Weekly Detroit Destinations Picked by Staff

May 20 – 27, 2013: Movement Festival, Detroit Techno Week

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:34:00 -0400

by Mike Morland (U-M Detroit Center, Communications Director)

- Movement 2013 -

Back for its 14^th year in Hart Plaza, Movement: Electronic Music Festival, returns to Detroit May 25-27.

The first installment of the Electronic Music Festival in Hart Plaza took place on Memorial weekend of 2000; led by iconic DJ/Producer, Carl Craig. The festival was groundbreaking, providing a free, large-scale concert that highlighted Detroit’s first music genre creation (Techno) since Motown.

Many people, from media to DJs, were skeptical of the success that the first year festival could have. Techno was generally listened to in clubs and warehouses at night; not outside and certainly not during the day. Some people even thought a 10,000-person turnout over the course of the weekend would make the event a success.

By the end of the weekend, hundreds-of-thousands of people had come to Detroit to celebrate one of the largest public parties in the city’s history. People who had never heard a Techno track in their lives ended up staying all day, mesmerized by this sound of Detroit.

Photo credits: DEMF TVs - Robert Emperley & Motor - joojanta

After years of establishing a successful and sustainable funding model through production company Paxahau, Movement: Electronic Music Festival (better known simply as Movement) has gained international recognition for its dedication to electronic music while paying homage to Detroit Techno.

The music will kick off at 1 p.m. May 25 and closes out on the evening of May 27. With more than 100 DJs across five stages, some of the most notable performances include Terrence Parker, Richie Hawtin, Moby, Daniel Bell, Squarepusher, Carl Craig, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and many more.

Continuously named one of the nation’s best music festivals (New York Times, SeatGeek, etc.), Movement: Electronic Music Festival is a sure hit for electronic music fans or those looking to dive into the genre for the first time.

Movement 2013 Preview:

For more information, hours and ticket prices, visit: www.movement.us

- Detroit Techno Week: May 21-27 -

Although the City of Detroit and the Movement Festival have been working together for more than a decade on this annual event, it wasn’t until 2012 that the City of Detroit first declared the week before Memorial Day, Detroit Techno Week.

In 2012, the electronic community was ecstatic when Detroit Mayor, Dave Bing, formally signed the document declaring May 20-26, 2012 – Detroit Techno Week.

In 2013, the City of Detroit and Mayor Dave Bing have once again shown their support for electronic music in the city, officially declaring May 21-27 2013, Detroit Techno Week. For many, this declaration signifies the forward progress of the genre and the distance that has been created from past negative stereotypes on the genre.

- Intro to Techno -

If you’re looking for a great event to warm you up to one of Detroit’s most popular festivals, or looking to see what this electronic music thing is all about, then check out this Movement-eve event in the heart of the Motor City.

May 16-17, 2013: Searching for Sugarman (Film)

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:11 -0400

by Dr. Addell Anderson (Director, U-M Detroit Center)

Searching for Sugarman (showing at the Cass City Cinema)

Synopsis: The Oscar winning documentary, Searching for Sugarman, tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez the greatest `70s rock icon who never was. After being discovered in a Detroit bar Rodriguez’s sound struck 2 renowned producers and they signed a recording deal. But when the album bombed the singer disappeared into obscurity. A bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and over the next two decades he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero.

http://www.casscitycinema.com/shows.html

Showtimes: 7:00 Thursday & Friday, May 16 & 17; 9:30 PM Thursday, May 23

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May 8 - 12, 2013: Detroit Urban Adventures

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:22:38 -0400

by Feodies Shipp III (Detroit Center, Associate Director)

There are so many things to see and do in Detroit. Some of our area’s attractions are the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum, the Museum of African American History, the Detroit Zoo, Belle Isle Park, and the Henry Ford Museum. Catch the shows at the Fox Theater, the Fisher Theater and other venues, and performances at Orchestra Hall, Music Hall, the Detroit Opera House, DTE Energy Music Theater, Meadowbrook, and the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit is a fascinating city — and Detroit Urban Adventures offers two great Detroit city tours that enable you to see and experience Detroit in just a couple of hours.

