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15 best new bands in Detroit
Hello and welcome to the Metro Times’ first-ever roundup of the 15 best new bands in the metropolitan area. We’re calling it 15 Best New Bands (Best New Bands for short). Our list encompasses a wide range of ages, musical styles, and pizza preferences. One of the artists might be in his 50s, while the…
Just announced: Joanna Newsom with Alela Diane at ROMT on Dec. 15; tickets on sale tomorrow at noon
Everyone’s favorite indie-pop harpist Joanna Newsom returns to Detroit on Dec. 15; tickets are on sale tomorrow at noon. Alela Diane and Ryan Francesconi open up, so definitely get there early for this one.
Check this new track from Nolan the Ninja
Emcee and beat maker Nolan the Ninja is back at it. He just released a new single called “Gusto” from his upcoming album, Fuck the Hype. Nolan first made his appearance in the pages of Metro Times in December of 2014 off the heels of his album Illphoria. Judging by this intense single, the new album…
Truly the last word on the Last Word — the cocktail sensation that originated at the Detroit Athletic Club
Several myths still surround the creation of this classic cocktail, so we asked the Detroit Athletic Club for the straight dope.
Show preview: Legendary NYC producer Martin Bisi plays PJ’s Thu., Oct. 8
The show is actually a benefit for Suck It Suicide, a super worthy non-profit. The shindig starts at 8 p.m. and costs $10.
Five things you didn’t know about Faygo’s ‘Boblo Boat’ commercial
You thought you knew this piece of Detroit history? Guess again.
Nine of our favorite Detroit drinking songs
Nine local numbers that give praise to the heady delights of drinking alcohol, just in time for our “Drinks” issue!
Ben Carson on guns, Palm Beach, and cars
Presidential candidate Ben Carson isn’t advancing any political agenda with his Q&A Facebook post. No, sirree!
Kraftwerk join Detroit techno DJs behind the boards at MOCAD afterparty
Members of Kraftwerk joined Detroit’s techno DJ vets behind the boards at MOCAD.
Just announced: Iron Maiden at the Palace April 5, 2016; tickets on sale this Saturday
Run to the hills; run for your life! To the Palace of Auburn Hills, that is, next April 5, 2016 (at 7:50 p.m.)
Detroit punk rocker on Nobel Peace Prize shortlist?
Not so fast, rumor mill.
Wayne County to auction off many occupied Detroit homes
If we have money to knock down houses, why don’t we have money to help people behind on their taxes stay in their homes?
Jim Harbaugh thinks Cracker Barrel is A+ stuff
A+, you guys! If it’s the Cracker Barrel in Belleville, MD, Yelp seems to back up coach for the most part. A notable exception was this review from June. It sounds like since then management has got the rockin’ chair emporium back in tip top shape.
Event preview: Anne Carson and Juliette Binoche at Michigan Theatre next Tues., Oct. 13
Anne Carson and Juliette Binoche appear together on the stage at Michigan Theatre for an event called Translation and Adaptation. It’s free, so you have no excuse to miss it.
Michigan authorities seek public’s help in finding perp who shot cat with an arrow
Eaton County police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for shooting a cat with a crossbow bolt. Animal control picked up the orange-and-white male cat in Kalamo Township yesterday after a resident found the injured feline hiding under a porch. The Detroit News reports: “The cat had been shot with…
New sordid details in Charles Pugh teen sex scandal come to light
In 2013, prominent Detroit politician Charles Pugh stepped down from his position as City Council President and — as hyperbolic rumor has it — slinked out of town in the dead of the night. Accused of making sexual advances towards a 17-year old Detroit Public Schools student that he was paired with through a mentorship program he…
Why strict federal oversight is needed to safeguard Flint’s water
Local and state officials have lost all credibility, even as they tell us we’re supposed to trust them.
Fashion designer Tracy Reese returns to Detroit with pop-up boutique
The Detroit native and Cass Technical High School alum will make a Detroit appearance on Saturday.
Cinema Detroit needs your help
Pricey decryption equipment has the downtown area’s only first-run theater seeking your help.
Jefferson House shutters, Top of the Pontch chef OUT in reorganization at Crowne Plaza
A major shuffle in the Crowne Plaza’s two restaurants suggest trouble maintaining the two concepts.
Grace Lee Boggs dead at 100
Grace Lee Boggs has died.
