Detroit's jazz scene is one of those elu-
sive beasts you hear about but cannot re-
ally locate. There are clubs that are
semi-casual and always draw a good
crowd —Bomac's (281 Gratiot, at Broad-
way) is one of them, as are Bert's Mar-
ketplace (2727 Russell) in the Eastern
Market and on Belle Isle —but as for any-
thing cutting edge, it's much more diffi-
cult. But I have had a few
consciousness-raising auditory experi-
ences at the Serengeti Ballroom (2957
Woodward, a few blocks north of Orches-
tra Hall), which is just what it sounds like.
A small stage was created in a cavernous
space that once served as a ballroom. A
huge propeller fan is still mounted in a
wall, and the beer and pop is served out

The scene
is certain to shake
you out of your
suburban complacency.

of big coolers. Stand near the windows
that overlook Woodward and you can al-
most imagine taking a break from a night
of whirling around the dance floor to the
strains of a big band. I have seen a few
avant-garde jazz acts there, including
David Murray. Serengeti's hours are
rather sporadic, but when the place is on,
it's really on. I've never been to the Ma-
con Cafe in the basement of the Fisher
Building, but I understand it features live
jazz.
Travel north on Woodward from the
Serengeti and you'll run into Union
Street (4145 Woodward) and right across
Woodward, the Magic Stick, a scrappy
concert club that tends to bring in cutting-
edge musical acts, and the Mgjestic Cafe
(formerly the Gnome), which features nou-
velle Middle Eastern cuisine. The Gar-
den Bowl, home of rock and bowl, is next
door. Both Union Street and Majestic Cafe
serve as great pre- or post-theatre dinner
spots.
On Cass Avenue one street west are a
few interesting spots, including the Cass
Cafe (4620 Cass), a restaurant/bar that
features the work of local artists, and the
Gold Dollar (3129 Cass), which offers a
potpourri of entertainment, including
films by local filmmakers and live music.
Twingo's (4710 Cass) is a colorful little
bistro that offers light French-inspired
cuisine. Traffic Jam and Snug on Can-
field and Second, just west of Cass, offers
healthy grub, including its own cheeses
and beer. Alvin's, further north on Cass,
in the heart of the Wayne State campus,
offers an eclectic roster of live perfor- ti
mances.
As for art and history, well, there's the
Detroit Institute of Arts, the brand- U)
new Museum of African American
History just east of the DIA, and Or-
chestra Hall, home of the Detroit Sym-
phony Orchestra. Orchestra Place, the
massive expansion of Orchestra Hall, is
under way. Li

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