Looking over a new horror anthology that’s out today
Metro Detroiter’s anthology of back-to-basics horror lit gets a review.
A new venue will host Mad Decent Block Party this year
Mad Decent Block Party makes a big move.
Ferndale Pride to offer free HIV testing this year
Ferndale Pride takes place this year on Saturday, May 30.
Detroit News: Chief Craig ‘wouldn’t’ pump gas in Detroit
A Detroit News headline aims for controversy, but ultimately misses the point.
Clawson’s Leon & Lulu boutique gets special recognition
Leon & Lulu gets a special nod for South Carolina-based trade publication
Show preview: William Hooker, Daniel Carter, Watson Jennison, Federico Ughi at Trinos this Friday
When it comes to world class jazz, it’s hard to get classier (and more essential) than this show Friday at Trinos.
Mackinac Policy Conference conversation on race ‘too little, too late’
There’s something futile in fully discussing Detroit’s race and class issues in an opulent hotel located far away from the city.
Looking back on ‘The Battle of the Overpass’ — 78 years later
How the struggle to organize Ford Motor Company reached a pivotal moment 78 years ago.
Marcus Belgrave, Detroit jazz icon, dead at 78
MT’s Larry Gabriel pens an obituary for jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.
Movement class of 2015: Tess Garcia, most likely to succeed
The 17-year-old junior at Bloomfield Hills High School just wrapped up her first weekend at the festival, after scoring a photographer’s press pass to shoot for New York-based photo and events site, guestofaguest.com.
Snoop Dogg gets funky with ‘Bush’
Snoop Dogg is 22 years in and is still making albums worth listening to.
Rest in peace: trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Detroit’s jazz patriarch
The great trumpeter was tutored by Clifford Brown before joining the Ray Charles touring band, and later worked with Charles Mingus, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Gunther Schuller, Max Roach, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
Concert review: Torres at the UFO Factory
WHO: Torres WHEN: May 22, 2015 WHERE: UFO Factory, Detroit
New Center’s government employees complain about Bedrock parking squeeze
We’re hearing complaints from workers in Cadillac Place that Bedrock has bought up the parking garage attached to their building and is taking away many employees’ parking spots.
How did a hotel on Belle Isle get into the news — and out again?
As close readers of local newspapers know very well this week, the idea of private development on Belle Isle is a contentious topic. As in, mention it, and then stand back! It’s because, time and again, people have floated plans to build private or quasi-private development on the island, ranging from a $41-million Detroit Equestrian…
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel pokes fun at Shinola
Shinola’s the butt of a Jimmy Kimmel joke.
Five places to get your cold-pressed juice fix in metro Detroit
Cold-pressed juice is the health fad of 2015.
Sun Ra would be 101 years old, today
In the 1980s, I saw Ra and the Arkestra play close about thirty shows. I was in the right place and it was totally the best time! Here are a few clips to get lost in.
5 things to do in metro Detroit this Memorial weekend that will make you feel really American
Do stuff to feel American this weekend.
Chicago isn’t Detroit: Detroit is Iraq
OK, sure — there are some important differences between Chicago’s and Detroit’s situations. But what about Iraq’s and Detroit’s?
‘Tomorrowland’ doesn’t really know where it’s going
Tomorrowland / B- File this under: When exceptional filmmakers make unexceptional films. Brad Bird has had such a string of artistic and commercial successes that it was only a matter of time before he stumbled. Ever since his feature debut with The Iron Giant – an animated classic that was overlooked by audiences but beloved…
Concert review: Tennis at the Loving Touch
WHO: Tennis WHEN: May 20, 2015 WHERE: The Loving Touch, Ferndale
Moroun family not so bad, says Moroun family
Matthew Moroun, of the Moroun family, insists that the Moroun family is taking good care of its vacant lots and buildings slated for demolition.
Falling Down Beer Company will open a new location in Oxford
Falling Down Beer Company will open another location.
‘Jam Pony Expressway through Your Skull: Taking the Detroit-Miami Line’
Don’t miss Dave Tompkins and Mike Rubin’s presentation at the Michigan Sound Conference, Friday May 22.
Psych-folk outsider legend Dave Bixby plays Trinos solo tomorrow, for free
It’s possible Bixby might perform the entirety of his classic record from start to finish. also, he’ll probably play in one of the large windows bays rather than on the stage, so that everyone in the cafe can see him better and because that will look really cool.
