect was evident, from the building itself to the treatment of the employees to the increased disinterest from bands wanting to play there.
I could go on and on about everything, but in truth, there’s no purpose. This chapter in Mill Valley and Bay Area music is closed. And with things as they are, probably will never be revisited again. The Sweetwater is from a different era, and to make something out of place viable, it takes dedication and supreme effort on the part of the owners. And that didn’t happen.
RIP Sweetwater and good luck to all the folks now looking for work and the locals now looking for a place to kick up your feet after work…

I’ve heard a lot about this place & it closing down, so my bf & I decide to go on a Tuesday nite to show some support. First of all, the opening band was probably the worst band I have EVER EVER EVER heard. I even had a nice lil buzz going & I COULD NOT get into it. The singer was like a baying vulture — tone deaf as hell. UGHH. No one should ever be put through that kind of torture. Maybe that’s why the venue is closing down — booking such horrid bands that one would wish deafness upon thyself…
I will firstly admit that I am spoiled by the diverse & vibrant night life in SF. But holy sh*t — I did not expect the energy & vibes to be as shitty as they were. Not only did I just get stared down when I walked through the door, but people were not polite nor did they even smile or acknowledge my presence. They had Fernet — who knew? Though Mill Valley is a mere 20 mins. from the city, I was 1 of 2 asian people there. The energy was just weird weird weird.

Update ¹¹⁄₀₇: Relocating to the former Greenwood Furniture location around the corner from the Throckmorton location and right on the Mill Valley Square.
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The Sweetwater is «Old Mill Valley» at its finest. With the demise of Village Music and the Sweetwater … not to mention other great local establishments that have ‘moved on’ lately, I’m losing reasons to spend time in downtown Mill Valley. If 142 Throckmorton goes, then it is REALLY over!
Yeah, we know it’s not a swanky nouveau bar. It is what it is. A classic local watering hole with great music. It’s such a part of the Mill Valley scene, I almost wondered if it should have «historical monument» protection!
I love the locals night, Sexy Sunday, and all the great folks who come to play here. I love the dark mustiness and day-​dreaming about the great musicians who may have sat in the very seat my butt is warming. I want to go and touch the walls and feel the musical vibrations of days gone by.
(I was gonna dock it one star for the truly horrendous poetry readings I suffered through one evening, but hey — it’s not their fault, it’s just part of the deal when you are a place of free artistic expression in Marin.)

