By Elizabeth Lucas
and Philip Son
Daily Arts Writers
 |
| BOHDAN DAMIAN CAP/Daily Colin Stetson, a graduate of the School of Music, performs avante jazz with his band Transmission at the Blind Pig on June 12. The Blind Pig showcases locally based and nationally known musicians. |
To begin with, Hill Auditorium is located on Central Campus, just across from the Diag. Along with a number of University-related events, Hill Auditorium hosts several concerts each year - the auditorium is known for its magnificent acoustics. This past year, Blues Traveler and INXS played stellar shows at Hill, as did University musical groups like Amazin' Blue and the Men's Glee Club. The School of Music also presents numerous free (or inexpensive) events at Hill, including its legendary, and always sold-out, Halloween concert.
Ann Arbor's most historic music venue is The Ark. Located at 316 S. Main St., The Ark offers a varied selection of music: bluegrass, blues, R&B, jazz and folk. This is usually a good place to catch up-and-coming artists in a smaller, less crowded setting. The Ark also co-sponsors the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in January, and the Frog Island festival, which features folk, blues and zydeco artists, in July.
Fans of alternative, pop and rock music have several venues to enjoy. The Blind Pig (208 S. First) hosts local bands like South Normal, Getaway Cruiser and the Holy Cows, as well as the occasional major-label musician. Unfortunately, most first-year students can't partake of this excitement, as the Blind Pig has a strict 19-and-over policy. (Fake IDs will get you nowhere - your best bet is to celebrate your 19th birthday in grand style by going to Windsor and then catching a Blind Pig show.)
Rick's American Cafe, better known as Rick's (611 Church St.), offers alternative/rock bands, with the reputation of serving a largely Greek-based clientele. Though Rick's is a little on the mainstream side, it's also more accessible, with an 18-and-over policy.
A more relaxed setting can be found at the Bird of Paradise (207 S. Ashley St.), a restaurant with live jazz performances. The Bird of Paradise is classy and comfortable, with a less manic atmosphere than that usually found at Rick's or the Blind Pig.
For a truly original concert event, go to the Michigan Theater. This theater (603 E. Liberty) shows classic, foreign and independent movies, but occasionally it also hosts concerts. At the Michigan Theater, you're likely to see famous (or soon-to-be famous) artists in a unique, intimate setting. Some past Michigan Theater shows have included the Verve Pipe, the Indigo Girls, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
Ann Arbor isn't far from two other venue sites - Pontiac and Detroit. Pontiac is home to more than the Detroit Lions. The Palace of Auburn Hills, a basketball arena (I-75, exit 81), frequently hosts major-label acts like Phish and the Smashing Pumpkins. Further up the freeway (exit 89) is Pine Knob, an outdoor amphitheater that offers patrons either pavilion or hill seating. Before leaving Michigan, attend at least one concert at Pine Knob - preferably one like the Dave Matthews Band or Counting Crows, where you can dance and smoke various substances all over the hill. Pontiac is also home to Clutch Cargo's (65 E. Huron St. at Mill St.), a smaller venue that hosts trendy new acts like Veruca Salt, Foo Fighters and That Dog.
Detroit's music venues are also small clubs, and they feature a variety of artists. St. Andrew's Hall (431 E. Congress) presents famous and not-so-famous alternative/rock musicians, such as Matthew Sweet, Soul Coughing and even Keanu Reeves' band, Dogstar. The State Theatre (2115 Woodward Ave.) hosts similar acts.
Though you may not have a car and you may be only 17 or 18, have no fear: good concerts are still within reach. In Ann Arbor, a walk down the street may be all it takes for some rockin' live music.
09-03-97
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