The Shelter

Great small venue to hear live music. Saw Nicotine Dolls there Thursday, March 27. Such a great band with amazing stage presence and interaction with the audience!

Very small venue. Super close to the stage in almost the entire place. Could have better security inside for people fighting & over drinking. Wish the lighting woulda been a little different so it was easier to see.

Nice venue a pretty clean setup overall considering the quantity of people that come through. Drinks were good and service was polite and quick. We had a chance to see backstage and some areas with the vip package and had a great evening overall.

I love seeing a show here, it's very intimate. A clean venue with good security. Price of alcohol is crazy, only negative.

The shelter never gets old even though it is old. Just as much fun as it was back in the eighties and nineties. Get down there and see some of the cool new bands that are out.

Cool bar upstairs. Whole place is much cleaner than I remembered.

They forced everyone out right after the show was done so only 10 people got to get things autographed. The staff was vary rude. I asked a member of the staff if I could get a quick pic in front of the stage and was told off by a want to be cop. Telling everyone to leave like a mad parent. Killswitches staff was amazing this venue…vary bad

Diggy Graves rocked that shit tonight.!!

For this to be my first time at the shelter , which is like to add that I had no clue this was the basement of ST. Andrews. However me and my partner went to see Ab-Soul and I had a blast. The bartender was so cool n the drinks was just alright. The bathroom was clean and I really enjoyed that they had air on . 10/10 I'm my b

Went in for happy hour and to get out of the cold before the show upstairs at Saint Andrews. There was no place to sit, so we just stood with our drinks. It looks like a good place to see a band. The prices on the drinks are what you would expect for a bar in a concert hall. The bartenders were pretty cool.

Came here with a friend for a concert. My first time here and I really enjoyed it. The space is in a basement but very intimate and not too much room for a lot of people like a stadium but that's good! The bar was stocked with goodies. I heard the bar used to be in the middle and it was awkward but it was a nice bar to the side. We were 10 feet away from the stage and lived the show! After the concert was over the employees used the fence to shoo away the attendees.

So much fun at the silent disco! They also had a dj in the basement (shelter) playing music. When you check in they give you headphones with three channels. Each color represents a different channel. I mainly stayed on the EDM channel and I took off the headphones a bit to listen to the dj downstairs. It was super fun and exciting, we loved it! It was a private party and we each had 3 free drink tickets, with certain drinks only. They gave free pop and water out without a ticket, which was awesome. We sat on the stage. Would definetely come back for a concert.

I dig the whole aesthetic of the Shelter ... walking in, down the stairs, how the whole space looks... but man, it's just not an enjoyable place to see a show, at least for me. It's just hard for me to find joy standing in a crowd so tight that I can't move my arms, with people shitting their pants nonstop. Hey, people, just 'cause you're in a crowd doesn't give you the right to let loose. That smell lingers in a warm room. So a lot of that was pretty petty complaining... My only real complaint about the Shelter is its stage. Despite being only about three rows from the front of the "stage," I couldn't really see much more than I could from ten or more rows back -- essentially, first row or bust. Since the band doesn't seem to play on any sort of platform (or, if they do, a small ass one), it's hard to really get any sort of decent view. A plus, outside of its look, is the bar -- while I didn't get anything when I was there, it's super close to the stage, and there's a lot to choose from, like upstairs. I might see a show at the Shelter again if it's a band I want to see bad enough again, but I'd choose to see a show at St. Andrews over Shelter any day.

If I'm seeing a show at the Shelter, I know it's going to be a great night. The Shelter is located in the basement of Saint Andrews Hall. I love this venue because it's so small and intimate. It's almost like seeing one of your favorite bands perform in your friend's basement with lots of storytelling, audience interaction and engagement. Think MTV Unplugged session if you're old enough to remember. It's an awesome experience. Every time I've come here the crowd is amazingly chill and relaxed. Everyone seemed to be respectful of each other's space and didn't push and shove to get in front of you like I've seen at other venues especially Royal Oak Music Theatre and Masonic. You enter from behind the building. They check you in and give you wrist bands if you're drinking and then you descend down the stairs to The Shelter. They sell merch in the back and there is a bar in the middle with a decent selection of craft beers like Soft Parade, M43, Atwater Dirty Blonde and Vanilla Java Porter. They also have mixed drinks. Most beers and mixed drinks are around $10, and you can buy bags of chips and candy for $2 - $3. I saw Sir Sly here and he put on an amazing show! Decently large crowd of people here for Sir Sly. Great sound and acoustics and loved how down to earth he was, telling stories and insight about what influenced his songs and album. I also saw Big Data here for $10 with a Groupon deal. There was only a handful of people here for this one but it was a great time. The opener Castle Comer, an Australian band was great too...so charismatic, funny, and engaging. After the show Big Data and Castle Comer came out to meet fans, sign albums, and take pics. So in essence they have free meet and greets. Venue has the same small intimate vibe that El Club has, another one of my favorite places to catch a show. This is a venue where you'll have a story about how you saw such and such band who are huge now. Prices for shows are usually pretty cheap too. Love the Shelter and can't wait to return for another show soon.

