On February 6, residents of Forest Arms Apartments (located on the corner of Second and Forest just south of Wayne State) were evacuated due to a five-alarm fire that swept the top two floors of the building. The building sustained severe fire and water damage. The Forest Arms Apartments were home to over a hundred residents as well as People’s Records and Amsterdam Espresso.

In an effort to help out those people and businesses in their hour of need, we are pooling our resources and talents to organize the following event:

Featuring Los Minstrels del Diablo and A Stowaway performing live, and DJs milieu, dirty D, Cirque and JOHNb, as well as the resident People’s Records DJs.

There will also be sideshow entertainment provided by Tim TV, bellydancing by Chantal and other performances TBA.

The benefit will be from 7:00pm until 2:00am on Friday, February 15th at the Atwater Block Brewery, 237 Joseph Campau, Detroit, MI.

There will be a $5 suggested minimum donation at the door, but please give what you can. The venue, the sound system, and all the performances are being provided at no cost, so 100% of the funds donated will go directly to the victims of the Forest Arms Apartment Fire.

Please come and show your support!

For more information please contact benefit@alittlebluedot.com

Sound system provided by Lyve Productions.
This event is being organized by a little blue dot productions.

Story and Photos
William Eric Graham

This year’s North American Auto Show will have, as usual, many exciting happenings going on that will bring car lovers and enthusiasts from all over the world to Detroit for its signature event. Opening the festivities in the Motor City will be the Car Man Auto Show Gala, sponsored by General Motors. This event is designed to educate and entertain, much like the Car Man radio show itself, which can be heard week nights(except Wednesdays) on 107.5 FM, WGPR from 8pm to 9pm and on WMUZ, 103.5 FM on Sundays from 5 to 6pm.

The Gala will feature some of GM’s black designers and engineers who have played an intricate role in the designs of many of GM’s new vehicles, such as Crystal Windham, lead interior designer for the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Held at the fantastic new Detroit MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, this event will focus on many of GM’s new products and some will be on display for the public to see for the first time before the Auto show opens.

Don Houston, “The Car Man”, has been educating listeners for the past 10 years on the radio, using his 15 total years of automotive experience to bring knowledge of how the industry works to consumers. Featuring many Detroit area automobile dealers, salespeople, and other auto related businesses on his show, “The Car Man” along with his partner Tony Green are consumer advocates in that they believe in educating people about costly leases, high interest rates loans, and great deals. “Getting people out of an upside down situation (in which you owe more than what the car is worth). That’s what the Car Man show is all about: Teaching the listener on how to be a better consumer,” is what Houston preaches.

The Car Man Auto Show Gala takes place Thursday, January 10th at Detroit’s MGM Grand Hotel and Casino from 6pm to 1am. Featuring performances by Detroit’s own R&B sensation K’Jon, complimentary food by MGM Grand’s award winning chefs, and all night ballroom dancing, this is sure to be the opening event to end all events. Go to www.carmanevents.com for more information.

When Elizabeth Tintinalli first came up with the idea for Illuminate Detroit in 2003, she had no idea what she was getting herself into–or how big of an event it would become.

“It started out as an idea to get people more involved with all of the great things going on in the city, supporting local businesses and real estate developments, that sort of thing,” says Tintinalli. “I just wanted to throw a huge party to get people excited about Detroit!”

And they did. Since Illuminate Detroit began in 2003 as the brainchild of real estate agent Tintinalli along with Metro Times, the event has grown tremendously to draw in crowds up to 800–and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger than ever. With the added entertainment of a complete fashion show featuring area models and local designers such as Bad Kitty Wear and FLO Boutique (among others), there is an additional component of special interest highlighting even more of what involved Detroiters are creating right here in the city.

The working concept behind Illuminate Detroit is to bring people, art, and businesses together to celebrate all of the many great things the city has to offer. Illuminate Detroit seeks to bring people down to the city and celebrate its rich artistic and cultural community while highlighting Detroit-based businesses, showcasing Detroit as a vibrant and creative center not only for art, but as a place to live. Illuminate Detroit also strives towards raising community awareness through partnerships with area non-profits and the donation of all event proceeds to these charitable organizations.

In short, Illuminate Detroit was born to bring people together to create a synergy in the city. Perhaps it is best phrased in the event’s tagline: “Where art, music, cuisine and drink illuminate the image of Detroit as a great place to live.”

Illuminate Detroit 2007 is bringing together real estate developers the DeMattia Group (who built Willy’s Overland Lofts, where the event is being held) and Midtown Developments to benefit StandUp for Kids - Detroit and the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID). Given the synergistic nature of the event, Detroit Synergy Group is also involved, as is Canine to Five, Mezzanine, Bureau of Urban Living, and Detour Magazine, among others. Participating food vendors include Slows, the Majestic Cafe, Twingo’s, and Motor City Brewing Works, and a variety of Michigan wines and beers are being provided by Atwater Block Brewery and Barefoot Wine Cellars.

