Lots of throwbacks today led by birthday candles for Gil Scott Heron and Marvin Gaye, alongside Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, a fond farewell for Chicago guitarist George Freeman, Bob Marley and more… enjoy!

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 April 2, 2025

• “We Almost Lost Detroit” – Gil Scott Heron
• “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Puaj” – Salin
• “Traveling With (LIVE ON WDET session)” – Daniel Villarreal (hear the full session here)
• “Sunset Cliffs (LIVE ON WDET session)” – Daniel Villarreal (hear the full session here)
• “Bumpin’” – Wes Montgomery
• “Be Honest (feat. Madison McFerrin)” – A Song For You
• “Supernatural (Extended Mix)” – We Are KING
• “Ode To The Year 9125” – Tall Black Guy
• “Award Tour (feat. Trugoy the Dove)” – A Tribe Called Quest
• “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” – Digable Planets
• “Eye Know (feat. Otis Redding)” – De La Soul
• “Castles Made of Sand” – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
• “Confirmed Truth” – George Freeman
• “High Tide or Low Tide (B is for Bob Mix)” – Bob Marley & the Wailers
• “Tom Drunk (feat. U-Roy)” – Hopeton Lewis
• “Lady Day and John Coltrane” – Gil Scott Heron
• “Home Is Where the Hatred Is” – Gil Scott Heron
• “Hot Sun” – Wilco
• “Midnight Sun” – Nilüfer Yanya
• “! MAVIS BEACON” – Saya Gray
• “Motorcycle” – Remi Wolf
• “Future Lover” – Thee Sacred Souls
• “I Want You (John Morales M+M Pianopella Mix)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Ha Ya! (Eternal Life) [feat. Natalie Greffel]” – musclecars
• “Patience (Maurice Fulton Remix)” – Tame Impala
• “Do Yourself A Favor” – Stevie Wonder
• “BACK ON” – SBTRKT
• “Just Can’t Get Enough” – Channel Tres

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.

David Lynch is one of my favorite filmmakers of all time, and I know I’m not alone in that regard. In fact, WDET’s own Amanda LeClaire joined me in studio, along with musician/artist Renee Willoughby to discuss the late director whose name has been adapted into its own aesthetic adjective, because they’ve organized a multifaceted tribute show, happening at The Ghost Light in Hamtramck this Friday night!

• “In Your Life” – Same Eyes
• “I Cry” – Johnstonsons
• “West Branch” – Strange Witch
• “Powerstation” – Jonathan Weier
• “It’s My Day” – The Goings Gone
• “Collecting” – Spencer LaJoye
• “Knots” – Kyle Joe
• “Zopilote” – Marbrisa
• “Cloud Platform 8” – Deastro
• “Prime” – Mike List
• “Chance Encounter” – Magdalene
• “The Theme” – Justin Walter
• “On Train, On High” – The Glass Path
• “Grief” – Renee Willoughby
• “Mind of the Ocean” – Gwendolyn Dot

There’s no April Fools here! Just a serious love of music — all music, from all genres, brought together through common vibe and feel. New music from High Vis, Bab L’ Bluz, Beth Gibbons (in town on April 7 at Masonic Cathedral Theatre), Lizzo, Orions Belte, Sparklmami and more.

The big thing on the musical menu is revisiting the Garden State soundtrack 20 years later, including selections from The Shins, Nick Drake, Thievery Corporation and Frou Frou.

