Bird of Paradise Closes
The Bird of Paradise on Main Street in Ann Arbor closed its doors on July 27 with a party hastily organized by several SEMJA members.
The Bird of Paradise was flying for almost twenty years, with gradual loss of wing power over the last year. Its longevity is in itself an achievement in today’s shaky climate for live music. The Bird hosted a number of important figures in jazz over the years, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Frank Morgan, Betty Carter, and Steve Lacy. Members of the Lincoln Center Orchestra had been frequent visitors for jam sessions after their regular visits to the University Musical Society. It was also a place where Ann Arbor and Detroit jazz musicians found an appreciative audience. The Main Street location was the Bird’s second; the original location on Ashley Street is now occupied by the Firefly Club.
On a lesser note, the club had also hosted SEMJA board meetings and events (owner Ron Brooks is, of course, the founder of the organization). Brooks says he is scouting for other locations for the Bird.
