Cover Story
Speed queen: Meet Karri Anne Beebe, the fastest woman in Michigan
The thunder of engines drowns out the racetrack announcer on an early spring afternoon at Monroe County’s Milan Dragway. It’s one of the first race days of the 2016 season at the dragstrip, located roughly 20 miles south of Ann Arbor. Two cars, both drag radials, are pulling up to the starting line for their…
Hillary Clinton is talking jobs, jobs, jobs — because lord knows Detroit needs jobs
Days after Donald Trump made his big — surprisingly tame — speech to the Detroit Economic Club, democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is making her way to the “D” to talk about jobs and the economy too. On Thursday Clinton’s presidential campaign is making its way to Futuramic Tool and Engineering, a Warren auto supply company…
Jazz-themed barbershop opens in Grandmont Rosedale
A grooming shop called Cutz Lounge opens in the Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood this Thursday, Aug. 11. The shop will fill various functions at the same time, serving up live jazz music as well as co-working and community events. And hair care, of course! Detroit jazz and a barbershop — what a terrific combination. We all know that…
You’ll never believe what Foursquare says is Michigan’s most talked about burger
Plus, we will be among a panel of “celebrity” judges in Burger Brawl 2016 later this month.
Introducing the Whopperito, the answer to all our burrito prayers
It’s like a Whopper, but snuggly wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Contest: design the cover of Metro Times’ College Guide!
Yup, you read that right. Each year, Metro Times publishes an issue devoted to all things collegiate, and we’re looking for a student to create a one-of-a-kind cover. What are we looking for? Photos, illustrations, or anything else that would look good on the cover as long as it has something to do with college —…
American Girl Dolls are returning to their radical roots — in Detroit
American Girl, the classic doll company that played a crucial role in the childhood and development of many little girls in the ’90s, is coming to metro Detroit. According to the Detroit News, the company is opening something of a pop-store (#on #trend) in Novi’s Twelve Oaks Mall from Friday Aug. 12 until Jan. 31.…
Researchers highlight connection between Detroit water shutoffs, foreclosures
An 18-month project on the overlap between Detroit’s water shutoff program and foreclosures in the city will culminate Thursday in the release of a report that, researchers say, demonstrates the “effects of overlapping and avoidable crises.” The data behind the report — “Mapping the Water Crisis: The Dismantling of African American Neighborhoods in Detroit” —…
Dear Nicole Curtis, please remodel this dirt cheap lighthouse residence
Hey, Nicole Curtis, we have an interesting rehab project for you. A two-story island lighthouse residence on the Manitou Passage in Leland, Michigan is being auctioned off to the highest bidder and although the opening bid was set at $25,000 the only offer currently on the table is for 10 grand. The property needs a…
L. Brooks Patterson sides with Trump on border wall
“China built a wall 2,000 years ago. In Beijing, they don’t have any Mexicans, so it’s working,” Patterson said.
PINK’s new collegiate line reminds women that school is important, but looking cute is more important
Victoria’s Secret PINK just came out with their new collegiate line that has everything a girl could ever want. From sweaters and backpacks to phrases and reminders that women have to be feminine 110% of the time, along with the affirmation that there is no escape from being a sexual object. The t-shirts have witty…
This Pure Michigan Pokémon GO spoof has zero chill
Haters gonna hate.
Just announced: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts headlining Arts, Beats, and Eats
Put another dime in the jukebox, baby — ’cause Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were just announced as the headliner for this year’s end of the summer Ford Arts, Beats, and Eats celebration that happens in Royal Oak. Along with the badass majesty that is Joan Jett, other headliners include One Tree Hill theme song crooner…
State-run EAA school district owes DPS millions for rent and services
The Education Achievement Authority, a state-run school district created by Governor Rick Snyder in 2011, owes Detroit Public Schools over $14 million, according to emails uncovered by WXYZ. According to the station’s education reporter Kim Russell, while DPS’s deficit was ballooning the past few years, the EAA was not only not paying rent (its 15…
Former Piston Dennis Rodman explains how he broke his dick
5x NBA Champion 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year 7x NBA Rebounding Champ 3x ….. Dick Breaker? Dear readers, it’s time to get reacquainted with Dennis Rodman. Donald Trump’s token black friend has long invoked memories of the beloved Detroit Pistons ‘Bad Boys’ teams, although recently, he likely invokes memories of dyed hair, cross…
Trump gives tame speech to DEC, protesters stir things up
It was an active day in Detroit for Donald Trump opponents, as the Republican presidential candidate addressed members of the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) at the Cobo Center Monday. A large group of protesters gathered outside the building at least an hour before Trump’s speech was slated to begin. The area was patrolled by mounted…
Legends Gentlemen’s Club to reopen after November fire
“We’re very excited,” owner Jody Haddad says of the club’s Aug. 17 reopening.
