Detroit has a vampire problem in ‘Corktown’ comic
For a city with such a rich history and culture, Detroit isn’t used as a setting in fiction near as often as it should be. The horror genre in particular is missing out for not using a setting with such obvious potential. This is one of the things the new comic book series Corktown is hoping…
The Detroit Duo Fest is the newest Detroit fest to be extra stoked about
Detroit Duo Fest is hitting the Loving Touch on Saturday, August 13. Nine musical duos will be there to melt faces and blast eardrums. Better buckle up buckaroo, this one will be a doozy. The bands will be playing back to back on two stages, one main stage and a side stage to the left…
Opinion: Let’s not forget about teens when discussing police brutality
Following the untimely deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of law enforcement last week, the national zeitgeist has been inundated with articles, protests, and discussions surrounding police brutality. While Michael Brown — an unarmed black man who was killed by police in Ferguson, Mo. in 2014 and whose death helped ignite the Black…
DIME’s ‘Mix Sessions 101’ give pro DJ lessons from famed instructor
In addition to the Detroit Institute of Music Education’s (DIME) series of courses and summer camps, the downtown conservatory recently announced ‘Mix Sessions 101’, taught by local DJ Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale. According to DIME’s website, “DIME and Spin Inc. are teaming up to offer a four-day short course on DJing and electronic music. Monday through…
Erykah Badu will donate proceeds from Chene Park show to help clear Detroit’s rape kit backlog
The cost of launching a cold case unit to investigate and prosecute cases resulting from the testing of Detroit’s rape kit backlog is estimated at $2 million per year over the next five years.
Duran Duran, Chic set off Monday dance-a-thon in Clarkston
“This is amazing. This is the most — and noisiest — people I’ve come across in this place,” said frontman Simon Le Bon.
Flowers of Vietnam offers free meals for police who break bread with residents
Chef George Azar recently shuttered Flowers of Vietnam, his popular twice-a-week eatery, to undergo a months-long renovation project for its current Vernor Coney Island location. But as is common in rebuilding a restaurant, delays in construction prolonged the process so the Vietnamese-inspired eatery will reopen at 6 p.m. this Saturday as-is and continue dinner service…
Katoi adds late-night menu to its northern Thai-inspired offerings
Who says there’s nothing good to eat late at night?
Pokemon Go takes over Detroit, we mean the world
Pokemon Go is conquering the world one Poké ball at a time and Detroit wants to get in on it. With the ability to walk outside and catch Pokémon, the virtual reality game has taken the way people play to a whole new level. People of all ages are posting up at their local parks…
Jay Hudson resigns after 10 years with 89X
According to All Access, Jay Hudson has resigned from 89X, professionally known as CIMX-FM and owned by Bell Media. This was also confirmed via Hudson’s Twitter and Facebook page. Hudson has been a staple at 89X for the past 10 years; most likely you heard him during your drive home from work. He hosted “Afternoon Drive,”…
Nas visits Wright Museum before show at Freedom Hill
Hip-hop legend Nas paid a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History before his show on Sunday, July 10. The museum posted a picture of the emcee, who’s been a hip-hop icon since his debut release Illmatic in 1994, posing with a bust of the museum’s founder on its Twitter account early Sunday…
Instability causes staff at a Detroit charter school to re-apply for their jobs for second year in a row
When a charter school management company leaves, the entire staff is terminated and must reapply for a job with the new management company
Enbridge pipeline under the Mackinac Straits to be assessed for spill risk
Two contractors have been hired by the state to assess the spill risk of Enbridge Line 5, an aging oil pipeline that runs under the Great Lakes, officials announced Tuesday. Enbridge agreed to pay $3.58 million to fund an independent risk analysis and alternative analysis for the Line 5 pipelines under the Mackinac Straits, and…
Metro Times writers take home three first-place AltWeekly Awards
The winners were judged by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.
Reports: At least three dead after shooting at Berrien County courthouse
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that at least three people are dead and one person is injured following a shooting spree at the Berrien County Courthouse in southwest Michigan on Monday afternoon. The daily paper spoke with a court employee who asked to remain anonymous, and said that those dead include two court bailiffs…
Rust Belt Market to open adjacent bar on July 15
Rust Belt Market is celebrating five years in business with the addition of a market bar, Revel Bar & Events. Opening July 15th, the 5,000 square foot addition will offer Michigan craft beer, signature cocktails, wine, and specialty coffee to patrons. Preparations for the grand opening are well underway, complete with a beer tower draught system.…
Feeling down? Go hold some puppies at GM Plaza
It’s scientifically proven that holding puppies makes people happy, so if you’ve been feeling down/angry/sad/insert other negative emotions lately, here’s a chance to practice a bit of self-care, courtesy of man’s best friends. On Tuesday, July 12, On the Plaza — a 17 week series on the riverfront, sponsored by GMRENCEN — is hosting its…
Hooray, it’s Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven!
