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Yesterday — 15 October 2025Main stream

The Metro: Fall favorites to check off your bucket list

14 October 2025 at 18:48

Fall is here, and that means cool nights, crispy leaves and the smell of hot apple cider. But the season won’t last forever, and there is a lot of fun to be had at Michigan’s apple orchards, cider mills and corn mazes.

Laura Herberg, reporter for Bridge Michigan, joined the Metro to share the highlights from her recent story, “Five ways to fall for fall in Michigan.”

What’s on your winter bucket list? Laura Herberg and Bridge Michigan are taking your  suggestions.

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

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

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

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

Donate today »

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: Fall favorites to check off your bucket list appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Detroit’s Peter Litvin and pairings Plant/Dian, Danger Mouse/Black Thought, Glasper/Jones + more!

11 October 2025 at 16:18


In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, lots of interesting new pairings from Robert Plant to Robert Glasper, Oklou to Donny Hathaway…

Also, brand new Detroit music from Peter Litvin, Don Was, and lots more!

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 October 11, 2025

HOUR ONE:

  • “Up” – Danger Mouse, Black Thought, Rag n’ Bone Man
  • “Aquamarine” – Danger Mouse, Black Thought, Michael Kiwanuka
  • “Everybody’s Song” – Robert Plant and Suzi Dian
  • “Rock & Roll” – Langhorne Slim
  • “Highway Tune” – Greta Van Fleet
  • Hold On To You” – Belle Canyon
  • “Midnight Rider” – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
  • “I Just Don’t Want You” – The Womack Sisters
  • “This Is My Country” – Don Was (Pan Detroit Ensemble)
  • “Disarray” – Lianne La Havas
  • “Break The Jaw” – Madison Cunningham
  • “Where Is The Love” – Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack
  • “Leave The Door Open” – Silk Sonic (happy 40th birthday Bruno Mars!)
HOUR TWO:
  • “Collect Yourself” – Sloan
  • “Fascination In The Dark” – Vance Joy
  • “Lonestar” – Charley Crockett
  • “Sand Into Stone” – Tuneyards
  • “Not Over You” – Peter Litvin
  • “Just For Pleasure” – Young Gun Silver Fox
  • “We Are One” – Maze
  • “You Need A Hero” – Pages
  • “Yard Sale” – Priscilla Block
  • “Pour The Wine” – Sons Of The East (next week at The Majestic)
  • “Candle Of Life” – The Moody Blues (RIP John Lodge)
  • “I’m Just A Singer In A Rock 7 Roll Band” – The Moody Blues (RIP John Lodge)

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

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today.

Give now »

The post Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Detroit’s Peter Litvin and pairings Plant/Dian, Danger Mouse/Black Thought, Glasper/Jones + more! appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Acoustic Café: Molly Tuttle joins us in-studio, plus past performances from Katie Gavin, Mike Doughty, Josh Ritter + more

12 October 2025 at 14:20

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, gifted guitarist and songwriter Molly Tuttle joins us for songs from her new album “So Long Little Miss Sunshine.”

Also, we mine the archives for songs from Tedeschi-Trucks, Mike Doughty, Katie Gavin and much 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 October 12, 2025

  • “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
  • “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • “June” – Diana Silvers
  • “Cop Car” – The Head & The Heart w/Hurray For The Riff Raff
  • “Long After Midmight” – Flock Of Dimes
  • “Fully Retractable” – Mike Doughty (in-studio performance)
  • “Back Where I Started/Walkin’ Blues” – Tedeschi-Trucks (in-studio performance)
  • “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle (in-studio guest)
  • “Take The Journey” – Molly Tuttle (in-studio guest)
  • “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” – Thundercat
  • “Reminds Me” – Sarah McLachlan ft. Katie Gavin
  • “Casual Drug Use” – Katie Gavin
  • “Eternal Love” – Avett Brothers & Mike Patton
  • “Thirteen” – Brad Mehldau
  • “Tuesday (unerthded)” – Toro y Moi
  • “Broken Wing Bird” – Kashus Culpepper ft. Sierra Ferrell
  • “Truth Is A Dimension…” – Josh Ritter (in-studio performance)
  • “Better Times Will Come” – Frank Turner
  • “1933” – Frank Turner (in-studio performance)
  • “Mind Loaded” – Blood Orange
  • “Birmingham” – Amanda Marshall (in-studio performance)
  • “Old Me (New Wig)” – Molly Tuttle (in-studio guest)
  • “Story Of My So Called Life” – Molly Tuttle (in-studio guest)

