Photo Blog: Planet E Invades Cliff Bells

Planet E Communications is Detroit-based DJ and producer Carl Craig’s electronic music label.  Perhaps you’ve heard of him: considered to be one of the most important people in the “second wave” of the Detroit techno sound, Carl Craig has gained international notoriety as an “it” producer/DJ…as in, one who has.  Known for incorporating a number [...]

Getting to Know the Detroit Derby Grrrrls

Roller Derby began as a note on a napkin inside a Chicago Johnny Rocket’s in 1932. After that, the national derby scene exploded over decades of increasing showmanship and ratings boosts, under the leadership of Leo Seltzer. Its popularity ultimately became its downfall, as derby became more concerned about the spectacle than the sport, and by the ‘90s it had faded off into oblivion. That is until 2001, when the sport of roller derby was resurrected in Texas, conceived as an all-female athletic event. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) was born, which regulates the national flat-track roller derby rules and offers the chance for inter-league bouting and championships. The Detroit Derby Girls were officially formed in…

Photo Blog: Detroit Synergy Supper Club at the Rattlesnake

The world-renowned Rattlesnake Club  recently hosted a large event with Detroit Synergy Group’s Supper Club to celebrate the restaurant’s 20th anniversary this year.  This 60+ person event filled the main dining room, and everyone had the chance to experience (and rave about) James Beard award-winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt’s exquisite contemporary American cuisine.  Thanks to the Rattlesnake for [...]

Active Elders, A Celebration of Community Reception @ Hannan House

[ March 27, 2009; 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. ] Photographer Patricia Lay-Dorsey will exhibit candid portraits of seniors participating in the programs at the Hannan Center for Senior learning.  Her intention in undertaking this project – which began nearly one year ago – was “to highlight the truth that life can be lived with passion and excitement up to the last breath, whenever that [...]

Blowout, Blow-by-Blow

If there’s one thing Detroit has a lot of, it’s bands. And the Metro Times Blowout, now in its twelfth year (and originally called the “Hamtramck Blowout”), is a celebration of all things music + Detroit. 200 bands, 15 venues, 4 nights…it’s like Christmas for indie rockers, scenesters, hipsters, and those who just like to drink dabble.

Blowout happens all over Detroit’s city-within-a-city Hamtramck and begins with a one-night launch party at the historic Majestic Theatre Complex, known for its staunch support of…

Art: Lecture and Book Signing with Ari Marcopoulos @ DIA

[ January 22, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Please join us in the DIA’s Lecture Hall, Thursday evening, Jan. 22, 2009, at 7 p.m. for a special presentation entitled, Making the Familiar Art, by photographer Ari Marcopoulos. The DIA will have Ari’s recent publications available and a book signing will follow his lecture, which is free and open to the public.

Years ago, Marcopoulos visited Detroit with [...]