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 April 1, 2025

• “Sexy To Someone” – Clairo
• “All I Want” – Broken Social Scene
• “Image” – Magdalena Bay
• “Mind’s A Lie” – High Vis
• “Wave To Anchor” – Hundred Waters
• “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” – Paul McCartney & Wings
• “Elevate” – St. Lucia
• “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” – Michael Jackson
• “Mahlalela” – Hugh Masekela & Letta Mbulu
• “Only Good for Conversation” – Rodriguez
• “Bangoro (Gitkin Remix)” – Bab L’ Bluz
• “On The Road” – Rattlesnake Milk
• “New Slang” – The Shins
• “One of These Things First” – Nick Drake
• “Drinkin’ on a Tuesday” – Sarah Mary Chadwick
• “Let Go” – Frou Frou
• “Lebanese Blonde” – Thievery Corporation
• “Reaching Out” – Beth Gibbons
• “Glory Box (Live / Remastered 2023)” – Portishead
• “All Mine” – Portishead
• “Black Coffee” – Sarah Vaughn
• “20 Feet Tall” – Erykah Badu
• “Run Outs” – Alfa Mist
• “Nite” – Gossip
• “South (feat. Lex Amor)” – Wu-Lu
• “TOUCH” – Sparklmami & Les Sons Du Cosmos
• “The Carneddau” – Orions Belte
• “Still Bad” – Lizzo
• “Begin Again (Joe Goddard Remix)” – Jessie Ware
• “Gentle Thoughts” – Herbie Hancock
• “Dangerous” – Surprise Chef
• “Hangin’ on Your Lips” – Cousin Kula
• “Red Room” – Hiatus Kaiyote
• “Mammone (feat. SHOLTO & David Bardon)” – Rachel Kitchlew & SFJ
• “Loso Na Madesu (feat. Natanya) [Lewis OfMan Remix]” – Brian Nasty

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.

On the latest edition of The Progressive Underground‘s Liner Notes, we explore “Abstractions,” a collaboration between two of the most revered producers in modern soul, funk, and hip-hop: Zo! and Tall Black Guy.

Metro Detroit-born Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson and Tall Black Guy, aka Terrel Wallace, took different paths to arrive at their shared groove-centric vision. Zo!, a multi-instrumentalist, came up playing jazz and classical before transitioning into the vibrant world of progressive soul and funk, producing for The Foreign Exchange and spearheading several solo projects. Tall Black Guy, known for his masterful beat-making, honed his skills through crate-digging and sampling, becoming a staple in the underground hip-hop and soul circuit.

Though they had admired each other’s work from afar, their creative paths finally converged through the Foreign Exchange Music family, an independent label founded by Phonte and Nicolay. Their shared love for deeply rooted soul, lush arrangements, and head-nodding rhythms made their collaboration inevitable.

“Abstractions,” released in 2021, is the product of this synergy — a sonic journey through jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, infused with their mutual respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. Let’s explore the album track by track.

Track: “Talkin’ To Myself” feat. BeMyFiasco

The album opens with a warm, contemplative groove featuring BeMyFiasco, the rising singer-songwriter from Dallas. With dreamy chords and a hypnotic rhythm, “Talkin’ To Myself” captures the feeling of self-reflection and inner dialogue. BeMyFiasco’s ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s plush instrumentation, setting the tone for the album’s deeply introspective yet groove-heavy vibe.

Track: “Sightseeing” feat. Diviniti & Pirahnahead

We next step into a short but mesmerizing interlude featuring Detroit’s own Diviniti and producer Pirahnahead. The track showcases the duo’s ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes with minimal elements. It’s jazz-infused, dreamy, and transports the listener into a meditative headspace. 

Track: “The Ride” feat. Sy Smith, Black Milk & Elzhi

“The Ride” features vocals from longtime Zo! collaborator Sy Smith, who delivers silky, jazz-inflected vocals, while Black Milk and Elzhi drop in to spout razor-sharp verses over an intoxicatingly rich instrumental. This track is a testament to the album’s seamless fusion of live instrumentation and hip-hop aesthetics. 

Track: “Blackout”

“Blackout” is short instrumental interlude that acts as a sonic reset, which finds Zo! and Tall Black Guy leaning into their experimental side. Layers of synthesizers and deep bass tones create an otherworldly atmosphere, demonstrating their knack for crafting interludes that feel just as essential as full-length tracks. Throughout their career both have cultivated relationships with artists of varying iconographies. 

Track: “I Love The Way” feat. Omar

On this cut, British soul legend Omar graces the mic, on a breezy, feel-good anthem that exudes warmth and sophistication. With Omar’s unmistakable voice riding over a buttery-smooth bassline, this track recalls classic ‘90s acid jazz while remaining firmly in the present. Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s production shines here, highlighting their ability to craft infectious grooves that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Track: “Hold My Hand” feat. Darien Brockington, Muhsinah & Phonte

“Hold my Hand” features an all-star lineup of Darien Brockington, Muhsinah, and Phonte, where the harmonies are lush, the instrumentation pristine and the chemistry between the vocalists undeniable. The whole arrangement feels like a Foreign Exchange family reunion with its spotlight of TFE artists and affiliated/adjacent artists on the track. This tune exemplifies the power of collaboration, as each artist brings their unique touch while staying true to the album’s cohesive sonic palette. 

