Two years ago this month, a little Hamtramck bar by the name of Lili’s 21 shut its doors. The nightspot, a haven for punk rockers, broke musicians and those in search of some heady live music, had been a home away from home for many young Detroiters, and when it closed folks were crushed.
Almost immediately after the farewell though, the abandoned bar became a point of interest for many prospectors, all eager to get their hands on the historical Hamtown nightspot. Luckily — for those who really cared about preserving the integrity of the beloved bar — the final sale went to young entrepreneurs (and former Lili’s customers) Andy Dow and Joe Lampinen. They have decided to call the refurbished hangout The Painted Lady.
“I have wanted to own a bar since I was 16,” says Lampinen of the new venture.
Some might remember Lampinen as the host/bartender of the Magic Stick’s weekly punk rock night, The Bird’s Nest (Lampinen’s nickname is The Dirty Bird). The much-beloved night was one of the only punk rock-friendly and punk rock-themed events going on around town. Lampinen, a burly no-nonsense character with a high standing in the rock ’n’ roll community, was always the kind of fella who made sure his guests were having fun. If you weren’t having fun, well, then you might have been one of the unlucky few who found themselves on Lampinen’s bad side — if you were one of those guys, you learned your lesson. The hard way.
But, no worries, Lampinen always has his customers’ best interests in mind — he explains that The Painted Lady will “just be a place for good times. People should expect cheap beer, live music and fun.”
The Painted Lady, though already open for business, will officially commemorate its grand opening with a two-day blowout celebration that will bring out some of the sweetest bands in town. Check it out on Friday, Sept. 24, with: The Go, Human Eye, Terrible Twos and Genders and on Saturday, Sept. 25, with: The Valentinos, Tentacle Lizardo, Little Claw and Whores of Babylon.
Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.
The Painted Lady is located at 2930 Jacob in Hamtramck. Call 313-874-2991 for more information.
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