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The Metro: The Ann Arbor Art Fair sketches out a big weekend

The Ann Arbor Art Fair will welcome nearly half a million visitors from July 16-18.

There will be a thousand juried artists from across Michigan and the entire country. They will display their work at three simultaneous nonprofit events:

  • The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original
  • The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
  • The Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair

A Youth Art Fair and Kids Collectors Club also emerges for grade school creatives.

Karen Bauer has been the executive director of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair for 20 years, while Teesha Lieber is a Detroit marbling artist from Spontaneity Works. Both joined The Metro to talk more about this year’s festival.

Youth Art Fair sign

Bauer says putting so many separate fairs together may seem like a lot, but experience is on their side. “These fairs have been working together since the early 60s, we are a well oiled machine at this point.”

Tune in to listen to the discussion with Bauer, Lieber to learn more about youth participation, and how art remains authentic during the digital age.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

More stories from The Metro

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Detroit Evening Report: Waymo cars blocking first responders

Federal regulators say the autonomous vehicle company Waymo must stop its cars from blocking first responders. Waymo has been testing its vehicles in Detroit. The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the agency found several cases of Waymo driver-less vehicles traveling into emergency scenes, blocking firefighters or failing to stop for flashing lights and flares. Federal regulators say they will meet with autonomous vehicle developers to devise ways to address the problem. A Waymo vehicle will stop, however, if it notices nefarious activity from kids riding in it. A Waymo car in California recently stopped in a parking lot and called police after two teens in its back seat allegedly began drinking alcohol and shooting water beads from a toy gun.

Additional headlines for Friday, July 10, 2026

Bar IX location coming soon?  

Detroit’s first women’s sports bar is crowdfunding to open a permanent space. Bar IX hosts pop-up watch parties for women’s sports. The bar has raised 65 percent of if its 125-thousand-dollar goal since the campaign kicked off on June 30. Organizers are giving away merchandise such as stickers, keychains, and t-shirts with donations. 

African World Festival

The African World Festival is this weekend at Hart Plaza. The festival celebrates culture and history with music, spoken word, food and a retail marketplace. The festival starts today and runs through Sunday. Visit Charles H Wright museum website at for more info and to buy tickets.

Lake St. Clair Metropark to receive updates

Lake St. Clair Metropark is getting 15 million dollars in improvements. The improvements include reopening the North Marina, expanding accessibility across the park, adding new trail connections and modernizing infrastructure. It’s the biggest investment in the park in decades. Renovations at the marina will fully reopen the marina with 78 boat slips for transient docking and bring accessible floating finger docks back to the North Marina basin. All renovations are expected to be completed by the end of summer 2027.

Detroit Riverfront tour

The Detroit Parks Coalition is hosting a free walking tour about the Detroit Riverfront tomorrow, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. The tour will give an overview of the history of the riverfront as a well as more info on the newest Ralph C Wilson Centennial Park. Meet at the Dock, located near the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden across from the Plaza. Parking is available along Jefferson Ave, Rosa Parks, and in the nearby Bagley Mobility Hub and Assembly garages.

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Metro Events Guide: African World Festival, historic baseball and more

Whether your looking to experience culture and cuisine from around the world, turn back the clock with an immersive historical activity, or just enjoy the outdoors – this week’s Metro Events Guide has you covered.

Upcoming events (July 9-12)

Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation

📍 Henry Ford Museum
🗓 July 9- July 26
🎟 Free

The Freedom Plane National Tour gives visitors the opportunity to view original documents that played a key role in the founding of America. The Henry Ford is one of eight institutions in the country hosting the traveling exhibit in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibit is free and museum admission is not required. 

Historic Base Ball

📍 Greenfield Village – Walnut Grove
🗓 July 11 | 1:30 p.m.
🎟 $39

Turn back the clock and experience the origins of America’s pastime from a time when the rules were different and the game was known as “base ball.” Cheer on the action as players take the field with uniforms, equipment and rules from 1867.

Movie Nights in the D – Cars

📍Campus Martius Park
🗓 July 10 | 6 p.m.
🎟 Free

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy Cars on the big screen at Campus Martius Park.  Arrive early by 6pm for activities and a chance to win prizes before the movie begins at 7pm. This event is free and is part of an ongoing summer movie series  at Campus Martius Park.

