Blind Pig

Local and National Musical Talent Abound

by: Kenyon Sivels

Have you ever heard of Amp Fiddler, Nomo or Ekoostik Hookah? No? Well what about Jimi Hendrix, Run DMC, Nirvana or Pearl Jam? Probably so.

All of the previously mentioned bands are examples of the multitude of artists that have graced the stage of Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig.

The Blind Pig is as much a piece of Ann Arbor as is the University of Michigan, the Film Festival or the Farmer’s Market.

So why should you visit the Blind Pig before you leave Ann Arbor?

DJ, manager of the 8 Ball Saloon, a small bar downstairs from the Blind Pig, said, “It is the only dive in Ann Arbor.”

DJ has worked for the Blind Pig for 8 years and has seen “thousands” of shows.

Ray Spears, a Blind Pig employee of 5 months, said, “This is the best venue you could come to in the world.” He later went on to describe the Pig as “legendary.”

Dive and legendary are two very accurate words to describe the local landmark. The first thing to notice is a plain, but very bright blue sign marking its location. When you walk in, already you are hit by the significance of the place. As you come to your senses, the first thing greeting you other than a bouncer is a dirty black and white tile floor. Accompanied with that is the strong smell of cigarettes, one that will haunt your clothes for days.

After paying the cover, you walk past the counter and into history.

Lining the walls on your right and above the bar on your left just past the partition are pictures of former bands that have played here. Included is a mini-shrine to Nirvana, who recorded a live cd at the Pig.

To your immediate right, the soundboard is sitting on a table, enclosed by a pseudo-wall covered with bumper stickers from shows past. Beyond that is the floor. The lights are dim, causing dark reflections in the mirror-lined walls. In fact, the only real lights are the sporadic neon ones and those on the stage where the opening band is setting up.

One of the Blind Pig’s charms is that it has nothing to hide. Off to the left, adjacent to the bar is a popcorn stand like you might find in an elementary school. The popcorn is free for patrons. And dirty. And everyone eats it.

According to its website, the Blind Pig was started in 1971 by two University seniors: Tom Isaia and Jerry Delgiudice. In its early years, the Pig existed as a café and blues club, certainly appealing more to a higher class of people. When the previous owners transferred ownership to Roy and Betty Goffett, they helped to make it what it is today.

From there, it took off.

So why should you take a night you could use to study, and choose to neglect your homework for at least a couple hours?

“You can hear new talent,” said Mark Brooks, a father who was enjoying his first time at the Pig watching his son-in-law play. His wife, University alum Jackie Brooks, agreed. “It is a venue for unknowns,” they said.

When I asked him why people should come here, employee Mr. Spears said “People come, and the next day, they are on TV.”

Jeremy Daly, band member of Meouse said, “Every town has its venue that big people and little people come to; this is that place for Ann Arbor.”

So why do I think you should go to the Blind Pig?

1. Everyone likes music. And what’s more: live music is better than iTunes.
2. Everyone likes chill time with friends. The Blind Pig is perfect for that. Rhett, 2 year employee of the Pig, said “It is like you are in your friend’s basement with their parents out of town.
3. If you drink, you probably like cheap beer. On Sunday-Tuesday, the Pig and the 8 Ball have $1 Pabst Blue Ribbons as well as free pool. So even if you do not drink, the option is there to have a good time.
4. The atmosphere of the Pig is awesome. Brian, a cook at Jerusalem Garden who comes to the locale about twice a week, said, “Every time I come in, I talk to someone.” Brian moved to Ann Arbor from New York two months ago and the Pig is one of the places he has been able to come and meet people.

According to Harlin Newcomb, an Ann Arbor native and 2-and a half year employee of the Pig, the atmosphere and music selection is real diverse.

Something adding to the overall atmosphere is the no-nonsense attitude adopted by the staff. Said Mr. Newcomb, “People should know that when they come here, the customer is not always right.”

Ellen, a Blind Pig regular of about 2 years, assured me of this fact. She said that staff members are not afraid to kick anyone out. Frequent people trying to test the workers are minors carrying fake ids or people who have had a couple too many.

So next weekend when you need to take a load off or want to enjoy the sultry sounds of a new band, no other place is better than the Pig. You never know, the next band you see might be the next great band.