Liberation work doesn’t look one way. For multidisciplinary artist Darryl DeAngelo Terrell, it looks like photography, videography, and sound working in concert to create a world free of race and gender constructs.
Rooted in their lived experience growing up Black and gay in Detroit, Terrell’s work questions our conventional understanding of desire, beauty and home then forces those who experience the work to confront how limited our portraits of Blackness within those themes actually are.
Terrell joined the show to explain how their art, in all its forms, serves as a tool to realize a world free of those limitations.
279º W 42º21’39” N 83º2’20″W Detroit, MI by Darryl DeAngelo Terrell
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In electronic music, Movement is the ultimate destination festival. The annual Hart Plaza event, which started as Detroit Electronic Music Festival in 2000, immerses attendees in the birthplace of Techno. For lovers of cultural experiences that reveal as much about the people as the music they create, few are on par with Movement.
The setting is downtown, right in the heart of the city. Most of what’s needed can be found on the festival grounds. For those adventurous enough to venture out, there are plenty of nearby food, lodging and adjacent festivities in the form of after-parties to fully experience the moment.
Get prepped
Before you go, I suggest dressing for the occasion in some comfy, supportive kicks. Don’t compromise; your feet will thank you. Bring a small bag or a hip sack for essentials. Wear layers (because hail and extreme sunshine can happen all in one day), be sure to hydrate (you’re allowed to bring in an empty water bottle for filling at water stations), and make sure you’re getting some nutrition along the way. Earplugs are a great idea, especially if you find yourself in the cavernous Underground Stage. A sun/rain hat and sunscreen will get you bonus points.
That’s a lot of work to hear music. Once you step onto the festival grounds, you’ll find that all your effort was worth it.
Start at the beginning
If you’re new to the sound of Movement, you’ll probably want to head straight to the reason for the season, which is basically anywhere you can find Carl Craig. He represents the gold standard of the Detroit sound, and Movement (as we know it today) simply wouldn’t exist without him. This year’s annual appearances happen first on Saturday (9:35 p.m. on Star Gate), back-to-back with Chicago’s Cajmere (an alias of Green Velvet). It’s a promising mix of Techno and Chicago House that makes you realize why those comfy shoes were so important. If you miss that set, Craig performs under his legendary alias 69 (said six-nine) on Monday (8:25 p.m. on Movement Main Stage). Throw in a dash of Rebecca Goldberg (5:00 p.m. on Detroit Stage) to get a taste of some of the relatively newer sounds coming out of the city.
Branch out
If you’re looking to branch out, take in what’s sure to be electro-fied and upbeat (even pop) set from Montreal’s Tiga (5:00 p.m. on Star Gate) on Monday. Get a warm-up with a stop to hear some downbeat grooves from Detroit producer Meftah (3:00 p.m. on Detroit Stage), then bump it up a bit with a soul-infused set from Baltimore’s Life On Planets. If you’re still feeling like taking in discoveries, slide on over to the Movement Stage to hear Detroit poet Jessica Care Moore (8:20 p.m.).
Follow the sound
As for me, it’ll be a dizzying game of hopscotch on Saturday. You’ll find my comfy shoes racing to catch the latest from Matthew Dear’s Audion project (4:00 p.m. on Movement Stage). I’ll run over to see what’s been going on with Colette b2b DJ Heather, who grew up in Chicago (4:30 p.m. on Pyramid Stage). I’ll then firmly plant myself for the calm of Italy’s Voices From the Lake (5:00 p.m. on Movement Stage) followed by Borderland, an almost jazzy collaboration between Detroit’s legendary Juan Atkins and Berlin’s Moritz Von Oswald of Basic Channel fame (6:30 p.m. on Movement Stage). I’ll take intermissions to catch more sounds from Detroit, including the textured sounds of Terrence Dixon (5:00 p.m. on Underground Stage) and House Music legend DJ Stacy Hotwaxx Hale (6:30 p.m. on Star Gate). I wouldn’t dare miss Ann Arbor’s Tadd Mullinix as X-Altera (8:00 p.m. on Waterfront Stage) before being sweetly reunited with the cosmic electricity of Detroit’s Dopplereffekt (9:20 p.m. on Waterfront Stage).
