The Crier

Ann Arbor Music Venues

Gerald Gordinier · Top Ten · Oct 07, 2007

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This week the Top Ten counts off the best of the best Ann Arbor staples, and a few dark horse candidate venues, within which you can sit back and immerse yourself in quality noise.

1. The Blind Pig: Though this timeless dive-hall could rest on the laurels that Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon once graced its little low-level stage, the Pig rocks on with free popcorn and near-daily shows, Architecture in Helsinki and Stephen Kellogg playing in the next two months.
2. Hill Auditorium: Often lauded for its renovation to “near-perfect” acoustics, the Hill continues to offer up astounding classical symphonic presentations, as well as Ludacris.
3. Firefly Club: In their new location near Leopolds, 637 S. Main, the Firefly is Ann Arbor’s premiere spot for Jazz and low-lit conversation.
4. Cavern Club: If one more perspective night at Scorekeepers has you nauseous, try out the catacombs below Millenium and the packed stage around the Killer Flamingos, the hipster Mecca of Friday and Saturday nights.
5. Live at PJs: Come Thursdays for the amazing guitar stylings of Laith Al-Saadi, sit back and draw on a large cigar as you’re immersed in fifteen minute solos and crisp blues.
6. Heidelburg: The farthest bar from home is also the best for a Wednesday night outing, Heidelburg Wednesday nights up in the attic the original home for Stu’s Kareoke, offering a chance to belt out journey with a few close friends to a truly bohemian crowd. Make sure you get your Arcadia down in the Rathskeller for the best deal.
7. The Ark: Any Ann Arborite’s first stop to look for the finest of folk artists, the Ark is a beautifully cozy venue where even the lowliest of artists can play on open mic nights. Make sure you catch the folk festival at least once before you go.
8. Michigan Theater: As anyone who caught Feist when they stopped by a few weeks ago, the Michigan theater holds it own, a plethora of impressive lighting and acoustic effects making this arena one to not be missed.
9. UMMA: The University of Michigan Art Museum, though currently off-site, offers a few free, choice concerts every year to those with their ears to the ground. Last years presentation of The Books was met with great fan-fare, and if you haven’t gone yet, keep a look out for the future.
10. Michigan Stadium: Maybe not an obvious choice, but who can resist the Michigan Band’s stunning white and blue uniforms as they bust out everything from Star Wars themes to Rick James.

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