Cover Story
Inside the fight to shut down Line 5
When President Barack Obama officially rejected the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline in September, it marked the end of a seven-year battle that even he admitted had become largely symbolic. The issue — the proposed construction of a pipeline owned by oil giant TransCanada Corp., which would move crude oil from Alberta’s oil sands to refineries…
Debunking a few myths about New Year’s Eve gunfire in Detroit
What to know before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
About those protesting ISIS supporters marching in Dearborn? Yeah, it was all bullshit.
But that won’t stop wingnuts from believing it and repeating it.
Really hope you enjoy this eclectic Christmas music mix with 33 YouTube links
33 YouTube links to a variety of Christmas songs and messages from your favorite musicians, from the novel to the rocking and on to the sublime and back again.
Learn Arabic language and music in Dearborn
Learning an Arabic language or an instrument could be an interesting way to build bridges.
Actor Mark Wahlberg opening burger joint in Greektown this summer
Beefcake Mark Wahlberg will be jumping on to the Detroit restaurant bandwagon when he opens one of his Wahlburgers outlets in Greektown as early as next summer. In an interview with Fox 2, Wahlberg said he is working with downtown real estate mogel Dan Gilbert in securing a location. Bedrock Real Estate Services confirmed with…
Just announced: R. Kelly at the Fox on New Year’s Eve
Singer R. Kelly is doing a special New Year’s Eve concert at the Fox this December 31. Tickets ($49, $89, $129 and $175) go on sale Friday, December 18 at 10 a.m.
Here’s a few hours’ worth of Detroit Christmas tracks (mostly Motown)
It’s nice to get in the spirit, and even nicer to do that with music that’s not just the same old same old yule log.
Retail wine shop opens in downtown Detroit
It’s wine o’clock somewhere
Just announced: Pusha T at ROMT April 4
Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 18 at noon for Pusha T at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Complaint filed against judge who sent kids to juvie for refusing lunch with their dad
A complaint has been filed against Oakland County judge Lisa O. Gorcyca, who over the summer sent three siblings to a juvenile detention center after they refused to have lunch with their father. Let’s back up for a moment. For the past five years Maya Eibschitz-Tsimhoni, a pediatric eye doctor known for her research on glaucoma, and…
Detroit food scene to take center stage for Winter Blast 2016
Organizers liken this season’s Meridian Winter Blast to the 2006 during Super Bowl XL.
Annual SecondChances for Life fundraiser supports families of Detroit’s incarcerated
Enjoy barbecue and support a local nonprofit at this annual fundraiser.
Detroit joins the United Nations’ Creative Cities Network
Detroit is the first U.S. city to earn the designation of a “design city.”
Wait, now other cities are being called ‘The Next Detroit’?
And you won’t believe what city it is the new us!
Hamtramck loses its largest supermarket, but here’s why it’s far from a food desert
Hamtramck remains a food oasis, big box or none.
Brother Rice’s Muslim prayer room non-issue of the week
Muslims pray. At Christian institutions, they might do it in a special room. Get over it.
Check out these trippy rap videos by Detroit’s Miikey MuuN aka IAM Golden
This is highly original, unique work; do yourself a favor and get lost for a few minutes today.
Decommissioning Line 5 would not disrupt Midwest oil demand, report says
A report released Monday offers new ammunition in the fight to shut down Enbridge’s controversial Line 5 pipeline.
Concert Announcement: Adele will perform twice at the Palace next September
Hello from the other siiiiiiiiide.
Orby heads to Detroit Historical Museum
It’s been a wild ride for Orby.
This YouTube clip alleges to have mashed together every single ICP song into one file
We’re all busy people, running around from one place to the next with no time to mess around. Insane Clown Posse has released a lot of records; who has the time to listen to them all?
West Village bank to house wine bar, sushi spot, lofts this spring
We’re keeping our eyes on West Village.
By popular demand, Chef Maxcel Hardy to tantalize gourmets in his Taste of Harlem popup at Revolver
All-star Harlem natives, chefs Maxcel Hardy and JR Robinson are expected to dazzle Hamtramck’s Revolver.
Michigan Beer Company opens in Novi
Novi gets a crafty, locavore touch at Michigan Beer Company.
Baphomet: The Musikal is coming to a stage near you
Even Satan likes a good song and dance.
Record review: djkage’s ‘D-Imports Vol. 2’
djkage, D-Imports Vol. 2: Listening Session Putting together the ultimate compilation project is tricky. There has to be a sharp mix of consistency and variety, the right emcees on the right tracks, and a strong dose of fearless production. Enter D-Imports Vol. 2 by djkage; one of the most ambitious projects of its kind. D-Imports…
Shop at Metro Times’ and The Detroit Mercantile Company’s Merry Market tomorrow and Sunday
Shop, booze, and eat at Merry Market this weekend.
