Came here last night to chit chat with friends, we hung out in the bar downstairs. $7.75 pitchers of beer, pool tables, dart boards, totally run down college bar that takes cash only. What nice it was crowded, pushy, the staff wasn't that friendly and there is no need to dress up or take a shower for that matter....everything you look for in a college bar. FYI at about 10 pm there was $5 cover, upstairs was dead but the downstairs was hopping. If I was out in AA looking to have some fun bar hopping this place would be on list for sure. Enjoy & wipe your feet before getting in your car read more

Came here on a snowy January night with a few friends to see Midwest Project. One of those nights where it's so snowy that you can't make turns while driving without skidding 10 feet out of your lane. The band was doing Prince covers. So I feel like I missed out on the whole scene thing a little bit. In hindsight I could see how the place could get a bit indie, but the crowd was really mixed when we went. It still was a grungy place - the kind of venue where you don't really want to put your coat down because every stable surface is drenched with Coke and beer stains. There are some dark corners where all sorts of interesting creatures probably live. Combine this feeling with Darling Nikki and awkward hipster dancing, and you have a memorable experience... just not one you're sure you'd want to go through again. I had a decent time, but for some reason, I wish I had my money and time back... maybe we just needed to pre-game harder. read more

The bouncer is very unpleasant, it's a fun place to go for concerts...but honestly, the bouncer ruins the entire experience

When my trip to Ann Arbor leads me to this destination....it is never a bad time. I really enjoy this venue and it comes with my approval. Free band beer? I vote yes. The sound guy seems to know what he is doing [usually] and he does what he can to make the music sounds grand. Last time i was there, they had some crazy light show thing going on....I dont know what it was all about but it was ok with me. Check out the 8 ball saloon downstairs too if music isnt really your thing. read more

Bouncer at the front door taking tickets was SO RUDE!! Huge difference between doing your job and being a complete DICK!!

The staff was extremely rude to not only my group but others as well. I recommend literally any other venue in Ann Arbor.

Tonight I had a horrible time at the blind pig. Everything was going great until i was assaulted by an off duty Cleveland police officer that worked at the door of the blind pig. He said his name was Kidd. I would not go there again while "Kidd" Still worked there. . . \There was a cover charge of 15.00 which was for a benefit concert for crones and colitus foundation. I truly appreciate that except it didn't seem like the staffs heart was in it in it. They seemed more concerned with their phones that the event. The cop was too much. there are too many places to go and dance without getting this negative treatment from the staff. I suggest anywhere but. -Chris read more

What I like about the Blind Pig is that it has no pretensions about what kind of place it is - it's dirty, smoky, the beer is reasonably priced and there's a dive in the basement where the beer is scandalously cheap. At the same time, this is the single best music venue I've attended in Michigan. There's live music almost every night, and probably 90% of the artists there are on their way up or on their way to being on their way. Some of the local acts will blow your braincase. Usually, you can see two or three bands in one night for as little as $7. The sound mixing is great and bands set up quickly between sets. This is the place you go to for a real rock concert, none of this arena crap. Depending on who you're seeing play, the crowd can be more obnoxious than on other nights, but I've never had a bad time at the Pig and it's super fun when the whole crowd is getting into a show. People I've encountered here are friendly. The crowd can get young on an 18+ night, though. I'll admit that I have a better time in less smoky environments, but I know what I'm getting when I walk in the door here and you can't beat it for the price. My only gripe is showing up when the doors open and waiting in line outside for 30 minutes (fine in the summer, bad in the winter when you don't want to bring your coat in). I factor this in to my visits now. Also I'd hate to be caught in the mens bathroom if it were full, though - it's like back to back troughs. Downstairs is the 8-Ball Saloon for your non-concerting, non-cover needs. It's actually a pretty cozy place. read more

Dear Blind Pig, I am a little confused on why my first double whiskey and coke tasted like it was straight from the whiskey bottle and my second one tasted more like it was straight from the coke bottle. At $6.75 a pop you better make it worth my buck. I switched to the PBR in a bottle because you were breaking my bank (and Brian's). I was impressed with the sound there. Sound guy: keep up the good work buddy. I also dug it how you played Canada's entire record through the set changes. I love you Canada. Thanks for a fabulous affair Blind Pig. Yours Truly, Kelly read more

