Carl Craig before he makes his imprint

Amid a breezy Spring evening, the air filled with electronic beats from the nearby DJ station on the Woodward Plaza of The Detroit Historical Museum, four of Detroit’s premiere electronic music pioneers pressed their hands into concrete. Appropriately, days before one the biggest electronic music festivals in the world (Movement) initially begins in the city the recipients of the honor – Carl Craig, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Eddie Fowlkes – are the most recent honorees of the recent creation of the Detroit Legends Plaza.

The plaza will be one of the new permanent attractions to The Detroit Historical Museum after the completion of a six month renovation to the museum that promises new attractions and interactivity. Craig, Atkins, Saunderson, and Fowlkes’ casted handprints and signatures join other notable Michigan celebrities including Gordie Howe, Martha Reeves, Elmore Leonard, and Lily Tomlin… with others soon to follow.

“I’m excited that something like this is taking place,” explained Craig. “To see something like a Detroit Legends Plaza happen is to see a dream come true.”

The large crowd that gathered to respect the achievements to these electronic music innovators was diverse populus from friends, fans, and other DJ’s. They came to celebrate and honor the contributions to electronic music scene that began in Detroit all those years ago. After the ceremony, the crowd was treated to a set by Craig that is just the beginning of the big Memorial Day weekend of music in Detroit.

For more on Movement, follow our coverage all this weekend on our Twitter or Facebook page, or visit the Movement official website at http://www.movement.us.

Photo courtesy of dailybeatz

Memorial Day weekend is the start of summer. It is when our cities empty each weekend as people head Up North to their favorite lakes and cabins to enjoy as much nature as possible.

It is also the unofficial kickoff to the summer festival season in Hart Plaza. This weekend kickstarts that festival season in a way that is pure Detroit, showcasing talent that is either home grown or inspired by our city’s deep musical roots.  So here are our suggestions for enjoying the unique side of the Electronic Music City this weekend.

1.  Get Versed

If you have a heart for kids, you need to get to know the InsideOut Literary Arts Project.  This annual talent showcase has everything you need for a fun evening out, amazing talent and an amazing venue.

2.  Stella & Dot Trunk Show at the Peacock Room!

This is really just another excuse to encourage you to check out the Peacock Room.  Deep down, you know it’s time for more colorful, fun and flirty accessories for summer.

3.  Covenant Idol at the Hard Rock Cafe Detroit

This is an easy fundraiser to take part in.  Go to Hard Rock Cafe.  Eat.  Drink.  Enjoy some entertainment American Idol Style.  Help Covenant House Michigan continue  its good work with homeless and at-risk teens.

4. Before Pictures plus The Wire Eyes / The Paper Sound

The Magic Stick is a great place to catch a show. Intimate setting. Cold beer. Plenty of entertainment in the building if the band is no good. But with this show, you won’t need to worry about entertaining any alternative entertainment options.

5.  Movement Electronic Music Festival

We have to.  It is too much fun and too much a part of the Detroit’s musical identity to skip.  If you are still using the fact that you have to pay to get in as your excuse for not going, stop.  You really are missing out on an amazing way to spend Memorial Day weekend.

From this week’s In Case You Missed It Files, the gents behind Burst Radio host their weekly show at Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub Sunday nights focusing on some of the best electronic music talent in the city.  Check out this interview previewing what you can expect at Movement this year.

Detroit’s momentum in all things creative and entrepreneurial is real and it’s building.

Did you know the creative sector is the third largest private sector employer in Detroit with more than 200 new employees? That is good news but there are so many more businesses out there ready to grow and hire more people in Detroit. They just need to find local supporters who will help them turn their ideas into realities.

So, to get them get connected the Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3) is launching “Design in Detroit,” an online platform and annual festival that allows individuals and institutions across Southeast Michigan to engage, connect and partner with Detroit’s creative, entrepreneurial community. It’s a three-year initiative is funded by a $510,000 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation grant.

