Top 10 Hidden Live Music Spots in the Mitten
My Top 10 Hidden Spots with Live Music in MI
Many blogs and writers have already listed their top 10 bands for 2011 (Fusion Shows, LSJ Noise, etc), so I thought I’d share my favorite places that are hosting live music in Michigan.
Now, this list doesn’t feature conventional concert halls. Instead, these spots are smaller rooms (100 or less), often overlooked venues, coffeehouses, or bars that are hosting live music. Many places that people have responded, “Oh! I didn’t know they do live music there!”
Here are some places to checkout unique Michigan music!
10. Kahuna Coffee in Hartland
This coffeehouse has been hosting some open mics, jazz groups, and unique showcase of local musical talent. Michigan folk talent like Robert Marr to young, local talent like Stephen Schlaak.
9. Capital Music in Holly
Not only a great music store in a new Downtown location behind My Sweet Holly, but also a great room to perform! Capital Music has a stage, PA, lights–it’s an intimate room to catch live music or perform at their open mics. Right now, their website isn’t updated for events regularly, but so I’d link up to their Facebook page.
8. Old Town in Ann Arbor (Acoustic Sundays)
Sundays at Old Town is becoming a hoping spot with a regular crowd checking out local talent. Bluegrass, folk, singer-songwriters, etc are performing at this Sunday showcase.
7. Carrick’s House Concerts in Clarkston
Craig Carrick’s cancer is in remission, and his house concerts are kicking off for another great year of music. This is my favorite house concert series in Michigan.
6. Pump House in East Lansing
I love this place. Volunteers have redesigned an historic pump house building into a small concert venue nestled in the center of the neighborhood. This is a great spot to see folk, rock, country or singer-songwriters.
5. Raven Cafe in Port Huron
A pre-Civil War era building with Michigan local beer and coffee, and a stage above the door! Weekly, acoustic music showcases and electronic music happen here.
4. Stout in Brighton
OK, I admit I play here quite a bit! (Twice a month) But I love performing at Stout because it has an intimate stage, lights and house PA, perfect for acoustic shows. Stout features an Irish bar’s atmosphere. Quite a few cover acts play here on Friday and Saturdays. In the summer, live music is on the back porch with the outdoor fire pit.
3. Lunch Studio/Flint Local 432 in Flint
The music community is excited to have the Flint Local’s return, and they are already hosting shows at the Lunch Studio.
2. GW’s Black Crystal Cafe in Ann Arbor
This house concert series at GW’s home is a music haven. Picture a gorgeous stage and lights in the basement featuring national acoustic acts. It’s stellar. Plus, GW also has a lyrics contest called ForSongSake!
1. Trinity House in Livonia
My favorite spot to see an intimate show hasn’t changed since high school. The Trinity House is often overlooked on 6 Mile in Livonia, right by I-275, but the white theater is a beautiful room that features the feel of the Ark in Ann Arbor.
Runner-ups:
- Bluegrass Wednesdays at Circus Bar in Ann Arbor
- Fenton Winery & Brewery in Fenton
- Kettle Coffee House inside the Hartland Music Hall in Hartland
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