If a national act, outside the jazz/classical realm, comes to Ann Arbor they will most likely be here, the Ark, or through the University. While it has a somewhat charming old ambience, they seriously need to improve their sound. First of all, why is it always way too loud (bass, drums heavy)? I just saw a musical act end their set EARLY due to cacophonous, jarring sound. It was a rock band, where we should have been able to hear the guitarist/singer and keys clearly. NOPE. As I know musicians around town, many have complained that it's too loud on and off stage and distorted. Get with it! You're the only real rock club in Ann Arbor. read more

Best part about The Blind Pig? Two words: The Bang. The Blind Pig is an institution and many an unknown band plays here before they get big: this goes as much for Nirvana as Vampire Weekend. The venue is intimate, the popcorn free - what more can you ask for? (Ok, maybe you can ask for an HVAC system installed after 1970, or heck, any HVAC system period. But air circulation situation is much improved now that Michigan banned smoking indoors. Still gets stiflingly sweaty, but just make sure to bring your inhaler and use your John Frieda Frizz-ease to help your hair deal with the humidity). Obviously, the quality and character of The Blind Pig as a music venue is a feather in its cap, but an even brighter - and also rarer - plume is The Bang. The Bang is an amazing monthly mixtape dance party that I have never encountered anywhere else on earth. GirlTalk only wishes it could be The Bang. Imagine a bar crowd with no wallflowers, no pretenses, and no lack of energy or dance moves. In short, imagine the best party you've ever been to, then add a theme, optional costumes and a hip playlist. You will have the best time dancing and dry banging friends and strangers alike at The Bang. Because words simply cannot do The Bang justice, please enjoy the following YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOa-iK8MB60 More importantly, be sure to check out some of the amazing playlists from The Bang here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebanglovesyou/sets/72157624470739385/. I have shamelessly ripped songs from these playlists and added them to my own party playlists, and they are always a hit. (One of my personal faves discovered at The Bang: "Club Action" by Yo Majesty.) Finally, for more information about The Bang (e.g., upcoming dates and themes), visit their website at http://www.thebang.net/. Oh nostalgia. Although the basis for my review of the Blind Pig is hardly recent, the memories are as vivid (as they could be after that many PBRs) as if it were yesterday. I miss The Bang - even living in New York City now where you'd think you could find an ample substitute for it. You can bet my next trip back to Ann Arbor will be planned around The Bang. read more

Yes it's dirty - what do you expect with a connecting bar called 8-ball?? Speaking of which, 8 Ball is one of the few bars open until 2am on a Sunday night. All of the restaurant workers in Ann Arbor are thankful for this. As for concerts - too many to count - the reggae shows are effing fantastic (although crowded Dave!! Yikes!) I've seen Matt Nathanson, OK Go, Knee Deep Shag, Tadd Mullinix, Canada, John Mayer, Capleton, Domestic Problems, NowOn, NOMO, Howie Day, Tally Hall, Telefon Tel Aviv, Soot, Funktelligence, Guster, and Buff1 to name a few. A FEW! There aren't too many venues in Ann Arbor that accomodate so many genres, with both local and nationally touring acts (Any other that come to mind) 5 stars all the way. read more

Came here last night for the Tally Hall show, very impressed! Its not much to look at from the outside but the inside is a lot bigger than you'd expect. Prices are cheap and the venue seems to get some really good bands to play. There's a bar in the venue and below as well if that's your style, can't say anything about the quality though. Oh and they allow smoking indoors which is kinda cool but is a little irritating if you aren't a smoker. 2 things stop Blind Pig from getting 5 stars, first they aren't really organized at all. Doors were supposed to open at 8 but we were still waiting 2 blocks down at 8:30. If you care about the first band in a show, get there like an hour early, it takes a while to get in. Second, the floor isn't curved or raised so it can be hard to see the show if you're not really tall. Basically get there early and you're set. Will definitely keep an eye on this place's calendar! read more

