Detroit is overflowing with talent, and this week’s lineup of events proves it. From bands to comedians, from visual artists to storytellers, you’ll get to soak it all in at these eight showcases.

Plus, a cultural convening with an exclusive discount for WDET listeners. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

CONTAINER Tour Kickoff

  Cadillac Square Park in Detroit

  Friday, Oct. 3

  Free

A showcase of Detroit talent featuring live music from La Cecille, a DJ set from Darryl DeAngelo Terrell, and fashion activations from Ali Evans, Nabeela Najjar and Taylor Childs. The event goes from 5–9 p.m. and admission is free.

Comedy at the Congregation Second Anniversary Show

  The Congregation Detroit

  Friday, Oct. 3

  $18–$20

A comedy night celebrating two years of the Comedy at the Congregation series, hosted by Sarah Lynn. This month’s comedians are Drew Harmon, Alana Gonzalez, Rio Riojas and Tim Reaburn. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door.

Troupe Vertigo with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

  DSO Orchestra Hall

  Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5

  $20–$119

An acrobatics performance backed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, featuring selections from Star Wars, Star Trek, Disney’s Up and more. Tickets start at $20 and there will be four performances throughout the weekend.

Freak Fest 3

  Downtown Ypsilanti, various locations

  Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5

  $0–$15

A celebration of all things freaky, featuring three days of live music, local vendors and Halloween vibes across multiple Ypsilanti venues. Most of the festival is free and open to the public, but events at Ziggy’s have a $15 cover.

15th Annual Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival

  Hamtramck, various locations

  Saturday, Oct. 4

  Free

A community-organized festival highlighting Hamtramck’s creative community. Participating artists host audiences in unconventional spaces like their home studios, front porches, parks and coffee shops. Admission is generally free and open to the public, but donations are welcome to keep the festival going.

Seen/Scene: Artwork from the Jennifer Gilbert Collection

  The Shepherd in Detroit

  Sunday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Jan. 10

  Free

An exhibition featuring the work of 36 contemporary artists from Jennifer Gilbert’s private collection. The exhibition is curated by Cranbrook Art Museum Chief Curator Laura Mott and seminal artist Nick Cave, and it explores themes related to how we see each other. An opening celebration will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Shepherd, featuring artist talks, a film screening, interactive workshops and retail pop-ups.

Detroit Story Fest

  The Detroit Opera House

  Thursday, Oct. 9

  $25–$35

A curated night of performance art and storytelling by Detroit artists, reporters and community members. This year’s theme is “No Small Wind Is Blowing,” highlighting stories about immigration, transition and the invisible forces that inspire movement. Stories begin at 8 p.m., and WDET’s Waajeed (host of The Boulevard) will keep the party going with a DJ set after the show.

TéMaTé Institute’s 2025 Convening for Dance & Culture

  The Andy Art Center and Detroit School of Arts Ford Theatre

  Saturday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 19

  $95–$120 ($45 with WDET discount code)

An annual two-day convening that celebrates African diasporic traditions and their enduring impact on culture and community through dance workshops, community classes, a signature concert and a vendor marketplace. This year’s theme is “Ritual: Rhythms of Life & Legacy,” drawing on ancestral wisdom, movement and storytelling to illuminate the importance of preserving traditions while creating space for innovation. WDET listeners can get discounted tickets using code WD3T25 before Thursday, Oct. 9.

This weekend is ripe with opportunities to welcome fall and celebrate diverse cultures, plus musical performances and art fests galore! Next Thursday is the annual Spelling Bee fundraiser for the Dominican Literacy Center.

Don’t miss your chance to be present and support local organizations and businesses. 

Upcoming events

Ascension Exhibit by TYP

Big Pink (6440 Wight St, Detroit, MI 48207)

  Friday, Sep. 19 through Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

This art exhibit blends the designed environment with audio to immerse its audience in an intimate exploration of the relationship between life’s struggles and spiritual growth. The exhibit is open from 6-10 p.m. on Friday and from 12-10 p.m. on Saturday.

DIY Street Fair

Downtown Ferndale

  Friday, Sep. 19 through Sunday, Sep. 21

  Free

Over 150 local artists with quality crafted goods, along with food trucks and live music. The event runs from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Funky Ferndale Art Fair

Downtown Ferndale

  Friday, Sep. 19 through Sunday, Sep. 21

  Free

Browse a unique selection of fine 2D and 3D art pieces, make your own masterpieces, and enjoy spirited music, dance, and circus acts. Attend at no cost Friday from 5p.m. – 9p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to  5 p.m.