First timer here! I went to see a show last night at The Shelter for the first time. This is general admission, no chairs, first come first serve kind of place. So, if you are five foot tall get there a tad early to grab the 'front row seating'. This venue is definitely intimate. You are a good 3-5 feet from the performer if you are up close. I have seen mosh pits start pinning people into the stage. If you aren't a fan, stick around on the side. I really enjoyed this venue. The security are laid back. Trust me. Talk to them for a bit and know that they are there to protect you and others from injury. This facility is pretty clean pre showing. I have not used their bathroom neither so I can't speak of what may have gone in there! I would definitely see another show at this venue in the future.

Very intimate spot to see bands! The stage is small so no room for large props or theatrics. Great place to go be able to see bands up close. If you do not like small crowded places, I would not recommend. It is in the basement of St Andrews Hall and unless you stand in the back, it will most likely be shoulder to shoulder.

I loved the Shelter! I finally found a show that I wanted to go to there (Fozzy) and I loved the whole atmosphere and ease of getting in and out. Be sure to look around for the cheapest parking. The garage across the street was $10 to park, however, we saw the lot diagonal from the Shelter that was $20 before we saw that one and parked there.

I really like this venue for a show! It's a lot more intimate than St. Andrew's and a little easier to order drinks, although they seemed really expensive here for some reason. A double Redbull and vodka was running $12! Seems steep but whatever. The acoustics are solid here too and the bathroom was clean. I'm looking forward tot he next show here. * A Note About Security All that aside, I have a bitch to pitch with the security company. I was here to see Atlas Genius...needless to say it was going to be a relaxed chill happy show. In other words, it wasn't going to be like the opening seen from 8 Mile on this particular night. I carry a small pocket knife with me everywhere I go. I had forgotten to leave it in the car which was a ways away from the venue. When I was searched, the woman searching me took it out and said I couldn't bring it inside and to take it back to my car. Me - "OK, I totally understand but my car isn't nearby so let me go stash it somewhere safe really quickly Miss." Her - "No that's OK, I'll just keep it right here for you, just find me after the show so I can give it back to you." Me - Are you sure? I can just go hide it somewhere safe." Her - "You're going to hide it lol, no, I'll hold on to it for you, but I need to search you more since you had a pocket knife in your pocket!" Me - "OK I understand." I kid you not...she was in my pockets getting a good handful, down my arms and legs, hands up in my crotch both front and back sides...twice!! Her - "You're OK." Me - "Um not really but OK...and you're going to remember me so I can get my knife back, right?" Her - "Yup!" I went and saw a great show and then walking out stopped and asked her if I could please have my knife back Her - "I don't know what you're talking about." Me - "But you told me you'd hold onto my knife for me." Her - "Someone must've taken it." Me - "But I thought you didn't know what I was talking about?! You're seriously going to steal my knife like that?" Her - "Sorry sir, it's gone...there's nothing I can do." I'm not one to start a confrontation with someone who's clearly on a power trip and obviously not an honest person. Karma will take care of the rest! She was a super shady lady...just learn from my mistake. She must've needed my pocket knife more than I did I guess. It's just a shame that there are people that are so unscrupulous.

They have safe $10 parking right next to the entrance of this venue which is the basement of St. Andrew's Hall. Security area was simple and they have a bucket for you to leave your items in that are not permitted inside. All items were waiting for us when we went back to get them. Only critique is how expensive alcohol beverages are at the bar.