Live and Raw music series showcases ‘undiscovered’ local artists
Fanic Music, a Detroit-based start-up still in it’s final stages of development, has been hosting series of acoustic performances showcasing undiscovered musicians titled Live & Raw. According to founder Waref Hawasli, Fanic Music’s goal is to become “a music platform that will represent the undiscovered and emerging music community.” The Live & Raw summer series…
Winter is Coming, and so is a live ‘Game of Thrones’ concert experience
Game of Thrones fans everywhere sucked in a collective gasp of disbelief when the HBO show’s creators revealed that there were less than 15 episodes left following the end of season six. So, despite getting to watch (OK, mostly hear) Ramsay Bolton being eaten by his own hounds (dude, it’s on you if you haven’t seen that…
Event invites locals to ‘reimagine’ Roosevelt Park
Whether or not you know it by name, Roosevelt Park is one of the most famous places in the city of Detroit. It’s that green space in front of Michigan Central Station where everyone who is truly “from Detroit” goes to get their engagement photos taken. Well, the Corktown Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) wants it…
Armed robbers steal honey buns from gas station, somehow become heroes
Two men are being looked for in connection to an armed robbery that happened Sunday morning at a gas station in Detroit, clickondetroit.com is reporting. You’d think that the robbers took what most robbers take when hitting up a gas station — lots and lots of money. Not these two, though. The police are reporting…
Michigan State Police SUV in the running for ‘Best Looking Cruiser’ contest
The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) is conducting its annual ‘Best Looking Cruiser Contest’ this month and one Michigan State Police vehicle is in the running. The Blue Goose — yup, that’s what they’re called — is competing against vehicles from across the country for the honor, which is awarded based on Facebook ‘Likes.’…
Former city councilwoman Sharon McPhail’s charter school fined by the state
Detroit Community Schools, a local charter school run by former Detroit city councilwoman Sharon McPhail, has been fined $144,314 by the Michigan Department of Education for flouting state law requiring certain administrators to be either certified or working towards certification. The financial penalty is in response to the fact that McPhail — who lacks a certification…
First-ever Detroit Beer & Wine Fest coming to Grand Circus Park
Dozens of breweries and wineries will be slinging libations at the inaugural Detroit Beer & Wine Fest in downtown Detroit’s Grand Circus Park, featuring limited and seasonal specialties for beer aficionados and wine lovers. “Detroit is experiencing an astounding renaissance and we hope to do our part by bringing more events downtown,” said Regina Stocco,…
Nation’s first 24-hour, youth-driven hip-hop radio station launches in Detroit
A group of area high-school and college students hosted a launch party for BeMoor Radio, an internet hip-hop station with a mission to educate and improve the messages included in the genre. “Hip-hop music has become the most vulgar and degrading art form clearly influencing my peers and our culture,” states Yakeem Tatum, the station’s…
Police disarm man on I-75 with gun to his head, says he wanted to call attention to Trayvon Martin
Law enforcement on Saturday disarmed a man walking southbound on I-75 with a pistol to his head because he was upset about the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, state police said. As police approached the scene around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, a dispatcher initially told state troopers that a man was “waving the gun around and…
Development outside of the 7.2 square mile bubble could be on its way
Packard Plant, we’re looking at you.
