Happy birthday, Mint

The Mint is marking is 70th year with a special series of shows over the next couple of months. The mid-city venue has had an up-and-down history, with its fortunes (and music bookings) looking brighter since it re-opened in 2005 after a facelift orchestrated by new owner Todd Christensen. It has especially been a haven for the L.A. alt-country scene.

The shows include tonight's performance by Beausoleil featuring Michael Doucet; an Oct. 4 appearance by Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin; the Hacienda Brothers on Oct. 12; Tim Reynolds on on Nov. 9, Pancho Sanchez on Nov. 23; and two dates  by the Charlie Hunter Trio in early December. So here's to the Mint ...