Beauty or destruction? Shepard Fairey case continues in Detroit
Fairey’s attorney, Bradley Friedman, maintained that Fairey did not create the illegal artwork — and even if Fairey did, he argued, it would not meet the statute’s requirement for “malicious intent.”
Update: Dr. Kevorkian’s ‘deathmobile’ sold to noted ghost hunter
Les Gold is selling the vehicle — which can be generously described as a “fixer-upper” — for a cool $40,000.
Bid on vintage punk t-shirts, support a cool cause
This is your chance to own some very cool wearable artifacts and donate to a good cause — helping to fund the establishment and preservation of the Naomi Petersen Photo Archive.
Just announced: Deerhunter, Steve Gunn, Mavericks, and Nero
We come bearing more excellent news for Detroit area music fans. Tickets are now on sale for the following events.
Hear a brand new Apollo Brown track, “Not That Guy,” featuring Your Old Droog
As a preview for Apollo Brown’s highly anticipated ‘Grandeur’ album, check out the single for “Not That Guy” which features NY’s own Your Old Droog.
Why I don’t ignore people begging for money in Detroit anymore
I used to ignore it when street people asked me for money. Here’s why I don’t anymore.
It’s time for Slurping Turtle, back to school edition
Time to get schooled in the Slurping Turtle kitchen.
‘Hungry Dudes’ Vato shares story of battle with obesity
A Detroit ‘Hungry Dude’ gets honest about his relationship with food.
Will the state’s Attorney General investigate the Southfield hate leaflet?
For an investigation to happen, somebody has to files an official complaint with Michigan’s Department of State. Any takers?
Eminem’s foundation will match donations to Downtown Boxing Gym’s youth program
Just after opening up their new home, the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit has announced that the Marshall Mathers Foundation will offer a matching gift to its online fundraiser and contribute special prizes for those who donate, raising both money and awareness for the community center and program for Detroit youth.
Local casting call: Paid extras needed for ‘Looking for Alaska’ flick
The 2016 Paramount Pictures production Looking for Alaska will soon begin filming in Michigan and production crews are currently in need of extras — paid extras. Young men and women of all ethnicities and between the ages of 18 and 22 who “look high school age” are kindly asked to attend a call for Ryan Hill Casting at the Costick Activity…
Attention Detroit lovebirds: Skrillex and Diplo need you for new video
On Monday, Diplo tweeted that they are looking for local “young couples” for a video shoot in Detroit.
i-D magazine gives us its take on the ‘move to Detroit’ phenomenon
There’s no need to apologize to New York for not liking it. New York sucks.
Check out Illa J’s heartfelt new single, which directly addresses his brother’s legacy
It’s no secret that J Dilla has become more popular to mainstream music fans in death. He’s the constant “your favorite producer’s favorite producer.” Illa J acknowledges that the rise in attention to his brother’s legacy is great. But some artists and emcees just want to capitalize off the late beat maker’s name and sound.
Patti Smith wrote a song for the ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ finale
Well, this is weird.
Show review: Rusted Root at Saint Andrews Hall
Four out of five hackeysacks for effort; they seem to know what people want to hear, and play it well
Update: Political flyer distributed in Southfield looks like something straight out of Jim Crow era
Update: 2:55 p.m. The city of Southfield has released this statement in response to the racist flyers that were distributed around town this weekend: The City of Southfield is proud to be a diverse community that is inclusive of all people. Southfield elected officials, staff and residents of numerous ethnic and religious backgrounds work effectively…
Detroit to get bike-sharing program
A Detroit bike-sharing program is coming. And there’s no need to joke about theft and vandalism: The organizers have a plan.
‘Dining in the Dark Detroit’ dinner comes to Great Lakes Culinary Center
OK, this could be cool.
Just announced: The Weeknd at the Palace of Auburn Hills Nov. 7; tickets on sale Friday
Whether you’ve been a fan of this creative juggernaut for years, or you just love that “Can’t Feel My Face” song (or both), you might want to consider attending this event.
