Local Venues
Alexander Music Bldg.
- Alexander Recital Hall
- Organ Recital Hall
EMU, East Circle Dr. at Lowell, Ypsilanti (734) 487-4380, www.emich.edu/public/music/musicevents.html
Aside the Quirk Theatre, this building hosts the EMU Dept. of Music, which programs regular classical and jazz music events in its recital halls and on campus from fall through spring. Music events hotline: (734) 487-2255.
Alley Bar
- 112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, (734) 662-8757
This bar hosts music on some nights, including DJs spinning hip-hop and electronica.
Amadeus Cafe & Restaurant
- 122 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-8767
Elegant restaurant with central European dining features classical music on weekends.
Ann Arbor District Library
- Main Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 327-4200
- Malletts Creek Branch Library, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Ann Arbor, (734) 327-4200
- Northeast Branch Library, Plymouth Shopping Ctr., 2713 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 327-4200
- Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Pittsfield Twp., (734) 327-4200
- West Branch Library, Westgate Plaza, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 327-4200, www.aadl.org
Ann Arbor's public library hosts events at the main library and branches, including educational live music events ranging from folk and international music to pop, rock, blues and jazz.
Arbor Brewing Co.
- 114 E. Washington St. (734) 213-1393, www.arborbrewing.com
Brew pub featuring thick sandwiches, fish and chips and dinners offers occasional music.
The Ark
- 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 761-1451, www.theark.org
One of the nation's premier acoustic venues programs some of the finest folk, country, bluegrass, international and blues music. Liquor sold to members and their guests only. Doors open a half-hour before shows, which usually start at 8pm.
Babs' Underground Lounge
- 213 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor, (734) 997-0800
Formerly known as Babs, this stylish bar moved below Three Chairs and now features DJs spinning electronica.
Barnstormer
- 9411 E. M-36, Whitmore Lake (734) 449-0040, www.barnstormerisfun.com
Nightclub and banquet center hosts DJs inside and rock and blues music outdoors in the summer.
Beaner's Coffee
- 539 Liberty St. (734) 997-0992, www.beaners.com
Coffee shop offers some live music.
Blind Pig
- 208 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor, (734) 996-8555, www.blindpigmusic.com
This is the area's most popular rock and underground hip-hop music club.
Blue Nile
- 221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, (734) 998-4746
Fine restaurant offering Ethiopian cuisine features jazz on weekends.
Bombadill's Neighborhood Coffeehouse
- 217 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti (734) 544-5080
Stylish cafe offering soups, sandwiches and light fare features acoustic music on weekends.
Borders Books & Music
- 612 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, (734) 668-7652
- Arborland, 3527 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, (734) 677-6948
www.bordersstores.com
Extensive Ann Arbor-based book store chain occasionally hosts music events.
Cafe Felix
- 200 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 662-8650, www.cafefelix.com
Elegant European-style bistro offering coffee, fine appetizers and liquor presents jazz on some Fridays.
Canterbury House
- 721 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-0606, www.canterburyhouse.org
UM's student Episcopal center hosts experimental jazz on weekends and a Sunday night jazz mass from fall through spring.
Cavern Club
- 210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor, (734) 332-9900
Underground nightclub built in the vaults and tunnels of this 1853 brewery features R&B, blues and pop music.
Chapel of the Holy Trinity Concordia University
- 4090 Geddes Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 995-7300, www.cuaa.edu
Chapel features some classical music usually programmed by the university.
Circus Bar & Billiards
- 210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor, (734) 332-9900
Bar and pool hall above Millennium Club features karaoke.
Club Divine
- 23 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti (734) 485-4444, www.club-divine.com
Wild downtown Ypsilanti dance club features DJs spinning pop, rock and dance music.
Club 23
- 3900 Willis Rd., Milan (734) 434-4270
Grill, bar and pizzeria on Rolling Hills Golf Course offers classic rock, R&B and blues bands on weekends, and karaoke some nights.
Conor O'Neill's
- 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-2968, www.conoroneills.com/annarbor/
Traditional Irish pub hosts Celtic and pop music.
Convocation Center
- EMU, 799 N. Hewitt Rd., Ypsilanti (734) 487-2282, www.emich.edu/convocation/
This spacious 7,500-9,500-seat indoor arena next to Rynearson Stadium on EMU's west campus hosts some large concerts, usually pop, rock, country and R&B.