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

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »

The post Acoustic Café: Molly Tuttle joins us in-studio, plus past performances from Katie Gavin, Mike Doughty, Josh Ritter + more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: What urban farmers need from Detroit’s next mayor

By: Sam Corey
9 October 2025 at 19:28

There are about 2,200 urban gardens across Detroit. In a place with a lot of empty tracts,  that can be a great use of land. 

And, over the past few years, the city has done things to assist the people who tend to it. There’s now an entire department dedicated to the inner workings of urban farmers. 

Recently, the city alongside the Eastern Market Partnership are collaborating to offer $225,000 in grant funding to Detroit-based farmers.

But even with the new dollars being made available, preserving and expanding farms can be challenging because upkeep can be costly and labor-intensive. With Mayor Mike Duggan leaving office, there will likely be turnover and questions about the priorities of the new administration.

Amanda Brezzell is the creative director and co-founder of Fennigan’s Farms in Detroit, a board member for the Detroit Food Policy Council, and a policy and engagement specialist for the Groundwork Center.

They spoke with Cary Junior II about the challenges and joys of farming in Detroit.

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.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: What urban farmers need from Detroit’s next mayor appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Annual African dance conference uses dance as a tool for justice and equity

7 October 2025 at 18:59

Dance is typically understood as a physical artform. A non-verbal expression of creativity, emotions and narratives. Dance is a cultural pillar that brings communities together under shared goals: to create and perform. 

Ajara Alghali is a cultural organizer and connector, who believes that dance can also be a tool for transformation and equity and a connection between ritual and our shared environment. With these principles in mind, she co-founded the TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture in 2018. 

The organization hosts an annual dance convening that demonstrates that vision through workshops and performances from experts who span the African diaspora. This year, it takes place October 18 and 19 at the Andy Art Center and Detroit School of Arts.  Ajara joined The Metro to discuss the upcoming event.

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, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: Annual African dance conference uses dance as a tool for justice and equity appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: ‘Jane Anger’ kicks off Shakespeare in Detroit’s fall series

7 October 2025 at 16:55

William Shakespeare is regarded as one of the greatest drama writers in recorded English language history. His work has lived on through the centuries, and today’s writers and directors have found ways to keep his works alive. 

Shakespeare in Detroit is one group that has made a name for themselves being the premiere space for classical performances.

Beginning as an initiative in 2012 called Shakespeare Against Cancer, the group traveled across Michigan hospitals, healing through classical performances.  A year later, Shakespeare in Detroit hosted the cities first ever public show, a Shakespeare in the park experience.

Since then, the grassroots organization has expanded its offerings, working with kids and teens, helping the next generation of theater folks find their niche. 

Next week as part of the company’s intimate 2025 fall limited run series, “Jane Anger” will make its Michigan debut. The dark comedy takes place in the 1600s during the plague.

Samatha White the founding artistic and executive director of Shakspeare in Detroit. She is also the director of Michigan’s premiere of “Jane Anger”. 

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

 

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

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: ‘Jane Anger’ kicks off Shakespeare in Detroit’s fall series appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Acoustic Café: The Detroit duo Moonrisers make their national debut as in-studio guests, plus Southern Avenue, Vienna Teng, Gregory Porter and more

6 October 2025 at 17:33

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Detroit songwriter Libby De Camp and drummer/percussionist Adam Schreiber are Moonrisers. Their instrumental music, born out of the pandemic, came to the attention of producer Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) who invited the duo to Nashville, creating their debut album “Harsh & Exciting.”