Photo of the Day: Pure Michigan road repairs
People have a lot of things to say about the condition of Michigan’s roads, and what’s being done (or not done) to repair them. (We’ve certainly said our fair share.) But as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and thanks to Redditer nbouma we’ve got a gem of a photo to…
WATCH: 250-pound red ball art installation goes rogue, rolls through Toledo streets
Instagrammer Jeremy419 caught a piece of social media gold last week when he witnessed and recorded a 250-pound Toledo Museum of Art installation come loose from fastenings and begin to roll through city streets. The over-sized red ball was knocked free from its temporary home between Roulet Jewelers and Ice Restaurant in downtown Toledo after…
The Satanic Temple countered Planned Parenthood protests with some guerrilla theatre
The group behind the Satanic monument that was unveiled in Detroit earlier this summer staged a counterprotest in defense of Planned Parenthood.
Show Review: Aretha Franklin at Chene Park Sat., August 22
Aretha Franklin and the Isley Brothers more than delivered at Chene Park this weekend.
The problem with Michigan Central Station’s new windows
An interesting article appeared yesterday in the Free Press, written by resident architecture critic and historian John Gallagher. Gallagher noted that some are not pleased with the kind of windows the Moroun family is putting up at Michigan Central Station. Gallagher is a respected figure when it comes to Michigan architecture, and he treats the…
Nigerian BBQ chef Tunde Wey celebrates homecoming, kicks off national tour in Detroit
Tunde Wey, co-founder of popup venue Revolver, is returning to Detroit, and using his homecoming to kick off a nationwide tour of introducing his famous Lagos Nigerian BBQ to the masses at the Hamtramck popup at 7 p.m. next Friday (Aug. 28). A lot’s happened since we last heard from Wey. He set up a…
Man attacked in Birmingham for not liking Kid Rock
How do you not like Kid Rock? Let us count the ways …
Detroit City Distillery’s ‘Summer of Gin’ competition wraps up
Will will be crowned Ginsmith this summer?
Why the World Heritage Air Museum loves old jets
Jets are almost 75 years old, and are ready for their historical preservationist close-up.
Country star Frankie Ballard to headline benefit for Humble Design at the Fillmore on Sept. 19
Humble Design is a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless families in need. Frankie Ballard is a rising star in country music. This benefit looks like a very worthy event.
Packard Plant tiger shoot assistant lambasts ‘reports that are half-truths or no truth at all’
The tiger shoot assistant says the photographer ignored numerous warnings and as a result the animal wound up exhausted and irritable.
Riding the bus with Gary Winslow: Fussin’
Gary watches a male and female fight at a bus stop. But it ain’t what you think it is.
Is this the best-named mixtape of the year? Captwolf’s ‘Liquor Store Pizza Party At My Crib’
“All together, LSPPMC is an end of the summer tape by a group of young men trying to expand the city’s sonic palette.” Bravo! Please do check this out if you have a spare minute.
Metro Detroit woman anonymously donates bone marrow, gets this heartfelt letter in return
Take some time out of your day to read this touching letter.
New Carhartt retail outlet to open in Detroit next week
Earlier this year, we told you that Carhartt, the Dearborn-based “work wear” outfitter, was eyeing retail property on Cass Avenue in Midtown. Yesterday, we received news that the first Detroit store will, in fact, open up next week. A press conference will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. at the new Detroit Carhartt…
This weekend’s White Castle reunion — and why Detroit needs a dragway
The event celebrates street racing’s past, but the organizer would like a legal dragway accessible to Detroiters.
Is Detroit more dangerous than Karachi? Views from a visiting reporter
Farhan Zaheer is a Karachi, Pakistan-based business reporter who works for The Express Tribune and the Pakistani affiliate of the International New York Times. He joins Metro Times as one of 16 journalists visiting the U.S. as part of a three-week International Center for Journalists fellowship. We asked him to write about his first impressions…
Ringwald season closes out with ‘5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche’
A new farce opens this weekend at the Ringwald Theater.
Is this the best album cover art of the year? ‘Colonial Donuts’ by Bill Orcutt and Jacob Felix Heule
You decide! Go on, be the decider. Best album cover art for the year — yes or no? (The answer is “yes.”)
DeJ Loaf gets the Nardwuar treatment
In some music circles, you aren’t legit until you get interviewed by the infamous Nardwuar the Human Serviette.
