CLUB REVIEW : The Music Is Where It’s at at Spacious Jacks Sugar Shack

Jacks Sugar Shack is anything but a shack.

The spacious West L.A. nightclub resembles the recreation deck of the Love Boat, with ample aloha kitsch adorning the 300-capacity venue. Although one bartender says Jacks’ proprietors “try to keep the place as tacky as possible”--which explains the plastic waterfall adjacent to the bar area--in reality, the club is an airy and comfortable venue for live music. Jacks may have a separate billiard room, an outdoor patio, a large bar, dining and arcade area, but more often than not, the action takes place in the modest performance room. Last Saturday’s Thelonius Monster show included stage diving by Flea, as well as impromptu jamming by various members of the Circle Jerks, Firehose and Porno for Pyros.

An “anything goes” feeling at Jacks is predicated by the variety of live music currently offered at the club. From local alternative acts on Wednesdays to upcoming shows by the grungy Supersuckers and honky-tonker Junior Brown (who performs there Friday and Saturday), Jacks appears to be making an effort to keep the music selection eclectic. And if you should miss a show, the jukebox--which is sandwiched between “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” and “Indiana Jones” video games--is well-stocked regularly with CD compilations from the bands passing through.

* Jacks Sugar Shack, 8751 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., (310) 271-7887. Cover charge varies nightly.