Long Beach doesn?t have as many live-band hotspots as one would expect from a city its size. Alex?s Bar has some good shows, primarily of the punk variety, and Que Sera has hosted some interesting acts. But in the past couple of years, the Prospector has become one of the most unexpectedly successful venues in town. Why unexpected? Well, frankly, the design of the bar makes it almost impossible to maneuver when it gets crowded (as it usually is during a show), the sound is no great shakes, and unless you?re one of the maybe 25 people who can reasonably fit onto the main floor, you won?t be seeing much of the band you came to see. But thanks to the diligence of its bookers and staff, the Prospector has managed to attract a hip roster of LA, OC and out-of-town up-and-comers to its stage, shortcomings be damned.