Ghost Light — Restaurant in Hamtramck

Caniff might be the most diverse street in all Metro Detroit. First, a mosque plays the call to prayer on the corner with Joseph Campau. Second, the bells of St. Florian ring the hour for the Catholic faithful. And then third, Planet Ant opens the doors to the creative community at three different venues, the black box base, the Ant Hall and the Ghost Light. Yeah, Steppenwolf has the Front Bar and Lounge. Yup, Second City has two big stages and a lounge where the improv actors retreat after the free show. And damnit, the Ant has a second and third place too! Where Steppenwolf and Second City have better interior decorating and space planning, the Ant has a truly preserved black box environment at Ghost Light and the Hall. As the Ant prospers, and hopefully it hasn't bit off more than its mandibles can chew, let's hope it always remembers to paint it black.

On the same night, I went looking for that other early black box experiment, 1515 Broadway, only to find the space converting into a hotel lobby. But the sign over the door still declared proudly, "Established 1987", thirty years before Shinola thought about a concept hotel. Right about the time Planet Ant opened as a coffee house. I wonder when gentrification will strike Joseph Campau?

Half the fun of hanging at the Ant is watching Hal Soper play in what essentially is his living room. Despite hair turned to a whiter shade of gray, he looked the same. He still looks like an backup musician from a Smothers Brothers traveling road show with a touch of Dick Cavett. I never bother Soper, but a young man drawn by the Ant legend knew to talk to him. So I overheard. Someone has to get Soper's talk on tape. I didn't know Jack White performed at the early Ant. I didn't know that Keegan-Key was at the Ant since dirt. I did know that music and music production formed one of the foundations of the Farm. Now, with three venues for music, that foundation can grow stronger. One venue, the Ant Hall, can seat four hundred people!

At intermission, a band rocked the Ghost Light. I slipped on over to clear my head after Mike Mattigan's two heady improv acts. Soper had the same idea, knocking back a pint and hearing out this lovely band with a lead guitarist who kept blandishing the audience with compliments and positive affirmations. Someone forgot to ask me for cover. The next band was assembling equipment in the hall next door, linked by an open door. A kitchen kept everyone well fed. A bartender kept everyone from thirst. I hated to leave the colony right then, in the middle of a vibrant evening. But I was happy to see the colony thriving after I last visited...

I just have to say that for a small random little bar with a fun and funky atmosphere, they do an amazing job with whatever you ask for. When I was here in the spring I remembered the bartender being especially well-versed in his drinks and capable of making a classic cocktail as well as your typical spirit/soda drink. Tonight, he is performing with one of the opening bands, and Allison is covering for him and doing an EXCELLENT job putting up with my obnoxious requests. I’ve ordered an old fashioned, a dirty martini, and a White Russian so far, and she served all without a complaint. There may have been a heavy sigh. But I did warn and apologize in advance and I will be tipping her well before I go.

If I were generally closer I would absolutely come around more often. The entertainment is worth the drive across the state as it is, and the service is fabulous. I highly recommend...

This place has a ton of character. I especially love the lunarloo to be honest. The staff are friendly, and I got good vibes from the patrons when I was there. The beer selection was limited but fairly diverse, and funny burger was delicious. Parking is hard to come by on a Friday night though, and for the other bands playing there, the stage is tiny and cramped. The sound guy was great though, and I'd go back to play another show or even hang...