Detroit Kite Festival

📍Belle Isle State Park
🗓 July 10 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
🎟 Free (with paid entry to the island)

The Detroit Kite Festival returns to Belle Isle State Park for its eighth year. Attend for a day of kite flying, kite making, bubble therapy, food and drinks available for purchase on-site and more. This event is free after paying for entry to the island.

African World Festival

📍 Hart Plaza
🗓 July 10-12
🎟 $17.85

Each year, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates African Diaspora culture with three days of music, food and more. At the event guests can enjoy over 100 food and retail vendors from around the world, all in a family-friendly environment.

The post Metro Events Guide: African World Festival, historic baseball and more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Faith communities ask legislators to pass Michigan Voting Rights Act

Leaders from multiple faith communities in metro Detroit are calling on state legislators to pass a Michigan Voting Rights Act after the justice department announced plans to send election monitors to three Michigan cities. 

Clergy gathered at Central United Methodist in Detroit and at locations in Grand Rapids and Lansing to show opposition to Trump administration policies speakers say are designed to threaten communities across the country. 

Hazel Gomez of Dream of Detroit says faith leaders will and must defend voting rights. “We will organize, we will train, and we’re going to de-escalate. And in the primaries in August and in the general election in November, our goal as clergy of all faith traditions is to stand at the polls, to accompany, and to watch over our beloved communities.”

Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel in Detroit – and president of the Detroit NAACP is also calling on lawyers to join the front lines, saying “We’re not afraid to sue somebody.”  

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Bill to guarantee children with legal representation passes state legislature

A bill that would guarantee children access to legal representation in delinquency cases is headed to Governor Whitmer’s desk. The legislation would require the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to create a system similar to the one used by adults facing criminal charges who may not be able to afford an attorney. 

If passed, the indigent defense commission would be required to have at least one attorney experienced in juvenile justice to help set the standards. The bill cleared the legislature last week with bipartisan support. 

-Reporting by MPRN’s Rick Pluta

National Wheelchair Games

The National Wheelchair Games are coming to Detroit this week. It is the largest annual wheelchair sports event for veterans in the world. Athletes compete in more than 20 events including basketball, swimming, track and field and boccia.

The 45th National Wheelchair Games will be hosted by several venues and based at Hunting Place. The Opening Ceremony is July 9 with competition running through the 14.

Detroit Kite Festival

The 8th Annual Detroit Kite Festival is Sunday on the Belle Isle Cricket Field across from the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. Plans include food, music and kites, of course. Kites are available for purchase. Learn more at detroitkitefestival.org. 

Public reading of Declaration of Independence at Greenfield Village

Sites across the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence with a simultaneous reading of the document Wednesday. Greenfield Village is one of those sites and invites the community to join the event for free.

Visitors will also hear live music, see historic vignettes and learn about Centennial games on the Village Green. The event begins at 5 p.m. The reading – synchronized with other readings across the state begins at 6 p.m.

No tickets, reservations or parking passes are required.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Detroit Evening Report: Faith communities ask legislators to pass Michigan Voting Rights Act appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: The Detroit Kite Festival soars high above Belle Isle this summer

The Detroit Kite Festival returns to Belle Isle for its eighth year. The event takes place near the James Scott Memorial Fountain, on Sunday, July 12.

Besides an entry fee to the island, the Detroit kite festival will be free. Some activities include book nooks, music, bubble therapy as well as tents for cooling off and making a kite.

The Mint Artists Guild will be celebrating a ten year anniversary by hosting a Joy and Faces booth for complimentary face painting and crafts. They spent the last decade training and paying young adults from Detroit in the arts.

A Black woman creates giant bubbles while donning festival gear. She's smiling.
Detroit Kite Festival

Lex Draper Garcia Bey is a fourth generation Detroiter and director of the Kite Festival. She’s also a co-executive director of the Black Bottoms Archive.

She became director of the Kite Festival after the founder had to step back. “I couldn’t stand the thought of me going to my absolute favorite festival and it feeling boring to me,” Draper Garcia Bey said.

