I think the discussion here needs to address an important reality: economics. Someone has to pay the bands upfront. Who is making this happen financially? Is Gomes operating independently or is Howie's hiring him to bring in bands?

Gomes, although I'm sure he's a great dude, can't bring in these bands by mere philanthropy and goodwill, even though I'm sure his contacts and reputation help him get bands to play. But bands don't play for free. Even the crappy ones only a few people care about want to get paid.

Howie's must see that they have a steady group of bored high schoolers that will show up regularly and more than make up for the artist fees in pizzas sold. Even if you get 100 kids paying $5 at the door, that's still only $500 to split up among the band if operating only on ticket sales. So I have to assume Howie's is giving Gomes a budget to work with and some sort of salary for his services.

So Howie's needs to be credited for valuing live entertainment at their place. And it's not just philanthropy on their part, either. They are taking advantage of the situation, which seems to not exist (or not be exploited properly) in Fresno.

Put a similar place in Riverpark (away from where the older people shop) with a nice stage and refreshments and maybe it would work here. Lame according to local artists, I know, but maybe more realistic than expecting big turnouts at the more remote parts of town where older, busier people go less frequently.

You can't really blame the Fresno venues for not having a steady clientele. The town is too big with too many other entertainment options and the demand just isn't there for this post-college hipster stuff, from what I've seen.