Duggan’s latest plan for Detroit: Lease vacant lots for $25 a year
What would you do with vacant lot in Detroit if you could lease it for $25 a year?
Why residents of the Rouge River watershed should join this year’s Rouge Rescue
On May 30, hundreds will work to restore the habitat of the Rouge River. Here’s why you might want to get involved.
Big changes at Red Hots Coney Island
TV experts giving a Highland Park original a spit-shine has some grumbling, but owner says it’s for the best.
Ghostly brings back ‘Techno Rebels’ T-shirts for Dan Sicko scholarship
Dan Sicko wrote the definitive book on Detroit techno.
Two movies about ‘White Boy’ Rick aren’t enough for Hollywood
A third film about ‘White Boy’ Rick is in the works out in La-La-Land.
Quickie review: ‘Pitch Perfect 2’
Musical sequel works its feel-good magic, but what’s up with Hailee Steinfeld showing up?
Movement gets some new amenities
There’s new stuff at Movement.
Wall Street Journal goes deep on Seger’s “Night Moves”
Yesterday afternoon, the Wall Street Journal published a comprehensive look at Bob Seger’s breakthrough song “Night Moves.” John Jurgensen spoke with multiple folks affiliated with the song, including Seger himself. Seger says in the article: I had kind of a tough childhood growing up, but after my dad left, things kind of calmed down. It…
Detroit-based mobile coffee shop will bring your coffee break to you
Detroit’s getting a mobile coffee shop.
Shepard Fairey makes his mark on Detroit
Recently, news broke that art giant Shepard Fairey — you might recall his work from the popular “HOPE” posters from Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential run — would be in Detroit to bring his Printed Matters show to the Library Street Collective gallery. Soon after, we also learned Fairey would paint what will be his largest…
They couldn’t care less about you
Here’s some news for you, kids: The folks running Michigan’s government — the legislature, at any rate — couldn’t care less about you, or what you need and want. They don’t have to. They’ve rigged the system so that you normally have little say in who is elected. Thanks to term limits, they can stay…
A dozen things not to miss at Movement 2015
It’s Memorial Day weekend — what are you up to? Perhaps you’re headed out to fish upon those Great Lakes, or maybe you’re headed to International Mr. Leather in Chicago? Me, I’ll be at the Movement Electronic Music Festival, my 16th as a fan, journalist, and activist. I’ll be there, managing my cell-phone battery life,…
Octave One on twenty-six years of techno
The origins of Octave One —primarily Lenny and Lawrence Burden, but initially a band of brothers that included Lorne, Lynell, and Lance Burden — run simultaneous with the emergence of techno in the 1980s. Pittsburgh-based electro-sonic aficionado Shawn Rudiman respects what these second-generation techno musicians do live. “They keep music as instruments, not as backing…
Michaelangelo Matos charts the rise of EDM from its roots in America’s dance underground
I don’t really want to write an introduction, as I had such a great time talking with music historian Michaelangelo Matos about his compelling, exhaustive, and just-released book, The Underground Is Massive: How Electronic Dance Music Conquered America (Dey Street Books, 2015). Metro Times: This book obviously needs to exist, and I’m glad you’re the…
Drink Up
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye 45 proof | $30 A staple on any bar, Crown Royal Whisky has over 75 years of experience under its belt. The Canadian whisky was only available in its native land until 1964, but has spent the last 50 years becoming a favorite among Americans. With a portfolio that includes…
A conversation with Erika from Interdimensional Transmissions
Whether DJing dark ambient drones or danceable electro or performing as Erika, Erika Sherman is capable of working within a given context while still maintaining a certain distinct personality. Once a part of the Detroit outfit Ectomorph, Erika performs as both a DJ and with a live PA setup. She opts not to use a…
Inside Detroit’s secret techno museum
Just down the street from Detroit’s famous Motown Museum is another building, also dedicated to one of the Motor City’s musical legacies, and arguably just as important. You’d never guess from its unassuming exterior — unlike Hitsville USA, it doesn’t even have a sign, making it all but invisible to only the most diehard of…
A reader is still bent out of shape about Twisted Tavern, and more reader responses
