Sweetwater Saloon

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Located in Mill Valley, California the Sweetwater Saloon is a bar/tavern with a 30 year history of live musical performances by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Jerry Garcia, String Cheese Incident, John Lee Hooker, Carlos Santana, plus many others[1]. There are typically at least 4 to 5 musical acts booked per week making it a popular local hangout.[2] The Sweetwater also features an open mike night on Mondays that has sometimes featured surprise performances by well-known artists such as Gregg Allman, Train and others.

The band Hot Tuna recorded two live albums at Sweetwater in the early 1990s[3][4] featuring guest performances by local figures such as Bob Weir and Wavy Gravy.

BBC Television shot a documentary at the club featuring John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Riatt and Ry Cooder.

In 2004, the establishment faced eviction by landlords who wanted to raise the rent far beyond what the owners could pay. Through local action the bar was saved and its lease was renewed.^{[citation needed]}

In September 2007 The Sweetwater closed because the landlord of the building decided to renovate the property and declined to offer the club terms for a new lease after the renovation's anticipated completion. There are plans to reopen the club at a new location in dowtown MIll Valley approximately one block from the site of the original club.

[edit] References

Selvin, Joel. "San Francisco, the musical history tour : a guide to over 200 of the Bay Area's most memorable music sites." San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1996. ISBN 0811810070