Hey almost 21,

That has gotta hurt, definitely understand the need to attend the J concert…cannot imagine the pain of not attending a show in my home town <img>

Being your almost 21 maybe they won’t even card you but not sure I would take that chance in the just in case kinda way. Any friends you know that have gone to that club with any tips would be the 1st thing to check out, do you have an older bro/sis that looks something like you… <img>

Sorry being Canadian and no coffee yet this am thats all I can think of. Good luck and fingers crossed you find a way <img>

Allison

do you look 21? if you don’t closely resemble some junior high punk, i think you’ll be all right. the last time i was at the annex, the guy at the door didn’t look overly concerned with checking i.d.’s., which actually, i think is something that holds true for most bars in madison. i’d come down if i were you, otherwise, after you hear how good the show is, you’ll always regret not even trying.

I just turned 17, and all venue’s here are 21+. I’ve tried everything, none of it works. I’ve had to miss several shows here, even when I was on the guest list.

21+ shows have got to suck. Here in Ohio, they’re usually just 18+, which is bad enough.

Instead of going the fake ID way, just try to borrow an older friend’s driver license. Make sure you are of the same sex at least. <img> Wear a hat to the show to blur the comparison process even further. It helps if you the person’s ID has glasses and you have glasses on too. Most door people at smaller clubs aren’t that concerned with checking ID’s. If you have will call tickets, usually they forget to ID you anyways.

You can try to come out and be flat out honest. Just explain that you can’t (sounds better than won’t) drink and offer to put a black X your hands. Especially since you’re so close to 21 anyways.

You can also attempt to wing it. Show him your ID and see what happens. I got stamped over 21 when I was 20 a few times. Also, if he goes to the ‘finger counting’ you’re in. I mean, if you tell him you’re 21, and he cant figure out if you are or arent by your ID, I think you’re in. Remember, you turn 22 in 2 months. It’s only a lie, if you believe it’s a lie. However if he is a sharp crayon and he knows you’re lying to him, you’re SOL.

And there’s 2 last resorts….. In most states in the US, you can go to a bar at any age, as long as you’re with a parent or guardian. How you define a guardian could be pretty funny, but it’s worth a thought.

And lastly, when I was 17, (trying to get in an 18+ show) I had a friend go in and get his hand stamped, then met me at the back door pronto and the backs of our hands made sweet ink love <img> I tipped the bartender $4 on a $1 coke to make it feel ‘alright’.

Good luck.

-Jamie