Cover Story
A Mich. State Police unit’s campaign to identify the unknown dead
A former public school on a quiet, residential Livonia street is the last place you’d expect to find a Michigan State Police unit hard at work trying to identify dead bodies. But in a small room near the back of the building, in the midst of this quiet neighborhood of well-trimmed lawns and shade trees,…
Watch: Vintage footage of Detroit with dubbed sound
YouTuber “Guy Jones” likes to edit old silent film-era footage, giving them new life by dubbing in sounds and correcting the frame rate. On Tuesday, he uploaded a video using footage from Detroit in the 1930s. While the intent was to create a more natural experience, we think there’s still something a little bit off, placing…
One more day to donate money that will keep Detroiters in their homes
Want to help save a few Detroit households from “the largest mass tax foreclosure in U.S. history”?
13 of the creepiest pieces of music ever recorded, ever
I didn’t include “Macarena,” for fear it would overshadow all else on the list. Besides, we already went through that, as a nation.
Word games: Is it Midtown or Cass Corridor? And when?
As the joke goes, shootings don’t happen in Midtown. They happen in Cass Corridor.
Ten more stupid things motorists in metro Detroit do
Other cities have comprehensive mass transit. But in metro Detroit, everybody is on the road, even if they don’t want to be there, or have no idea how to properly use a motor vehicle. Not that our region’s drivers are worse than motorists in, say, Los Angeles or Texas, but the overwhelming majority of metro…
More acts announced for ‘first-ever Movement Getaway’ in Puerto Rico next month
“We’re very excited for the opportunity to introduce the first-ever Movement Getaway event and showcase such incredible talent to Puerto Rico’s vibrant dance music scene,” said Paxahau President, Jason Huvaere. “The team and our partners have been working hard on planning an event that will allow fans to experience Movement’s iconic programming, surrounded by the…
Dr. Sushi pops up above PJ’s Lager House
Dr. Sushi is to test out a popup space above PJ’s Lager House.
Metro Detroit man stuck in pizza oven vent for 11 hours after robbery goes bad
A southeast Michigan man got cozy in a pizza oven vent over the weekend after an attempted robbery went south at the Cracker Barrel Pizza Store on Oakhill Road in Clarkston. According to WDIV, police were summoned to the scene on Sunday evening after employees heard a person screaming for help from inside the floor-to-roof vent. WDIV…
‘America’s Got Talent’ to bring auditions to Detroit for the first time
Auditions will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Cobo Center.
ACLU pushes for investigation of ‘unconscionable’ Macomb County Jail death
The ACLU issued a letter Monday urging the Department of Justice to investigate what they regard as “two systemic civil rights problems” that led to Stojcevski’s death.
OG Cleveland artpunk Craig Bell reviews Protomartyr for the Talkhouse
Over at Michael Azerrad’s compelling Talkhouse website, in a section where musicians write about other musicians, Craig Bell of the legendary bands Rocket from the Tombs, Mirrors and X__X had some juicy things to say about the new Protomartyr album. It’s great to see our Detroit friends get such wide acclaim, especially from the very…
MSU acquires “largest U.S. media collection,” thanks to California-based Rovi
“This gift-in-kind will vault the MSU Libraries into the top echelon of audio-visual holdings,” said Clifford Haka, director of MSU Libraries. “MSU is extremely honored to receive this donation, which will dramatically enhance our classes within the College of Music, popular culture and film studies and an emerging gaming curriculum.”
Why this weekend’s Uber protest was a total flop
We noticed no interruption in Uber this weekend. What happened?
Five of the biggest fights in Detroit sports
Ty Cobb vs. Claude Lucker May 15, 1912 Nobody in baseball history quite earned the description of “infamous” like Tyrus Raymond “Ty” Cobb, who played with the Tigers from 1905 to 1926. On the field, he was famous for violence, but off the field it was his almost sociopathic personality that won him headlines. In…
Detroit pastor blows away disgruntled worshipper
The man reportedly claimed the pastor had impregnated his wife; the pastor made her a widow.
