This week, we’ve got excuses to shop local and performances across genres. Plus, some upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Read on to learn more.

Shop local

Saturday, April 12 is Record Store Day, a chance for artists to release limited-edition pressings and for vinyl collectors to show some love to their favorite record stores. You can check out some of our favorite local stores here. To celebrate the incredible independent record stores in and around the Motor City, we’re offering an exclusive Record Store Day member drawing! Anyone who makes a gift to WDET on April 11 or April 12 will be automatically entered into the drawing to receive a swag bag filled with gift certificates from participating record stores, vinyl from Third Man Records and more. To learn more, visit wdet.org/events.

Sunday, April 13 is the 11th Annual All Things Detroit Day at Eastern Market. This unique shopping experience brings 200 small businesses together for your convenience, each offering Detroit-made goods from handcrafted treasures to delicious treats. Doors open at noon and general admission is $7. For more information, visit allthingsticketing.com.

See a show

Wayne State’s Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre & Dance is doing a production of Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s captivating play, “Emilia,” at the Hilberry Gateway April 11-19. Set in Elizabethan England, the play follows trailblazing poet Emilia Bassano on her journey from obscurity to empowerment as she navigates a society dominated by men. With a blend of humor, passion and raw emotion, “Emilia” celebrates female resilience and the power of women’s voices throughout history. Tickets are $27 for the general public, $22 for seniors, WSU Alumni, and WSU Employees, and $17 for students. For more information, visit theatreanddance.wayne.edu.

On Saturday, April 12, Miss Eva’s in Detroit is hosting poet, author, educator and Spirit of Detroit Award recipient Joel Fluent Greene for their Saturday Night Unplugged series. Greene will perform some of his raw, soulful poetry while accompanied by musician Al Bettis onstage. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventnoire page.

On Monday, April 14, Aretha’s Jazz Café is honoring legendary blues singer Bessie Smith with a tribute show as part of their Preservation of Jazz series. This special event features Detroit’s own “Queen of the Blues,” Thornetta Davis, as she performs an evening of classics by the pioneering “Empress of the Blues.” Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $50. For more information, visit jazzcafedetroit.com.

Mark your calendar

On Saturday, April 19, join us at the historic Garden Theater in Detroit to celebrate the life and legacy of Judy Adams, a remarkable musician, radio host and educator. This free event is open to all, and will feature live music, original artwork and light refreshments. Please RSVP on Facebook if you plan to attend. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Then on Sunday, April 20, we’re heading over to Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit to celebrate Gospel and Blues music as part of the Concert of Colors’ “In the Neighborhood” series. This free event is open to all, and will feature live performances from Thornetta Davis, Rev. Robert Jones and the Jones Family, and Nikki D. and Sisters of Thunder. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

This week, we’ve got Tigers tailgates, cultural parades, celebrated comedians and events selling so fast we couldn’t wait another week to post.

Plus, a David Lynch tribute party featuring dream interpretations and a costume contest. Read on to learn more.

Detroit Opening Day

The Detroit Tigers take on the Chicago White Sox in their first home game of the season on Friday, April 4 at 1:10 p.m. To celebrate, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a free Opening Day Tailgate Party at Grand Circus Park that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music from DJ Invisible, a variety of food trucks, a Miller Lite beer tent, Tigers swag giveaways and plenty of places to watch the game. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

The Statler French American Bistro is also hosting an Opening Day Tailgate Patio Party on Friday, April 4, located just feet from Comerica Park. Starting at 10 a.m., they’ll have $2 draft beers, game day food specials, music, giveaways and the Tigers on TV. After the game, their regular Friday happy hour specials will be available inside the restaurant. For more information, visit statlerdetroit.com.

Greek Independence Day

The 23rd Annual Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade kicks off on Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. This family-friendly event is one of the largest Greek parades in the U.S., drawing in thousands of Hellenes from metro Detroit, Ohio and Canadian communities. There will be traditional Greek Evzones, dancers and musicians, local community groups, mascots and entertainment from the Detroit sports teams, and more. The parade route starts in front of the cathedral on East Lafayette Street and proceeds down Lafayette and Beaubien Boulevard, ending south of Macomb Street. For more information, visit greekparades.com.