WDET is a partner of the Funky Ferndale Art Fair.

1st Annual Community Treehouse Fall Concert

Passage to Wellbeing Alley 

  Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

The inaugural Fall Concert at the Community Treehouse Center opens with a debut of “I Am Light” by Tammy Black, performed by the Urban Art Orchestra . Other performances include Detroit’s Queen of Blues Thornetta Davis, Detroit Reggae Rock and Soul Band and more! Bring your own seating. This event runs from 3-7 p.m.

Palmer Park Harvest Fest

Palmer Park Community Center

  Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

Take part in a Palmer Park tradition, celebrating the first official days of fall with apple tasting, cider and donuts available to the first 500 guests free of charge. You and your family can take part in the petting zoo, arts and crafts, and watch live entertainment from 1-4 p.m among an old growth forest.

DTE Community Concert

The Hawk

  Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

Enjoy a classical music program performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra that includes premiere selections from “313: Six Vignettes for Orchestra” by Detroit’s Composer Laureate Patrick Prouty. The music starts at 7 p.m. Reserve your tickets in advance.

Chicano Fest

Batch Brewing Company

  Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

Celebrate Chicano culture with live music, lowriders, lucha libre and more. Activities for all ages, from noon-10 p.m.

Brazilian Day Street Festival

Vamonos!

  Saturday, Sep. 20

  Free

The 4th annual Brazilian Day Street Festival opens with a lively parade and offers dance workshops and competitions throughout the day. Canja de Boa will be performing live. Join anytime from noon-7 p.m.

Dominican Literacy Center Spelling Bee

Jam Brandy 

  Thursday, Sep. 25

  $40 or $35 for participants

The annual Dominican Literacy Center Spelling Bee raises funds for the organization to continue their mission of helping adults improving their reading and writing skills. This benefit is hosted by Stephen Henderson with guest Dame Wilburn from Moth Story Hour and goes from 6-9 p.m.

It’s been more than 60 years since the Beatles arrived on the shores of the U.S. bringing the first wave of the “British Invasion”.  But even decades later, enthusiasm for the “Lads from Liverpool” is strong. 

Beatles fans remain excited, not only because of an expected compilation release by the group, but because they still have a chance to see what appears to be a live performance by the rock legends. 

The facsimile called “1964 The Tribute” is still generating excitement, even though they’ve been touring for 40 years. 

As WDET’s Jerome Vaughn noticed in this NPR report from 2001 that fans didn’t really mind that they weren’t seeing the genuine article. 

Meeting 1964 in 2001

The House of Blues in downtown Chicago is packed with fans of all ages.  Middle aged men and women gather in clumps down on the dance floor while a group of teenage girls jostle to proclaim their love for their favorite Beatle. 

The girls are well aware that these aren’t the real Beatles. They know they’re about to hear four middle-aged men—three from Akron, Ohio and one from Los Angeles.   But it doesn’t seem to matter.  The excitement the band generates could have come straight out of a 1960’s newsreel.   

During the show, “1964’s” George dances just like the real one in a “A Hard Day’s Night” and Ringo does his trademark headshake while pounding out the beat.    

The band members have watched hundreds of hours of tape, learning to imitate the mannerisms and voices of the Beatles.   Gary Grimes, who plays Paul, even spent years learning to play the bass left-handed.  And all of the group’s members have perfected their Liverpool accents.  Mark Benson is the group’s John.   

“Well, John’s a bit snotty isn’t he.  He would say something like shut up or something like that while Paul’s talking or something last that you know,” says Benson, reflecting on how to perfect the persona.  “But the main thing we want to talk about is the interaction between people is very natural.” 

The musicians dress like the Beatles, complete with black suits and skinny ties and, of course, the signature haircuts.  They even use a combination of authentic and reproduction guitars and amplifiers to get the sound just right. 

“1964 The Tribute” has the reputation for being so authentic that the members of three other Beatle cover bands have come to see the House Of Blues show. 

Frank Kanino from the group British Export says “1964” is the gospel when it comes to Beatle bands. “They move just like the Beatles.  They dance.  They’ve done their homework.  They’ve got the best show imaginable.  It’s great to go see them.  They really bring back that feeling.”  

Making it real is the only way to make the fans happy according to Jimmy Pou, the group’s George. 