Illuminate Detroit is a celebration of all things Detroit, and serves as yet one more major event organized in a grassroots fashion that strives to create a positive perception of the city and awaken people to all of the many artistic and cultural contributions the people of the city make. In the face of naysayers who claim that Detroit is a wasteland, that there is “nothing” here, Illuminate brings to light art, music, food, drink, retail, fashion, and
development. There is no better name for an event that truly does “illuminate” all of the many thriving independent entities from a variety of different arenas all within the city.

But Liz Tintinalli is very humble about her involvement in the rejuvenation of the image of Detroit: “I don’t see myself as fronting a movement to rebuild the city. I see myself as someone who has a real passion for this city, and wants to share that passion with others who might not be aware of all of the great things going on here.”

And if it weren’t for the countless number of people in the city who share Liz’s passion and work tirelessly for others to see and share it, then all of these “great things” that were mentioned might not even exist.

Illuminate Detroit 2007 is your opportunity to see and share in all of the many exciting things happening in the city right now, and to revel in your Detroit pride and passion with others. An event like this helps to shape the new Detroit, and it is proof positive that a city’s strength is in its people. And our people could play touch football with mountains.

Friday October 27, 2007.
Willy’s Overland Lofts
444 W. Willis St. (On Willis between Cass and Second)
Detroit

Doors at 8:00PM, bands begin at 9:00, fashion show at 10:00.
Tickets are $10.00 each and include one free drink coupon.
Food is complimentary as is all entertainment.
More info here: http://www.detroitsynergy.org/projects/development/illuminatewill

By Christine Stinson

Thursday September 20th, 2007, from 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., Alternatives For Girls (AFG) will be holding their 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Masonic Temple. AFG came about as a way to address the problem of girls and young women on the streets of Detroit. They’ve sought to provide for girls who are not in foster homes, who are in need of help, and many who require a push in a positive direction. While still in its formative days, one girl, in need of help and guidance, was taken in and given the opportunity to change her life. By the following week five more girls needed the help of what would become AFG. Presently AFG has room for thirty-five girls/young women, not in foster care, to stay in their shelter.

And so the non-profit Alternatives For Girls was established as an outreach program to reduce the number of girls and young women, mostly ages 15-21, in choosing a more appropriate and healthier route in life. The current shelter, located in Southwest Detroit, provides a roof over girls’ heads until they can get their feet on the ground. They offer food, blankets, and certain forms of birth control to those in need. Most importantly AFG is a support system that offers many girls the confidence and self-esteem that they deserve. AFG helps many girls to revive their dreams and strengthen their faith in the future.

Between the educators, the outreach programs, mentors, and the many other women involved in this incredible organization, AFG has addressed the problem of trying to keep these girls and young women off the streets and they continue to expand in their success through Detroit. As a non-profit organization, AFG is always in need of volunteers, donations, and contributions toward their Wish List.

An extended deadline of Wednesday September 19th, 2007 has been issued to R.S.V.P. to AFG 20th Celebration at the Masonic Temple. Come and join AFG at their event and help to guarantee another twenty years of success in positively changing the lives of these girls. At the event, girls and young women aided by AFG will share their stories of their past and how the organization changed their lives. “This is going to be a wonderful celebration of twenty years of accomplishing improbable revolutions,” stated Amy Good, CEO of Alternatives for Girls. Admission for this event is free, and there will be a buffet of food and drinks provided. For more information you can contact Alternatives for Girls at (313)361-4000, or check it out online www.alternativesforgirls.org.

Intern Christine Stinson makes her thedetroiter.com debut with this story.

By Nicole Rupersburg

What is Detroit Synergy Group? This is a question I hear all the time, and have probably (albeit incorrectly) described it differently in each situation. I’ve heard it described as an ambassador to the city on behalf of suburbanites, as a social network akin to various meet-up groups, and as a volunteer-based non-profit with interest in Detroit-based philanthropic work, among other things. The truth is, all of the above descriptions are essentially correct. Detroit Synergy Group is, at its heart, “a vehicle for enhancing metropolitan Detroit through volunteer-driven projects, to generate positive perceptions and opinions about the city and build upon the city’s strengths and resources.”

DSG has been actively encouraging Detroit dwellers and suburbanites alike to patronize and socialize in the city for five whole years now, and that’s no small accomplishment. Throughout its existence, the group has remained a grassroots organization that is supported and run by volunteer-based individuals with a passion for the often-overlooked and discredited city of Detroit. People who take part in Detroit Synergy projects and functions are people who truly care about the city of Detroit and see it as the diamond in the rough, the downtrodden gem, the socially and culturally vibrant entity crackling with a life force all its own.

One of Detroit Synergy’s primary objectives is to “synergize” with community organizations and in-place efforts to foster new exchanges, create new connections and empower new ideas. Over its history, Detroit Synergy has overseen some 60+ projects to date that have involved hundreds of sponsors and thousands of volunteers and participants, and has proudly partnered up in a myriad number of ways with over 100 different metro-Detroit organizations and businesses. And all projects are conceptualized, coordinated, implemented and supported by its 4,500 members, who all have an equal voice.

