Since its opening last year, Napa's Uptown Theatre has been a 21-and-over venue, and trying to sneak in was the only option for underage music enthusiasts. As of this weekend, they now have the option of using the front door.

Uptown manager Sheila Groves-Tracey says it's something she's wanted since day one. "There are a lot of people under 21 that have been really bummed that they can't be part of the Uptown, and almost every single night I have someone in line with an underage kid who can't come in. It's always heartbreaking," she says.

California law states that underage kids aren't permitted in venues where alcohol is served but food is not. This weekend, the Uptown starts serving food with the opening of its Courtyard Cafe, and—voila!—of-age patrons engage their appetites and the youngsters have access to shows.

Groves-Tracey clarifies that all shows will be 12-and-up, and some may still be 21-and-over, depending on the target audience on a concert-by-concert basis. New rules apply when Elvin Bishop and the Blues Broads play on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Uptown Theatre. 1350 Third St., Napa. 7pm. $35 (tickets half off for patrons under 21). 707.259.0123.

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