Track: “Northland” feat. DJ Dez

With their strong Detroit musical roots, Zo! And Tall Black Guy continue to rep their hometown. Representing the heartbeat of Detroit, “Northland” features turntablist DJ Dez, a legend in the Motor City’s hip-hop and funk scenes. The track blends chopped jazz samples with raw, dusty drums, evoking the spirit of crate-digging culture. It’s a reminder of the album’s deep roots in hip-hop’s production techniques, seamlessly merged with live musicianship. 

Abstractions is more than just an album; it’s a masterclass in modern soul production. Zo! and Tall Black Guy, both virtuosos in their own right, have crafted a project that transcends genre boundaries while maintaining a deeply personal touch. With its seamless blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the album embodies the spirit of collaboration and artistic evolution.

This record also highlights the importance of independent artistry in today’s music landscape. As key members of The Foreign Exchange Music stable, Zo! and Tall Black Guy have built a movement that champions authenticity, musicality, and innovation. Their work on “Abstractions” reinforces their reputation as architects of a new wave of soul music—one that respects tradition while fearlessly pushing forward.

We’ll close with a track that highlights the album’s versatility, and features some house music vibes from music luminary Josh Milan, who drifts into soulful house territory, radiating warmth and positive vibrations. Milan’s unmistakable vocals soar over an intricately woven backdrop of lush keys, subtle percussion, and hypnotic bass. It’s a track that feels equally at home on a dancefloor as it does during a late-night drive. Let’s check out “Connected.”

Track: “Connected” feat. Josh Milan

That was “Connected” from Zo! & Tall Black Guy’s “Abstractions”, an album that stands as a shining example of what happens when two visionary producers come together with a shared purpose.

If you love deep musical dives, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET. This has been Liner Notes, and I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time!

This week’s pick comes off of the album “I Left My Heart in Ladera” by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Terrace Martin and songstress and music royalty Alex Isley, daughter of Ernie Isley of R&B funk pioneers The Isley Brothers.

The album is considered a modern soul classic in various circles of soul pundits, and with each listen there’s a new layer of lush R&B and soul to be discovered.

We’ll sample a track that has the hallmarks of classic soul groovers — an infectious rhythm and bassline, angelic vocals and that nostalgic “Blue Lights in the Basement,” roller skating vibe from back in the day.

It’s grown folks’ music at its finest. Let’s check out the track “2 Step in the Living Room,” my Pick of the Week.

If you dig artists at the apex of the future soul music movement, be sure to check out The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org, where we take you through soul, nu-jazz, nu-funk and everything else in between. For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell and we’ll see you next time.

More from The Progressive Underground: 

• Pick of the Week (Mar. 22): ‘Good Vibes’ by The Pocket Queen ft. Duckwrth
• Snoh Aalegra, the cinematic songstress who feels every note
• Pick of the Week (Mar. 15): ‘Society’s Man’ by Spiral Deluxe

Diving back into the week with new music from Σtella, Los Piranas, Celine Dessberg, Okonski, José Junior and more, plus a belated birthday party for George Benson and look ahead to an upcoming concert from Leon Bridges.

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 March 31, 2025

• “Ribbon in the Sky (1982 Musiquarium Version)” – Stevie Wonder
• “Timeless (feat. Lianne La Havas)” – Oscar Jerome
• “Take Five” – George Benson
• “Adagio” – Σtella
• “Una Mañana” – Caramelo Haze
• “Despectiva caridad” – Los Piranas
• “Projections” – José Junior
• “Tomorrow Never Knows” – Beatles
• “Selenge” – Céline Dessberg
• “October” – Okonski
• “Burnin’ Coal” – Les McCann
• “N.I.T.A.” – Young Marble Giants
• “Heartbeat” – Wire
• “That’s Entertainment” – The Jam
• “Colores Del Mar” – Helado Negro
• “Motorway” – Goat Girl
• “In My Head” – Rosie Lowe
• “Deep Dark Cosmos” – Holly Walker
• “Charlie Loves Gracia” – Penza Penza
• “Lonsdale Slipons” – Bug Club
• “Violence” – Parquet Courts
• “Before the Water Gets Too High” – Parquet Courts
• “Half The Truth” – Sūn Byrd
• “Bad Bad News” – Leon Bridges
• “Morning (Peanut Butter Wolf Remix)” – Azymuth
• “Blue Ridge Mountains” – Fleet Foxes
• “Let Go” – NewDad
• “2020” – SUUNS
• “Saturator” – Kiln
• “The Equalizer” – Clinic
• “Speak To Me” – Julian Lage
• “Guns of Brixton (feat. Yan Jun) [L’été Chinois]” – Dub Mentor
• “The Killing Moon” – Nouvelle Vague
• “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” – Wilco
• “New York, Let’s Do Nothing” – King Hannah
• “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” – Father John Misty
• “The Turning Ground” – Tara Clerkin Trio
• “Mixo World” – Time Wharp

