Local watering holes come and go all the time, but not many have left an impression on the Detroit rock scene the way the legendary Blondies nightclub did before it closed in 1994.
Good news for Blondies fans: Original owner Ruzvelt Stevanovski is resurrecting its namesake at a new Detroit location.
The 7 Mile Road dive on Detroit's west side was a staple during the glory days of '80s metal and punk. Before becoming household names, everyone from Slayer to Poison dropped by the tattered venue to perform.
When the national acts weren't rolling through, the venue was a hotbed for local talent. The humble Blondies stage served as the launching ground for many of today's local acts.
Stevanovski ran Blondies until 1990, when he sold the bar to John Anton. Anton sold Blondies in 1994 and currently owns and operates the Token Lounge in Westland.
The new Blondies is set to open in mid-September at 2281 Fort St. near the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit.
The two rooms on the upper level will have the décor and feel of the old location. "I saved a lot of memorabilia from the old Blondies," says Stevanovski. A mix of national and local acts will fill the music roster upstairs.
Plans for the lower level include a separate nightclub reserved for DJs and dancing.
Stevanovski, who turned 55 this week, says he's been trying to reopen the club for a while. He says of his competition -- new bar owners in town: "They may be younger than me but the kid is coming back!"
For more: www.myspace.com/blondiesnightclub.
Just for kids
Bellyache Records has issued a children's record from Detroit rockers the Go. The limited-edition vinyl release is printed on yellow vinyl and features three songs.
Other new releases from the local label include a 7-inch EP from the Hentchmen, released last week, as well as a 7-inch single from the Muggs, due in September. For more: bellyachecandyshoppe.com.
Nashville is the new Detroit
Lots of folks are packing up, leaving the D and heading to the land of country music.
Last week, 20-year-old country crooner Sarah Lenore -- a former Plymouth resident and current Nashville transplant -- was featured on NBC's "America's Got Talent," where she received a standing ovation and advanced to the Las Vegas portion of the competition.
Sharon Osborne commented, "I think you have a great future," while David Hasslehoff chimed in with: "I think you've got an amazing voice."
You can follow Lenore's progress at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on WDIV Local 4, NBC. For more: www.sarahlenore.com.
Rachel May is a member of local bands Broadzilla and Novadriver. Send music news to her at rmay@freepress.com.
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PIPEHITTER4HIRE from DETROIT TO OMAN - September 13, 2008 at 4:02 PM
This place is a joke,the bands were horrible,the parking lot is dark and muddy,the doormen are rude wanna be tough guys and the head doorman is s...
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