Watch Obama get hype to Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ at the DNC
This bright little piece of Internet comes to us courtesy of a behind-the-scenes at the DNC video posted on Hillary Clinton’s YouTube channel, and boy oh boy is it packed with STAR POWER. The three minute video clip showcases heavy hitters from Hollywood and politics (because duh, it’s the DNC), including Meryl Streep hanging with…
Fuck the ‘Suicide Squad,’ Go See ‘Don’t Think Twice’
There are a lot of unwritten rules in the comedy world. They are sacred. Contrary to a lot of unwritten rules, they are there to foster the best possible outcome. Specifically, in the improv world, “Yes, And” is the Golden Rule. The idea is that you agree to whatever your co-performer says and then expound…
El Club kids find a sweet pizza with Pepe Z
Get your music and pizza fix at this legit southwest Detroit spot.
Vintage Detroit cop cars are showing up in Boston: here’s why
A film about the 1967 Detroit riots is being filmed as we speak, at least partially in Boston. The untitled flick, written by Mark Boal and directed by Academy Award nominee Kathryn Bigelow (see also: Point Break, Zero Dark Thirty, and The Hurt Locker), will hit theaters next year, just in time for the riots’…
Federal appeals court hears challenge to Michigan’s EM law
You wouldn’t know if it you relied on the local dailies for news, but the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati heard oral arguments in a long-running legal challenge to Michigan’s emergency manager law. The lawsuit, filed in 2013, argues that Michigan’s emergency manager law, expanded under Gov. Rick Snyder’s tenure, has been “principally…
Detroit bike share system to launch in spring 2017
Stations will be located near DDOT, SMART, People Mover, and QLine stops.
I-75 anti-Trump sign is the best thing we’ve seen all week
Trump’s gonna be here on Monday and someone’s got a sign waiting to welcome him. It’s not yuuuge, but the Republican nominee for President will certainly see it if he drives down I-75 Southbound between 7 and 8 Mile. Oh wait, Trump doesn’t use highways, that’s what private jets are for. Anyway, here it is…
Ann Arbor becomes first city in the state to raise smoking age
The city of Ann Arbor just made it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to smoke cigarettes. Or at least, it’s illegal to sell tobacco products to people younger than 21. The mandate conflicts with state laws, which means the city could potentially end up in court, according to an MLive article, but…
Keep him out! Protesters to build anti-Trump wall during Detroit visit
A Facebook group called “Cockroach Watch” is organizing protesters to build a human wall in preparation for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s Monday talk at the Detroit Economic Club. Trump will be speaking inside the Marriott Hotel at the Renaissance Center beginning at noon. The protest is expected to last until 2 p.m. “Bring…
Five great new Detroit hip-hop tracks
Five new ones for the week, right here — Red Pill, Mic Write, and more!
Spoiler: ‘Suicide Squad’ sucks
I really wanted this to be my shortest review ever and just say: Please, I beg of you, do not go see this movie. Alas, I am glutton for punishment. I am going to tell you why you shouldn’t see this god awful movie and what you should do instead. We all know who is in…
NLRB calls out charter management company that fired 8 teachers
The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint (see below) against a charter management company that fired eight teachers in February without cause or notice, including several educators who spoke up at a board meeting weeks earlier about problems they were witnessing in their Detroit charter school. On Feb. 12, Hamadeh Educational Services, a…
Step aside Meek Mill — Slim Shady may be going for Drake next
Started from the bottom now we’re here?
Calexico restaurant to open next week downtown
Late nights in downtown will be just a little more delicious with this addition.
J.D. Martinez does the unbelievable during first post-injury appearance
WELCOME BACK J.D.
Syfy’s ‘Ghost Hunters’ debuts episode about The Whitney
Old houses with creaky floorboards and burned down abandoned buildings already give Detroit an eerie feel. Pair that with the city’s close contact with danger and you’ve got a hot-spot for the super-natural. With this being the case, it’s really no surprise that SyFy’s paranormal hit ‘Ghost Hunters’ filmed an episode here. The show’s team…
DPD’s LGBTQ chat highlights strides made in the last year
But challenges remain.
