The Heart of Detroit

The People of Detroit - Noah Stephens

2022-02-02T20:15:00.001-08:00

A journey worth traversing.

Check it out here . . .

Detroit's Queen of the Blues - Thornetta Davis

2022-02-02T19:51:00.001-08:00

The incomparable, Detroit Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis! I was introduced to her when she performed at Detroit's Jazz fest many years ago. What a first and lasting impression!

Thornetta Davis sings Honest Woman

Marcus Belgrave - Detroit Master Trumpeter

2022-02-02T19:44:00.001-08:00

Detroit born, Marcus Belgrave

I was fortunate enought to see Marcus Belgrave perform live on more than one occasion with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. What memorable experiences!

Share his music with others!

Greater Alexander and The Greater Impact House Detroit

2022-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Immersive Greater Alexander Art and Music Exhibit. Experience: Let Love In

I highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience this exhibit before it closes in March of 2022.

Absorb the music, the art, the compositions with your whole self. Remember to bring your headphones.

Follow the link to get your tickets.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/immersive-greater-alexander-art-and-music-exhibit-experience-let-love-in-tickets-193540644277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Michigan Central Station - a true beauty

2022-02-01T18:38:00.004-08:00

She is glorious with stories, so many stories,

historic stories of architecture, ruin, renewal,

stories of new offices, stories yet to be written on her floors,

stories of passengers and passersby,

stories of departures and arrivals,

stories of shelter, nourishment and help for the homeless,

stories of growth, overgrowth and disillusionment,

stories of crowds, travel and homecomings,

stories of separation, reunions, heartache and rejoicing,

stories of windowless openings that stand as a reminder of what once was,

stories of new windows to reflect Corktown splendor and revival,

stories upon stories upon stories of her majesty, Michigan Central Station!

The beauty that casts a shadow over Corktown and steals my heart every time.

Walk Tall at The Hastings Street Ballroom

2014-04-30T04:53:00.001-07:00

Performances May 8th - 11th.
Get your tickets here:
http://walktallwalktall.com/

1917 American Bistro - Detroit, MI - Cajun & Creole Restaurant, Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant | Facebook

2013-06-01T10:36:00.001-07:00

1917 American Bistro - Detroit, MI - Cajun & Creole Restaurant, Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant | Facebook

This Bistro offers a unique and delicious menu enhanced by amazing atmosphere!! Worth making a special trip to experience this Detroit spot!!

Train station vanishing act

2011-05-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

Aaron Balcom, Lincoln Park native, plans to make my favorite building disappear (and reappear) in a magic trick of mega proportions!!! At least, this is the talk on the town, no date has been set yet for this "Mega Illusion".
Train station vanishing act
You can check out an article about this here . . .
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43101057/ns/local_news-detroit_mi/

Aaron calls himself a Rock & Roll Illusionist . . .

I think I will have to see him make the train station disappear before I am a believer in his magic. I will hold my opinion about his abilities until then. He is rousing some attention for Metro Detroit and hopefully it will be positive attention. I hope people will not just be talking about all the ruins in the city that need to disappear, that would not be a positive.

FIRST ANNUAL MOTOR CITY BIKE BLESSING JUNE 4th, 2011

2011-05-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

The First Annual Motor City Bike Blessing is just around the corner . . . Saturday, June 4th . . . get your tickets now for only $10!!!

*CUSTOM HAND-WELDED TROPHY FOR BEST BIKE* (See photo below) - HAND-MADE BY MOTOR CITY SAINTS INC.

*FOOD*

*CLEAN IN-DOOR RESTROOMS*

*YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR BICYCLES BLESSED FREE*

*CARS WELCOME*

*DJ FRANK ENGLISH SPINNING YOUR FAVORITE TUNES*

*GROUP RIDE TO KICKERS LIVONIA LEAVES UPON COMPLETION OF BLESSING - (3-4PM)*
FIRST ANNUAL MOTOR CITY BIKE BLESSING

Johnnie Bassett performing "A Woman's Got Ways" on Fox 2 News

2011-05-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Check out Johnnie Bassett! He has a new cd, The Gentleman is Back.

"A Woman's Got Ways" performed by Johnnie Bassett

Curtis Fuller - Children of The Night Solo

2011-04-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

Another Detroit great, Curtis Fuller!!!

