To say 2024 was a big year for music at WDET would be an understatement. We broadcasted an exclusive world premiere of Jack White’s new album, we added seven new music shows to our lineup and we increased our music programming from 32 hours per week to 79 — meaning we’ve played over 189,840 minutes of music since last year at this time.

We hosted live performances from local artists like Kevin Reynolds, Shadow Show (who are featured in Mike Latulippe’s list), Strange Heart, Infinite River (who are featured in Liz Warner’s list), Frontier Ruckus, Kasan Belgrave and Winestoned Cowboys; global groups like Mokoomba and Ghost-Note; and even the legendary Don Was & The Pan-Detroit Ensemble.

With so much amazing music to choose from, our award-winning hosts had a hard time narrowing down their lists — Ryan Patrick Hooper even played 15 hours worth of his favorites on In The Groove. But in the end, 40 tracks rose above the rest.

These are WDET’s top tracks of 2024.

Listen to the full playlist:

Want to jump to your favorite host? Click their name below:

• Ann Delisi, Ann Delisi’s Essential Music
• Chris Campbell, The Progressive Underground
• Jeff Milo, MI Local
• Jon Moshier, Modern Music
• Liz Warner, Alternate Take
• Mike Latulippe, The Detroit Move
• Rob Reinhart, Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music
• Ryan Patrick Hooper, In The Groove
• Shigeto, The New Music Show

Ann Delisi, Ann Delisi’s Essential Music

• “Get Down” – Masha Marjieh
• “The Rest of Me” – Michael Kiwanuka
• “Brown Fool Eyes” – Hataalii
• “Make It Happen” – Wonder 45
• “Für Elise – Batiste” – Jon Batiste

Chris Campbell, The Progressive Underground

• “Why Do You Keep Calling Me” – Sy Smith
• “Lil Birdie” – DJ Harrison
• “High Class” – GAWD
• “Charlie (feat. Lil Yachty)” – Lola Young
• “Understand Me” –Sandy Rivera, DÉ SAINT

Jeff Milo, MI Local

To hear all of Jeff’s picks from the year, check out his 11-hour-long Spotify playlist.

• “Is It True Love?” – Bluhm
• “Big Boy” – Katy Needs a Life
• “Meet Me On The Internet” – Summer Like the Season
• “things we want to know” – Vespre
• “The Big Idea” – Lily Talmers

Jon Moshier, Modern Music

• “Big Wheel” – Shannon & The Clams
• “Hours” – Fred Thomas
• “Transmission” – The Routes
• “Soonish…” – Dummy
• “Big Tuna” – variety

Liz Warner, Alternate Take

• “Journey In Satchidananda (feat. Pharoah Sanders)” – Alice Coltrane
• “Blessed Unrest” – Infinite River
• “Life Is” – Jessica Pratt
• “Nothing Simple (feat. Tammy Lakkis & Cleveland Thrasher)” – Shigeto
• “Good Life – Chantty Natural Remix (feat. Groove Terminator & Chantty Natural)” – Soweto Gospel Choir

Mike Latulippe, The Detroit Move

• “Do Me Good” – The Mocks
• “Missionary” – Jack White
• “Transmission” – The Routes
• “Ours Forever” – The Jackets
• “Mystic Spiral” – Shadow Show

Rob Reinhart, Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music

• “Losing You (feat. Sampha, Laura Groves, Jah Wobble & Yazz Ahmed)” – Everything Is Recorded
• “Above Water” – Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men
• “Like I Say (I runaway)” – Nilüfer Yanya
• “Burial Ground (feat. James Mercer)” – The Decemberists
• “Same Risk” – Madi Diaz

Ryan Patrick Hooper, In The Groove

To hear all of Ryan’s picks from the year, check out “In The Groove: The best music released in 2024” parts 1–5.

