The Elbow Room in Ypsilanti is known for hosting up-and-coming live original bands four nights a week and cheap beer. But it is fast becoming known as the premiere place to showcase other bands music as well. Tribute Night, a traditional started by Jud Branam and his band Corndaddy, showcases local bands playing the music of a featured artist on the last Thursday of each month. Last year's theme centered on Roots Rock artists, including Willie Nelson, the Rolling Stones and R.E.M.

The traditional will continue into 2005 with David Binkowski and his band Mound taking the reigns from Branam. Along with a new organizer, the nights will also feature more modern acts like Radiohead and U2 as well as theme nights for Rockabilly, Old-school punk and Female-fronted artists.

The Night has gained enough notoriety that it has been upgraded with its own web site and sponsors. The site contains the 2005 schedule as well as directions and links to the performing artists web sites.

so you've read the official release... if you're a band interested in playing one of the 2005 Tribute Nights, check out the site and e-mail dave at tributenight dot com for more info.

Check out http://www.tributenight.com for details on the events.