As of this writing (Aug. 16 2007) Sweetwater is slated to close in a few weeks. Many patrons are up in arms about the building owner’s move to oust current operators Thom and Becky Steere, and there’s even a «Save the Sweetwater» website and online petition. I understand that many people don’t want to see the Sweetwater close, and neither do I. Hell, I’ve had a lot of good times there over the years, but it’s time to be realistic about a few things:
1) The current operators have created a lot of hard feelings in the local music community by treating artists in a very unprofessional manner. I’ve seen it happen, and have heard about it from others.
2) The place has devolved into a dilapidated, smelly, jam-​band pit. Nasty restrooms, chairs and benches coming apart, filthy carpeting, and an inch of dust.
One telling sign about the current operators is how they allow framed photographs of famous performers, who once graced the Sweetwater stage, to bleach and fade in the sun which steams in from the skylight.
Nobody expects a pristine environment when they visit a neighborhood bar, but this kind of neglect shows a basic lack of respect for patrons, performers, and for the legacy of Sweetwater itself. Soap and water are cheap.
3) Earlier this year, the Steeres had the gall to hold a BENEFIT to help raise money for a new sound system to replace the old muddy-​sounding one. I had to wonder if a Benefit to Stock the Bar would be next!
Sweetwater is a business, not a public charge, although it seems like the operators would like it to be one. They evidently want to milk the venue’s past glory and good will for all it’s worth, without putting that much into it themselves.
Maybe, just maybe, it would be better for all concerned if the venue was closed, updated, and re-​opened by someone who knew something more about the business, and would treat artists and patrons alike with a little more respect.
Meanwhile, the Steeres have recently taken over operation of the Larkspur Café Theatre.
* * * UPDATED * * * Sept. 24 2007: I had the misfortune to see what was left of Sweetwater on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 22. I cannot imagine a more disheartening and undignified end to what was once a landmark music venue.
The bathrooms (such as they were) had been closed down and roped off; two blue porta-​cans had been placed on the sidewalk in front of the club. That’s right… on the last day that Sweetwater was open to the public, patrons had to piss in the street. Beer was being pumped from coolers placed atop the bar.
The chairs and tables (such as they were) had all been shoved against the wall, presumably to pack as many last-​day patrons into the space as possible. This allowed us to see just how filthy the floor and carpet had become. I doubt if the carpet had ever been cleaned.
The experience of going into Sweetwater that evening is something I wish I could take back. I don’t want that memory of the place, but I’m stuck with it now. Just sad.
On Sept. 20, the Marin Independent Journal reported that the 15-​foot-​wide mandala quilt, which had hung above the stage for some 30 years, had been stolen in what Sweetwater operator Becky Steere called a «sacrilegious» act. Given the Steere’s penchant for milking sympathy from the public, in a kind of ongoing Share-​the-​Guilt campaign, it’s easy for a cynical mind to wonder if the quilt heist is merely a publicity stunt. The well-​timed early morning theft was supposedly captured on video, but the Steeres have declined to file charges, saying they just hope the quilt will be returned.
It’ll be interesting to see if the quilt miraculously reappears when (if) the Steeres reopen «Sweetwater» at the proposed 32 Miller Ave. location. After all, of what real use is the iconic quilt to anyone? Who in the Bay Area would buy it or even display it, and who outside of the Bay Area would even care? It just kind of smells.
All things must pass, but damn it, do they have to go like this?
R. I. P. Sweetwater.

If one of my favorite bands had not been playing at Sweetwater last night-​I never would’ve driven across the bridge just to stop by. But-​parking was easy, a friendly crowd, was able to get up front to the band, and didn’t get into trouble when I walked up onto the stage right after the band exited and picked up their play list.

I’m giving this place 5 stars based on the fun time I had here last night. It’s kind of small but cozy, with a great atmosphere (but I can see what other people are saying about the sound system). The crowd was in their 30’s, 40’s+ with a sprinkling of twentysomethings. The waitress made sure we were never thirsty. We were in the narrow space to the left of the stage, close enough to read the label on the jeans of the cute guitar player who was playing a foot away from us. Good times.

I would have given it 5 stars, but the beer prices here are outrageous. $ 4.75 during Happy hour? Still it is a great place to meet and shoot the breeze with friends, with a great band rounding out the night. It is always a blast to see Vinyl or another band that gets people dancing and moving. The Bathrooms have been upgraded and are a major improvement. they also serve the best bloody mary in town.

Fun fun fun! The Sweetwater opens the doors to really great musicians, and the venue is small, so you get up-​close-​and-​personal with amazing talent. It gets pretty crowded, and the sound isn’t necessarily the very best… but it’s so REAL here, you’ve got to love it.
The Sweetwater has a rustic neighborhoody feel; I’d recommend it for a night with old friends (who see one another enough to not need to gab the night away) who like real experiences — NOT for an impress-​the-​pants off of you chichi Marin first date… but, if that’s your bag, this might not be your place anyway. Oh, stick to the beer — the wine selection is nothing to write home about and the prices are a little ridiculous.

a local institution. everyone who has ever been anyone has played here. the sound isn’t pristine, but it’s a fun venue with good food and drinks. i believe they also have an open mic night every week. the best part about the sweetwater is that they give new and experienced musicians the same treatment which allows patrons to access all kinds of music.