This 1988 Chevrolet Astro Van is for sale in Detroit
A Craigslist user in Oakland County wants to part ways with a pimped out 1988 Chevrolet Astro Van for reasons we can’t possibly fathom. Details on the listing are scant — “low miles” and “great shape” are a few of the highlights — but the asking price is posted at a cool $4,500 or best…
Show preview: Chvrches play the Masonic this Thurs., October 8
To the dismay of singer/songwriter Lauren Mayberry, her alluring appearance often seems to be first thing people want to discuss when it comes to her dark and excellent synth-pop band, Chvrches. Every Open Eye, the latest unapologetically twisted release by the Scottish trio, may finally be visceral enough to shift the conversation to their musical…
Miley Cyrus announces Detroit date with Flaming Lips backing band
You could say it’s a bit of a homecoming for Cyrus. Maybe.
Kraftwerk is tonight!
This special “3D Concert” means that attendees will be given 3D glasses and there will be crazy projections and stuff like that. It’s hard to imagine a better place to see them than Detroit.
Mimi’s Munchies realizes small time fame, then gets call from Oakland County Health Division
We had a chance encounter with Tamika Lang, purveyor of Mimi’s Munchies, randomly over the summer when she picked us up for a Lyft ride. As ride-share small talk goes, she told us about her healthy food delivery service in which she packs salads and other entrees into Mason jars, and that got us excited.…
Check off your stops on the Dine Drink Detroit checklist
Make your Dine Drink Detroit list, and check it twice.
Check this great Charles Bradley feature before his Grand Rapids show Oct. 10
Our sister paper in St. Louis, the Riverfront Times, has a very strong music section. They recently published a revealing piece by Roy Kasten on the astonishing soul singer Charles Bradley, who plays a show over yonder in Grand Rapids on Saturday, October 10 at 10 p.m. Bradley is arguably the greatest of all the lesser…
Show preview: Joywave at the Shelter this Tuesday, October 6
Tickets are still available for up and coming rockers Joywave at the Shelter. You should go! That video with the skateboards is awesome.
Concert review: Madonna is pure Detroit
Madonna told the crowd at Joe Louis Arena “Detroit made me who I am today.”
New York Times does Detroit … and it’s better than usual
We’ve been tough on the old Gray Lady in the past … but their Detroit coverage has really smartened up.
COLORS Detroit expands to offer dinner services, more opportunity for workers
Why not have a dinner that’s both delicious and socially-conscious?
Bernie Sanders makes Detroit punk reference
OK, not really. But a meme posted this morning has Bernie praising Detroit punk. And we can’t stop laughing.
Show preview: Chameleons Vox at Smalls tonight, October 1 — it’s their farewell show so don’t miss out!
Looking for something to do tonight? Look no further than Chameleons Vox at Smalls. It’s their farewell tour so you definitely do not want to miss this. Doors are at 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets at the door are $17. The UK’s Chameleons Vox performing the “Script of the Bridge” in its entirety on their Farewell Tour. Special…
Sold! Detroit Banksy now belongs to CEO of baby toy company
The painting should make a safe choice to decorate the wall above somebody’s fancy loft mantlepiece.
Update: Pitchfork Radio reveals first week of programming, and it looks excellent
Our friends at Pitchfork Radio have revealed the first week of programming for their three week stay in the Cass Corridor. It looks very strong to us. Remember to tune in on your computer type device!
Zumba’s Mexican Grille to rebrand as Detroit Taco Company
Royal Oak’s Zumba Mexican Grille to get the Detroit coolness factor as Detroit Taco Company.
In defense of Orville Hubbard
We know: There’s not much you can say in defense of Dearborn’s outrageous bigot, but stay with us here …
Show preview: Madonna at Joe Louis Arena tomorrow, Oct. 1 2015
Our friend Duane the Brand New Dog is a little bit excited to finally get the chance to see his musical hero Madonna live in concert.
A quick note about the cover to this week’s ‘Best New Bands’ issue of Metro Times
To answer your question, yes this was an absolute blast to shoot this cover! Many thanks for all the great musicians who participated.
Unfortunate crawl below Channel 7’s ‘Detroit Homecoming’ graphic
This must be one of the most interesting pitches to come home to Detroit ever.