Bwahaha. My first review of this place was pretty basic. The staff at the Shelter do not care if you drove 35 miles to see your favorite band and they canceled the show. They do not care if you've been waiting for 15 minutes for a drink. Other than that. The sound at the Shelter is pretty good, and you can get really close to your favorite bands. Maybe even too close. The bathrooms are usually clean and nice. When I first tried to go to a concert at the shelter, it was canceled and I had no idea. I hadn't been there before and I didn't realize that the door was not marked. Needless to say, I was circling the building a good 4 times before I gave up and just drove back home. Lately, they've been a lot better (at least St Andrew's has) about answering the phone to answer questions, so I definitely recommend calling. Shows get canceled here all the time because of poor ticket sales and other things. Neither the Shelter nor Saint Andrew's (to my knowledge) are handicap accessible, so be aware.

The Shelter was my CBGBs from my middle school to college years. When i was younger I thought the Magic Stick was for snobby hipsters and their indie rock (though I now find myself attending concerts there frequently), and the Shelter was for good old alternative rock music. I'm sad that I wasn't born early enough to witness Bookies in Hamtramck but I am satisfied with this small, cramped venue. The Shelter features relatively underground touring bands and sometimes some bigger headliners. As the other reviews have mentioned it is located in the basement of Saint Andrews Hall. Some have complained about the sound quality, but the way I see it, this venue is about grungy, ear drum bursting noise. Music you can jump up and down too. If you want sound quality go see Aerosmith at the DTE Energy Theatre or better yet go see a show at the Fox Theatre or The Ark in Ann Arbor. I personally never saw a bad show here, and got to know the manager and he's pretty cool. I've never paid more than $15 to see a show here, and many shows were under $10, so you definitely get your money's worth. I generally don't buy drinks at concerts because of the high price so I can't comment on the quality of the drinks or the barstaff. All in all, I would highly recommend seeing a concert at the Shelter, it's a good night out. Some band's I've seen here: American Hi-Fi, Fallout Boy, Trust Company, Simple Plan, 96 West, All American Rejects, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent

I went to The Shelter for the first time ever yesterday with my girlfriend. The Sheepdogs were playing, we waited until the last minute and tickets were sold out. We waited outside and hoped for the best, and sure enough it did. The manager was super cool and let us and the other 13ish people in and we got to see the show. Super cool of em', nice venue, cold beer, good music. Protip: The wait is much shorter at the smaller bar in the back.

I've been to the Shelter a couple of times, and I can say a few things about it. The sound system, when compared to other venues, is... lacking. It's muddy and sometimes mixed very poorly. Granted, the Shelter does have a lot of punk bands, but that's besides the point. Also, I've found that a lot of riff-raff comes through the door, more so than St. Andy's. Now I don't want to invoke ideas of the ground floor being where all the bad people live... but come on. Last time I was at the Shelter I almost got into a fist fight - which would've been my first since I was 9 - and if a place can get me to almost get thrown out of a place, then something is awry. I do have to say that they bring in great bands, and I'm happy that these artists don't end up in Ann Arbor. Saves me gas! But also that they come to the Shelter and we're able to see them so cheap. $15 a show is pretty good in my book. A lot of these bands wouldn't be able to play considering either there's an event going on at St. Andy's, the Stick, etc, or the Shelter is the right size for them. Hopefully the next time I'm there, it'll be a happy time with no fights, verbal or otherwise.

I've been going to this venue for over 10 years, in recent years they've renovated it. They've also brought on new staff. My most recent visit to this venue, one guard in particular harassed me and my friends. I understand you need to clear out a venue. But we were in line to meet a band and were the only ones in line targeted by this security guard. We told him multiple times we were waiting to meet the band and he kept trying to get us to leave. It's ridiculous. Especially if we are still drinking our beers which we paid $10 for.

The basement aka the shelter is a place I spent a large amount of my free time when I was in high school. It seems that ever band that I wanted to see was playing here on their way through the Midwest. When I was older and could drink the prices for beer was a bit high, but not that bad for a Detroit venue. As Michael C. says the sound system can leave you wanting and in some cases wishing that next time the band is big enough to either be moved up stairs or to another Detroit venue.

We just saw country artist Steve Moakler here. An absolutely awesome night! An intimate venue where you can get up close to artist. Sound person messed up a few times, but other than that, it was a great night.

I've seen a lot of great shows at the Shelter. The Shelter is in the basement of St. Andrew's Hall, which is a much larger concert venue upstairs. It's fairly small and "basementy" and has a bar. The stage is basically at floor level, so you are standing face to face with the bands. The sound is not the greatest in here, but this is a pretty small place in a basement after all. Sometimes the bass from the show or event upstairs at St. Andrew's will overpower the band downstairs in the Shelter. The bass from upstairs will start to rattle the ventilation system downstairs pretty seriously sometimes. I saw Ocean Blue down there once and they stopped mid-song and said "In light of the extra bass from upstairs (it was hip-hop music for a club night), we will now play our dance version of this song". They then broke into a different version of the song they were playing to go along to the beat of the club upstairs. It was pretty funny. That was a great show by the way, I was in the front row and mere inches from the band. For a very up-close concert experience, check out this unique little venue.