I completely agree with everything that Alan T said, which is why I give the Pig the highest rating possible. The Pig is a dive. You're feet may stick to the floor and the bathrooms make you want to run home and shower. Immediately. The staff hates you and the bar only accepts cash. You might as well light up, because to enter the Pig is to smoke at least second hand. But none of that matters. Because the Blind Pig is dedicated to two things and two things only - live music and booze. The sound here will knock you on your ass. If the band you're watching doesn't sound good at the Pig, they likely will out and out suck anywhere else. And the booze! Oh the cheap booze! I dare you to find a more reasonably priced rock club in such an overpriced college town. So yes, its dank, grimey and you will reek of sweat and smoke upon exiting. But you won't care. Because you will have a belly full of booze and ears that have been assaulted with the finest rock that A2 has to offer. And when you have that, nothing else really matters. read more

The music venue is pretty great and you will always be surprised as to how good the acts are. They have karaoke on Mondays which can be a lot of fun. Downstairs is a bar called the 8-ball and they usually have $1 beers on Monday as well. It's PBR so expect what you pay for. 4-5 stars for entertainment, 0 for cleanliness. Specifically, if you want to know what a festering disease like the bubonic plague smells like when left out for a week, just enter the blind pig. The place is disgustingly gross. Your clothes will stink like that for the next 2-4 weeks... don't wear anything remotely nice. I think there are only 3 spots where you won't hear or feel the stickiness on the floor. read more

Pig is for dirty hipsters and the introverts who love them (read: me). Prerequisites for fun and acceptance: PBR, Beer Goggles, Dancing Shoes (Bang nights only). The Bang is good sweaty fun. Caution: It's overrun with law students, so beware these tricksters and their conservative, non-themed attire. (Full disclosure: I am a law student). Pig can be fun when its empty too. I saw VHS or Beta here last year and even though there were only ten people in the audience, they still said it was better than any show they ever played in Detroit. I got to know the surly bartender quite well, and boy does that guy hate VHS or Beta. Poor guy. The cash-only bar is both a blessing and curse: although it is inconvenient and costly to use the ATM downstairs in 8-ball, it does prevent me from forgetting my card at the bar after I open a tab and proceed to use it. If you drive and it's after midnight or so, I would park in the lot across from LIVE since they sometimes just open the gates on that lot at that time so you get free parking without scouring the streets. read more

Being in my mid 30's, I'm beyond the age bracket where I frequent bars and clubs much anymore. However, being that I used to bartend in a club in my early 20's for many years, I do suffer an occassional fit of nostalgia that makes me want to hit a bar or club once in a while to inculcate all of the youthful energy. So, that one night was this past summer when my friend and I randomly hit 8 ball so he could get his a$$ whooped in pool (by yours truly). Then, we hit a place called the Blind Pig, which I had seen listed in the Ann Arbor Observor nightlife section, but had never been to, despite the fact that I have lived near Ann Arbor now for the better part of a decade. So, in we stroll...pay the cover, have no clue who is playing, and even less clue what to expect. Maybe my experience was more pure than most because I simply did not even know the Blind Pig was connected to 8 ball the night we went. I found the place dingy and dark, but this didn't bother me. It made me feel like I was right back in College...and since I am a young looking type (still get hammered for my ID everytime I buy beer), I fit right in. I must admit that being surrounded by some pretty college girls certainly didn't hurt matters. In any event, I had a good time...the band that was playing that night was really good. I immediately got into their alternative groove. And I still have no clue who it was since we dropped in on an impromptu basis. The beers were cheap and cold. So you do the math: cheap, cold beers + pretty girls + good band = high 4 star rating. I haven't dropped in since that one time, and who knows if the next time will be as pleasurable (if it even happens) as the first. Maybe it won't because if it happens again, it will most likely be a planned visit. So maybe this 4 star rating is a bit inflated due to the innate adventure of being spontaneous one summer night that just came together. Dan read more

They have karaoke night. Pretty fun joint. They have a lot of live shows, which is great.

25 yrs I have been comming here it is Best Place to catch a live show.