For more information, visit: www.detroiturbanadventures.com

May 4, 2013: A Weekend of Entertaining Women

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:32:42 -0400

by Mike Morland (Communications Director, UMDC)

On Saturday, May 4, come check out two great, entertaining events in the Detroit area.

First, come see the Detroit Derby Girls at the Masonic Temple in Detroit as the D-Funk All-Stars take on the Devil’s Night Dames. This high energy event starts at 7 p.m. and is just $15. To purchase tickets, visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/356213

Detroit Derby Girls Info

If Derby isn’t your thing or you want to take in a second great event on Saturday, see comedian Kathleen Madigan and her hilarious stand-up routine just up Woodward at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. With shows at 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., there’s two chances to catch this great performer. Tickets start at $35.

Kathleen Madigan Info

April 27, 2013: The Guardian Building Tour

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:48:00 -0400

(this beautiful photo is courtesy of: http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com)

by Joshua Dykes

I’ve lived in Detroit all my life and I’ve eaten at a lot of downtown restaurants but I’ve never really done much sightseeing.

I went on a tour last Friday in Detroit and had a chance to tour The Guardian Building. I’ve only been there once before when I was younger, and it was still breathtaking.

The Guardian Building is located one block from the Detroit River at 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226. It was built in 1928 and they spent a pretty penny on it at the time to build it. The lobby is incredible, with an Aztec theme. There is a beautiful mural that displays many parts of Michigan’s history. We were given an shorter tour, but the guide (very nice, and well educated on the building) told us she gives free tours at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturdays. I recommend to anyone who is thinking of taking this tour to do it on a Saturday.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Tiffany clocks - only five of them were made across the world.

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April 20, 2013: Feed Your Soul (Poetry Workshop)

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:31:00 -0400

by Mike Morland

Feed Your Soul is an afternoon poetry conference featuring workshops taught by poets Brent Smith, Bryan Lackner, Catherine Calabro, francine j. harris, Justin Rogers and National Student Poet, Natalie RichardsonThere will also be a public poetry reading featuring the participating poet instructors and participants as well as 2012 Detroit Poet Laureate Naomi Long Madgett.

This event takes place at the Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Avenue), Saturday, April 20, beginning at 1pm.

For more information, please visit: http://www.826michigan.org

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April 12 - 14, 2013: Art X Detroit

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:26:29 -0400

Sponsored by the Kresge Foundation, this series of multi-media presentations, readings, panel discussions, performances and art exhibitions takes place in Detroit’s Midtown district. Various venues including Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and the Magic Stick.

For more information, please visit: Art X Detroit

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April 5, 2013: Open Day of the Detroit Tigers

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:55:00 -0400

by Mike Morland (Communications Director, Detroit Center)

Spring has returned to Detroit and so has one of the city’s most cherished traditions, Opening Day of the Detroit Tigers. There’s no shortage of festivities in Detroit, from restaurants to tailgates and everything in between, it’s hard not to get caught up in this 100+ year old tradition.

Luckily for Tigers fans who aren’t fortunate enough to attend today’s game, you still have 80 more chances to see them live this season.

Visit the Detroit Tiger website for more information on the 2013 Tigers.

What do you think of the new Detroit Center Destinations Blog...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:45:47 -0400

What do you think of the new Detroit Center Destinations Blog logo?

March 30, 2013: Pheasant Egg Hunt

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:01:00 -0400

by Addell Anderson (Director, U-M Detroit Center)

With Easter approaching we thought it would be fun to fill the backyard with “easter eggs”. A number of glass pieces and other goodies valuing anywhere from $5 - $250+ will be scattered around the yard for your scavenging pleasure!

Games! - Glassblowing Demos (weather permitting) - DJs to be announced!

Urban Pheasant Glassworks have been donating countless of hours of time to our work with The Michigan Glass Project and ultimately The Belle Isle Aquarium. This is the first of multiple parties we will be throwing to raise money for our shop for things such as help with rent, tools, and glass that we need to keep ourselves up and running. At the same time, we would be pleased to knock a few bucks off your cover with a canned food donation so we can throw a kick-back to a local food bank.

Time: 3pm - 12am
$10 at the door or $7 with canned food donation.

