There's a growing trend in big cities of combining different forms of entertainment, ranging from restaurants that have movie screens to coffeeshops that have poetry readings. Along those lines, a temporary "art exhibit/smart bar/music venue space," called The 637 Club (formerly the Arthouse Gallery), has relocated to 637 S. Main St., beneath the old Ark.
The establishment has a selection of art for sale by five artists in varying media. But around 10 p.m. the lights go down and a regular DJ or a musician takes the stage. Patrons can sit, listen to music, view the art and enjoy health drinks and food from the "smart bar," a non-alcoholic bar which originated during the European rave craze. People wanted something that "would help keep them going all night," director of events and professional photographer Krysta Ahn said.
"There's not adequate space in town," Ahn said of the move. "It could become a mobile concept. Naturally we would want a permanent building so it may sprout up again." The current building is not up to code and The 637 will be closing Sept. 28.
The Old Alcove in Detroit is an example of a similar idea, Ahn said. Artists donate their time and work, and though it's for sale, the entire operation is not for profit. Also, the Saturday night cover charge is only $5; otherwise it ranges from $3 to $5, and there is no age restriction. The bar offers tea, pastries, soda and juice - "a smart bar has no coffee," Ahn said.
"The music has the effect of compelling people to dance," recent graduate Colin Depp said. "It blends artistic creativity with socialization of today's free-wheeling youth. The relaxed, laid-back atmosphere has a taste of Greenwich Village and Soho right here in cozy Ann Arbor."
Last October Ahn and some fellow artists decided to get a space for their show, including multimedia work. They opened the Arthouse Gallery, brought in a bar and had music on the side. But it became so popular that too many people were crowding into too small a place. The fire marshal ordered them to close. "We've certainly had hurdles in terms of appropriate space," Ahn said.
"Immediately there was a positive response when the Arthouse opened, through it's closing," she said. "People have long awaited this concept. But there's nothing in Ann Arbor up to code, making it difficult for a low-budget operation."
The 637 will be open Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. until Sept. 28. Tomorrow evening the band Butterfly, with special guests Monaural, will be featured and this Saturday the regular artists Bump Consumption and DJ Han Solo will perform. Sometimes they close at 5 a.m., "or as late as it takes," Ahn said. "There's fresh new talent here and a lot happening in town. People need somewhere to go all night and talk about art."
The 637 Club features local DJs spinning up a flavorful blend of jungle, hip hop and acid jazz for the dance crowd.