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom
- 114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-2757, www.crazywisdom.net
Holistic bookstore features a second-floor cafe overlooking Main Street and furnished as a comfortable living room, which hosts some of the area's finest acoustic pop, folk, blues and jazz.
Creekside Grill & Bar
- 5827 Jackson Rd., Scio Twp., (734) 827-2737
Grill and bar featuring hearty American fare occasionally offers music.
Dance Revolution Dance Studio
- 603 E. William St., Ann Arbor, (734) 945-8428, www.dancerevolution.biz
Cool new downtown dance studio with lounge hosts dance parties with DJs spinning swing and Latin music.
D'angoras Bar & Grill
- 517 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti, (734) 544-9831
New bar and grill features karaoke, DJs and live music.
Dreamland Theater
- 44 E. Cross St. Ypsilanti (734) 657-2337, www.dreamlandtheater.com
Small avant-garde theater and gallery featuring art exhibitions, puppetry and film also offers electronica, experimental, jazz and indie rock music.
The Earle
- 121 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor 994-0211, www.theearle.com
Enjoy jazz most nights at this classy restaurant with a casual bar.
The Elbow Room
- 6 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti (734) 483-6374, www.ypsirocks.com/elbowroom.html
This downtown bar is the indie rock, punk and rockabilly hot spot.
Espresso Royale Caffe
- 214 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 668-1838, www.espresso-royale.com
This spacious caf? offers pop, folk, jazz and blues music.
Eve - the Restaurant
- 415 N. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 222-0711, www.evetherestaurant.com
Elegant restaurant guided by the philosophy of French cooking and the slow food movement features jazz on Friday nights from fall through spring.
The Firefly Club
- 207 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-9090, www.fireflyclub.com
This intimate club with drinks, light fare and desserts features notable local, national and international jazz and blues musicians and a popular hip-hop open mic.
First United Methodist Church Greenwood
- 1001 Green Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-8558
Occasional 'Green Wood Coffee House' evening on some Friday nights features folk music.
Foggy Bottom Coffee House
- 7065 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd., Dexter (734) 424-9630
Cafe hosts almost daily live folk, jazz and pop performers.
Goodnite Gracie
- 301 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor, (734) 623-2070, www.goodnitegracie.com/
Stylish martini bar features jazz, blues, soul and DJs.
Gotham City
- 210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor, (734) 332-9900
Dance club features DJs spinning dance and hip-hop music.
Guy Hollerin's
- 3600 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 769-4323
Sports bar and restaurant features some live country music.
Habitat Ultralounge
- Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 665-3636, www.webersinn.com
Posh lounge at Weber's Inn features pop and R&B music most nights.
Halfway Inn
- UM, East Quad, 701 E. University St. (access from Church St. near the loading dock, between Hill St. and Willard St.), Ann Arbor, www.myspace.com/eqmc
After hours on some weekends this campus dining area becomes a performance space for all-ages, cutting-edge indie rock shows, booked by the student-run, non-profit East Quad Music Co-op.
The Heidelberg Club Above
- 215 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 663-7758, www.theheidelberg.net
Restaurant with nightclub above features live music, DJs and karaoke.
Hill Auditorium
- UM, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-8350, www.music.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_campus/hill/index.htm
Designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn and opened in 1913, this recently renovated 3,710-seat theater offers some of the nation's finest acoustics.
Holy Trinity Chapel
- 511 W. Forest Ave., Ypsilanti (734) 482-1400
EMU campus-area Catholic chapel hosts some classical music events.
Idle Hour
- 92 Ecourse Rd., Ypsilanti, (734) 482-3797
Bar features karaoke.
Katie's Food & Spirits
- 2830 Baker Rd., Dexter (734) 426-4707, www.katiesonline.net
Formerly known as the Dexter establishment the Alley, this remodeled casual neighborhood family restaurant and bar serving steaks, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches offers karaoke, video games, pool tables and big-screen TVs for watching sports.
Kerrytown Concert House
- 415 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 769-2999, www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com
This intimate concert hall features classical chamber music, cabaret and avant-garde jazz.
Leopold Bros.
- 523 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 747-9806, www.leopoldbros.com
Organic micro-brewery and grill with darts, billiards and games hosts occasional music events.
Live at PJ's
- 102 S. 1st St. (734) 623-1443, www.liveatpjs.com
Upstairs from Goodnite Gracie, this new nightclub features live jazz and blues, DJs, a sunken dance floor, posh seating areas and big-screen TVs.
