In Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood, front steps turn into mini concert venues. Think dozens of short sets, and neighbors wandering from stoop to stoop.

The sixth annual Woodbridge Porch Concerts returns with the same goal, connecting in real life.

The porch series is organized by Woodbridge Neighborhood Development. The nonprofit is working to keep the neighborhood eclectic and affordable. They want people to be connected, not just housed.

Jai Singletary is the executive director of the organization.  He says preserving a neighborhood’s sense of place means making room for both homes and harmony. Jason Rho is a musician who’s played every year at the porch concerts since their inception. 

Both join The Metro to talk more about the Woodbridge community and why its important to simply talk to you neighbor.

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

More stories from The Metro

We’ve living in a time where quiet, contemplative music is making a big impact on listeners.

I call it the “Khruangbin effect,” where the Texas (mainly) instrumental trio blend dub, reggae, ’60s psych rock, Thai pop, and other global influences and bring it together in a way that has allowed them to reach millions of streams, millions of fans, and sell out massive theaters around the world. 

What if that slick laidback song playing in the background at just the right level at that fancy restaurant you like was also your favorite band? They’re cool yet also fully adopted by Phish fans. It’s a stunning development.

I can’t think of another band that presents mostly instrumental tracks but has had such a glow up, although Mexican acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela comes to mind.

That means Khruangbin (and others) have opened doors for others doing instrumental music. One of the first that comes to mind is Hermanos Gutiérrez, the insanely attractive Swiss-Ecuadorian sibling duo Estevan and Alejandro Gutiérrez. Their album ‘Los Ojos Del Cóndor’ released Sept. 25, 2026 via Easy Eye Sound (the label of Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, who might be a better A&R guy than anything else).

Their single, “Los Andes,” is a great example of this wave of instrumental music making an impact in pop culture. With the interplay of guitar and lap steel, it’s cinematic and vast (much like the mountain range it’s named after). It’s capable of grabbing your full attention even without lyrics.

While I doubt this would make waves on commercial radio, it’s popular on public radio throughout the country and starting to infiltrate major swaths of music fans — many of whom likely listen to Khruangbin and Phish.

That’s right — I’m talking about Jack Johnson fans. Johnson recently collaborated with Hermanos Gutiérrez and took them on tour. It’s actually an endlessly sweet full circle story, with the brothers growing up idealizing Johnson and finally getting to collab with their hero.

With the door wide open for instrumental bands to find footing with new audiences, Hermanos Gutiérrez is by far one of the most captivating entries into this bubbling up genre. They’re great storytellers… even without uttering a word.

This story was originally published on Midbrow. 

The fall song-a-thon on In The Groove rolls on with so many excellent selections from you. Thank you again for all the great messages and songs—this is by far the most listener-picked songs we’ve ever played on this show! 50+ and counting…

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 September 25, 2026

• “Golden Brown” – The Stranglers (fall song picked by you!)
• “Boy With a Coin” – Iron & Wine (fall song picked by you!)
• “Out on the Weekend” – Neil Young (fall song picked by you!)
• “First Glimmer” – Paul Westerberg (fall song picked by you!)
• “October (Love Song)” – Chris & Cosey (fall song picked by you!)
• “Pass This On” – The Knife (fall song picked by you!)
• “Sunset” – Thornetta Davis (fall song picked by you!)
• “Your Song” – Elton John (fall song picked by you!)
• “Nervion” – Allison de Groot & Rich Ruth 
• “Last Train Home” – Pat Metheny Group (fall song picked by you!)
• “You Know You Know (with John McLaughlin)” – Mahavishnu Orchestra (fall song picked by you!)
• “Across the Universe” – Fiona Apple 
• “Ask Me Anything” – The Strokes 
• “Alberto Balsalm (Aquarium Drunkard’s Lagniappe Session)” – Dungen 
• “Fallen (feat. Momoko Gill)” – Matthew Herbert 
• “Train Song (Columbia Single, 1966)” – Vashti Bunyan 
• “My Love Mine All Mine” – Mitski 
• “All Mirrors” – Angel Olsen 
• “Transmission” – Joy Division 
• “It’s No Reason (Remastered)” – The Church (fall song picked by you!)
• “The Rip” – Portishead 
• “La Femme d’argent” – Air 
• “Repetitioner” – THUS LOVE 
• “Leave Your Life (Lonely Hearts Mix)” – Alex Kassian 
• “Across That Fine Line” – Nation of Language 
• “Untitled” – Interpol 
• “Plainsong” – Seefeel 
• “Pink Sky” – Loma 
• “words fell out” – Goat Girl 
• “I Don’t Know You” – Mannequin Pussy 
• “only tomorrow” – my bloody valentine 
• “ “Heroes” (2017 Remaster)” – David Bowie 

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.”

