Cover Story
Despite demolition efforts, blight spreads undetected throughout Detroit’s neighborhoods
On a weekday morning in July, Barbara and Clifton Epps sat side-by-side on the front porch of their northwest Detroit home, eating from a plate of cherries as they looked out onto their street. A heatwave had gripped the city, and the pair were enjoying some final moments of fresh air before climbing temperatures would…
Drag Queen Christmas at the Fillmore will have you nutcracking the hell up
The holidays can be a total drag — thank gawd. Escape your busted-ass family this season with some glam realness. A Drag Queen Christmas will sashay through the Fillmore with a whole lotta hunties from the naughty list, including co-hosts Miz Cracker and Monet — both of whom appeared on the tenth season of Ru…
JettBlast Fest brings 18 metro Detroit bands to PJ’s Lager House this weekend
You don’t have to be a math whiz to figure out that two nights plus two stages equal 18 local bands who are ready to rock those turkey dinner calories off your bones. Making a sonic splash for its second year is JettBlast Fest, which returns to PJ’s Lager House for a weekend blowout. Friday…
Detroit’s Wright Museum to host free Jimi Hendrix tribute concert
The “Purple Haze” lingers, even now, 48 years after the death of Jimi Hendrix. Known for being ahead of his time (and tragically, taken too soon) in just seven years Hendrix carved his spot in rock ‘n’ roll history with his remarkable dexterity, musicianship, and charisma. On what would be the legendary guitarist’s 76th birthday,…
Craig Ferguson heads to Detroit’s MGM Grand with celeb gossip and sexy accent
Great Scott! Though it has been just four years since the Scottish American comedian stepped away from The Late Late Show desk, former host/king of quirk, and flirt Craig Ferguson has found a new, albeit, transient stage. Since taking his U.S. citizenship test on air, Ferguson has fleshed out a stand-up routine full of work-related…
Detroit Love at TV Lounge serves up Thanksgiving Eve sets from Octave One and more
If there’s any time to feel that Detroit love, it’s on the biggest bar night of the year. Break a sweat on the dance floor at Detroit Love with Detroit born-and-bred brothers Lenny and Lawrence Burden of Octave One. The performers whip up a live techno frenzy with their complex rig of sequencers, synthesizers, and…
Get your float on — America’s Thanksgiving Parade turns 92
Before you stuff yourself with turkey and get into an argument with your Trump-voting family (Aunt Becky, we see you!) America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns for its 92nd year to deliver pure, unadulterated joy. Six new floats will make their debut alongside crowd favorites, all leading up to an appearance by the man, the myth,…
CDC warns Michiganders to avoid romaine lettuce amid new E. Coli outbreak
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is once again warning Americans to avoid romaine lettuce as it investigates a new E. coli outbreak. In a Tuesday statement, the CDC said consumers, retailers, and restaurants should should throw away any romaine lettuce or salad mixes that include romaine. That includes lettuce sold or served in…
Former MSU President faces federal prison for lying to police during Nassar investigation
Former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon has been charged with lying to the police during the investigation of former MSU gymnastics physician and serial sex offender, Larry Nassar. On Tuesday, Simon was charged in Eaton County District Court with two felony count and two misdemeanor counts, the Lansing State Journal reports. If convicted, Simon…
Lawsuit alleges Mayor Duggan doesn’t even live in Detroit
The already weird legal battle between businessman Robert Carmack and Mayor Mike Duggan just got way weirder, with Carmack now alleging in a lawsuit that the Mayor doesn’t live in Detroit — a violation of the city charter, which states all city employees must be residents. In Detroit, the mayor typically lives in the Manoogian…
Get off your throne of lies — ELF: The Musical returns to the Fox
You can’t keep this elf on the shelf. OK, so Will Ferrell may not be reprising his role as everyone’s favorite oversized non-elf elf, Buddy, but returning this year to the Fox Theatre is ELF: The Musical, a fresh take on Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to the Big Apple in search of his…
Breakthrough Towing fined by Detroit for 10 violations
It’s been a rough couple of months for Breakthrough Towing, the overzealous (OK, some say “predatory”) towing company that has come under fire for being part of an alleged scam in which drivers are forced to pay hundreds of dollars to recover their vehicles — even when they say they are rightful customers parked in customer-only…
Detroit man sentenced to federal prison after trying to sell hand grenades
If you are unsure as to whether or not the possession of a hand grenade is legal, look no further than 29-year-old Detroit man, Bryron Ross. Ross pleaded guilty on Friday to the unregistered possession and intent to sell four live hand grenades to an FBI informant in December of 2017. According to court records,…
Now you can make beats like J Dilla with this newly released Splice sample pack
It’s no secret that J Dilla had a profound influence on beatmakers around the world. But now, thanks to music creation library Splice, you can evoke the iconic producer’s sounds into your own productions. On Nov. 16, Splice announced the release of The Fantastic Sounds of Jay Dee AKA J Dilla, a collection of samples cut from original…
