Steppin' Out: Alvin's DetroitBy Eric HarabadianEverything old is new again. I'm sure you've heard that phrase before. It could just as easily be applied to the historic Motor City venue known simply as Alvin's.It was established in 1967 as more of a blues-oriented space where legendary performers like John Lee Hooker and Bo Diddley took the stage.At that time, the Wayne State University area nightclub was also a cafe and primarily a student body hangout.Over the years, many local and national artists of all genres appeared there until the late '90s, when it closed. After a few years, new management bought it and took over in April, 2001."We didn't have a whole lot of money to work with when we first opened," said co-manager Mike Mouyianis. "We started back up with local bands and it probably took about a year for people to realize we were back."Punk, straight-up rock, hip-hop and hardcore may be what draws the crowds in now but the building itself has remained as it has for decades."We've got the original architecture here so there's still the big high ceiling," Mouyianis said. "A lot of people think the club is two floors because of that. It doesn't feel like you're in a basement watching a band. But the room still has an intimate feel, even when there are bigger crowds in here."In recent times, Alvin's has been host to some noteworthy shows, including rapper Proof's CD release party with "special guest" Eminem, the Kid Rock-produced soul-rockers Hemigod, rockabilly god Reverend Horton Heat and punk mainstays Suicide Machines, to name a few.It is also home to some of the better drink specials in town such as $2 Pabst beer any week night and "Deuces Wild," where there are $1 drafts till 10 p.m. and every hour following features a $2 special on various other drinks throughout the night.Mouyianis, who previously served as tour manager for Detroit-rooted national acts such as The Romantics, Less Than Jake and the afore-mentioned Suicide Machines, is a knowledgeable and keen observer of the modern music scene, especially as it relates to the Motor City. Here, he offers candid thoughts on current musical trends and the future of local rock 'n' roll."I came home from work the other night and turned on the Carson Daly show," he shared. "I said, 'Holy cow' The Paybacks were the house band! Apparently, Daly had seen them at the CMJ music conference and fell in love with them. They played in and out of every commercial break. They are a great 'rock' band. Now, people talk about the garage scene but I think it's already over. I'm happy for the White Stripes and some of those bands but I'm really sick of that whole thing."Mouyianis also cites The Grande Nationals, Pub Life, the newly-reformed A.L.D., Bang Bang and emo-rockers Heads Will Roll as big draws and ones to watch."The main factors to Alvin's is that we have good bands, cheap strong drinks, low covers and a good sound system," said Mouyianis. "And, if a band works hard and can bring people in, you can't make more money anywhere in the city than right here. We pay the doorman and sound guy and the bands get the rest."
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