Sample Profile

When other cities criticize The Deuce, Traci Mayer thinks they're just green with envy. "Ann Arbor has a reputation for being snobby," says the U-M grad student,  "but that's only because it's the best city to live in." An intern at St. Joe Mercy Hospice, she's caught in the eternal tug-of-war between wanting to save the world (she's pursuing a masters in social work) and the need to groove to some righteous tunes.

"I spend 100% of my free time exploring the music scene. I play a little on my own, but prefer the works of artists better than myself. Someday, I'd like to host my own folk festival." As you might have guessed, Traci sees Ann Arbor through the seven days lens of music, music and music. Oh, and drinks. "If you're looking for a place with live jazz and don't mind smoke, visit the Elk's Lodge (220 Sunset Rd) for Jazz Night, which takes place one Monday a month. It changes, so you have to check the calendar".

For most people hump day is hardly worth celebrating but for Traci, Wednesday means 75 cent PBR's at Circus Bar and Billiards (210 S. First St, above Millennium Club). "They offer great live folk and bluegrass music along with friendly familiar faces that will welcome you back week after week."

Traci's other midweek destination tends to be Arbor Brewing Company (114 E. Washington). "This place offers good brews, a lively and mixed crowd, and friendly service. Disclaimer: They won't kick you out for breaking a glass, but they will if you touch the iPod."

Her weekends tend to get divided between the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty) –"my absolute favorite place to see a movie or concert. It's a beautiful theater and if you're a member, you can enjoy a cold one before the show"— The Ark (316 S. Main) , "which is the premier folk listening room in the Midwest. There's not a bad seat in the house and they bring in artists from all over," and the legendary Blind Pig (201 S First). "[It] offers a big room usually filled with an energetic crowd. If you're looking for something a little edgier, a little smokier, and a little louder than the Ark, the Pig is your place."

But no list of favorite music venues would be complete without The Elbow Room (6 S. Washington), even if it means hopping in her car and heading over to Ypsilanti. "Although it's very smoky, they have great bands there, a lively atmosphere, cheap drinks, and bartenders that actually care to know your name. The owner, Andy Garris, seems to be a friend of everyone and he's created a space that is exciting to support."

It's too bad Traci's body can't just run on chord progressions and dulcet tones. When she slows down long enough to eat, she likes Sadako (1301 South University). "It's a great (and inexpensive) sushi restaurant with a laid back atmosphere." Grizzly Peak (120 W Washington), on the other hand, offers just the right mix of happy hour prices and yummy bar food. "They have great beer specials and a fantastic mushroom burger."

For something a bit fancier, Traci recommends The Black Pearl (302 S. Main), a new seafood/martini restaurant on Main Street. "They have great late night specials on the weekends, live music on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a DJ on Sunday nights. It's a different atmosphere every night of the week."

And as any live music rat will tell you, knowing the place for late grub is tantamount to survival. "Fleetwood Diner (300 S. Ashley)  is the place for LATE night eaters. [It's] an Ann Arbor staple, a dive diner open 24 hours that offers the best Patty Melt and Hippie Hash you'll ever eat at 4am. The staff is a little rough around the edges, but they can cook."

Whew! After a whirlwind week of rockin' (and eatin'), Traci likes to retreat to the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea House (114 S. Main) for a quiet evening downtown. "This is a cozy shop and tea spot with great drinks at affordable prices. There is a small listening room upstairs in the tearoom where you're bound to meet interesting patrons and great local artists."