She joined The Metro to chat about her experience with whimsy as she supports the event alongside volunteers.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts 

 

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More stories from The Metro

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Detroit Evening Report: Memorial Day travel

According to AAA Michigan, about 1.3 million state residents will hit the roads this weekend. The auto group says this is the second highest state number on record for the holiday weekend. This follows a national trend, with estimates setting up a new national record, topping last year’s numbers by 1%.   

To avoid peak travel times, AAA suggests travelling between 9 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday. Those traveling on Sunday will have little to no traffic, but those traveling on Monday will get the worst of it between noon and 5 p.m.    

Memorial Day Weekend travel is costing more across the country this year on average due to rising gas prices. The increase is connected to the War in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. This year, gas prices average $4.74 per gallon in Michigan. Last year the average was $3.13.    

Additional headlines from Friday, May 22, 2026

Local Catholic churches face restructuring

Local Catholic church members are bracing for change as the Archdiocese of Detroit begins a restructuring process.

According to a report from the Detroit News, about 22 churches could potentially no longer hold weekend masses in the foreseeable future. These changes could be connected to finances and dwindling church attendance.    

Listening sessions across the archdiocese are expected to take place this spring and early summer to consider plans.    

Sports  

MLB  

The Tigers are facing a 6-game losing streak as face the Baltimore Orioles this weekend. Detroit is at the bottom of the American League Central and hopes to turn things with a three-game series against the Orioles. 

First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:15 p.m. at Oriole Park in Baltimore.   

Soccer  

Detroit City FC is facing Loudoun United FC  tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Detroit has won their last two games and hopes to get their third victory tomorrow. The faceoff will take place at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia.   
   
Final Four ticket lottery

The Final Four is coming to Detroit and here is your chance to get some tickets. There is a lottery system you can enter for an application fee of $25. Fans who apply will be charged up front for the number of tickets they are requesting. You can only get up to 4 tickets. The available tickets are in the upper bowl at Ford Field and cost about $400 each.   

The deadline to enter the lottery is Sunday, May 31. Winners will be notified in the Fall.    

NBA   

And I know the NBA season is over, but there is news heading into the 2026-2027 season.    

The Pistons announced that they’ve reached a new television rights agreement with Scripps Sports. This move brings Pistons basketball to over‑the‑air television for fans throughout Michigan. The Pistons and Scripps Sports plan to collaborate on a direct-to-consumer streaming application in the future.   

Movement music festival

It’s Memorial Day Weekend so there is Movement in Detroit. The longest-running electronic dance music event in the world return for its 20th year.

From Saturday to Monday, you have access to witness more than 115 artists perform on a variety of stages.  Many performances and set pieces have been curated in order to celebrate the twenty years of existence. Three day VIP passes are sold out but single day, VIP  and general admission passes are still available.  

For more details go to movementfestival.com.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

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In The Groove: Grandma Techno and Kyle Hall set the tone for Movement weekend

Tomorrow, Detroit turns its attention to Movement Music Festival, so for our final show before the weekend, we’re setting up the energy accordingly. We revisit our conversation with beloved Detroit photographer Patricia Dorsey, better known as “Grandma Techno,” who has become a cherished part of the festival’s culture and a familiar presence at Hart Plaza since first attending the festival in 2005. 

Closing out the show, In The Groove welcomes Detroit producer and DJ Kyle Hall into the studio for a special live set. A longtime force in the city’s dance music scene, Kyle has built a reputation for blending house, techno, jazz and soul into a sound that feels distinctly Detroit. Catch his set on Saturday, May 23 at 3 p.m. at the Star Gate Stage at Hart Plaza. 

