WHERE THEY ARE NOW: The venues

Sticky floors, questionable bathrooms, loud music...bliss.

Before Tom & Jerry's became Newman's and Cypress Bar turned into heaven knows what there were venues across the Valley many music fans called home.

Live bands would take over on any given night turning the whole place upside down.

Ah, the memories. Fuzzy, but still a huge part of what made the Valley's live music so special.

So let's pour some out for some of the oldies but goodies:

• The Attic at Club X: Plenty of novice rock bands got their start here and many credit this place for hosting some of the most exciting live music. Not to mention Club X's Thursday night nickel drink special. For those who might not remember, Metropolis used to be Club X.
• Cadillac Jack's (Edinburg)
• Sparky's
• Coolie's (McAllen)
• Hooligan's (McAllen)
• AK's (McAllen)
• Austin Street Inn/Austin Street Sports Pub (McAllen)
• Tomatoes (Alamo)
• Trenton Point (Edinburg)
• Hot Spots/Collage (McAllen)
• Pepe's on the River (Mission)
• Road House (San Benito)

Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.