VIDEO: This one clip will tell you everything you need to know about the Michigan vs. Michigan State game
Presented mostly without comment, this video uploaded to Facebook yesterday by Scott Edwards reveals pretty much everything we need to know about the outcome of yesterday’s game. Oh my God, indeed… (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’)); Although I'm…
Group writes haikus on vintage typewriters, wants to come to Detroit
You propose the theme. They sit down, crack their knuckles in front of a vintage typewriter, and churn out your custom-made haiku. It’s that simple. That’s the idea behind the Haiku Guys and Gals. They’re “performance poets,” and they’ve been making the rounds for two years now, pleasing the public by presenting poetry, all while dressed in…
Why did these Lions superfans get kicked out of Ford Field?
Two fans — self-identified as “Superfan” and “Detroit Don” — say they were ejected “for standing up and frickin’ cheering for defense.”
Show preview: Frijid Pink at the Token Lounge on Fri., Oct. 30
Don’t miss this rare performance by one of the most legendary rock bands to come out of Detroit in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Show preview: Joe Jaber and the Last Divide at Park Bar Sat., Oct. 17
You don’t want to miss this release party for the ‘Keys to The House’ CD, with special guest Ty Stone.
Uber weekend-long strike begins
Detroit drivers say they will participate in the strike starting at 5 p.m. today and ending at 10 p.m. on Sunday.
What’s the deal with Sweetest Day bullshit, anyway?
Getting down to the truth about this Midwestern holiday, and who started it in the first place.
Power House hopes Flower House can remain
The Flower House gears up for a busy final weekend, but some local artists would like it to remain standingsdvddsdd
Updated: Revenge for MSU’s Magic Johnson statue vandalism
On the pedestal, the words “BEAT STATE” were scrawled. Could it be a clue?
Windsor says ‘Ambassador Bridge is crumbling,’ Matty Moroun says ‘nope’
Earlier this week the city of Windsor shut down a street. Not just any street, but one of the “heaviest travelled roads in Windsor.” Yes, the highly trafficked Wynadotte St. was deemed a safety risk this week after residents complained that debris was allegedly falling from the beloved Ambassador Bridge. And not just a little debris…
Local breweries collaborate on new beer
Local brewers collaborated on a delicious and dark new brew
Officials already trying to dodge responsibility for Flint water crisis
Consequence-averse officials engaged in finger-pointing, denials, and lies about Flint’s water crisis.
Fri. Oct. 16 and Sat. Oct. 17: PJs Halloween Cover Show #7!
“Each night is only the low low price of $4! With basement bargain prices in the haunted-house record store! Chilling shot specials! Costumes are encouraged for people who aren’t boring!”
New report suggests judge violated law in Macomb County Jail death
A new report suggests that David Stojcevski’s judge violated the law by imprisoning him without first determining whether he had enough money to pay his fines.
Tape review: ‘Sci-Fidelity’ by Just Go
That’s right, our very own Kahn Santori Davison sent us a review of a new hip-hop EP, a collaboration between Josef ConeyIsland and DJ Moppy — released only on cassette.
Metro Retro: 35th anniversary edition
A look back at what was in Metro Times this week.
Detroit City Distillery bartender, gin maker Marlowe Johnson to join Standby’s beverage program
Detroit City Distillery’s Marlowe Johnson makes his next move to Standby.
Metro Times turns 35
Metro Detroit’s alt-weekly marks 35 years on the beat.
Check out this banging new track from local emcee Elzhi
The local emcee has dropped a great little thank you to all his supporters.
Pitchfork launches new podcast; first up is Protomartyr, with Wolf Eyes next
Pitchfork offers up a download of Even Minsker’s interview with Protomartyr. And the next one is with Wolf Eyes. Check it out.