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.

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Bear Rinehart and his band Wilder Woods play songs from the new album “Curioso” and more. Usually Bear is the frontman of NEEDTOBREATH, but Wilder Woods has been his increasingly busy side hussle since 2019!

Also this week, I’m With Her here in 2019, Cowboy Junkies in 1998, Jeffrey Foucault this year 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 Mar. 30, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Confession” – girl in red
• “Where Did She Go” – The Altons
• “No Champagne (6 AM)” – Cautious Clay
• “Maya Maya Maya” – Maya Delilah
• “Those Final Feet” – Cowboy Junkies (1998 in-studio performance)
  
• “Whitney Houston’s National Anthem” – Matt Nathanson
• “Offering” – Wilder Woods (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “Heartland” – Wilder Woods (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “Break Up With Everything” – Michael Franti & Spearhead
• “Half As High” – The Devil Makes Three
• “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her
• “Overland” – I’m With Her (2019 in-studio performance)
  
• “Open And Close” – Jason Isbell
• “How Long Can You Keep Up A Lie” – Saya Gray
• “What Good Is A Heart” – Mustafa
• “The Meadows” – Everything Is Recorded
• “Crushed Ice And Gasoline” – Jeffrey Foucault (2025 in-studio performance)
  
• “Ripple (SOFT)” – Good Neighbours
• “Ripple” – Jimmie Dale Gilmore (2000 in-studio performance)
  
• “Hey Girl(s)” – Moses Sumney
• “Ain’t It Nice” – Madison McFerrin
  
• “Maestro” – Wilder Woods (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)
• “Time On My Hands” – Wilder Woods (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guests)

This week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music covers another busy week of newly released music from Lizzo, Lucy Dacus and Detroit’s Jack Spivey — plus a couple of weird moments from 50 and 40 years ago. We also open and close the show with a couple soon-to-be octogenarians!

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 Mar. 29, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Down To Joy” – Van Morrison
• “Forever Is A Feeling” – Lucy Dacus
  
• “Superlover” – Allison Russelll & Annie Lennox
• “I Put A Spell On You” – Annie Lennox
• “Can I Get An Amen” – The War & Treaty
  
• “Lonesome Loser” – Little River Band
  
• “Still Bad” – Lizzo
• “Lazarus” – David Bowie
• “Sleeves Up” – Crys Matthews
• “Where Do We Go From Here” – Wilder Wods
• “Show You Love” – The Altons (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
  
• “Imma Be” – Black Eyed Peas (Fergie turns 50!)
  

• “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” – Wang Chung
• “Cruel Cruel World” – Felix Ames
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Roberta Flack (released 50 years ago this month)
• “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – Bad Company (also released 50 years ago this month)
• “Cold Honey” – Jack Spivey
• “Love Is Like A Rock” – Donnie Iris (82 and still rockin’… sorta)
• “Knock On Wood” – Buddy Guy
• “Moving On And On” – Q
• “Never Felt Better” – Everything Is Recorded
• “Look At The State Of Me Now”– Maya Delilah
• “Gone Again” – Sunny War w/John Doe
• “The Core” – Eric Clapton w/Marcella Detroit (Clapton turns 80 this weekend)

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.

What a dream to have percussionist and bandleader Daniel Villarreal live on WDET during In The Groove.

I was first introduced to Villarreal’s music via a friend in Chicago, where Villarreal and his band call home. After popping on my headphones, going for a long walk and listening to Villarreal’s excellent ‘Panamá 77’ album, I was hooked. The plot on how I could get him to Detroit to perform began!

