Night Life in Traverse City & surrounding areas

Night Life

Your guide to what's going down after sunset

Last update: Friday, August 22, 2008

ANTRIM COUNTY

Short's Brewing Company, Erik VanHorn 9 p.m. Aug. 22; Mark Duvall and Tracci Seuss Aug. 23; couples dance with live music 8 p.m. Aug. 27; Nick Strange Cosmic Duo 9 p.m. Aug. 28; Chain O Lakes Music Festival Aug. 29 with Rose Fraser 8 p.m., Pinky Lee Band 9 p.m., The Ragbirds 10 p.m.; Chain 'O' Lakes Music Festival Aug. 30 with Hi-Lo with Luke Winslow, Susan Fawcett, Daisy May Erlewine and Seth Bernard 8 p.m., The Squeaky Clean Cretins 9:30 p.m. and Who Hit John? 11 p.m.; Dawn Patrol 8 p.m. Sept. 5; Boyne River Remedy 8 p.m. Sept. 6; Reggie and the After Party 8 p.m. Sept. 12; Josh Hall and the Alcohol 8 p.m. Sept. 13; Pinky Lee Band 8 p.m. Sept. 20 Mon. couples' dancing; Tues. open mic; live music Fri.-Sat.; 121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire; 533-6622; www.shortsbrewing.com.

BENZIE COUNTY

Cabbage Shed, darts and camaraderie 7 p.m. Fri., beginners to experts, instruction and darts provided; 198 Frankfort Ave., Elberta; 352-0225.

Crystal Palace Lounge, DJ the King Ron Lawler, live music and karaoke Fri.-Sat.; daily specials; 17170 Vondra Road at M-115, Thompsonville; 378-3104 or www.crystalpalacelounge.com.

Laughing Horse Saloon, live music Fri.-Sat.; open mic 8 p.m. Sun.; 15888 Lindy Road, Thompsonville; 378-4876.

Mayfair Tavern, open mic night 8 p.m. Tues., happy hour 4-6 p.m. daily; 515 Frankfort Ave., Elberta; 352-9136.

Thompsonville Bar & Grille, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-midnight Sun.; Thompson and Front, Thompsonville; 378-2554.

Charlevoix County

Everett's at Boyne Mountain, live music 7-10 p.m. with Bob Bryant Aug. 22; Jeff Bihlman Aug. 23; Nelson Olstrom Aug. 28; Kurt Strauss Aug. 29; Bob Bryant Aug. 30; Dave Cisco Aug. 31; Scot Bihlman Sept. 1; Nelson Olstrom Sept. 4; Dave Cisco Sept. 5; Nelson Olstrom Sept. 6; Nelson Olstrom Sept. 11; Jeff Bihlman Sept. 12; Scot Bihlman Sept. 13; Nelson Olstrom Sept. 18; Dave Cisco Sept. 19; Bob Bryant Sept. 20; Nelson Olstrom Sept. 25; Dave Cisco Sept. 26; 1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls; 549-6000.

EMMET COUNTY

City Park Grill, comedy night Thurs. 9 p.m.; 432 E. Lake, Petoskey; 347-0101.

Country Club of Boyne, Pete Kehoe 6-9 p.m. Wed. June through August; Boyne Highlands Resort, 600 Highland Dr., Harbor Springs; 526-3000.

Horizon Books, live entertainment 7:30 p.m. Fri.; 319 E. Mitchell, Petoskey; 347-2590.

The Inn at Bay Harbor, live music 7-10 p.m. with Jeff Bihlman Aug. 22; Scot Bihlman Aug. 23; Pete Kehoe Aug. 29-30; Scot Bihlman Sept. 5; Pete Kehoe Sept. 6; Michelle Chenard Sept. 12; Pete Kehoe Sept. 13; Jeff Bihlman Sept. 19; Pete Kehoe Sept. 20; Michelle Chenard Sept. 26-27; on the lakeside patio, in case of inclement weather entertainment moves inside to the South American; 3600 Village Harbor Dr., Bay Harbor; 439-4000.

Odawa Casino Resort, 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey; (877) 4-GAMING, www.odawacasino.com.

