Cover Stories
How Heather Sweet from West Branch became Dita Von Teese
Calling from her home in Los Angeles, Dita Von Teese is excited for her upcoming trip to Michigan. The burlesque superstar is getting ready to take her The Art of the Teese show on the road, which includes its first-ever stop in Detroit. In a way, though, Michigan is still her real home, and her…
A chat with Dirty Show guest artist David Černý
The Czech artist David Černý is many things: Sculptor. Street artist. Airplane pilot. Playboy. Political dissident. Infamously, he was jailed for painting a Soviet tank pink. Since then, he has made a name for himself with his kinetic and thought-provoking sculptural work — such as the giant, mutating bust of Franz Kafka (look it up…
7 gump gifts that’ll make your beloved grin
The idea that Valentine’s Day is some ultra romantic holiday that inspires women to purchase expensive lingerie and cavort around in feather boas to the pleasure of their male paramours seems so… blithe and, quite frankly, passe. These days the Hallmark holiday is either blatantly ignored by lovers or given the goofy treatment by folks…
Here’s where to find some of the Southwest Detroit’s best, smokiest Mexican grills
Detroit is not a city famous for its aromas. Just whiff the acrid petroleum coke breezes blowing in from the riverfront, the singeing stink belched out by downtown’s sewer system, or the poison gases spewed by the incinerator near the Interstates 75 and 94 interchange for samples of what we breath. No: Detroit is not…
Just announced at El Club in May: Meat Puppets, Mike Watt, Redd Kross, whew.
This week, El Club announced two separate, rad shows of alternative Dad-rock that you might get excited about if you like stuff like that. Anyway. On Sunday, May 7, the Meat Puppets and Mike Watt will play El Club. Tickets are $16 in advance ($18 day of show), and it is an all ages show,…
Detroit sports city? The unknown cost of putting a fourth pro sports facility downtown
Nearly a decade into the saga surrounding Wayne County’s costly botched effort to build a new jail in downtown Detroit, taxpayers are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only it’s not yet clear what will emerge on Gratiot Avenue: a completed jail at the original site of the long-halted project,…
8 ways to ‘treat yo self’ if you’re single on Valentine’s Day in Detroit
As I sit at my desk, single as fuck, listening to a curated Valentine’s Day playlist on Spotify, I can’t help but think that even though I don’t have a SO doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy the splurges and indulgences of Valentine’s Day, right? I love myself, dammit! Isn’t that good enough to treat…
Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Betsy DeVos and her misspelling department on ‘Tonight Show’
Betsy DeVos hasn’t had the smoothest transition since she bought her way into becoming Education Secretary — blocked by protestors, dragged by Twitter, and now, dealing with insane typos on her department’s Twitter account. In case you missed it, the U.S. Department of Education’s tweeted a photo of W.E.B. Du Bois but spelled it “W.E.B.…
New podcast compares Detroit and Comedy Central show ‘Detroiters’
Comedy Central’s new show Detroiters shown through the lens of the show’s creators — very niche, quirky, and tons of soul. But how does it stack up against the Detroit that we all know and love? Well, this new podcast is here to help. Detroit vs. Detroiters is a new weekly podcast hosted by local…
Best New Artist Chance The Rapper coming to the Palace in May
While you may have been busy waiting for that Prince tribute on Sunday’s night Grammy Awards, Chance the Rapper, the insanely talented rapper from Chicago, became a Grammy darling by winning three awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album for Coloring Book. Chance announced via Twitter this morning that he is going on…
Olga’s Kitchen will now serve weekend brunch
Olga’s Kitchen is getting into the brunch game. No, the metro Detroit favorite isn’t serving bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys. But the chain does have a new menu built around the restaurant’s classic Olga Bread (and Snackers), which will be served until 2 p.m. on weekends. The new menu features items such as the “A.M. Olga” (seasoned lamb…
State Democrats propose restoring citizen oversight of MDEQ
Michigan environmental activists are cautiously encouraged by a package of bills introduced by Democratic state lawmakers last week. The bills would ensure the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality had citizen oversight commissions, which were abolished by Gov. John Engler in 1991. The bills were introduced Friday by state Reps. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint), Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) and…
Just announced: Descendents at the Fillmore in April
SoCal pop-punk progenitor/geniuses the Descendents will grace the stage at the Fillmore Detroit on Friday, April 21. It’s an all ages show and tickets are available at the price points of $25, $30, $35, and $45. They will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. You will be able to purchase them right here.…
