Concerts, Movies and Comedy for Adults at Detroit's The Magic Bag

Located at 22920 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, The Magic Bag is an excellent little nightspot for escape, far away from the dreary cold. It offers you a distinctive alternative to your local 20-plex cinema or an overpriced concert at The Palace. What was once a strip club is now cozy and warm with its almost haphazard tables and chairs and subdued lighting. There is a full bar and this the only theatre I am aware of where one can legally smoke. Old comedies and classic commercials are shown as you wait for the main event and waitpersons make sure your glass is always at least half-full. Don't be surprised if you are asked to share a table or find yourself a bit short of elbow room. Still, it's all good.

I first discovered this little venue of movies, concerts and comedy at last year's "Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Animation Festival". If you are a fan of Mike Judge ("Beavis and Butthead"), Craig McCracken ("No Neck Joe" and creator of "The Powerpuff Girls"), and/or Matt Stone and Trey Parker ("South Park" and "Team America") don't miss this year's event taking place Dec. 26 - 30.

The festival is part of a national tour that combines classic adult animation ("Bambi Meets Godzilla") with up-and-coming new artists. There are two showings per evening and tickets are relatively inexpensive. You can reserve them in advance by calling 248-544-3030.

I have also been to their "Brew and View" (21+age only). They generally air a recent but sometimes "B" comedy, however it beats a $7.50 ticket or having to listen to the inevitable small child whining in the front row during a twilight screening. This month they are showing "The 40 Year Old Virgin" with Steve Carell and "The Wedding Crashers" featuring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn.

The Bag's concerts range anywhere from locals to old rockers (Leon Russell will be there in January). And if you are into the Blues, their annual "Anti-Freeze Blues Festival", also in January, (benefitting Detroit's Blues Society) is a must-see.

Stand-up comedy is also frequent here. Tracy Morgan, a Saturday Night Live alumni, appeared recently.