Bird Of Paradise Finally Opens Its Doors

Bird of Paradise finally opens its doors

By MICHAEL C.NAST0S

NEWS ARTS WRITER 

What began with a small handful of 25 faithful jazz patrons clapping in unison at 8 p.m. Tuesday, turned into a packed house of 125 delighted music listeners at around 9:30 p.m. when the first notes were played in Ann Arbor’s newest jazz house.

The grand opening of Ron Brooks’ Bird of Paradise club at 209 S. Ashley, delayed earlier this month by a series of incomplete inspections, took place last night. A clearance from the health department - obtained late Tuesday afternoon - was the final piece of the puzzle needed before the club was allowed to open its doors.

By late last week, Brooks had taken care of ail of the other details and received approval on his plumbing, electrical and construction work. He then waited patiently for the authorization which cleared the way for the Bird of Paradise to make its maiden flight.

What patrons saw Tuesday night was the culmination of a dream for Brooks, evolved into a well organized space that has room to move about in. and a choice sound set-up that lends itself quite well to the acoustic sounds of jazz.

The original launching date for the bar, as stipulated by Brooks’ liquor license, was scheduled for Oct. 1, 1984. Then it was delayed until Jan. 31, 1985. Brooks had planned to open the first week of this month, but interruptions in finishing work and the lethargic nature of the inspection process caused the starting date to be moved by some three weeks, he said.

Brooks’ own trio headlined the first night’s musical activities, as he was accompanied by pianist Eddie Russ and drummer Bob Elliot. From the opening strains of “The Summer Knows,” and “I Should Care,” it was quite obvious to everyone that high quality music was a prerequisite for opening the Bird. All in the club responded favorably to the music, the surroundings, and Brooks' frequent choruses of "thank you, thank you, thank you.”

When asked if he was holding back his enthusiasm for a certain moment, club owner and bassist Brooks said, “yes I was, right up until the first note I played. Then I knew I had finally made it.”

What Brooks has produced is a place with excellent ambience for conversing, listening, or both. The music is never loud, and generally tasteful and swinging.

The nightspot was unable to offer its fare of food because of a last minute health department technicality. But Brooks expects to have the kitchen fully operational by the weekend.

Last night’s debut of the club brought about much positive response from the crowd, similar to the opening of Joe’s Star Lounge in January of 1982. It also revived the good old feeling of the many jazz clubs in Ann Arbor in the late ’60s. The Bird of Paradise is a testament to an idea whose time has truly come back, full circle.