QLINE bombed with graffiti before it even opens
Facebook user Mickey McCanham posted a photo this morning of a QLINE street car decorated with graffiti. The graffiti reads “ACAB,” which according to those in the know stands for “All Cops Are Bastards.” The new street car, that takes passengers from the heart of downtown to New Center, is ready to open in the…
Just announced: Metallica at Comerica Park in July
Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. to see Metallica perform at Comerica Park on Wednesday, July 12. The multi-platinum Grammy-winning hard rock band is touring with Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat. Presale tickets will be available to Legacy Fan Club members beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m., with presale tickets available…
We need to talk about Mike Posner at the Grammys last night
If you watched the Grammys last night, you probably noticed Beyoncé slaying the game, Adele winning every award, and Rihanna taking shots out of a flask because she doesn’t give a fuck. What you probably missed, though was Southfield-born and Grammy-nominated Mike Posner channeling Jared Leto’s Joker character. His hair was slime green, his nails…
Former Tiger Prince Fielder is getting his own cooking show on Netflix
They say that you should find some sort of hobby once you retire from the game — maybe take up golf, learn a new language, or travel your little heart out. In Prince Fielder’s case, the former Detroit Tigers first baseman, hosting his own cooking show is his way of enjoying retirement. The show, which…
Our ‘official’ 2017 Grammy predictions
The music industry’s biggest night of back-patting is tonight and we have some thoughts on who will go home with the big awards. Will Beyoncé get redemption after losing Album of the Year in 2015? (Probably not.) Will Adele make us sob with her golden voice? (Duhh.) Will the Chainsmokers make us want to bash…
All the people we saw at night 1 of the Dirty Show
We have a special place in our hearts for the annual Dirty Show at the Russel Industrial Center. This year, the sex art show turned the big 18 and did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite shots from night one of the dirty, dirty show. All photos by Mike Pfeiffer. Want to see…
Little Caesars customers react to Mike Ilitch’s death
Little Caesars pizza mogul Mike Ilitch died today at age 87, according to a company statement. The son of Macedonian immigrants, the Detroit-born Ilitch built his empire on the cheap yet utilitarian $5 “Hot-N-Ready” pizza. In addition to the successful pizza chain, Ilitch owned the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, the Fox Theatre, and Olympia Entertainment,…
UPDATE: Woman behind anti-Semitic Valentine card was not a CMU student
After an anti-Semitic Valentine Card unknowingly got distributed at a College Republicans at CMU Valentine’s Day party, the university has issued a new statement on actions and next steps to address the issue. In the statement, the university said that they met with the woman behind the card and she readily admitted her role. It…
Swim school offers chance to bob with your newborn for free
In this time of reactionary politics, xenophobia, and warfare, it’s nice to take a break and talk about something I think we can all embrace: Free swim classes for newborn infants. Starting next week, parents will be able to experience swimming with their newborn babies for two-hour periods called “Tiny Tot Time” on Mondays and…
ICYMI: Mitch Ryder’s career chronicled at ‘Music Aficionado’
Over at the well-written, boomer-rock-besotted website Music Aficionado (which really has the best name doesn’t it?), Mitchell Cohen dives into the derailed career of Hamtramck’s own, singer-songwriter and guitarist Mitch Ryder. According to the writer, his rise to fame was entirely screwed up by the decisions of a classic “music industry Svengali” after a series of powerhouse…
VIDEO: Protestors just stopped Betsy DeVos from entering a D.C. school
WATCH: Sec. Betsy DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school–turned away and left. Video: @SweeneyABC pic.twitter.com/RAycuKEVgm — ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) February 10, 2017 A news channel in Washington D.C. tweeted out a video on Friday of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos trying to enter a public school in the D.C. area…
Wayne State University investigates racist ‘Trump’s America’ graffiti
On Thursday evening, a Wayne State University teacher posted a photo on social media showing racist graffiti that appeared in a campus bathroom that read “Fuck Ya’ll Niggers #Trump’sAmerica.” In an emailed statement, WSU President M. Roy Wilson said the university is launching a full investigation and is reviewing video surveillance footage. “Such actions will not be tolerated,” he…
One woman’s battle to fight those weird lights over Ford Field
You know the lights. You’ve seen them shining ominously over Ford Field on your drive into downtown Detroit. Or, like Margo Dalal, they permeate your curtains and shine directly into your eyes, interrupting your much-needed slumber. Dalal, who lives a mere 3.5 miles from the stadium according to a Detroit Free Press article, has created…