The idea is a little like Kickstarter or Kiva.org, which allow people around the world to help fund creative projects that catch their eye or touch their spirit. The difference is, Design in Detroit is local. It engages Detroit supporters for Detroit creatives.

Cool plan.

”Detroit’s momentum in all things creative, civic, and entrepreneurial is real,” says Rishi Jaitly, Detroit program director for the Knight Foundation. “But in order for our movement to win, we need easy opportunities to partner with local allies across sectors, competencies and geographies. And we need more local institutions that see partnering with us as crucial to their mission.”

The goal is to bring in new ideas into Detroit for retail, art, design and so on that will attract talent to the greater downtown Detroit area and bring in more private dollar investment. “We must make it easier to get support for the creative community and we must nurture entrepreneurs and ask the public to play in role,” says Jaitly.

With that in mind Design in Detroit’s major project will be an annual Detroit Design Festival. A call for submissions will go out in June to the creative community. You can send in ideas for design, business and technology that advance local community interests.

Through an online platform and real-world forums and gatherings, individuals and institutions from across Metro Detroit will be able to pledge financial, leadership, volunteer and marketing resources to the submitted projects. Over the course of each year, DC3 will lead targeted programming that nurtures these connections, ensuring that they result in artistic, retail and digital innovation that improve Detroit’s quality of life.

“Design in Detroit will result in a unique digital and physical infrastructure for the local creative movement to showcase its skills and ideas to the broader community,” said Matt Clayson, director, Detroit Creative Corridor Center. “We’re looking to create a global model here, one that respects the authenticity of local creative movements in Detroit while encouraging deeper engagement and more meaningful connections.”

Last year the Creative Corridor launched a pilot Design festival in 2011 called “Mind the Gap,” a contest to improve Detroit’s in-between spaces. More than 200 Detroiters viewed and rated proposals to transform vacant and under-utilized spaces in Detroit. The winning submission came from a high school student at the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies in Detroit.

“Detroit is becoming a leader in creative and civic innovation, but many Detroiters remain unable to participate, support, and engage with this movement,” says Jaitly. “We hope this project will help foster an environment where all people and institutions can share in the city’s social entrepreneurial momentum, and advance the success of the movement itself.”

Between this initiative, the newly opening D:hive, places like BizdomU and countless others, Detroit is, together with the help of foundations, citizens and the private sector making turnaround a reality.

Movement, a Detroit Memorial Day weekend tradition will be here again soon. Held in Hart Plaza, it brings out the best musicians in the electronic music scene to shake the rumps of the city where it all began. Since 2000 Detroit’s music event brings in a plethora of musicians and DJs for an incredible weekend of music, dancing and entertainment. The festival of beats brings in a who’s who of international major acts to show their talents. Here’s our take on some of the gems — the must-see acts each day of Movement — which runs May 26-28 in Detroit’s Hart Plaza.

SBTRKT
RedBull Music Academy Stage (Saturday)

Their latest record was killer with many featured artists helping out. SBTRKT is unusual in that they have actual lyrics to their dance tracks. Aaron Jerome plays electronic and acoustic drums whilst setting off samples on a mixing deck all the while Sampha plays keys, generates looping vocals and sings. It’s a nice mix of ambient sound and big bass. In my opinion, they should be the act that steals the show of the whole weekend. They are coming off major buzz on the festival circuit. Visually appealing and fresh ideas send this electronic outfit into the ether.

dOP
BeatPort Stage (Saturday)

dOP collectively likes making their organic style of dance music the old fashioned way, with actual instruments and their own voice! Big fans of collecting brass instruments and sharing in studio to create their distinct sound. Also. they are playing live, which means actual instruments on stage! Plus they are French! Ooh La La!

Lindstrom
RedBull Music Academy Stage (Sunday)

Lindstrom’s music is quite distinct and he grabs ideas from all over the place. His organic leaning of dance music leads to his intrinsic musical personality. His style is very different from many electronic artists because he does not come from a dance music background. So, he was free to explore ideas, since he had no preconceived idea of the scene, allowing for a natural evolution of sound.