Enjoy!!!
Read more about the master trombonist here.

Michigan Central Station - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2011-04-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Michigan Central Station - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I have previously posted about Michigan Central Station in Corktown as it is my favorite building in the city of Detroit. Officially, the doors closed in 1988 but it has still been visited by many over the past couple of decades. I have visited on several occasions to photograph the beauty of the ruins that stand as a symbol and a reminder of what once was a bustling center in Detroit. The following photographs were taken by me on one such visit to the site and I wanted to share them with you today.

Metro Times - Arts: The art of seeing art

2011-04-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Metro Times - Arts: The art of seeing art
Charles McGee - Artist

I was introduced to the work of Charles McGee over the weekend and as it turns out, he has encountered some serious medical problems and has been hospitalized. SO, I wanted to take this opportunity to not only share his work, talent and passion with you but also to send out my hope that he will heal and return to his passion and his life very soon.
I know very little about Charles McGee at this point but am very impressed and inspired by what I have read and seen of the man, the artist and his work. So, I want to share some of what I have learned with you today.
McGee's work can be seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
His work is also exhibited in hospitals, as well as other museums. Read more about his life and work, his perspective and awards that he has received in his career as an artist in the following articles and websites:
'Spirit of Renewal' sculpture unveiling
ART X in Detroit and Charles McGee
Charles McGee: Metamorphosis and Kinetic Energy
Charles McGee at wikipedia
Detroiter Charles McGee Named First-ever Kresge Eminent Artist
Charles McGee Eminent Artist Bio Page at the Kresge Foundation website
Check out a video of Charles McGee with one of his sculptures in the VOICES exhibition.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Breaking News

2011-04-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Breaking News
Free Patron Concerts this SATURDAY & SUNDAY, April 9th & 10th. Contact the box office for more information.
--Call 313.576.5111 to reserve your free tickets--

New Downtown Detroit Grocery Store Opens for Business

2011-04-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

New Downtown Detroit Grocery Store Opens for Business
It is exciting to me that new businesses are opening their doors in the city of Detroit. I heard about this new grocery opening up on Woodward in downtown Detroit and I find it to be hopeful news. It was also good to hear that the store owner's are saying that they are looking for local farmers that want to bring product to their store and that they want to cater to the needs of their customers. I really hope that these things hold true as time goes on. I think if we had more business owners like that in the city, willing to take a chance on growing a business there and being an asset to the community, great things can continue to happen for the city.

IRISH HILLS, MICHIGAN

2011-04-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a post from one of my other blogs, Absorbing The Wonder, because I think it is also fitting for those of you that are interested in Metro Detroit. Irish Hills is about 70 miles west of Detroit and boasts an impressive list of recreation areas, parks, lakes, nature areas, scenic drives, trails, etc.
I know that a lot of families are preparing their summer vacations and long weekends this spring. Irish Hills is a great destination! Check out the post on Absorbing The Wonder for more information and links to plan your trip today!

John K. King Used & Rare Books : Welcome : Michigan's Largest Used and Rare Book Store!

2011-04-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

John K. King Used & Rare Books : Welcome : Michigan's Largest Used and Rare Book Store!

Here is a local gem, John King Used Books!!! If you love books, you can get lost for an entire day searching for your favorites in this four story treasure trove. King Books is very easy to find and is a great day trip to do with friends who also love to read or just to browse the shelves on your own. If you are looking for that special book, it is most likely at King Books!

Book-Cadillac Hotel

2011-03-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

File:Michavestatues.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The magnificent architectural detail of the Book-Cadillac building in Detroit is just one of many examples of early 20th century craftsmanship that adorn the city. This photo was taken in 2008 after restoration had been done.
This is truly one of my favorite buildings in the city. There is a website that I came across that has some really beautiful old photos of the Book-Cadillac, it is called Buildings of Detroit. Check it out!!!

The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit

2011-03-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit
This is an interesting tour of some of the ruins in Detroit and it makes me think more on what can help Detroit rise against that tide and revive itself. I truly believe that there can be a great revival in the city and this tour does not remind me of what has been lost but of how much growth has happened over time in the city and how growth can prevail in this great city once again.