Papa Lou's Pizza, Pub & Grill, Mon. euchre tournament; Wild Wednesdays with DJ G Feezy and Moe Betta Karaoke; Thurs. Ladies' Night with DJ Bill Da Cat; 317 E. Lake St., Petoskey; 348-FOOD or www.papalous.us.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, entertainment in the lounge 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with Andy Six Aug. 22; David Collini Aug. 23; Andy Six Aug. 29; David Collini Aug. 30; David Collini Sept. 5-6; Andy Six Sept. 12-13; David Collini Sept. 19-20; Andy Six Sept. 26-27; GT Resort & Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme; (800) 748-0303.

Apache Trout Grill, Jim Hawley 6-10 p.m. Aug. 28; 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 947-7079.

Bayview Inn, karaoke 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thurs. with BDJ's Karaoke by the Bay; 5074 U. S. 31 N., Acme; 938-1610.

Bootleggers, open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-2 a.m. Sun.; 119 S. Union, TC; 922-7742.

Bowers Harbor Inn and the Bowery, John Wunsch plays classical, 12-string, contemporary acoustic guitar 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat.; Old Mission Peninsula; 223-4222.

Chateau Chantal, Jazz at Sunset 7-9:30 p.m. Thurs. through Aug. 28, featuring the Jeff Haas Trio with guest musicians, select Chateau wines available, lemonade also served, free admission; 15900 Rue de Vin, Old Mission Peninsula; 223-4110 or wine@chateauchantal.com.

Dillinger's Pub, open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-2 a.m. Sun.; 121 S. Union, TC; 941-2276.

Firefly, music and fun on the river, outdoor patio, daily specials; 310 Cass St., TC; 932-1310 or www.tcfood.com.

Hayloft Inn, Jim Hawley 6-9 p.m. Aug. 24 and 31; open mic night 7:30 p.m. Thurs. for musicians, poets, comics, hosted by Bill Dungjen; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. live country and western entertainment; M-72, TC; 941-0832.

Hide Away Bar & Grill (former New Kingsley Inn), hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon., 11:30 a.m.-midnight Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun.; with DJ music by Hot Traxx 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri., and karaoke 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat.; 211 E. Main St., Kingsley; 263-4059.

Hofbrau, 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 4 p.m.-midnight Fri.; noon-midnight Sat.; 10 a.m.-midnight Sun.; 2784 M-137, Interlochen; 276-6979.

Holiday Inn West Bay, Shimmers Nightclub, closed Sun.-Tues.; Ladies' Night Thurs., doors open 9 p.m., no cover; live music Fri.-Sat., doors open 8:30 p.m., $5 cover, 21 and older with valid picture ID; 615 E. Front, TC; 947-3700.

Horizon Books, live music 8:30-10:30 p.m. with Jim Cooper Aug. 23; Straightforward Blue Grass Aug. 29; Barbara Jordan Ellis Aug. 30; Open-Mic Poetry 7 p.m. third Mon., (Sept.-May), followed by open mic, bring poems to read and share, writing exercises available, bring eight copies of a poem to workshop with the group; 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290 or (800) 587-2147.

InsideOut Gallery, 10/80 7 p.m. Aug. 22; Tony Furtado 7 p.m. Aug. 29; 229 Garland St., off Hall, downtown TC; 929-3254.

Jacob's Well, hours 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Mon. open mic, music and poetry third Thurs. of month; 1121 E. Front, TC; 946-4476; www.jacobswell.info.

Kilkenny's Irish Public House, live music 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Fri.-Sat. and 7-10 p.m. Sun., featuring Egon Aug. 22-23; Wild Sullys Aug. 24; Don Swan & The Mob Aug. 29-30; local Irish group "Scatter the Mud" Aug. 31; The Big Crunch Sept. 5-6; Three Thumbs Up Sept. 12-13; Andy & Billy (from Domestic Problems) Sept. 19-20; Egon Sept. 26-27; music by Levi Britton 6-10 p.m. Thurs. until Labor Day; garden level below North Peak Brewing Company, 400 W. Front, TC; www.kilkennyspub.com.

Level 3 Lounge (nightclub), entertainment 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with Uncle Ugly Aug. 22; David Lee Murphy Aug. 23; Ron Getz Trio Aug. 24; Shaydes Aug. 28-29; Jeff Bihlman Duo Aug. 30-31; Center Stage Sept. 4-6; Judy Harrison Sept. 7; The Music Doctor Sept. 11-12; Risque Sept. 13-14; Shaydes Sept. 18-19; Badfinger Sept. 20; Ron Getz Trio Sept. 21; Jeff Bihlman Duo Sept. 25-26; Benzie Playboyz Sept. 27-28; Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, M-72, Williamsburg.