Keep it moving
With this kind of routine, I’m not sure I’ll even get to check out any of the afterparties. But if I can make it happen, I’ll head straight over to House Party on Saturday night. It takes place at Spot Lite, which has one of the best dance floors in Detroit, and features J House, Masquenada, WDET host Waajeed, Gene Hunt, Whodat, Blaaqgold, and Aboudi Issa.
Come together
One of the things I love about dance music is that it brings so many people together that might not otherwise have the chance to meet. It’s an expression of culture that builds a greater community, and that community finds a singular groove, even if just for one weekend of the year.
On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, a selection of cool covers from the last 12 months, including Mavis Staples covering Porter Wagoner, I’m With Her (Paul Simon), Matt Nathanson (Billy Joel), Al Green (The Bee Gees), Low Cut Connie (Prince) and many more.
Also, there’s one brand new song courtesy of Sharon Van Etten, writing a new song in response to a story from film legend Isabella Rossellini through the SongWriter Podcast.
See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Acoustic Café Playlist for May 17, 2026
“Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
“Fade Into You” – Gregory Alan Isakov ft. Sylvan Esso
“Tomorrow, Tomorrow” – Brad Hehldau ft. Daniel Rossen
“Melissa” – Warren Haynes ft. Derek Trucks
Listen to Acoustic Café with host Rob Reinhart every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Mac Saturn return, plus more Detroit tunes from Dames Brown, The Detroit Emeralds and Inner City!
Also this week, a couple advance performances from The Leon Loft (for Acoustic Cafe), classics from The Bar-Kays and ELO, plus forthcoming coolness from Kelela!
See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for May 16, 2026
HOUR ONE:
“Holy Ghost” – The Bar-Kays
“Cold April” – Allison Russell
“Takes Time” – Mac Saturn
“Can’t Be Wrong” – Low Cut Connie
“Eastside Girls” – MUNA
“Need Your Love” – Inner City feat. Steffanie Christi’an
“Fifty Mission Cap” – The Tragically Hip
“Crawl Space” – Art Farmer
“Moonflower” – Devon Gilfillian
“Kiss That Frog” – Peter Gabriel
HOUR TWO:
“Idea 1” – Kelela
“When The Love Is New” – Shaky Graves
“You Want It, You Got It” – The Detroit Emeralds
“Why You Got Me Crazy” – Dames Brown
“Poker” – E.L.O.
“Blessings” – Chance The Rapper
“Charlie Sheen Reaches Out to the Feds” – Mountain Goats
“No Invite” – Tank & The Bangas
“In Your Ocean” – Iron & Wine (at The Leon Loft)
“Good News” – ROZZI (at The Leon Loft)
“Sunlight To My Soul” – Angelique Kidjo
“What Is Left To Say” – Thundercat
“Lost In My Mind” – The Head & The Heart
Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
Get some unique thrifty items at vintage pop-ups or travel back in time at the tracks with Greenfield Village. Plus, Detroit’s cinematic and musical skill is on display at a screening of “Sons of Detroit” and more.
On Friday, May 15, KeyBank is hosting Zoo Brew at the Detroit Zoo. There will be naturalistic habitats, over 100 beverage selections, and live music. Admission ranges from $35-$95, and the event will be held from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. For more information, visit the Detroit Zoo website.
On May 15, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will host ten-time GRAMMY Award-winning musician Arturo Sandoval. In addition to his performance, the DSO will open its Paradise Lounge for food and cocktails. Admission starts at $21. For more information, visit the Detroit Symphony Orchestra website.
Little Mama’s Vintage, Retro Image, Overtime Print Shop
May 16
Free
Little Mama’s Vintage celebrates Vintage Store Day with a pop up! The event will highlight three independent vintage stores, as well as a new Dearborn refillery, a local matcha brewer, and a DJ. Admission is free, and the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Little Mama’s Vintage Instagram page.