The security is horrible. Very disrespectful to woman. I've been to many venues in Michigan and never seen so many instances of rudeness from a staff. Will never be going their again. read more

The setting is just right for the type of venue it hosted. But the big guy at the door & his help were unnecessarily rude to me & the women I was with. Not a good look Bro read more

In terms of a facility, I kinda hate the Blind Pig. It's gross, divey, there are few places to sit, the door people are mean and the bathrooms.....ewwww. But, the Blind Pig is a great place to see a band or hip-hop act (always catching Subterraneous shows there - proper) although the sound can get a little loud and tinny at times. It gets props because of the shows they book. read more

I've been to the Blind Pig many times for shows. One thing I love about this place is that they bring in a good variety of shows, something for whatever is your liking. The entire place is two floors, tho it's not at all big. The upstairs, where the shows are, doesn't hold much. There is a bar, a small area to sit or stand, and an even smaller stage. This place is neither clean nor well lit nor ventilated. But it let's you get right up close and personal with the band. And because it's such a small space, any seat in the house is a good seat. It also has more than reasonable drink prices, which just makes this place more impressive. Not only can you actually see the band and hear the music clearly, but you don't have to spend a day's wage for a few drinks. All in all, the Blind Pig may be the best venue in Ann Arbor. read more

I've always said a small intimate concert is always the best. There's nothing like seeing a group or artist in a small venue... That's why I have to say the Blind Pig has to be one of the best concert venues in the area! I've had the honor of playing at this venue as well as see some amazing bands before they got too big to play at a small venue. Either way it's always a blast. Get there early and go downstairs to the 8 ball. There's kind of a funk/sewer smell, but they have the the best juke box in 4 counties so deal with the smell, play some pool, or darts, and drink a PBR! read more

It's true: the Blind Pig (especially the 8 Ball) smells horrible. (Update: 8/25/2010, stopped in after the smoking ban passed. It's not so bad in there anymore!) But once you get over that, there are a lot of really awesome bands that come through (e.g., Ingrid Michaelson, Feist, Matt Nathanson, etc.) and it's probably the smallest place you will ever see them. The Blind Pig also happens to have some pretty affordable drinks, and the occasional bar stool. It is usually a little bit loud, but that may be my old person side starting to come out. read more

Extremely disappointed by how incredibly rude the bouncers are!! I went to go see my friend's band and was nervous to try and get in (even though I am 21, had my ID ready and was a paying customer) because I saw the people in front of me get turned away and yelled at for absolutely no reason. My friend, who is also 21 and was being very polite, was turned away because the bouncer was determined from the get go that he would not let him in because he had had a few drinks before the show. This is the second time I have been to this venue, excited to see a show, and have been talked down to by the bouncers FOR NO REASON. It seems like a chill live music venue in Ann Arbor would want to create a positive experience for students and the community. I love this venue but will sadly never return due to the absolute douchery of the staff. PLEASE do not support this business. read more

I'm very sorry I have to give this place a one star rating... It's a historical venue and I'm sure many, many talented acts come through the venue, which is more than fantastic. However, I had the most frustrating experience with the bouncer there........ Wouldn't believe that my friend's ID was real (yes, it was a legitimate driver's license), took the ID, had to actually call the police to have the bouncer give back her ID, the police man verified the ID to be legitimate, still denied our entire friend group's entry because we "made him emotional" by "yelling" at him. In the end, Vulfpeck's own Jack Stratton was the coolest guy ever to convince the manager of the Blind Pig to let us all in just in time before the show started. The manager was cool, the venue's great, I love Ann Arbor and Vulfpeck.... but that bouncer.... Oh my god.... If your great night out is about to be ruined by the bouncer there, if possible, find one of the band members, but if not, please speak up to the manager (he's cool!) read more

I lost my wallet 3 weeks before the concert and was still waiting on my photo ID. They would not let me in to a concert despite the fact that it was 18+ and despite the fact that I had the credit card to pay for the tickets and my temp license. $35 down the drain - thanks! read more

The WORST service I have ever experienced. Dirty atmosphere, blind pig more like FILTHY pig. The girls bathroom had vomit everywhere. Drinks were in ratchet mugs. Manager is a huge buzz kill and made the whole experience a -10 out of 5 read more

Looks like a firetrap for indy rock bands to play in....the over 18 policy for shows just made me feel insanely old when the kids infront of us were denied in for being too young and using a fake..lovely. The walls have mirrors on both side so the place will look a lot bigger. Its semi dirty and smokey as heck in here so you def need to be aware of your plans after the bar incase you don't realize you smell like crap. The bar is sub par but you really are here for the band. The stage is not that big and needs to be raised so people further then 20 feet away can see anything. The side area which is raised needs to be replicated on the otherside so the audience can see what is going on. Speakers relocated so the big fans in the front don't go automatically deaf when the sound system is not set up optimally. I would have loved this place and gone every weekend if I were 18 year again but being in ALMOST my mid 20s I felt like a soccer mom that was crashing a party. read more

