Cover Stories
Bands to watch: 10 Detroit artists we think will blow up in 2019
A jazz wunderkind; a flirtatious hip-hop angel; a melancholic foursome; and a politely anti-establishment pop duo. These are some of the acts you’ll find in Metro Times’ annual roundup of people making sounds that we think you should be hip to. We call it our Bands to Watch issue. About that name: While combing through…
Black Noi$e reinvigorates leftfield techno with a cerebral touch
Detroit has no shortage of DJs and selectors to spin records into the late-night hours, but the number of music producers is still relatively small for a city that has an illustrious history of dropping beats. Every once in a while, though, you come across a Detroit artist like Rob Mansel, aka Black Noi$e, whose…
Detroit singer Brianna Lee is a teenaged girl with a big voice
A few clicks through 15-year-old songstress Brianna Lee’s Soundcloud and you’ll be taken aback by the maturity of her voice. There are cries of heartbreak in songs like “Downgrade Season” and “Lucid Bri.” There is the transparency and self-reckoning she sings about in “I Lied” and “Proud Family.” There is also the clever cover (or…
Experimental duo Cousin Mouth takes the path less traveled
The members of Cousin Mouth don’t make what you’d traditionally interpret as “soul music,” says producer and beat-maker Lexi, but he and singer-songwriter Alex Burns are “definitely drawing from something bigger than us” to make “music that comes from the soul.” Burns grew up in Boston and studied fine arts and writing in San Francisco.…
Career Club gleefully deconstructs pop conventions
It may come as some surprise that an experimental pop duo that calls itself Career Club supports your decision to call off work for no reason. No, really. Just call off. Fuck it. In fact, they even have a song about just how OK it is. “It’s totally fine,” Leah Barnett says. “Do it. Take…
With True Blue, Alexandria Berry explores grunge with a dreamy touch
If Lydia Lunch was a little nicer and had a thing for the Cranberries, or the Mamas and the Papas busted up their melodies with some creative dissonance à la PJ Harvey, it might sound something like True Blue. True Blue is the project of Detroit native Alexandria Berry. After picking up the guitar at…
How the members of don’t fell in love with being in a band again
Local lo-fi pop rock group — the bluntly named don’t — is like a bunch of shy music kids that accidentally grew up to be their favorite band. Three years after it released its debut EP, forget it, the band is working on a sophomore record with beloved local indie rock stalwart Fred Thomas. With…
Allen Dennard takes jazz into the future
Twenty-four-year-old trumpeter Allen Dennard has one foot firmly planted in the classic jazz canon. The 2016 graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance leads his own rotating jazz ensemble while also regularly playing with the likes of Detroit legends Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, and David McMurray. This April saw his…
Rising queer pop singer Siena Liggins can’t wait to drop more music
Siena Liggins is recovering from bronchitis and tenderly nursing a bruised rib as a result of her persistent cough when she entertains the idea of stealing a golden retriever puppy from outside a Detroit coffee shop. “I’m just not going to have a puppy until I have a big enough crew,” she says. “Until I…
Detroit rapper King – V wants to push soul music forward
King – V has only been seriously making music for four years, but his retro vibe has quickly filled a gap in Detroit hip-hop. The Berkeley High School graduate is a student of Detroit’s past hip-hop heavyweights and incorporates those influences in his music. Even at this early stage in his career, he’s being compared…
Why Werewolf Jones is a quintessential Michigan punk band
If there is such a thing as Michigan punk, it’s Werewolf Jones. Musically, the band falls perfectly in line with the Detroit lineage of punk that starts with the noisy psychedelics of Destroy All Monsters, continues with the hardcore rock of Negative Approach, and meanders into the experimental territory of X! Records, before settling into…
Flint Eastwood’s Jax Anderson gets candid with WDET’s Ann Delisi at Willis Show Bar
Two of the most powerful voices in Detroit will sit down together for a candid discussion. As part of her Essential Conversations series, WDET’s Ann Delisi invites Flint Eastwood frontwoman Jax Anderson to discuss her latest EP This is a Coping Mechanism for a Broken Heart, her inspiration, and what it was like growing up…
James Oscar Lee debuts solo show ‘Plodded Account’ at Playground Detroit
“Plodded Account” sounds like a Frasier episode title, but from the perspective of previous Red Bull Arts Detroit resident James Oscar Lee, the phrase encompasses memory timelines and is also the name of his latest solo exhibition. A Detroit-based painter and artist, Lee has come to be known for his abstract large-scale paintings that play…
Lansing’s Fusion Shows celebrates birthday with Japanese Breakfast at the Crofoot
The older we get, the lamer birthday parties become — mostly because we would rather be in bed at a reasonable hour and hangovers have become far worse. Despite this, Lansing-based concert promoters Fusion Shows will celebrate turning the big 1-1 with a blowout bash worth staying awake for. Since its inception, Fusion Shows has aimed…
Party like it’s 1999 with the Prince Experience at Saint Andrew’s Hall
