I stand outside the gate (or on beach) for a while before I pay the cover any where I go. A) to get the vibes and B) to make sure the headliner is gonna show up. Great people watching outside the gates.
Sometimes I go to Alfred's via Daddy Ron's, LOL. Alfred's intermission shows have been lamer than lame in the past. I like to watch the dancers at the back of the bar though. Bourbon has had some good shows, as has Roots. Would love to see Negril Escape shows come back.