Although you really have to look hard for the building -- the sign's rather small -- and the interior resembles an ancient high school gymnasium, Little Brother's can grow on you, much like an actual sibling. For one thing, the acoustics are superb, not so loud as to blow out eardrums, yet enough to rival a concert hall. And the acts are wide-ranging; one night it's rock 'n' roll and the next, Zydeco. And the next, it's a blues group or an individual musician on the verge of breakthrough. This venue has been around in one form or another since the 1970s and has featured such storied players as Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, John Lee Hooker and Sally Fingerette, early or even later in their careers. Most come for the music, so the crowd varies, depending upon the artist's following. But it hardly matters, although those searching for the young and trendy will likely find happy hunting. (Photo: Nancy Ray)