Also, we dip into the archives for songs from Gregory Porter, Southern Avenue, Billy Raffoul and much 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 October 5, 2025

  • “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
  • “Take Off Your Cool” – Outkast w/Norah Jones
  • “All My Wars” – Matt Maeson
  • “Puddle Jumper” – Fruit Bats
  • “Little Red Ranger” – Kathleen Edwards
  • “So Much Love” – Southern Avenue (in-studio performance)
  • “I Love It” – Molly Tuttle
  • “Start On Foot” – Moonrisers (in-studio guest)
  • “All Your Hiding” – Moonrisers (in-studio guest)
  • “6th Ward” – Trambone Shorty
  • “Fading Fast” – Pete Droge
  • “Year After Year” – I’m With Her
  • “Fit Together” – Billy Raffoul (in-studio performance)
  • “My Own Advice” – Belle Canyon
  • “A Door Called No” – David Byrne
  • “Flannel Cowboy” – Ken Pomeroy
  • “Maybe Somewhere Down The Road” – Rodney Crowell
  • “City Hall” – Vienna Teng (in-studio performance)
  • “You’ve Got What It Takes” – Ledisi ft. Gregory Porter
  • “In Fashion” – Gregory Porter (in-studio performance)
  • “Wake” – Madison Cunningham w/Fleet Foxes
  • “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” – Fleet Foxes
  • “Circle Of The Seasons” – Moonrisers (in-studio guest)
  • “Muddy Shores” – Moonrisers (in-studio guest)

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.

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »

The post Acoustic Café: The Detroit duo Moonrisers make their national debut as in-studio guests, plus Southern Avenue, Vienna Teng, Gregory Porter and more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Historical October releases, plus new stuff from Trombone Shorty, Detroit’s Peter Litvin, TuneYards and more!

4 October 2025 at 18:47

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, a new month means a new look back in history with October releases from 1965-2005.

Also, brand new Detroit music from Peter Litvin, Masha Marjieh and Joe Jaber, plus TuneYards, Trombone Shorty’s deep dive into Second Line music, John Batiste (coming to The Fox on October 24) and tons more!

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 October 4, 2025

HOUR ONE:

  • “Siren” – Tune Yards
  • “Man On A Mission” – The Black Keys
  • “Circle Of The Seasons” – Moonrisers (Acoustic Cafe preview)
  • “Secret Island” – Jon Muq
  • “Okay Alright” – Peter Litvin
  • “Slave To The Rhythm” – Grace Jones (October 1985)
  • “Mr DJ (5 For The DJ)” – Aretha Franklin (October 1975)
  • Don’t Look Back in Anger” – Oasis (October 1995)
  • “Here We Go Again” – Sloan
  • Heartbreak” – IVY
  • “Parting Gift” – Fiona Apple (October 2005)
  • “Science Fiction/Double Feature” – Richard O’Brien, 50th Anniversary of Rocky Horror Picture Show
HOUR TWO:
  • “Street Music” – Trombone Shorty
  • “Children Of The Baked Potato” – Thundercat
  • “Get Down” – Masha Marjieh
  • “Pinnacle” – Jon Batiste
  • “I Found Home When I Found You” – Joe Jaber
  • “If I Were You” – k.d. lang (October 1995)
  • “All The Things She Said” – Simple Minds (October 1985)
  • “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” – Paul Simon (October 1975)
  • “Mack The Knife” – Rufus Wainright
  • “I Believe In You” – Count Basie & Frank Sinatra
  • “Better Broken” – Sarah McLachlan
  • “Tonight Tonight” – Smashing Pumpkins (October 1995)
  • “You Send Me” – Sam Cooke (October 1965)

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

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today.

Give now »

The post Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Historical October releases, plus new stuff from Trombone Shorty, Detroit’s Peter Litvin, TuneYards and more! appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Arts and culture funding preserved in state budget

2 October 2025 at 19:46

Updated 12:00 p.m. ET, Friday, October 3, 2025.