Comedy

On Tuesday, April 8, celebrated humorist and author David Sedaris is bringing his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. Join us for an evening of all-new readings, Q&A and book signing as Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with great skill. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $65 to $90 including fees. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Music

“Così fan tutte” opens at the Detroit Opera House on Saturday, April 5. This brand-new production by Detroit Opera Artistic Director Yuval Sharon offers a fresh take on Mozart’s controversial comedy, asking what it means to be human by reimagining the “lovers” role as artificial intelligence robots in a journey of jealousy and deceit. Shows are scheduled for April 5 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $145. For more information, visit detroitopera.org.

On Friday, April 4, Moon Club (co-founded by WDET’s own Amanda LeClaire) is hosting a David Lynch tribute party at Ghost Light in Hamtramck. In celebration of the late director’s unique style, there will be live musical performances, poetry readings and dream interpretations. Fresh coffee and donuts will be available for purchase and Lynchian costumes are highly encouraged. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page. 

On Thursday, April 10, head to Spot Lite Detroit for “Living Room Sessions,” a night of records, conversation and half-price wine. Starting at 8 p.m., DJ Jesse Cory will be spinning tracks and owner Roula David is hosting. The event will also be streamed live on Twitch. Admission is free and open to ages 21+. For more information, visit their Facebook event page.

Up next

Vinyl Tasting’s next music-inspired fine-dining experience is set for Saturday, April 19, and tickets are going fast. This month’s menu is inspired by hip-hop icon 2Pac and his highly acclaimed fourth album, ‘All Eyez On Me,’ featuring dishes like “Heaven Ain’t Hard To Food” (a rice cloud topped with sweet crab, yuzu mayo, tomato pearls and chives) and “Thug Passion” (a champagne-caramel pound cake with passionfruit mascarpone and candied orange). Seatings start at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and tickets range from $100 to $145. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Michigan’s largest women’s empowerment conference, empowHER, is coming to Detroit for the first time on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. This “ultimate girls day out” aims to uplift, motivate and empower women of all ages and all backgrounds. This year’s conference features over 50 women-owned businesses, keynote speakers from across the country, and dozens of collaborations with women-founded brands. The event will be held at Huntington Place, and admission ranges from $175 to $250. For more information, visit empow-her.org.

This week, we’ve got musical performances from across genres, a theatrical performance whose impact goes beyond the stage and food for feminine empowerment.

Plus, your chance to win tickets to see the Tigers on Opening Day at Comerica Park! Read on to learn more.

Music

On Thursday, March 27, Intersections is back at Spot Lite Detroit for a night of soul-stirring sounds featuring a live performance by Dez Andrés. Expect deep grooves, rich rhythms and a unifying vibe. The party starts at 9 p.m., admission is free and guests must be 21+. For more information, visit Spot Lite on Facebook.

For electronic music fans, check out the Official Movement Pre-Party at Spot Lite featuring an extended set from Dam Swindle with special guest Whodat on Saturday, March 29. Doors open at 9 p.m. and guests must be 21+. Tickets start at $24 including fees. For more information, visit wl.seetickets.us.

For those who lean more indie, check out Detroit queer rockers Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment as they celebrate the release of their new record, ‘Cut Your Losses,’ with an EP launch party at The Old Miami on Saturday, March 29. Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment are frequently featured on MI Local (heard Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on WDET) and were finalists in our 2024 Sounds Like Detroit contest. The Detroit Party Marching Band and Elephant Den will open up the show, and music starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and guests must be 21+. For more information, visit Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment on Facebook.

For something with a little more twang, acclaimed country husband-wife duo The War and Treaty are performing at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit with special guest Tiera Kennedy on Saturday, March 29. Standing-room seats are still available for $40 and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit livenation.com. Plus, be sure to tune into Ann Delisi’s Essential Music (weekends at 11 a.m. on WDET) that day at noon to hear a live in-studio interview with The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter!