Show preview: Melvin Davis and more at Found Sound’s Holiday Revue at PJs tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 12
Melvin Davis and Tradition bust out some gut-wrenching, authentic, generation gap-bridging soul music like you are only going to get it right here in Detroit, baby. We don’t need NPR to tell us that this is the real deal, and this is no spruced goose. Jeff Tweedy doesn’t need to fly in and produce Melvin…
Show preview: ‘WhatUpDoe State Of Mind: Live’ at the Shelter tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 12
WHAT: WhatUpDoe State Of Mind: LIVE (Winter Edition) WHERE: The Shelter (at St. Andrew’s) WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2015 (Showtime: 10 p.m.) WHO: JUNE (Host/MC/Performing) plus the following performers: Mike Chek, Pauly Bronson, MAC, Mark Cooper, Big Bus, V Stylez, Big Gov, Lola Damone, Valid, Terri Rene, Miz Forona, Black Lion Society, Kid Vishis, Fatt Father Metro Times caught up with…
ICYMI: Bon Appétit on Detroit’s Eastern Market
The fancy food magazine digs into the market in an upbeat 1,100-word piece.
Ford to become more electrifying after $4.5 billion investment
Ford CEO Mark Fields called it the company’s “biggest ever electrical vehicle investment in a five-year period.”
Show preview: Steel Panther at ROMT this Sunday, Dec. 13
“I’m excited to come to Detroit and rock because Detroit seems really excited for us to come to Detroit and rock! The tour is going great. So far, only 3 std’s and 1 overdose!!!! Plus, the chicks in Detroit are smokin hot and really frisky.” We asked for comments from the ready-to-party, retro glam, ’80s metal…
Seven seed catalogs to help you make it through winter
As winter descends on Detroit, it’s the perfect time to snap up some seed catalogs and dream of spring.
$2,000 reward offered for Hazel Park cat killer
If you have any information that you think will help, it could stop a cat killer and land you a fat reward.
Hamtramck’s Muslim community to protest religious extremism tomorrow
Hamtramck’s Muslims want you to make no mistake: They are forcefully saying no to ISIS, and championing secular politics.
Is this the best list of music releases from 2015?
Just like the dreary Christmas music bombarding your ear-holes from every single device that makes sound in a public space, every year around this time we are assailed with these dreadfully tasteful best-of lists. Every single writer, website, publication, and your mom— they each want you to behold their own wonderful, well-considered, eclectic, and mind-blowing list…
You won’t believe the location of this new Detroit piano school
Guess which gritty postindustrial hulk will host the gorgeous tones of classical piano?
Former EAA principal indicted on bribery charges
Nearly two months ago (time flies, nuts) we reported that the FBI was looking into one Kenyetta “K.C.” Wilbourn, a former principal at Detroit’s Mumford High School. Today we’ve found out that the former head of an Education Achievement Academy school has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy and bribery. In addition…
Eastern Michigan University doesn’t vote on relationship with EAA after all; EAA continues limping into future
The EAA, which was created in 2012 as a “recovery” district for 15 of Detroit’s lowest performing schools, has been the source of much attention as of late and in the past (see, for instance, MT’s entry on the EAA’s deplorable record with transparency and progress). Largely considered a failure — it’s first chancellor resigned…
Show preview: Jill Scott headlines Holiday Jam this Sat., Dec. 12 at Joe Louis
Where do you find Jill Scott, New Edition and Babyface all in one place — aside from your parents’ CD collection or the Goodwill? At Joe Louis Arena this Saturday, Dec. 12, of course — it’s the 92.3 WMXD Holiday Jam, and this is sure to be a holiday extravaganza not to be missed, fun…
Just announced: Future, Ty Dolla $ign to play the Fox Feb. 19
Future and Ty Dolla $ign will play the Fox Theatre on February 19, 2016. In case you’re confused, yes, Future is still also slated to perform this Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Fox, alongside Migos, Young Dro, and Yo Gotti. It looks like tickets are still available for that event. Anyway, it’s great that Future…
Help Wanted? Katoi Thai concept hoping to stay in Ann Arbor and still make the move to Corktown
Could Katoi be aiming for a more permanent stay in Ann Arbor?
Now you can buy a DVD of the Grande Ballroom documentary
Tony D’Annunzio’s celebrated, award-winning documentary on the history of Detroit’s mythical Grande Ballroom venue in the late 1960s and early 1970s is finally available for sale as a DVD. There are also posters and t-shirts available for purchase.
