Christene LeDoux: Lots of Fun in the West Side of the City

Looking for something to do? Go out any night in the Richmond or Sunset District and it's guaranteed you will find just the right fit for your mood. Whether you seek folk music, singer-songwriters, traditional Irish, rock, pop, hip-hop, funk, disco, electronica, DJ, reggae, soul, bluegrass, blues or the up-and-coming comedian or poet, all you have to do is grab your jacket and hit the road.

Have the sultry sounds of saxophones and piano tunes been dancing in your head? Need a live dose? You might want to head on down to the Beach Chalet Restaurant and Brew Pub on the Great Highway. Not only is it a full-service restaurant, it's also a hip bar with live music and an incredible ocean view.

If you feel like being entranced by some of the finest local musicians while sipping a glass of Merlot, then head on over to the Richmond's treasure chest of singer-songwriters performing at the Bazaar Cafe. The music will leave you inspired, ready to cuddle by the fire and drag out that old guitar grandpa left you 20 years ago. The cozy atmosphere, local art on the walls, CDs for sale and homemade grub make this stop worth the trip.

If you're not up to trekking to the Richmond and prefer to play closer to the Sunset, you'll surely enjoy an evening of local singer-songwriters at The Skylight Cafe on Taraval Street.

Mark and his family will welcome you with delicious food and treats. It's the kind of place where you'll want to loiter all day. The comfy couch is another bonus.

The Richmond is also home to Simple Pleasures Cafe, serving up some of the finest local jazz talent, all washed down with coffee, bagels, pastries, soup, sandwiches and salads.

For the passionate rhythms of traditional Irish music and perhaps a Guinness or two, I suggest you run, don't walk, to the Plough & Stars on Clement Street. I was told that 99.9 percent of the time they showcase traditional Irish music and the rest of the time, well, more traditional Irish music. You get the picture. There's the new, occasional Wednesday night bluegrass jam, so dust off that fiddle and make some music of your own!

If music isn't on the menu for any particular night, why not laugh your weekly blues away to some open mic comedy? Or how about hearing your local budding poet or musician? Java Source on Clement will fit the bill. They host "Open Shout" on Friday nights, where anyone is welcome to share their comedy, music, words and poetry. Everything goes and the coffee and treats never stop flowing. It's a great alternative to the pricey comedy clubs - hey, it's free.

Wanna boogie? Space out? Freak out? Sit back and be anonymous? Got the blues? Or not exactly sure what you want? the Last Day Saloon may be what you're looking for.

On any given night, you may come across local rock stars, hip-hop, funk or reggae artists, disco DJs, soul, electronica, bluegrass, alternative country, jam bands and more.

This dimly lit music haven offers pool and darts downstairs. It's a lively place to meet up with friends, impress a date or fly solo.

Now you have no excuses. Put down that paper, bundle yourself up and get out the door.

"Happening" places in the Richmond and Sunset

· Beach Chalet ­ 1000 Great Highway, (415) 386-8439. Features jazz, folk and blues artists every Saturday, 8 p.m., no cover, jazz jam every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. (www.BeachChalet.com)

· The Last Day Saloon ­ 406 Clement St., (415) 387-6343. Live music every night, all styles, cover charge. (www.LastDaySaloon.com)

· The Plough and the Stars ­ 116 Clement St., (415) 751-1122. Traditional Irish Music, Tuesday ­ Sunday, except Wednesday, for an occasional bluegrass jam, 9:30 p.m., No cover.

· Simple Pleasures Cafe ­ 3434 Balboa St., (415) 387-4022. Showcases jazz and folk artists most nights. 8 p.m., no cover, open mic last Monday of the month, 8-10 p.m.

· Ireland's 32 ­ 3920 Geary Blvd., (415) 386-6173. Live music seven nights a week, all styles, no cover, open mic every Wednesday, 9 p.m. ­ 1 a.m.

· Java Source ­ 343 Clement St., (415) 387-8025. "Open Shout," anything goes, every Friday, 10:30 p.m. to closing, no cover.

· Bazaar Cafe ­ 2950 California St., (415) 831-5620. Acoustic/unplugged music most nights except Monday, no cover, open mic every Thursday, 7-9:30 p.m. (www.BazaarCafe.com)

· Skylight Cafe ­ 1722 Taraval St., (415) 682-7286. Local artists spotlighted every Friday, 8 p.m., no cover, open mic every Saturday, 8 p.m. (www.SkylightCafe.com)

· Canvas Cafe ­ 1200 Ninth Ave., (415) 504-0060. Live music Thursday ­ Saturday, all styles, 8 p.m., no cover. (www.TheCanvasGallery.com)

· Blackthorn Tavern ­ 834 Irving St., (415) 564-6627. Showcases the Irish band "Culund's House" every second Sunday, 4-10 p.m., no cover. (www.SFBlackthorn.com)

Christene LeDoux is a singer-songwriter in San Francisco. For music news and ideas, contact her at Entertainment@ChristeneLeDoux.com or www.ChristeneLeDoux.com.