Funding for arts and culture grants in Michigan is preserved in the state budget for fiscal year 2026.

Last week, Governor Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and House Speaker Matt Hall announced they had agreed on a framework for the state budget and it would be passed before October 1. The state budget was passed early Friday morning, with state funding for arts and culture grants preserved.

Last month’s budget proposal passed by the Republican-led State House eliminated all funding for arts and culture grants from the state.

The entity that administers arts and culture grants for the state is the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). In 2025, MACC grants awarded totaled over $10.5 million.

The council distributes grant funds to arts and culture programs throughout the state, providing funding for things like K-12 arts programs, cultural festivals and museums.

To better understand what arts and culture grants from the state fund, Cary Junior II spoke with Lauren Ward, director of the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. They spoke on Thursday, before the final state budget had been passed for fiscal year 2026.

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

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

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

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

Donate today »

The post The Metro: Arts and culture funding preserved in state budget appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Whitmer urges Trump to reconsider new H1B visa cost

30 September 2025 at 20:26

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she shared her concerns with President Trump about his new H1B visa policy which makes the price of applying for a visa $100,000.

H1B visas allow companies to bring in international workers for specialized jobs requiring higher education. Whitmer says she told President Trump that raising the application cost of those visas by around 10,000% could hurt Michigan’s economy.

Whitmer adds the state’s medical and automotive industries could be directly impacted by visa policy changes, saying large numbers of Canadian workers in fields like nursing and engineering rely on the visas.

Additional headlines from Tuesday September 30, 2025

Southwest Detroit hosts forum for candidates in upcoming election

A group of local community organizations is hosting the State of Southwest: A Municipal Candidate Forum on October 11.

Candidates for mayor, City Council District 6 and at-large seats have been invited to hear personal testimonies and concerns from residents of Southwest Detroit before sharing their plans to address the problems.

Organizers include 482Forward, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Michigan United, Raices Detroit, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and We the People MI.

The forum is Saturday October 11 from noon to 3 p.m. in the  El Nacimiento warehouse at 7000 W Vernor Hwy. 

Resource guide for Native Americans returns

The state is relaunching a resource guide for Michigan tribal communities.

The Office of Civil Rights began publishing the Michigan Indian Quarterly more than 30 years ago. Now the Native American Resource Guide will be produced by the Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential in partnership with Michigan State University’s Native American Institute.

The guide will include a list of tribal, state and federal contacts, education, legal and health resources, scholarship opportunities, genealogical research tools and artwork from Native artists from Michigan.

Print copies can be requested at nai@msu.edu.

Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival 

The Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival is this weekend.

The city’s creative community invites visitors to their home studios and front porches as well as to coffee shops, galleries and parks throughout the city. Organizers say the festival is meant to show that art is for everyone and that all are welcome.

The Hamtramck Night Bazaar will offer food and goods from a variety of vendors, and stores and restaurants will also be open. For more information visit hnaf.org.  

DNR on the lookout for Belle Isle alligator

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed sightings of a small alligator roaming on Belle Isle.

The Detroit Free Press reports someone took a picture of the gator and shared it on social media. The DNR reviewed the photograph and used geolocation data to determine its authenticity.

The agency says it doesn’t know how the reptile got there, but it reminds people that releasing pets or wild animals on Belle Isle or other state parks is illegal and harmful to native creatures.

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

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post Detroit Evening Report: Whitmer urges Trump to reconsider new H1B visa cost appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Iraqi American filmmaker explores Detroit’s cultural fault lines

30 September 2025 at 15:00

Metro Detroit is home to one of the largest Iraqi communities outside the Middle East. Muslims and Chaldeans share streets, shops, and schools here. Together, they hold stories of displacement, of wars fought by the United States on their homeland, even as that same nation became their place of safety. Yet that closeness is cleaved by sharp differences, especially at the ballot box. 

