Jazz lovers: Here is a business that DESERVES a bailout!

[LuckyTheDog]

A great institution in the history of American jazz is on the brink of closing. If you are a wealthy patron of the arts, please take note!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/ENT04/903180307&s=d&page=#pluckcomments

Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the legendary Detroit jazz club at Livernois and 8 Mile, might be taking its final chorus.

Owner John Colbert said on Tuesday that without a significant uptick in business, he has only enough money and wherewithal to keep the club afloat for about two months. His major goal is to keep the doors open through the club's 75th anniversary in early May.

Business is off 35% to 40% in the last nine months, Colbert said, and a combination of factors -- the recession, road construction on Livernois, parking issues and a dramatic hike in the club's water bill -- have conspired to bring Baker's to the brink of extinction.

[1gobluedem]

1. This is just heartbreaking

I really hope Aretha and some of the other jazz luminaries who have passed through there can find a way to help them out in the short term. I work at a jazz station in SE Michigan and we are working on ways we can help too.

[LuckyTheDog]

2. Baker's can't be allowed to close

It just can't! :(

[Bennyboy]

3. Whaddashame.

I hope somebody can do something there. Detroit is in a bad space. Hope something happens to save the club.

[bif]

4. I believe it the oldest, continually operated jazz club in the U.S.

What a shame. It's such a cool place. I saw many great acts there.

[bif]

5. Just take a look at the bar itself

Is that great or what?

[LuckyTheDog]

6. It is a very cool place

Unfortunately, I don't think the suburbanites get it. It's a very authentic place with a real history. But the Bloomfield Hills types would just say: "it's so old and dingy, they should fix it up."