Blues music series will bring national acts to Live at PJ's
A new, Thursday night music series from local music promoter Peter Andrews plans to bring national blues acts to downtown Ann Arbor nightspot Live at PJ's.
The lineup will start with two shows a month, but Andrews said he is hoping to add more shows early in 2012 if the event proves popular enough. “We’re booking really strong acts. If the audience responds, we’ll go to four a month and take it from there,” Andrews said. “There is not as much blues going on as I think the market can support.”
PREVIEW
Peter Andrews Presents Blues Plus
- Who: National blues acts presented by longtime local music promoter.
- What: New live music series.
- Where: Live at PJ’s, 102 S. First St.
- When: Sets are at 7:30 p.m. (doors open one hour earlier) and 9 p.m.
- Lineup: Nov. 10: Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials ($12.50-$8); Nov. 17: Tommy Castro Band ($25); Dec. 8: Commander Cody ($20-$15); Dec. 15: Nick Moss and the Fliptops ($12.50-$8). Tickets and info: www.liveandgracies.com or 734-623-1443.
To come in January and February are tentative shows by Michael Burks, Deanna Bogart, Magic Slim and The Teardrops, and Duke Robillard, Andrews said, adding that if the series expands some area blues talent could be booked as well.
Andrews explained that he was at a reunion at PJ’s and got to thinking the place would make a fine blues venue. He approached club owners Rob Perkins and Derek Aldridge and they thought it was worth a try as well.
The series is aimed at an older crowd.
“Doors open at 6:30, the first show is at 7:30 and the second show is at 9, so everybody is done at 10,” Andrews said. “If you want to hang out you can hang out, or you can go home and be to bed at a regular time … this is not for college kids, it’s for a more mature audience.”
PJ’s has 170 seats; there will also be 30 standing room only tickets available, probably in the bar area, for each show. “It’s such an intimate atmosphere. You are right there,” Andrews said.
Andrews, who was a co-founder and director of the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival, previously booked the Local Blues and Brews series at Guy Hollerin’s on Plymouth Road, which continues on Saturday nights but without Andrews’ involvement.
Comments
revras
Mon, Nov 7, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Please inquire to see if its possible to bring in Big Time Sarah. She is a wonderful blues artist also living in Chicago. Looking forward to Lil Ed. He always puts on a great lively show.
liveandgracies
Sun, Nov 6, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
Oh and yes, part of the idea is that it is one night of amazing music that continues with Ann Arbor's own Laith Al- Saadi playing right downstairs at Good Night Gracie's. Laith is a national treasure of a guitarist who happens to reside right here in Ann Arbor. The combination of these amazing national artists and Laith is the perfect night of music. See you there!
liveandgracies
Sun, Nov 6, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Hi actionjackson, Very sorry to hear about the confusion. It sounds like for some reason or another the transaction didn't go through. Especially if it hasn't shown up on your credit card. The paypal transactions show up very quickly. I would wait until Monday to see if it hasn't gone through because of it being over the weekend. If it hasn't shown up by Monday go ahead and do the transaction again. Rest assured that if for any reason you end up being charged twice we will easily refund you the difference through paypal. Please feel free to reach out to us at liveatpj@gmail.com with any other questions. Either way don't let this stop you from seeing this amazing show. We are so excited for it ourselves! <a href="http://www.liveandgracies.com" rel='nofollow'>www.liveandgracies.com</a>
Helen
Sun, Nov 6, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
I am thrilled! Way to go PJ's, can't wait to come and feel the blues.
actionjackson
Sat, Nov 5, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
I went online and thought I had four tickets to Commander Cody for seated viewing. Haven't seen confirmation or a bill on my credit card? I have called twice and asked for a return call as I have friends from out of town who would like to go. Any ideas on how to find out if my order went through?
H2
Fri, Nov 4, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
You could also let everyone know that Ann Arbor's own Laith Al-Saadi plays downstairs and Goodnight Gracies starting around 10:30
kittybkahn
Fri, Nov 4, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
Great idea, Peter! We already have tickets for the Commander Cody show and are looking forward to the others. -Peace, Kitty