$37 admission, with discounts for seniors and children
Greenfield Village is offering a train-lovers dream day, with hands on activities and demonstrations centered around the railroad tracks. Guests will be able to sit in a train from the late 1800s, watch a crane at work, push a discovery railcar and help maneuver the grand turntable outside the roundhouse to shift the tracks onto a new path. In addition to the mechanical, the Village green will have timeless lawn games and entertainment. This event is for all ages, and is free with the cost of admission. Arrive early to catch your train!
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Salvation Army store in Rochester Hills is offering shoppers vintage sports wear, collectibles and more— oh, and there will be a chance to meet Detroit Lions Defensive End Myles Adams from 9-11 a.m.! The first 100 shoppers will recieve an autographed photo from him. There will also be a raffle for thrift store credit. Proceeds will fund substance abuse rehabilitation and other services at the ARC Detroit.
The City Institute hosts a Detroit In Context: Downtown Walking Tour. The 2 mile tour will cover Campus Martius Park and Spirit Plaza, as well as the Guardian Building and Spirit of Detroit. There will be discussions of the city’s history and the impact of innovative residents. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
On Sunday, May 17, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is showing “Sons of Detroit.” Described as a “part love letter, part detective story,” the film follows the reunion of two cousins through memoirs, performances, and journalism. And we can’t forget, music by Detroit legend Waajeed. General admission tickets are $11.50 and $9.50 for seniors, students, and DIA members. The screening starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the DIA website.
Outlier Media and the historic Senate Theater are teaming up for a trivia night all about Michigan movies. Outlier’s Briana Rice and BridgeDetroit’s Bryce Hoffman will be hosting the event, which will run from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets sales support the Senate Theater and Outlier Media. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to show off your knowledge of local film history and learn something new. Plus, there’s a prize for the winning teams.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Was is also a son of Detroit. In recent years, he put together a band under his own name for the first time: Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble. “We are on a mission to promulgate the indigenous sounds of our hometown of Detroit, Michigan,” he explains.
This is a tight and powerful group, with an emphasis on the groove, but all eyes and ears are on lead vocalist Steffanie Christi’an. In this Tiny Desk performance, she breathes a very different kind of fire into the Grateful Dead classic “The Music Never Stopped” and smolders on re-working of Hank Williams‘ “I Ain’t Got Nothing But Time.” The entire set is a perfect example of how, as the Dead used to say, “the music plays the band.”
SET LIST
“The Music Never Stopped”
“You Asked, I Came”
“Midnight Marauders”
“I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But Time”
“Insane”
MUSICIANS
Don Was: bass
Steffanie Christi’an: vocals
Wayne Gerard Milton: guitar
Luis Resto: keys
Dave McMurray: tenor sax
Vincent Chandler: trombone
John Douglas: trumpet
Jeff Canady: drums
Mahindi Masai: percussion
Herschel Boone: background vocals
Terena Boone: background vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Director/Mix: Josh Newell
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Vanessa Castillo
Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton
This article was written by Felix Contreras and originally posted on NPR.org.
On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, we’re celebrating Michael Franti’s 60th birthday by revisiting a visit from 2016. He brought his band Spearhead to The Leon Loft for a set of fun songs, politics, family and more!
Also, recordings from past in-studio guests Patty Griffin, Aimee Mann, John Moreland and more.
See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Acoustic Café Playlist for May 10, 2026
“Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
“Can’t Hardly Wait (cello version)” – The Replacements
Listen to Acoustic Café with host Rob Reinhart every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music we introduce you to Detroit artists Ayla Ottenbreit, plus a new cover from Detroit favorite Jill Jack!
Also this week, new work released from The Womack Sisters, The Rolling Stones, Taj Mahal and Ziggy Marley… And there’s the (just announced) Sonic Lunch series coming to Ann Arbor this summer, and a fun Yacht Rock event on the Detroit River June 7!