Iggy’s Eggies will soon offer walk-up breakfast in Capitol Park
It was announced Tuesday that the culinary team behind Detroit’s latest burger spot Lovers Only and Ferndale’s Voyager are taking on their third concept with a walk-up window style breakfast sandwich and grain bowl spot slated to open next month. Iggy’s Eggies will open on the Grand River Avenue side of Lovers Only, located in…
The Fillmore is replacing its historic marquee
There’s a sense of pride among the people and institutions that refused to leave Detroit through tumultuous times, and the Fillmore Theatre located near Grand Circus Park has seen more than most. But today, the theatre’s iconic marquee on Woodward Ave. was taken down. The 93-year-old theatre’s iconic signage was built in the 1950s, according…
Here are 7 Thanksgiving Eve parties to help you avoid your family
Known as the biggest bar night of the year, Thanksgiving Eve is an overlooked opportunity to catch some music while also enjoying an assortment of liquid courage before facing the dreaded onslaught of family small talk on Thanksgiving day. Hell, you can even get a free ride home from the party of your choice so…
This law firm will pay for your drunk ass to get home safely on Thanksgiving Eve
Thanksgiving is about food, family, and, yes, killer hangovers. But don’t become some selfishly tragic statistic by driving your own drunk ass home after drinking one too many cold ones with the boys this Thanksgiving Eve. Not cool. Returning this year to save the day — and to save you some cash — is the…
How to Dress Well show moved to Playground Detroit from the Schvitz, is now free
To add to the growing list of Detroit shows getting shuffled around lately, producer Tom Krell’s sad boy electro-pop project How to Dress Well is taking the party from the bathhouse to the gallery. The performance, which was originally scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. at the Schvitz Health Club, has been officially moved to…
Danny Brown’s Bruiser Thanksgiving is changing Detroit venues
Hang up your skates because Danny Brown’s Bruiser Thanksgiving V is getting a last minute venue change. The Wednesday, Nov. 21 show was originally scheduled to be held at the roller rink inside Detroit’s Masonic Temple, however, due to construction, the show has been forced to relocate. The show will now be held at the…
GRiZ announces fifth annual Detroit charity series ’12 Days of GRiZMAS’
Someone is coming home for the holidays — and he’s bringing 12 days of charitable partying with him. On Monday, Michigan-native GRiZ announced that 12 days of GRiZMAS will be returning to Detroit for its fifth year with a new program of holiday and charity based events in support of Detroit Public Schools Community District.…
The Armed has likely been banned from several Detroit spots thanks to their new video
Earlier this year, we sent a brave Metro Times writer out into the world to figure out once and for all if Detroit’s best-kept secret, the Armed, is even a band or just a revolving door of stand-ins that have cemented themselves in hardcore lore. What we found was blood-dripping actors baring the name of…
Spread Deli and Coffee is now serving in Midtown
After a bit of a delay, Spread Deli and Coffee is finally open in Midtown. The spot, located at 4215 Cass Ave., Detroit, is hosting a soft opening Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. According to the company’s Instagram, anyone who stops by before noon will get a free coffee. They’ll also be serving…
Detroit’s Candy Bar voted ‘most beautifully designed bar’ in Michigan
Step behind the plush curtain in the lobby of the Siren Hotel, and you’ll find the “most beautifully designed” bar in Michigan. Candy Bar, which is covered from floor to ceiling in a millennial pink hue, received the distinguishment by Architectural Digest on Tuesday. The cocktail lounge recalls Detroit’s jazz era with an intergenerational twist. Apart…
Pass the blunt — Danny Brown and friends serve up the fifth annual Bruiser Thanksgiving
The last time we caught up with Danny Brown, he was gracing the cover of Metro Times and was feeling #blessed. Since then, Brown announced a new record, underwent a dental makeover, made an appearance in the film White Boy Rick, and released an unofficial mixtape via the gaming service Twitch. Oh, and he finally…
Mike Posner will perform Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show
Grammy-nominated songwriter Mike Posner is coming home for Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions took to Twitter on Thursday to announce that the Southfield-native would be performing during the Detroit Lion’s Thanksgiving halftime show on Thursday, Nov. 22. Posner joins Jason Derulo and rapper Big Sean as recent hitmaking performers for the Lions’ big day. While we…
Cobo Center, named after a racist mayor, could soon be renamed
Detroit’s Cobo Center, named after a former Detroit mayor known for divisive policies, could soon be finally renamed. The Detroit News reports that Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority is in the final stages of negotiating a seven-figure naming rights deal for the convention center, with Cobo’s general manager telling the paper they are in the…
Little Caesars mascot has a subliminal message on his toga and we swear we’re not high