Worth the drive!!!
Sweetwater Saloon will remind you much more of a laid-​back Tahoe style bar than a frolic room for the Mill Valley well-​to-​do.
Are you a live music fan? With great acts practically 7 nights a week, Sweetwater is overflowing with good tunes… not to mention draft beers and strong pours from the cool bartenders. If you think I’m exaggerating about the kinds of acts Sweetwater pulls, check out this link and see for yourself!
My all-​time favorite group to see at Sweetwater is Stung, a Police cover band from the Bay Area that absolutely rips. They are a must-​see! Be a hero and take your friends to see them. Click here for more details!
Rock on!

All the other reviewers for Sweetwater described the vibe here well. Funky environment, eclectic mix of patrons, suburban safe. Place is in constant danger of losing its lease, according to the Pacific Sun weekly articles — Bad landlord! I come occasionally to see & hear an almost famous act. Performance stage is typical corner bar cheap, no lighting & piss poor sound system. You sit close if you really want to hear the music. You sit in the back if you want to make party noise with all your drunk friends. Typical door cover charge is $ 10 for an act who’s name you may recognize.

Sweetwater is classic and I love it. The only posers here are the desperately (faux?) outdoorsy who just rolled in in their Subaru hatchbacks, with nary a speck of dirt on their Tevas. But its all about the blues lovers who gather from the hills; where their shacks are worth a million dollars, and their teeth are not. The younger ones (we’re talking late 40’s = fresh meat) look like they never fit in with their own age group, and they order a corona and try to look like they understand the vibe and are one with mother earth. Ok, I’m a little hard on yuppie wanna be’s. I really loved this place because of the older crowd, the ones drinking bourbon, wearing sunglasses under the skylight in the middle of the day, closing their eyes during the height of «Leave my Woman Alone». It could have been a dive, but the music, the history and the warmth of the regulars (they were passing out birthday cake, too cute) made it very obvious why this place is packed for Jules and the boys on Sundays. I say, keep the clubbers out, me and my fogies gonna party out… until bedtime at 7, that is.

Finally had the opportunity to swing in during one of their infamous Sunday nights.
In the short distance from the doorway to the bathroom, I walked passed an unusual assortment of folks dancing away — the aged, weathered, and noticably toothless in time warp clothing that probably have seen their share of motorcycle road trips or at least chemically-​induced trips, older men with good old-​fashioned pony tails, then the 30-​something set that perhaps forgot their sunblock after a day on the boat, and let’s not forget the younger singles that were clearly on the prowl gauging from their clubbish outfits for a Sunday evening married with some pretty bold and long stares.

I do make the occasional visitation, and passing through Sweetwater is a favorite. I caught the Asher/​Page Band on April Fools and loved their kick-​ass 70’s rock — although most of the under-​40 crowd had a look of «what the hell?» on their faces. But as the band brought legendary producer Narada up on stage to pound the drums on a classic medley of Rufus, Little Feat and War, the children of the 60’s were transported to back in the day. All that was missing were the clouds of magic herb.
This club literally has not changed from the first time I wandered in there in 1976, but it’s a fun scene. Going back for sure on my next visit to planet earth. peace, g.g.

One of my all-​time favorite Sunday night haunts that I just can’t seem to get out to enough. Let’s see, I have a feeling though that that could all change very soon.
Great drinks made really stiff with a smile, awesome diverse crowd, and lots and lots of good times.

The Sweetwater is a pretty good place for live music — it’s nice and small, and I’ve seen Steve Poltz and Heather Combs put on great shows there.
But it’s often way overcrowded (hello, fire marshall), and making your way to the washroom involves dodging elbows and squeezing between people along the tiny walkway between the bar and seating area. And if you do find a spot, you may find yourself being pushed out of the way.

This Mill Valley landmark offers seriously random patrons — think the crowd from Bay-​to-​Breakers — very, very strong drinks, and is a great, great venue for local, live music. Am I repeating, repeating myself?
Oh, and pick up some take-​out Mexican at Joe’s Taco Lounge before you come, since they will let you bring in food. You’ll need some after a couple of these cocktails.