New music from she’s green, Kurt Vile, Aldous Harding, Courtney Barnett and more of your fall songs (Death Cab For Cutie, Donovan, Big Thief), plus the wonderful Detroit singer-songwriter Stef Chura stops by the show to preview her new album, “Dancing Alone on the Concrete,” due out this Friday via Saddle Creek.

You’ll be the first to hear tracks “Leadweight” and “Babydoll,” plus we chat with Stef about the influences into her new album (the first in 7 years!) and lots more. You can hear the full segment with Stef Chura starting at the 2:06 mark—enjoy!

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 September 29, 2026

• “Paradis” — Donna Blue
• “Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)” — Pixies
• “Silver” — Say She She
• “Africa” — Bill Laurance & Michael League
• “Baltimore” — Nina Simone
• “Hey Now (When I Give You All My Lovin’)” — Romare
• “Amor Inteiro” — Bruno Berle
• “Road to Nowhere” — Rogê
• “Chance to Bleed” — Kurt Vile
• “Fall On Me” — R.E.M.
• “Train on the Island” — Aldous Harding
• “One Thing At A Time” — Courtney Barnett
• “The Payback” — James Brown
• “Protection” — Massive Attack
• “Drive” — Deftones
• “mettle” — she’s green
• “When You Sleep” — My Bloody Valentine (fall song picked by you!)
• “Long Division” — Death Cab for Cutie (fall song picked by you!)
• “Hurdy Gurdy Man” — Donovan (fall song picked by you!)
• “Velvet Ring” — Big Thief (fall song picked by you!)
• “A Fond Farewell” — Elliott Smith
• “There She Goes” — The La’s (fall song picked by you!)
• “1979 (Remastered 2012)” — The Smashing Pumpkins

Interview with Stef Chura

• “Leadweight” — Stef Chura
• “The Concrete” — Stef Chura
• “Danny” — Stef Chura
• “Babydoll” — Stef Chura

The rest of the show!

• “Maybe I Got It Wrong” — Ruti
• “Last Forever (feat. Wyatt Waddell)” — Patchwork Inc.
• “Nancy from Now On” — Father John Misty
• “Let ‘Em In” — Wings
• “Clover” — Billie Marten
• “Guns of Brixton (feat. Camille)” — Nouvelle Vague
• “Paper Tiger” — Spoon

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.

“It is not easy listening. It’s essential.”

That’s part of the messaging behind Detroit’s own Protomartyr and the band’s seventh album “Hotel Usona,” released September 25 via Domino Recording Co.

The “not easy listening” part is certainly more focused on the lyrics themselves as songwriter and vocalist Joe Casey imagines America’s current state as an aging, sagging hotel. Down every hallway, an issue. Inside every room, a horror to be seen. Sure, there’s continental breakfast but it’s likely contaminated, at least in the eyes of Protomartyr.

Musically, on lead single “Sounds We Cannot Hear,” Protomartyr is the most accessible they’ve ever been. It is the easiest listening they’ve offered up, joining waves of post-punk bands that slowly grow over time, chill out on the aggressiveness, and start applying a lot of texture and sampling that you’d find on a Madlib record.

The result is the same punch you’d want out of a Protomartyr song, but way more sonically to chew on and enjoy. There’s even a brass section on “Sounds We Cannot Hear,” which guitarist Greg Ahee layered with influences from the Middle East and ’50s exotica. 

While Protomartyr released essentially a concept album with a lot of lyrical density, “Sounds We Cannot Hear” suggests it could be their most accessible release yet. For one of the biggest bands to come out of Detroit, I’d predict they’re about to get even bigger and adopt a whole new audience with a more mature, layered sound.

This story was originally published on Midbrow. 

This week on Visions, I play a lot of newly released music. You’ll hear the Kris Davis Trio, Jeff Parker, Brandon Seabrook, Emma Dayhuff, Josh Johnson, Detroit’s Marcus Elliot, Andrew Toombs, Marty Ehrlich, and Benny Green.

I also play classics from Detroit’s Wendell Harrison, Sam Rivers, Cannonball Adderley, Emily Remler, Trio 3, Woody Shaw, Muhal Richard Abrams and Gary Bartz.

Happy listening!

