Cover Stories
The ACLU and Insane Clown Posse Fight The Feds
Surrounded by a savvy legal team decked out in designer suits, Violent J, aka Joseph Bruce, approached a bouquet of microphones in early January and said, in full clown makeup, “People don’t take us serious.” The moment of deadpan humor aside, this was not the time for jokes. With cameras snapping, the Insane Clown Posse…
How Do You Tell When a Gang Is a Gang?
What’s in a gang? A definition has proven slippery for experts to pin down. In the 1927 book The Gang: A Study of 1,313 Gangs in Chicago, one of the first academic studies on the phenomenon, sociologist Frederic Thrasher attempted a definition that included a “spontaneous and unplanned origin,” “intimate, face-to-face relations” and “a heritage…
Truck Trashes Tom’s Tavern
Tom’s Tavern, one of the oldest bars in Detroit, looks every one of its 86 years. Sad news for fans of one of the west side’s most unusual drinking spots: On Saturday night, thieves used a truck to smash in the back wall of Tom’s Tavern, doing a lot of damage to the bar the…
Fun to help at-risk LGBT Detroiters
The band Fun has launched a campaign to raise $250,000 for a community health center for at-risk, young LGBT people at the Ruth Ellis Center, with the Ally Coalition. The Ally Coalition was started by the members of Fun, plus designer Rachel Antonoff. They say, “Our mission is to create a coalition of allies that…
Updated: Oakland County Exec. L. Brooks Patterson Bashes Detroit, Supports DIA
The New Yorker published a profile Monday about Oakland County Executive (and Detroit basher) L. Brooks Patterson. Titled “DROP DEAD, DETROIT! The suburban kingpin who is thriving off the city’s decline,” the article casts Patterson as the embodiment of affluent Oakland County, and is rife with quotes of Patterson’s that sum up the suburb’s hostile attitudes toward…
Listening to: Gentleman Jack by Kopelli
A Toast. Cheers. “Salud / Celebrating like we got it all” – Kopelli Gentleman Jack “Salud.” That’s where Kopelli leaves us, as his debut solo album’s closing ballad unwinds, “Celebrating like we got it all.” That mentality, celebration of self and of one’s support network despite life’s inevitable hard knocks, dominates this local rapper’s…
Slip It To Us — Take Our 2014 Lust Issue Poll
We know how much time you spend thinking about sex — the average American thinks about sex between 10 and 19 times a day. But we want more than that. We want you to fill us up — with your sexual knowledge, that is. Where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and who is hotter than…
City Slang: Bootsey X gets a fitting send-off
On Saturday night at the Tangent Gallery, friends of Bootsey X gathered to pay tribute to the singer, who died on November 28 after a long battle with brain cancer. As Bootsey’s long-time friend Joseph Michnuk said from the stage, “Fuck brain cancer.” The Lovemasters (and others) performed on stage, and an array of singers…
Detroit Seeks to Set World Record for Largest Yoga Class Ever
Next month, hundreds of yogis will descend on the Detroit Lions’ home turf to attempt to set the world record for the largest indoor yoga class in history. Organizers of “Yoga Rocks Ford Field” are hoping some 3,000 participants will make their way down to the stadium on Feb. 22 to get active and have…
Listening to: Dum Dum Girls (3.30 -in Ferndale)
Too True Sub Pop For a band tagged as “garage-rock” when it debuted five years ago, Dum Dum Girls have proven to be more moody new-wave with their delicately distorted vocals and shimmying rhythms. Their most startlingly pretty moments come in their quieter refrains; they bloom in their downbeat slow-dance ballads and they shine brightest…
New Tom Clancy Spy Film Aims for the Jugular
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit | B Espionage, at least the sexy movie version with white tuxedos, shaken martinis and sleek sports cars, once offered a bit of cool comfort to a jittery populace that wanted to party while forever waiting for the countdown to nuclear zero. That doomsday never came, the big Soviet bear went…
Film Review: Ride Along
Ride Along | C Kevin Hart, a hyperactive, bug-eyed half-pint, is a very popular stand-up comic, and currently a hot name in Hollywood casting circles — though his having two starring vehicles simultaneously dumped into the mid-winter graveyard doesn’t bode well for his matinee idol potential. The serviceable, uninspired buddy-cop comedy Ride Along might not…
Gary Grimshaw funeral this Sunday
The funeral of beloved local artist Gary Grimshaw will be held at the MOCAD on Sunday, January 19 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Scarab Club. MOCAD will host visitation the day before, Saturday, January 18 from 6-8 p.m., with music to follow. Grimshaw died at noon on Monday, January 13,…
Dave Agema’s Facebook Tea Party
Dave Agema can’t stop talking about gays. Don’t tell him about internalized homophobia, though. Might get awkward. There was a time when Michigan politics-watchers had to attend meetings and news conferences to see the nutty outbursts of wacko supporters rallying around their favorite out-there politician. Thanks to the magic of social networking, we can now…
22 Maps of Detroit You’ll Want to See Before You Commit a Crime
If you’re considering breaking bad in Detroit, you’ll first want to check out these maps, say the folks over at Motovo (a *fun* real estate blog). The amount of thought they put into plotting criminal jaunts is kinda sketch, but the maps are actually pretty interesting to look at, especially the depictions of Detroit’s ruins…
Malkmus & the Jicks in Ferndale
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks perform on Feb 21st at the Loving Touch (22634 Woodward in Ferndale) with Dissapears. 8pm – $20 – more info: thelovingtouchferndale.com Wig Out At Jag Bags Matador The opening track’s guitars have a spacey-sounding warble lilted over a marching beat and they matche the timbre of our vocalist’s verse as…
Pic: The Detroit Public Schools Welcome Center is Welcoming, Indeed
Just grab your snowshoes, a hard hat, your corn maze map and some rations, and you’re good to go.