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

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for May 22, 2026 

  • “Fishbrain” – Mount Kimbie 
  • “I Wanna Be Adored” – The Stone Roses 
  • “Mind’s a Lie” – High Vis 
  • “So U Kno” – Overmono 
  • “Cos-Ber-Zam Ne Noya (Daphni Mix)” – Daphni 
  • “Katmandu (Jazzanova Remix)” – Ivan Conti 
  • “better” – Joy Orbison & Léa Sen 
  • “oh baby (lovefingers remix)” – LCD Soundsystem 
  • “Leave Your Life (Lonely Hearts Mix)” – Alex Kassian 
  • “Peter and Sylvie” – Michael Andrews 
  • “Boy Moves the Sun” – Michael Andrews 
  • “Paradise Valley” – Jay Daniel 
  • “Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix)” – Hercules & Love Affair 
  • “The Whistle Song” – Frankie Knuckles 
  • “Home is Where The Hatred Is (feat. Lisa Fischer) [Main]” – Brian Jackson, Masters At Work, Kenny Dope & Louie Vega 
  • “Lady Day & John Coltrane (feat. Rahsaan Patterson) [12″ Version]” – Brian Jackson, Kenny Dope & Louie Vega 
  • “Can’t Stop (Dennis F’s Falling 4 U Mix Edit)” – Reel People, Angela Johnson & Dennis Ferrer 
  • “Sidepoint” – Vlad Caia 
  • “NoLov4Me” – So House 
  • “You Are Love (Jose Carretas Son Liva Mix)” – Glenn Underground 
  • “Down” – Kyle Hall 
  • “Echoes In The Dust (Vinyl Preview)” – MICHELE MANZO 
  • “I Can’t Believe I Loved Her” – Peven Everett 
  • “Thank U” – Julio Navas & David Amo 

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org. 

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The Metro: Detroit Techno history and future on stage at Movement this weekend

Since it’s founding in 2000, Movement has honored the raw, electrified spirit of the city where Techno was born. It’s a space where sound, struggle, and innovation come together, uniting people through electronic music.

It’s grown into a massive event at Hart Plaza that draws DJ’s and visitors from around the world. Despite it’s growing popularity and international appeal, the festival still puts local talent on stage, from legendary DJ’s like Kevin Saunderson and Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale to newer artists like Tammy Lakkis and Kesswa.

To hear more about Movement this year, Tia Graham spoke with Sam Fotias, operations manager at Paxahau, the organization that produces the festival.

WDET is a proud media partner of the Movement Electronic Music Festival. We will have live DJ sets on In The Groove this week from 2 to 3 p.m. ET.

On Memorial Day, catch all three performances rebroadcast back to back from noon to 3 p.m.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

The post The Metro: Detroit Techno history and future on stage at Movement this weekend appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Metro Events Guide: Catch a silly show at the theater, take your mom flower shopping + more this weekend

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.

Check out the events below for more details! 

Upcoming events (May 8-14)

Jurassic Park: The Musical

📍Planet Ant Theater

🗓 May 8-9

🎟 $30-35

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!

Detroit Food Commons Fest

📍8324 Woodward Ave.

🗓 May 9

🎟 Free

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.

Shucked

📍Midland Center for the Arts

🗓 May 9-10

🎟 $49.50+

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.

Royal Oak in Bloom

📍6th and Main Street lots in downtown Royal Oak

🗓 May 10

🎟 Free

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.

Arab Film Festival

📍Arab American National Museum

🗓 May 8-10

🎟 $15

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.”

Riverfront Herbal Walk

📍Cullen Plaza

🗓 May 11

🎟 Free

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.

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Detroit Evening Report: Spirit Airlines shuts down operations

This past weekend, Spirit Airlines shut down and ceased all operations after decades in business.

When Spirit travelers entered the Evans Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or DTW, for their scheduled flights, they were met with an operational update from the airline. Screens on ticket and check-in kiosks read:

“We regret to inform you that Spirit Airlines has ceased global operations. All Spirit flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available.”

The airline carried more than 1.7 million passengers in 2025 alone. The full impact of the Spirit Airlines shutdown is not yet clear.

Additional headlines for May 4, 2026

Detroit pitch competition

6 Mile Soup is hosting a pitch competition for business owners.

The Community Choice competition takes place this evening and features businesses on West McNichols Road.

Attendees will get free samples from restaurants and cast their votes for their favorite businesses. Three businesses will win cash prizes: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place.

The event takes place today, May 4, at Sips on Six, located at 7512 W. McNichols Road in Detroit. Doors open at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced at 8 p.m. The event is free.

Detroit Friendship House gardening event

The Hamtramck-based food pantry Detroit Friendship House is hosting a gardening event.

It is part of an effort to upcycle and recycle goods to create a sustainable garden for the food pantry.