We at Metro Times enjoy being your go-to source for the latest in 7-Eleven news, and today is a day that we probably don’t even need to tell you about since its so engrained in the fabric of our nation. But we’re gonna do it anyway because we’re excited and it’s important. Today is Free Slurpee…
Show preview: Swans at St. Andrews tomorrow, July 12
Did you know that iconic avant-rock ensemble the Swans are playing St. Andrews Hall tomorrow night, Tues. July 12? It’s true, and the band’s shows are legendarily epic. Tickets are still available, and will set you back $20. I first saw them myself at CBGB in 1986, back when their records sounded like the dirgiest…
Detroit police detective demoted after anti-Black Lives Matter Facebook post
The detective is the brother of the former SWAT officer who fatally shot 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones.
Atwater Brewery wins gold at World Expo of Beer
Atwater Brewery’s namesake beer, the Atwater Lager, swept the lager categories at the World Expo of Beer.
8 things you need to know about Pig & Whiskey 2016
The moment is here and we know you’re happier than a pig in you-know-what. Whiskey, of course. Pig & Whiskey 2016, the epic summer celebration of booze, BBQ, and live music, is taking over the streets of downtown Ferndale Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17. It’s your chance to feast on a steady…
Grassroots protest against police brutality brings hundreds together in downtown Detroit
After watching the now viral videos of a Louisiana police officer killing Alton Sterling, an African American man selling CDs in front of a party store this week, Leslie Williams, a Detroit native in her early twenties, says she felt angry. At 3 a.m. Thursday morning, after watching a third video —the now-viral Facebook post…
Gotta Catch ‘Em All: downtown Ferndale is hot with Pokémon
As we’re sure you all know, one of the greatest cultural phenomenon’s of all time Pokémon has finally released a new, pseudo-virtual reality game called Pokémon Go and it is making dreams come true of every kid who grew up in the 90’s who spent countless hours playing Pokémon Red and Blue. Since this writer was…
Flint’s mayor, Gov. Rick Snyder, and other politicians address Dallas shooting
“There is no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement,” President Barack Obama said.
Demonstrations in support of black lives planned across Detroit
Various demonstrations in the wake of the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and Delrawn Small at the hands of law enforcement are set to take place in metro Detroit in the coming weeks. Here’s a comprehensive list of the events Metro Times has received word of so far. We will continue to update this list…
Taste of Ramadan: Masjid Wali Muhammad built Islam in Detroit, still keeping the faith
The founding headquarters for the Nation of Islam still a remind us of the movement’s powerful past.
Show preview: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sweet Honey in the Rock at Chene Park this Sunday
It’s really a strong triple bill, bringing together the awe-inspiring and long-running South African choir Lith the infamously excellent gospel choir.
Wayne County approves $4 million for consultant on stalled jail site
The effort to either finish the new jail along Gratiot Avenue has been a sore spot in Wayne County, ever since it was revealed to be significantly over-budget.
UPDATED: Populux faces backlash, cancellations after tweeting ‘F*ck Black Lives Matter,’ says posts were unauthorized
After tweets from Detroit nightclub Populux that included the phrase “#fuckblacklivesmatter” circulated on social media following the mass shooting in Dallas, the venue is facing concert cancellations and a protest — but said Friday the posts were unauthorized and the result of a compromised account. The tweet was deleted immediately and the club apologized hours…
City of Detroit announces ‘cooling centers’ for summer heat
With extreme heat being a staple of Michigan’s summers, many are left without proper shelter during these unbearable conditions. As a result, the city of Detroit announced that cooling centers will be available to those who need them throughout the summer. According to a press release, “When the summer heat reaches extreme temperatures, it is critical…
DXF Bar & Restaurant Challenge is back: Have you checked out these places yet?
Do you accept the ultimate Detroit foodie challenge?
Kwame Kilpatrick pleads not guilty in rambling Facebook post
The U.S. Supreme Court declined last week to hear an appeal of the former mayor’s conviction.
AG Schuette’s office says 40 ‘thugs’ attacked his Midland home
While there were no arrests, Schuette’s office is not holding back from strong language when describing the incident.
Painkillers, concussions, injuries, oh my: NFL ‘player safety’, as explained by Megatron
Tonight at 10 PM ET, ESPN’s investigative E:60 program will feature an interview with legendary Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson, who retired at the conclusion of the past NFL season, will speak candidly in the interview about his injury marred career, the league’s culture regarding player safety, and how these things ultimately influenced his decision…
Open your doors for this Detroit writer who’s walking to Cleveland for the GOP Convention
Drew Philp is chronicling the journey for Belt Magazine.
