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Metro Events Guide: Nostalgic cartoons and African music envelop Metro Detroit this week

16 April 2026 at 16:54

We’ve got everything from live Looney Tunes scores to 7 a.m. DJ sets this week, so be ready to brace for that falling anvil and make sure you’ve got your daily intake of coffee because it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Upcoming events (April 16 – 23)

Paradise Lost 

📍Hilberry Gateway

🗓 April 17 – 26

🎟 $15 – 25

Take a journey down to the Hilberry Gateway in Midtown to witness Wayne State’s biblically epic rendition of Erin Shields’ “Paradise Lost.” This performance reimagines one of history’s most tantalizing tales by challenging our general idea of what good and evil are while delving into aspects of oppression, rebellion and knowledge. There are weekday shows ranging from 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., as well as weekend shows which begin at either 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 

Detroit Artists Market 

📍4719 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48201

🗓 April 17 – May 16

🎟 Free

Come down to the Detroit Artists Market to see the student finalists from Cranbrook Art Academy face off for the opportunity to be awarded the John F. Korachis Scholarship. This is the 60th Annual Scholarship and Awards Exhibition put on by the academy and this year, there are 10 finalists3 of whom will receive this esteemed scholarshipshowcasing paintings as well as sculptures. This event is a month-long and is available to the public between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day  

World Music Concert 

📍Varner Recital Hall

🗓 April 17

🎟 $7 – 10

Take a ride out to Rochester this Friday to immerse yourself in African and Caribbean culture with performances by Oakland University’s African Ensemble and Steel Band, featuring Haruna Walusimbi, royal musician of the Busoga and Buganda kingdoms in Uganda. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. 

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony 

📍Detroit Opera House

🗓 April 18 – 19

🎟 $48+

It may be a few weeks past the end of rabbit season here in Michigan, but fortunately, it’s opened up once again for this weekend only. Grab your Stormy Kromer hat, your hunter’s orange and book it down to the Detroit Opera House on the back of a roadrunner because you’re not gonna want to miss this cartoonishly nostalgic performance.

This Saturday and Sunday, 17 episodes of classic Looney Tunes will be played on the big screen while a symphony plays the iconic scores live for your enjoyment. This performance will also feature the world premiere of a new animated short celebrating Bugs Bunny’s 85th birthday. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 

The Magical Music of Harry Potter 

📍Music Hall Center

🗓 April 16

🎟 $50+

Hop on your broom or your griffin and whisk yourself down to the Music Hall Center in downtown Detroit to be enchanted with the sorcerous sounds of the wizarding world. This Thursday, “The Magical Music of Harry Potter” is coming to spellbind you to the edge of your seat as you’re carried through an expedition of your childhood. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. 

DJANGOPHONIQUE 

📍 Cliff Bell’s

🗓 April 16 – 18

🎟 $25

If you’re looking for something a bit smoother, well, you’ve stumbled upon silk, my friend. DJANGOPHONIQUE is an award-winning project that is nurturing the Hot Club revival right now. The sounds present transport you to another time, one where you’re a bit more centered and perhaps even Parisian. Think of it like Midnight in Detroit and you get to be Owen Wilson. Local Spins even deemed it the “Most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan.” Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. as well as 9:30 p.m. 

New Dawn 

📍Big Pink

🗓 April 18

🎟 $23

You know the deal. Lace up those Chucks and bolt over to the Eastside’s neon warehouse once again for some of the greatest Afrobeat, Afrohouse and Ampiano this city has to offer. Get ready to grab a drink and shift continents as DJs Yung D, Blakito, Marine and Getboxed spin tracks deep into the night. The event begins at 10 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. 

fcukers 

📍Lincoln Factory

🗓 April 17

🎟 $29+

Hop, skip and jump over to Lincoln Factory this Friday for a legendary performance by New York-based electronic band fcukers as they combine forces with indie rock band Sex WeekThis event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m.  

Orbit 

📍TBA

🗓 April 18

🎟 $22+

Get your caffeine in order and blast off to a currently undisclosed location this weekend as the co-founder of Swedish label Studio Barnhus Axel Boman is set to deliver his solo debut with a three-hour performance that’s sure to leave you floating out of your body by the end, from sleep deprivation, of course... The show will be opened by DJs clairvoyant, Mister Joshooa and Secrets. This event goes from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m., so pack a set of pajamas and a toothbrush. 

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.