It may not be earth-shattering news, but it is blowing our mind. We’re not high; you’re high. In a world where Amazon’s Alexa is listening to everything you say to better cater to your every want and need, and Detroit now has its own very prominent Church of Scientology, as it turns out, even pizza…
Ima’s second location is about to open in Madison Heights
Corktown noodle bar Ima’s new Madison Heights location is preparing to open and should be up and running by month’s end. The new 2,500-square-foot restaurant will provide some much-needed breathing room for the often crowded Detroit location, and will allow owner/chef Mike Ransom to do some “R&D” for his menu, Crain’s reports. The space will also…
Detroit Historical Museum pays tribute to Aretha Franklin with new exhibition
An exhibition dedicated to the Aretha Franklin is now on view at the Detroit Historical Museum. The career-spanning Aretha educates patrons about the Queen of Soul’s “prominent place in Detroit’s history through her roles as musical trailblazer and civil rights activist,” according to a press release. Among the exhibition’s treasures are a nearly complete discography of…
Aminé is the rapper we need now and he’s coming to Detroit
When 24-year-old alternative rapper Aminé sported white face for his 2017 video for “REDMERCEDES,” he knew he would rattle some cages. And when he took aim at President Donald Trump during a television performance by spouting the amended verse “You can never make America great again, all you ever did was make this country hate…
Playground Detroit celebrates a badass year of art with Hell Yes! exhibition
It’s been one year since Paulina Petkoski and Samantha Bankle Schefman (both of whom snagged a spot on Metro Times’ People Issue this past year) opened the doors to Playground Detroit, going all in on the future of local artists. Part independent gallery, part talent incubator, Playground Detroit is celebrating a blowout 2018 full of…
Detroit City FC to join new league under National Premier Soccer League
Detroit City FC is moving up the ranks. The Hamtramck-based soccer team announced on Thursday that it would be joining a newly formed league in association with the National Premier Soccer League. Detroit City FC will join ten other clubs across the country as founders of the new league. Though the league won’t go into…
Dan Gilbert buys up digital real estate with Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com
Dan Gilbert: noun Mortgage mogul, real-estate fiend, and proud new owner of Dictionary.com and Thesuarus.com. The news comes just a day after Gilbert announced Jack Entertainment LLC would soon be selling Greektown Casino to an investment trust for upwards of $1 billion, telling the Detroit News that he would continue to focus his investments on…
Tamara Greene reward could be up to $252,500
There could be more than $250,000 available for a tipster with information that could solve the murder of Tamara Greene, a stripper who was killed in 2003with alleged ties to disgraced former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Earlier this month, a donor added $100,000 to the $2,500 in the Crime Stoppers of Michigan’s reward fund, and later…
Disgruntled businessman spies on Mayor Duggan, alleges extramarital affair
A businessman with an axe to grind has gone to extreme lengths to attempt to discredit and humiliate Mayor Mike Duggan — going as far as hiring private investigators to follow and secretly film the mayor, and even publicly screening a video that he alleges shows the mayor having an extramarital affair. Robert Carmack, who…
Corktown’s Nemo’s Bar and Grill is expanding its menu
Nemo’s is one of Detroit’s favorite sports bars for a burger and pregame soaking, but it’s aiming to be more of a lunch and dinner destination with an expanded menu that it’ll roll out in the coming months. The bar, at 1384 Michigan Ave., recently hired Nick George — the chef behind the Dr. Sushi…
Former MSU basketball player Draymond Green to open fitness center in Warren
Draymond Green is expanding his financial sights outside of basketball. The three-time NBA champion for the Golden State Warriors and former MSU basketball player is partnering up with New York-based fitness chain Blink Fitness to open a new fitness center in Warren. Green, in partnership with Tom Shumaker of Grosse Pointe, hopes to open 20 Blink Fitness…
Detroit school board wants to drop Ben Carson’s name from high school
In just 24 hours, Michigan native and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson, has been dragged for a national increase in failed HUD inspections since his appointment in 2017. And, to add salt to his self-inflicted wounds, Detroit’s Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine will likely be renamed. The Detroit Board…
Artist Jason H. Philips debuts ‘Black Girl Magic’ inspired exhibition at Norwest Gallery
All that glitters is gold. Artist Jason H. Phillips takes the gilded age of expression into 2018 by celebrating the power of women, adorning images in his latest show, “Majesty” with stunning 23-karat gold leaf. The owner of Detroit Ink Spot Tattoo Studio and co-founder of the Black Tattoo Art and Music Expo, Phillips has…
What to expect at the fifth Detroit Fringe Festival, the biggest one yet
Entering its fifth year, the Detroit Fringe Festival spans genres, mediums, and visions. More than 200 artists have been featured since the festival launched in 2013, giving audiences access to experimental local artists they might not otherwise encounter. And this year is the biggest yet: The fest will take over CMAP, LightBox, Jam Handy, and…