Facebook Event

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March 22-24, 2013: American Coney Island

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:40:01 -0400

(photo courtesy of American Coney Island website)

picked by: Feodies Shipp III (Detroit Center Associate Director)

Home of the original and best “Coney Dog,” American Coney Island has been serving loyal patrons since 1917. The distinctive taste of their specialty-seasoned hot dog, secret chili recipe, Belgian mustard and Vidalia onions on a steamed bun is pure Detroit.

For more information, visit: American Coney Island

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March 11-17, 2013: Motor City Muse and Guest of Honor at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:37:00 -0400

by Mike Morland (Detroit Center Communications Director)

Check out two great exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motor City Muse: Detroit Then and Now (December 14, 2012 - June 16, 2013) and Guest of Honor: Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles (February 19 - May 28, 2013).

from the Detroit Institute of Arts website:

Guest of Honor: The Detroit Institute of Arts is bringing one of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris to its gallery walls. Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles will be on view from February 19 to May 28. It will be displayed in the Dutch galleries, where visitors saw the Vermeer painting last August, and will be installed along with three other Van Gogh paintings owned by the DIA.

Motor City Muse: For more than 70 years, photographers have found inspiration for their work from the people, city streets, and automobile culture of Detroit. This exhibition includes select photographers who, through their personal vision and photographic skill, have captured subjects, past and present, specific to Detroit, its changing landscape, architecture and auto industry. Included are more than 100 photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, Dave Jordano, Karin Jobst, Detroiters Nicola Kuperus, Russ Marshall and Bill Rauhauser, along with select members of the Detroit School of Automotive Photography. This exhibition has been organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts. This exhibition has been organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Support has been provided by the Chrysler brand and Rock Ventures. Additional support has been provided by the City of Detroit.

In my most recent trip to the DIA, I was able to take in both of these amazing exhibits. Experience Detroit “then and now” along with seeing one of Van Gogh’s most famous works, you can’t help but leave with a sense of “awe” in your soul.

For more information on the Detroit Institute of Arts, visit: www.dia.org

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March 8-10, 2013: LJ's Lounge

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:24:36 -0500

by Josh Dykes (Detroit Center Assistant Facility Manager)

While waiting to grab dinner at another restaurant nearby with some friends, we strolled into LJ’s Lounge. It definitely has a old school vibe to it, which we liked.

Take a look at the picture and you’ll see what I mean.

The bar was full, but that really wasn’t on my mind because of the energy. A lot of people were laughing and dancing. The music included Techno, Top 40, Dance, Hip Hop, Pop, Punk, Rock, and Classic Rock. The music was as diverse as the crowd.

With that in mind, this is definitely a good place to go on a hangout but don’t forget to bring cash, credit cards aren’t accepted here.

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March 1-3, 2013: A Weekend of Dining and Art

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:01:10 -0500

(image courtesy of: detroitunderground.com)

by Alexis Ellis (Detroit Center Meeting & Events Coordinator)

March 1

Coach Insigina - Dinner and a View Happy Hour

5pm - 7pm

71st & 72nd Floor

GM Renaissance Center

www.theepicureangroup.com

March 2

Detroit Eastern Market

5 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2934 Russell Street in Detroit, Michigan

(don’t forget to check out the “expert guide → http://bit.ly/EasternMarket”)

www.detroiteasternmarket.com/

March 3

Detroit Institute of Arts: Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles

5200 Woodward Avenue

Detroit, Michigan 48202

www.dia.org

February 21-24, 2013: The Divas Project

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:01:07 -0500

(Max Ortiz / The Detroit News)

by Addell Anderson (Detroit Center Director)

Plowshares Theatre Company presents the musical revue, The Divas Project at the YMCA Boll Theatre, 1401 Broadway in Detroit (1/2 block from the Detroit Opera House).

Aretha Franklin! Diana Ross! Nina Simone! Etta James! Tina Turner! Their songs marked the changes women have made in the last 50 years. Their songs speak from the heart. THE DIVAS PROJECT features the songs and stylings of some of America’s greatest female singers. From the Blues, R&B, Jazz and Soul you will have a footstompin’ good time.

