Since the news broke that the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor was closed by state officials for unpaid sales tax, owner Susan Chastain said she's received an "overwhelming" outpouring of support.

That includes offers from 20 different jazz and blues acts to play a large benefit show here in hopes of raising the $120,000 Chastain owes to the state, as well as an offer from University Bank to set up a community contribution fund to help pay off local taxes owed.

Also a birthday party for jazz musician Tim Ries - originally set to be held at the Firefly Club - tonight - will instead be performed at the Kerrytown Concert House. Chastain said the concert house donated the space and Ries has agreed to give all proceeds to the Firefly Club. Tickets are $10 and shows are at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. this evening.

"I am so moved and so grateful," Chastain said.

Stephen Lange Ranzini, president of University Bank, said today his bank will match $1,800 if the community can raise the other $1,800 to help Chastain pay $2,600 in local business taxes she owes and another $1,000 she is behind in on sales tax payments to the state.

Contributions can be made to the Joseph Ranzini Charitable Trust account at University Bank. Ranzini said the money would be released directly to the county and state and will be returned if Chastain and the state can't agree on going back to some form of their original payment plan. Ranzini's father, Joseph Ranzini, was a professional jazz musician.

Chastain she hasn't been able to get in touch with anyone at the state yet to discuss any sort of payment plan. She plans to get an agreement worked out before she accepts any money.

"I have never tried to get out of paying (the taxes) and I have told the state I owe you this and I want to pay it, just give me the chance to pay you what I owe you and stay open," Chastain said.

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