Show preview: Aaron Neville at special fundraising event for Habitat Macomb in Clinton Township this Fri., Dec. 11
New Orleans’ almost impossibly soulful crooner Aaron Neville makes a very special appearance at a dinner event this Friday, Dec. 11 in Clinton Township. It’s not cheap, but it is a fancy fundraiser for a great cause. And actually, $100 for a dinner and show is not very much money at all (add another $50…
Just announced: Best Coast and Wavves play the Majestic Feb. 23; tickets on sale Friday
That’s right — Wavves and Best Coast (with special guest Cherry Glazerr) are playing the Majestic Theatre on February 23, 2016. Good times, bro. Tickets, which go on sale this Fri., Dec. 11 at 10 a.m., will be $27.50 in advance, $30 day of show. You can buy them here, using this magic link.
Lockhart’s BBQ second location now open in Lake Orion
We recommend the chili.
Drink up
Pikesville Rye 55% ABV In the days prior to Prohibition, the state of Maryland had a booming rye whiskey industry. You can guess what the 21st Amendment did to those distilleries. Though most remained shuttered after the law was repealed, Pikesville alone returned to uphold the tradition of making the same straight rye whiskey it…
What it takes to be a kitchen’s second-in-command
While chefs capture the limelight, sous chefs are the unsung heroes of the fine dining kitchen. They’re second-in-command, in a role described as a “workhorse.” But what are their backstories? What is the relationship between the sous chef and executive? Is it contentious and ego-driven or one of a nurturing mentor and protégé? In metro…
Scott Hocking explores Detroit’s dark side
Artist Scott Hocking is perhaps better known for his sculptural work, which has seen him utilize Detroit’s abandoned spaces to create installations out of found materials. But from there, Hocking developed an additional body of work as a photographer by necessity in order to document his installations, which were often temporary. With his new book…
How restaurateurs are transforming venerable eateries into hip hotspots
Detroit, with its vast acres of abandoned property, has seen a slew of investment in recent years from folks wanting to transform once-established businesses into something new. That’s especially true for restaurant owners, who are keen on reimagining old-school restaurants, remaking them in the image of the current culinary boom. It’s not always a total…
Tom’s Oyster Bar in Royal Oak gets an overhaul
If you haven’t been to Tom’s Oyster Bar in Royal Oak in a while you may be interested in learning about the changes that have taken place over the past several months. Gone are the flash-fried everything, chowders and bisques made from base, and gut-busting portions. Now, under the leadership of executive chef Norman Fenton,…
A half-dozen ethnic eateries you might not know about but should
Part of the fun of dining out is being exposed to restaurants that serve the unusual and exotic. But it isn’t always easy to find them. They may be in an out-of-the-way location. They are often quite humble and neighborhood-oriented, and don’t advertise or garner the dozens of reviews online other eateries do. Whatever the…
Savage Love: Hard work
Q: I’m a 24-year-old gay male with few resources and no “marketable” skills. I have made a lot of bad choices and now I struggle to make ends meet in a crappy dead-end job, living paycheck to paycheck in an expensive East Coast city. Recently, someone on Grindr offered me $3,000 to have sex with…
Even breakfast is getting a bit of extra love
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for too long in Detroit the first-meal landscape has been dominated by greasy-spoon coney islands, whose menus can be dominated by oily hash browns, soggy bacon strips, and uninspired egg dishes. Lately, however, many local eateries have been bringing their A-game to breakfast menus. What’s…
Royal Oak boutique offers toys for adults
Tucked behind South Washington Avenue, on the corner of Sixth and Center Streets, is a little shop called Elphie Elora. If you’re a regular to Royal Oak’s retail scene and can’t picture this storefront in your head, that’s because it opened its doors two and a half weeks ago. But, if you find yourself walking…
Ten small plates we can’t get enough of
In spite of the many eulogies mumbled over the grave of the small plates craze, it continues to gain traction. Partly it’s because anything that injects a bit of informality works in a restaurant’s favor. The option of grazing off multiple plates, or the intimacy of sharing with other diners, strips away a lot of…
Horoscopes (December 9 – 15)
ARIES (March 21 – April 20): Standing between the past and the future you are totally aware of how important this moment is to you. It doesn’t matter if you’re on an upswing or a downswing, everything hinges on what’s whirling around you right now. As your free will argues with the thought that you…
Some of Detroit’s best chefs dish on the recipes you should be making at home this winter
We love eating out. This whole issue is basically dedicated to that idea. But the vast majority of meals we’ll consume this year will be served at home. There are quite literally endless venues to find a new recipe or an upgrade on an old classic, but very few of those will be taken from…
Weekly reader responses