Many Chaldeans, rooted in Catholic tradition and conservative values, have leaned Republican. Muslim Americans, once loyal Democrats, broke away in 2024, frustrated that the Biden administration did not stop the devastation in Gaza. Many instead voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

These political choices are layered with questions of identity, family, and faith. They are the backdrop of Pomegranate, a film written and directed by Iraqi American author Weam Namou.

The story unfolds during the 2016 election. It follows Niran, a young Muslim refugee who finds herself in a conservative Chaldean Christian neighborhood. Through her eyes, we see the push and pull of trying to belong amid the stereotypes Middle Eastern women face in America.

Namou has spent her career writing about these themes. She has given voice to Iraqi women’s experiences of migration, resilience, and faith. “Pomegranate” carries that work forward. Although the film is set years ago, its questions still feel urgent: How do communities live together when politics and religion pull them apart? How do women escape the boxes sharply drawn out for them?

Namou joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss belonging in America today.

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, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: Iraqi American filmmaker explores Detroit’s cultural fault lines appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Songs about songs!

29 September 2025 at 15:06

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, as a HUGE “thank you” to all who supported us during the fundraiser, we’re getting back to “normal” this week with SONGS… In fact, 2 hours of Songs About Songs (and songwriting)! From Aretha to Weezer, EWF to Shaboozey and lots more!

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 27, 2025

HOUR ONE:

  • “Sing A Song” – Earth Wind & Fire
  • “Rap Song” – Black Eyed Peas
  • “Wrote A Song For Everyone” – John Fogerty
  • “I Wrote This Song For You” – Willie Nelson
  • “A Song” – Apropos
  • “Life Is A Song Worth Singing” – Teddy Pendergrass
  • “Sing A Simple Song” – Sly & The Family Stone
  • “Sing My Song” – Langhorne Slim
  • “Border Song” – Aretha Franklin
  • “Radio Song” – Esperanza Spalding
  • “Radio Song” – R.E.M.
  • “Radio Songs” – Jack Spivey
  • “Redemption Song” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • “Love Song” – Lesley Duncan
HOUR TWO:
  • “A Great Idea For A Song” – Artichoke
  • “Same Old Song” – The Lumineers
  • “It’s The Same Old Song” – The Four Tops
  • “Crappy Love Song” – Theo Katzman
  • “Silly Love Songs” – Wings
  • “Love You Like A Love Song” – Selena Gomez
  • “Love Song For No One” – John Mayer
  • “No More Love Songs” – Bette Smith
  • “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
  • “Prison Song” – Graham Nash
  • “A Song For You” – Merry Clayton
  • “Look What They Done To My Song” – Ray Charles
  • “All My Favorite Songs” – Weezer
  • “I’ll Write A Song For You” – Earth Wind & Fire

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

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today.

Give now »

The post Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Songs about songs! appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Acoustic Café: Rocker Kristen Ford is our guest, and in-studio archives from Mon Rovia, ZZ Ward, Lady Blackbird + more

29 September 2025 at 13:57

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Kristen Ford plays songs from her seventh album”Pinto.” First inspired by seeing Ani Difranco as a teenager, Kristen’s new record is her first for Ani’s Righteous Babe Records label!

Also, we dip into the archives for songs from Lady Blackbird, ZZ Ward and Mon Rovia, all recorded this year, Grant Lee Phillips in 2000 and much 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 28, 2025