Loco Dice
Main Stage (Sunday)

Loco Dice provides great beats and atmosphere. He is a major international act and has played to huge crowds. He knows how to ignite a crowd and get them on the dance floor. His reputation proceeds him.

This is an act used to playing to massive crowds and can turn them out. The main stage late in the evening on Saturday should be a big inspiration and have the crowds moving!

Araabmuzik
RedBull Music Academy Stage (Monday)

This guy has fat beats and an amazing musical sense. His claim to fame is his incredible mind numbing speed with which he makes beats on an MPC. It is something to behold. Seeing his actual beat creation live should be a thrill!

Jesse Rose
Underground Stage (Monday)

Jesse has been spinning for years and a real talent. He brings a classic House element to the festival and has remixed some of the biggest acts in the world. Why be excited? He brings a strong eclectic mix of beats and sounds and knows how to move a crowd!

Movement is May 26 through the 28th this year in downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza. For more info, including a complete list of artists, check out http://www.movement.us.

The College for Creative Studies annual student exhibition and sale is officially up on four floors of the Taubman Center in New Center. The show features work from freshmen to seniors, fine arts majors to auto design. Here’s a taste of the work on display:

The exhibition runs through May 25. Public viewing and sales are Saturday – Wednesday 10am – 4pm, Thursday and Friday 10am – 8pm. To purchase a piece of art, designated sale areas are on the 1st, 8th, 9th, and 10th floors. CCS accepts checks made out to the artists and you can request charge privileges. For more information, visit http://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/

Photo courtesy of Curbed Detroit

The late Dale Carnegie had a way with people.  One of his maxims was to be hearty in your approbation and lavish with your praise.

This week, we will be hearty in our approbation for the work Annette at Yelp has been putting in to transform the local Yelp community from a bunch of wannabe restaurant critics to a group actively involved in helping people connect with Detroit.  Thoughtful planning has gone into Yelp’s Passport to Midtown, giving even the most ardent Midtown fan a chance to learn something new about this community.

In that spirit, we are highlighting five upcoming events from the Passport to Midtown that are sure to inspire anyone who attends to come back for more.

1.  Emerging Artist Showcase and Cocktail Hour + Sketch Sessions At The Scarab Club

When we say tattoo artist, do you immediately think skilled painter?  We think you should, especially after you have the chance to check out this month’s featured artist Benjamin Eliasz.

2.  Raw Café Tasting!

Do you remember the Wendy’s Restaurant commercials from the early 1980s when the woman demanded to know, “Where’s the beef!?!”  If you find yourself wondering why she wanted to know, this is the event for you.

3.  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off … in Midtown

The only thing missing from this tour of Midtown is a principal chasing after you to prove you really are just cutting class and a Ferrari to drive as a part of your tour.  Everything else seems to be in place for you to get a solid overview of the transformation happening in Midtown Detroit.

4.  Canine to Five Doggie Play Date CMYE!

Finding events that are friendly to humans and canines can be tough, so we are thrilled to see something for the pooches.  They deserve to meet new friends, reacquaint themselves with old ones and enjoy a day of frivolity just as much as you do!

5.  UYE – Margarita Monday @Seva

In the heart of the Sugar Hill Arts District is this cool vegetarian joint you must check out. We hear the margaritas are fantastic, too.

From this week’s In Case You Missed It files, Whole Foods Market had its groundbreaking just a few days ago . The store should be ready for shoppers by spring of 2013.  You’ll probably need groceries well before then, so here are a few places that need to be on your list to quench your hunger in Downtown Detroit.

Who doesn’t love an outdoor summer festival? With 50 local bands, a diverse food court and tons of interactive activities, you can’t miss this year’s Detroit River Days Festival happening June 22-24, 2012.  The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has planned an extensive and spectacular program for this year’s event.