12th Man Report: Caldwell; right or wrong?
The one thing we know about new Lions’ head coach Jim Caldwell is that he’s not former Chargers offensive coordinator and now Tennessee Titans’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt — obviously. While fans seemed disappointed (and a bit angry) that the Lions seemed to settle for Caldwell so quickly after Whisenhunt disappeared, the hiring isn’t as…
City Slang: Leopold & His Fiction at the New Way
Before tonight, I had only visited the New Way in Ferndale since the change of ownership for the Blowout last year. It’s always been a great little place, split as it is into a bar/sporty TV area and a live music venue. Just a half-wall separates the two areas, but it’s enough to retain two…
City Slang: Bootsey X memorial on Saturday
A memorial for Bootsey X, real name Robert Mulrooney, will be held this Saturday, January 18, at the Tangent Gallery; 715 E. Milwaukee St., Detroit. There will be a musical tribute featuring The Lovemasters, with guests performing Bootsey’s songs. Those tipped to appear include Danny Kroha, Jerry Vile, Margaret Doll Rod, Tino Gross, Nick Pivot…
New Music Networking Event at The Grasshopper Underground
The Grasshopper Underground in Ferndale is usually known for being packed on the weekends, booking the hottest DJs and blasting music out onto Woodward Avenue. A great venue to dance to DJ Assault, but not for having an intellectual conversation about music. On Monday nights, though, they’re trying something a little different with a new networking…
[PHOTO] Downtown Detroit Looked Really Freakin Good This Holiday Season
We know the holidays have come and gone, but we just stumbled across this beautiful photo of downtown Detroit, all decked out in its holiday best. The photo was taken by a local Detroit photographer, Ara Howrani of Howrani Studios, who’s given us permission to share it on our blog. Here’s the photo:
Fortune Magazine Names Detroit’s Quicken Loans Best Place to Work in 2014
Fortune Magazine recently published their list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2014 and Detroit’s Quicken Loans came in at an honorable number 5. (That’s 8 points higher than last year, apparently, when we were ranked number 13.) Fortune lauds Quicken Loans’ number of new jobs and well-rounded compensation packages, among other things.…
Tom Lewand: “If It Helps Us Win, I’ll Tattoo a Buckeye on My Forehead”
ESPN says a deal is in place that would bring disgraced former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel aboard Jim Caldwell’s new staff in Detroit. That’s a heavy invasion of Buckeye flavor into UM territory, but Lions President Tom Lewand, a University of Michigan alum, gives zero fucks. Via MLive, here’s his money quote: “If…
Freeway Follies for Biden
Commuters to Biden: “You made me late for work, you DICK!” Driving westbound on I-94 this morning, I was treated to the sight of two State Police cars on the side of the road, and one law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights atop every bridge between I-75 and Addison Street, or off to the south…
Hear Clearly: The Clairsentient
Clairsentient self-released Christopher Jarvis performs Clairsentient’s release show on January 17th at the New Dodge Lounge (8850 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck), with Doc Waffles, Mister, Eddie Logix Emily Rose and Pastel Arsenal. Doors at 8pm – $5 – more info: newdodgelounge.com Christopher Jarvis was on Metro Times’ cover three years ago. It was for the Blowout, but it was…
Delightful 1970s Commercial Shows Why DIA is the Best Damn Art Institute Around
It’s no secret that the DIA is a beacon of culture and knowledge for Detroiters and Americans alike, but this commercial, filmed in 1976, gives us a welcome reminder that the DIA is, in fact, one of the best damn art institutes in the country. Enjoy this trip down DIA memory lane, to a time…
Guns N’ Roses and Kid Rock for Rock on the Range Festival
