Oldest blues bar in Detroit can conjure magic at any time

Robert Nicholson, aka Robbie Blue, of the Robbie Blue and the Black Velvet Band had a message for the audience one recent cold Saturday January night at the Raven Lounge and Restaurant in Detroit:

“Once you come as a customer, you leave as family,” Nicholson said into the mic as he welcomed back patrons to the living room club in the east-side neighborhood known as Poletown.

And one thing the family of musicians and the iconic club's owners, Tommy and Theresa Stephens, want folks to know is that they are back in business after taking a two-year hiatus because of the global pandemic. They are ready to make newcomers swing, dance and party again at the oldest blues bar in Detroit.

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“Most people are finding their way back” said Tommy Stephens. “People come here from all around the world,” added Stephens who has himself been coming to the Raven since 1968.