Music entertainment will range from classical to country, R&B, alternative rock and ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.  Musicians from around the nation will perform, in addition to local talent.  Street performers, jugglers and bucket drummers are just a subset of other entertainment that will line the RiverWalk.

Along the water, three enormous sand sculptures will be designed by Team Sandastic, from Sarasota, Florida.  The sculptures will range from 12.5 – 50 tons of sand.  Nearby, professional freestyle riders will perform big air jumps, flips and underwater dives.  Festival-goers will also be able to take one-hour tours and experience the sights from the Detroit River at an affordable and reduced price with of $5 for children and $10 for adults with Diamond Jack River Tours.

The Detroit Historical Society will lead maritime themed activities and stage performances.  The Society will display a 1960s hydroplane and an 18^th century cannon recently recovered from the Detroit River.  On June 22 festival goers will be treated to a Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen where a World War II B-17 Bomber will make three passes overhead to honor the African-American fighter pilots.  On June 23, guests can enjoy a live battle re-enactment on the river aboard the tall ship Appledore IV to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

The Kids Zone boasts an “All Aboard!” theme including face painting, earth-friendly craft making, imaginative storytelling and puppet and magic shows.

The Detroit Riverfront encourages healthy lifestyles.  On June 23, the DMC will host its third annual River Days 5K Walk and Run.  The course will showcase the Detroit RiverWalk and the Milliken State Park. New this year is a costume contest and music and entertainment.

New programming includes the inaugural Detroit River ArtScape, which is an open art competition for Michigan artists.  Ten artists will be selected to showcase their art and win cash prizes totaling $15,000.  The art will be on display and a juror panel comprised of individuals from Detroit’s leading art institutions including the Detroit Institute of Art and the College of Creative Studies will select the winners.

An affordable $3-$5 admission fee will be charged to help underwrite programming and operational costs.  For more exciting details on the festival, visit RiverDays.com.

Make sure to mark these dates in your calendar and enjoy our city at its best!

One of the most common questions asked of Downtown residents is, “Where do you get your groceries in Detroit?”

Despite the urban myths, the incoming Whole Foods in Midtown isn’t the first grocery store that serves greater Downtown residents, nor will it be the first one with quality and higher end fare. Here’s a list of five options in no particular order (there’s more, but we’ve only got so much space), some large, some small, to get your grocery on.

Goodwell’s Market (4.5 stars on Yelp!)

Think NYC-style bodega on this one. It’s on the small side, but it’s the place in Midtown to find your organic food staples: grains and beans, fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, milk, and a ton of vegetarian options, but there’s a prepared food counter too, where you can find hommus, samosa, soups, and their famous pocket sandwiches. We’re awarding extra points for location– Goodwell’s sits right next to Avalon Bakery. It’s an easy stop to pick up your bread for the week… then maybe a cookie or 6 if your Goodwell’s spoils are a bit too leafy-green-vegan for you.

Honeybee La Colmena (4.5 stars on Yelp!)

Don’t let the fact it’s a hispanic-named store fool you – you can get all the staples you need for any house here, although the selections will definitely have a bit more in the latin department (if you’ve not tried Jarrito’s yet, it’s a universal favourite of the Dig crew). Whether it’s tamales or tomato sauce, this place is clean and has lots of fresh options. Try the guac – they usually tempt you at the front door with it. Give in. It’s worth it.

Lafayette Foods

This place recently opened, nestled in the very attractive Lafayette Park neighborhood. It’s got a solid deli, it’s also clean, well lit, and easy to get to down Lafayette. There’s quality options here, but this is going to be more like your run-of-the-mill Kroger (that many complain doesn’t exist in the city).. it’s perfect for the average household but also has some high-end items. Don’t be surprised if you run into the Motown-music signing cashier. He’s friendly, can carry a tune, and will get you out faster than you can say “I heard it through the grapevine!”