Thankfully, our friends at Moondog Café solved that issue, booking Villarreal for a live set at their new venue.

And ahead of that performance in Detroit, Villarreal brought the band by the studio to perform a handful of tracks, including “Traveling With” (from his 2023 effort ‘Lados B’), the unreleased song “Bakers Dozen,” “Sunset Cliffs” (another ‘Lados B’ cut) plus “I Didn’t Expect That” from ‘Panamá 77.’

You’ll also hear an interview with Villarreal about his time playing in punk bands in Panama and how that translates to the abstract jazz he plays today.

Hear the performance and interview using the audio player above.

Keep up with Villarreal’s music at danielvillarrealmusic.com.

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

As International Women’s Month wraps up, Essential Music host Ann Delisi sits down with one of the influential voices in the culinary world—Angela Davis, better known as The Kitchenista.

Davis, a chef, recipe developer, and educator, has built a loyal following with her rich storytelling and deep culinary expertise. Through her online presence, she’s inspired countless home cooks with her creativity, honesty, and passion for food.

In this conversation, Delisi and Davis dive into her journey in the digital food space, the challenges of sharing her work and life online, and the ever-evolving world of food blogging and content creation.

Want to explore more of her work? Visit her Patreon at patreon.com/kitchenista or learn more about her story on Wikipedia.

Listen to Ann Delisi’s Essential Music every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

Man, we got pretty spaced out today with selections from Can, Nala Sinephro, new music from Tortoise, Mabe Fratti and more.

Plus, the final selections from the groove hotline of your favorite Aretha Franklin songs (although I’ll keep playing those forever — thanks to everyone that left a message!).

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 March 27, 2025

• “Bugs” – Jamila Woods
• “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” – Angie Stone
• “Empire (feat. John Carroll Kirby)” – Eddie Chacon
• “Royalty” – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
• “Soul” – James Alexander Bright
• “Vitamin C” – Can
• “Na Na” – Coke
• “Dub Je Je” – Antibalas
• “Late Night People” – Yazmin Lacey
• “Hood Pass Intact” – Dam Funk
• “The Thrill Is Gone” – Aretha Franklin
• “Feels So Bad” – Junior Kimbrough
• “Côte D’ivoire” – Yoni Mayraz
• “100 Years Of Bill & Lil” – Joe Webb
• “TNT” – Tortoise
• “Oganesson” – Tortoise
• “Heartbeat” – Wire
• “Come See About Me” – Afghan Whigs
• “Cough / Cool” – Misfits
• “A Forest (Tree Mix)” – The Cure
• “Androgynous” – The Replacements
• “Muzzle of Bees” – Norah Jones & Jeff Tweedy
• “Hurts To Be Alone” – Norah Jones
• “Poinciana (Live at The Pershing, Chicago, 1958)” – Ahmad Jamal Trio
• “Crushxd” – Crumb
• “Continuum 5 / 6” – Nala Sinephro
• “Be Reasonable – Somesurprises
• “Kravitz” – Mabe Fratti
• “Your House (feat. Astrid Sonne & Fine)” – Coined
• “When I Was Younger” – Bonny Light Horseman
• “Say You Love Me” – Astrid Sonne
• “Ramble In The Rainbow” – TAMTAM
• “We Are The People” – Work Money Death

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.

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

Bill “the dean of Detroit photography” Rauhauser left a lasting impact on both the photography community and cultural history of Detroit.

He documented Detroit through his lens from the 1940s until his death in 2017, presenting to the world the city he knew and loved. He was able to capture the human experience in the city during rapid change and racial divisions.

Not only was he nationally recognized for his work, he helped uplift a generation of photographers, teaching as a professor at the College for Creative Studies for more than 30 years, and a guest lecturer at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. 

Coup D’état, a boutique store in Detroit’s East English Village neighborhood, will be hosting an exhibit of Rauhauser’s work, titled “Bill Rauhauser: A Retrospective,” beginning at 5 p.m. this Saturday, March 29. The exhibition is a partnership between Coup D’état and Hill Gallery in Birmingham.