The show runs through March 10 at the following times: 7:30 PM Fridays; 2:00 & 8:00 PM Saturdays; and 2 PM Sundays. Students can buy up to two tickets at the door for only $10/ticket with valid student ID. Regular ticket prices range from $31 to $38.

For more information, call PH: 313-744-3181 or www.plowshares.org

See the following links for a review and article:

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February 15-17, 2013: Mexicantown

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:31:13 -0500

(photo courtesy of DetNews.com)

by Feodies Shipp III (Detroit Center Associate Director)

Mexicantown is a place where vibrantly colored buildings, decorated with even brighter murals and hand-painted signs, dot the main thoroughfares of Bagley and Vernor Streets. One might guess there are more restaurants per square foot than any other neighborhood in Detroit — but the smell of fresh tortillas and baked goods floating down the street provide the only proof.

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February 8-10, 2013: Motown Winter Blast

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:33:07 -0500

What better way to celebrate Detroit’s latest snow fall than with the Motown Winter Blast.

[From http://www.winterblast.com/overview/]

Motown Winter Blast, produced by Jonathan Witz & Associates, features hip and cool winter events centered around Campus Martius Park. Many signature winter activities are returning with Charter One Bank sponsored free ice-skating in Campus Martius Park, Professional skating demonstrations, unique sculptures in the Greektown Casino Ice Garden, the Walmart Family Stage and more.

Detroit’s music scene will be on display on three stages, with more than 50 entertainment acts performing. Plus- you can always find a place to warm-up in our Comfort Zones. You’ll find heat every 150 feet on the Winter Blast site, including both heated tents and warming stations in local buildings. The 2013 Winter Blast will be promoted by a stellar marketing campaign with local media partners providing significant publicity. More than 75,000 guests are expected to attend the 2013 festival. We hope you join us as we entertain thousands of local metro Detroiters celebrating winter in Detroit with fun events and attractions!

Motown Winter Blast was developed to create an innovative backdrop for Super Bowl XL. This signature wintertime festival debuted in January of 2005 to kick off the official countdown to Super Bowl XL in Detroit. This first time event attracted more than 200,000 people and featured a combination of hip and fun seasonal events that celebrated all things Detroit. The 2006 Motown Winter Blast was an even bigger hit, attracting nearly 1 million Metro-Detroiters and out-of-town guests during Super Bowl XL. For the past seven years, Winter Blast continued to keep the spirit of Super Bowl XL alive in the city, and developed new programs designed to promote quality of life, economic impact, community service and just plain fun!

For more information on hours and activities, please visit:

www.winterblast.com

February 1-3, 2013: Russell Street Deli

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:49:46 -0500

by U-M Detroit Center Staff

Take a bit into one of Eastern Markets freshest finds, the Russell Street Deli. As raved about in the New York Times, this local favorite offers a taste unique to Detroit. To learn more, visit: http://russellstreetdeli.com/

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January 25-27, 2013: North American International Auto Show (final weekend)

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:20:43 -0500

by Mike Morland (Detroit Center Communications Director)

It’s not too late! In case you haven’t already made it down to Cobo Hall, the 25th Annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is in the home stretch with three days to go. There’s still plenty of time to take in the excitement of innovative technology and beautiful cars, trucks and crossover vehicles.

Tickets are $12 per person and well worth the price to see some of today’s greatest automotive advancements.

For information, hours and tickets, click here.

For the NAIAS website, click here.

January 18-27, 2013: North American International Auto Show

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:17:00 -0500

by Mike Morland (Communications Director)

It’s that time of year again in the Motor City. The 25th Annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Show kicks off this weekend to the general public in what many anticipate to be one of the best shows to date.

As the NAIAS celebrates 25 years, the history behind it dates back more than a century. The first greater Detroit area auto show was held in December 1907 at Riverview Park. Since then, the show has grown from a regional to international event.

The 2013 installment of the NAIAS features more than 500 vehicles from across the world, showcasing everything from automotive beauty to performance and technology. Experience the past, present and future of automobiles right before your eyes.

Whether you’re a causal driver or an auto-enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at the NAIAS.

For information, hours and tickets, click here.

For the NAIAS website, click here.