Welcome to Cliff Bell's

2011-03-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Cliff Bell's
This Sunday, March 27th from 6pm-7pm, the very talented Troy High School Jazz Ensemble will perform at Cliff Bell's. A great venue to see live jazz performances in Detroit will host this ensemble of "rising stars". The jazz session will continue on into the evening with jazz performances featuring the DSO Civic Jam Session. There is no cover charge for this event. For more opportunities to see the Troy High Jazz Ensemble perform, check out their calendar.

Brian P. Nutting, Director of Troy High bands, is a most devoted, spirited and vibrant teacher who really loves his work and it shows through the developed talent of the students whose hearts are really in the music for the long haul. I can only imagine how the music world could be forever changed if each student had the chance to be under the wing of a teacher with this kind of passion and devotion to his job. Check out more about the Troy High Colt Bands here.

Earl Klugh - This Time

2011-03-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Another of my favorite Detroit Jazz musicians, Earl Klugh!

From Belfast to Blackthorn - Music - Detroit Metro Times

2011-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

From Belfast to Blackthorn - Music - Detroit Metro Times
I have been picking up the Metro Times at different locales around the city of Detroit and the suburbs since my early teens. There was always an air of anticipation in finding one, seeing what the cover story might be, checking out the list of upcoming shows, reading the blurbs about upcoming events and perusing the classifieds with friends. In the beginning, I would have to run out on the weekly release date, hoping to grab a copy at my favorite record store and as time went on and life became more cluttered with things to do, I would pick up a copy of the Metro Times whenever I happened to see one.

Yesterday, I was reminded of the excitement that I had experienced many times before when scooping up my precious copy of MT as I noticed that the cover story is about one of my favorite local musical groups, BLACKTHORN!!! I looked at the cover and exclaimed, "It is Blackthorn!", with a great big smile on my face! It brought that simple happiness and enthusiasm to the surface that I had felt so many times before when discovering that I was fortunate enough to collect a treasured copy of MT for myself.

In this article, it quickly comes to light where Blackthorn's heart and core evolved through the eyes and times of Richard McMullan. His great many life experiences definitely developed into heartfelt and passionate lyrics and song. The life lessons and intimate stories are well developed both in melody and in the stories that are shared with their audiences between tunes at each performance.

Along with the recount of how MT can bring simple joy to my life is the importance of sharing BLACKTHORN with you. Blackthorn is a remarkably talented group of musicians that play in great harmony with each other creating a most cohesive unit that explodes with energy, fluidity, spark, vitality, beauty, grace and soulful enchantment. As a listener, you will journey to many places and experience stories full of life, humor, beauty, love, lessons, growth and so much more. Big on audience participation, Blackthorn really draws it's crowd in and pulls them into the harmonies and the explosion of layered melodies that build throughout their performances. Be prepared to not only sit back and enjoy their seasoned flavor but also to sink your teeth in and really experience the feast that is Blackthorn.

Blackthorn is a must see local band!!! Get out to see them as early as tonight, check out their schedule!

Better Made Chips

2011-03-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Detroit is certainly known globally as the Motor City but there are many other superb home grown products that are local favorites besides automobiles. One of those products is Better Made Potato Chips. As I was growing up, these were always a favorite in our household. I recall having those large tins of potato chips around that everyone would fight over. Also, I remember my parents driving us past the factory in Detroit. Whenever I crunch on those tasty chips, I am reminded of my childhood. Better Made is part of the tastes of home for many native Detroiters.
If you have not tried these tasty home grown snacks, get yourself a bag or two. You can read more about Better Made's history or their processing plant while you are enjoying your locally made snack.

Grown In Detroit Documentary

2011-03-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

Intriguing, heart warming, inspiring, hopeful, passionate and delicious.
See more about the film and make a donation to watch the full movie here.

Detroit Photo Art DETROIT PHOTO ART GALLERY - Jan Kaulins Photo Art Photograph Gallery

2011-03-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

Detroit Photo Art DETROIT PHOTO ART GALLERY - Jan Kaulins Photo Art Photograph Gallery
Detroit's landmarks have evolved over the years and it is always a treat for me to peruse the images of Detroit through the window of time. It is always great to support local artists! Jan Kaulins offers a selection of Detroit photographs from then and now that really capture moments in time in a unique way. Take a moment or two to check out his work and find out more about Jan Kaulins.