I attended a Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce event today expecting to see Gary Smith from ‘Monterey Live!’. I learned that Monterey Live has closed, is done, out of business.

Gary Smith and his wife Susan Miller ran a great venue. The acoustics were excellent and the talent they brought to Monterey was phenomenal. To top it off they had enthusiastic staff, great food, and exceptional service.

So what went wrong? It may have had to do with the size, which is small. They could only stock so much food, and seat so many people. Promoting promising acts is not easy and often not lucrative.

We will miss Monterey Live! more than they know. Bookings continue at other venues such as the Ol’ Factory Cafe (Sand City) and Jose’s Underground Lab (Cannery Row). More details can be found through Mac MacDonald.

Gary and Susan are great people and have many solid friendships around Monterey Bay. A local car dealership even sponsored Monterey Live! in the last few months. We will be seeing them in another venture, stronger than ever.