Last Exit Live

When Brannon Kleinlein announced he was reopening his bygone venue Last Exit, we had a few doubts. Not only is the cozy music venue located along a confusing one-way stretch of Central Avenue, it's also in the heart of a dodgy 'hood south of downtown Phoenix. After Kleinlein fixed the joint up, improved parking and security, and began getting the word out via social media, scenesters and music gourmandizers alike have found their way to shows, especially those involving popular and tastemaking touring and local bands. Crowds have even shown up for concerts in the middle of the workweek, which Kleinlein cites as a good sign things are going well.