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for September 28, 2026

• “Libra” – Gary Bartz Quintet
• “Miles’ Mode (feat. Chris Speed, Kaveh Rastegar & Aaron Steele)” – Jeff Parker
• “Where Does That Tunnel Go? (feat. Robert Hurst* & Johnathan Blake)” – Kris Davis Trio
• “Planet Earth” – Cannonball Adderley Sextet
• “The Wind (feat. Isaiah Collier, Jonathan Pinson, Corey Wilkes, Paul Cornish, Akenya & Andrew Renfroe)” – Emma Dayhuff
• “Where Am I?” – Wendell Harrison*
• “Reece” – Josh Johnson
• “Star-Crossed Phantasms (feat. Bill Frisell, Rashaan Carter & Marcus Gilmore)” – Brandon Seabrook
• “Palmer” – Marcus Elliot*
• “The Goat And The Archer” – Woody Shaw
• “Revue” – Marty Ehrlich
• “The Slot (feat. Makaya McCraven, Junius Paul & Marquis Hill)” – Andrew Toombs
• “Helix” – Sam Rivers
• “Cedar Would (recorded live at Dizzy’s Club in New York City on April 18, 2026) [Live]” – Benny Green
• “Hymn To the East” – Muhal Richard Abrams
• “In A Sentimental Mood” – Emily Remler
• “Wha’s Nine (Live)” – Trio 3

* indicates Detroit artist

I had so much new music to share in Big Sonic Heaven tonight! We heard the first single from Delerium’s new album coming out in January, called “Into The Light.” Also, who woulda thunk it, but there’s new Morphine, comprised of recordings newly remixed from 1998.

Plus, new singles from Yndling and Boy Harsher. We also gave the new Beach House and Fleeting Colours another spin! 

There were also a couple of album anniversaries to celebrate: This Mortal Coil’s “Filigree & Shadow” turned 40, and Primal Scream’s “Screamadelica” turned 35! 

Big Sonic Heaven playlist for Sep. 27, 2026

• “Pearl” – Chapterhouse
• “I’m So Tired” – Deserta
• “Swerve” – Trentemøller
• “Don’t Talk” – 10,000 Maniacs
• “The Honey” – Echo & The Bunnymen
• “Imagination” – Xymox
• “Losing Daylight” – Prepare My Glider
• “Someone New” – Aerial Love Feed
• “Bind Us” – The Wolfgang Press
• “Fotzepolitic” – Cocteau Twins
• “Michael” – Beachy Head
• “Shell” – Yndling
• “Slide Away” – The Verve
• “The Robot Girl Psychiatrist” – The False Dawns
• “Cocoon” – Morphine
• “Last Day on Earth” – Swervedriver
• “Blister Sunrise” – M83
• “Drive That Fast” – Kitchens Of Distinction
• “Gold” – Sigur Rós
• “Into The Light” – Delerium & Diamanda Galás
• “Silver Beach” – Kristin Hersh
• “Thoughtforms” – Lush
• “Pray 4 Me” – Boy Harsher
• “Higher than the Sun” – Primal Scream
• “Fairground” – deary
• “Welcome Break” – Mary in the Junkyard
• “Sometimes” – My Bloody Valentine
• “Autumn” – Fleeting Colours
• “Four Hands” – Now Always Fades
• “Velvet Belly/The Jeweler” – The Mortal Coil
• “Someone Great” – LCD Soundsystem
• “Swordsman” – Night Tapes
• “April Suzanne” – Beach House
• “Fortune Presents Gifts Not According to the Book” – Dead Can Dance
• “Keep The Streets Empty For Me” – Fever Ray

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café,  Michigander‘s Jason Singer and Jake Lemond play songs from the new album “Over Before You Know It”!

Also, some songs honoring late greats Dolly Parton and Cassandra Wilson, in-studio archives from Grace Potter, Lady Blackbird, the late Chris Whitley 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 September 27, 2026

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “I Try” – Macy Gray (2016 Stripped version)
• “The Idea” – Little Big Town
• “Common Ground” – Margaret Glaspy
• “Towel” – Tiny Habits
• “Six Years” – Richard Buckner (1995 Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “High On A Mountain” – Rhiannon Giddens
• “Starting A Band” – Michigander (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “Over Before You Know It” – Michigander (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “Church And State” – Brandi Carlile
• “I Can’t Stand The Rain” – Cassandra Wilson
• “Wild Country” – Chris Whitley (1998 Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “California Blues” – Alex Amen
• “Here No More” – Ghost Hounds
• “Every Step Of The Way” – Keb’ Mo’
• “Apologies” – Grace Potter (2026 Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “True Love Will Find You In The End” – Muireann Bradley
• “Rowing The Boat” – The Jayhawks
• “My Blue Tears” – Trio (Parton, Ronstadt, Harris)
• “Dolly P/Jolene” – Beyoncé
• “Like A Woman” – Lady Blackbird (2025 Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Freaking Out” – Michigander (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “YYY” – Michigander (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)

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

This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, tickets for the Ann Arbor Folk Festival are on sale early this year (NOW!), celebrating their 50th Folk Fest… we’ll check out some of the artists on the bill.

Also, new tunes from Michigander, new albums from Beck, Beabadoobee… and some on the way from Sylvan Esso, Joy Oladokun + a couple leftover “guilty pleasure” songs from the fall fundaraiser shows!