“As musicians and actors we’re doing the Beatles and most of the people that come to see us are Beatle aficionados, if you will, or Beatle fanatics and they know every little nuance.  They know every little mannerism and if you don’t do it or you do it the wrong way, they’ll notice.”   

Apparently, the members of “1964” get it right.  After more than 15 years, the number of fans has grown dramatically, as have the number of nights the band plays each year and the size of the venues.   

Bringing Beatles to new generations

Down in front, six teenage girls lean their elbows on the stage singing, screaming, and swaying side to side.    The girls know the words to every song, even though they were born more than a decade after the real Beatles broke up.  14-year-old Megan O’Connor is one of them.   

“My favorite part of the show was the ‘Twist and Shout’ part,” she says. When asked why she liked that part, O’Connor replies, “Because we were all dancing and it was fun — and I like that song.”  

For Megan and many of the teenage fans at the 1964 show, their love of the music seems genuine. But their manic behavior may be genetic. 

Peggy O’Connor is Megan’s mom. “She went from N Sync to the Beatles very quickly and she lives for the Beatles.  I’m not surprised at all.  She knows every word to every Beatles song.  She gets that from mommy.” 

The members of “1964 The Tribute” say they don’t know how much longer they’ll continue touring.  The rigors of playing between 150 and 200 nights per year is taking its toll—especially considering “the boys” are in their early 50’s and have families, including teenagers of their own. 

But for now, the group will continue giving Beatles fans the closest thing they can get to a live performance by John, Paul, George and Ringo.   

This story originally aired in 2001.  Since that was an archived report, we should note that Mark Benson continues to lead the group, but Gary Grimes died in 2010 and the other members in this story have gone on to different adventures. 

“1964 The Tribute” plays tomorrow night, Saturday September 6, at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  The show starts at 8 p.m. 

This weekend on The Progressive Underground, we dropped anchor in the world of Yacht Rock — that smooth, soulful, and yes, sometimes delightfully corny blend of soft rock, blue-eyed soul, and jazz-pop that soundtracked many a sunset in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

From Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and Christopher Cross to deeper cuts from the California studio scene, we explore the polished grooves, lush arrangements, and the studio legends behind the music. Think creamy synths, tight harmonies and lyrics that make you chuckle while you vibe.

In this special episode, we navigate the genre’s cultural roots, its surprising resurgence and the smooth sounds that still go down easy, whether you’re sailing the coast or just cruising down memory lane.

This program coincides with a special performance by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as they present “Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s and 80s” on Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall. For more information, visit dso.org.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

The Progressive Underground: Yacht Rock Edition playlist (aired July 19, 2025)

• “Taking it to the Streets” by The Doobie Brothers
• “Tin Man” by America
• “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is” by Chicago
• “Baby Come Back” by Player
• “Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck
• “Crazy Love” by Poco
• “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross
• “Free Man in Paris” by Joni Mitchell
• “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
• “Baker Street” by Gerry Raferty
• “Time Passages” by Al Stewart
• “What A Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers
• “You Can’t Change That” by Raydio
• “Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rungren
• “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John
• “Magic” by Olivia Newton John
• “Midnight at the Oasis” by Maria Malduar
• “Reminiscing” by The Little River Band
• “Peg” by Steely Dan
• “Africa” by Toto
• “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago
• “How Much I Feel” by Ambrosia
• “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins
• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
• “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Sarah Smile” by Hall & Oates
• “I Keep Forgetting” by Michael McDonald
• “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille
• “Cool Night” by Paul Davis
• “Goodnight, Tonight” by Paul McCartney
• “Love Will Find A Way” by Pablo Cruise
• “Hey 19” by Steely Dan
• “Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs
• “My Best Friend” by Queen
• “Show You The Way (feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins)” by Thundercat
• “Only The Beginning” by Chicago

Soak up the sun this holiday weekend with outdoor festivals, food truck rallies and concerts. Or, beat the heat at an art gallery or crafting workshop. Either way, we’ve got you covered with these metro Detroit arts and culture events. Read on to learn more.

Outdoor dining

Royal Oak Taco Fest returns to metro Detroit this weekend with tacos, tequila and more from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6. This street festival features food from over 50 vendors and live entertainment across three stages from a wide variety of talent — including WDET favorites Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment, the debut performance of alt-rock band SHÜ, and a special appearance by Tommy Chong of comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Other activities include mechanical bull rides, taco-eating contests, tequila sampling and more. Tickets are $12 and children 3 and under get in for free. For more information, visit royaloaktacofest.com.