Harbortown Market

It’s a little to the east but a quick trip up Jefferson, and many greater downtown residents shop there (in many ways, honestly, the east riverfront and downtown end up sharing a lot of services). It’s easy to get to down Jefferson and the Harbortown complex is easy to park in and quite convenient.

Eastern Market

Last but certainly not least, the food mecca for many is Eastern Market. Not only is it open on Saturdays, but soon the market will be open on Tuesdays for the summer season. There are also stores like Rocky’s, which have a wide selection of quality groceries and spices, Germack where you can get quality coffees, teas, and nuts, Cost Plus, which is great for your wines and select beers, Wigley’s is unmatched for meats, as well as numerous other stores that are fresh. We’ll let you in on a little secret — if you were there early in the morning, you’ll find trucks for Papa Joe’s and numerous other bigger names as well as the occasional chef or sous chef looking for the best deal on any day of the week. The secret is it’s where the grocers you’re used to shopping at get their stuff, so save some money and cut out the middleman when you live Downtown.

We already know what your plans are for Sunday.  Or at least what your plan should be for Sunday, if you want to stay in your Mom’s good graces.  In the event you need some last minute gift ideas, we have dug back into the archives for this list of five places for you to get something unique for Mother’s Day right here in Downtown Detroit.  You can also retrace our steps from our Christmas Shopping trip.  All of the merchants listed will appreciate your business and Mom will like it too!

This should leave the rest of the week for you to explore.  Good thing Downtown Detroit has something for everyone to enjoy.

1.  Baconfest Happy Hour at the Rattlesnake Club!

There are handful of basic elements needed to make any happy hour special.  One, good drink specials.  Two, bacon.  Three, spectacular venue.  Luckily for you, the Rattlesnake has all three under one roof this Thursday evening.

2.  Misdemeanors to Masterpieces

The masterminds at Long-Sharp/Curis Modern and Contemporary Art gallery are at it again.  This time they are featuring John “Crash” Matos, considered by many to be the grandfather of graffiti art, in an exclusive exhibition.  You will have the unique opportunity to meet the man behind the art at the opening reception this Friday night.

3.  It’s Hammer Time!

The title of this event has nothing to do with MC Hammer’s chart-topping hit U Can’t Touch This from the early 1990’s (we included a link to the song just in case it’s stuck in your head too).  Instead, the event is a fundraiser for Youthbuild, an organization that helps students get their GED’s and teaches them meaningful construction skills.

4.  Motor City Muralism Ride 2012

If you love murals, the Motor City is chock full of them and there is no better way to see them than by pedal power.  Grab your bike and meet the folks from Detroit Synergy for this tour that is truly made in Detroit.

5.  Yelp’s Passport to Midtown!

Hats off to Annette, the local community manager for Yelp!.  We could fill the next two weeks of Dig Downtown Five emails with just the food tastings, pub crawls and bus tours she has planned from May 14th through the 19th.  Check out the listing and mark your calendars appropriately!

And from this week’s In Case You Missed It files, over 900 people applied for the unusual opportunity to spend a year living, working, playing and transforming the city of Detroit through Challenge Detroit.  The final 66 contestants have been announced and they are vying for 30 spots.  Here is your chance to meet them and the ideas that pulled them through to this round of Challenge Detroit.

Think small department store, but with a dash of custom pieces and the charm of a Mom and Pop shop, and you’ll find the Black Dress boutique in Midtown.

“I wanted to use my business skills to help my mother pursue her dream of owning a boutique after she retired,” says owner Missy Lewis. “It just so happens one of my long-term passions was to start my own business.”

Before opening three years ago, Lewis was in the market for a condo. The building on Canfield and John R was being renovated and the developer was making a residential space. “It was about knowing this area was going through some changes. I wanted to live here that was the first thing,” Lewis says. “So when it was time to determine where I wanted my business I knew the area was up and coming. That was the number one reason I chose to locate my business here. I knew there was something brewing. I didn’t know what it was yet, but I could sense something.”

Three years later, she’s ready to expand, but is staying close to home in the move. The Black Dress is moving from its basement location to a street level store front, and will re-open June 2.