Michigan League
- Ballroom
- Mendelssohn Theatre (734) 763-1085
- The Underground
UM, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-0446, www.umich.edu/~league
UM hotel and banquet center with ballroom hosts some classical, jazz and international music in its medium-sized theater and student folk, rock and hip-hop events in the lower-level performance space.
Michigan Theater
- 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, (734) 668-8463, michtheater.org
Opened in 1928 as a grand silent film and vaudeville theater equipped with a pipe organ and orchestra pit for live musical accompaniment, this beautifully restored cinema features a stage in its main theater. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra operates out of this venue and major musical acts perform here monthly in the fall through the spring.
Michigan Union
- Ballroom
- University Club (734) 763-5789
UM, 530 S. State St., Ann Arbor
A hub of activity throughout the year, the union offers study areas, offices, billiards and a food court and banquet services, along with a grand ballroom and club for UM students, faculty and staff (and their guests). Diverse entertainment is scheduled, including live music, movies, variety shows, comedy and guest lectures.
Millennium Club
- 210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor, (734) 913-8890
Futuristic downtown dance club features DJs spinning techno dance music.
MJ's Nickel
- 901 Huron Dr., Ypsilanti, (734) 544-4644
EMU campus-area bar and grill offers karaoke and live music.
Moore Bldg.
- Britton Recital Hall
- McIntosh Theatre
- Blanche Anderson Moore Recital Hall
- Rehearsal Hall
UM, North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-0583, www.music.umich.edu/performances_events/perf_events.htm
Hosts the UM School of Music, which programs regular events in its recital halls and elsewhere on campus. Events hotline: (734) 763-4726.
Natural Canvas Gallery and Studios
- 613 N. Main St., www.natural-canvas.com
Modern art gallery and design studio hosts intimate music shows of all styles.
The Necto
- 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, (734) 994-5436, www.thenecto.com
Ann Arbor nightclub with two dance floors and an outdoor patio hosts DJs spinning industrial, drum 'n' bass, pop and dance.
The Neutral Zone
- 310 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, (734) 214-9995, www.neutral-zone.org
After-school activity center for high-school-aged teens offers concerts, MC battles, poetry slams, dance parties and more.
Ogie's Bar & Grille
- Lake Forest Golf Club, 3110 W. Ellsworth Rd., Lodi Twp. (734) 994-8580, www.lakeforestgc.com
Part of a golf course situated on a dairy farm, this casual bar and grill inside the renovated original farm house features live jazz and blues music along with burgers, bratwurst, sandwiches and a large selection of domestic and imported beers and wines.
Old Town Tavern
- 122 W. Liberty St. (734) 662-9291, www.oldtownaa.com
Historic, popular neighborhood saloon and restaurant with hearty food and a friendly atmosphere features folk music on Sunday nights.
Outriggers Bar & Grill
- 9901 Main St., Northfield Twp. (734) 449-0500, www.outriggersbar.com
Whitmore Lake-area bar and grill featuring steaks, pasta and seafood hosts rock and R&B music on weekends, and offers sports games on two big-screen TVs.
Oz
- 210 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 222-4770, www.ozannarbor.com
Stylish lounge with a dress code features Middle Eastern appetizers, hookah pipes for smoking fruit-scented tobacco, and DJs spinning hip-hop, R&B and 1980s electro-pop, plus Middle Eastern and Indian dance music.
Oz's Music Environment
- 1922 Packard St. (734) 662-8283, www.ozmusic.com
Performance area connected with Oz's Music hosts live music, music workshops and events.
Pease Auditorium
- EMU, College Pl. at W. Cross, Ypsilanti (734) 487-4380, www.emich.edu/convocation/pease.html
Built in 1914, this restored recital hall with an Aeolian/Skinner pipe organ is home to an assortment of EMU events.
Pierce's Pastries Plus
- 103 W. Middle St., Chelsea (734) 475-6081
Friendly community pastry shop and cafe hosts acoustic music on Saturday mornings.
Pierpont Commons
- UM, North Campus, 2101 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-7544
North campus gathering space with Leonardo's coffee house features live music, dances, open mic nights and other special events in the fall through the spring. Call Arts & Programs at (734) 647-6838 for more information on live events.
Pittsfield Union Grange
- 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, (734) 662-8936
Community hall hosts contra dances with live folk music on some weekends.
The Planet
- 613 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 994-4545, www.a2planet.com
Environmentally friendly, counter-cultural shop offering clothing, music, books, videos and gifts features all-ages live music shows on weekends.