Time travel to Detroit’s best punk era at the Detroit All-Star Garage Rock Punk Revue
PJ’s Lager House is about to kick your craving for the raw, nasty, realness of the Detroit rock and punk scene before the 2000s hit. Dozens of some of Detroit’s best garage, punk, and rock bands will be rocking the Lager House with originals, along with covers paying tribute to the classics like Iggy Pop,…
Harrison Township’s Parade of Lights is back again
Get ready for the boats of Harrison Township to be decorated in twinkling lights depicting famous movie scenes, art works, historic chariots, or simple show-stopping clusters of color at the Parade of Lights. With over 3o business’ sponsoring the event, darkness is out of the question. If you’re a lover of lights, boats, and water,…
His Name is Alive is coming to O’Mara’s Irish Pub
We are lucky enough to have heard His Name Is Alive’s forthcoming album Patterns of Light (out Oct. 28 on London London). The album might be perfect, an expansion of the HNIA palette further into both ear-destroying heavy prog heaviness and fluffy, delicate, almost Broadcast/Free Design-level genius vocal delivery and arrangement. You’ve genuinely never heard…
Taste something you’ve never had before at 8th annual Summer Mead Fest
New brews and good food, B. Nektar is celebrating their 8th annual Summer Mead Fest. Collaborating with Superstition Meadery, a new brew, American Maniacs, will be ready to taste and hit you in all of the right places. Food trucks like Slow’s to Go, Andiamos, and El Charro will supply good eats, and there will…
Motor City Brewing Works to host Electro-Operatic Adventure DJ experience
Motor City Brewing Works is hosting “An Electro-operatic Adventure” featuring a cutting-edge collaboration between Opera MODO and Underground Resistance DJ John Collins. This experience will incorporate pieces from Mozart, Delibes, Bizet, and Verdi performed by Opera MODO simultaneously sampled and remixed by Collins, immediately creating a once in a lifetime listening/participatory adventure. Saturday, 8/6, Doors…
Yack Arena to host Michigan Comic Book Expo on Saturday
Meet with famous comic book artists, cosplayers, wrestlers, special effects artists, 3-D artists, designers, and illustrators at this one-day event. This year’s featured guest is Art Baltazar, whose work includes The Cray-B aby Adventures, The Big Amoeba, Gorilla Gorilla! and more. There will also be a photographer to capture all the best cosplay (props are…
Black Bottom Collective to appear at Tangent Gallery
Sixteen years ago, Khary Kimani Turner took advice from his wife and began assembling the Black Bottom Collective. The recruitment process was similar to George Clooney on Oceans Eleven; Turner approached local musicians he knew (and barely knew) and the outcome was Karen “Kay-Bosco” Bennett, Kamau Inaede, DJ Invisible, Mark “Swami” Harper, Edward “Teduardo” Canaday,…
Rick Snyder’s approval rating drops, again
In a new poll released Wednesday, Michigan governor Rick Snyder’s approval rating hit a historic low, as the two-term Republican continues dealing with the fallout from Flint’s water crisis. A poll conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV-TV showed that 54 percent of voters disapprove of Snyder’s job performance. That’s up from 52 percent in…
‘Funhausen’: Killer, plunderphonic Stooges tribute
A bold reworking of the Stooges’ classic, or an absolute noisy mess?
Detroit cop sues his own department after motorcycle accident
A Detroit police officer says he was improperly arrested and detained by his own department, after being charged for leaving the scene of an accident, according to a federal lawsuit. Until December 2014, Jeff Robert worked as a teacher for the Detroit Police Academy. One night that month, he offered to take a female graduate…
James O’Keefe posts video of Mayor Duggan, others being impersonated at polls
The professional conservative asshole is known for undercover videos taken at the offices of the voter registration group ACORN.
Sister Pie scores a Bon Appetit best new restaurant in America nomination
What more validation do you need to know this is one sweet spot?
Protomartyr debuts new track “Born to be Wine”
We’ve got a brand new and free track from the wonderful Protomartyr right here.
