Dub Steppin' & More

Evan Glicker a.k.a. Satta Don Dada

Ashley’s Underground (the basement of Ashley’s) radiates a dim, rugged feel.  Pipes and wires run across the ceiling behind the bar counter. An abundance of creative culture compacts into the modestly sized area. DJ’s first flip on their beats around 9:00 PM as a few patrons trickle into The Lion’s Den electronica night.  I sit on a stool bobbing my head, admiring the walls’ assortment of colorful painted images. 


Many more people quickly pack the place about an hour later. The tunes induce euphoric and rhythmic body movements by patrons and staff alike.

The Lion’s Den weekly alternative dance party inseminated when an Ashley’s manager asked Evan Glicker (DJ Satta Don Dada,) who had hosted at the bar and grill for a couple years, about his DJing experience. They discussed starting a weekly electronic music night to boost Thursdays’ previously slower patronage.

Musical integrity, quality, and eclecticism are important to the mission of The Lion’s Den. Glicker seeks quality Metro Detroit acts including but not limited to dub step. “I use dub step as a launch pad,” says Glicker, who also throws in reggae amongst other styles.  

Bartender Chris Zukowski

Regularly featured at The Lion’s Den, Bryan Dulaney (DJ Blkout) plays Detroit techno/ house,  dance hall reggae, and dub. His DJing days commenced during an internship at Ann Arbor born record label, Ghostly International. “Ghostly used to compensate me in records. I got a pair of turntables when I turned twenty,” he recalls. He also acquired records while working at Underground Sounds. Minimal sounding music quickly tinted his tastes.


“A lot of other places you play...It’s like the same roster of DJ’s all the time,” Dulaney explains.  This night, we try to keep it eclectic. A lot of artists play.” Anyone interested in playing may submit a mix tape to Glicker.

The Lion’s Den fuels an opportunity for connoisseurs of divergent electronica alongside newcomers to soak in a fresh musicale. “It's important to seek out new sounds and sights once in awhile to keep things fresh even if you think you might not like it,” says Glicker. “I think you'll be surprised what kind of gems you might come across with this approach.”

A wide selection of affordable drinks are featured at The Lion's Den including Founder’s Ale at $3.00 per glass.


The Lion’s Den is at Ashely’s Underground every Thursday, 21 and up, with no cover charge after 9:00 PM.