Is there Nothing to Report?

Just today, rumors began circulating that Ann Arbor legend, The Nothing, may be planning a reunion show. So far, these are only whispers. Will they? Won't they? What's the word? You'll have to stay tuned to hear it.

Also, we've recently learned that the Blind Pig has new owners. We're really hoping they make some long awaited changes. New Owners, hear our plea! You're townies, so we don't have to tell you about how precious this venue is to our local music scene. What would make things really great there?

• A good cleanup. Every time we have played there (in various capacities), our supporters have expressed how they wished the place wasn't so gross. Of course, there are plenty of people who can tolerate the grime, but there are LOTS who avoid it. A little facelift would do wonders. Oh and hey, how about some local art? A Treetown Mural, perhaps? 
• A friendlier atmosphere. Another thing we hear with GREAT frequency is that several of the staff are SUPER RUDE. We've heard this several times from a wide variety of people from several walks of life. We do not hear this about other venues we frequent, who run very similar operations. 
• More support in advertising shows. We're happy to contact WCBN, the Current, Mlive, the Metro Times, and other local media outlets to promote our show. We'll hang flyers and do weird little things around town to generate interest. We'll list it with Songkick. We'll send out notices via email, ask our friends, and blog to kingdom come. Still, bands really need the support of their venues. Local media are more apt to cooperate with bands in publicizing their events when the venue is also promoting them. If you want to see a really fantastic example of a local establishment who is doing it right, check out PJ's Lager House. Their website and approach is amazingly band-friendly. 
• Better booze selection. We live in Michigan, home to some of the world's best craft brews. We have traveled out of the country, even, and had beer enthusiasts light up when we mention we're from Michigan. Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are Beer Destinations! Surely, the pig can tap into the offerings we have available locally. 

We're looking forward to spring, and all the fun things planned in the coming months. What about you?