Luther’s Blues to host dance party

The bartenders at Luther’s Blues, 1401 University Ave., will put away the beer and liquor Tuesday, Feb. 13, when the campus-area club hosts a no-alcohol evening of music and dance for students aged 18 plus.

The event is the first of a series, “Tuesday’s at Luther’s.” Working with student organizations, club managers hope to create opportunities for students to experience the blues in a friendly, safe, no-alcohol environment.

“Not only did we want to bring a powerful blues venue to Madison, we wanted to bring an avenue for education about the blues as well. We are working with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to create programs and an atmosphere where students, families and people of all ages can come in and enjoy good food and experience great music,” says Mike Brusca, owner of Luther’s Blues.

Student organizers hope the events at Luther’s are just the beginning of nonalcoholic entertainment choices.

“Tuesday Nights at Luther’s is a fantastic way for students to enjoy a night out in a club-like atmosphere, only without the alcohol. I think that this will definitely be paving the way for all sorts of new nonalcoholic programming and will work at getting student organizations involved — residence halls, sororities and fraternities and other social clubs,” says Robyn Traub, Wisconsin Union Directorate Luther’s Blues outreach coordinator.

The Tuesday series will debut with Bumpus, Chicago’s premier young funk band. Veterans of Chicago clubs such as the Elbo Room and House of Blues, the group will provide the music for a night of big-city club energy and excitement.

The $5 admission includes coupons worth $5, redeemable for nonalcoholic drinks and food. Doors open at 7 p.m., the DJ starts spinning at 8 p.m. and Bumpus starts at 9 p.m. The party breaks up around 1 a.m.

Luther’s Blues bus will make campus pick-ups so students can get there for free. Drawings during the night will award prizes and goodies to attendees. The residence hall, fraternity or sorority with the most people at the club will qualify for a special prize as well.

Tuesday Nights at Luther’s will continue March 6, March 27, April 10 and April 24.

The event is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, University Residence Halls and Luther’s Blues.