Magic Bag

Last night I made my first visit to The Magic Bag. It was the evening of the Detroit Music Awards, so a lot of spots around Detroit were celebrating by hosting their favorite performers.

I was out shooting the first part of the evening with Bernie and he got the call from Tricky to hit the Magic Bag. We arrived and Blasternaut was playing. We caught the last 4 songs in their set. The next band up was FACE and they had an adoring group of fans packing the dance floor. Great sets from both bands.

The location isn’t as grand as The Royal Oak Music Theater, but it doesn’t play itself up to be that either. From what I can tell you really get in touch with the artists performing here. So I would consider it a hot spot in the Detroit area and I’m looking forward to more visits.

Sound is great and lighting is as well – as a photographer finding a spot that runs their lights right is crucial for great photos.

I had to check, because I easily get the Magic Bag, the Magic Stick, and the Majestic Theater confused, as they are all in the same area.

The Magic Bag is a nice medium-small sized venue. To me it looks like maybe it used to be an old single screen movie theater. In the front where you would crowd around to see the band is flat, and a little back it steps up like a terrace or rows at a movie theater and there are tables and chairs. Then further back from that is the ticket/merch/consession area laid out just as you would expect. It is easy to find a place to park, and having the tables back makes it nice if you need a rest from being up close, or you just want to relax and hear whoever is there. I personally saw Living Colour there, and it was one of the top 2 concerts I had ever seen, and the mix co-operated too. Sound was nice.