Get ready for an up-close look at some of Detroit’s finest! Don Was, the Grammy-winning producer/bassist and WDET host, steps out from behind the scenes with a killer band that carries his name — a big move for someone who’s spent years making others shine.

In this session, Don talks with Essential Music host Ann Delisi about what it took to put his name on a project and pull together some of Detroit’s best musicians. They dive into how the band instantly clicked, how they’ve been repping Detroit on their recent 11-city tour and the album making process.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble brings serious talent: Jeff Canady on drums, Luis Resto on keys, Wayne Gerard on guitar, Vincent Chandler on trombone, Dave McMurray on sax, John Douglas on trumpet, Mahindi Masai on percussion and Steffanie Christi’an on vocals. This video captures the raw energy of Detroit’s top talent, with unforgettable performances and real talk that’ll make you feel like you’re right there in the room. Don’t miss this WDET Rustbelt Session.

BLKBOK is a Detroit-born classical piano prodigy who’s made a name for himself touring with pop superstars like John Mayer, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and even Michael Jackson.

More recently, he’s stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, fully embracing his classical roots while still incorporating modern influences.

Read more: BLKBOK shares inspiration behind his new album ‘9’

In this video, BLKBOK sits down with us to talk about the contrast between playing for huge pop acts and carving out his own voice as a solo performer. This beautifully shot video captures the energy in the room as BLKBOK performs three of his original compositions. It’s an up-close-and-personal look at his journey, both musically and personally.

You’ll feel like you’re right there with him at Rustbelt Studios, watching him redefine what’s possible on the piano.

Listen to Ann Delisi’s Essential Music every Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

I knew Winestoned Cowboys were a band to watch when they dropped their excellent Live at the Old Miami debut album.

That’s bold to lead with the live product but a smart move I hope more local bands follow. As it stands, most bands struggle to recreate the sound on their album on the stage. And Winestoned Cowboys delivered.

This is cosmic country at its finest — a musical blend of roots, Americana and outlaw country first and foremost, with sarcastic lyrics about loss, drugs, drinking and everything else you’d expect to come out of a dusty old saloon that this band would probably play.

We had to invite Winestoned Cowboys in for a Live on WDET session to see if they could strike magic once again. The seven-piece didn’t disappoint. This is by far one of the best sessions we’ve welcomed — and I’m happy to say Winestoned Cowboys will be performing at WDET’s upcoming event at Batch Brewery on Friday, Oct. 18!

You can grab your tickets at wdet.org/events.

Winestoned Cowboys is:

• Matt Horne – vocals and guitar
• Nick Cicchetti – bass
• Brenda Mahler – vocals
• Elliot Moses – high-strung acoustic guitar
• Bob Monteleone – lead guitar
• Jordan Siden – pedal steel guitar
• John Porter – drums

Listen to In the Groove weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

Get ready for Ghost-Note, the dynamic ensemble led by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy-winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth.

The group takes over WDET’s airwaves in an exclusive live performance at Rustbelt Studios. Hosted by Ann Delisi, this session features the band in full force, delivering a powerful blend of funk, Afrobeat, hip-hop and psychedelia. With an impressive roster of musicians, Ghost-Note is pushing the boundaries of modern funk music.

In this special segment, you’ll not only witness Ghost-Note’s explosive live performances, but also dive into an insightful interview with Searight and Werth. The duo shares the story behind the band’s formation, their wide-ranging influences — from the iconic sounds of James Brown and Prince to the deep grooves of Detroit — and how they’re revolutionizing the future of funk.

The conversation is interwoven with stellar performances by the entire band, featuring Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Nate Werth on percussion, Dominique Xavier Taplin on keyboards, Jonathan Mones on alto sax and flute, Daniel Wytanis on trombone, Jam McK on bass, Xavier Lynn on guitar, and Mackenzie on vocals.

Don’t miss this must-see performance as Ghost-Note gears up for their set at the Detroit Jazz Festival, happening Sunday at Hart Plaza.