Angela Wisniewski-Cobbina, owner of Coup D’état, joined The Metro this week to discuss the exhibit, which will feature 23 of Rauhauser’s pieces that showcase his dedication to capturing raw, authentic moments and everyday life in Detroit.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

More stories from The Metro on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

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

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.

Organizers and volunteers of the Muslim Foster Care Association (MFCA) hosted a buffet-style meal and celebration for its third annual Ramadan iftar, bringing Muslim foster youth and families together.

Iftar is the meal where Muslims break their fast during Ramadan.

There was a row of savory food from the halal restaurant Sukho Thai in Dearborn Heights, and a table full of sweet treats like knafeh and enormous Macadamia cookies.

MFCA Co-founder Sameena Zahoor welcomed the attendees. 

“I want to thank the families and the foster parents and the families are helping the foster parents and the foster youth that are here today,” she said.

Many Muslims spend time fasting, praying, and doing extra worship with a community during Ramadan. However, many Muslim foster children in Michigan end up spending Ramadan in non-Muslim foster homes — alone. 

MFCA wanted to provide a space for the youth to be in community with others.

Salifu Mahmoud previously lived in a non-Muslim home as a foster youth since resettling from Ghana about three years ago. He now lives in independent housing in Canton. 

He says fasting during Ramadan is an important part of his religious practices.

“Living with someone who is not like Muslim, like foster care, it’s kind of hard in Ramadan,” he shared.

Mahmoud says his former foster care provider was unaware of his religion or obligations during Ramadan — such as waking up early to eat suhoor, the morning meal before fasting, or praying Taraweeh in congregation at a mosque during Ramadan nights. 

This year Mahmoud is staying with a Muslim family during Ramadan, allowing him to experience the familial and communal practices of the month.

“Since I moved to America, this is my best Ramadan,” he said, reflecting that it reminds him of his Ramadans in Africa. “They [his Muslim foster parents] treat me like their kids, showing me love.” 

At the iftar, Tonja Baker, a therapist who works for Whaley Children’s Center in Flint, came to learn more about MFCA.

“I was connected through this program for one of our youth at the campus, and managed to be able to bring her down and have her enjoy, you know, Iftar, and be able to just meet and greet with the other families that are here,” she said.

It’s important for the staff to learn culturally competent care to provide services or Muslim youth, Baker said, and the center tries to link Muslim youth to mosques in the area, but resources are scarce.

In addition to the iftar, MFCA passed out Ramadan 215 baskets filled with goodies like dates, halal marshmallows, and a Target gift card to Muslim foster youth in Michigan. 

Shereen Abunada, director of operations at MFCA, says she’s been working to increase the number of Muslim foster parents, but many are feeling burnout.

“That happens when parents have a placement that doesn’t go as well as they had hoped,” she said.

There are about 10 licensed Muslim foster families for the state’s 250 Muslim foster youth, 50 more than last year.

Abunada says the number of Muslim youth in the system has increased. In anticipation of potentially changing immigration policies, resettlement agencies recently expedited travel for Muslim foster youth from West African countries.

“So we’ve had an influx of about 50 to 70 youth that have just recently arrived in the in the past couple months,” she said.

Abunada says unaccompanied refugee minors feel vulnerable.

“A lot of them are also just the fear of being deported, the fear of being targeted. A lot of these kids are just by themselves, kind of going back to their own, their home countries, or trying to find other places to be,” she said.

Abunada says organizations and agencies are working to protect the children.

Hosting the iftar was one way to create a community for the foster youth, as they navigate the next steps in their journeys.

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I love being able to bring Spiritualized and The Rolling Stones together, plus a bunch of fresh releases from SHY FX, Lady Wray, Hannah Cohen, Nightmares on Wax, Moses Sumney and many more. That’s the pleasure of public radio! Genre doesn’t matter — good music does!

Plus, a bunch of your voicemails celebrating Aretha Franklin, who would’ve been 83 this week. Why not just turn it into Aretha Week on In The Groove? With your voicemails?! I’ve still got space for a few more — feel free to drop me a line on the groove hotline at 313-577-3414, and I’ll play it on air!