Here’s a sneak peek slideshow, sampling the Black Dress boutique’s summer wares. (Story continues after.)

The Black Dress carries a wide selection of sizes—0 to 34—and Lewis curates her store with selections that appeal to women from 16 to 60.

“If you want styles you’ve seen at a department store, we can order specific pieces, but we try to keep our unique, different pieces in the store… pieces that are wearable to special events and work,” Lewis says. “If you want to jazz yourself up a bit, we’re here for that.”

For more on the Black Dress boutique or to join their mailing list, visit their website and be sure to stop in after their big move! They’ll be open for business in their new location, 113 E. Canfield, on June 2.

Green Dot Stables is Corktown’s newest and hippest place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at incredibly affordable prices.  Everything on the food and drink menu range between $2.00 – $4.00, yet the quality of their product is not compromised.  All of the meat is purchased from Mark’s Quality Meats & Culinary Specialties, a Detroit-based business that has been a purveyor of fine foods for more than 40 years.

Mark’s website boasts that “We are proud of our USDA certification and the high standards we have in our business for preparation and cleanliness.  Mark’s is a HACCP certified facility.”  Green Dot is also planting its own urban garden in the lot attached to the restaurant. Their hope is to use as many organic herbs and produce in their food as possible.  All of their buns are purchased from Brown Bakery, located in southwest Detroit.

Customers can expect French inspired sliders (or mini-burgers) such as the “Au Poirer”, which includes beef with peppercorns and cognac aioli, or the “Lamb”, which is complimented with rosemary, hummus and pickles.  Executive Chef, Les Molnar studied at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago.  Perhaps that is what inspired their Le Poutine french fries.  These fries are topped with fresh gravy and real poutine cheese, a delicacy of Quebec rarely found south of Canada.

Speaking of our northern neighbors, Green Dot will serve you a Labatt Blue in exchange for any $2.00 Canadian coin or “Toonie” you might have in your pocket after a trip to Canada – a deal too good to resist.

Owner, Jacques Driscoll, 30 years old, moved back to Detroit from San Diego to fulfill his life-long dream of opening a restaurant.  Jacques says the main reason he got into the restaurant industry is because, “We want people to enjoy themselves and for it to be reasonable… we love party planning and socializing, the whole point of [Green Dot Stables] is for people to enjoy it.”

Driscoll purchased the former bar and decided to keep the Kentucky Derby inspired name and theme of the building intact.  The building was revamped inside with new flooring and interior design which gives it an approachable yet sophisticated feel.

Customers can also expect unique cocktail options like a Jalapeno Martini made with tequila, a Moscow Mule or a Mint Julep.  Better yet, cocktails are all priced at $3.00, with the option to upgrade to premium liquor for a reasonable $1.00 upcharge.  The wine and beer list will also impress you, even having the option to buy both “to-go”.

Located at 2200 West Lafayette in Detroit, Green Dot is currently open for lunch from 11:00am – 3:00pm Monday-Friday. Their plan is to be open 7 days a week from 11:00 am-2:00 am by mid-May.  Check their website www.greendotstables.com for more details on their menu and to see when full operating hours will take place. Green Dot Stables is sure to become a local classic.

Need more Green Dot? Watch the cooking demonstration of the meal you see picture above here.

This week is flying by, which could explain why we are bringing this post to you a day late.  Trust us, the delay is worthwhile and we will be back on track for next week!
We say the week is flying by because we are looking forward to Cinco de Mayo this Saturday (May 5) … a celebration of 4,000 Mexican soldiers taking out 8,000 better-armed French troops in the Mexican state of Puebla way back in 1862.  Frankly, this is another great reason to head to Southwest Detroit for a little food and a lot of fun.

Plus, if you are headed down to watch the Tigers dirty up the White Sox at Comerica Park and want to add to your fun in Downtown Detroit, we have you covered.