The post Metro Events Guide: Nostalgic cartoons and African music envelop Metro Detroit this week appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Metro Events Guide: From classical to rap, submerge yourself in the groove this weekend in Metro Detroit

9 April 2026 at 16:11

We’ve got everything from jazz vocalists to Memphis rappers this week, so be ready to put on your cufflinks, but don’t forget the Three 6 Mafia-themed pocket square

Upcoming events (April 9 – 16)

The Saunderson Brothers 

📍Big Pink

🗓 April 10

🎟 $23

We know that last week we let down you house heads and now we’re here to repay our debt. This weekend, electronic music is practically flooding the Eastside and we’ve got your snorkel and flippers. The Saunderson brothers are slinging out house tracks like Waffle House slapjacks in a B2B set with Slimey so lace up those non-slip shoes and get ready to step into the kitchen. This event starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

SHIFT 

📍Spot Lite

🗓 April 11

🎟 $23+

Urban Pulse reacquaints with Spot Lite this weekend, bringing the heart of Berlin to Detroit. Headliner Lars Huismann is delivering atmospheric German techno that’s reminiscent of the old days but continues to carve a clear path in today’s scene. He’s also joined by DJs RedaxJANSØ, Austin Buck and KHONSHU. Whether you’re sporting a pair of lederhosen or dressing like you’re ready for Berghain, embrace the sounds of the Fatherland and get grooving. This event begins at 10 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. 

Siren: Girls on Wax 

📍Paris Bar

🗓 April 11

🎟 $17

Slide down Six Mile over to Hamtramck’s Paris Bar to catch Chicago native Inés spin deepcut disco vinyl until you can’t remember whether you’re in Michigan or France. She’s also joined by an all-femme roster of DJs, including angel baskets, Savannah G and Auntie ChanelThis event goes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Golden Grizzly and Blue Grizzly Jazz Singers 

📍Varner Recital Hall

🗓 April 12

🎟 $7-10

Perhaps last week’s hiatus from house and techno was a breath of fresh air for some folks and don’t worry, because we’ve still got you stuck on our minds like spaghetti sauce on a Tupperware container. This Sunday, Oakland University’s Golden Grizzly and Blue Grizzly vocal groups are coming together for an energetic jazz ensemble set to leave your ears as soothed as a massageThis event begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. 

Northern Lights Festival 

📍Orchestra Hall

🗓 April 9-11

🎟 $21

Oh and we’re not done with the classics just yet. This weekend, take a rickshaw ride downtown to Orchestra Hall to hear the beauty emanate from the Northern Lights Festival. The performance will be led by Principal Guest Conductor Tabita Berglund as you dive into a Nordic soundscape. The hall will be filled with birdsongs as the violinist Johan Dalene puts his bow to the grindstone in Sibelius’s violin concerto. The event begins at 8 p.m. 

Project Pat 

📍 Diamondback Music Hall

🗓 April 10

🎟 $38+

This weekend, the mane who’s down for his crown returns to bring that Memphis heat to Southeast Michigan. Project Pat is making a stop in Van Buren Charter Township as part two of his Redemption Tour, so get out there and bring your iced tea… but leave the nine’s and TEC’s at home. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. 

Visceral Soup 

📍22North

🗓 April 11-12

🎟 Free

If the music isn’t appealing to you this week, sneak out to Ypsilanti for a calm yet vibrant vibe supporting Michigan artists. 22North art gallery is teaming up with Eastern Michigan University to put on their 10th exhibition, “Visceral Soup.” The show will feature work from 11 of EMU’s Master of Fine Arts students exploring the world of ceramics, painting and mixed media. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. 

Microwave 

📍Majestic Theatre

🗓 April 10

🎟 $42+

Atlanta-based rock band Microwave is making their way to Detroit as they tour with Anthony Green, Hunny and Into It. Over It. They’ve recently released a 10th anniversary version of their 2016 album Much Love, and it’s time to show them how much love our city has to offer. The show begins at 7 p.m. If you’re not there, we’re going to assume you went to see Air Fryer instead and while we don’t entirely condemn that move, we will be judging semi-silently

Concrete Boys 

📍Saint Andrews Hall

🗓 April 11

🎟 $35

The Concrete Boys are back in Detroit this weekend for their This Is Us Vol. 2 tour at Saint Andrews Hall downtown. The group, made up of Lil Yachty, Draft DayCamo!, Honest and more recently dropped their second album, a sequel to their first project and now it’s time to break out those hard hats and prepare for the mosh pit. The concert begins at 8 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.

The post Metro Events Guide: From classical to rap, submerge yourself in the groove this weekend in Metro Detroit appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Metro Events Guide: Envelop yourself in the elegant and strange this week in Metro Detroit.

2 April 2026 at 14:00

We’ve got everything from classical symphonies to taxidermy goats this week, so be ready to dive in and blur the lines between grace and eccentricity.