Betsy DeVos asked Twitter a question and everyone dragged her with a response
After senate Republicans decided that getting paid is more important than the future of our education system, Betsy DeVos took to Twitter to give herself a pat on the back while asking the question “now where do I find the pencils? :)” Day 1 on the job is done, but we’re only getting started. Now…
Zingerman’s shows us how to achieve comfort food nirvana
Zingerman’s Roadhouse is the wing of the Ann Arbor-HQ’d Zingerman’s empire that focuses on comfort foods and American classics done to the brand’s always respectable standard. The Roadhouse’s special this month is a pork chop dish. As we all know, pork chops are a mild cut that can leave something to be desired in the…
Fat Salmon Sushi opens in Hamtramck
A new sushi spot is rolling out rolls in the Rock City Eatery’s former Hamtramck space. Fat Salmon Sushi opened on Thursday with what an employee says is a temporary menu that’ll be in place for a few weeks while another is finalized. All the classic tuna, salmon, shrimp and California rolls are there along…
Why Dilla Youth Day matters
This Sunday, Feb. 12, Dilla Youth Day returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum. Now in its fifth year, Dilla Youth Day continues to expand its participatory programming to be ever more diverse and fun. The event, named of course for Detroit’s pioneering hip-hop producer J. Dilla, is a celebration of aesthetic and technological innovation…
Anti-semitic Valentine’s Day card distributed at CMU College Republican party
Central Michigan University officials are meeting regarding an anti-semitic Valentine’s Day card that was distributed at a meeting of the College Republicans student organization at CMU Wednesday night. A photo of the card, which features a photo of Hitler, the text “my love 4 u burns like 6,000 jews,” and “XOXO, Courtney,” has been circling…
UPDATE: U.P. Republican behind ‘Kent State’ tweet resigns following death threats
Updated 11:07 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9: Dan Adamini has resigned from his post as the secretary for the Marquette County Republican Party, according to The Detroit News. “Whenever you’re involved in an organization, you want to be an asset,” he said. “At the moment I’ve become a distraction, and that’s not helping anybody. I stepped aside…
Someone tried to firebomb Carmen Harlan’s house over Detroit’s crime rate
A woman facing 20 years in prison for allegedly trying to fire bomb Carmen Harlan’s house reportedly believed she was acting for the benefit of Detroit. Kizzy Nickerson, seen above sporting what appears to be a patriotic tank top, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the now-retired WDIV newscaster’s home because she believed Harlan was…
Aretha Franklin, queen of soul, to abdicate her throne
R-E-S-P-E-C-T singer, Detroiter, and soul legend Aretha Franklin has announced her retirement, which will come following the release of a final album this fall. In a phone call with WDIV, Franklin says she’s working with Stevie Wonder on the final album, but has yet to record any tracks. According an accompanying article, a short tour…
Here’s what Michigan has been Googling since the election ended
Many like-minded individuals took to the internet after the election looking for answers, and their collective unconscious manifested itself via Google. In a recent blog post by Estately, they used Google Trends to establish the phrases each state searched more often than the others. In Michigan’s case: “Did Trump ban Muslims?” Well, according to our…
Video premiere: The Erers’ ‘Not What It Seems’
Instruments aflame! Scary people wearing Guy Fawkes masks! Slow motion heaving rocking! Leather jackets! Tasty, loud jams! Strobes! Okay, enough with the exclamation points already, but if the Erer’s video for their tune “Not What It Seems” doesn’t get your heart pumping, we don’t know what will. Good Pals shot this video, and Lauren Primeau edited…
Paul White and Danny Brown’s new music video is bonkers
It’s not unusual to see Danny Brown collaborate with producer Paul White (they practically work together all the time), but what is unusual is the duo’s new music video. This shit is bonkers and we are so into it. The song, “Accelerator” which features Danny Brown, is a track off of White’s upcoming EP of…
Video premiere: Oshea Davaun’s ‘Role Model’
Our pal Oshea Davaun just released an intense, cathartic,and beautifully lit video for his song “Role Model.” He introduces the clip with a few words here: The song is about relieving some angry thoughts and feelings toward my father that I’ve been holding in. It talks about how I use to want to be just…
The reviews are in and the critics love ‘Detroiters’
While we had some mixed feelings this morning in the newsroom about Comedy Central’s new show Detroiters that premiered last night (OK, the TVs in Temple Bar don’t need a bat to be turned on), it seems that critics took a well liking to the show created by and starring Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson.…
Is downtown Detroit’s restaurant scene oversaturated?
