Leo's, A Bar/Music Venue, Headed to Oakland

A big new music venue is on its way to northern Temescal: the Parish Entertainment Group, which owns Brick & Mortar Music Hall in the Mission and the New Parish in Uptown Oakland, told the East Bay Express that it plans to open another spot for live music in the former Leo's Pro Audio on Telegraph. In tribute to the shop, which was in business selling recording equipment for over 50 years, it'll be known as Leo's, and will encompass a separate bar, a music venue, and a second location of owner Michael O'Connor's clothing shop Density (the original is on Valencia).

Brick & Mortar has had a tough go of it with the city as of late, with the entertainment commission slapping it with noise restrictions. (It's also providing a home to another business that had its share of government troubles: Bacon Bacon.) O'Connor, like many other local entrepreneurs, is finding that the business climate is sunnier in Oakland: "Working with the City of Oakland is easier than SF. People are willing to spend time with you." Leo's is anticipated to open later this year, and depending on permitting, could see its first band play as early as October.

· New Parish Owners to Open New Temescal Venue [EBX]
· Brick & Mortar Plays Home to Bacon Bacon [~ ESF ~]