The main focus today is building out a show with a lot of global sounds in honor of Ismael Ahmed. That includes starting the show with music from Mashrou Leila, an incredible Lebanese band that Ismael introduced me to through his show “This Island Earth.” We’ll also explore new music from Owelu Dreamhouse, Elori Saxl & Henry Solomon, Dames Brown, Braxton Cook, Kylie Auldist and more, plus a fond farewell for Ghana highlife legend Ebo Taylor.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for February 9, 2026

• “Aoede” – Mashrou’ Leila
• “Sadalsuud” – Mashrou’ Leila
• “Yellow Trumpet” – Owelu Dreamhouse
• “A Thousand Steps” – Elori Saxl & Henry Solomon
• “A Figure in the Surf” – Mount Kimbie
• “Suicide Demo for Kara Walker” – Destroyer
• “Birthday Boy” – Kylie Auldist
• “What Would You Do? (feat. Amp Fiddler & Andrés)” – Dames Brown
• “Once Around The Block” – Badly Drawn Boy
• “Josh’s Tune (Part 2)” – Braxton Cook & Joshua Crumbly
• “Heaven” – Ebo Taylor
• “Love & Death” – Ebo Taylor
• “Yo Viviré (I Will Survive)” – Celia Cruz
• “Rock With You (Rare Strings Only Version)” – Michael Jackson
• “I Want You (John Morales M+M Pianopella Mix)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Drume Negrita” – Ry Cooder & Manuel Galban
• “Peaches En Regalia” – Frank Zappa
• “Vitamin C” – Can
• “Heroes” – David Bowie (for Ava East)
• “Go Down The Mountain” – TAMTAM
• “Fujiyama” – Dave Brubeck Quartet
• “Plastic 100°C” – Sampha
• “Radio Silence” – James Blake
• “Mystery of Love” – Mr Fingers
• “Livin’ And Lovin’ In My Own Way (feat. Pete Rock)” – Brandee Younger
• “Stepping Into Tomorrow” – Madlib
• “Love Reveald” – Marcus Elliot

Listen to In The Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.

Progress on DCFC field

Demolition has started at the site of the new AlumniFi Field, which will be home to the Detroit City Football Club soccer field. The former Southwest Detroit Hospital, which has been vacant for years, will be demolished to make way for the 15 thousand seat soccer stadium and mixed-use project. The project will also include a 421-space parking garage and a 76-unit residential building.

Additional headlines for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Gorgon confirmed

The U-S Senate last week confirmed Detroit Native Jerome Gorgon as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Gorgon will be the chief federal law enforcement official for federal cases in Detroit and throughout the state’s eastern Lower Peninsula. He follows former US Attorney Dawn Ison. Gorgon was born in Southwest Detroit, graduated from Southwestern High School, and taught in Detroit Public Schools.

Waitlist open

The Taylor Housing Commission is opening up the waitlist for its housing choice voucher program for 12 days this month. The last time the list was open was in 2023. Starting December 20, the commission will accept pre-applications for a potential spot on its waiting list for the program meant to help low-income families, the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities afford housing. The commission will randomly select up to 400 names to create its new wait list. Applicants do not need to be residents of Taylor to apply. To apply, visit taylorhousing.org

Applications being accepted

PropserUs Detroit is hiring. The organization supports entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods. ProsperUs is seeking applications for trainers to deliver a variety of programming, including entrepreneur training, subject-matter workshops, group technical assistance, and one-on-one coaching. Ideal candidates will have experience in entrepreneurship, knowledge of adult learning, and a commitment to equity and community impact. Visit ProsperUs Detroit’s Instagram page for a link to apply. Application window closes on January 11.

Drop in temps tonight

Watch out for a flash freeze tonight. Scattered showers throughout the day today are expected to create wind gusts picking up to about 40 mph by Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to quickly drop to below freezing overnight, increasing the potential of a flash freeze on the roads by Friday morning. Snow is also predicted through Friday morning.

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