See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for May 9, 2026
HOUR ONE:
“Chauffeur” – The Womack Sisters
“You’re The Man” – Brother Wallace
“Lie” – ROZZI
“In The Stars” – The Rolling Stones
“Slow Learning” – Aylah Ottenbreit
“It’s A Shame” – Aaron Frazer
“It’s A Shame” – The (Detroit) Spinners
“It’s A Shame” – First Aid Kit
“Show You The Way” – Thundercat
“Nightshift” – The Commodores
“Freaking Out” – Michigander (Sonic Lunch 2026)
“Ready Set Go” – Grace Potter (Sonic Lunch 2026)
“Chicago” – Mavis Staples (Sonic Lunch 2026)
HOUR TWO:
“Soulshine” – Jill Jack
“Senses” – Arlo Parks ft. Sampha
“Spirit 2.0” – Sampha
“Doom Mood” – Pearl & The Oysters
“Yell Fire” – Michael Franti
“Are You One Of Us” – Rodney Crowell ft. Guy Clark
“Talkin’ Blues” – Taj Mahal ft. Ziggy Marley
“Big Stick” – MUNA
“The Payoff” – Father John Misty
“Only You Do” – GoldFord
“Darwin Derby” – Vulfpeck
Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
We like to say that metro Detroit has it all, but you only have so much time to experience it! Every week is a choose-your-own-adventure, and we have some fun options to raise if you don’t know were to start.
This weekend, prepare to laugh with shows like “Shucked” and “Jurassic Park: The Musical”. Celebrate local efforts and learn about food sovereignty with the Detroit Food Commons Fest. You can also take a nice walk through downtown Royal Oak on Mother’s Day looking at everything you could ever need to make your yard a mini-paradise.
Back by popular demand, “Jurassic Park: The Musical” is a retelling of the classic high-stakes dinosaur film—this time, as a prehistoric parody for your amusement with original songs. This show contains mature humor, and isn’t recommended for audiences under 16 years of age. Both showings start at 8 p.m., and this is the last weekend to experience it, so don’t wait!
Join the award-winning Detroit People’s Food Co-op for their second anniversary celebration! They’ll have vendors, food, political education and activities for guests to enjoy. Plus, a bouncy house and fun games for kids! This event is in the North End and will be going from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On May 9 and 10, the Midland Center for the Arts will show the Tony Award-winning musical, “Shucked.” Saturday performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday performances will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission starts at $49.50. For more information, visit the Midland Center for the Arts’ website.
A long-held Mother’s Day tradition in downtown Royal Oak. Step out and start beautifying your outdoor space with offerings of flowers and plants, statues, decorations, furniture and more. You can add another lawn gnome to your collection, get starter plants for your garden, or make a backyard perfect for attracting birds and butterflies. Food vendors will be there to make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty either. Stop by anytime from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit with a curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length feature. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. Many showings also include discussion and activities to experience film to the fullest. View the showings and buy tickets in advance for this final weekend of films, themed “Remember. (Re)imagine.”
Stroll along the beautiful Detroit Riverfront with local herbalists. As you walk, you’ll learn how to identify and best handle different plants, and be able to take home your own herbal creation. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. This event runs from 5:30-7 p.m.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Celebrated producer, musician and WDET host Don Was is being honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in recognition of his profound contributions to Detroit’s sound and art as a whole.
Was has earned six Grammys for producing and musicianship. He’s also been recognized for his work as a filmmaker, composer and more with a British Academy Award, Emmy and other honors. Was has lead the jazz label Blue Notes Records as company president since 2011.
Don Was at Wayne State University’s commencement on May 8, 2026. The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts honored him with Doctor of Humane Letters.
With his many international accomplishments, Was keeps Detroit front and center, invigorating the cultural scene with his yearly performances at the Concert of Colors and his work with the talented Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
WDET is grateful to have him behind the mic every Friday night on The Don Was Motor City Playlist alongside Ann Delisi, where he shares insights, stories about the city’s music scene and expertly selected songs with a rapt audience. The show recently celebrated five years on air.
The honorary degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University further highlights his extraordinary accomplishments in the arts and his lifelong commitment to Detroit. Join us in congratulating Don Was on this well-deserved honor.
Hear from Don himself, talking about his career and insights about the arts today on The Metro.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Shoegaze is a prominent genre in Big Sonic Heaven and last night was no exception as I featured new music from Tokyo Shoegazer, She Shone, The Haunted Youth as well as some Shoegaze classics. Take a peek below at the playlist and, as always, the show is available for two weeks on-demand at WDET.org. Thanks for listening!
