While downtown San Diego is virtually awash in entertainment opportunities, pickings were once slim for fans of local rock, hip-hop, Americana or singer-songwriters. Local jazz aficionados had Croce’s and Dizzy’s, but until the 300-person capacity Stage Saloon opened its doors in April 2008, other genres were relegated to weekly showcase nights or specialty shows, with DJs and cover bands making up the bulk of the music heard. For Stage owner Eric Alexander, who is also part owner of the Gaslamp Tavern, local, original music was always in the plan. Alexander is frontman for one of the area’s best-known cover bands, The Disco Pimps, who he performs with at the club every Saturday night. “Because I’m a ‘lifer’ musician myself, I wanted to have a place where the music was the focus,” Alexander said. “In so many places, the band just sets up in the corner and everything where the entertainment is concerned seems like an after thought. I wanted a venue that looks and sounds good — with great sightlines — which also understands and respects performers.” Perks for musicians include a green room and full backline of drums and amplifiers. Alexander said that he welcomes all types of music. Indeed, the venue has hosted events as varied as CD release parties for hip-hop’s Bloodstone and the Princess or Black Cherry Music Groups singer-songwriter competitions. “I’ve noticed that it’s bands that get the best reaction, no matter what the style of music is that they play,” Alexander said. Promoter Chris Leyva of The Black Cherry Recording Group has staged many events at the Stage Saloon. “There’s lots of things to like before you even get into the venue,” he said. “Being right in the heart of Fifth Avenue, with all that walk-by traffic, hustle and commotion can be exciting. Add in the size of the venue, which is ideal for up and coming bands and you’ve got a place that should be on the radar of every local music fan in town.” For promoter Cathryn Beeks, it’s the visibility of the performers that’s most appealing. “The room is cool and the sound and lights are really great, but what makes a difference is that the (raised) stage is visible from the street,” Beeks said. “It’s clear the place is owned by a musician who tries to make the place musician-friendly.” Guitarist Anna Troy, who has performed at the club several times, concurs. “You can really tell a lot of thought went into the musicians’ side of things,” she said. “The idea of having to maneuver a full drum set or heavy amps through downtown crowds is kind of scary anyway you look at it, so something like them providing a backline is huge. It makes things so much easier for the performers, in the basic logistics, and it’s good for the public as well, because it all but eliminates between-band downtime.” The Stage Saloon has recently expanded beyond a basic mix of drinks, snacks and music, adding dinner to its menu, with Italian entrees available beginning at 5 p.m. Mood-setting gangster movies accompany the dining experience. While Alexander is best known for his role in the Disco Pimps and joined forces with a Van Halen tribute band, he said he looks forward to eventually playing some of his own music at the Stage and beyond. “The opening of a place like this has always been a dream for me and now it’s time,” he said. “Now that I’ve got my arms around the business end, my New Year’s resolution was to get back into that kind of stuff,” he said