What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "great American music?"
For Tenny Street Roadhouse's Dan Helton the explanation is quite clear.
"It's the roots music that grew out of the South in the early part of the last century, starting with ragtime and jazz and continuing through blues, rockabilly and rock 'n' roll," he said.
"American music to me is that whole amalgam of sounds that are indigenous to America but obviously grew out of America's multi-cultural roots, along with African and European roots as well. It's the kind of music that hits you at a gut level."
Helton, an attorney by profession, had always been a fan of Americana music. He opened the Tenny Street because he saw a void on Detroit's cultural landscape that needed to be filled.
"Sully's closed in 1995," said Helton in reference to the late lamented east Dearborn blues haunt. "As the years passed, it was evident that Detroit was not booking the kind of touring acts I liked to see. Oh sure, there were venues like the Magic Bag or the Majestic but no one was consistently bringing in national roots music."
So Helton, along with business partner Dewey Simmons and a series of investors, proceeded to conceive and design a concert club and restaurant like no other.
This former U.S. Post Office features two rooms in one: a cozy eatery, awash in deep earth tones and vintage music memorabilia in the front of the building and one of the area's most spacious and relaxed live listening areas in the back.
"When we designed the building we felt the two-room concept was essential," Helton said. "People that are coming for dinner don't want to pay a cover charge just to eat. And the people that are coming for a show don't want to have dinners trucked in front of them when they're trying to watch a band.
"Overall, what really sold me on the building is that there are no pillars or obstructions to block your view. There's not a bad seat in the house."
The Tenny Street Roadhouse has played host to some of the hottest names in contemporary and classic rock, soul, blues, roots and country. Keyboardist and jazz fusion pioneer Brian Auger, Louisiana slide guitar great Sonny Landreth, Grammy-winning songstress Shelby Lynne, Texas guitarist Anson Funderburgh, gospel phenoms The Holmes Brothers and former Fabulous Thunderbirds front man Kim Wilson have all made their mark on the club's world-class stage.
"We're trying to bring in talent that is on a level and consistent with what you could see at the Palace or Joe Louis Arena," expressed Helton. "We feature artists that are at the top of their professions."
Along with the music the food is outstanding as well. Here, the bill of fare ranges from various Cajun dishes and specialties to certified Angus beef steaks, delectable appetizers, scrumptious sandwiches, salads and desserts and a comprehensive list of specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Try the Hank Williams' Jambalaya or a Fried Shrimp Po' Boy for a dining experience that'll rival anything this side of New Orleans.
The prices are moderate and the portions, like the music, are plentiful.
"The blues, rock, all of that, it's not intellectual music," Helton said. "It's not opera or classical music where you sit with your eyes closed and listen. If this music doesn't get to your ass and make your feet move then it's not doing its job.
"Here, you can get up if you want to, ease your chair back and have drinks brought to your table. And if you wanna dance we've got a big dance floor. That's where the music came from!"
The Tenny Street Roadhouse is located at 22361 West Village Drive, one block east of Military and one block south of Michigan Avenue in Dearborn.
Upcoming shows include former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts on May 28 and 29th with future dates to include Edgar Winter, John Mayall, Little Milton and John Hammond. For more information, call 313-278-3677 or visit www.tennystreet.com.
Contact Eric Harabadian at Harab1@aol.com.
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