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 September 26, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Tumbthumping” – Chumbawumba
• “I Am You” – Prince
• “Sledge” – Sylvan Esso
• “Easy Company” – Joy Oladokun
• “Why You Got Me Crazy” – Dames Brown
• “This Is My Country” – Mavis Staples (A2 Folk Fest, 2027)
• “Tear Stained Letter” – Richrd Thompson (A2 Folk Fest, 2027)
• “High Heels” – The War & Treaty (A2 Folk Fest, 2027)
• “Red Eye To Memphis” – Bob Seger
• “Main Street U.S.A.” – Grace Potter
• “Did Ya Know?” – The Sinseers
• “Parade Of The Loons” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

HOUR TWO:

• “Proxy” – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
• “Sun And Moon” – Danielle Ponder
• “Falling Through My Hands” – Beck
• “Radio” – Beabadoobee
• “Rebel Eve” – The Rebel Eves (A2 Folk Fest, 2027)
• “If We Were Vampires” – Dupont-Phillips (A2 Folk Fest, 2027)
• “Soon I Might Be Going” – Neil Young
• “Freaking Out” – Michigander (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “Taxi” – Michigander
• “Soul Wandering ” – Paul Weller
• “All Around” – The Womack Sisters
• “You Could’ve Been A Lady” – Hot Chocolate

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

Sept. 23 is John Coltrane’s birthday, and this is his 100^th. Covers and his original works comprise a lot of our show today, but we’re also including new works like “Pursuance” by Nicholas Payton and Butcher Brown. So, sit back and get spiritual with us for today’s In The Groove!  

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 September 23, 2026

• “Equinox” – Jessica Williams 
• RIP with John Coltrane” – Patchworks 
• “Bright Moments” – Admin 
• “open this wall” – berlioz 
• “why my love?” – aja monet 
• “Lansana’s Priestess (Remix)” – DJ Spinna 
• “Evolution” – Shola Adisa-Farrar & Florian Pellissier Quintet 
• “L.O.V.E. and You & I” –  Jazzanova 
• “Coffee” – Yuna 
• “Thin Lines” – Kidnap 
• “Equinox” – John Coltrane 
• “Pursuance” – Nicholas Payton & Butcher Brown 
• “The Message Continues” -Nubya Garcia 
• “Everybody Loves the Sunshine (feat. José James)” – Takuya Kuroda 
• “Rising Son” – Takuya Kuroda 
• “Roscoe (Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve Remix)” –  Midlake 
• “free fall” -berlioz 
• “L.A.” – Elliott Smith 
• “It’s Real” – Real Estate 
• “Caring Is Creepy” – The Shins 
• “I AM!” – pôt-pot 
• “Cloudy” – Daphni 
• “The Homeless Wanderer” – Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru 
• “Blue Train” – John Coltrane 
• “A Love Supreme, Pt. 1: Acknowledgement” – John Coltrane 

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.

View the best of Black visual arts at the annual Detroit Black Film Festival or maybe spend your weekend amongst the weird at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair.

Feel the chill in the air? Enter the Festival of Darkness or welcome fall at Midtown’s Fall Harvest Garden Party. View all that Detroit has to offer from Sept. 24 through Oct. 1.

Upcoming events (Sept. 24 - Oct. 1)

Detroit Black Film Festival

Various locations

Sept. 23-27

 $35 one day screening ticket

The seventh Detroit Black Film Festival offers a lineup of documentary and narrative films centering Black perspectives. Other events surrounding the curated list of thought-provoking films include an awards ceremony, panels, and after parties. Look out for the Taste of Black Spirit event on Friday at the Belle Isle Casino!

Doodle Days by Neighbor x Folk

Michigan Central Station

Sept. 24
Free

Unwind and engage in a community coloring event! From 12:30-4:30 p.m., participants will be able to color the artwork of workshop host Leah Barnett while taking in the architectural sights of the South Atrium in Michigan Central Station. Supplies are included with event attendance.

Note: There is a possibility that event attendees will be photographed for Neighbor x Folk promotional material. If you wish to not be photographed, please notify staff present at the event.

Funky Ferndale Art Fair / DIY Street Fair

Nine Mile and Woodward in Ferndale

Sept. 25-27

Free

You’ve been to some art fairs, but none offer the same spunk. The Funky Ferndale Art Fair prides itself on curating a show of quality artists that create beyond the ordinary. Just across the street is the DIY Street Fair, with more artists on site, plus live music and refreshments for sale.

Friends of the Detroit River National Public Lands Day

Belle Isle
Sept. 26
Free with State Recreation Passport

As a part of National Public Lands Day, Friends of the Detroit River is hosting an educational event with Wilderness Inquiry and Detroit Outdoors located at Lake Okonoka on Belle Isle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..  Attendees can explore on-land booths and paddle the lake on Wilderness Inquiry’s 10 person ‘Canoemobile’. A State Recreation Passport is required for entry into Belle Isle. This event is open to all ages, though those under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Hispanic Heritage Month: ¡Baila! Beginner Latin Dance Series

Detroit Public Library Conely Branch
Sept. 26
Free

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by learning to dance in traditional Latin styles. Taught by Troy Dance Studio instructors, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. beginners can learn how to step in a celebration of culture and movement. Though geared towards teens and adults, this event is open to all ages.