And for the jazz lovers, Aretha’s Jazz Café is hosting a Dinah Washington Tribute Show on Monday, March 31 starring Nina Simone Neal as part of their Preservation of Jazz Monday Night Music Series. Neal is an award-winning Detroit R&B vocalist and has represented Dinah Washington in The Satin Doll Revue for the past five years. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $35 online and at the door. Seating is first come, first served. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Theater

Friday, March 28 is opening night for “The Prom” at Wayne State’s Hilberry Gateway in Detroit. This high-energy musical follows a group of self-absorbed Broadway stars who discover a small town’s prom controversy and rush to help — and to restore their own reputations. Performances go through Sunday, April 6, and the 8 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 29 will be followed by a Queer Prom post-show event to kick off Wayne State’s Pride Week. Tickets range from $20 to $30, and audience members are encouraged to bring prom attire and accessories to donate to students in need before the show. For more information, visit theatreanddance.wayne.edu.

Dining

Close out International Women’s Month on Monday, March 31 with an Essential Cooking Dinner at Lady of the House featuring a 5-course meal by Chef Kate Williams and wine pairings by sommeliers Paulina Schemanski and Mary Davis. The 5 p.m. seating is sold out but a handful of spots remain for the 7:30 p.m. seating. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Up next

The Detroit Tigers will celebrate their Opening Day at Comerica Park on Friday, April 4 as they take on the Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. In honor of the occasion, WDET is partnering with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and our neighbors at Mario’s Restaurant to offer a special drawing for our listeners! The winner will get two tickets to the game, a swag bag, lunch for two at Mario’s, and free parking and shuttle service to and from the game. The drawing is open now through 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. To enter and learn more, visit wdet.org/events.

In less than two weeks, humorist and author David Sedaris is bringing his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. Join us on Tuesday, April 8 for an evening of all-new readings, Q&A and book signing as Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with great skill. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $65 to $90 including fees. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

This week, we’re celebrating 313 Day, International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and the start of WDET’s spring fundraiser! It’s people like you who power this essential service to Detroit, so please consider making a gift of support today. There are tons of fun prizes in it for you if you do, so tune in throughout the week to learn how to win!

Give now »

Plus, other fun stuff like drunken spelling bees, DJ sets at the DIA and more. Read on for details.

Detroit Day

Celebrate 313 Day with a celebration at Valade Park on the Detroir Riverfront on Thursday, March 13. This free, all-ages event features live music, local food and Detroit-centric activities, including trivia and comedy with T. Barb, love letters to Detroit with InsideOut Literary Arts, a 3.13-mile run with We Run 313 and a Detroit vendor market from All Things Marketplace. The event goes from 3:13-8 p.m. and is completely free to attend. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Women’s Day

Celebrate International Women’s Day at Batch Brewing in Corktown on Saturday, March 8. Beginning at 2 p.m., the brewery will have an International Women’s Day Market featuring 13 woman-owned vendors who make and sell things like pottery, candles, vintage clothing, permanent jewelry, art and more. DJ Thornstryker will be spinning tunes from 2-6 p.m. and guests can enjoy a collaborative brew between Detroit Girls Pint Out and the women of Batch Brewing, as well as a collaborative dish with Chef E. For more information, visit batchbrewingcompany.com.

Then the celebration continues in the evening with Best Batch Comedy hosted by local comic Patty Rooney. This International Women’s Day comedy show features some of the city’s funniest women, including Johanna Medranda, Tam White and Melanie Hearn — all of whom have performed at WDET’s “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” comedy show as well. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the show is 18+. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with Celtic song, dance and storytelling at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, March 9. Led by conductor and co-creator Ernest Richardson, “Celtic Journey” showcases traditional Irish marches, reels, jigs and ballads performed on authentic Irish instruments accompanied by the DSO. This one-day-only performance starts at 3 p.m. and tickets start at $25. For more information, visit dso.org.

