Sacramento’s midtown music scene will become a little quieter on Jan. 31. Bows and Arrows, the vintage clothing store, venue, and cafe is closing.

The venue has functioned as a testing ground for new, local talent, both in the music and the art world.

“I have a lot of friends coming out that are local musicians that have frequented this venue, (they have not) played at it as a venue but have gone there with friends and shared food and coffee. It’s a cool place that’s unique to the downtown area,” said Anmarie Fielding, guitarist of Juliet Company.

On Jan. 30 Juliet Company’s Anmarie Fielding and Jason Weeks played an acoustic set, showcasing their romantic rhythms and sweet lyrics. Devin Wright, a two-man band with suave lyrics and Swahili Passion; a three-man-one-lady group, brought funky songs reminiscing about “Jurassic Park” and love.

The three bands each had different sounds and styles, making for an incohesive piece of art in their own right. But some musicians have begun to wonder where else loose collaboration can happen.

“There are a lot of venues around town that are in it for bringing on the popular bands. There are not a lot out there to give the rising stars a chance to prove themselves,” said Orrey Severet, the band Devin Wright’s drummer.

Finding exposure is the biggest challenge for most bands.

Devin Wright of the band with the same name said, “I think that there are a lot of venues that support local artists and I think Bows and Arrows is one of them.” He spoke of Shady Lady as another venue that meets bands halfway with promotions.

Fair pricing is another issue according to Daniel Roberts, bassist for Swahili Passion.

“If a band asks for money the venue doesn’t want to pay, they can find another band, probably within the same day. So it’s nice to come across a venue that seems to want to help local talent,” Roberts said.

Open mics at coffee shops and other venues are one option for groups looking to be heard.

“Juliet [Company] got us the Bows and Arrows gig because the two of us had played at the Naked Lounge. I think that Naked Lounge is the most comparable,” said Roberts. “Ace of Spades and the Assembly, its kind of a popularity contest, you already have to be known. It’s really hard to get booked….”

Some music enthusiasts, like the sound engineer for Bows and Arrows, Devin Grant, are planning to open their homes to the public for shows.

“A lot of the people I know that have houses – that have space and time to have a show – are putting their heads together to host shows at their house,” Grant said. “We are doing that at my house.”

Patrons like Antonio Reyes, a father and construction worker who called Bows and Arrows his place to get away to think and connect with people, are also concerned the closure may create a vacuum.

“That was definitely a place that brought in a crowd that was trying to belong because it isn’t easy to belong. You were able to find friendships. You were able to speak about issues like poetry. Your aren’t able to speak about those types of things – to philosophize. I could ask people about their art. That was good for me,” said Reyes.

Even the owners have noted how hard it is for local talent to find exposure. They have not talked about why they are closing yet but are expected to release a statement after Feb. 1.

“We don’t have any of the coll and illegal venues that we use to have hear and not many people are throwing house parties anymore and it takes a lot to fill out Harlow’s or Ace of Spades. That means it will leave a void,” said Olivia Coelho, one of the co-owners.

After almost seven years of shopping, music, both with and without art accompaniment, and a move to a larger space, the stage will see its final performances.

But they are not about to go quietly. The last days of the shop have been one big party. Jan. 30 had three funky and fun bands. Jan. 31 saw another show, including four bands. Feb. 1 is scheduled to be an all-day festival.

“We are going to have a good time and just celebrate what they’ve done,” said Fielding.