Relentlessly Lessenberry In last week’s Politics & Prejudices, Jack Lessenberry wrote about “relentless positive Rick” and the total, humiliating failure that was Proposal 1. Reader “Adam” says: Jack, you say “they,” but shouldn’t you say “we”? If I remember correctly you were one of those people pushing hard for this piece of crap bill. You…
James Morris creates and crafts for Definitive Style Exclusive
James Morris started Definitive Style Exclusive seven years ago. In May 2008, he opened up a retail spot where he offered customers access to myriad local and national brands, all the while growing his house brand, DSE. Four short years later, the shop saw a transformation. Rather than selling other companies’ goods, Morris decided to…
Horoscopes (May 20 – 26)
ARIES (March 21-April 20): Multiple aspects have set your world on fire. How things get lit up depends on the extent to which you’ve figured out how to manage yourself. The need to keep things under control goes with the territory. At the same time, getting too strict about things will put a damper on…
Friends in high places
Q: Do you know any Juggalos in jobs that the average reader wouldn’t expect? A: I guess what’s always stunned me is the professional entertainers, movie stars, movie actresses that are over-the-top proud to say that they’re fans of ICP. I think it’s personally awesome when you see an athlete wearing some of their clothing.…
Populux helps kicks off Movement with supporting shows
It’s inevitable. It’ll be some time before Populux isn’t known as “the old Magic Stick.” Sure, the place has seen some serious upgrades, but longtime fans of the rock venue will probably have a hard time letting go. That said, the revamped electronic music venue deserves its due. Even dedicated fans can agree the Stick…
Get in the spirit for Movement 2015
Fifteen years ago, as rain poured on Hart Plaza and curious spectators trickled in to hear the rumblings of techno music transport them to otherworldly places did Carol Marvin and her Detroit Electronic Music Festival founders bite their lips, anxiously anticipating the sea of flesh that would writhe and dance that coming weekend? Did they…
Possessed by Pryor
I’ve seen state Sen. Virgil Smith quite a few times. He tends to show up at neighborhood meetings and events. He makes his way through a crowd with leisure, chatting amiably and generally not calling a lot of attention his way. He presents a clean-cut image and a sober personality — often wearing a suit…
9 things you need to know about dining in metro Detroit this week
Save us an elephant ear — Whether you love spinning, falling, twirling, whirling, or just eating, all of your favorite carnival attractions will be impossible to miss when they’re set up in downtown Birmingham in the streets surrounding Shain Park for the 52nd Annual Birmingham Village Fair, a tradition since 1947. Bring the family for…
Old World, New World at Garrido’s Bistro & Pastry
Decades ago, there was a restaurant category called “Continental,” usually translating to “Italian with aspirations.” You can still find “Continental” on TripAdvisor, in fact, which will generate a list of places that have nothing in common. The idea fell out of favor as American diners’ sophistication grew. Technically speaking, and casting no aspersions, “Continental” might…
Chef Guy Pelino adds contemporary flair to Detroit’s oldest restaurant
In metro Detroit, there may be no cuisine more misunderstood and misinterpreted than Italian. In truth, it’s not a single cuisine, but a family of cuisines dotting the Italian peninsula and its islands. Here it is often overblown into “Italianese” creations, and not just at Olive Garden, but at any one of the meatball mills…
Two awesome Detroit women play in the male-dominated Movement lineup
Of the 139 performers playing Movement Electronic Music Festival this year, a mere eight are women. This may not come as a surprise to many, and, of course, it’s shitty that this isn’t surprising. There is no lack of female electronic music performers out there — Grimes, Anna Lunoe, Ikonika, Inga Copeland, Lauren Flax, and…
Welcome to Movement Electronic Music Festival 2015
Movement is here! We’ve provided not only a list of the top 12 things to check out during the fest, but dug deep into electronic music history with pieces on Detroit’s secret techno museum, author Michaelangelo Matos, and musical innovators Octave One. Get in the spirit for Movement 2015 A dozen things not to miss…
State senator allegedly shot at his ex-wife 10 times
Virgil Smith, the 35-year-old state senator who comes from a long lineage of elected officials, had one busy, troublesome week. The Detroit legislator found himself chest-deep in legal woes last week after, at 1 a.m. one night, he awoke to find his ex-wife at the door of his home on Detroit’s north side. When his…