To help combat opioid abuse epidemic, new methadone clinics to open up in Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores
Pinnacle Treatment Centers —a company based throughout the northeast and midwest— just opened a methadone treatment center in Ann Arbor on October 8, with clinics soon to follow in Sterling Heights and St. Clair Shores.
Update: Missing woman found in Detroit, doesn’t want to return home
Henbury was last spotted in the area of Philadelphia and Linwood streets in Detroit.
Show preview: DJ Godfather at V Nightclub this Saturday, Oct. 17
Volume Saturdays at the MGM Grand’s V Nightclub presents Detroit producer and founding father of ghettotech music, DJ Godfather. Prepare to party because this guy can play it all- from open format/mashup parties to house to the deepest trap, ghetto tech and juke parties, incorporating his battle style turntablism into each of this sets.
This year’s Theatre Bizarre could be one of the last
The mastermind behind the hugely successful event says he’s not laughing all the way to the bank
Intercept: Detroit police used torture to force fake confessions in 1980s
A long-form piece in the Intercept, the online magazine edited by Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill. What makes this particular piece so interesting is its backward look at the bad old days of the DPD, especially stories of police using blunt violence and intimidation to obtain confessions from the innocent. The situation finally got…
Show preview: Neon Indian plays Populux this Friday, October 16
What better way can you think of to kick off the freaking weekend?
Animals at the Detroit Zoo are playing with pumpkins today and it’s adorable
‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin and that includes animals playing with the bright orange cucurbitaceae today at the Detroit Zoo as part of the institution’s fall event series. “Each year around Halloween, Zoo staff provide the animals with seasonal munchies as part of its comprehensive program of ensuring environments for animals that are…
Cyclist gives Slow Roll kiss-off in Belt magazine essay
Slow Roll has come a long way from the informal rides of five years ago. And for one rider, that’s one of many problems.
Moosejaw’s new seasonal Downtown Detroit location opens on Friday
Detroit’s about to get ANOTHER Moosejaw store.
Detroit has second highest number of children rescued in national sex trafficking sting
Detroit had the second highest number of children rescued in Operation Cross County IX, a nationwide sex traffic sting that resulted in 149 sexually exploited children being rescued nationally, and 19 being recovered in the Metro Detroit area. The sting, which involved 500 law enforcement agents nationally, resulted in the arrest of 150 adults —…
Check out Dean Wareham’s list of top three metro Detroit-related tracks
Luna plays St. Andrew’s on Thu., October 15; right here is our interview with Dean Wareham, the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the band. Cut for space was the following bit where we ask Wareham if he had to pick his three favorite tracks from the Detroit metropolitan region, what would they be, and why?
Sign of progress: Detroit has some traffic jams now!
Yes, the city hiring crossing guards is (OK, not unreasonably) touted as a sure sign of Detroit’s comeback.