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 March 26, 2025

• “Risk It All (feat. Maverick Sabre) [Acoustic]” – SHY FX
• “High Tide or Low Tide (B is for Bob Mix)” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “Best For Us” – Lady Wray
• “Dusty” – Hannah Cohen
• “Typical (feat. Jordan Rakei) [Little Dragon’s Rick Ride Remix]” – Nightmares On Wax
• “You’re All I Need to Get By (Take 2)” – Aretha Franklin
• “Spirit In the Dark (Live February 7, 1971)” – Aretha Franklin
• “Spirit In the Dark (Reprise with Ray Charles) [Live February 7, 1971]” – Aretha Franklin
• “Miss Perfumado (4 Hero Remix)” – Cesária Evora
• “American Cars (Africanz on Marz West Coast Drive Rework)” – Sam
• “Hey Girl(s)” – Moses Sumney, Syd & Meshell Ndegeocello
• “The Other Lover” – Little Dragon & Moses Sumney
• “Retold” – Nate Smith
• “Liquid Sunshine” – John Cameron
• “I Say A Little Prayer” – Aretha Franklin
• “Inertia” – Samora Pinderhughes
• “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Rolling Stones
• “I Think I’m in Love” – Spirtualized
• “Jealous Boy” – The Bug Club (In The Groove Pick of the Week)
• “It’s Amazing To Be Young” – Fontaines D.C.
• “Sonny The Strong” – Gaz Coombes
• “West Side” – Studio
• “Untitled” – Interpol
• “Plainsong” – Seefeel
• “Boxing Feat. King Krule (DJ Python Remix)” – Mount Kimbie
• “Spacelab” – Kraftwerk
• “Clear (Jose “Animal” Diaz Remix)” – Cybotron
• “Sharivari” – Dirtbombs
• “L.O.V.E. and You and I (Madlib Remix)” – Jazzanova

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.

Editor’s note: A previous version of the story incorrectly referred to Culture Crate as a nonprofit organization. Culture Crate is a for-profit social venture.

Woman-owned small business Culture Crate is working on a campaign to encourage education on Palestinian cultural traditions. The campaign is accessible through Kickstarter, where people can purchase Nabulsi saboon (soap) making kits.

“One fear with any cultural heritage practice is if you lose the practice, could we then lose the knowledge about it,” said Culture Crate CEO Nadine Zaza.

Saboon making did not just contribute a product to the world, but also advancements in chemistry and language. Zaza explained that Culture Crate’s mission is to preserve these cultural practices, and that her experience as a design educator helped her realize that the “most influential, most important ways for students, and for, really, people and anyone to really engage intentionally with culture and with knowledge is to do it yourself.”

In this way, the saboon making kit encourages preservation of Palestinian cultural traditions through an educational and interactive process.

Saboon making is a cultural practice that has existed in Nablus, Palestine for centuries. In 2024, it was inscribed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This list recognizes non-physical heritage practices around the world as a way to highlight global culturally diverse creativity.

The saboon making kits include everything needed for the process, including silicone molds, gloves, safety goggles, sodium hydroxide and Palestinian olive oil, as well as educational pamphlets illustrating the history of saboon making and booklets explaining the importance of cultural preservation.

Palestinian soap making kits is Culture Crate’s first campaign, but they hope to expand by focusing future campaigns on other heritage practices from other parts of the Arab world.

“There’s always so much good music coming out of Detroit!” Now, I didn’t actually say these exact words on this week’s MI Local, but they’re words I’ve often said aloud during my coverage of the scene here on WDET, and the latest show is emblematic of that, of course!

This week, we checked out the latest from dream-pop duo Bluhm (“The Ghost Between Us”), a groovy indie-dance/rock vibe from Elephant Den (“Apple”), and a brand new single from NW-Michigan-based folk singer May Erlewine (“My Speed,” from the forthcoming album “What It Takes“), which kicked off the show.

We also heard a new single from Detroit-based power-pop auteur Ryan Allen (of Extra Arms), from his new solo album (out in May), titled Livin’ On a Prayer on the Edge. Kalamazoo-based indie-rockers The Go-Rounds also have new music out, dropping a brand new full-length album on the same day that MI Local aired, titled “Donut.”

Tonight’s feature was an in-person interview with metro Detroit based singer-songwriter and music educator Taylor DeRousse, who stopped by the studio to discuss her new full-length album (out this Friday) titled “Running Back To Me.” There are already a couple of singles from that album that are available to download, but here on WDET, we were able to get a sneak preview of an unreleased track, titled “Red Sweater.”