Upcoming events (April 2 – 9)

Jazz Ensemble Concert 

📍Varner Recital Hall

🗓 April 7

🎟 Free

Slip on your most polished set of loafers and take a trip out to Rochester to experience Oakland University’s Creative Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos. The Ensemble will feature experimental performances, while the Combos will consist of standards from the American songbook. This event begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Detroit International Festival of Animation 

📍Senate Theater

🗓 April 4

🎟 $10

Hike down Michigan Ave this Saturday to immerse yourself in motion pictures at the 11th annual installation of the Detroit International Festival of Animation. 

This showing features 19 animated short films from artists across the globe, but also a few from right here in Metro-Detroit. And, if you arrive early before the event, you might just be able to catch the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ pre-show hosted by the Detroit Theater Organ Society. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the showing begins at 8 p.m. 

Oakland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus 

📍Orchestra Hall

🗓 March 31

🎟 $25-30

If you’re in the mood to break out your opera glasses and cufflinks, stroll down to Orchestra Hall to witness a performance by Oakland University’s Orchestra and Chorus. This week is already building up to be a bit more in classical fashion, so you might as well embrace the decadence and start off strong. This event begins at 7:30 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. 

Artmembers Opening Preview Party 

📍Cranbrook Art Museum

🗓 April 11

🎟 $20

Dive into the works of the next generation of architects, artists and designers at Cranbrook Art Museum next week as they host the 2026 Graduate Degree Exhibition. 

Perhaps this event will be a look into what the future holds as we hand off the reins to these emerging professionals entering their respective fields. The event begins at 6 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m.   

Modded Detroit Opener 

📍Multi-Lakes Conservation Association

🗓 April 11

🎟 $20

If you’re looking for a break from the “prim and proper” events the city has to offer, or perhaps you just feel more akin to the sound of an engine than a wind section, then we’ve got something up our sleeves for you. Drive over to Commerce Township for the Modded Detroit opening car show. Whether you’re into JDM, Mopar or supercars, it’s all on display here.

With over 2,000 cars, Modded Detroit is one of the largest car communities out there and they’re making sure it’s known. There will be raffles, as well as a foot race with a $500 cash prize. This event begins at 1 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. 

World Oddities Expo 

📍 Huntington Place

🗓 April 4

🎟 $20

Maybe you’re not drawn to the elegance of the violin or the roar of a 68 ChargerPerhaps you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinarymaybe something embalmed? If that’s the case, consider yourself Daniel Day-Lewis because you’ve just struck oil. 

The World Oddities Expo is returning to Detroit this Saturday, and it’s ready to cater to all your lovingly strange needs. Pick up a teacup pig in a jar, a taxidermy antelope, silver jewelry and even walk away sporting some new ink. There will be a plethora of entertainment as well, including live music, painting, burlesque dancers and more. The event begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. 

Pulse and Pixels 

📍Pontiac Little Art Theatre

🗓 April 8

🎟 Free

Bend your understanding of how art interacts with music next week at Oakland University’s Pulse and Pixels exhibition. The performance explores the intersection between visual works and song, featuring both traditional and digital art with an electroacoustic accompaniment. The show includes pieces from both faculty members as well as students. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. 

Pink Party: Hip Hop Night 

📍Big Pink

🗓 April 4

🎟 $23

At this point, I’d like to think you know the drill. Curate your fit, pre-game at the housecatch an Uber over to the Eastside and stop when you see the pink lights emanating through the darkness. Hip-Hop night returns once again with DJs FLYANA BOSS, PROBLEMATICBLACKHOTTIE and FULLBODYDURAG spinning rap’s greatest tracks until your ankles snap.

But there’s a stipulation this time around: pink means free. Whether it be a flat brim or a pair of StrangeLove dunks, a piece of pink clothing voids the fee this Saturday. Perhaps another drink is in order after all… This event goes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Half N’ Half Festival 

📍Lager House

🗓 April 3 – April 4

🎟 1 Day: $25 – 2 Days: $45 

But if all of this just seems like a whole lot of noise to you and you’re desperately searching for something more rock-oriented, don’t worry, we wouldn’t dream of leaving you hanging. This Friday and Saturday, Detroit is feeling the effects of mixing vibes and I’m not talking dark and light cocktails, unless that’s you’re kind of thing, of course. 

Lager House is hosting the Half n’ Half Festival this weekend, with Friday tackling the indie/ alternative side and Saturday taking on the heavy in a yin-yang of rock. The show will feature local artists such as Ethan Marc, Panda House, Heat Above and more. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the shows start at 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.

The post Metro Events Guide: Envelop yourself in the elegant and strange this week in Metro Detroit. appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

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