Shank Hall   

Despite all the new venues that have opened up -- and closed down -- in recent years, Shank Hall has cemented its hold on an important niche in the national music scene. Usually four or five nights a week, Shank Hall plays host to performers like John Scofield, Junior Brown, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Jazz Mandolin Project, Yo La Tengo and a few top local acts. Cover charge hovers around $20 for nationals and half that for locals. Unlike a few of the city's other clubs, Shank remains 21 and over, making Milwaukee grown-ups (and drunks) even happier.