CLUB REVIEW : Jacks Sugar Shack a Sweet Dose of Some Rock ‘n’ Blues

Jack’s back, and we’re not talking burgers.

Jacks Sugar Shack, the venerable Pico Boulevard nightclub, reopened over the weekend at a new prime location, near the famed corner of Hollywood and Vine. The former Brown Derby site has been a curse for many a failed business venture, but Jacks may have just what the sketchy block needs--a shot of some rock ‘n’ blues.

After opening with two nights of actor Harry Dean Stanton’s band, the club will be offering such blues and roots acts as the King Brothers, Junior Brown and Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys. It still saves most Wednesdays for live alternative music. One of the best elements of Jacks is its ability to book a variety of music without losing its focus--if it’s not the blues, then it’s a rootsy blend of rock or punk. The updated jukebox sums up Jacks’ taste--all things good. You can find selections from the likes of Ernest Tubb, Nirvana, David Johansen and Los Lobos.

Performers can look forward to a bigger and better stage and an improved sound system. But Jacks fans needn’t worry about the club losing its down-to-earth charm. This time around, it’s “Gilligan’s Island” meets “Miami Vice.” While one of the three-room club’s pastel walls includes a portrait of Gilligan’s pals Lovey and Mr. Howell, another features a giant painted postcard of a bikini-clad beach babe, with the header “Wish You Were Here.” Aloha.

* Jacks Sugar Shack, 1707 N. Vine St., Hollywood. 21 and over, cover varies. (213) 466-7005.