Nothing compares to the real thing, but we can dream. Long before the death of Prince Rogers Nelson, Gabriel Sanchez has led the Prince Experience. Sanchez has portrayed the iconic artist for nearly two decades and has studied the Purple Rain singer’s every nuance. Since Prince’s accidental overdose in 2016, Sanchez has said that the…
Russian National Ballet leap through Music Hall with ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Chopiniana’
Hark! Place’th your cell phones down’th and cry your eyes dry — the ballet is in town. One is a non-narrative, surrealist journey of a poet and the other is a re-imagining of one of the most beloved tragedies ever written. Interpreted by the world-renowned Russian National Ballet, Music Hall’s double-header of Chopiniana and Romeo…
Send in the clowns — Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Corteo’ will swing through Little Caesars Arena
When Smokey Robinson and the Miracles sang the words “Ain’t too much sadder than the tears of a clown,” back in 1967, it wasn’t in reference to Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo — the avant-garde acrobatic production centered around a clown funeral. More than fifty acrobats, musicians, singers, and actors bring Corteo to heavenly heights as…
Golden girl Kacey Musgraves visits the Royal Oak Music Theatre
It’s been a “Slow Burn” for Grammy Award-winning country star Kacey Musgraves, who released one of the most critically acclaimed records of 2018. The former Nashville Star competitor — Musgraves came in 7th place during the show’s 5th season in 2007 — discovered her sweet spot on her third studio record, Golden Hour, which finds…
Michigan Dem Senators: Israel more important than the First Amendment
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib made headlines in December when she and another rep became the first members of Congress to publicly support the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement targeting Israeli companies. Tlaib, the nation’s first Palestinian-American Congresswoman, is part of the party’s most progressive wing. It generally supports the international boycott movement designed to hit…
Michigan joins federal lawsuit challenging employer rights to deny contraceptive care
On Monday, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an amicus brief that joins Michigan with two federal lawsuits challenging employer rights to deny birth control and contraceptive care services through the Affordable Care Act. Currently, employers are exempt from having to “provide or assist sterilizations, abortions, or other lawful health services if it would violate…
Move over pedal pubs, floating tiki bars are coming to the Detroit River this summer
You know your Midwestern city is having a comeback when at any time of day, any day of the week, you can hear the hooting and hollering of 15 drunk people rolling down Woodward Avenue on the glorified pedicab known as Detroit Rolling Pub. But you know that your Midwestern city has arrived when you…
You can watch animals play with leftover Christmas trees at Detroit Zoo’s Green Day event
Green Day is coming to the Detroit Zoo. No, it’s not the pop-punk band fronted by Billie Joe Armstrong. The Detroit Zoo will instead host its own “Green Day,” which promises something far more badass (and super cute): animals playing with trees. The Detroit Zoo is carrying the holiday spirit through 2019 with its Green…
Small plates and oysters restaurant Pinky’s Rooftop targets spring opening in Royal Oak
Construction is underway on Pinky’s Rooftop, a new restaurant taking shape in the former Red Fox Rooftop space in downtown Royal Oak. When it opens sometime this spring, the eatery will hold “an eclectic, vintage vibe with dining and lounge seating,” and a “70-seat garden-themed outdoor rooftop restaurant,” according to a press release. A 90-seat…
Whitmer signs directive prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination on religious grounds
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday signed an executive directive that will help protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination in state employment and contracting. A similar December directive issued by then-Gov. Rick Snyder barred state contractors from discriminating against gay or transgender employees, but included a “religious freedom” exemption that allowed churches and other religious organizations…
City council approves an ass-shaped neon sign for Kid Rock’s latest Nashville bar
Just two weeks into 2019 and we can’t help but put Kid Rock’s name in a headline — this time it’s not for being an ass, just liking ass. Kid Rock, who most recently offended the nation last month by calling Joy Behar a bitch on Fox News’ trainwreck of a morning program (which stripped the…
Vegginini’s employee fired after using racial, homophobic slurs in Instagram video
An employee at Detroit’s Vegginini’s Cafe was fired after he posted to Instagram a video that showed him mocking two customers and making racial and homophobic slurs. WDIV reports that the employee is the owner’s son, and he on Friday posted the video to his personal Instagram page. “Look at this fa—- ass ni—- right…
Vegan fast food restaurant Shimmy Shack to open in January
The long wait for the brick-and-mortar version of Shimmy Shack is nearly over, as the restaurant prepares for a late January opening. Owner Debra Levantrosser tells Metro Times the Plymouth Township location has passed all of its inspections, and she and her staff will spend the next few weeks training employees and making final preparations.…