Keep Growing Detroit will lead a Gardening 101 workshop as part of the event and provide free seed packets for households receiving SNAP benefits.

People will also be able to paint planters with Solstice Art. Participants can bring seeds and seedlings to swap with neighbors. They can also take home herbs for their own gardens.

There will also be a native edible plants exhibit by Detroit Friendship House’s Women’s Empowerment Group.

The Community Garden Event takes place May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Detroit Friendship House, 9540 Conant in Hamtramck.

Learn more.

Arab American Film Festival begins Tuesday

The Arab American National Museum’s 21st Arab Film Festival kicks off Tuesday.

This year’s theme is “Remember. (Re)imagine.”

The festival will feature drama, comedy and documentary films about the Arab world and Arab American filmmakers.

Films from Michigan and across the U.S. will be shown with English subtitles in person and online.

The film “Palestine 36” will be shown May 5 and 6 at the Arab American National Museum.

The festival runs May 5-10. Cinema Lamont is a partner.

Learn more.

Men’s mental health panel planned in Detroit

The City of Detroit and the Board of Police Commissioners are hosting a mental health panel.

The Men’s Mental Health Awareness Panel is being hosted by District 2 Police Commissioner Lavish T. Williams.

Guests include several prominent African American speakers. There will also be a special guest appearance by the Mumford High School marching band.

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network will provide information, resources and suicide prevention training on-site.

The panel will take place May 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road in Detroit.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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MI Local: Go Tiger Go, Corktown Music Festival, + ‘Jurassic Park: The Musical’

There’s so much energy in the local arts and music scene. There is always something to experience, from the next big thing hiding in a dive bar, to a stand-up comic about to break through, to a visual artist in a DIY gallery about to sell a piece to a buyer in Europe.

There also could be a huge all-local music festival, too, bringing together more than 160 bands into 11 venues over the course of three wild, music-filled nights, or there might also be a comedic musical, filled with terrific arrangements, catchy choruses, and gusto performances, inspired by the plot and characters of “Jurassic Park.”

The seventh Corktown Music Festival kicks off Thursday night, hosted entirely in the neighborhood of Corktown, with venues like The Lager House, The Gaelic League, Nancy Whiskey, and more, with dozens upon dozens of bands and artists, like Carmel Liburdi, Mild Pulp, Anthony Retka, and my in-studio guests, Go Tiger Go and, by extension, The Plultophonics!

Ameera Bandy is a singer-songwriter and lead vocalist of the Plutophonics, but she’s also the VP of the Corktown Music Festival. She’s spent the last few months helping to organize this vast multi-day event.

Bandy talked about her passion for the local music scene, the origins of this festival, and some of the things local music fans can anticipate. There are wristbands you can purchase online, and all proceeds go to benefit the Hamtramck-based nonprofit Passenger Recovery.

Ameera’s band, The Plutophonics, are playing the same night as another indie-rock group, Go Tiger Go! That quartet is led by singer-guitarist Paul Corsi, who formed the band in the early 2010s and went on to release a slew of sleek, well-produced, high-energy pop ballads threaded with a signature complex guitar style.

MI Local

Go Tiger Go performs live on MI Local on April 21, 2026.Go Tiger Go are experiencing a bit of a comeback this year, after a period of time away from the stages. Corsi is joined by guitarist Adam Toolin, bassist Ethan Hunter Smith, and drummer Brian Moore.

The entire band was hanging out in-studio to talk about their latest single, “Tokyo Rain,” and then treated WDET listeners to an exclusive premiere of their next track, “Paint.” To wind out the night, the band performed an acoustic version of their first breakout single, “Inhale.”

Along with these interviews, we heard new tracks from the Americana indie-folk duo Payton & Annabelle, and an awesome cover of “I Am The Walrus” by Jemmi Hazeman.

We also heard a recording of the cast from “Jurassic Park: the Musical,” with the song “Never Together,” from the ongoing show that you can catch at Plant Ant, described as “An original comedy where dinosaurs, disaster, and show-stopping numbers collide.” And the song is an absolute gem! I love all of this creative energy surging through the metro Detroit area, week-in and week-out!

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 »

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The Metro: The Y Arts teen film festival gives young filmmakers a powerful platform

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.

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