20 of metro Detroit's most iconic music venues

The Blind Pig

The Blind Pig gained a reputation in Ann Arbor as an eccentric and eclectic music club. When it opened in 1971, the Blind Pig hosted strictly blues musicians and offered a limited variation of genres. Ten years later, the Blind Pig changed its tune and expanded its downstairs club to accommodate for more rock-based acts. By the early '90s, you could see sprouting “college rock” bands such as Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, and REM — you might have even caught the grunge trio Nirvana performing an intimate sold-out set in the basement of the Blind Pig. Imagine being only a few feet away from frontman Kurt Cobain as he croons through a rendition of “Love Buzz” before leaping from the stage and into the clustered audience. The Blind Pig holds history in its walls and maintains a tradition of showcasing diverse music styles.