American Axle & Manufacturing set to open high-tech development center in Detroit
American Axle & Manufacturing, a Detroit-based auto supplier that manufactures drivetrains, plans to open a $30 million Advanced Technology Development Center this year, with up to $50 million in new and existing equipment, according to vice president of Advanced Engineering and Electrification Systems Nigel Francis. AAM has 150 engineers working on the 350,000-square-foot center and…
The Motor City Pizza Fest is ‘za place to be this week, at the Royal Oak Farmers Market
A wise man once said, “Pizza! Pizza!” Comprised of doughy crust, gooey cheese, and meaty toppings, the American dish has become a staple and a favorite in our collective diets. Of course, there are many different styles including deep dish, thin crust, Chicago, Detroit, New York … we could go on. Sample pies from more…
Enjoy coffee, conversation, and Detroit commentary with Aaron Foley this weekend
Aaron Foley is a man we admire. The editor of Blac Detroit, author of How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass, and sometimes contributor to Metro Times always has insightful, thoughtful comments about goings-on not only in our city but the country as well. For those who love to engage with Foley and…
Music, Food, and Beer headline this weekend’s Port Sanilac Blues Festival
The third annual two-day blues fest will feature local food and beer vendors, a VIP tent, a fun run, and live music from Red Herring, Roadside Rick and the Breakdowns, Howling Diablos, Kenny Parker Band featuring Jimmy McCarty, and more. Volunteers get free admission to the VIP tent, where you can hang out with the…
Enjoy life’s finer things at Brighton’s Fine Art and Acoustic Music Festival
This street fair fuses art, music, and food for a spectacular affair that the whole family can enjoy. For shoppers, there will be plenty of handmade jewelry, crushable hats, pottery, photography, paintings, and more. For music lovers, there’s four stages of acoustic and pop music. For food lovers, there will be fare from plenty of…
DPD holds LGBTQ community chat in Palmer Park tonight
Detroit police are holding an LGBTQ community chat for the second year in a row at Palmer Park Wednesday night. Deputy Dani Woods, the LGBTQ liaison to the office of Detroit Police Chief James Craig, discussed the event on Hot 107.5: “We’re working to build our relationship between the Detroit Police Department and the LGBT community. Our…
Attorney General Loretta Lynch holds Detroit forum on bonds between police, community
“I firmly believe that in the face of recent tragedies, we must not give in to cynicism or despair,” Lynch said at Wayne State University.
WWE star Rhyno clotheslines opponents; wins Republican Primary
Let’s just say he put the smackdown on his opponents.
U-M football team ‘up to something’, debuts Jumpman jerseys
Yesterday, the University of Michigan unveiled their new football jerseys for the upcoming season at a huge party in Detroit. The university dumped its Adidas endorsement and became the first college football team in the nation to be endorsed by Jordan and carry the ‘Jumpman’ logo aka the outline of MJ dunking a basketball. Michigan…
Lansing JazzFest turns 22 this weekend
The 22nd Annual Lansing JazzFest will feature river boat tours, great food, craft vendors, a beverage tent, children’s activities, and of course some of the best local and national jazz talent around. In celebration of the poster art, Barbara Hranilovich’s Jazz Lady, many of the performers will be wearing red, and they encourage guests to wear…
Catch punk band The Kominas at the Phoenix Café
As part of the opening of a Steampunk Art Show, we have the Boston-based Pakistani-American punk band The Kominas making a rare appearance in town. The Kominas are best known for being featured in the documentary film Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam, a look at the genre of Muslim punk in the United States…
Louis at the Louis! Comedian to perform in Detroit
Despite being a balding, overweight ginger, there is something charming and attractive about Louis C.K. Perhaps it’s his comedic genius and penchant for brutal honesty. OK, yeah, it’s probably that. The redheaded funnyman is known for cracking raunchy jokes, but also endearing anecdotes about the treacherous nature of fatherhood. When he’s not performing stand-up routines…
Get ready: comedian Hannibal Buress is coming to the Masonic Temple
Remember when America finally woke up and realized that Bill Cosby drugged and raped a bunch of women and is a terrible human being? Well, you can thank stand-up comedian Hannibal Buress for that! Buress may be the ultimate truth speaker, but outing Cosby isn’t his only credit. He has been a titan in the…
RTA plan is heading to the November ballots … so we hear
After last week’s controversial down-vote of $4.7 billion mass transit expansion proposal by Macomb and Oakland County officials, a deal to salvage the plan was reached Tuesday by top regional leaders, according to the Detroit Free Press. “I do believe we have something that’s going to be satisfactory to all parties,” Macomb County Executive Mark…
New Era Detroit activists accuse Detroit police of mistreatment, assault in federal lawsuit
Community activist group New Era Detroit is suing the city’s police department and alleging harassment, threats, and mistreatment by officers. After Jamalcolm Ewing — one of five plaintiffs — was arrested following a June 7 traffic stop, three women who approached the scene were “arrested, beaten, and tortured by the denial of medical care for…
Gwen Stefani brings out country boo thang Blake Shelton during Detroit show
Last night, Gwen was in Detroit performing at DTE and from the looks of it — it was quite a show. ‘ See all our photos from the show here! The pop icon brought out the counterpart of her sizzling, made-for-gossip-rags romance and the duo performed ‘Go Ahead and Break My Heart.’ As much of…
Lions player says Pokemon Go ‘is some mind control stuff’
“They were playing it and I was like, ‘Nope!’” said Detroit Lions Larry Warford.
