225BatonRouge.com

A significant part of Baton Rouge’s population is too young to go to bars but desperate for something to do at night.

Strict ID checks at the door have severely quelled the age-old pastime of sneaking into bars.

Clubs like The Caterie hosts all-ages shows early in the evenings on occasion, but there is a new wave of alcohol-free, all-ages clubs cropping up to serve music-obsessed minors.

Chi Alpha Café

3321 Highland Rd., at the North gates of LSU

Sponsored by its namesake Christian fellowship frat at LSU, the Chi Alpha Café has been operating for four years, presenting coffee and live music. “We have performers from all over the U.S. Most of our performers are from Louisiana, a good percentage of which are from LSU,” says café manager Derek Jackson. “The styles vary from acoustic solo acts to full-blown rock/emo/screamo bands.” The shows usually get going around 8:30 p.m. and run until midnight, with three performers on the bill. There is no cover, and coffee is provided on an open-donation basis. “We believe it is worth it because music touches the soul. We enjoy the atmosphere it gives and like giving the local artist a place to express and share his music.” lsuxa.org/cafe, myspace.com/chialphacafe.

The Darkroom

10450 Florida Blvd.,

between Sharp and

Sherwood Forest

What The Darkroom lacks in ambiance, it makes up for in its dedication to young people and their music. Besides, renovations are underway.

The folks who run The Darkroom are musicians and have experienced the frustration of searching in vein for a place to play and hang out in a drinking town.

“I guess our foremost concern is to offer both a place for bands to receive exposure and potentially make money and also give people of all ages a safe environment to check out live music,” says owner Chance Roppolo.

The Darkroom is home to many of the city’s extreme metal, punk and hardcore concerts, which send up a warning flag to many parents. But the staff runs a tight ship.

“We have a very strict no drug/no alcohol policy that is enforced,” Roppolo emphasizes. “Anyone found with alcohol or drugs on our premises is both banned and turned in to the local police. In fact, we have a lot of parents who attend events with their children on a regular basis.”

Shows typically start at 6:30 p.m. and end by 11 p.m. Ticket prices range from $5 to $15, depending on the lineup. More expensive shows usually include national touring bands on the bill.

darkroombatonrouge.com

Rotolo’s Pizzeria

1125 Bob Petit Dr. in Tigerland

This past spring, Rotolo’s Pizzeria, located in drink special-saturated Tigerland, started rebelling with all-ages shows on its back patio.

“We don’t try to feature any single genre of music. We just attempt to bring the kids what they want,” says Aaron Triche, Rotolo’s entertainment director. “We’ve had touring bands such as Authority Zero, O.P.M. We’ve also had many locals, such as 6 Pack Deep, No Fuego, Horseshoes and Handgrenades, Landmines, Baby! and more.”

All-ages shows generally are on Saturdays with a cover charge of six or seven bucks. Also it bears mentioning that their Spinach Alfredo pizza is incredible, no matter what your ID says.

myspace.com/rotolosallages.