Lil Bo, '80s Dance Party Aug. 26; Emotionally Impaired Aug. 29; karaoke hosted by Emotionally Impaired Aug. 30; open 11:30 a.m.-midnight Tues.-Thurs. and 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; smoke-free daily 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and all day/night Thurs.; plus karaoke 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tues.; Bo Bossa 8:30-11:30 p.m. Thurs.; happy hour 4-6 p.m. daily; 540 W. Front, TC; 946-6925 or www.lilbo.com.

The Loading Dock, Marauder Aug. 22-23; Drop Show with DJ Nesta Aug. 26; The Reefermen Aug. 29-30; open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-2 a.m. Sat.-Sun.; Mon. 7-9 p.m. TC Celtic, and 10 p.m.-close Jazz Night with Jay and Matt; Fri-Sat. live music; Sun. open mic with Kurt and Marty; 205 Lake Ave., TC; 941-4422.

North Peak Brewing Company, on the deck 5-9 p.m., Scott Bihlman Aug. 22; Matt Phend Aug. 23; Andre Villoch Aug. 26; Levi Britton Aug. 27; Mike Moran Aug. 28; Rob Bugar Aug. 29-31; 400 W. Front, TC; 941-7325.

Northern Lites, 11 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thurs.-Sat., open at noon Sun.; 273 U.S. 31 S., two miles south of GT Mall, TC; 943-8555.

Park Place Hotel, Rojo Loco (Latin dance band) 6:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 25, live music and dancing at the Top of the Park, no cover; plus Tom Kaufmann (piano) 7:30-11:30 p.m. Thurs., and 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Fri.-Sat., Piano Bar in the Beacon Lounge; 300 E. State, TC; 946-5000.

ParkShore Resort, live entertainment with Come Play Rockband 7 p.m. Wed., live DJ 9 p.m.-close Fri.-Sat.; 1401 U.S. 31 N., TC; 947-3800.

Sail Inn Bar & Grill, open 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-midnight Sun.; patio now open featuring live music 6-10 p.m. Wed.; karaoke 6-10 p.m. Thurs.; 1104 Barlow, TC; 946-4195.

Schelde's Traverse Bay Tavern, Ronnie Hernandez 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tues.; Cheryl and AJ of Madison Straw 8:30-10:30 p.m. Sat., no cover; 714 Munson Ave., TC; 946-0981.

Scotts Harbor, live music by Don Julin and Angelo Meli, 6-9 p.m. Wed. through August, on the deck; Moon Dance 6-9 p.m. Thurs. through Labor Day; 12917 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 922-2114.

Side Traxx Video Dance Bar, open daily 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Super Sunday with karaoke 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; Monster Monday 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Twisted Tuesday 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Wild Wednesday with Juke Box Party 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Thirsty Thursdays with Men's Night and euchre tournaments 7 p.m.; Freaky Friday with music videos 5 p.m.-2 a.m., $5 cover after 9 p.m.; Sonic Saturdays with music videos 5 p.m.-2 a.m., $5 cover after 9 p.m.; happy hour prices 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Sun.-Thurs. and 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; also darts, pool, jukebox, seasonal full-service patio; gay-owned/operated, straight-friendly atmosphere; 21/older; East Eighth and Franklin streets, TC; 935-1666.

Sleder's Tavern, restaurant open 11 a.m.-11 p.m., bar open 11 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Sat., noon-9 p.m. Sun.; 717 Randolph, TC.

The Station Espresso Bar, easy listening, jazz and bossa nova by Filbert & the Mixed Nuts 7-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; The Depot, 642 Railroad Place, TC; 932-0320.

Streeters Entertainment Center, open 4 p.m. Tues.-Sun., closed Mon.; Tues. College Night-Liquid Lounge, R & B/hip hop/dance music, $6 cover 18-20, no cover 21/older; Wed. Unplugged-Open Mic Night in Streeters, $5 cover 18-20, no cover 21/older, also unlimited pool $5 person 7 p.m.-1 a.m.; Thurs. College Night in Ground Zero, $8 cover 18-20, $5 cover 21/older, ladies no cover until 11 p.m.; Thurs. open karaoke in Streeters; Sat. Flirt in Streeters for 18/older, ladies no cover until 11 p.m., $8 cover 18-20, $5 cover 21/older; also live bands in Streeters; Sun. unlimited pool, 4-11 p.m., $5/person; 1669 S. Garfield, TC; 932-1300; www.streetersonline.com.