Festival of Darkness

Redford Theatre

 Sept. 26

$10

This annual trek into the dark side of cinema celebrates 5 years running with another round of independent films that gaze into the tangled depths of the human experience. The night features 13 short films and a total run time of around 100 minutes. Doors open at 7 p.m., with showtime at 8 p.m. Half of all ticket sales go to keeping the historic 1920s theater going. With the content leaning heavy on dark, introspective horror, this event is recommended for mature audiences only.

We Tell These Truths: Music is a Universal Language (A Pan-Asian Cultural Celebration)

Detroit Shipping Company

 Sept. 26

 Free

Visit Detroit’s historic Chinatown and hear exceptional Pan-Asian music. Hear the erhu played by Xiao Dong Wei, the pipa played by Min Xiao-Fen and a taiko performance by the Great Lakes Taiko Ensemble. Outside of these sets, rock and hip-hop band Madame XD will be performing. DJ Thomas Xu of “Steady Flight Circle” is also present and will be spinning tracks. See and listen to this cultural display for free and for all from 2-4:30 p.m.

Decks on Deck

Detroit Princess Riverboat

 Sept. 27

 $65, $60 for WDET members

Join WDET for a dance party on the water. DJ sets are being played by Waajeed, host of The Boulevard and Liz Warner, host of Alternate Take. Light bites are provided, and a cash bar is available. Guests have an hour to board the Detroit Princess before it sets sail at 6 p.m., returning after sunset at 9 p.m. Tickets are going fast, so reserve your spot today.

Fall Harvest Garden Party

North Cass Community Garden

Sept. 27

Free

Welcome the start of fall at the Fall Harvest Garden Party hosted by Midtown Detroit. From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, enjoy your afternoon with bites and drinks available from local Midtown businesses, a natural indigo dye workshop hosted by Rosemarine Textiles, pumpkin decorating and music played by DJ Adriel Thornton. There will also be a Sashiko workshop – traditional Japanese hand-stitching and embroidery – taught by Bit of Denim. This family-friendly event is open to all!

Nail Art Workshop

The Congregation
 Sept. 29
 $25

Spend your Tuesday evening honing your nail art skills! Led by Redd Curry-Wilkerson of REDD’s Nails, supplies will be provided to craft your perfect nail sets. Featuring a design inspired by the work of Highland Park artist Miriam Uhura, Redd also has press-on set available to use at the event for an additional $35. Purchases of the press-on set must be made at least 24 hours prior to the event. No experience required. The event runs from 6-9 p.m.

Detroit’s Chinatown, at one point in time, was a bustling neighborhood that often marked the first stop in the states for so many immigrants. 

According to the 2025 census, 1.7% of Detroit’s population identify as Asian American. An effort is underway to restore Detroit’s Chinatown.

In partnership with the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD), Concert of Colors Neighborhood Programs will host a celebration in old neighborhood.

We Tell These Truths: Music is a Universal Language (A Pan-Asian Cultural Celebration) is Saturday, Sept. 26, 2-4:30 p.m.

It’s happening at Detroit Shipping Company in Detroit’s Cass Corridor.

Roland Hwang is a lecturer of Asian, Pacific Islander History at the University of Michigan. Hwang is an attorney and a former state assistant attorney general. He is a supporter of Concert of Colors and MC for the event.

The concert will feature virtuoso erhuist Xiao Dong Wei, and her alter-ego, Madame XD.

Wei’s musical journey began in China at the tender age of 5. Her work has taken her across the globe and landed her in the Detroit area.  She blends traditional Chinese music with contemporary genres. From jazz, rock, and orchestral performance, Xiao plays over 20 instruments. 

Additional performers include well is virtuoso pipaist, Min Xiao-Fen. As well the Great Lakes Taiko Ensemble, and Thomas Xu “Steady Flight Circle” as the DJ for the afternoon.

Wei and Hwang joined The Metro to talk more about the concert and Detroit’s Chinatown. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming On-demand. Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Coming off the heels of a successful fall fundraiser (a massive THANK YOU to everyone who made a gift during IN THE GROOVE) and considering today’s date being what might as well be a musical holiday, we’re starting with Roy Meriwether and continuing into tracks both modern and classic. We’ve also got Munan’s single “Disco In My Room,” which just dropped last week.