• “Mum Does the Washing” – Joshua Idehen
• “Favourite” – Fontaines D.C.
• “R&B” – English Teacher
• “Mind’s a Lie” – High Vis
• “Count The Days (feat. Jenny Lewis)” – Swamp Dogg

Shigeto, The New Music Show

• “When It Fall” – SALĀKASTAR
• “Beaucoup de Drogue” – Shaii David
• “Reminiscin’ (feat. Dames Brown) [Re-Press]” – Will Sessions & Amp Fiddler
• “To Mitooni (Passed Out on a Persian Rug Mix)” – Salar Ansari & Shahram Shabpareh
• “Subdued (Tammy Lakkis Mix)” – Sara Marie Barron & Tammy Lakkis

This week, we’ve got a super-sized events guide to keep you busy all throughout the holiday season. Whether you’re home for the holidays or just visiting for a weekend, we’ve got performances, parties and other unique attractions for you to enjoy. Read on to learn more.

Holiday celebrations

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Campus Martius at Menorah in the D on Wednesday, Dec. 25. There will be greetings from community leaders, strolling entertainment, complimentary hot soup, snacks and cider, and activities for the kids. The event and a live broadcast will begin at 5 p.m., the lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., then the 26-foot-tall menorah will stand in Cadillac Square throughout all eight nights of Hanukkah. To RSVP and learn more, visit menorahinthed.com.

Then, Thursday, Dec. 26 is the third annual Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting ceremony. The 30-foot-tall monument brings a celebration of African American life, community and culture to Campus Martius Park. The ceremony will take place starting at 4 p.m. on a grand stage located at northbound Cadillac Square and Woodward, featuring a keynote address by Detroit Historian Jamon Jordan. Over the following week, the Kinara will be re-lit daily between 5-5:15 p.m. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Keep the Kwanzaa celebration going with The Wright Museum of African American History between Thursday, Dec. 26 and Thursday, Jan. 1. Celebrations include traditional African drumming and dance, storytelling, spoken word performances, educational workshops, and family-friendly activities illuminating the significance of Kwanzaa’s cultural heritage. Visitors can also explore the museum’s exhibitions and learn more about the historical and cultural roots that inspire this holiday. For more information, visit thewright.org.

Hear more: The Wright’s Yolanda Jack joins The Metro to discuss the museum’s upcoming Kwanzaa celebration

Seasonal shows

Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret is back by popular demand. Now in its second year, audiences can expect a fresh mix of holiday tunes — some familiar, and some that might surprise you. This isn’t your grandma’s Christmas Carol… but she might still love it. Performances are going on now through Sunday, Dec. 22. For tickets and more information, visit detroitpublictheatre.com.

Celebrate the holidays with perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography and costuming that perfectly captures the sights and sounds of Motown with “A Magical Motown Christmas” at Music Hall in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 20. The show features a journey through Motown’s best, including The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson, plus a special set dedicated to Christmas favorites. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit musichall.org.

Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, “’Twas The Night Before…” is coming to the Fox Theatre in Detroit from Friday, Dec. 20 through Wednesday, Dec. 31. Based on the classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the show follows a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas, featuring thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack of reimagined Christmas favorites. This show is suitable for all ages. For tickets and more information, visit 313presents.com.

For one night only, the Grand Kyiv Ballet will be performing their newest ballet “Snow Queen” at Music Hall in Detroit. The show reimagines the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale about love and friendship and how the warmth of a friend’s devoted heart removes the spell of a wicked queen. The performance will take place on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit ticketmaster.com.

Plus, tune into WDET for tons of seasonal programming to close out the year, including holiday shows, best of 2024 playlists and special encore broadcasts of Ed Love’s landmark program, Evolution of Jazz. See our full schedule for details.

Holiday markets

Looking for some last-minute gifts? Check out the Kerch Market: Holiday Edition on Saturday, Dec. 21. They’ll have unique gifts and stocking stuffers including vintage goods, jewelry, art, food, music and more. There will also be ramen by Nourish Ramen and cocktails by Two Birds Detroit available for purchase on site. The market will be open at 8130 Kercheval Ave. in Detroit from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

Or, head to Spot Lite for their annual Solstice Celebration Holiday Market. Visitors can shop for records and local art while sipping craft cocktails and listening to soulful tunes by Frank Raines and Mike Trombley. The market will be open on Saturday, Dec. 21 from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Spot Lite on Instagram.

