Development News

New concert venue opens in downtown Ypsilanti

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Downtown Living, Music, Performing Arts, Redevelopment

Ypsilanti

A new mid-size live music venue is taking the stage this weekend in downtown Ypsilanti when Savoy opens its doors in the space that was once Club Divine.

The new two floor, two stage venue can accommodate up to 700 people in a space so large even the organizers behind the bar struggle to define its size. It joins The Ark, Michigan Theater and the Blind Pig (all located in downtown Ann Arbor) for mid-size venues in Washtenaw County.

"It's really filling a void in Washtenaw County for a mid-market venue," says Don Scheneder, talent buyer for Savoy. He adds that Savoy is more in line with the Bling Pig, which can only seat 400 people. It will also have smaller second floor stage that will host things, like comedy performances.

He adds that there is a quality sound and light system and eclectic space filled with art in the middle of a vibrant city center. The closest comparable venues are in downtown Detroit (St. Andrews Hall) and Pontiac (Crofoot Ballroom) or Royal Oak (Royal Oak Music Theatre). Savoy joins the Elbow Room as a significant performance venue of note in Ypsilanti, a city that is starting to flex its artistic muscle.

"We've got such a strong talent base here in Washtenaw County," Scheneder says. "We need a venue that will support it and the area."

Source: Don Scheneder, talent buyer for Savoy
Writer: Jon Zemke