Great American Artists: Branches, Opening Reception

In corporate America, we hear the word collaboration and our mind immediately centers on the idea that a project will stall.  If that picture is in your mind, this exhibit at The Wright Museum will turn that picture upside down thanks to the creativity you will experience from these collaborative Detroit artists.

Metro Times 2012 Best Dance Club Party

There is no club in metropolitan Detroit quite like the Leland City Club.  Heck, probably not in the United States.  It’s celebrating its recent award from the Metro Times in a style that will benefit your wallet, as long as you arrive before midnight!

Scripps Park Sensory Garden / Clean up Work Days

We are probably masochists for thinking cleaning up a park to get it ready for planting season is a fun activity to do before a baseball game.  Prove we’re not by helping this community group out this weekend.

Cinco D Mayo

That is not a typo, that is the name of the event.  While we are still scratching our heads about what an authentic Mexican Beer Garden is, any event with food trucks, beer and dancing in Downtown Detroit sounds fun to us!

Model D Speaker Series – Do The Right Thing

As more people step into the entrepreneurial ranks in Detroit, this topic couldn’t be more timely.  When you are trying to get your business off the ground, when do you become responsible to the community?  How do you balance that against your responsibility to yourself, your family and your customers?  Go this Tuesday and see how two Detroit-based business are tackling those questions.

From this week’s In Case You Missed It Files, the last thing we want you to do during Cinco de Mayo or any night for that matter is to get behind the wheel of your car after having a few too many.  The Detroit Bus Company is making its debut Saturday with a route that should help you hit all the celebrations safely!

By John Van Camp, president, Southwest Solutions

On the second Friday in April, about 500 veterans attended Stand Down 2012 in Detroit. Many are homeless or recovering from homelessness. The veterans received free services from 30 different providers that came together to offer a “one-stop” venue to address the multiple needs of struggling veterans.

The Stand Down was covered by Fox2 News and by the Detroit Free Press. We also posted a photo essay on our Facebook page.

Our involvement in veterans’ initiatives is relatively new in our 40-year history. Certainly, we have assisted veterans for a long time in programs such as mental health counseling, affordable housing, homeless prevention, and more. But, in terms of programs specifically designed for veterans, Piquette Square marked the beginning, although we were only able to build Piquette because of the proven success of our other programs and our reputation for assembling strong partnerships with organizations in every sector of the community.

Piquette Square opened in June 2010. Since that time, we have added our Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) and our Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) . HVRP assists homeless veterans with resources, vocational training and job opportunities. SSVF helps eligible veterans and their families stabilize their housing situation and connect them to the services and resources they need. We also have a Veteran Resource Coordinator who assists donors and volunteers who want to support the veterans we serve.

Piquette has become a magnet for community engagement and collaboration. Veterans organizations, churches, corporations and others have donated household items and food, sponsored social events, enhanced the building and property, and continue to benefit the veterans we serve in many different ways. Providing effective services to veterans and their families is inherently a collaborative endeavor. Each partner brings unique resources and opportunities. Recently, the Veterans Community Resource and Referral Center (VCRRC), which is based at Piquette and is operated by the Detroit VA Medical Center, opened its doors. The VCRRC is a treatment center for homeless veterans.

Recently, a decorated combat veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan – and who then became homeless after returning to Detroit – moved into Piquette Square. His name is Ramone Davis, and his story is already a remarkable success. Ramone has settled into his apartment comfortably, and our caseworkers helped him land a good-paying job with Ford Motor Company. Ramone’s story exemplifies the many ways our veterans’ programs serve, and what our veterans deserve.

As Piquette Square evolves, we expect that it will be a blend of two kinds of situations for the veterans residing there. Piquette provides permanent supportive housing, and, undoubtedly, there will be many veterans who will remain there for the long term. For other veterans, Piquette will be an important transition, providing them the dignified housing and comprehensive support services they need to become self-sufficient and reintegrate into society.