Other fun stuff

Over the next week, WDET is on a mission to put the fun in fundraising. We’ll have celebrity guests, special themed episodes and opportunities to win cool stuff every day. Prizes include weekend passes to Movement, wristbands for the Hamtramck Blowout, vinyl record packages, Pistons suite tickets and more. We’ve even got a new insulated water bottle available exclusively to listeners who have never donated before! Tune in to WDET on 101.9 FM, wdet.org/listen-live or the WDET app to learn more about how to win, and make your first gift of support now at wdet.org/give.

On Friday, March 7, the DIA is hosting an After Dark event featuring DJ Problematic Black Hottie as part of Tiff Massey’s exhibition, “7 Mile + Livernois.” Guests can enjoy dancing, music and a cash bar in Rivera Court from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The exhibition offers a vibrant, inclusive view of Detroit, celebrating collective identity, ancestral flyness and beauty. This event is free to attend with general admission to the museum, which is also free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. For more information, visit dia.org.

Friday, March 7 is teacher night at Detroit Shipping Company, featuring drink discounts for educators, music by DJ Heart & Soul and a “Buzzed Bee” for guests to test their spelling skills while under the influence. The event goes from 6-10 p.m. and is hosted by King Jamarr and Sistahaus Community Network. For more information, visit detroitshippingcompany.com.

On Saturday, March 8, Detroit singer, songwriter, artist and storyteller Ideeyah is making their Moondog Café debut. Ideeyah has been active in the city’s music scene for over a decade, working with producers like Theo Parrish, Jon Dixon, De’Sean Jones and WDET’s own Waajeed (host of The Boulevard Wednesdays 8-10 p.m.). To complement the live performance, Detroit DJ and producer Whodat will be on the turntables before and after the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. This event is open to all ages, and tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $20. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

This week, some station favorites are playing live in-concert. Plus, dance parties, costume contests and opportunities for local artists. Read on to learn more.

Hear local music

Starting on Thursday, Feb. 27, Miss Eva’s speakeasy is welcoming The kLOUDs Band as their first Artists in Residence. The Motown-style R&B group will be performing live every Thursday night now through April 24 from 8-10 p.m. We speak from experience when we say they know how to put on a show — The kLOUDs and frontman Drey Skonie performed at our Sounds Like Detroit concert last summer after being fan favorites in Detroit’s Tiny Desk Contest! Doors for this week’s show open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15, no advance purchase necessary. For more information, visit missevasdetroit.com.

Staying at Miss Eva’s, Detroit singer-songwriter Ideeyah is kicking off Women’s History Month with a Saturday Night Unplugged performance on Saturday, March 1. Her music blends electronic with soul, and we got to witness her raw talents up close when she performed at WDET’s studios back in 2023. Doors for this intimate concert open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20. The Lobster Pitstop food truck will also be on-site all night long. For more information, visit missevasdetroit.com.

Heading downtown, Detroit pianist and educator Michael Malis is performing a rare solo show at the historic Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit on Wednesday, March 5. Malis recently joined In The Groove to give us a preview of what he’ll be playing and chat about why this venue is so special to him. Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 online. For more information, visit michaelmalis.com. 

Go dancing

On Thursday, Feb. 27, Drag Night returns to Bowlero in Royal Oak. This free monthly drag show and dance party takes place every last Thursday in the Bowlero’s lounge. Hosted by Auntie Chanel, this month’s performers are Drag Chef Kokayne, Valentina Rosé, Doubleho Sevyn and Remy Lafontain. Social hour starts at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. This event is 18+. For more information, visit bowlerodetroit.com.

Then on Sunday, March 2, kick off your Mardi Gras celebrations with Domingo: Carnival Edition at Spkrbox in Detroit. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., DJ Iza and DJ Yak will be bumping reggaeton, baile funk, latin house, dembow and afro house. For more information, visit @sprkbox.detroit on Instagram.

Strut your stuff

On Wednesday, March 5, UFO Bar is throwing a Detroit Talent Show where fun is the only skill necessary. Hosted by Auntie Ely, entry is $5 and winner takes the pot.  The show starts at 10 p.m. followed by an afterparty DJ set by Ashton Swinton. Limited spots are available, so email ely@spotlitedetroit.com to sign up in advance. For more information, visit @ufobardetroit on Instagram.

