Although cigarettes may not be allowed in Lawrence venues, the music scene is still pretty — cough — “smoking.”

A few new havens for live performers opened their doors in 2004. And a few places that stopped booking music for years reintroduced themselves into the world of cover charges and earplugs.

The number of quality places to play usually reflects (or dictates) the vibrancy of a city’s entertainment community. Fortunately, Lawrence is blessed with a whopping amount — more than any other town its size in the nation.

Here are some of Lawrence’s most dependable live music locales:

Abe & Jake’s Landing

8 E. Sixth St.

841-5855

www.abejakes.com

This former barbed-wire factory has converted into a cavernous, eye-popping venue, complete with fake storefront facades and eccentric sculptures. A large stage accommodates the headliners, and a smaller, more intimate bar plays host to various jazz and folk combos. The view of the river ain’t bad, either.

The Bottleneck

737 N.H.

841-LIVE

www.bottlenecklive.com

Lawrence’s most renowned joint for live music — especially all-ages shows — changed its format a tad this year. Not only does the bar book national and local bands multiple days of the week, it now has added a dance rave known as Neon on Thursdays, and the hip-hop mic battles of Project Groove on Fridays.

The Crossing,

618 W. 12th St.

865-4044

(no Web site)

The only bar to sit atop Mt. Oread recently began reintroducing live acoustic acts and bands. Those who recall the locale’s amazing legacy of shows in the late 1980s and early ’90s will be pleased that the small but mighty Crossing (occupancy 100) has decided to serve up more than beer.

Eighth Street Taproom

801 N.H.

841-6918

(no Web site)

This dual-level townie bar has drawn some quality talent to perform in its subterranean depths, lately. The Taproom’s Sunday night jam sessions are as hip as the stage’s silver-sequined backdrop.

Gaslight Tavern and Coffeehouse

317 N. Second St.

856-4330

www.gaslighttavern.com

The newly resurrected Gaslight is the rare Lawrence music venue that sits on the north side of the Kansas River. These close-knit quarters boasts a weekly lineup of DJs and bands. And its outdoor beer garden is the perfect gathering place to watch some top-flight folk talent.

The Granada

1020 Mass.

842-1390

www.thegranada.com

After a 60-year history as a movie theater, this converted venue still offers a theatrical environment. Although it recently ditched its swank martini bar and aquarium, the establishment’s attention to providing a great stop for touring headliners has not dried up.

The Jazzhaus

926 1/2 Mass.

749-3320

www.jazzhaus.com

The city’s most veteran club long ago dropped its jazz format, but it sure didn’t abandon the live music scene. Twenty-three years running, The Jazzhaus continues to showcase a respectably diverse array of talent. Those musician silhouettes in the window still watch over the place.

The Jackpot Saloon and Music Hall

943 Mass.

832-1085

(no Web site)

This new space just opened across the street from The Replay Lounge — no surprise considering they share the same owner. And obviously that owner likes music, because the rustic-themed Jackpot has quickly established a reputation as one of the most consistently fertile spots for live music that caters to the hipster crowd.

Liberty Hall

642 Mass.

749-1972

www.libertyhall.net

It’s not only downtown’s best concert hall, but it also doubles as the city’s only cinematic art house. Between the classic architecture and hip murals, this 1,050-seater is the definition of atmospheric.

The Replay Lounge

946 Mass.

749-7676

www.replaylounge.com

It’s where the cool kids go to see the latest underground/indie artists while coaxing quarters into their favorite pinball machines. A heated outdoor beer garden adds to vibe. If one likes to see bands up close and personal, then this is the place to be.

Stu’s Midtown Tavern

925 Iowa

749-1666

www.stusmidtowntavern.com

Lawrence’s only consistent blues outlet serves up authentic shuffles and jams, despite being hampered by its strip-mall setting. Lawrence can be accused of catering to the college music crowd, but Stu’s proves there are other worthy styles that deserve a local platform.