We’ve noticed something the past few weeks when driving into the office.  There ‘s a lot more traffic heading into Downtown Detroit than we’re used to seeing.  Instead of complaining when it takes longer to get off 375 at Lafayette than usual, we do a little cheer.

It means more of you are looking for things to do Downtown after work so check this out.

Wine Tasting & Networking at Motor City Wine

Tired of always wondering if your look is motley or chic?  Luckily you live near a burgeoning fashion scene. So get down to Motor City Wine to mix and mingle with people who can make sure your ensemble is still vogue.

21st Annual Detroit Music Awards

Do you ever wonder how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ended up on the shores of Lake Erie instead of along the banks of the Detroit River?  We innovated Motown and Techno. We’re at the leading edge of Punk and still dominate Gospel, a big source of inspiration for early rock musicians.  The talent out of Detroit just keeps coming.  Check out the DMA’s to see what we mean!

Clean Up & Potluck Picnic Prep

Tucked away on the northwest corner of the Dig Downtown district is the Lincoln Street Art Park.  This is a great example of what can happen with a little creativity and a lot of elbow grease.  They need a little more elbow grease this weekend,. So lend a hand and meet some more of the creative minds in Detroit.

CASS COLLECTIVE

Any chance we get to plug The Wire Eyes, we take it.  They are partnering with three other bands to raise awareness and funds for the Pay It Forward Initiative, which helps partner the jobless with meaningful volunteer internships.

From this week’s “In Case You Missed It Files,” Project Lighthouse was started last August as a sort of “Neighborhood Watch” for the central business district.  It is already having a noticeable difference for people who live, work and play in Downtown Detroit.

Want these events in your inbox before anyone else? Sign up for our weekly email. Every once in awhile if we find something extra special you’ll also get a sneak peeks of the best in downtown Detroit, too. 

By Luther Keith

Executive Director, ARISE Detroit!

Now, more than ever, with Detroit in the midst of a fiscal crisis and struggling services …

Now, more than ever, with violent crime spiking and youth violence concerns …

Now, more than ever, with front page headlines and media broadcasts focused on our community ills …

Now, more than ever, we need you, Detroit, to step up and do more…step up and keep working … step up and not give up.

That’s why August 4, 2012 may be the most important ARISE Detroit! Neighborhoods Day in our city’s history.

It’s a day to showcase the hard work volunteers and others do throughout the year … often against great odds and without media fanfare… to make a better community.

It’s a day when hundreds of organizations and thousands of people will come together in neighborhoods all over the city.

It’s a day when volunteers will build houses, clean up neighborhoods, plant gardens and hold health fairs, concerts, back to school events, school supply giveaways and much more.

It’s a day when block clubs, churches, small businesses and other organizations will hold as many as 200 individual community service and community improvement events in every part of the city … from the Riverfront to Eight Mile Road … from the far east side to the far west side.

We started Neighborhoods Day with 55 events five years ago. Since then it has steadily grown in influence and impact to nearly 170 events last year. We will be adding new events, new organizations and some eye-popping changes so stay tuned for more. And, we will be pushing hard to get local media … radio, television, newspapers and bloggers … to report on this positive city-wide event, focusing on the people who are working on solutions to the city’s problems, and thereby inspiring others to get involved.

This year, we are opening registration a month ahead of last year, offering greater opportunity for more groups to be part of what we call “Detroit’s great new tradition.”

Everyone who wants a better Detroit should be part of this day. There will be scores of community service and community improvement opportunities with numerous churches, blocks clubs and other organizations.

It’s a day, and a movement, to put the Neighbor back in Neighborhood. Please join us on August 4.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT NEIGHBORHOODS DAY, http://www.arisedetroit.org/neighborhood2009.aspx

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT http://www.arisedetroit.org/Neighborhoods_Event_Sucess.aspx

ARISE Detroit! is a non-profit coalition of more than 400 organizations promoting volunteerism, community activism and positive media images to create a better Detroit. www.arisedetroit.org; 313-921-1955.