Eli's Mile High Club shuts its doors

Eli's Mile High Club in Oakland is the latest casualty of tough times. Here's a note from club owner and local musician Sam Marshall, which landed on our clubs editor's desk:

It is with great sadness...

Due to an intolerable rent increase, Eli's is being forced to close its doors - again. We feel this is a loss to our community and the community of musicians that have brought us their talents and gifts.

Thank you all for your support, our doors are now "Closed."

Sam Marshall & Laura Jans

The club's had quite a history: Its first owner, Eli Thornton, was shot by his mistress - a Blues singer - while he was tending bar in 1979, and a few owners later, "the club fell on hard times, closing its doors on most nights of the week." --Janine Kahn