Power Center for the Performing Arts
- 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor, (734) 763-3333, www.music.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_campus/power/index.htm
Opened in 1971, this 1,368-seat performance theater hosts classical, jazz and international music programmed by UMS.
Pub 13
- 13 N. Washington, Ypsilanti (734) 485-4120, www.pub-13.com
Restaurant and sports bar with 27in TVs, billiards and darts hosts dueling pianists playing audience favorites.
The Quarter Bistro & Tavern
- 300 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor (734) 929-9200, www.thequarterbistro.com
New restaurant offering a creative and exciting mix of European bistro and Cajun and Creole cuisine features live jazz and R&B.
Rackham
- Assembly Hall
- Auditorium
UM, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-8572, www.music.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_campus/rackham/index.htm
UM graduate school building regularly features fine arts events in its 1,125-seat auditorium.
Residential College Auditorium
- UM, East Quadrangle (734) 763-0176
UM's live-in learning environment featuring an auditorium occasionally host to fine arts events.
Rick's American Cafe
- 611 Church St., Ann Arbor, (734) 996-2747
Campus-area bar offers DJs spinning dance music.
Rush Street/800 North Cocktail Lounge
- 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, (734) 913-0330
Chic restaurant with cocktail lounge offers occasional music.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
- 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, (734) 769-2550, www.stfrancisa2.com
Catholic church occasionally hosts classical music events scheduled by the University Musical Society.
Scorekeeper's Sports Grill & Pub
- 310 Maynard, Ann Arbor, (734) 995-0100
Downtown sports bar and restaurant with 27 beers on tap, a full menu, big-screen TVs, darts and pool tables features DJs spinning pop, rock and dance music.
Sidetrack
- 56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti (734) 302-3687, www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com
Popular neighborhood restaurant and bar hosts karaoke and an open mic next door in its banquet space known as Frenchie's.
Sticks
- 39 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti (734) 483-1870, www.aubrees.com
Spacious, newly remodeled Depot Town bar offers pool tables and karaoke.
Studio 4
- 314 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 302-3687, www.studio4club.com
Upscale club with a large dance floor, a posh lounge area and two levels features DJs spinning music from the 1970s to the present.
Tap Room
- 201 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti (734) 482-5320, www.taproomypsi.com
Friendly neighborhood bar and grill offers an acoustic open mic.
Tap Room Annex
- 205 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti (734) 487-5544,, www.taproomypsi.com
Additional space opened by the Tap Room features some live blues, rock and folk music.
T.C.'s Speakeasy Bar & Grill
- 207 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti 483-4470, www.tcsspeakeasy.com
Easygoing neighborhood hangout with great food, daily specials, billiards, video games and multiple TVs for watching sports hosts rock music on the weekends, a popular Friday piano session, open mics, a DJ and karaoke.
Theo-Door's
- 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti (734) 485-6720, www.theosbar.com
EMU campus-area nightspot with darts, billiards and big-screen TVs serves famous wings and offers DJs spinning dance music, plus a hip-hop open mic.
Towsley Auditorium
- WCC
Morris Lawrence Bldg., 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor Twp. (734) 973-3300, www.wccnet.org
Washtenaw Community College 485-seat performance hall features occasional music events.
The Ugly Mug
- 317 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti, 484-4684
Cool cafe offers live music, readings and rotating local art.
University Hospital
- UM Health System
1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor
Gifts of Art sponsors a Thursday lunchtime music series in the lobby on floor one (in the courtyard during summer). Call (734) 936-2787 for more information.
UM Museum of Art Off/Site
- 1301 South University Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 764-0395, www.umma.umich.edu
A temporary space from June 2006 through mid-2008 while the museum undergoes renovation, Off/Site offers four or five exhibitions per year.
Upstairs at Good Time Charley's
- 1140 South University Ave., Ann Arbor, (734) 668-8411
A new night spot sits above the popular campus restaurant and bar Good Time Charley's, features music DJs spinning top 40, dance and reggae music.
Ypsilanti District Library
- Downtown, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, (734) 482-4110
- Whittaker Rd., 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti Twp., (734) 482-4110
www.ypsilibrary.org
Ypsilanti's public library hosts educational live music events ranging from folk and international music to pop, rock, blues and jazz.
Zingerman's Road House
- 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor(734) 663-3663
Stylish restaurant features some live music.
Zou Zou's Cafe
- 101 N. Main St., Chelsea(734) 433-4226
Cafe features music on weekends.





