Brett Lucas, guitarist, walks up and stage with the rest of the band and immediately jump into a groove. After a few songs, Brett moves up to his mic, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage the soulful Thornetta Davis.” The house applauses as Thornetta walks up on stage, puts down her purse, picks up the mic and jumps right into a number. She doesn’t sing for the house, she sings to the house. After her set she walks off stage with the band still playing. Brett jumps back on the mic, announces a short break and reminds us to take care of our bartender. The band plays out their last 8 measures and its 15 minutes before it all starts again.

Two nights ago, I did something I haven’t done in years. I went to see Thornetta Davis. Her shows are truly magical. If you don’t know who Thornetta is, she is Detroit’s greatest female blues singer. She used to play every Wednesday night to a full house at The Music Menu in Greektown. A few years ago, the place was shut down. Since then, Thornetta has found a new home on Wednesday nights at The Attic in Hamtramck. If you have never heard Thornetta and her band, you are missing out.