“Rococo” — Cocteau Twins
“The Drift” — deary
“The Perfect Girl” — The Cure
“Be Still” (Robin Guthrie remix featuring Elizabeth Frazer) — Peace Together
“A New Goodbye” — Nation of Language
“Remains” — Tokyo Shoegazer
“Mesmerise” — Chapterhouse
“Prince of Insecuria” (feat. Erik Ljunggren & Johannes Winther Farstad) — Bel Canto
“A Girl Like You” [7″ Mix] — Wolfgang Press
“Slivered Kisses” (feat. Danella Hocevar) — She Shone
“Diamonds in the Sand” — State of Grace
“What a Mess!” — Ellis
“Love in Itself” — Depeche Mode
“Atlantis” — Postiljonen
“You and Your Sister” — This Mortal Coil
“Another Tale From Another English Town” — Lanterns on the Lake
“The Dance of the Birds” — Gergana Dimitrova & Lisa Gerrard
“End Credits” — Laptop
“In Real Life” — ACTORS
“Leave Me Alone” — New Order
“Wake Up” — The Haunted Youth
“Bedbugs and Ballyhoo” — Echo & the Bunnymen
“Clusters” — Emma Anderson
“The Maker of Heavenly Trousers” — Cranes
“Chained to a Cloud” — Slowdive
“Além” — Summer of Hate
“No Flash in the Sky” — Moev
“Our Day Will Come” — Dead Can Dance
“Wild Horses” — The Sundays
“Tell Me” (feat. Saoirse Ronan) — Johnny Jewel
“I L U” — School of Seven Bells
“Dirt” — Searows
“Lions” — Tones on Tail
“The Runaway” (feat. Elle J) — UNKLE
“Trainspotting” — Primal Scream
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Amelia Day joins us for the first time! The newcomer from Washington State is about 5 years into their career, having just dropped a new EP called “Ego Trip” this week, with a full-length debut coming later this year.
Also, two great covers from past in-studio guests Norah Jones, Grant Lee Phillips and more.
See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Acoustic Café Playlist for May 3, 2026
“Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
“Frown Lines” – Blessing Jolie
“Kentucky Too Long” – Charlie Crockett
“Strawberry Moonrise/Year After Year” – I’m With Her
“Young Love” – Milk Carton Kids
“Song Of Storms” – Jon Batiste & Josh Harmon
“Lilac Wine” – Arooj Aftab, Beck
“Clementine” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
“Skippin’ Down The Sidewalk” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
“We Were Made For These Times” – The Klezmatics
“I Guess I Wasn’t Made For These Times” – The Beach Boys
“All For A Man” – ROZZI
“Next To Me” – Emeli Sande (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
“Alleycat” – Mumford & Sons
“Dirtbag Saloon” – Emily Scott Robinson
“Got A New Car” – Tyler Ballgame
“The Store” – Anjimile
“Cold Cold Heart” – Norah Jones (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
“This Town (acoustic)” – Brooke Combe
“The Only Time I Prayed” – Dermot Kennedy
“Particular” – James Hunter Six
“Under The Milky Way” – Grant Lee Phillips (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
“Margie” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
“Eastward Of Eden” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
Listen to Acoustic Café with host Rob Reinhart every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music we’ll note some classic album anniversaries from May of 1966 – 2006… also lots of new tunes from Canadian Cat Clyde, a third album from Arlo Parks, the final “balloon” from Tank & The Bangas, a quiet folk record from Michigan’s Ryan Racine and much more!