  • “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
  • “Returning To Myself” – Brandi Carlile
  • “Cherokee Louise” – Joni Mitchell
  • “Foreign” – Britton
  • “She Explains Everything To Me” – David Byrne
  • “Big Love Ahead” – Mon Rovia (in-studio performance)
  • “Lonely Avenue” – Jon Batiste w/Randy Newman
  • “White Man’s Dream” – Kristen Ford (in-studio guest)
  • “Wild Heart” – Kristen Ford (in-studio guest)
  • “Fast Like You” – Hazlett
  • “Rosalee” – Molly Tuttle
  • “No More Love Songs” – Bette Smith
  • “Lioness” – ZZ Ward (in-studio performance)
  • “Atlantic City” – Bruce Springsteen
  • “Keep A Picture” – Margo Price
  • “I Listened (Every Night)” – Blood Orange
  • “Let You People Down” – Fruit Bats
  • “Man On A Boat” – Lady Blackbird (in-studio performance)
  • “Mockingbird (unplugged)” – Larkin Poe
  • “Blame It On God” – Jacob Banks
  • “Little Men” – Grant Lee Phillips
  • “You’re A Pony” – Grant Lee Phillips (in-studio performance)
  • “My Key To Gramercy Park” – Rachael & Vilray
  • “Grrrl In The Mirror” – Kristen Ford (in-studio guest)
  • “Whiplash” – Kristen Ford (in-studio guest)

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.

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »

The post Acoustic Café: Rocker Kristen Ford is our guest, and in-studio archives from Mon Rovia, ZZ Ward, Lady Blackbird + more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro: Envisioning better access to the arts for Detroit youth

24 September 2025 at 20:26

Detroit has a new coalition fighting for its creative future. 

The Detroit Partnership for Arts Education is a cross-sector coalition, supported by Detroit public schools, health leaders, philanthropists and artists. Its mission is to connect more young people with music, media, and the arts. 

The initiative is employing a three-prong approach meant to connect students with arts programs with an online navigator, set a vision and benchmarks for arts education in Detroit, and gather data to support a well-funded and accountable system.

A number of leaders in the arts in Detroit are joining the partnership.

Guests:

  • Nafeesah Symonette is the co-founder of Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts and is leading much of the partnership
  • Mike Banks of Underground Resistance is a Detroit techno pioneer and is part of the DPAE coalition

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

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

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

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

Donate today »

More stories from The Metro

The post The Metro: Envisioning better access to the arts for Detroit youth appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro Events Guide: Art markets, intimate concerts and vegan food festivals

11 September 2025 at 21:04

This week, we’ve got chances to shop from local makers, see performances by rising musicians and explore artifacts from Techno history. Plus, a celebration of vegan food. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Strange Beautiful Music 18

📍  Various locations in Detroit

🗓  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

🎟  Free, $23–$34

An annual multi-day event celebrating new music in Detroit, spanning a wide range of genres — including jazz, free improvisation, Techno, electronica, Neo-soul, ambient and genre-defiant. Concerts take place at three local venues over three days, including a show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, on Friday from 7–8:30 p.m.

Jeff Mills presents Star Chronicle

📍  Spot Lite in Detroit

🗓  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

🎟  Free, $34–$80

A multi-media artist residency curated by Techno pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring film screenings, live music, and an exhibit of personal art and artifacts. Show doors open each night at 9 p.m. and admission is $34 per day or $80 for a three-day pass. The exhibition is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fridays at The Station: Charity and DJ BJ

📍  The Station at Michigan Central in Detroit

🗓  Friday, Sep. 12

🎟  $15

A monthly evening event featuring live performances, food and drinks at Michigan Central. This month’s event features a special performance by singer Charity, joined by DJ BJ. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawk Makerspace 3rd Anniversary Open House

📍  The Hawk in Farmington Hills

🗓  Saturday, Sep. 13

🎟  Free

An open house for community members to check out The Hawk Makerspace, a shared technical and creative studio in Farmington Hills. There will be live demonstrations of the studio’s professional-grade equipment, giveaways, refreshments and discounts on studio passes. The event goes from 3–7 p.m.

Common Ground’s 51st Birmingham Street Art Fair

📍  Downtown Birmingham

🗓  Saturday, Sep. 13 and Sunday, Sep. 14

🎟  Free

A longstanding fine arts fair featuring 90 juried artists along Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025

📍  Downtown Ypsilanti

🗓  Sunday, Sep. 14

🎟  Free

An event celebrating vegan foods in an effort to make veganism more accessible. There will be local vendors, cooking demonstrations and talks by vegan advocates. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all — vegan or not.