Toy drives

Pay it forward this holiday season at some of metro Detroit’s toy drives. Saturday, Dec. 21 is the 5th Annual Super Fly Toy Drive charity show at Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti. This night of music across genres aims to raise holiday donations for families in the local community. Guests get in free with a toy donation, otherwise admission is $10. 100% of donations go toward helping local families with holiday expenses. For more information, visit ziggysypsistore.com.

Or, head to Northern Lights Lounge for a night of global sounds and the giving spirit at Fiesta House. Music selections will include Latin house, reggaeton, dembow, baile funk and more. Admission is $10 or free with a toy donation, and the first 50 people to donate toys get free tacos. All donations and ticket proceeds will go toward helping Detroit kids. This event is 21+ and goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. For more information, visit Northern Lights Lounge on Facebook.

Parties

On Friday, Dec. 20, Urban Art Orchestra presents Holiday Party at Spot Lite Detroit. Guests will experience an evening of live music from Detroit’s finest, including Kevin Stewart, Dr. Brandon Waddles & Urban Art Voices, House of Jit, Isis Damil, Terri Shu and more. The party starts at 9 p.m. and is 21+. For tickets and more information, visit ra.co.

Watch: Urban Art Orchestra performs live on WDET

From Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 22, Miss Eva’s in Detroit is hosting a weekend of live performances from prolific local artists like Mahogany Jones, jessica Care moore and Brandon Williams. This intimate speakeasy features deep grooves, curated cocktails and an elegant atmosphere, and won’t be open to the public again until spring 2025. For more information, visit missevasdetroit.com.

Ring in the new year with WDET’s own Shigeto (host of The New Music Show on Saturdays 8-10 p.m.) at UFO Bar on Tuesday, Dec. 31. He’ll be performing with a star-studded live ensemble featuring Ian Fink and Marcus Elliot with Kesswa and special guests. Plus, there will be DJ sets from Kenjiro, Tammy Lakkis and Turtle Bugg. The party goes from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. For tickets and more information, visit ra.co.

Or, head to Ziggy’s for a “meow-velous” New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by House of Jealous Lovers. Mew Year’s Eve is an all-night party for the childless cat people and the kittens that love them. Admission is $10 if you show up in a cat or cat lady costume, $8 if you show up in a convincing Carole Baskin or Joe Exotic costume, and $15 for everyone else. The party starts at 8 p.m. and goes all night. For more info, visit ziggysypsistore.com.

Ongoing attractions

There are also several ongoing attractions around metro Detroit, including light displays, Santa visits and ice skating:

• Holiday Walk at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester (through Dec 23)
• Wayne County Lightfest in Westland (through Dec 24)
• Santa House at Shain Park in Birmingham (through Dec 24)
• Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn (through Dec 28)
• Glenlore Trails Aurora Winter Wanderland in Commerce Township (through Dec 29)
• Magic of Lights at Pine Knob (through Dec 30)
• Winter Wonder Lights at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester (through Dec 30)
• HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds (through Dec 31)
• Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (through Jan 5)
• Winter Wonderland at Columbia Street in Downtown Detroit (through Jan 5)
• The Rink at Campus Martius Park (through March 2)

This week, we’ve got thought-provoking films, feminist fiber art displays and a showcase of some of the funniest comics in Michigan.

Plus, even more ways to celebrate the holiday season. Read on to learn more.

Film screenings

This weekend, the Detroit Film Theatre inside the DIA is screening ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness,’ a semi-autobiographical film directed by prolific contemporary painter Titus Kaphar, whose work is featured at the DIA and the Museum of Modern Art. The film follows a painter preparing for a gallery show whose life is turned upside down by the unexpected return of his estranged father. As the protagonist works on his canvases, he reflects on his past, questioning if he can change the pain of his present. The film is both provocative in its depiction of family crisis and thought-provoking about the role of Black voices in the contemporary art scene. Screenings will take place on Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. The Friday showing will also include a special in-person Q&A with director Titus Kaphar (whose family is from Kalamazoo, by the way) following the film. Tickets are $10.50 for adults and $8.50 for seniors and students. For more information, visit dia.org.