Judge releases Siwatu-Salama Ra from prison during her appeal
Detroit activist Siwatu-Salama Ra will be released from prison on bond pending her appeal. The 26-year-old co-director of the Detroit-based East Michigan Environmental Action Council is appealing felonious assault and firearm convictions from March that resulted in a two-year prison sentence. Those stemmed from a 2017 incident in which Ra brandished an unloaded, registered gun…
James Beard Foundation and Scarab Club team up for free diversity discussion
For devoted American foodies, sous chefs, line cooks, and executive chefs, the James Beard Award is the top of the mountain — the crème de la crème. For 28 years, the New York-based nonprofit James Beard Foundation has provided scholarships to culinary students and championed excellence in kitchens and restaurant hospitality services throughout the country.…
Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley releases new documentary ‘Off Parole’
Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley knows about struggle – and facing the consequences. The west side rapper had interest in music growing up, but it wasn’t until he landed in prison in 2014 after a string of dormitory robberies during his stint at Michigan State University that Tee began feverishly writing songs. Upon his release in…
Here’s what Detroit’s freeways would look like as a subway map
What would Detroit look like with a New York-style subway system? We’ll probably never know. A century ago, a subway plan was floated, and thwarted, and the future is looking more like autonomous vehicles every day. But that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. NYC-based artist Jake Berman of Fifty-Three Studio created a map reimagining metro…
Detroit’s Cheli’s Chili Bar is closing after Thanksgiving
One of Detroit’s favorite sports bars will be closing its doors shortly after Thanksgiving. Cheli’s Chili Bar, which has long been a haven for sports fans, announced on Tuesday that it would be hosting a Finale Week as a countdown to the bar’s last day. Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 18, Cheli’s will host a slew…
Marvel Universe Live delivers all the hero on hero action at LCA
Not all heroes wear capes — but a lot of them do, and a lot of them fancy themselves residents of the Marvel Universe. While villain Thanos may have flexed his destructive big dick energy during this summer’s blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War, heroes will have the last laugh when Marvel Universe Live! resurrects our favorite…
Review: The Lebanese ‘Africano’ dishes at Peepo’s in Taylor are a walk on the wild side
There’s a phylum of Dearborn-area Lebanese-owned restaurants that trades in extreme flavors. Taystee’s Burgers — which stacks mac and cheese bites, jalapeño poppers, and Cool Ranch Doritos with its patties — is one such example. Taylor’s Peepo’s will make you think of those type of restaurants, but it doesn’t quite fit into that class. Though…
How to Dress Well’s Tom Krell keeps it complicated
Saying yes is admittedly difficult for singer-producer Tom Krell, who is both celebrating a personal competitive basketball victory and openly resenting the fact that Pitchfork indirectly drew comparisons between his latest record under the moniker How to Dress Well to rapper Post Malone, using words like “white guys,” “dirtbag tenderness,” and “cool.” The Anteroom asks…
Horoscopes (Nov. 14-20)
ARIES: March 21 – April 20 You’ve got your hands full. Between the loose ends that are getting tied up and a pile of new business on deck, there have to be moments when you wonder if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. The belief in your capabilities is reinforced by your ability…
So pot’s legal in Michigan — what now?
It’s a big deal that voters legalized recreational marijuana in Michigan. We can all exhale now. That’s not a weed joke. Cannabis supporters and activists have been holding their breath these past fews weeks before the big vote to legalize recreational marijuana on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Healthy and Productive Michigan came on with a last-minute…
How Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda found peace after Chester Bennington’s death
Mike Shinoda is steering clear of social media. For a minute, anyway. When we catch up with the singer, the country was only hours into processing the details of the Thousand Oaks, Calif., mass shooting and simultaneously stumbling through the outcome of the midterm elections. All the while, Linkin Park’s 2003 hit “Numb” had just…
Why photographer Miles Marie embraced ‘Playboy’ and astrology for her new calendar project
Makeup-artist-turned photographer Miles Marie, aka Nomadic Madam, is a Taurus with a Taurus sun, Taurus moon, and a Virgo rising. She says her sign is ruled by Venus and that Venus has been fucking her up lately. “I have found myself wanting and dreaming a lot,” Marie says. “I have to rein myself in. At…
In ‘The Feeling of Being Watched,’ a Muslim community watches the watchmen
If you were living in a small community riven by paranoia and fear of surveillance, pointing a camera at its members and asking them to recount their troubles might not seem the best idea. However, that’s what Assia Boundaoui does in her new documentary The Feeling of Being Watched, which plays in a special screening…
