The Token Lounge
28949 Joy Rd., Westland
The Token Lounge has been a staple in the metro-Detroit local music scene since its establishment in 1971. With a full bar, it usually houses heavy metal and rock. Some national acts have made appearances as well, such as Canadian punk band The Creepshow and Ohio natives Hawthorne Heights. Heavy metal band Lizzy Borden will be playing at The Token on July 16. This doesn’t mean local bands can’t book a show, though; The Token welcomes any and all.
www.thetokenlounge.com
Woodruff’s
36 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti
Located in Depot Town right next to Sidetrack, Woodruff’s is a revamped music venue catering to the Ypsi/Ann Arbor local music scene. Having just opened last December, Woodruff’s now houses some form of entertainment seven nights a week, whether it be karaoke, open mic or local bands. They even have arcade games. They offer good service, a full bar and a great night to spend out with friends.
www.woodruffsbar.com
Magic Stick
4120 Woodward, Detroit
Is there anything the Magic Stick doesn’t have? Located upstairs from the Majestic Theater, the Magic Stick houses a bar, billiards and a stage. Though it’s hard to ignore the fact that the ground shakes when the crowd really gets going during a set, it has that small, intimate feel that lets a band really connect with the crowd, whether it be a touring band or a local one. In addition to the Magic Stick, the venue also has a restaurant, a pizzeria, bowling, another bar and another stage. Monday nights house autotune karaoke, and every couple of months the Majestic holds dubstep shows.
www.majesticdetroit.com/magic-stick
The Modern Exchange
12219 Toledo Dix Rd., Southgate
Never in a hipster’s wildest dreams would you imagine a place like the Modern Exchange exists. It’s a music venue, a thrift shop, a record store and a cafe all in one. With so many things drawing people to this place, it helps the bands that play get some exposure as well. A person might show up just to purchase a pair of thick-rimmed glasses and an old Echo and the Bunnymen record, but end up staying to see a band hailing from Ypsilanti, Michigan. And as for the coffee, it’s not bad, especially at half the price Starbucks charges.
www.themodernexchange.com
The Ark
316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
The Ark is a different kind of venue, specializing in folk and acoustic acts. Unlike most local venues, the Ark has seating for its patrons. Being non-profit and run by volunteers, it has a very chill and laid-back atmosphere — except for the membership aspect. Anyone can go to the Ark and see a show, but in order to drink the beer and wine they offer, you have to purchase a membership. To reserve seats, one must purchase a one-year $500 membership. This is for the acoustic fans with a disposable income. Other than these small ssetbacks, the Ark houses quality acts without a bad seat in the house.
www.theark.org
The Magic Bag
22920 Woodward, Ferndale
With local and national acts, the Magic Bag welcomes everyone with decent ticket prices. There is standing room close to the stage and seating further back. They also offer $2 Brew and Views, where they play recently released movie, while the waitresses serve you alcohol and freshly popped popcorn. That’s right. They serve it to you as you watch “Bridesmaids” or “Hobo With a Shotgun.” Head over to their website to see the list of upcoming music acts and upcoming Brew and Views.
www.themagicbag.com