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 September 21, 2026

• “Marching Into Hell” – Roy Meriwether 
• “Together” -Misha Panfilov Sound Combo 
• “Swing Lo Magellan” – Dirty Projectors 
• “Miffed It” – Way Dynamic 
• “Disco In My Room” – Munan 
• “Blue Nile” – Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics 
• “Sunday Morning” – Amanaz 
• “A Place to Go” – DJ Day 
• “For Pete’s Sake” – Sweetwater 
• “Draft Morning” – The Byrds 
• “San Franciscan Nights” – Gabor Szabo & The California Dreamers 
• “Girl from the Mountain” – Ghetto Brothers 
• “I Wish It Didn’t Bother Me” – Getdown Services 
• “New Drug (Original)” – Matthew Dear 
• “Booger’s Bounce of Joy” – Karate Boogaloo 
• “Bicho auto” – Juana Molina 
• “Acid and Honey” – Babe Rainbow 
• “Macho” – Jaakko Eino Kalevi 
• “TOY NO” – MUGRE 
• “⁠Colour Pillow / Kologo” – Blind Yeo 
• “Brakhage” – Stereolab 
• “Ocotillo” – Ghost Funk Orchestra 
• “Seven Mile (feat. Dames Brown)” – Will Sessions & Amp Fiddler 
• “Sun Circles (John Beltran Project Remix)” – Gratts 
• “On Your Face” – Earth, Wind & Fire 
• “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire 
• “Yeah Yeah” – Will Sessions 
• “Light My Fire” – Africa 
• “Nome de Deus” – Sessa 
• “La torre (feat. Devendra Banhart)” – Gabriel Rios 
• “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat. Yazmin Lacey)” – Ezra Collective 
• “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” – Cécile McLorin Salvant 

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.

This week on Visions, I celebrate John Coltrane’s centennial. He was born September 23, 1926, and his legacy is one of the most impactful in this music. I honor his musical legacy by playing several Coltrane records from the 1960’s: “A Love Supreme,” “Coltrane’s Sound,” “Africa/Brass” and “Giant Steps.”

To further celebrate his musical and compositional genius, the rest of the episode I play Coltrane’s compositions recorded by musicians throughout the decades. I have recent cuts from Nicholas Payton & Butcher Brown, Lakecia Benjamin, and the Luke Titus Quintet.

I include modern cuts from Jessica Williams, Dave Liebman, Kenny Garrett, the Steve Kuhn Trio, and Joe Lovano. And finally, classic cuts of Trane’s music from Archie Shepp, McCoy Tyner, and Clifford Jordan.

Listen to some Coltrane this week, and happy listening!

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for September 21, 2026

• “Satellite” – John Coltrane
• “Mr. Syms” – Archie Shepp
• “Promise” – McCoy Tyner
• “Bessie’s Blues (Live)” – Chick Corea
• “Resolution” – Nicholas Payton & Butcher Brown
• “Blues Minor” – John Coltrane Quartet
• “Naima (feat. Brian Sanborn, Lenard Simpson, Julius Tucker & Parker Grogan)” – Luke Titus
• “Equinox” – Jessica Williams
• “Mr. P.C.” – John Coltrane
• “Song of Praise” – Steve Kuhn Trio & Joe Lovano
• “Spiral (feat. Marcus Gilmore & Steve Wilson)” – Lakecia Benjamin
• “John Coltrane” – Clifford Jordan
• “After the Rain” – Dave Liebman
• “Lonnie’s Lament” – Kenny Garrett*
• “A Love Supreme, Pt. 1: Acknowledgement” – John Coltrane
• “26-2 (Live)” – Joe Lovano

* indicates a Detroit artist

Tonight we got snuggled in for the first day of fall coming up this week. We featured new music from Fleeting Colours, a song called “Autumn,” a dreamy, cozy psych-folk cover of a Lester Folsom song from Beach House, and the latest from The Church and ACTORS.

Plus, we heard a new instrumental from Dead Can Dance, picked Apples for Isaac with Echo and the Bunnymen, and much, much more along with your fave Shoegaze, Dreampop, and Post-Punk classics.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Big Sonic Heaven playlist for Sept. 20, 2026

• “Iceblink Luck” – Cocteau Twins
• “Clusters” – Emma Anderson
• “Going Nowhere (feat. Olive Kimoto)” – Locust
• “Bachelorette” – Björk
• “Blister Sunrise” – M83
• “Coast Is Clear” – Curve
• “Alma” – deary
• “Stay” – Dr. Horsehead
• “Peng! 33” – Stereolab
• “Martian Skyline” – The Church
• “Paralysed” – Ride
• “April Suzanne” – Beach House
• “You And Your Sister” – This Mortal Coil
• “kisses” – Slowdive
• “Exploded View” – ACTORS
• “Calling the Magazine” – Mind Cinema
• “Tunic (Song for Karen)” – Sonic Youth
• “Autumn” – Fleeting Colours
• “Love In Itself” – Depeche Mode
• “Graze” – She’s Green
• “The Light That Surrounds You” – Echo & The Bunnymen
• “…And The Next Day” – Melissa Auf der Maur 
• “Harold and Cindy Hospital” – Severed Heads
• “Deep Blue Day” – Brian Eno
• “Phantom Fears” – Dorian’s Steaming Shadow
• “Adorations” – Killing Joke
• “International Dateline” – Ladytron
• “Love’s Riddle (feat. Emma Anderson & Heidi Berry)” – Stefano Guzzetti
• “Black Boys On Mopeds” – Sinéad O’Connor
• “Are You Safe?” – Maquillage
• “Prevail” – Mouth Ulcers
• “The Headmaster Ritual” – The Smiths
• “Primitive Painters” – Felt
• “Nāda” – Dead Can Dance
• “Sinking” – The Cure
• “Soul Sky” – Locust, Griff Spex & Olive Kimoto
• “Clementine” – Xymox