‘Antiques Roadshow’ kicks off 23rd season tonight with metro Detroit episodes
Is that a 17th-century swizzle stick in your pocket or are you just ready to watch the season premiere Antiques Roadshow? Everyone’s favorite show about people rummaging through attics, basements, and storage units to determine whether or not the painting they inherited from their great, great, great grandmother is worth enough money to send the…
Detroit and the word ‘motherfucker’: a brief history
On Thursday, just hours after getting sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress, Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Detroit made headlines for saying, “We’re going to go in and impeach the motherfucker!” about President Donald Trump. A curious thing happened next. The remarks became a national headline, drawing forth both plenty of pearl-clutching and cheers of solidarity…
Traffic Jam offers 20 percent off bill for those willing to eat on the porch in winter
Detroit’s Traffic Jam and Snug, the restaurant/creamery/brewery/bakery in the Cass Corridor that has served generations of Detroiters over the last 55 years, is offering diners what’s simply described as one of the more interesting deals we’ve encountered in quite a while. Those diners willing to sit on TJ’s porch and eat and drink in the frigid…
New report ranks Michigan as one of the states with the most breweries per capita
It’s no secret that the people of Michigan have an affinity for beer. Although names like Stroh’s or craft brewery giants like Founders Brewing Co. or Bell’s Brewery are some of the first breweries to come to mind, a new report finds that the state is literally rich with breweries. According to a report by C+R Research,…
RIP Royal Oak’s Luna Nightclub, which just abruptly closed
Royal Oak’s Luna nightclub has slung its last $2 you-call-it. The popular nightclub — and perennial winner of Metro Times’ “Best of Detroit” poll — announced in a Facebook post on Thursday evening that it was abruptly closing. “After 19 years in business & serving all of you amazing people, Luna Nightclub has now officially closed its doors…
‘Rent’ is as poignant as ever with Fisher Theatre run
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 525,600 (x 20) minutes since a little-known composer unleashed one of the most influential musicals in the history of American theatre. Celebrating 20 years, Jonathan Larson’s Rent continues to preach love, diversity, and creativity in spite of circumstance. The rock opera has scored a Pulitzer Prize and four…
These are the words you should be using more (and less of) in 2019
As we kick off 2019, we can’t help but make a list of all the resolutions that we will attempt to conquer in the new year. Although losing ten pounds and drinking the daily recommendation of water probably aren’t going to happen (again), there’s at least one easy way to invigorate our minds in 2019…
These Michigan companies will ‘gift’ you marijuana until we get real pot stores
Thanks to Michigan voters, marijuana is now legal for recreational use, but it is not for sale in any stores yet. Fortunately, that magical entity that Republicans are always praising — you know, the market — has come up with a solution. It just requires a lot of winking and nudging. That’s because under the…
Novi man indicted by Russian authorities for alleged espionage
Novi resident Paul Whelan was indicted on Thursday by Russian authorities with charges of espionage. The retired Marine staff sergeant and Iraq War veteran was detained by Russian officials on Dec. 28 and is being held in Moscow for violating Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code, Interfax reports. If convicted, Whelan could face up to…
Japanese izakaya Katsu Detroit opens in Woodbridge
View this post on Instagram 😃Thanks to everyone who came out for our soft opening! It’s been a learning experience, we appreciate all the feedback and look forward to all of you coming back for our official opening on the 28th (next Friday) ! #居酒屋#デトロイト#勝#katsudetroit#katsu#detroit A post shared by Katsu Detroit (@izakaya_katsu_detroit) on Dec 23,…
Calling all ‘parrotheads’ — your one true god Jimmy Buffett is coming to metro Detroit
If your preferred footwear is flipflops and you float through life with a Margarita half-full attitude, then you, my friend, might be a dang “parrothead.” In other words, you might really enjoy Jimmy Buffett — the man behind the unshakable song that paints a picture of an eternal summer by describing the smell of shrimp,…
Millennials in Michigan are having fewer children than their parents
In Michigan, you can now tack on the lowest birthrate since World War II to millennials’ growing list of achievements, as the current child-bearing generation is saying no to kids. According to new figures, Michigan recorded just 111,507 births in 2017 — a 1.6 percent decrease from 2016 and the lowest number of recorded births…
Aaliyah’s mother calls R. Kelly underage sex allegations ‘lies’ ahead of new Lifetime doc
The mother of the late Detroit singer Aaliyah made a rare public statement to denounce an upcoming documentary that includes new allegations that support claims her then-underage daughter had a sexual relationship with the singer and producer R. Kelly. In Surviving R. Kelly, a new six-part documentary produced by Detroiter dream hampton that premieres Thursday…
