The best places to check out live music in metro Detroit [PHOTOS]

By Alex Washington on Wed, Mar 29, 2023 at 11:20 pm

Detroit’s music history is deeply embedded into its culture. From Motown to techno, Detroit’s sonic contributions to the world have been vast and deep. And we’re blessed to have plenty of places to go that offer unique concert experiences, whether you’re checking out your favorite pop star or rising indie artist.

These venues keep pretty full event calendars, and allow Detroiters to experience some of the best musicians from our city and beyond.

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Ziggy's/Facebook

Ziggy’s

206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; ziggysypsistore.com

Ziggy’s has a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere while hosting a variety of local acts. It has a capacity of around 50.

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Kerrytown Concert House/Facebook

Kerrytown Concert House

415 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-769-2999; kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Kerrytown Concert House is the perfect place for an intimate live music experience in Ann Arbor. It can hold about 75 concert-goers.

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Tangent Gallery/Facebook

Tangent Gallery

715 E. Milwaukee Ave., Detroit; tangentgallery.com

An underground arts space and live music venue in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood that can accommodate as many as 2,000.

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Bowlero Lanes and Lounge/Facebook

Bowlero

4209 Coolidge Hwy; 248-549-7500; bowlerodetroit.com

If you’re looking for something free to do, this bowling alley offers free live shows in its lounge (and the occasional trivia night). It can accommodate around 200 guests.

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Google Maps

Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-0292; thearetha.com

You can’t say summer in Detroit without a show at Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre (formerly Chene Park). Just thinking about the outdoor riverside venue is enough to make us picture linen outfits and the venue’s signature “blue drink.” It has a capacity of 6,000, including 5,000 seats and 1,000 on the lawn.

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Courtesy of District 142

District 142

142 Maple St., Wyandotte; district142live.com

District 142 is the new kid on the block, and primarily focuses on rock and country concerts. It has a capacity of 700.

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Google Maps

The Blind Pig

208 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpigmusic.com

Chances are if you’ve ever been to a show in Ann Arbor, you’ve been to the Blind Pig. What started as a blues joint has transformed into one of Ann Arbor’s most popular music venues. It has a capacity of about 400.

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Google Maps

Cliff Bell’s

2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com

Cliff Bell’s is a tried and true music venue with a focus on jazz, located right around the corner from The Fox and The Fillmore. It seats around 80 people.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge/Facebook

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300; bakerskeyboardloungedet.com

This jazz club needs to be on every Detroiter’s bucket list, simply because of its storied history. Known as one of the world’s oldest jazz clubs, this place has seen performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nat “King” Cole, among others. Stroll in one day to catch a cool jazzy performance, a quick drink, and an unforgettable meal. With its 99-seat capacity, it’s great for intimate performances.

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Google Maps

UFO Factory

2110 Trumbull St., Detroit Check out a live band, and maybe grab a hotdog from a Laika Dog while you’re there. It can hold around 75 people.

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Google Maps

Outer Limits Lounge

5507 Caniff St., Detroit; 313-826-0456; outerlimitslounge.com

Outer Limits is a bar, venue, and record label owned by local musicians John Szymanski and Kelly Jean Caldwell, with an emphasis on rock ’n’ roll. It has a capacity of about 100.

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New Dodge Lounge/Facebook

New Dodge Lounge

8850 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; 313-638-1508; thenewdodgelounge.com

New Dodge Lounge recently came under new ownership, but the venue remains a good spot to see smaller music acts. It has a capacity of around 250.

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Google Maps

The Loving Touch

22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-820-5596; thelovingtouchferndale.com

Loving Touch is a live music venue located right in the heart of Ferndale. It can hold 400 people.

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