Like the larger landscape, downtown Detroit’s foodscape looks much different than it did five or six years ago. To get an idea of just how far the restaurant scene has come, drive down Michigan Avenue in Corktown and count the number of restaurants that weren’t there in 2011. Do the same in and around the…
Horoscopes (Feb 8-14)
ARIES (March 21- April 20): The last few weeks have rinsed out your brain. Sitting here, contemplating what lies ahead, you are acutely aware of how the politics of living gets more complex as we age. As you approach a situation that is bound to resemble scenarios that took place seven years ago, you will…
Review: Japanese eatery Ima brings new flavors to Corktown
(See more photos of dishes from Ima here.) You could argue that the short strip of Michigan Avenue in Corktown needed another restaurant like it needed a pothole in the street. But that’s not how capitalism works. Money flocks to where money is already succeeding, competition increases, some entrepreneurs are driven out, the cycle repeats.…
Dance to the beat of ESG
The year is 1980 and Renee Scroggins is watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind. “I was amazed at the part where they communicate with the alien ship with music,” Renee says. “I started looking out my window in the projects and wondered what it would be like if the ship landed in our playground…
10 reasons to not miss John Bender at El Club this weekend
1. He was first. That minimal electric body music that has all the cool/weird kids wandering blind through fog to envelope their hearts with distorted waves pulled toward some cosmic magnet? The ever present drug-like drive to spend your hard-earned tip money and overseas medical industry plasma payout on euro-crack synth modules to make your…
Recently added shows: Lady Gaga, Deftones, and many more
Tickets are now on sale for these events. Mar. 3, Barenaked Ladies at Motor City Sound Board; soundboarddetroit.com; Tickets are $50-$60. Mar. 11, Patti Smith at Royal Oak Music; royaloakmusictheatre.com; Tickets are $45-$75. Mar. 11, Dinosaur Jr. at St. Andrew’s Hall; standrewsdetroit.com; $25. Apr. 7, Modern English at the Loving Touch; lovingtouchferndale.com; Tickets are $20.…
Politics & Prejudices: Donald Trump, ISIS recruiter
Years ago, this column occasionally also ran on a website called The Smirking Chimp, whose motto was “in dishonor of the worst president in history.” Not surprisingly, the Chimp, born during the reign of George W. Bush, has dropped those words from its home page. Donald Trump clearly surpassed the Shrub as the nation’s most…
Savage Love: Wilbur & Rensselaer
Last week, I spoke at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Audience members submitted their questions on tiny cards before the show, allowing them to remain anonymous while forcing them to be succinct. Here are some of the questions I didn’t have time to get to at…
Stir It Up: Hit Trump where it counts (the pocketbook)
People are panicking all over liberal circles, and rightly so, about how to respond to the Trump presidency. That reasonable, presidential Donald Trump that so many assured us would appear someday is nowhere to be seen. He’s having crazy phone calls with foreign heads of state — although his administration has denied that he hung…