Guns N’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold and Kid Rock are just some of the main attractions at May’s Rock on the Range Festival, which takes place in Columbus, OH. The full bill includes: Guns N’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, Kid Rock, Five Finger Death Punch, Slayer, Staind, Motorhead, Seether, Chevelle, Alter Bridge, Mastodon, Black Label Society, Killswitch…
People Are Skiing in Detroit’s Abandoned Buildings
People are skiing in Detroit’s abandoned buildings. At least some people are. “Tracing Skylines,” a film co-created by the gents at Poor Boys Productions and Red Bull Media House, showcases talented skiers taking on a variety of challenging terrains in places like Switzerland, France, Alaska, and, apparently, Detroit. During the Motor City segment, skier Karl…
There Will Be No MLK Twerk Party in Michigan
In case you missed this decisive moment in the continuing fight for civil rights, the Mid-Michigan Teen Parties association of good ideas and shaky flesh decided to promote a January event subtly titled “Freedom 2 Twerk” with the above graphic. Yes, that’s MLK, photoshopped with a big chain. It’s not a dream. (Sorry, we had…
Novi Man Discriminated Against For Big Penis, Tiny Speedo
Is there any garment more reviled than the speedo? Maybe it’s because the only guys who seem to wear them are typically saggy old guys at the beach, but it’s the fashion choice that people seem to love to hate. That’s not the case with Brad Cieslowski, a 29-year-old body builder who was kicked out of…
Defending Dr. Strange
Why get Johnny Depp when you can get this guy for $5 and a half a bag of chips? The buzz has roared and subsided, it seems, over the rumor that Walt Disney Pictures was in talks with Johnny Depp to take the lead role in the upcoming Dr. Strange movie. At this point, the…
Kiernan’s Steak House Closing
Kiernan’s Steak House, a landmark on the west side of Dearborn, will close in the near future. The fixture along Michigan Avenue since the 1960s was, like a lot of local, independent steakhouses, a throwback. Like Mr. Paul’s Chop House in Roseville or Knight’s Steak House in Ann Arbor, these restaurants cater to what MT…
Media Frenzy Over Cushingberry Goes Too Far
Watching Detroit City Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr.’s traffic stop reverberate through the media and social networking last week was an illuminating experience. Nothing stirs the pot of Detroit politics like a public official giving traffic cops the business (see also: Christine “Do you know who the fuck I am?” Beatty). According to…
The return of the Dirty Show
Giant erotic art spectacular The Dirty Show will be returning for its 15th year on February 7, 8, 14, 15, and this year it’s being held at the Russell Exhibition Center. The shows run between 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m., and tickets are $25-$30. An official announcement reads, “he largest annual Erotic Art exhibit in…
41 pics from Carmel Liburdi’s CD Release Show
Related Stories
Cranbrook To Host ‘Winter In Bloom’ Fundraising Event
We may be deep in the grip of winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend it’s the full-bloom of spring. Cranbrook House and Gardens will host a fundraising cocktail event that re-creates their garden with large photographic prints. From a press release: Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary is proud to present an exhibition of…
Food Writer to Go
She didn’t say goodbye to us, but longtime Detroit food writer and blogger Nicole Rupersburg took a powder earlier this month, moving out to Las Vegas, where she now works for Vegas Magazine. Rupersburg not only wrote her own food blog for years, Eat It Detroit, but the site never had any shortage of content.…
Medicine Hasn’t Found Anything Wrong With Pot
One of the biggest arguments anti-marijuana warriors use is the “we don’t know enough about this stuff” ploy. I’ve been guilty of saying that myself. But the truth is there’s plenty of information available about marijuana’s effects, both medically and recreationally. We know its potential and its pitfalls. We also know how a population will…
Who likes the Dave Matthews Band?