Bruce Campbell will host ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not!’ reboot
Did 20-ft ground sloths once exist? Is there a man buried on the moon? Has Michigan’s own Bruce Campbell been pegged to host the latest Ripley’s Believe it or Not! reboot? The answer to each of these queries is yes, and only two of these facts will give us nightmares. It was announced Tuesday that…
Self-aware cult-classic ‘Snakes on a Plane’ gets midnight screenings at the Main Art
If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that Samuel L. Jackson can save the motherfucking day any damn day (and can do so with some of the most iconic one-liners in cinema history). In the case of 2006’s it’s-so-bad-it’s-good cult favorite Snakes on a Plane, Jackson does more than play the hero — he’s…
Awesome Tapes From Africa spotlights African cassette culture at Marble Bar
If you think Toto’s “Africa” is in any way indicative of African music, you should consider yourself wildly uncultured and you would benefit greatly from a visit to AwesomeTapes.com. Launched by Los Angeles’ Brian Shimkovitz in 2006 following a trip to Ghana, Awesome Tapes From Africa serves two purposes: It’s both a record label and…
Scarab Club to award Best of Show at 105th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition
Tradition and art go hand in hand, and Detroit’s Scarab Club has kept its Annual Gold Medal Exhibition alive for 105 years. In your last opportunity to view the un-themed showcase of Scarab Club member artists, the Gold Medal Exhibition celebrates its latest run with a closing reception during which the coveted Gold Medal will…
These 60 Michigan cities have opted out of recreational marijuana sales
The 2018 midterm elections resulted in victory for Michigan voters in support of Proposal 1, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. However, some Michigan cities are being total buzzkills. At least 60 municipalities have opted out of allowing recreational marijuana sales, according to Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In metro Detroit, this includes Grosse…
Michigan — this might be your last chance to see Bob Seger before he retires
For many Michiganders, Bob Seger is more than a hometown musician — he’s the embodiment of the Midwestern everyman. And after more than 50 years of performing, Seger has decided to put his “Night Moves” to rest. The Roll Me Away Tour finds the 73-year-old accompanied by his Silver Bullet Band for a final trek…
Worlds collide at City Club’s goth ‘Sailor Moon’ cosplay party
Name something more goth than shouting “In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you.” Right. You can’t. Worlds collide in the goth haven that is Leland Hotel for City Club’s Sailor Moon Magic cosplay party. Sure, Halloween is some 300 days away, but for one night City Club is dabbling in the anime arts…
Detroit Mercantile leaves Eastern Market after owner spits on young black man
Detroit Mercantile is leaving the Eastern Market nearly six months after an incident in which the shop’s owner spit in the face of a young black man. The store will reopen in Midtown, according to an insider, and will likely do so under a new name, Deadline Detroit reports. Video of the incident involving owner…
Detroit homicides continue to drop (slightly), DPD Chief says
According to numbers released by the Detroit Police Department, the number of murders in the Motor City has continued to drop for the second consecutive year, albeit slightly. According to a Tuesday interview with Detroit Police Chief James Craig in The Detroit News, the department reported 261 homicides last year — the lowest number of…
Horoscopes (Jan. 2-8)
ARIES: March 21 – April 20 Things couldn’t be better. You keep reminding yourself that this isn’t you and your rose-colored-glasses; this time it just might be the real thing. While I’m all for the idea that you need this to be your dream come true, I also need to caution you when it comes…
An alternate history: What if Bill kept it in his pants?
It’s amazing to think how much of the last two decades has turned on one man’s inability to keep his dick in his pants. Indulge me in a brief alternative history: Bill Clinton never has a relationship with Monica Lewinsky, never lies about it, never gets impeached. Al Gore wins and Dubya never becomes president.…
Review: Norma G’s serves up flavors from the Caribbean on Detroit’s east side
If you’re opening, as The Free Press reports, the first new sit-down restaurant in a beleaguered neighborhood in 30 years, you want to get it right. For Norma G’s, it’s a leap from a food truck and pop-ups to a stylish 113-seat place with a full bar. But Trinidad-born Lester Gouvia has made it look…
How David Bowie could help usher in ch-ch-ch-changes for Detroit’s historic Senate Theater
A snippet from a slightly warped VHS copy of an undated documentary exists, in which a group of men can be seen rolling a 1.5-ton pipe organ down Michigan Avenue. “Everything seems to be going smoothly,” the film’s narrator says. “A tribute to the ingenuity that ordinary people can display when they have a fanatical…
Detroit marijuana provisioning center Amplified is a family affair
Marlissa Meah, owner of the Amplified provisioning center, describes herself simply as a homemaker who has raised her three children in Detroit. But considering all of the businesses she’s been involved in — rehabbing and renting properties, owning and operating a couple of gas stations, and now owning a medical marijuana provisioning center — one…