The night comes alive with Eastern Market After Dark, and the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs is ready to show you the stars in all their glory. Check out all the ways you can spend your time in metro Detroit in the coming week.

Upcoming events (Sept. 17-24)

Eastern Market After Dark

Eastern Market Shed 2
Sept. 17
Free

The Eastern Market lights up at night to host artisan vendors, demonstrations and more as a part of Detroit Month of Design. Nearby, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy hosts an activation on the Dequindre Cut, shops and restaurants extend their hours, and Slow Roll hosts an evening bike ride.

Astronomy on the Beach

Island Lake State Park
Sept. 18-19
Free

Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs marks  30 years of Astronomy on the Beach. This year’s theme is Artemis II – returning to the moon in honor of the recent space exploration mission. In addition to peering at the expanse of space, guests can listen to keynote speakers, demonstrations and presentations, and enter a mini telescope raffle. Both nights end with a laser tour of the night sky.

Frankenfest

 Historic Fort Wayne
Sept. 19
Outdoor attractions free / indoor entry $5

A monstrous mashup of art and the paranormal takes over historic Fort Wayne this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect electrifying entertainment (including aerial shows every hour), over a hundred artists on site, and the chance to explore the fort. Indoors, Michigan-based podcasts give presentations on local hauntings and the macabre. Frankenfest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that some featured artwork is unsuitable for children.

Folk Festival

 Staebler Farm County Park
Sept. 19
Free 

The Michigan Folk School welcomes all to a free showcase of folksy-skills, from gardening to blacksmithing to handweaving and more. Food and beverages are available for sale on site, and guests can listen to live music at two stages; one will be hosting a vintage string band, and the other features vocalist Kandy Fredrick and Irish Band Lochanna Mora. Lastly, there’s a silent auction of artisan goods crafted by school staff and instructors to keep the folk school going. 

Recovery and Resilience Music Festival

 Downriver Council for the Arts
Sept. 20
Free

This family friendly, sober event brings together artists, advocates and recovery organizations for a day of community. Attendees can enjoy food, coffee, creative workshops, resource meetings and live music. Plus, Lol Tolhurst from The Cure gives a keynote address. Stop by from noon to 10 p.m.

Adult Spelling Bee Fundraiser

 Jam Handy
Sept. 24
$50

Hosted by Stephen Henderson and Maxie Jones, the 8th Annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser raises funds for the Dominican Literacy Center’s teaching and community outreach needs. Along with the spelling contest, guests can expect good music with DJ La’Roc, food and drink, and good vibes. Bee there or bee square.

At some point, it gets hard to just think about the music even if Phoebe Bridgers’s new single is quite the well-produced earworm.

The California artist is lauded as a generational songwriter for Gen Z. I won’t even begin to argue with that. My 20-year-old intern talks about her breathlessly. She’s certainly not alone. As an old man, I like her, too.

As Bridgers gets launches her third album, “Lost Weekend,” it is a major affair — so major that the music feels like a secondary affair.

First, there were the small shows at tiny venues across the U.S. where no phones were allowed and a bevy of clues were leaked out to eager fans. And then, with just about a day’s notice, she sold out Madison Square Garden. After that, Bridgers snapped her fingers and sold out a full arena tour in the U.S. and overseas. That’s an astonishing 500,000 tickets in just a few hours.

Even the release of the lead single, “Lost Boys,” comes with its own merch line, limited edition 7-inch, and a lot of other swag — or “ways to interact with the artist” if you’re less cynical than I am. 

And when you finally do get to the music itself, it’s quite a lovely track. It’s Bridgers at her most anthemic, taking the tiny bedroom moments of her previous releases and amping them up for that run of sold-out arenas later this year. You’ll be able to sing “Lost Boys” at the top of your lungs if you were lucky enough to get a ticket. 

Super producer Jack Antonoff gives “Lost Boys” a hell of a lot of space to build and echo through the room. The result is a track that feels massive, has a nifty little brass section that gives it big time pomp-and-circumstance, and the lyrics are vague enough that anyone can shove their life experiences inside of them and cosplay as Bridgers herself.