Detroit vs. the suburbs Last week, we ran “How to make peace with the suburbs,” an excerpt from writer Aaron Foley’s new book, How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass. Ken Dause writes: Great article! I’m “from Detroit” since I lived there until I was 12 and my bike got stolen. That was…
More than ever, metro Detroit’s young chefs are working together to drive the dining scene
As the sun begins to set on Detroit’s New Center, it’s a sleepy scene, as most of the area’s commuters have left for home. But the Jam Handy space on Grand Boulevard is just heating up, as cars park on the boulevard and people head in. The space is warm and lively, with music, food,…
Why Detroit’s beloved one-off dining scene could use some fine tuning
The 26 friends and strangers Detroit Bus Co.’s Andy Didorosi and Ashley Tyson gathered on a Hamtramck loading dock on a recent evening arrived with little indication of why the pair requested their presence or what lay ahead. There was an element of mystery. There was an element of intrigue. And there was also a…
Pastry chefs are sweetening Detroit’s dining deal
The “New American” boom in Detroit restaurants isn’t limited to such newfangled trends as shareable small plates, modern spins on popular comfort foods, emphasis on local ingredients, and the requisite duck fat fries on every menu. Consider the venerable pastry chef: Pay close attention and you’ll find that in this increasingly demanding market they’re also…
Politics & Prejudices: Courage and cowardice
“We know from painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor — it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963 When Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers launched their drive for full civil rights, there were plenty of cowards who urged them not to…
The restaurant boom continues with these recent and anticipated openings
It’s hard not to get excited about the many new restaurants that have popped up in the past year. And the momentum in Detroit only promises to continue. We’ve already heard about many of these chefs and restaurateurs and the inspiring stories about the food they create, but just as a reminder, here are some…
Mark your calendar today for these upcoming shows
Tickets are now on sale for these events. Jan. 2, 2016, Ne-Yo at the Fox Theatre; olympiaentertainment.com; Tickets from $69 to $125. Jan. 29-30, 2016, Ann Arbor Folk Fest with Richard Thompson, Yo Le Tengo, Joan Baez, and many more at the Hill Auditorium; theark.org; General public tickets are $37.50 and $50 for a single…
Nothing helps us make it through a dreary winter like south-of-the-border flair
When the temperatures start to plummet, nothing satisfies like a piping hot bowl of caldo de pollo. Or pozole with all the fixings. Or a creamy cup of tortilla soup. It’s times like these that call for a trip to Southwest Detroit. Indeed, you’ll be in for a mashup of culinary traditions at Mexican restaurants…
Record review roundup
Various Artists Pay No Attention to That Brand New Rug LP (Lo + Behold) Pay No Attention is the second volume of documentary recordings made during Folk Blues Night, which has been taking place every second Saturday of the month for a few years at Lo & Behold Records and Books in Hamtramck. As described by Erik…
Detroit kitchens welcome vegetarians and vegans with open arms and full plates
There was a time, not so long ago, when most restaurants’ vegetarian options consisted of a cheese pizza or maybe some kind of frozen veggie burger. For vegans? Enjoy the side salad. Times have changed, though, and restaurant owners and chefs have become more accommodating to those with alternative diets, which means meatless fare is…
‘Queen of R&B trap’ Neisha Neshae talks ‘On a Cloud’ and overcoming hardship
Neisha Neshae, the self-proclaimed “queen of R&B trap”, is slowly but surely invading urban airwaves, one radio spin at a time. Before her Helluva-produced single “On a Cloud” got popular, the 19-year-old’s life had been full of storms. After dropping out of high school due to being overwhelmed by her mother’s death, music became an…
The best things we ate this year
What makes a dish outstanding? Sometimes it’s a novel combination of flavors and ingredients we’d never thought could work together. Sometimes it’s a classic done so well we wish we could take back every other iteration we’ve eaten. It can also be a very humble dish given a special tweak or just that extra bit…
Celebrating 25 years of the Soiree record label
For 25 years, Soiree Records has been “housing under the radar,” founder Derrick Thompson’s clever turn of phrase for his low-key, yet ever-expanding repertoire of deep house grooves and late night electronic body music. Thompson founded the label in 1990 at a seminal moment for Detroit, amid basement and warehouse raves, analog synthesis, turntablism, and…
Higher Ground: A matter of justice
It’s been pretty well documented that the War on Drugs is in large part a war on black people (read Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow). New allegations from Dothan, Alabama, could be revealing one of the most insidious cases ever to come to light. The Henry County Report (HCR), a police watchdog blog, recently…
2015: The Detroit dining scene’s breakout year
For decades, Detroit’s food scene was behind the times. With a few notable exceptions, it was a place where the fine-dining crowd was older, addicted to classics. They were almost uniformly more likely to pick a restaurant with a generous parking lot that served meat and potatoes, surf and turf, or spaghetti and meatballs with…