Do you have an interest in the city of Detroit, and want to do something to help but have no idea what or with whom? Detroit Synergy Group is here to help. Every second Thursday of every month, DSG holds its general membership meeting at various locations in the city. This is where upcoming and previous projects are discussed, networking happens, friends are made, ideas are shared, and you become a part of Detroit Synergy’s mission.

Detroit Synergy Group projects fall into three major categories: Discovery—educating people about Detroit and what it has to offer, Dialogue—bringing individuals together to foster an exchange of thoughts and ideas about current events, experiences, policies, etc., and Development—improving the city and community either physically and/or commercially. Past and current projects include Monthly Community Service Happy Hours (“Third Thursdays”), Shop Detroit, Detroit Bikes!, Project Clean, Monthly Coffee Talks, Discussing Differences, Arts in the City, supper clubs and various pub crawls. If you have an idea for a project, no matter how big or small, or simply a passion to participate, be sure to attend this month’s very special anniversary meeting at the Detroit Opera House on Thursday, September 13th from 6:30PM-8:00PM, and stick around for the after glow event!

To celebrate their 5th Anniversary, in keeping with their share-and-share-alike “synergistic” mentality, Detroit Synergy Group has partnered up with thedetroiter.com, also celebrating our 5th anniversary(!), to bring you a large-scale pub crawl event, featuring eight different bars located in the Woodward Business District. This event is on Saturday, September 15th, from 4:30PM-10:00PM. Register online early for only $15.00 at www.DSGStore.com. For more details, check out their press release below or this week’s events section!

Detroit Synergy is a 501© 3 non-profit organization, since September 2002. Its mission is to generate positive perceptions and opinions about Detroit by bringing together a diverse community and building upon the City’s strengths and resources to realize a common vision for a greater Detroit. Please visit www.detroitsynergy.org for more information about the group.

****************

Nicole Rupersburg is the Events Editor, Marketing Director and occasional author for thedetroiter.com.

DSG IS PUTTING THE “WOOD” IN WOODWARD WITH THEIR WOODEN ANNIVERSARY!

This month Detroit Synergy Group is celebrating their 5th anniversary (the “wooden” anniversary), and to help make this momentous occasion even more special, DSG is hosting a large-scale pub crawl in Detroit’s Central Business District with Woodward as the focal point on Saturday, September 15 beginning at 4:30PM!

“It’s only appropriate that we are celebrating our 5th anniversary with a pub crawl,” explains Frank Nemecek of Detroit Synergy Group and co-organizer of this event. “The idea for DSG was first brainstormed in a bar, and we’ve been celebrating with bar crawls and happy hour events ever since!”

For this event, a number of popular bars along and nearby Woodward have agreed to participate, offering a variety of drink and food specials to all DSG pub-crawlers:

• Arcade Bar
• Centaur
• Foran’s
• Hard Rock Café
• The Pit Stop
• Pulse
• Ted’s (The Baltimore Lunch)
• Town Pump Tavern
• The Well

Since this is the big 5th anniversary party, we wanted to make this one a bit different from past pub crawls. All participants will be identified with a DSG Anniversary T-shirt, which they will receive at registration. The names of all bars will be written on the back, so as crawlers travel from bar to bar, bartenders will be checking off their bars in marker—and will probably be writing in some commentary of their own! There will be prizes at the end for whoever hits the most bars and has the most specials (write-ins welcome!).

“We’re very excited about this pub crawl,” states Kimberly Lorence, another DSG member who aided in the planning of this event. “It is definitely much different than other crawls we’ve hosted in the past, and it is on a much larger scale. I can’t wait to see the turnout!”

Registration begins at 4:30PM in Hard Rock Café. Free parking is available in the Compuware parking structure, courtesy of Hard Rock. Free appetizers and FREE FIRST ROUNDS will be provided as everyone gets registered and gets their T-shirts. At 6:00PM, participants will be released to their next bar of choice. This is a free-for-all pub crawl, so participants are allowed to travel from bar to bar at their own pace and in their own groups. At 10:00PM, the group will reconvene to award prizes at the Pit Stop. And as an added bonus for those up for a late night, the Park Bar will be staying open extra late to provide much-needed falafels and fries to hungry pub crawlers.

In conjunction with Detroit Synergy, thedetroiter.com is also celebrating its landmark 5th anniversary—5 years of continuous arts coverage in the city of Detroit! thedetroiter.com is marking this occasion by partnering up with DSG on the pub crawl, and encouraging city dwellers as well as suburbanites to spend time and socialize in the city and see for themselves what a vibrant and lively city we all share.

Tickets for the joint pub crawl are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. Register and pay in advance online at www.DSGstore.com.

Detroit Synergy is a 501© 3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to generate positive perceptions and opinions about Detroit by bringing together a diverse community and building upon the City’s strengths and resources to realize a common vision for a greater Detroit. Please visit www.detroitsynergy.org for more information about the group.

thedetroiter.com is a centralized online source for coverage of the arts and culture in Detroit, providing original content that is unique, authentic, and original. thedetroiter.com seeks to capture the everyday experiences of life in Detroit, building cultural capital in a city with a vibrant social and artistic scene that is all-too-often overlooked.