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Lucky number 7 for the Belmont
Reasonable prices, assorted entertainment and VIP treatment for everyone who walks through the doors are just a few of the reasons the Belmont in Hamtramck is proud to celebrate its seventh anniversary this weekend with you.
“And never underestimate the importance of consistently clean, comfortable bathrooms,” says co-owner Darren Grow.
Ok. Bathrooms are important, too, especially after a couple drinks, but what the Belmont is really known for is its modest surroundings and diversity -- both in clientele and its offerings.
“If I had to give a very brief description of the Belmont, I would refer to it as the Detroit area's most comfortable neighborhood bar and small live music venue, but… we are so much more,” Grow says.
“In all, we are a neighborhood bar, live music venue, art gallery, DJ/dance club, mini arcade, banquet hall, recycling center, and if the event is important enough, sports bar. The Belmont is meant as a place where those with talent can display it and those with and without talent can appreciate it.”
Competing with dozens of Halloween parties this weekend, Grow and the Belmont staff are encouraging people to stop by and have a drink or two to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Hamtramck bar’s grand opening.
“What I strive for, and believe we accomplish on most nights, is simply an incredibly clean, comfortable and reasonably priced setting regardless of that night’s entertainment,” Grow says. “Our customers cover the gambit in terms of age, ethnicity and musical and artistic taste, yet regardless of a particular evening’s event, they are all comfortable bellied up to the bar discussing anything and everything with one another.”
Aside from the monthly rotating art on the walls from local artists, the Belmont has remained virtually unchanged for the last seven years, Grow says.
“Since year one, we have hosted a monthly art show for local artists called Exhibitionist. The art remains up from the last Tuesday of each month until the last Monday of the following month. New art each month helps to keep the interior appearance of the bar constantly fresh.”
But one change that customers may not be looking forward to is a reduction of live music.
“The local music scene has changed quite a bit in the past few years and live shows have become less lucrative on average so we will most likely be hosting more DJs and or more semi-quiet neighborhood bar-types of evenings where the jukebox or movies and splendid conversation provide the evening’s primary entertainment,” Grow says.
Thursday-Saturday, the Belmont, 10215 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck, 313-871-1966.
‘Sorority Row’ actress Caroline D’Amore at Vain
Showing that she’s more than just a pretty face, actress and model Caroline D’Amore will demonstrate another set of skills at the new Vain Lounge this Friday, her publicist Melissa Berger confirmed.
Life will imitate art as D’Amore, who owns her own swimwear line and has appeared in the 2009 co-ed horror film “Sorority Row” as Maggie and in “90210” as a DJ this year, takes to the decks at Vain.
"They can expect a vibrant collection of music from old school to top 40 , dance and electro," says D'Amore, who's been DJing for more than five years. "I plan on keeping my whole set very upbeat. I'm gonna make it hard to keep still."
9 p.m. Friday, Vain, 1500 Woodward, Detroit, 313-963-9797.
Drag Queen Bingo
For a whacky, fun-filled night that skips the tricks and goes straight to the treats, then Drag Queen Bingo at Five15 may be for you.
“I am well traveled, and in every city I visit in the world there is some version of this show,” says Gary Baglio, one of the owners of Five15 in Royal Oak. “I decided it was time to wake up our sleepy little area with something out of the norm and it has proven to be very well received. It seems to be all the rage with the bachelorette party set.”
On Saturday, Drag Queen ball caller Crystal Harding and gay adult film star Michael Brandon will take the stage for a special Halloween version of Bingo.
“It is billed as Halloweenie Porn Star Bingo,” Baglio says.
Even if you don’t think you’ve got what it takes to pull off a pair of sexy black fishnet tights, you’re still more than welcome at Drag Queen Bingo.
“Think of it more like a zany, naughty comedy show with a Bingo game in the background,” Baglio says. “Sometimes people dress up, but for the most part there is only one drag queen in the room and she’s on stage. You will laugh your head off.”
Proceeds from the games benefit local charities like HIV/AIDS organizations Steppin’ Out, Higher Ground and groups that impact the GLBT community like the Ruth Ellis House, Human Rights campaign, Forum Foundation and Affirmations.
6:30 p.m. (Bingo at 8 p.m.) Saturday, Five15, 515 S. Washington, Royal Oak, 248-515-2551, $15 for 10 games.
