Trina K.
Yelp
HW has long been a great warehouse district bar with late night eats, adult beverages and live music. Several local musicians have regular sets and play in the room just past the bathrooms towards the back of the bar.
As a native and former brass band musician, I "know" what the cover charge is and certainly what it is not. A few weeks back, I accompanied someone and had a rather interesting exchange on the night Hot 8 Brass Band performed (Sunday night). The guy with a box at the door near the music area, waved me in, as I passed him, I looked back to ensure my plus one was behind me, and after the guy noticed we were together, he waived me back to say the cover was $20 per person.
Not knowing any better, my plus one gestured to pay, I explained this was a "tourist tax" that is not paid by everyone or most. And listening from the bar area is better because there's seating, cool air, close access to the bar and not as noisy. Several ladies near the door noticed we turned around and he explained. They all laughed which confirmed this was an okey doke move that either helped him pocket a few extra dollars (unbeknownst to the band members) or is business as usual, depending on one's appearance.
Either way, we chose seats with a direct view of the stage and band and bought several bar items (and tipped the bartender well) to compensate for the lost revenue to the band thanks to the dishonest door guy.
My advice is this -- do not pay more than $10 for a standing room opportunity to hear a band in a small bar. The cover should be $5-10 per person or nothing at all if you have a drink in your hand. If it's more, know it's a tourist tax. $20 per person to listen to Hot 8 Brass Band at Howlin' Wolf on a Sunday night is highly inflated.
My only regret is that I didn't film the guy at the door waiving in 75% of the attendees but charging those who looked like visitors.