See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for May 2, 2026
HOUR ONE:
“Invisible Ink” – King Tuff
“Beams” – Arlo Parks
“Acid Tongue” – Swamp Dogg
“Puppy And A Truck” – Jenny Lewis
“I Wish” – Stevie Wonder (1 of 30 NYT Best Living Songwriters)
“Steady As She Goes” – The Raconteurs (May 2006)
“Ahead By A Century” – The Tragically Hip (May 1996)
“Cherry Bomb” – The Runaways (May 1976)
“Love Song 43” – Ryan Racine
“Hold My Hand” – Cat Clyde
“Panic In Detroit” – Steven Brown
“All The Disaster” – Sarah McLachlan
“Big Time” – Peter Gabriel (May 1986)
“Little Darling (I Need You)” – Marvin Gaye (May 1966)
HOUR TWO:
“Riptides” – Death Cab For Cutie
“Oyaya” – Angelique Kidjo
“6th Ward” – Trombone Shorty
“I Did This To Myself” – Thundercat
“Whole Lot Of Shakin’ In My Heart” – Smokey Robinson (1 of 30 NYT Best Living Songwriters)
“6th Avenue Heartache” – The Wallflowers (May 1996)
Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
Support the shows you love.
WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »
Metro Detroit’s cultural veins are thrumming this week with jazz, spring greenery, and so much more. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Southwest Detroit with local vendors and a sweeping parade, find some new music at the Detroit Vinyl Fest or enrich your mind with a free trip to the Cranbrook Science museum.
There’s a lot to do this weekend for little to no cost… and if you’re thinking you’d like to lighten your wallet, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so while supporting important causes and local business.
Enter a world of discovery at the Cranbrook Science Museum! There are so many exhibits to explore and many hands-on learning opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Take advantage of free admission and engage your curiosity. Stars, fossils, mammoths and more await you.
The Midtown Jazz Crawl kicks off this weekend with performances by the Xavier Davis New York Quartet, a group of seasoned jazz musicians that bring both city-sophistication and warm inviting tones into a medley of classics and original compositions. Experience a stirring performance that channels the soul of jazz Friday at the Detroit Institute of Arts or Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Both shows start at 7 p.m.
Join Bailey Park in celebrating the Earth and the arrival of spring. Further your sustainability-skills and knowledge with various demonstrations and resources on site. There will be limited free food, crafts, local vendors, plus the opportunity to plant in the community garden. Revel for the planet! The event goes from 1-5 p.m, with a live performance by the Detroit Urban Orchestra from 3-4 p.m.
The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit invites you to watch a colorful parade down West Vernor Hwy, including Mariachis, schools, local businesses, and the Miss Mexico Pageant Queen and her court among the procession of floats and dancers. Local vendors and entertainers will be around for the Original Cinco de Mayo Fiesta both days from noon to 8 p.m. The parade is on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.
Free Comic Book Day
Various
May 2
Free
Various local shops and libraries are taking part in Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 2. Green Brain in Dearborn, Vault of Midnight in Detroit and many more are all offering a variety of experiences, including food, activities and—of course—free comic books to guests. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Calling all music-lovers! Expand your physical media music library at the second annual Detroit Vinyl Fest. Browse vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, music memorabilia and more while DJs set a soundtrack for the day, and keep an eye out for artists offering autographs. The festival is up and running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit. A curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length features are available for viewing. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. View the showings and buy tickets in advance.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
There’s no doubt the Detroit Lions have scarred many of their fans, being the first team to ever go 0-16.
Heartbreaking losses that seemed to defy the rule book, like Calvin Johnson’s non-catch in Chicago. Or the picked up penalty in the playoffs vs the Cowboys.
Losing affects the players too, like Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders faxing his retirement to his hometown newspaper.
It’s not easy for anyone around that franchise, apparently. The same goes for Dearborn-raised, Brooklyn-based comedian Joel Walkowski.
In his book “Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Team Created a Winning Man” Walkowski recounts the story of his family’s personal trauma, alongside the failings of his favorite team, the Detroit Lions. It’s incredibly funny and deeply personal in a way that many can relate to.
Walkowski has been on stages across the country. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, on Comedy Central and a bunch of other places. He tells WDET’s Russ McNamara why he decided to write the book.
Listen: Detroit-raised comedian uses the Lions to express his struggles with addiction in ‘Honolulu Blues’
Joel Walkowski: It was during the [Lions coach Matt] Patricia era, and you knew that fourth quarter collapse was always coming, and knowing that the hard thing was coming kind of made it easier. And that made me think, like, ‘oh, being a Lions fan impacted me in a profound way’.