The movie Eight Mile did a great job depicting the Shelter. The only unrealistic thing about it in the movie was the space. The Shelter is much smaller than what it appeared to be in the movie. The Shelter is one of those spots that you have to be in the mood for. It's nothing sexy about it; believe me when I tell you. It is a great place to catch up and coming acts and hear the best of underground music. I would strongly advise against a first date to this place unless you really don't like your date. On the positive side, you can really have a good time with a large group of friends. Ladies, don't wear your best. Some old tennis shoes, jeans and a t-shirt will do; and that may be doing too much. It can also get really loud here so be prepared to be face to face with speakers as well. Again, make sure your in the mood for the Shelter when you go.

They used to be cool. All you can drink for $6.00 on Wednesday was the shit! Three Floors of Fun on Friday was a hoe-fest. Nothing last forever, alas.

Based on the previous reviews, I feel like your experience here will be a hit or miss. I went here for the first time on June 26 to see Geographer. There were only about 50 people there, but the place can hold more than 300. I was in the front row and I thought the sound was pretty good. Everything was clear and honestly not too ear shattering. I didn't drink so I can't comment on the bar. Some reviews said that the venue is hot during the summer months, but I was actually cold, and I was wearing a windbreaker over my tee. This may have been because there were only 50 of us, so we weren't very cramped. If you're seeing a smaller artist/band as opposed to a sold out show, I feel like your experience will be much more pleasant.

The Shelter is a venue I frequented when I lived on the east side. It's a great place to catch a local show or some very good small bands tour through here as well. I have seen Lucky Boys Confusion play there multiple times. It is an intimate venue, which is great when seeing a band you love. I also saw Slightly Stoopid open here one night years ago and they are one of my favorite band. It's a small, cramped concert venue and I love it.

I feel like my original review of The Shelter deserved an update as the sound system has vastly improved! They seem to have gotten some lighting new as well. The 2 shows I went to this past summer weren't nearly as sauna-like either, leading me to believe that the Heating/Cooling has seen some updates as well!

I was supposed to see a show here last night. I bought VIP tickets months in advance, and I was told to arrive at 5:15. We were there on time. It was 41 degrees out, windy, and absolutely POURING down rain. It only took a few minutes for my hands to go painfully numb. Still, The Shelter's doors were locked, and all of us had to wait outside in the rain for more than an hour after we were supposed to be let inside. Finally, a man came outside and checked our IDs, at which point my friend asked him how long it will be until we can go inside. He was one of the rudest people I've ever met. He said "The longer you talk, the longer you'll have to wait" and then when we pointed out that we've been waiting an hour in the freezing rain, he said "Rain or shine, I don't care. It's not my problem." and went back inside. Me and my friend left about a half hour later, because we genuinely couldn't feel our hands or feet. We waited in the car for another half an hour, then drove by and saw that everyone was still standing outside. 2 whole hours later. I sincerely wish I could have seen my concert, but we were both so miserable, cold, and wet at that point that we had to go home. I am NEVER going back to this place, rain or shine. What an assh*le.

Guy, let me tell you, this venue is smooooth. The lighting gives off a real smoky sexy vibe, the sound was supreme and the staff went way above and beyond to get us into the sold out show we wanted to see. Not at all the sleezy, sweaty greasepool I was expecting. Will definitely return.

This is a decent small venue that's actually the basement of st andrews hall. It's larger than some as it holds over 300 and a number of bands play here before going on to bigger and better things. One major plus is the bathrooms are nice and you wouldn't expect it with everything around it. There's limited seating here and the stage is pretty close to the floor so you can get close, very intimate venue stage-wise. I've seen shows that were well attended and ones with 50 or less. It's always a good time and the sound is average. The intimacy makes up for most of this.

got to see a great show there Monday night it was front line assembly did anybody go if you did not you miss a good show

Went to see Us the Duo here last night, and thought the place was pretty nice. The staff, especially Phil and Steph, were extremely nice, and just made it fun to just hang out, and enjoy the concert. It's definitely a cool place to go to, and I look forward to more events there.