During our interview, DeRousse discussed her approach to lyric writing, and being able to lean in to an unyielding heart-on-the-sleeve candor, while also shouting out Traverse City-based producer/musician John Piatek (who provides backing vocals on “Red Sweater”), as well as collaborators at Bird Fight Records, Tom Mihalis and John Katona, and local musician Bryan Pope.

On the show, DeRousse revealed/announced the date and details of the release party for “Running Back to Me,” which is set for May 10 at the Loving Touch in Ferndale.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about DeRousse, you can swing over to Tailored Harmonies, a music company store based in Waterford providing lessons and so much more!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

MI Local Playlist for March. 25, 2025

• “My Speed” – May ErlewineAnxious All The Time – Ryan Allen
• “Let There Be More Light” – Ethan Daniel Davidson
• “Too Cold For Company” – Stanley & Quiggle
• “Suburban Boredom” – Ancient Language
• “Ghosts Between Us – Bluhm
• “Apple” – Elephant Den
• “Tworailsmeet” – Conor Lynch
• “Diamond” – The Go Rounds
• “I Wanna Be Like Jesus” – Dick Texas
• “Red Sweater” – Taylor DeRousse
• “Zombie” – Taylor DeRousse

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, it’s a special show featuring the great jazz performances we’ve recorded in our studios over the years…including Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Keyon Harrold, Robert Glasper with Ledisi, guitar greats Lee Ritenour and Pat Metheny and many 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 Mar. 23, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “I Get A Kick (Out Of You)” – Jamie Cullum
• “Stolen Moments” – Cautious Clay
• “Not My Time” – Kat Edmonson
• “Ere pranverore” – Elina Duni Quartet
• “Stepping Out” – Kurt Elling
  
• “Take Me To The Alley” – Gregory Porter
• “Night And Day” – Willie Nelson
• “Morning Glory Jam” – Lee Ritenour
• “Famous Friends” – Judith Owen
• “The Intellectual” – Keyon Harrold
• “Hate Is The Basis (Of Love)” – Rachael & Vilray
• “Summertime” – Zee Avi
• “Sittin’ In The Middle” – Raul Midon
• “Hold On” – Allysha Joy
• “Joshua” – Bobby McFerrin
• “Don’t Know Why” – Pat Metheny
• “The Nearness Of You” – Norah Jones
• “Open Up The Door” – Bilal
• “The Mermaid” – Norma Winstone MBE
• “Stop” – Lizz Wright
• “Little Wing” – Josh Charles
  
• “Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)” – Robert Glasper Experiment with Ledisi

This week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music featured a ton of new music issued since our recently concluded Spring Fundraiser (thank you so very much!!!). Over the last few weeks, Santana released a new song with Smokey Robinson, there was new tunes (with more coming) from I’m With Her and Cautious Clay, a new single from Jalen Ngonda (pictured) and Chappell Roan went country!

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 Mar. 22, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Where I Belong” – Galactic with Irma Thomas
• “Upside” – Southern Avenue
• “Come Get To This” – Marvin Gaye
• “Blest” – Yuno
• “Just As Long As We’re Together” – Jalen Ngonda
  
• “I Should Have Stayed In Detroit” – Rock ‘N’ Roll Monkey
  
• “Sunshine In The Room” – James Bay w/Jon Batiste
• “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her
• “The Giver” – Chappell Roan
• “Losing You” – Everything Is Recorded
• “Everything Is Peaceful Love” – Bon Iver
  
• “Ain’t It Nice” – Madison McFerrin
• “Please Don’t Take Your Love” – Santana & Smokey Robinson
  

• “Been So Long” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “Spaceman In Tulsa” – Counting Crows
• “Come Back To Ourselves” – Jeff Karoub
• “Squeeze” – Maya Delilah
• “No Champagne (6AM)” – Cautious Clay
• “The Heart Of Saturday Night” – Tom Waits (a special request for Jeff in Metamora)
• “Back To The Land” – JR JR
• “Relationships” – HAIM
• “Killer Bee” – Jack Spivey
• “I Love Doing Drugs”– The Devil Makes Three
• “Don’t Lose Your Steam” – Gregory Porter (Acoustic Cafe in-studio recording)
• “Limelight” – Tune Yards
  
• “Break Up With Everything” – Michael Franti & Spearhead

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.