And then as part of my, like, sobriety journey, I was tasked to do goals for myself. Like, what do I really want out of life? What do I think maximizes who I am? And it was like, “Oh, if I don’t write this book, I will always regret it.” So it became my purpose, my number one goal, and like I revolved my life around writing this book.
Russ McNamara: It says a lot about the depth of a book when a historically bad franchise with its own share of tragedy isn’t the darkest stuff in it.
JW: I’ll say that there is maybe every bit of darkness that could exist is in this book, but it’s handled with lightness. And I do think the overlap is there because I started to get very serious about my sobriety, September 2021 exactly.
And I don’t know how familiar you guys are with Lions history, but things started to be done very different. So it’s Campbell-Holmes era. It’s Sheila Ford. I’m bouncing back from, like, my darkest points. So like looking at Jared [Goff] and Dan [Campbell] and Brad [Holmes], as I’m like, you know, white knuckling 90 days of sobriety and thinking, like, “Oh, is there a different way to do this?” It was so helpful.
RM: In the book, you’re very open about your experience growing up, and you specifically mentioned essentially getting addicted to speed as a child—as many people of our age did. At what point did you, even as a child, kind of realize something’s not right?
JW: I was seven years old when I was put on very high doses of Adderall. Then I get to high school and there was a high school video program. I started to want to make different videos. I wanted to have more ambitions, but I would just start taking pill after pill after pill, pulling all-nighters and really string myself out.
But along those same lines, every time I’d produce something, I got validation. I was seen for the first time. So this finding of my identity was happening while I was abusing a substance.
I didn’t become an addict because I was letting loose or partying. I became an addict alone in my room, fostering some ambition, because putting something out there was the only way I had any value, any worth, right?
Joel Walkowksi is a Detroit-raised comedian who now lives in Brooklyn, NY.
RM: How much of that value and worth did you sort of get tied into with following the ins and outs of the Detroit Lions?
JW: My life revolves around Sundays, but I try and make them only value added. Regardless of a win or loss, I play basketball from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If we win, I show my girlfriends the highlights. If we lose, I turn off my phone and don’t check any football news until Tuesday.
If you get to the very ending of this book, which dovetails with, you know, a certain 17-point halftime lead, [Lions vs 49ers in 2023 NFC Championship Game] that lesson was given to me is “the win is the friends and relationships we make along the way.” And that it took me nearly 40 years to learn that.
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There’s something special about the way nature creates its own art and it’s even more special how creativity can live, breathe, and grow right alongside those green spaces.
Visitors will get that experience as it comes to life at Palmer Park with Art and Music in the Trees. It’ll turn the old growth woods themselves into an open air gallery. The festival is a celebration of sustainability, community, and the power of art to transform how we connect with the world around us.
Mark Loeb is the president of Integrity Shows. He joined me to talk more about the Earth Day experience that is Art and Music in the Trees at Palmer Park. The event is on Saturday, April 25.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
We’ve got everything from orchestral renditions of Journey’s greatest hits to parties that won’t stop until the sun rises this week in Metro Detroit. The lights may come down in every other city, but here in Detroit, they’re always going up.
Put on your most elegant pair of painter’s jeans and get ready to take a dive into the world of artistic vandalism. From April to August, the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University will be hosting an exhibition composed of 25 subway drawings created by Keith Harring between 1980 and 1985. “Art is for everyone,” so be sure to take this opportunity to see one of America’s most prolific artists. The gallery is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the hours shift to 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays.
Break out the strolling shoes, practice your hand-behind-the-back smolder and embrace your inner art critic. Over the course of the next three weeks, Wayne State University will be holding its 2026 undergraduate exhibition showcasing fine arts, art history and design. This collection is an emphasis on the student’s ability to go beyond the confines of what we see as contemporary art. The opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the gallery being open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
But if that’s just not enough art for you, if you’re a real division 1 yearnerand you’re looking for something more to sink your creative canines into, this Friday, the Wayne State University Graduate Artist Coalition is hosting an open studio and gallery event coinciding with the opening reception of the undergraduate exhibition. In addition to the ceramics, industrial design and paintings, there will also be live music as well as refreshments. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Caffeine and ample water consumption are going to become your most trusted compatriots this weekend as you fight the urge to pass out with your tenacity to groove. This Friday, Marble Bar is teaming up with Lincoln Factory to bring you a 12-hour set consisting of 4 different stages across both venues. Stages will be both indoors and outdoors, with performances from DOME SURVEY, Ayesha, Matthew Dear, Bruno Schmidt and more. The event is set to begin at 9 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. And don’t forget the five-hour energy.