Charivari Detroit takes over Belle Isle
Before there was Detroit techno, there was Charivari. Deep fans — perhaps those who’ve read Dan Sicko’s Techno Rebels — will recognize Charivari both as a different spelling of A Number of Names’ “Sharevari” (a now-legendary track often cited as Detroit’s first techno record) and the popular social club whose name the track was inspired…
Mi Lindo San Blas is a Mexican seafood excursión
Typically we’re put off by chain restaurants. They’re anything but imaginative. The food is overly processed. The menu almost always includes some sort of blob of pasta, a flavorless burger, or an obnoxiously sweet cocktail. Then there’s Mi Lindo San Blas (My Beautiful San Blas), a fairly new Mexican seafood restaurant that serves to introduce…
The art of projection with Bruce McClure
With the projector performances of Bruce McClure, the artist is always undeniably present. Using multiple projectors, film loops, strobe lights, effects pedals, and a flurry of ideas, McClure distills his resources into intense, abstract, flickering presentations that distort time and space. How long does it last? Twenty minutes? Forty-five minutes? Quit looking at your watch…
Horoscopes (August 3-9)
ARIES (March 21- April 20): Things are a little nuts, but what the hell? This is better than you’ve had it in a long time. Without leading you to think that it will go on forever, it’s pretty obvious you are on a roll. It’s time to get out there and work it. If you…
Higher Ground: Marijuana legalization falls along party lines in Lansing despite public support
State Rep. Jeff Irwin recently made Cannabis Business Executive’s list of “100 Political Influencers in Cannabis.” It’s no surprise; Irwin has been the biggest cannabis supporter in our state legislature. Over the years, the Ann Arbor Democrat has introduced or supported various decriminalization or legalization bills in Lansing. And he’s consistently spoken up about marijuana…
Reviving a Detroit jazz legacy: Terry Jean Pollard was queen of the vibes
At a recent James Tatum Foundation for the Arts benefit concert, special tributes were made to Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and jazz pianist and vibraphonist Terry Jean Pollard. The foundation presented the Distinguished Jazz Award in Pollard’s name at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. For those who knew her, seeing Pollard’s name…
Two James is a booze heaven
When it first opened in September 2013, Two James was the first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition. Since then, the company has managed to match its award-winning spirits with a bomb-ass tasting room that reflects both the brand aesthetic and the burgeoning craft spirits scene in Detroit. Add to that their ability to whip…
New Westborn location adds contemporary dining to market experience
Westborn Market opened its fourth location in Plymouth in July, and we stopped by to see what it’s all about. The store is a repurposing of a former post office on Penniman Avenue, and the interior has been renovated to match the upscale grocery feel of other Westborn locations. “We have an appetite for growth,”…
Help! Is Pokémon Go destroying my marriage?
Q I can’t believe this is why I’m finally writing you. My husband is using Pokémon GO as an excuse to stay out until 5 a.m. with another woman. She is beautiful and about a decade younger than him, and he won’t hear me out on why this is bothersome. Our work schedules don’t match…