Word came through today that the Dave Matthews Band is going to be embarking on a summer tour, reaching the DTE Energy Music Theatre on June 25. Only last year, Rolling Stone put the band on it’s list of the “50 Greatest Live Acts Right Now.” Presale for all shows begins on Thursday, January 16…
Detroit City Council Doesn’t Deserve Transfer of Power
Let’s hope newly elected councilman Gabe Leland isn’t sleeping well at night. He doesn’t deserve to. Last week, the first two votes he cast did serious damage to Detroit: to the city itself, and to any chance to speedily put power back in the hands of those the voters elected. Detroit, will, indeed, break your…
Undersexed Moms, Horny Nephews
Q: My friend is in her late 20s and married, and she has two little kids. Her husband had a rough childhood and has some issues. Since their most recent child was conceived, they have not had sex. He says he believes there is a difference between a lover and a mother, and he refuses to…
Letters To The Editor
Shit’s All Bad, Man Professor Lessenberry was bang on. “Some may be tempted to think [child poverty, domestic dysfunction] is primarily a ‘Detroit problem.’ It is anything but.” Yes, worldly sorts in Troy and Macomb Township, to say nothing of Georgetown, probably regard Detroit as the huge lead sinker in the economic desperation department. This…
Detroit Fashion Designer Nettie Tiso’s Futuristic Flair
Last year, Jeannette “Nettie” Tiso packed up her thriving Cloth & Ink shop in Austin, Texas, said farewell to her loyal friends and customers, and set off to restart her life in the place where it all began. Raised in Novi, this designer believes that Detroit is the land of second chances. Before returning to…
Golden Globe Snubs
Creakiest Genre: Geezers Gone Wild While teenagers remain dependable box office marks, propping up the receipts of horror and superhero flicks, there is a grayer cadre of viewers who are still being catered to and coveted by Hollywood: baby boomers. The Woodstock generation is now full of empty nesters with some of that mystical “disposable…
Film Review: The Nut Job
The Nut Job | D You’d hardly expect to find civics lessons in third-rate kids animation, but they are scattered about willy-nilly, like hastily buried acorns. Set in what appears to be a 1950s medium-sized American city, though with bits of contemporary dance music scattered on the soundtrack, The Nut Job contains chewed-up bits of…
Film Review: The Legend of Hercules
The Legend of Hercules | D- With abs of steel and acting talent as strong as balsa wood, a bucktoothed, frosted blond underwear model named Kellan Lutz poses as a demigod in this epically stupid update of the adventures of the mythical strongman. The oiled-up Lutz grunts, flexes and strains so hard he seems likely…
Protests? What Protests?
The press corps: “Who are those people outside? I bet they’re just pissed they can’t get in and see all these sweet rides yet!” It’s that time of year when the press has the first pickings at what we used to call the Detroit Auto Show, before it became the NAIAS. For generations, this has…
Ryan Dillaha & the Miracle Men
There are plenty of musicians out there who sing about living the classic American blue-collar life, and then there are people like Ryan Dillaha, a man who genuinely did live the blue-collar life, before moving forward with his second life as a working musician and English teacher. Dillaha is 39 years old now, and he…
Reviews of Will Kimbrough, Linda Marie Smith and More
Will Kimbrough Sideshow Love Daphne Records In the press release for this album, Will Kimbrough is described as the “Sherlock Holmes of songwriting — a sharp-eyed observer of humanity who notes every detail and spares nothing in his analysis.” Men, they’re not wrong. Kimbrough’s music is difficult to nail down, but essentially he’s a…
Grosse Pointe Park “Red Crown” is a Jewel
Red Crown 15301 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Park 313-822-3700 Appetizers: $4-$18 Sandwiches and Salads: $9-$15 Mains: $18-$30 Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday brunch runs 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Red Crown is part of a growing business district on Kercheval in Grosse Pointe. Housed elegantly in an old Standard Oil service station, the restaurant advances…
City Slang: Weekly music review roundup
Send CDs, vinyl, cassettes, demos and 8-tracks to Brett Callwood, Metro Times, 1200 Woodward Heights, Ferndale MI 48220. Email MP3s and streaming links to bcallwood@metrotimes.com. Judging Air India based on the Secret Machine EP, the band is lyrically naïve and musically competent but not spectacular and certainly not unique. Vocalist Karla Velikan’s voice is nice…
12th Man Report: Lions miss out on Whisenhunt
But why?????? Do you remember in high school, when you’d finally summon the courage to ask a girl to prom, and then only to find out she wasn’t interested or already had a date? You’d go home, recollect on your thoughts, and try to figure out what happened; what did somebody else have that you…
$330 Million Was Just Pledged To Bail Out Detroit and Save DIA Collection
In case you didn’t hear, a bunch of national mega-foundations offered to pledge $330 million to help bail out Detroit’s retiree pensions and save our city’s art collection. Two foundations, the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation, are overseeing the rescue fund, which could make a substantial financial impact on Detroit’s turnaround. (Still unknown is how…
Is It Ever OK To Say The Word ‘Transgendered?’
Q: Is there a term that is preferred to “transgendered”? I recently wrote an article that described a MTF person I know as transgendered. The article was positive about transgendered persons I have known (she is one of many). Upon seeing a draft before publication, this person flipped out so hard that I felt compelled…
