Nightlife
words by > Jeremy Dillahunt
Located on the edge of Lake St. Claire and sharing a border with Canada’s Windsor, the city of simplicity—Detroit—has always been a crossroads of commerce, people and culture. Famously home to America’s automobile industry, Motor City has also occupied the position of musical hotbed throughout its long history.
The incomparable Motown Records served as a focal point early on in the city’s music scene and attracted artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and The Four Tops. By the 1970s, the city had reinvented itself as “Rock City” and spawned such superstars as Alice Cooper, MC5 and Iggy Pop.
These days, that tradition of diversity still lives on in Detroit’s basements, mega clubs and dive bars, and offers some of the most exciting opportunities to catch up-and-coming acts in intimate settings. As the most recent wave of Detroit superstars—including Eminem, The White Stripes and Kid Rock—proves, Motor City is still one of the most important music destinations in the United States.
Oslo
1456 Woodward Ave
313-963-0300
Inside the minimalist concrete-and-glass corner storefront exterior, guests are treated to Detroit’s number one sushi guru, Kaku Usui and a menu inspired by Tokyo’s bento (traditional Japanese food) culture, which is great for hungry dancers. Oslo’s basement happens to be home to Detroit’s epicenter of techno music (yet another contribution the city has made to the world’s musical lexicon). Owners Sameer Reedy and Brook Campbell host the world’s top DJs in their diminutive space, including Ellen Alien, Michael Mayer and techno godfather, Juan Atkins.
Magic Stick
4120 Woodward Ave
313-833-9700 ext.203
www.majesticdetroit.com
Located in what can only be described as a party zone, the Magic Stick’s formula is deceptively simple: great bands, great sound, great space, billiards and beer. It also helps that the oldest bowling alley in the US, Garden Bowl, is located within walking distance. The Magic Stick is the venue all local bands look up to because once they’ve played its stage, they know they’ve reached the top of the local music scene.
Saint Andrews Hall/The Shelter
431 E Congress St
313-961-8137
www.standrewshall.com
It’s likely that next years’ Number Ones are playing the St. Andrews Hall this week. Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam and Nirvana all played the stage back when they were driving themselves across the country in vans. While the Hall is generally home to rock music, downstairs in The Shelter you can catch up-and-coming acts of all stripes. Immortalized in the film 8 Mile as the place Eminem finally found his voice, The Shelter is a classic small space with great sight lines, enthusiastic local crowds and a gritty sound system that provides for an intimate experience.