NICK'S

BLUEBIRD
NICKELS AND DIMES

A music venue originally named after a soda shop in Washington, Ind., the Bluebird Nightclub (216 N. Walnut St.) has been opening its doors to a full spectrum of music and people for over 30 years now -- making it the oldest music venue in Bloomington. This "nest" remains one of the most popular places to go in Bloomington for live music, as for the second year in a row it has captured the Weekend's annual Best of Bloomington awards for "Best Place to Hear Unknown Bands" as well as the "Best Venue" award and "Best Drink Specials," all for the second year in a row. No matter who's playing, Wednesday nights are often the busiest at the Bluebird, as the weekly "15-cent draft night" is a broke college student's dream come true. Senior Daniel Beben laughs to think of the plethora of beer given out for mere nickels and dimes each Wednesday. "You always know that if you spill one beer, another's just 15 cents," Beben says. "It's great that it's so cheap." For junior Nicole Nonte, Wednesdays are the only times she's even been to the Bird. "It's always been really crowded in there, but it's a really good deal for the beer," she says. As for the venue itself, the Bluebird has expanded in the last few years -- adding an entirely new bar and more seating, among other improvements. Near the stage, a huge open area allows plenty of room for dancing or rushing the stage, while booths line the walls for those who prefer to sit. And music, of course, from deejays to rap, folk or reggae, is a constant staple of the club. "I really think it's pretty spacious in there, and the newer area is really nice," Beben says. "It's easy to see the stage."