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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.

Metro Events Guide: From motocross to pop-punk concerts- Dive head first into grooves and thrills this week in Metro Detroit

26 March 2026 at 14:00

Whether it’s gravity-defying dirt-bike stunts or Latin beats that catch your eye, we’ve got something for everyone this week in Metro Detroit.

Upcoming events (March 26- Apr. 2)

Joyce Manor 

📍Majestic Theatre

🗓 March 27

🎟 $33+

Joyce Manor returns to the mitten this weekend as part of their tour for their recent album I Used To Go To This Bar. The California-based pop-punk band has awarded us with their first record in 4 years and it’s time to show our appreciation with a few mosh pits. This time around, they’re also joined by emerging bands Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage and CombatSo get out there, kiss your partner, throw a few elbows and have a beer as the rock fuels your heart, just don’t have too many, you wouldn’t want a… constant headacheThe show begins at 6 p.m. 

Monster Energy Supercross Championship  

📍Ford Field

🗓 March 28

🎟 $33+

Take a ride over to Ford Field this weekend to bear witness to superhuman stunts in round 11 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship. If motorsports is what you crave, this event has your name carved into it. From high-stakes jumps to whisky-throttle levels of fast-paced racing, if there’s a feat of courage to be accomplished on a bike, it’s going down here. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Latin Night 

📍Big Pink

🗓 March 27

🎟 $23

Mexicantown may be on the Westside, but Latin music is practically pouring out of the Eastside this weekend at Big Pink. DJ IZA and SWDEJAY are spicing things up with sounds of Reggaeton, salsa, bachata and more, so kick off your chanclas and lace up those Cortez’s because this set is about to have you grooving to dembow for a week straight once it’s over. The event begins at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

The Back Alley 

📍The Loving Touch

🗓 March 26

🎟 $26+

Stroll over to Ferndale this Friday and get lost The Back Alley. Preferably the music and not that one spot off 9 Mile and Woodward, but that’s a story for another day. The Chicago indie-rock quintet is on tour and they’re enlisting local band Moravian to help them get their footing. Bring a friend, partner or buy a 12 oz aluminum companion and get set to boogie. The show begins at 7 p.m. and is $5 extra for those under 21.  

MNTRA 

📍TV Lounge

🗓 March 28 

🎟 $17+

Channel surf over to TV Lounge in downtown Detroit and get ready to open the Pandora’s box of electronic music. MNTRA is spinning his Detroit debut this Saturday and you’re not going to miss it. From drum & bass to house, get ready for your chest to feel the pulse with some funkadelic, genre-fluid grooves. This set will also be opened by DJs sillygirlcarmen, JMT, Britty and JUNYXX. The event begins at 9 p.m.  

Vibrations 

📍 Spot Lite

🗓 March 27

🎟 $17

If you’re searching for DJ sets but aren’t feeling akin to the sounds of the south, we’ve still got your back. Spot Lite is hosting vinyl sets from Rick Wilhite, Delano Smith, Norm Talley and dej.y this weekend, so be sure to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket in case you see a record in their shopping section and get ready to enjoy a cocktail while the turntable whisks you away to a realm where you don’t have work on Monday. The event begins at 8 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

Latin Jazz Ensemble and Band 

📍Varner Recital Hall

🗓 March 27

🎟 $10

The Oakland University Latin Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band is coming together this weekend in Rochester for a performance encompassing both classic and contemporary big band works. From drums that soothe your soul to horns that ease your mind, the spirit of jazz is proving to be alive and well here in Southeast Michigan. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sponge  

📍Firehouse Pub

🗓 March 28

🎟 $47

Relive the 90s this weekend and get the mini touring experience with Sponge. The Detroit-based rock band is throwing three shows across Metro Detroit. Not only does one ticket get you access to all three venues, but you’ll be riding with the band from one to the next on their tour bus! They’re set to hit Kuhnhenns, Diesel Concert Lounge and Firehouse Pub. The event begins at 7 p.m. and the bus is slated to leave from the starting location at 8:30 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 motocross to pop-punk concerts- Dive head first into grooves and thrills this week in Metro Detroit appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Big Sonic Heaven: New Whitelands album, Hatchie, Stereolab + more

9 February 2026 at 19:27

This episode of Big Sonic Heaven featured the latest from Nation of Language, Morrissey, Hatchie, Stereolab, and another track from Whitelands new album “Sunlight Echoes.”

We also heard a couple of great Alex Chilton and Cole Porter covers by This Mortal Coil and Sinead O’Connor, respectively, and, of course, a whole bunch of shoegaze, dreampop, and post-punk classics.

See the playlist below and hear this episode on demand for two weeks at wdet.org or via the WDET app.

  • “In A Lonely Place” – New Order
  • “Purple” – She’s green
  • “Silhouette” – Nation of Language
  • “Last Night” – Lush
  • “I Am No God, an Effigy” – Whitelands
  • “Life in Mono” – Mono
  • “Want You” – Deary
  • “Kangaroo” – This Mortal Coil
  • “This Is Not a Drill” – Lanterns on the Lake
  • “Make-up is a lie” – Morrissey
  • “Crystal Wrists” – Peter Murphy
  • “You Do Something to Me” – Sinead O’ Connor
  • “In A Manner Of Speaking” – Martin L. Gore
  • “Give up the Ghost” – Minor Victories
  • “Apart” – The Cure
  • “Little Galaxy” – Silk Daisys
  • “Crank” – Catherine Wheel
  • “Flowing” – Cigarettes for Breakfast
  • “Musette And Drums” – Cocteau Twins
  • “Familiar” – Piroshka
  • “Come Alive” – Nitzer Ebb
  • “Carousel” – Hatchie
  • “Ace of Hz” – Ladytron
  • “Magic Doors” – Portishead
  • “Consequence.” – The Notwist
  • “Fed Up With Your Job” – Stereolab
  • “Up the Down Escalator” – The Chameleons
  • “Here Is The House” – Depeche Mode
  • “Warmth” – Glazyhaze
  • “San Geronimo” – Red House Painters
  • “Slomo” – Slowdive
  • “The Worst Taste In Music” – The Radio Dept.
  • “Glimpse” – The Giraffe Told Me in My Dream
  • “Open Mind” – Moev

 

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The post Big Sonic Heaven: New Whitelands album, Hatchie, Stereolab + more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

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