Mark your calendar today for these upcoming shows
Tickets are now on sale for these events. Nov. 3, Meat Loaf at the Fox Theatre; olympiaentertainment.com; Tickets range from $48 to $88. Nov. 6, Big Sean at Joe Louis Arena; olympiaentertainment.com; Tickets range from $19.50 to $49.50. Nov. 20, Mark Kozelek at the Magic Bag; themagicbag.com; Tickets are $20. Nov. 11, Dom Kennedy at…
Drink up
Shock Top, Pumpkin Wheat 5.2% ABV Fall is here, which means for many weeks to come, an onslaught of pumpkin-flavored everything floods supermarkets, fast food restaurants, and coffee shops across the country. The orange squash’s distinct flavor signals a change in seasons that means putting away those pilsners and light lagers and reaching for something…
Bobcat Bonnie’s is Corktown’s new neighborhood joint
If ever there were to be a Taste of Detroit, in similar fashion to the food fest in Chicago, we would venture to argue that it should be held in Corktown. Bobcat Bonnie’s is just the latest to throw its apron into the party. Bonnie’s sits inside the former O’Blivion’s pub, which took its last…
Busted Bra Shop has you covered
In keeping with many of the other colorful businesses popping up in Detroit lately, Busted Bra Shop’s owner, Lee Padgett, saw a specific need in the community and sought to serve it. Busted Bra Shop opened in October 2013 in a tiny office in the historic Park Shelton, selling just four styles of bras displayed…
Stir It Up: Full of Grace
“I don’t have that much longer to live so I have to think about what it is I have to do before I go gently into that dark night. And what I’d like to do, I think, is help people understand that ideas and thinking historically and philosophically is as important to rebuilding a country…
Marble Bar opens in Detroit’s New Center area
In 2010, the Detroit Eagle shuttered after 25 years as a leather daddy bar. This month, it officially re-opened under new management as Marble Bar — a live music venue that will probably be unrecognizable to anyone who frequented it during its leather daddy days. For one, the former club’s infamous sex dungeon is gone.…
Politics & Prejudices: Poisoning Flint and other atrocities
“… mistakes were made.” —Richard Nixon, on Watergate. Don’t you love how our politicians and other so-called leaders refuse to take responsibility for their screw-ups? Dennis Williams, for example, the roly-poly United Auto Workers union president. He began this round of auto contract talks this summer by giving Fiat Chrysler emperor Sergio Marchionne a big…
What Ryan Adams’ ‘1989’ can teach Taylor Swift
As you’ve probably heard by now, last month ago Ryan Adams released his highly anticipated cover album of Taylor Swift’s 1989 on his Pax-Am label. Twitter and I got busy listening, parsing what significance might be gleaned from these stripped-down, guitar-based, Smiths-style takes on the pop songs that have lorded over our cultural souls this…
Catching up with Microphone Phelps
Hamtramck’s Café 1923 is filled with its usual cast of writers, readers, and coffee whisperers. The T-shirt-and-shorts-wearing emcee known as Microphone Phelps fits right in. The former performance poet (who used to go by the name Phenom) talks about his early days as a spoken-word artist. “I used to be a waiter at Hoop City…
Luna plays St. Andrew’s Thu., October 15
We emailed a few questions to Luna’s singer/songwriter Dean Wareham in advance of their show in town this week. Please check our website for a short playlist of Wareham’s top Detroit-related songs. Metro Times: How much shit did you get for getting Luna back together 10 years after having played a final breakup tour? Also,…
Weekly reader responses
Suburban shoppers Last week, The Detroit News tagged along for two recent undercover police operations: A drug sting and a prostitution operation. During the two-hour prostitution sting on Detroit’s east side, six men were arrested. Five were from the suburbs. In the drug sting the findings were no better. There were six buyers in a…
Horoscopes (October 14 – 20)
ARIES (March 21 – April 20): You are holding your own in a situation that is over the top. How things go depends as much on time, and other people, as it does upon you. Whether you know it or not you have more going for you than you give yourself credit for. As the…
Savage Love: Down there
Q: I am a cis woman in my mid 20s. I get a pang or a spasm of pain in a place deep in my clit/urethra area. I can’t pinpoint which part exactly. It takes me by surprise every time it happens, so I jerk around and press my crotch for a hot second—which doesn’t…
U.K.-based design duo Prefab77 wrap up Detroit residency
For Peter Manning, you could say that making the transition from an art appreciator to a working artist was a natural progression. In the U.K., Manning was working as creative director at Reluctant Hero in Newcastle, a design studio. In the meantime, he also headed up the Electrik Sheep gallery, putting on shows by noted…
Ask a Juggalo: What treasures do you have in your vault of freshness?
Q:You’ve been a Juggalo and collector of ICP gear for such a long time. What treasures do you have in your vault of freshness? A:That’s a damn good question. They are many items near and dear to this Juggalo’s heart. One of them started out as a rumor I had heard in the mid-’90s that…