TC Singles' dance, 7-11 p.m. third Sunday, cash bar, $7 admission at the door, ages 21/older; Streeters Entertainment Center, 1669 S. Garfield, TC; 946-1553.

TraVino, Traverse Wine and Grille, open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. (lounge until 11 p.m.), 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (lounge until midnight), live entertainment; 4341 M-72 East, Williamsburg; 938-9493.

Union Street Station, open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-2 a.m. Sun.; Dos Monos (acoustic) 9 p.m. Tues., no cover; 117 S. Union TC; 941-1930.

Wilderness Crossing, open 10 a.m.-2 a.m., live music in the Wild Pony Saloon 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat., with Charlie's Root Fusion Aug. 22-23; The Big Rand Aug. 28-30; karaoke 8 p.m.-midnight Wed.; smoke-free, sport bar, snack bar, full-service restaurant, arcade, cosmic bowling, laser tag, indoor mini golf; 1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd., U.S. 31, one mile west of Chum's Corner; 943-9200, www.wildernesscrossing.com.

The Williamsburg Showcase Dinner Theater, "Boogie Woogie Summer Time," a tribute to summer hits of 1958, '68 and '78, Aug. 22-23; doors open 6 p.m., seating 7 p.m., dinner/show $44.95 adults, $30 children 12/younger, reservations required; 4230 E. M-72, Williamsburg; for available show dates or reservations, 938-2181 or www.conventiondinnertheater.com.

KALKASKA COUNTY

Crossroads Saloon, topless dancers 5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 4621 Rapid City Road, Rapid City; 258-9021.

Gio's Trattoria Grille, dinner theater and dancing 7 p.m. Aug. 29, CenterStage Band presents their new show "Family Tree of County Music," $25; Wed. ladies' night and karaoke 9-1 p.m. with Connie; happy hour daily 4-7 p.m.; U.S. 131 North, one block north of Rite-Aid, Kalkaska; 384-4444.

Kiootee's Bar & Grill, live entertainment 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; fish fry 5-8 p.m. Fri.; 4556 County Road 571 N.E., Kalkaska; 258-1276.

LEELANAU COUNTY

Cedar Tavern, open mic night with Stray Dogs 9 p.m.-midnight Wed.; karaoke 9 p.m.-midnight Fri.; 9039 S. Kasson, Cedar; 228-7445.

Elements Lounge, 9 p.m., easy listening DJ Aug. 22-23; polka music by 45th Parallel Band Aug. 28; easy listening DJ Aug. 29-30; no cover; Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, M-22, Peshawbestown; (800) 922-2WIN or www.casino2win.com.

O'Keefe's Firehouse Pub, open mic Thurs.; karaoke Sat.; Suttons Bay.

MANISTEE COUNTY

Little River Casino, U.S. 31 north of Manistee; (888) 568-2244.

OTSEGO COUNTY

Stampede Saloon, live entertainment with Hollywood Stars Party with 2nd Hand Aug. 22; 2nd Hand Aug. 23; Bad Influence Aug. 27; Weekend Warriors Aug. 29-30; Sports Night Sun.-Mon.; Ladies' Night Tues.; Wed. is Men's Nite and Bike Nite and ride (4 p.m.), music by Bad Influence, call for ride destinations, ride cancelled in case of bad weather; local guitar jam Thurs.; happy hour 3-6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 3885 Old U.S. 27, Gaylord; (231) 705-7100, www.stampedesaloon.com.

Timothy's Pub, live entertainment 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thurs.; karaoke Fri.-Sat.; 110 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord; (989) 732-9333.

Tyrolean Lounge & Restaurant, Hip Hop Night 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Wed.; karaoke and DJ 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Thurs.; live entertainment 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; Best Western Alpine Lodge, 833 W. Main, Gaylord; (989) 705-8181.

WEXFORD COUNTY

Allstar Sports Grill, live music Fri.-Sat.; M-37, Buckley; 269-3738.