The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor

Nestled in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, The Blind Pig first swung its doors open on March 30, 1972. What began as a quaint European-style café by day-offering espresso, crostini, wine, and premium beers-transformed at night into a vibrant blues bar that quickly became the go-to spot for local and touring players. The name “Blind Pig” alludes to Prohibition-era speakeasies and police corruption in Detroit, lending the venue a storied, rebellious spirit from day one.

Through the 1970s, the club became renowned for its intimate basement shows, featuring legends like Koko Taylor, Hound Dog Taylor, Boogie Woogie Red, and Roosevelt Sykes. Patrons described packed nights, hazy with smoke and energy, where coffee-house intellect met blues connoisseurs in close quarters. In 1975, the founders launched Blind Pig Records in the basement-an indie blues label that amplified the club's reach and legacy.

In the early ’80s, under new ownership, the club expanded-adding the downstairs 8‑Ball Saloon and moving the main stage upstairs-making room for louder rock and indie bands. Since then, the venue has hosted a trail of influential artists, including Joan Baez, Pearl Jam, Nirvana (who called it their favorite venue), R.E.M., Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, and more. Today, it seats around 400 fans, continuing to spotlight a diverse mix of up‑and‑coming indie, hip‑hop, electronic, and established touring acts.

For tourists visiting Ann Arbor, The Blind Pig offers far more than a night out-it’s a living monument to American blues and rock history. Whether you're drawn to raw, future legends still making their mark or simply want to soak up the atmosphere in a venue that feels like home, this is a must-experience stop on the local cultural map.