If you’re not into Bridgers’ music, it’s going to be a long year for you. She’ll be everywhere, and you might take the route of simply rejecting what’s popular.

But if you can get over the hype machine, you’ll find that Bridgers is in fact writing some of her strongest material and is an artist who still hasn’t missed across three albums. “Lost Boys” proves that she’s not about to take a musical misstep anytime soon.

This article was originally published on Midbrow.

From fine arts to a neighborhood-jam sesh, Detroit’s cultural offerings are out full force this weekend. 

On a more solemn note, there is an observance of 9/11’s 25th anniversary with songs, speeches and a coffee social. 

Upcoming events (Sept. 10-17)

Season Fair

The Shepherd
Sept. 10-13
Opening Season Talks free; general admission $40

This second edition of the exhibition fair is titled “Detroit Presents: Other Routes,” exploring how the six featured artists came into their craft and how their personal journeys shape their art, down to the non-traditional materials they use. There is an opening series of talks at the College of Creative Studies on Sept. 10.

9/11 Remembrance

War Memorial
Sept. 11
$10

The Michigan State Fair brings classic fair foods, Michigan agriculture, and all the entertainment you can imagine under one roof. There will be magic shows, performances by the Rock-N-Roll K-9’s, pig races, carnival games and more—plus, we can’t forget the Butter Cow on display! Some events, like the Full Throttle Monster Truck Show and carnival rides require additional costs.

Buffalo Soldiers and Blues Fest

 Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association Barn
Sept. 12
Free

The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association (BSHA) invites the community to celebrate the legacy of the historic all-Black army unit with a family-friendly blues festival. The event offers horse rides, barn tours games, food and live music by Detroit’s Big Pete and Friends from noon to 4 p.m.. Western wear is encouraged.

Dally in the Alley

 Cass Corridor
Sept. 12
Free 

Dally in the Alley is back for 12 hours of art, music, food and fun in the Cass Corridor. Wander through the free volunteer run fair and visit six music stages, a fair zone just for kids, and many food and beer options.

“For the Love of” fashion show

 Detroit Public Library
Sept. 12
Free

Experience a runway presentation of emerging Detroit designers. This third edition features select designers from last year’s fashion show, ready to showcase their honed skills and bring Detroit fashion further into the spotlight.

Sensory Friendly Concert: Dance Party

 Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 13
Free

This interactive concert with Cancel Monday Band is designed with neurodiverse teens and adults in mind, along with their families and caregivers. There’s flexible seating, low lights, a limited audience size, noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces for a break and more at the venue. Following the 45 minute performance, DanceAbility leads an hour long dance workshop to connect people through the joy of movement in a positive, welcoming environment.

We’re back with a whole new set of bangers including new music from Matthew Dear, Babe Rainbow, Blind Yeo and Ghost Funk Orchestra. Plus, legendary composer Danny Elfman joins the show to talk about the music that has influenced him over the years ahead of his show tomorrow night at the Fox Theatre in Detroit and a fond farewell for legendary jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson.

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 September 8, 2026

• “Booger’s Bounce of Joy” — Karate Boogaloo
• “Bicho auto” — Juana Molina
• “Acid and Honey” — Babe Rainbow
• “New Drug (Original)” — Matthew Dear
• “Macho” — Jaakko Eino Kalevi
• “TOY NO” — MUGRE
• “Something Against You” — Pixies
• “Brown Rice” — Don Cherry
• “Colour Pillow / Kologo” — Blind Yeo
• “Ocotillo” — Ghost Funk Orchestra
• “Espionage” — Butcher Brown feat. Charlie Hunter

In The Groove with Danny Elfman

• “What’s This?” — Danny Elfman

• “Minor Swing” — Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli & The Quintet of the Hot Club of France

• “Night Boat to Cairo” — Madness
• “Los Angeles” — X
• “Breakfast Machine” — Danny Elfman
• “Ice Dance” — Danny Elfman

More from the show

• “Snowman” — Blonde Redhead
• “Harvest Moon” — Cassandra Wilson
• “Samois a Moi” — Cyrille Aimée
• “Train on the Island” — Aldous Harding
• “Tugboat” — Galaxie 500
• “Olive Branch” — ARTEMIS
• “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” — Cécile McLorin Salvant
• “Baby Blue” — King Krule
• “Sleeping Ute” — Grizzly Bear
• “Do I Move You?” — Nina Simone
• “The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday’s Kiss)” — Aretha Franklin
• “I Found the F” — Broadcast
• “Only a Shadow” — The Cleaners From Venus
• “R&B (Theo Verney Version)” — English Teacher
• “Ritual Union (Maya Jane Coles Remix)” — Little Dragon
• “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab (Daniel Avery Remix)” — English Teacher & Daniel Avery
• “Alone (Four Tet Remix)” — The Cure

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.