During the day, the Blind Pig is quiet. Its beer-soaked halls, scuffed checkered floor, and graffitied walls wait patiently for the night, when hundreds of people flock to the venue to see live music on any given night.
The Pig has been an institution in Ann Arbor for decades, which is why news that it was officially listed for sale on February 23 has prompted speculation and nostalgia amongst University of Michigan alumni and Ann Arbor residents alike. The building also houses the 8 Ball Saloon, a hip dive bar with pool and darts, bathrooms that always have soap, and a love-it- or-leave-it cash-only policy. The alleyway outside is a site for smoking, mingling, and binging on late-night hot dogs from local food carts stationed outside the venue.
The Blind Pig is one of the only destinations in Ann Arbor to see nationally touring artists as well as local music groups. Known for the impressive roster of bands that have graced its modest 400-capacity space, the Pig has been a springboard for many acts passing through in their early career before achieving large-scale success, such as Modest Mouse, Nirvana, Danny Brown, Alt-J, and more. It is also known for its diverse and sometimes eclectic calendar, featuring popular acts from every genre as well as novelties like an acoustic Mountain Goats set, comedy from Trailer Park Boys’ Randy & Mr. Lahey, and a comeback tour from Aaron Carter.
As of now, the status, price, and reason for the sale is unknown. Questions about whether the next owners will preserve the venue’s brand or turn it into something else are still up in the air.
The Blind Pig is of a dying breed of family-owned, independent music venues. News of its listing comes in the wake of recent evictions and crackdowns of other independent artist spaces like the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit. Although the two are not related, these occurrences have drawn attention to the increasingly urgent need for safe, affordable spaces to create and support the arts.