U of M posts love letter to Chipotle worker on Instagram
The University of Michigan’s posted what many are calling an “ode to a hot cashier” on its official Instagram account earlier this week as part of its series “Wolverines of Ann Arbor,” a localized play on the popular “Humans of New York” series. The New York Times’ Katie Rosman tweeted out the post on Monday, Tech…
Documentary film about Boblo boats in the works
“The Boblo boats are set to sail again on the silver screen.” That’s what a press release that recently tickled our inbox said regarding a new initiative on the part of a group of local and New York-based filmmakers striving to “bring Boblo back” and tell the story of one of the region’s most beloved…
Event preview: Transmit+ at DIME, Sat., August 29
The conference seems to aim to gather a diverse community of artists and musicians to talk about the music world and how to make it as an artist in the Internet age, as well as just to have fun while hearing great young artists.
Former Lion Erik Kramer wounded in apparent suicide attempt
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Erik Kramer was injured Tuesday night by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to NBC News. The injury was initially reported as non-life-threatening. Kramer, who in 1992 led the Lions to their only playoff win since their last NFL championship in 1957, was discovered by Los Angeles County authorities in a motel…
Just announced: Jesse Cook at ROMT, Odesza at Masonic
Tickets go on sale Friday for Jesse Cook at ROMT on Monday, October 26, and for Odesza at the Masonic on Friday, November 20.
This crazy fowling article should make you fear our future robot overlords
Is this the future of journalism?
Show review: Vic Mensa at Populux, Tues., August 18
There’s a lot of hype around Mensa, who doesn’t even have a full-length album out yet. We expected flashes of greatness, but not a fully formed, excellent performance.
Chris Brown does his best DeJ Loaf impersonation
The video (which Brown was careful to caption with “No shade! Just fucking around…”) has already racked up nearly 250,000 likes so far.
Feedback: Orbit ovation
Orbit ovation In anticipation of the Orbit Magazine Anthology, out Sept. 1 on Wayne State University Press, we decided to hand over nine pages of last week’s issue to the staff of the long-defunct local magazine (and former Metro Times rivals) to see what they would come up with. The results didn’t disappoint — the…
Paxahau celebrates 17th anniversary Sat., Aug. 22 at TV Lounge
Paxahau has been at the helm of promoting, organizing, and producing some of Detroit’s biggest electronic dance music events for 17 years now, and they plan to celebrate their long-running success with what they do best — a massive party. This year’s show is looking to be one of the biggest anniversary celebrations yet. TV…
Higher Ground: What’s so bad about being high?
Back when I was in college, I walked into a friend’s dorm room one night to find a bunch of weed scattered on a table with a bunch of ripped up papers. I could tell these guys were buggin’ because their eyes were all bugged out as they stared at me. “Can you roll a…
The Hideout is a cool getaway
20 years ago, Reef Palaj and his father purchased the old Charlie’s Pub in Clawson and opened the the Hideout. And for years, the Hideout had an ambience that was true to its name — until a recent series of renovations. “It was time for a change, basically,” says Palaj. “Back then, 20 years ago,…
After years of bleeding its young and educated, Michigan’s story could finally be changing
For years, if you went to college in Michigan, it meant that the moment you graduated you got the hell outta Dodge and went to New York or California or anywhere that didn’t have a Midwestern locale under its “Welcome” signs. These days, however, with energy building in the city center, some post-grads are drawn…
Thoughtful ‘The End of the Tour’ is a moving portrait
The End of the Tour | B+ “…technology’s just gonna get better and better and it’s just going to get easier and easier and more and more convenient and more and more pleasurable to sit alone, with images on a screen given to us by people who do not love us but want our money.…
Bottom-shelf bottles and crazy concoctions test students’ iron stomachs
If there’s two things college kids love, it’s getting drunk and saving money. While I imagine that it would be a major faux pas to show up to an adult social gathering holding boxed wine or a $6 bottle of gin, on campus it’s cheap brands like Crystal Palace, Franzia, and Natty Light that thrive.…
The college debt game
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How to date on campus
For years, we’ve all heard the story of how Grandpa and Grandma met. “I saw her from across the lecture hall; she was the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. I just had to meet her.” But this story neglects to tell the real truth — that is, how exactly college “dating” works. First of…
Ten ways for college students to make quick cash
It is an intrinsic part of college society to use technology and tact to squeeze out some extra change between classes. Here are some good ways to beat the bank in the collegiate atmosphere. 1) Clean up on bottle returns We have the highest bottle return in the nation: 10 cents! It’s so high that…
What do college students get high on?
