Happy Hour at Fischer’s Tavern
Photo of Elizabeth Landry by Tyler Franz
From staff reports
Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern, the popular destination on M-22 south of Northport, reopened this past November after closing in December 2022 following 51 years in business. Tonight, Fischer’s will host “Live From the Happy Hour”—a private (now sold-out) concert featuring Elizabeth Landry, Joe Wilson and Caul Bluhm. Landry shared what Fischer’s has meant to her over the years, as a community destination and as a music venue.
Glen Arbor Sun: What does Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern mean for you, personally? Any favorite experiences / memories through the years?
Elizabeth Landry: The Happy Hour is a place my family has been going to since I was a kid. I specifically remember playing with the legendary two-player Pac-Man machine with my Dad and beating him every time. I believed it was because I was a master Pac-Man player, but it was my dad of course letting me win. But my most treasured memories will always be playing music there. And the people I’ve met through hosting open mic over the years are now some of my closest friends.
Sun: What was your reaction when Fischer’s closed? And how did you react when it reopened?
Landry: Well I know (owners) Kristi (Fischer) and Brian (Hafner) personally, so I probably had a different reaction/feeling than most people. I’ve watched them work unbelievable hours and record numbers of customers since the pandemic hit and threw a wrench in our community. I was sad for the few employees they had. But in this area, since the pandemic it’s been hard to keep enough reliable staff through the summer/fall season. Also, it being a vacation destination, there’s no housing for employees. 90% of the rental market is in air B&Bs and seasonal rentals. It’s a trickle effect, no housing means no employees. So I was happy for Kristi and Brian to finally get a break and enjoy life a little. We are all sad to see the Happy Hour go, but I like to see my friends happy and healthy!!
Sun: Describe the live music and events taking place there now? What’s the scene like at the Wednesday Open Mic sessions?
Landry: I feel like music at The Happy Hour is like having our very own Blue Bird Cafe in Leelanau County. Not like the one in Leland, the one in Nashville TN. It’s a legendary bar where some of Nashville’s greatest have been discovered playing open mics/singer in the rounds. It’s a dark old tavern just like The Happy Hour, and has never changed its appearance. And people go for the music, and old-time nostalgia. Except with the Happy Hour, you also get the best comfort food on earth!! The Happy Hour fills in super fast on Open Mic Nights. People love to come see the music and hear the stories. And the talent that comes out of the woodwork by the locals and some travelers is astounding!
Sun: What can attendees expect at (tonight’s) Cauldron Music with Joe Wilson show?
Landry: On Feb. 15 we will be hosting a very special “Live from The Happy Hour” Private Concert. It will be Live recorded by sound engineer Pat Niemisto. And I’ll be accompanied by Joe Wilson playing Dobro, and Caul Bluhm playing upright bass. We are sold out. But tickets include a digital download of the live recording and complementary snacks. This will be a very special intimate show featuring my most adored original songs and the stories behind them.
Sun: Complex question: does Leelanau County have a distinct musical voice? What’s our musical “terroir”?
Landry: Well there were many musical voices that came before mine here in Leelanau County. But I think to the core locals from Leelanau County are just down to earth. Same with the musicians. We all know each other, and we are fortunate enough to work and play together. It’s a really cool scene and we have some of the most beautiful places to see music. And so many venues! I feel so fortunate to have a successful music career right at home. Where I live and raise my children. We are so blessed to be musicians here.