Then on Thursday, March 6, Bowlero is celebrating Day of the Dude with live music, $9 White Russians and a Big Lebowski costume contest. Detroit rock bands The Beggars and Dirty Copper will be playing in the lounge, and WDET’s own Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove weekdays noon to 2 p.m.) will be DJing. Music starts at 8 p.m. and the costume contest starts at 9 p.m. This event is 18+ and admission is free. For more information, visit bowlerodetroit.com.

Get involved

On Saturday, March 1, the Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship is hosting their first city-wide Performing Arts Summit at The Detroit School of Arts. The summit will highlight how our creative workforce can drive a healthy economy and thriving communities, featuring presentations and discussions about resources the city has to offer and opportunities the city has to further support artists. Admission is free and broken up into theatre, dance, music and film sections. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

This week, we’ve got live performances from some incredible musicians spanning across genres. Plus, unique art showcases, cultural celebrations and Great Lakes Comic-Con. Read on to learn more.

Live music

This year, the Concert of Colors is expanding its programs to grassroots neighborhoods citywide, bringing more free music to the residents of Detroit. On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m., Duane Stephenson, global ambassador of Reggae, will play live at the historic Redford Theatre in Detroit presented in partnership with the Caribbean Cultural & Carnival Organization. This special event will celebrate Black History Month with music, culture and community at one of Detroit’s most beloved venues. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event goes until 10 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills is continuing its celebration of Black artists during Black History Month with a performance by Urban Art Orchestra on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. — fresh off their Australian tour. Led by GRAMMY-nominated De’Sean Jones, Urban Art Orchestra blends the richness of a traditional orchestra with the infectious energy of urban beats. UAO is known for pushing the boundaries of musical genres to a captivating fusion that defies expectations. Tickets for this all-ages performance are $25 online or $30 at the door. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.

Listen: Urban Art Orchestra performs on Sam’s Jams Live

On Saturday, Feb. 22, Miss Eva’s Detroit continues their Saturday Night Unplugged series with a stripped-down performance from Detroit’s own Apropos. A soulful powerhouse singer-songwriter, Apropos pours his heart into every note — a vulnerability that’s sure to lend itself well to the intimate nature of the series. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show goes from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, no advance purchase necessary. For more information, visit @missevasdetroit on Instagram.

Listen: Apropos performs Live on WDET

Local art

On Saturday, Feb. 22, Kalamazoo is hosting its 27th annual Garage Sale Art Fair at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. This fun and unique art fair gives local and national artists a chance to sell their overstock, discontinued items and seconds for discounted prices. The event promises great deals on great work, and hopefully some fun experimental pieces as well. Entry is $5 cash and food will be available for purchase on-site. For more information, visit garagesaleartfair.com.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, Umoja Fine Arts Gallery in Southfield is hosting a Black History Month Youth Artist Showcase and Award Reception to celebrate young talent and creativity. This free event highlights works by artists between 11 and 21 years old, featured alongside works by professional artists. Doors open at 3 p.m. For more information, visit umojafinearts.com.

Listen: Umoja Fine Arts Curator Ian Grant joins The Metro to talk about the gallery’s efforts to support young artists

Cultural celebrations

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs in Canton is hosting their 4th annual Ramadan Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local vendors will be selling abayas, groceries imported from the Middle East and other goods traditionally used during the month of Ramadan like, Ramadan decor, Islamic jewelry, Islamic books and more. The event will also offer creative workshops throughout the day, including a children’s Ramadan story time, cookie decorating, lantern building and designing your own iftar plate. Admission is free, but those interested are encouraged to RSVP online. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page. 

For the fans

Great Lakes Comic-Con returns to the Macomb Expo Center in Warren this weekend from Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23. GLCC is the ultimate gathering for comic lovers, toy collectors and cosplay enthusiasts to share in the fandom. There will be guest appearances, attractions, cosplay contests for all ages, fan panels and gaming. Tickets range from $20 to $25, children 10 and under get in free, and a limited amount of free tickets are available to active military, veterans and their families as well. To see the full lineup of attractions and learn more, visit greatlakescomicconvention.com.