Learn more: Painter Titus Kaphar on ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ – Fresh Air

Art exhibits

Then, stick around the DIA to check out their latest exhibit, Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery. Painted with Silk explores the cultural values and norms that schoolgirl embroidery was used to teach, featuring unusually beautiful and well-preserved pieces from the 1600s through 1830. The exhibition also includes contemporary embroideries that work to expose and criticize the assumptions about gender, class and race that older embroideries expressed and reinforced. The exhibit is on display starting Friday, Dec. 13 through June 15, 2025. For more information, visit dia.org.

Comedy showcases

Wednesday, Dec. 18 is the annual Best in Michigan Stand-Up show at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle — one of their most popular shows of the year. This year’s local comics include Camila Ballario, Martin Butler, Roni Shanell, Noah Chapp and Justin Pedick with headliner and castle favorite Josh Adams. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. This venue is 18+. For more information, visit comedycastle.com.

Holiday celebrations

On Sunday, Dec. 15, People for Palmer Park is hosting a WinterFest Multicultural Holiday Celebration at the Historic Palmer Park Log Cabin. This free, family-friendly holiday party will feature horse and carriage rides, cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and displays celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas. The festivities will go from 1-4 p.m. and free parking is available on Woodward and Merrill Plaisance. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

This weekend concludes the 51st annual Holly Dickens Festival in Downtown Holly. As visitors stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, they’ll step back in time into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’ Victorian London, featuring carolers, roasting chestnuts and period piece costumes. There will also be sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides and more seasonal activities. This free and family-friendly event goes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. For more information, visit hollydickensfestival.org.

Once Upon a December Eve, a metro Detroit holiday tradition featuring the McAllister family, is coming to The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills for the first time on Sunday, Dec. 15. Celebrate the holiday season with a musical evening of holiday favorites, traditional and contemporary carols, classical gems, and stunning jazz arrangements. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for patrons 21+. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door, and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.

This week, we’ve got holiday markets for every niche, including ceramics, beauty products, books and more.

Plus, a chance to mingle with your favorite WDET hosts! Read on to learn more.

Warm up with WDET

Stop by the WDET station in Midtown Detroit to warm up this weekend during Noel Night! Our doors will be open on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3-9 p.m., and we’ll have hot chocolate, studio tours, meet & greets with our hosts and opportunities to shop vintage WDET merch at discounted prices. Plus, new this year, we’ll have Detroit trivia hosted by Ryan Patrick Hooper and Amanda LeClaire! For more information, visit our events page. See you there!

Holiday markets

Check out the 47th Annual Potters Market in Southfield between Thursday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Shop from over 30,000 unique ceramic pieces made by local artists, including mugs, jewelry, garden art and more, for as low as $5. All proceeds made this year will benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind. Parking and admission are free, and guests are asked not to bring strollers into the market. For more information, visit thepottersmarket.com. 

Then, head to Shain Park in Downtown Birmingham for their annual Winter Markt from Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8. There will be displays from local artists and vendors, European cuisine, holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, complimentary carriage rides and more. There will also be a children’s activity area and warming stations so all visitors feel comfortable. For more information, visit allinbirmingham.com.

Eastern Market is also having a Holiday Market this weekend on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products and more. Plus, stop by Shed 5 for free holiday portrait sessions by Social N’ the City Events between noon and 2 p.m. There will also be Christmas tree vendors in the parking lot outside Sheds 5 and 6. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

And for the book lovers out there, Detroit Book City is hosting their 5th Annual Holiday Book Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park. From noon to 5 p.m., visitors can meet and shop from over 40 local Black indie authors. There will also be Santa selfies, an ugly sweater contest, Kwanzaa decorations and a food truck. This event is free and open to the public, and the first 100 arrivals will receive a free holiday swag bag. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Holiday classics

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the historic Redford Theatre is screening two Christmas classics: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ (1992) at 2 p.m. and ‘Home Alone’ (1990) at 8 p.m. Tickets for each are $7 for adults or $5 for seniors and kids. For more information, visit redfordtheatre.com.