Normally, I’d say something along the lines of, “house and acid are commencing a takeover this weekend,” but take over where? The location hasn’t even been disclosed yet… I suppose this week’s motto should be “eh, take a chance.” At least you know which horses you’ll be betting on. This Saturday, Chicago native Specter is headlining the Sleep Olympics booth with Sugar, Shigeto, Meftah and 2000 Avalon on deck. The event will begin at 10 p.m. and it will go until 7 a.m. Boy, we are just screwing with your sleep schedule, aren’t we?
The neon beacons and the beckons of R&B are calling you home this weekend, to your true home, with all of us wonderful degenerates in tow. Pull through to Big Pink this Saturday to immerse yourself in 2000s throwbacks and bumping dance rhythms. DJ Selfie, Completd and Chuck Inglish are spinning tracks to get you making questionable decisions until the wee hours of the night, butyou know what Austin Butler’s mother always used to say, “embarrassment is an underexplored emotion, get out there and make a fool of yourself.” This event is set to begin at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m.
But, if stationary art and house shows dont pique your interest, perhaps you’ll feel better suited supporting local filmmakers at Oakland University’s 2026 film showcase. The English, creative writing and film departments have united to bring you a night filled with narrative, experimental and documentary short films. So,make the trek out to Rochester and don’t forget the popcorn. And don’t worry, this event starts at 3 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. for you “normal sleep pattern” people.
If it wasn’t the music itself and it was simply that it didn’t have enough elegance whilst also reminding you of your father who grew up in the 80s, you’re in for a treat pal. This weekend the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is hosting an orchestral tribute to one of rock’s most notorious bands: Journey. The beauty of this performance is set to make sure you’re the one who’s crying now. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday performance as well.
Or, if you just felt there wasn’t enough grit in your meal this week, New Orleans native Jay Electronica is slated to perform alongside Detroit heavy hitter Boldy James this Saturday in Pontiacand you’re not going to want to miss this.These two emcees are making history this weekend, and I don’t need to give you Exhibit A through C to show you that it’d be pitiful of you to skip out. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m.
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WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
Young people have stories to tell. The Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival is a place for them to share those stories. It started in 2019 and has been growing ever since.
Teens from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties create films that are just fifteen seconds long.
Watch the 2025 grand prize film from the 2025 Detroit Teen Truth Festival, directed by Johan Calderon.
Fifteen seconds to share a perspective. Fifteen seconds to express what matters to them. Each year, the festival chooses a theme. The teens help pick it, so it reflects what they care about most. The films are creative, honest, and often really powerful. This year’s is “My Mental Health, Myself.”
Finalists can win cash prizes and scholarships. But even more important, they get a chance to be heard. These films help communities see the world through young people’s eyes. It gives teens a voice and empowers them to share it.
Margaret Edwartowski Executive Director of Y Arts YMCA Detroit
Nicolas Cucinella Board member for The Y Arts YMCA Detroit
In this conversation, we were joined by Y Arts Executive Director Margret Edwartowski and Y Arts Board member Nicolas Cucinella. We learned more about the importance of giving teens space to express their ideas.
The 2026 festival is Saturday April 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, the ’90s rock icon Melissa Etheridge is our guest this week, playing songs from her new album “Rise.” This is Melissa’s first new set of tunes since 2019, and her life has been tumultuous… but she’s come to embrace her reality at age 64.
Also, archives from the late Barenaked Ladies in 1996, the late Jon Dee Graham and more.
See the playlist below and listen to the episodes on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.
Listen to Acoustic Café with host Rob Reinhart every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org
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