Best Nightspot in Detroit

It's not called "Detroit Rock City" for nothing. Detroit offers many a niteclub where one can see live music. After having been to damn near all of them in my 14 years of concert going and music journalism, I have come to the conclusion that the Majestic Theatre Center is my favorite. Located right on Woodward ( Detroit's main street) in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the Majestic Theatre Center is more than just a night club. The center is a city block long, and in addition to it's holding 2 live music venues under it's roof, it also boasts a restauraunt, a pizzeria, 5 bars, 10 billiard tables , and 16 bowling lanes. The Majestic is home of the Garden Bowl- Detroit's oldest active bowling alley.

The 2 live music venues are the Majestic Theatre, and the Magic Stick. While the Majestic mainly caters to national acts, the Magic Stick predominatly books bands with a less wide appeal. Many Detroit bands have recieved their start in the Magic Stick, including both the White Stripes, and the Von Bondies. Bands I have seen at the Magic Stick include the Raveonettes, the Reverend Horton Heat, Johnny Marr and the Healers, the Detroit Cobras, the Hentchmen, and the Groovie Ghoulies. Bands I have seen at the Majestic include the Old 97's and Cracker. Rolling Stone magazine agrees with my praise of the Magic Stick having declared it the best live music venue in Detroit.

In addition to the wide variety of activities in the Majestic Center, it is fairly inexpensive. Nights with bands performing can range between $5 and $20 depending on the venue and the artist in question. On nights without live music, there is typically no cover. The Majestic Center is also home to "Rock and Rummage" a rock and roll influenced rummage sale. Rock and Rummage is a great place to find unique gifts and items that would typically range in the hard to find category.