Eastern Market After Dark

📍  Eastern Market Shed 2 in Detroit

🗓  Thursday, Sep. 18

🎟  Free

A district-wide night market featuring galleries, open studios, retailers, brand activations and live music. The market is open from 6–11 p.m.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post The Metro Events Guide: Art markets, intimate concerts and vegan food festivals appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Classic September album releases, new Trombone Shorty and Spoon, Detroit’s Apropos + more

8 September 2025 at 14:02

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, some cool September albums released from 1965-1995. Also, new tunes from Spoon, Trombone Shorty, David Byrne, Fall Out Boy and much more.

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 6, 2025

HOUR ONE:

  • “Guess I’m Fallin’ In Love” – Spoon
  • “Soak Up The Sun” – Sheryl Crow w/Surf Mesa
  • “The Power” – Curtis Harding
  • “What Is The Reason For It” – David Byrne w/Hayley Williams
  • “Say Yes” – Apropos
  • “Respect” – Otis Redding (released September 1965)
  • “Part Time Lover” – Stevie Wonder (released September 1985)
  • “Lakeside Park” – Rush (released September 1975)
  • “Asshole” – The Lumineers
  • “Believe” – Kashus Culpepper
  • “Another Life” – Alabama Shakes
  • “FLA” – Kathleen Edwards
  • “Ben Franklin’s Song” – The Decemberists
HOUR TWO:
  • “Meeting Across The River” – Bruce Springsteen
  • “Born In The U.S.A. (Electric Nebraska)” – Bruce Springsteen
  • “Rock The Boat” – Trombone Shorty
  • “Rock The Boat” – Aaliyah
  • “Wild And Clear And Blue” – I’m With Her (Acoustic Cafe preview)
  • “I Hate U” – Prince (released September 1995)
  • “Oh Sheila” – Ready For The World (released September 1985)
  • “Tracks Of My Tears” – Linda Ronstadt (released September 1975)
  • “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
  • “Start Today” – Fall Out Boy
  • “Horses Through A Rainstorm” – Graham Nash
  • “Live Life” – Terry Reid (RIP, 8/4/25)

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

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today.

Give now »

The post Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music: Classic September album releases, new Trombone Shorty and Spoon, Detroit’s Apropos + more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Acoustic Café: I’m With Her as in-studio guests, Chrissie Hynde with Rufus Wainwright, Bernard Allison + more

8 September 2025 at 13:30

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, it’s a return visit from the trio I’m With Her. Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz have all been guests individually many times, but they’re back as the trio I’m With Her to talk about their new album “Wild And Clear And Blue.”

Also, we dip into the archives for songs from Bernard Allison, Robbie Fulks, Southern Avenue and much 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 7, 2025

  • “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
  • “1901 (acoustic)” – Phoenix
  • “Born In A Cage” – Patty Griffin
  • “Never Felt Better” – Everything Is Recorded
  • “Everything” – Durand Jones & The Indications
  • “Upside” – Southern Avenue (in-studio performance)
  • “Always On My Mind” – Chrissie Hynde w/Rufus Wainwright
  • “Wild And Clear And Blue” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
  • “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
  • “Room On The Porch” – Taj Mahal 7 Keb’ Mo’
  • “Misplaced” – TORS
  • “Nobody Cares” – Robbie Fulks
  • “Every Kind Of Music But Country” – Robbie Fulks (in-studio performance)
  • “Still” – Ben Folds and The National Symphony Orchestra
  • “When The Lavender Blooms” – The Paper Kites
  • “The Story Of My So Called Life” – Molly Tuttle
  • “New To This Town” – Brittney Spencer
  • “Best Of Luck” – Nickel Creek (in-studio performance)
  • “Beg Steal Borrow (acoustic)” – The Head & The Heart
  • “Oh Wide World” – Mon Rovia
  • “Sarah” – Folk Bitch Trio
  • “Change Your Way Of Living” – Bernard Allison (in-studio performance)
  • “Standing On the Fault Line” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
  • “Mother Eagle” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)

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.

