Blues club in Detroit: Romantic

This east side staple has been bringing a little piece of Memphis to Macomb County for years, featuring some of the Detroit area’s best blues bands. The venerable restaurant serves a full menu of tavern fare such as steaks, pizza and burgers; lake perch is a house specialty. And live rip-roaring blues can be seen and heard every night except Monday and Thursday at the Goose.

The Blue Martini, attractive though it may be, is suffering from an identity crisis. The bar boasts local and national blues acts in an unlikely area, far off the beaten path in Pinckney. As an uppity martini bar, the venue seems to miss the point of the blues almost entirely, drowning out the necessary roughness of the music with the clanking of martini glasses and expensive high heels. The waitstaff, and there's plenty of them, could learn a few manners. Despite the complaints however, the bar has an excellent sound system, is clean and provides ample seating. Make the drive only to catch your favorites in action or to be greeted by a friendly doorman, otherwise, stay home, pour yourself a beer and listen to a record.

The beautifully remodeled Firefly Club presents quality jazz, blues, big band and swing acts, seven nights a week, featuring artists on the national and local scenes. The club boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and a new dance floor. The Firefly Club is also available to rent for private parties, receptions, dances, workshops and seminars. Check our Web site for a current calendar of events, pictures and descriptions of all bands playing at the Firefly.