If media outlets are to be believed, young people are finding unprecedentedly creative ways to get high. Over the past couple of decades, we’ve heard tales of young people getting high on everything from vodka tampons to Burt’s Bees lip balm to actual fermented human waste! But if you talk to actual college students, you’ll…
Where we found the best deals on local campus threads
Almost every major university in Michigan is near at least a few stores that students can save money at. Ann Arbor: Sam’s Basic Clothing has been in Ann Arbor for nearly 70 years and appeals to Michigan students and Ann Arbor locals alike. Whether you’re chanting “Go Blue!” on Saturdays or not, you can find cheap…
How to outfit your dorm room or apartment properly with local outlets and suppliers
If you’re a true individualist — a true hipster, as the hip kids are saying — giant retail distributers like IKEA and Target just don’t cut it. Sure, college kids need practical, cheap, and functional things to bring to college — things that these stores carry in bulk, with pleasure. But what about unique, interesting…
Birmingham’s The Stand adds a French twist
It seems like every other restaurant in metro Detroit these days is offering what they call a charcuterie board. These renditions are hit-or-miss and are often a far cry from the real deal. Thing is, serving a few cold cuts, cheese cubes, and maybe some olives on a cutting board does not necessarily make a…
Ask a Juggalo: Is making fun of Juggalos one of the last acceptable forms of class bigotry?
Q: I read in an article that “making fun of Juggalos is one of the last acceptable forms of class bigotry.” What do you think about that statement? A: You know, this goes back to younger times in our lives, when, for whatever reason, picking on somebody or putting somebody down made you feel better.…
Mark your calendar today for these upcoming shows
Tickets are now on sale for these events. Sept. 13, Thurston Moore Band at the Loving Touch, thelovingtouchferndale.com; Tickets are $16 advance, $18 day of show. Sept. 16, Desaparecidos, Joyce Manor at Saint Andrew’s Hall; saintandrewsdetroit.com; Tickets are $18 advance/ $20 day of show. Sept. 29, Destroyer at the Loving Touch; thelovingtouchferndale.com; Tickets are $15 advance/…
168 Asian Mart superstore reflects metro Detroit’s growing Asian population
Cindy Wang was frustrated when she moved to metro Detroit. She met her husband — Ricky Dong, a Michigan resident of some 20 years — while she was living in New York. But once she moved to Michigan after they got married, she noticed there was nothing here with even a fraction of the offerings…
Savage Love: The boyfriend experience
Q: I’m a woman in a straight relationship. I woke up this morning, and my BF wasn’t in bed with me. He felt ill in the middle of the night and went to sleep in the spare room, where he found a condom in its wrapper behind the nightstand. Now my BF thinks I’m cheating…
Politics & Prejudices: Triumph of morons
“… the media are probably the most powerful of all of our institutions today, and they are squandering their power and ignoring their obligation … we have abdicated our responsibility, and the consequence of our abdication is the spectacle, and the triumph, of the idiot culture.” — Carl Bernstein, “The Idiot Culture” There’s a sort…
Horoscopes (Aug. 18 – 25)
This week’s horoscopes are coming out under the light of a late Virgo Moon. At about 1:15 p.m. on the East Coast, and at about 10:15 a.m. out West, the moon will turn Void-of-Course and keep us in a state of suspended animation for approximately three hours, until she makes her entrance into Libra, later…
Drink up
Pabst Brewing Company/Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer 4.7% ABV If you’re American and you’re a beer drinker, chances are you’re familiar with Pabst Blue Ribbon. Maybe it was your grandpa’s beer of choice for every family reunion and barbecue. Or perhaps your dad used to drink it while mowing the lawn. Were you in a fraternity or sorority?…
Sculptor finds the link between African stone carving and Detroit techno
Artist M. Scott Johnson is an affable dude. Within seconds of introducing ourselves on the phone, he’s already calling us “brother” and laughing about getting reacclimated to Detroit. “It’s funny, they used to clown me — ‘Oh, you’re so goddamn country!'” the Inkster native says. “But now I realize that’s actually a benefit to me.…
‘Blues Girls of Summer and The Crowning of Thornetta Davis’ this Sunday at Hastings Street Ballroom
I guess it’s the notes. You know, those notes. The ones that bend, and form themselves into what is commonly referred to as the blues. Seasoned Detroit-based vocalist Thornetta Davis thinks so. “We all experience it, one way or another,” she says. “We experience the blues in our life, and that’s why it touches everybody.…