Live performances

Complexions Contemporary Ballet makes their Detroit Opera House debut this weekend with a 30th Anniversary performance. Featuring live music from the Detroit Opera Orchestra, the first act features Beethoven, Vivaldi and Helbig, a vocal performance of Ave Maria, plus a spoken word poem by Aaron Dworkin set to the music of Michael Abels. The second act features the music of U2, drawing on the grit and honesty of their iconic songs stripped down to their acoustic best. Performances take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit detroitopera.org.

Community exhibits

The 16th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition opens at the DIA on Friday, Dec. 6 and will be on display in the museum’s Learning Center until Jan. 5, 2025. The exhibition will feature over 100 projects made in partnership with human services agencies in the Detroit area over the past year, including paintings, prints, sculptures and more. This year’s participating groups are ACCESS Hope House, CARE of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Recovery Project, Hannan Center, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Mariners Inn, Macomb County Community Mental Health, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and Soul Studio, a division of Friendship Circle. For more information, visit dia.org.

This week, we have tons of seasonal festivities, from tree lightings to ugly holiday sweater skate parties.

Plus, some unique opportunities for holiday shopping. Read on to learn more.

Seasonal festivities

Friday, Nov. 22 is the 21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius Park. This free event kicks off the holiday season with live performances by national and local musical acts and figure skaters, holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more. The festivities go from 4-9 p.m. and are open to the public. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Friday, Nov. 22 also kicks off the annual Light The Village holiday celebration in The Village of Rochester Hills. The 375,000 square foot outdoor shopping center will be covered with over 800,000 colored lights and offer an evening of family-friendly entertainment, including music, food, a fireworks display and a visit from Santa. The festivities go from 6-9 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, visit thevohr.com.

The Aurora Winter Wonderland forest walk has returned to Glenlore Trails now through Dec. 29. Now in its fifth year, visitors can explore the mile-long trail Thursday through Sunday nights starting at dusk. This year’s attractions include touch-sensitive light installations, motion-triggered displays, enchanted holiday sounds, interactive games and magic wands that unlock hidden surprises along the trail. General admission is $25 and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit glenloretrails.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Visit Detroit and Michigan Lottery are throwing an Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate Party at The Rink in Campus Martius Park. From 6-10 p.m., guests are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweater for this festive evening under the glow of Detroit’s Christmas Tree, featuring holiday tunes from DJ Invisible, prizes for the best ugly sweater and a chance to win instant lottery tickets. General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $6. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Holiday shopping

Find quality ceramics for bargain prices at Sugar Hill Clay’s 2024 Seconds Sale on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Seconds are pieces that are experiments, tests, have minor flaws, or pieces that were simply left with the studio. All pieces will be available for purchase at accessible prices, starting from $5. This sale is a fundraiser for the members of Sugar Hill Clay, and all proceeds will be used for the advancement of members’ studio experiences and community building. For more information, visit sugarhillclay.com.

Get your holiday meal prep done at Eastern Market’s Thanksgiving Food Holiday Market on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special Tuesday market will focus primarily on local food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything you need for your holiday meals. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

Tactile exhibitions

Saturday, Nov. 23 is the annual Clawson Comic Book and Toy Show at Knights of Columbus. Comic book enthusiasts and invited to buy, sell and trade during this massive display of rare and collectable items. This year’s show also features horror artist Don England and door prizes every hour. Admission is $5, parking is free and the show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Facebook.

Related: Detroit cartoonist Martin Hirchak talks Clawson Comic Book Show – The Metro

One of the latest exhibits at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies Valade Family Gallery is Fiber Flux, which pays homage to the innovative spirit and boundless creativity of educators across the Midwest. This exhibition features artwork that offers a compelling glimpse into the innovative spirit of fiber art and textile design. From intricate weavings to avant-garde textile sculptures, each piece reflects the educators’ commitment to pushing the limits of the field. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. For more information, visit ccsdetroit.edu.

Related: Detroit fiber professors discuss new CCS exhibit – The Metro