Support the shows you love.

WDET’s unique music programs are dedicated to exploring the music and culture of our region and the world. Keep the music going. Please make a gift today. Give now »

The post Acoustic Café: I’m With Her as in-studio guests, Chrissie Hynde with Rufus Wainwright, Bernard Allison + more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

How will rescinding the ‘Roadless Rule’ impact Michigan’s national forests?

5 September 2025 at 14:29

In June, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that they wanted to rescind the Roadless Rule, arguing that it created needless obstacles to land management. However, many conservationists say reversing this decision puts millions of forest acreage at risk.

The Roadless Rule, established in 2001, protects about 60 million acres of National Forest land all across the U.S., including Michigan. These areas have no roads, logging, or mining. Outdoors lovers, conservationists, and others value these lands for their natural wilderness. 

When the rule was first proposed, it received over 1.5 million public comments in support, showing strong public backing.

Effects in Michigan

If the Roadless Rule is repealed, 16,000 acres in Michigan could be harmed. Most of Michigan’s roadless areas are in the Upper Peninsula including the Hiawatha National Forest, as well as parts of the Lower Peninsula, in the Manistee National Forest and Ottawa National Forest.

Anna Medema is the Sierra Club’s Associate Director of Legislative and Administrative Advocacy for forests and public land. She says keeping the Roadless Rule in effect is vitally important. “Once you build a road into a forest area it could take decades or centuries if you were to decommission these roads and try to let it regrow wildly,” Medema says. “Those wild characteristics are really rare.”

Trump administration officials say that removing the protections could help reduce wildfires by facilitating forest management. However, research shows that wildfires tend to happen more often in areas with roads because of human activity, negating potential benefits of road access.

In Michigan, wildfires are generally less common and less serious. Additionally, building roads and logging could actually raise the risk of fires.

The public can comment on the Roadless Rule here until September 19. 

This story is part of WDET’s ongoing series, The Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

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

Donate today »

The post How will rescinding the ‘Roadless Rule’ impact Michigan’s national forests? appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

The Metro Events Guide: Dally in the Alley, the inaugural Vinylfest and more

4 September 2025 at 22:31

From the 46th Annual Dally in the Alley to the inaugural Detroit Vinylfest, here are five free events to check out in Detroit this week.

Upcoming events

Detroit Vinylfest

📍  Eastern Market Shed 5

🗓  Friday, Sep. 5

🎟  Free

A new event from the creators of Detroit Bookfest, where vendors will sell vinyl records/LPs, CDs, cassette tapes, music-related posters, t-shirts and more. The event goes from 1–8 p.m.

In the Life: Black Queerness Exhibition

📍  The Carr Center in Detroit

🗓  Friday, Sep. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11

🎟  Free

An exhibition produced by Mighty Real/Queer Detroit that explores the mirroring power of artist and viewer through the lens of the Black Queer experience. The exhibition features 13 artists and spans photography, painting, drawing and multi-media works. The Carr Center is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from noon to 8 p.m.

46th Annual Dally in the Alley

📍 Detroit’s Cass Corridor

🗓  Saturday, Sep. 6

🎟  Free

A longstanding community festival featuring live music, art, food, beer and a kids fair in the streets of Midtown Detroit. Festivities go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

6 Mile Street Festival

📍 W. McNichols Road in Detroit

🗓  Saturday, Sep. 6

🎟  Free with RSVP

A celebration of local community, commerce and culture featuring musical entertainment, family-friendly activities and local artist showcases in Northwest Detroit. Festivities go from noon to 8 p.m.

Sounds from the Park: Memory and Transformation

📍 Belle Isle

🗓  Thursday, Sep. 11

🎟  Free

The fifth and final installment of the Sounds from the Park series of outdoor concerts organized by the Detroit Parks Coalition. The show features a live performance from and original music by Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot. Performance goes from 6–8 p.m.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post The Metro Events Guide: Dally in the Alley, the inaugural Vinylfest and more appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

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