... And the Chocolate Factory
We hear that... Bruce Schwartz, aka Quicken Loans' very own "Willy Wonka," has a special, off-menu drink named after him at the Roasting Plant in Campus Martius. Affectionately titled the "Bruce Almighty," it's a super-charged coffee (that's 30% more beans, brah) with a double shot of espresso. And Wonka drinks two to three a day. No wonder he's so giddy. As one observer put it, "Poor guy's got a habit." But really, who doesn't?
House Party
Elizabeth Mikesch, Airea D. Matthews, and Tarfia Faizullahv read their work at Write A House and MOCAD's Poetry Palooza, honoring Write A House winner and Detroit newcomer Casey Rocheteau. The packed room was hosted by Write A House's own Sarah Cox.
What's Going on in Midtown?
A little bird spotted Dick Gregory and Paul Mooney having lunch at the Grille Midtown last Friday.
The legends of comedy appeared at Music Hall later that night for an event called "What's Going on in America." It was the first time Gregory and Mooney ever performed together in Detroit.
Zombie Popcalypse
DDays headed out to Sterling Heights on Friday night to taste the new zombie-themed soda from from Caprice brands' Deadworld Premium Zombie Soda. You may have picked this up from its name, but it's based on the popular Deadworld comics. And that's pretty much where its cool factor ends. While it has "premium soda" in its name, it's mostly just made of chemicals and sugar, and generally tasted pretty crappy. We have to say, however, we were impressed by the labels, which were designed by comic book artists. We suggest Deadworld fans seek the soda for what it's worth – the bottle.
Will the Show Go On?
DDays heard a rumor that Midtown clothier Showtime is closed until further notice via some Facebook chatter last week. Earlier, we reported that owner Dan Tatarian was facing a drastic dip in sales, which he said was caused by construction of the M-1 Rail that has reduced Woodward Avenue to just two lanes in front of his business and eliminated his street parking.
DDays called to see if Showtime was indeed closing for good, as Tatarian expressed concern that his business might not survive through the construction period, which could last to the end of 2016. Tatarian assured us that just took some sick days off, and returned to work on Monday — but did add that he does plan to close shop from January to March due to the construction.
Patti and the Pope
This December, bishops, cardinals, and even the Pope will rock the fuck out to Patti Smith, who has been invited by said Pope to play at the annual Vatican Christmas concert, Concerto di Natale, on Dec. 13. The concert will be held in Rome's Conciliation Auditorium located just outside the Vatican and will be broadcast on live TV.
Smith, of course, famously added her own line on her cover of Them's "Gloria" — "Jesus died for somebody's sins/But not mine." For this reason, some Catholics aren't cool with the decision to include Smith on the bill, with the organization Portosalvo protesting what they say is a "blasphemous" event. But isn't the Pope supposed to be infallible? This is so confusing. (We never were good at the whole Catholic thing.)
More Music to Come
Last week a little bird told DDays that AXIS Lounge will open inside MGM Grand Detroit on Dec. 5. hosting live entertainment and local artists. There will also be cocktails, bartop video poker, and 18 flat-screen TVs. We can feel the shining lights already. — mt
Got some gossip? Send DDays the word on the street to [email protected].