Buddy’s Pizza celebrates 70 years of Growing Up
Despite what the classless twits at The New York Post say about Detroit-style pizza — for those who don’t know, the daily rag called it a “hipster horror” — the square-shaped pies hold a special place in the hearts of many a Detroiter. And if you grew up eating pizza in Detroit, you grew up…
Blind art, black humor, and a road trip with Brendan Patrick
“I still remember my color wheel.”
Meet the family who can help you plan your ultimate Michigan adventure
The Steenwyk family has taken their travel journal digital and are helping Michigan travelers in the process.
Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers return to Pig and Whiskey
The band is known for their theatrical live shows.
Tigers annihilate Indians, exorcise demons at last
11 times they had tried. 11 times they had failed. For weeks, doubts had been bubbling and boiling to a head throughout a restless fanbase. But no more. Today, there would be no more frustration, no more of the same post-game questions from reporters, no more tension in the clubhouse. Today, there would only be…
Murals in the Market set to return this fall, bringing 50 new artworks to Eastern Market
“The Eastern Market is a place where people are welcomed across the lines that typically separate us,” said President Dan Carmody. “The arts bring us together.”
Royal Oak food news: Former Onion Roll Deli reopens as 24-hour diner; new menu at ROB
Changes are afoot this week in Royal Oak’s dining scene.
Dweezil Zappa plays whatever the fuck he wants — and we like it
Zappa’s compositions and humor sound as fresh as ever in 2016.
A new book on Detroit’s ‘radical pragmatist’ Coleman Young
A short book introduces one of Detroit’s most divisive figures to a new generation.
Detroit water shut-offs resume — and residents continue to struggle with bills
Despite assistance programs touted mightily by officials, the water department’s figures indicate the city is still grappling with a reality not unlike years past
15 of the best #growingupinmichigan tweets
Hundreds of people tweeted about #growingupinmichigan this weekend. Here are some of our favorites.
Horoscopes (July 6-12)
ARIES (March 21- April 20): You’ve got this covered. No matter how it feels, you’re instincts will know exactly how to play it when the time comes. For the next few weeks the waters of the Red Sea will part for those of you who know how to go with the flow without getting caught…
Who is rising food scene star ‘Dr. Sushi’?
The Midwest, Detroit in particular, is not especially known for its sushi. We’re thousands of miles away from an ocean, after all, and our Asian cuisine trends toward Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese – not necessarily Japanese. That a former Wayne State University student who grew up in landlocked Royal Oak would be given the title…
Higher Ground: ‘It was a big deal to try cannabis’
After my column about how people use marijuana to treat pain, I was contacted by Jim Higens, who says he lives in the Dallas area. Higens is 55 and retired after an ALS diagnosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The progression…
Lessenberry: when it comes to Trump, there are no f*cking do-overs
Forty years ago this summer, Detroit was going mad with joy over “The Bird,” Mark Fidrych, the zany, kooky pitching phenomenon who dominated all baseball for a year. There was a presidential election between incumbent President Gerald Ford, who had been a little-known Grand Rapids congressman three years before, and a peanut farmer and ex-Georgia…
What does the new arena mean for Hockeytown Cafe?
Hockeytown Cafe has been open for what seems like forever, and while the restaurant and bar doesn’t offer the trendy and hip cuisines and craft cocktails that are so ubiquitous in Detroit this days, it’s remained popular among those who frequent the city on game day or for some live music at the Fox or…
Upscale retailer Kit and Ace is bringing technical cashmere to Detroit
Cashmere has long been an upscale fabric — a favorite among fashion designers and consumers who want to appear chic and bold in the fashion world. But what happens when cashmere is molded into not only classy clothes, but casual and athletic garb? Can it still be fashion-forward? Well, the enterprise Kit and Ace is stepping…
Savage Love: scenes from a marriage
Q My wife and I have been married for 14 years and in a committed (I assumed) relationship for 17 years. Sex between us (often kinky) has always been great. We have a wonderful life together and two perfect children. I thought we were good; turns out things were too good to be true. I…
Dead & Company bring the trip to DTE
Pack up the VW Microbus, break out the tie-dyed halter tops, and dig the Birkenstocks out of the back of the closet: Dead & Company are rolling into DTE Energy Music Theatre on Thursday, July 7 during their 13-city summer run. The group — original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir,…
The disappearing district: what’s happened to Highland Park schools?
Sitting on the front porch of the Highland Park duplex she owns, Michelle Belton looked out on what used to be Cortland Elementary school. A single mom who works the late shift in the office of a trucking company, Belton once enjoyed the convenience and safety for her children that the school provided. But no…
Ray LaMontagne grows into his sound on ‘Ouroboros’
The narrative arc of Ray LaMontagne’s career is an interesting one, though he’s not entirely interested in looking back and discussing earlier points from which he’s traveled. He’s here right now, and, to be honest, this is about as fine a point along that arc to join our cosmic hero as any. Let’s tune in.…