Michigan’s largest weekly food truck rally, Downtown Street Eats, is back for its 13th season, bringing a variety of food trucks, carts and local restaurant pop-ups to the heart of Downtown Detroit. On Tuesday, July 8, they’ll have Cousins Maine Lobster, The Chubby Batch Cookies, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Impasto, Little Caesars, Sonny’s Hamburgers and Twisted Street BBQ. Food trucks are available in Cadillac Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and prices vary by truck. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays series continues on July 8 on the second floor of Cabana 313 in Campus Martius Park. Guests are invited to play for free for a chance to win fun prizes, no registration required. Tacos and drinks will be available for purchase, and the series is supported in part by Corona Extra. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Arts and crafts

Decked Out Detroit offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment along throughout the summer. On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on the 1200–1400 blocks of Woodward Avenue, visitors can enjoy acoustic music, pose for personalized watercolor portraits, build a bouquet from the flower cart and more — all free of charge. While most of their activities will be closed on Thursday, July 3, the CREATE DIY workspace on 1413 Woodward will still be open, and is offering a free craft workshop for kids and adults from 4–7 p.m. For more information on their summer lineup, visit deckedoutdetroit.com.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Summer in Sosnick Festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 9 and goes through Sunday, July 20. This series features two weeks of free performances in Sosnick Courtyard, the DSO’s community green space. Events include a concert of works by living BIPOC composers, a yoga and music program, a sensory-friendly concert and more. For more information, visit dso.org.

Or, beat the heat by checking out the Michigan Watercolor Society’s 78th Annual Exhibition at the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield. The exhibition features works from over 60 of Michigan’s finest watercolor artists, ranging from traditional landscapes to stunningly realistic portraits. Admission is free and open to the public, and the show runs through July 23. For more information, visit thejdetroit.org.

This week, we’re celebrating lots of different aspects of our community, from the people who make things happen to the places where memories are made.

Plus, where to catch local performers in metro Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Cultural celebrations

This weekend, Detroit’s largest park is celebrating its 100th birthday. The Rouge Park Centennial Celebration will include a family-friendly carnival, live entertainment for all ages and a community resource fair. Admission is free, and the event goes from 5–8 p.m. on Friday, and from 12–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit rougepark.org.

WDET is partnering with the Concert of Colors to celebrate Michigan’s only historical marker dedicated to the pioneers of Detroit Tejano music on Saturday, June 28. Concert of Colors in Mexicantown will highlight different styles of Latin music, featuring live performances, dancing and food. Admission is free, and the event goes from 1–8 p.m. at the Mexicantown CDC Mercado Plaza. For more information, visit our events page.

The GhostLight Arts Initiative is celebrating five years of arts engagement, production, education and activism in Detroit with an inaugural GhostLight Gala on Sunday, June 29. They’ll be honoring producer Njia Kai and musician Dr. George Shirley for their trailblazing contributions to Black arts, and the evening will feature special remarks, performances, an auction and more. The event goes from 7:30–10 p.m. at the Garden Theatre in Detroit, and tickets range from $40–$150. For more information, visit ghostlight.art.

The Henry Ford and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are celebrating the 4th of July with their annual Salute to America event at Greenfield Village from Wednesday, July 2 through Saturday, July 5. There will be food trucks, fireworks and a patriotic musical performance by the DSO. Festivities go from 5–10 p.m. each day. Tickets are $36–$42 for the general public or $30–$35 for members, and children under 4 get in for free. For more information, visit thehenryford.org.

Local talent

On Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29, The Pleasant Underground is hosting their third annual PUGFEST in Ferndale, highlighting local indie rock, punk, Midwest emo and post-hardcore musicians. This year’s lineup includes performances by Charmer, Origami Button, Eyewash and more. Day passes range from $25–$55, and weekend passes are available for $100. For more information, visit noxp.org.

On Friday, June 27, Michigan Central continues its Fridays at the Station series with a Peoples Records takeover. There will be live performances by the Balance Duo and the Ian Fink Ensemble, with DJ sets curated by Peoples Records in between acts. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and tickets are $15. For more information, visit their event page.

On Thursday, July 3, Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti is hosting a variety show featuring live music and comedy. Comedians include Who Can Say? Improv and “What’s So Funny About Detroit” alum Brad Wenzel and Sam Rager. There will also be live music from Ralph Manginio and Missing Cats. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit @ziggysypsi on Instagram.