Maybe I'm just too old for this sh*t? I first came here for a concert in my freshman year of college. Sound quality wasn't good, but I had fun. Since those days I've traveled a bit more and have enjoyed many smaller venues and local bands. I returned here a few years out of college and was chased around the place by a bouncer who thought I was the girlfriend of some drunk girl I didn't know. It was a pretty crazy night I had, suddenly living like a wild youth, but I'd rather spend my time and money somewhere less filthy. read more

after reading the other reviews i was really surprised. so many bad reviews! it's a good time at the blind pig. it's hot and sticky. it's easy to get to the front and they sell lots of beer. i saw both brendan benson and the hard lessons here for the first time. i have had a great time everytime i go. my favorite thing. it's small. you can hear the band. you can see the band. the bar is always close by. yes it's dirty, but isn't that how you're supposed to see music? in a dirty venue with people pressed up against you spilling beer on you and singing along. love, juston read more

Don't even bother showing up if you actually enjoy fun because this place is not fun. Great bands. Poor service. Poor management. Cmon get it over with already! read more

Pretty sure this was my first and last time at this place. Saw Ron Pope on 2/25 and what disaster. Conflicting information about when doors where opening online and still opened even later than that. Some things said 8 and some 9, but people were still waiting to get in at quarter to 10. When we called earlier in the day to confirm the time, the person who answered said they didn't know and asked that we call back later. Seriously? Sound delays and set-ups between OPENING acts taking absurdly long meant Ron didn't even come on until MIDNIGHT. Overall, EXCEPTIONALLY poor organization for the entire event. Not worth returning to. read more

I haven't been at all impressed with The Pig. I have been to about a half dozen shows here and I have always walked away asking myself why I even bothered. Rarely do they book good entertainment and in my experiences, they have been rude and unapproachable from the person at the door all the way up to the manager of the venue. I stopped going here after a controversial performer was booked to my great displeasure (the performance was Buju Banton and it in fact drew a large protest). Suffice it to say, The Pig is not for me, and if you want to have a good time and hear better bands of the same genre... The Magic Stick in Detroit is at least 3 times as good of a venue. This is one customer who won't be back. read more

Disappointingly lame live music venue. They need to book more creatively - not just luke warm college jam bands or snooze inducing indies...let's have some real ROCK here...but unfortunately the Pig doesn't deliver. Staff is notoriously rude with too many stories to post here...If you're looking for great, cutting edge live music check out THE HEIDELBERG upstairs on Saturday nights or The Elbow Room in Ypsilanti!!! read more

Rude bouncers. It sucks to go as a minor, don't put your hands in your pockets. They will come check to make sure you aren't trying to hide that you wiped off the massive sharpie x's they draw all over both hands. Also, the place is dirty and the staff don't seem to care about anything but catching minors who want to drink. read more

Got kicked out after driving 5 hours to see a show. Bartender said he warned my brother once about leaning against the bar and kicked him out, there was no warning. It was the first time he spoke to him. Bouncer at the door was rude and staff not friendly at all. Bought one beer, was not ridiculously priced. Over all ruined the whole trip. read more

After speaking with Jason, the person whose number is on the website for booking events--- I AM NEVER BOOKING AN EVENT HERE!!! I work in the entertainment industry and I was merely looking to book a casting event which, by the way.. I have a team of 50 people with me who I WOULD HAVE TO FEED as well--$$$ and I was on the phone with Jason for all 60 seconds before making the decision-- OVER IT!! Jason is the RUDEST person I have ever spoken to, he is arrogant and cocky, lacking communication skills and manners in general. He has no business being the event coordinator or the person to book huge events. Unfortunately this place just lost out on free promotions, publicity and more importantly MONEY! (oh well, bye blind pig) read more

The Blind Pig is overrated. In my opinion, the sound system totally sucks. It is way too loud for the size and the acoustics in the building blow. For some reason, the B.P. has a reputation, so they draw some big names now and again (they had Nirvana and Pearl Jam before the Seattle thing blew up...wheeee). And it's always too crowded! read more