Passengers aboard a Detroit-L.A. flight re-routed after lit cigarette found in lavatory
“Federal law prohibits tampering with, disabling, or destroying a lavatory smoke detector… yada yada yada,” goes the pre-flight spiel of many a modern U.S. airline. But what happens if someone actually lights up at 30,000 feet? Passengers on a recent flight from Detroit to L.A. found out the hard way after a lit cigarette was…
Weekly reader responses
Stalling out Last Wednesday, the Mayor Mike Duggan voiced frustrations with the opposition to his D-Insurance plan to lower Detroit’s high auto insurance rates, issuing some of his most pointed comments on the issue to date speaking before the Detroit chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists at the Hotel St. Regis. According to…
Drink up
At 18,000 square feet with a 30-barrel brewing system and a production capability of 13,500 barrels a year, ROAK Brewing Co. is a virtual monument to the rapid growth of Michigan’s craft beer industry. And as their size may indicate, the brewery doesn’t scale back when it comes to their ideas on craft beers either.…
Horoscopes (September 30 – October 6)
This week’s Horoscopes are coming out under the light of an Aries Moon, in the wake of the Third, Blood Moon Eclipse: if we’re still here, all present and accounted for, then the apocalyptic gossip that preceded last night’s event, was nothing but an exaggerated barrage of fear porn. Hey; it is easy to see…
Savage Love: Asshole moves
Q: I’ve been dating this guy for almost two months. It’s been pretty good, except the sex isn’t really the best. I have this other male friend who has had a crush on me. Long story short: My friend made a move on me the other night. I told him I couldn’t, and he knew…
Michigan Antique Festival offers a blast from the past
If you love browsing antiques, purchasing one-of-a-kind treasures, or speaking with highly reputable antique dealers from across America, then you may have already heard of the Michigan Antique Festival in Davisburg — Michigan’s premier antique and collectible festival. The festival, which is in its 46th year, hits historic Davisburg, and according to owner Lori Oberlin,…
Get the best of both worlds at Avery’s Tavern
Why go out to eat and then hit the bar when you can have the best of both worlds? Avery’s Tavern is newly known for its craft bar and delicious menu. During the day bring the family for a nice warm atmosphere on the restaurant side and come back for the late-night games, live music,…
Politics & Prejudices: While Michigan slept
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. — The Wizard of Oz If you’ve been paying attention to state government news over the last couple of months, this is what you learned: In our last episode, devout Christians Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat came to Lansing to stop liberalism and reform the place…
Higher Ground: The heart of the matter
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently brought up marijuana while speaking to students at Amherst College in Maryland. As she talked about the need to be passionate, she said, “Pick something in your life that you don’t like and that you work to change.” She acknowledged that some young people were passionate about legalizing marijuana.…
Mark your calendar today for these upcoming shows
Tickets are now on sale for these events. Oct. 21, Tav Falco, Mike Watt at the Majestic Cafe; majesticdetroit.com; tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Nov. 3, Meat Loaf at the Fox Theatre; fox .theaterdetroit.com; tickets range from $48 to $88. Nov. 6, Big Sean at Joe Louis Arena; olympiaentertainment.com; tickets range from…
DJs Captn 20 and Vice celebrate V Nightclub’s eighth anniversary
When it comes to nightlife in Detroit, the clubbing elite look no further than V Nightclub, the lavish Vegas-style party destination housed inside the MGM Grand Casino resort. This year, they’re celebrating eight years of high-energy parties with premier DJ acts from around the world and an outrageous dance party this Saturday, October 3 thrown…
Rosanne Cash plays the Macomb Center on October 3
Fresh off a multi-Grammy-winning record, The River & the Thread —which received one of the highest chart positions and some of the most critical acclaim of her career— Rosanne Cash isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The country and folk music legend took some time to talk to us on the phone about her…
Onyx Steakhouse is Royal Oak for grown folks
The main strip of downtown Royal Oak is a mashup of bro-tastic bars and family-friendly restaurants. You’ve got your Barnes & Noble turned Buffalo Wild Wings. Your BD’s Mongolian Grill, good for thrifty parents needing to shovel mounds of meat in front of their offspring. And the open-late rooftop of Woody’s, where dudes are guaranteed…
Wayne State prof looks behind the fascination of Detroit’s ruins
In her latest book, Beautiful Terrible Ruins: Detroit and the Anxiety of Decline, art historian and Wayne State University professor Dora Apel explores the portrayal of Detroit in the mass media, specifically the images that have come to be known as “ruin porn.” What drives the fascination behind these images, and what do they say…
