This week, we’ve got chances to shop from local makers, see performances by rising musicians and explore artifacts from Techno history. Plus, a celebration of vegan food. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Strange Beautiful Music 18

  Various locations in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $23–$34

An annual multi-day event celebrating new music in Detroit, spanning a wide range of genres — including jazz, free improvisation, Techno, electronica, Neo-soul, ambient and genre-defiant. Concerts take place at three local venues over three days, including a show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, on Friday from 7–8:30 p.m.

Jeff Mills presents Star Chronicle

  Spot Lite in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $34–$80

A multi-media artist residency curated by Techno pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring film screenings, live music, and an exhibit of personal art and artifacts. Show doors open each night at 9 p.m. and admission is $34 per day or $80 for a three-day pass. The exhibition is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fridays at The Station: Charity and DJ BJ

  The Station at Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 12

  $15

A monthly evening event featuring live performances, food and drinks at Michigan Central. This month’s event features a special performance by singer Charity, joined by DJ BJ. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawk Makerspace 3rd Anniversary Open House

  The Hawk in Farmington Hills

  Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free

An open house for community members to check out The Hawk Makerspace, a shared technical and creative studio in Farmington Hills. There will be live demonstrations of the studio’s professional-grade equipment, giveaways, refreshments and discounts on studio passes. The event goes from 3–7 p.m.

Common Ground’s 51st Birmingham Street Art Fair

  Downtown Birmingham

  Saturday, Sep. 13 and Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

A longstanding fine arts fair featuring 90 juried artists along Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025

  Downtown Ypsilanti

  Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

An event celebrating vegan foods in an effort to make veganism more accessible. There will be local vendors, cooking demonstrations and talks by vegan advocates. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all — vegan or not.

Eastern Market After Dark

  Eastern Market Shed 2 in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 18

  Free

A district-wide night market featuring galleries, open studios, retailers, brand activations and live music. The market is open from 6–11 p.m.

The thriving Detroit film scene continues to produce fan favorite shows and movies, which can often be found on Tubi and Youtube. The local artists and creators in Detroit continue to do what they can with what they have.

Resources and access to them are limited, but the City of Detroit wants to make a change.

The city is offering a new initiative to support local film creators called Film Detroit. They want to attract actors, production assistants, directors and more while providing them the chance to connect and learn about what the city has to offer.

This Wednesday September 10th, the city is hosting its first Film Detroit outreach session which will include food, music and networking. 

Chantal Cook is the program coordinator for Film Detroit. She joins The Metro to speak more about Detroit’s film community.

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

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

More stories from The Metro

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, some cool September albums released from 1965-1995. Also, new tunes from Spoon, Trombone Shorty, David Byrne, Fall Out Boy and much more.

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 September 6, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Guess I’m Fallin’ In Love” – Spoon
• “Soak Up The Sun” – Sheryl Crow w/Surf Mesa
• “The Power” – Curtis Harding
• “What Is The Reason For It” – David Byrne w/Hayley Williams
  
• “Say Yes” – Apropos
  
• “Respect” – Otis Redding (released September 1965)
• “Part Time Lover” – Stevie Wonder (released September 1985)
• “Lakeside Park” – Rush (released September 1975)
• “Asshole” – The Lumineers
• “Believe” – Kashus Culpepper
• “Another Life” – Alabama Shakes
• “FLA” – Kathleen Edwards
• “Ben Franklin’s Song” – The Decemberists
  

• “Meeting Across The River” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Born In The U.S.A. (Electric Nebraska)” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Rock The Boat” – Trombone Shorty
• “Rock The Boat” – Aaliyah
• “Wild And Clear And Blue” – I’m With Her (Acoustic Cafe preview)
  
• “I Hate U” – Prince (released September 1995)
• “Oh Sheila” – Ready For The World (released September 1985)
• “Tracks Of My Tears” – Linda Ronstadt (released September 1975)
• “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
• “Start Today” – Fall Out Boy
• “Horses Through A Rainstorm” – Graham Nash
• “Live Life” – Terry Reid (RIP, 8/4/25)

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, it’s a return visit from the trio I’m With Her. Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz have all been guests individually many times, but they’re back as the trio I’m With Her to talk about their new album “Wild And Clear And Blue.”

Also, we dip into the archives for songs from Bernard Allison, Robbie Fulks, Southern Avenue 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 September 7, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “1901 (acoustic)” – Phoenix
• “Born In A Cage” – Patty Griffin
• “Never Felt Better” – Everything Is Recorded
• “Everything” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “Upside” – Southern Avenue (in-studio performance)
• “Always On My Mind” – Chrissie Hynde w/Rufus Wainwright
• “Wild And Clear And Blue” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
• “Ancient Light” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
• “Room On The Porch” – Taj Mahal 7 Keb’ Mo’
• “Misplaced” – TORS
• “Nobody Cares” – Robbie Fulks
• “Every Kind Of Music But Country” – Robbie Fulks (in-studio performance)
• “Still” – Ben Folds and The National Symphony Orchestra
• “When The Lavender Blooms” – The Paper Kites
• “The Story Of My So Called Life” – Molly Tuttle
• “New To This Town” – Brittney Spencer
• “Best Of Luck” – Nickel Creek (in-studio performance)
• “Beg Steal Borrow (acoustic)” – The Head & The Heart
• “Oh Wide World” – Mon Rovia
• “Sarah” – Folk Bitch Trio
• “Change Your Way Of Living” – Bernard Allison (in-studio performance)
• “Standing On the Fault Line” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)
• “Mother Eagle” – I’m With Her (in-studio guests)

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.

It’s been more than 60 years since the Beatles arrived on the shores of the U.S. bringing the first wave of the “British Invasion”.  But even decades later, enthusiasm for the “Lads from Liverpool” is strong. 

Beatles fans remain excited, not only because of an expected compilation release by the group, but because they still have a chance to see what appears to be a live performance by the rock legends. 

The facsimile called “1964 The Tribute” is still generating excitement, even though they’ve been touring for 40 years. 

As WDET’s Jerome Vaughn noticed in this NPR report from 2001 that fans didn’t really mind that they weren’t seeing the genuine article. 

Meeting 1964 in 2001

The House of Blues in downtown Chicago is packed with fans of all ages.  Middle aged men and women gather in clumps down on the dance floor while a group of teenage girls jostle to proclaim their love for their favorite Beatle. 

The girls are well aware that these aren’t the real Beatles. They know they’re about to hear four middle-aged men—three from Akron, Ohio and one from Los Angeles.   But it doesn’t seem to matter.  The excitement the band generates could have come straight out of a 1960’s newsreel.   

During the show, “1964’s” George dances just like the real one in a “A Hard Day’s Night” and Ringo does his trademark headshake while pounding out the beat.    

The band members have watched hundreds of hours of tape, learning to imitate the mannerisms and voices of the Beatles.   Gary Grimes, who plays Paul, even spent years learning to play the bass left-handed.  And all of the group’s members have perfected their Liverpool accents.  Mark Benson is the group’s John.   

“Well, John’s a bit snotty isn’t he.  He would say something like shut up or something like that while Paul’s talking or something last that you know,” says Benson, reflecting on how to perfect the persona.  “But the main thing we want to talk about is the interaction between people is very natural.” 

The musicians dress like the Beatles, complete with black suits and skinny ties and, of course, the signature haircuts.  They even use a combination of authentic and reproduction guitars and amplifiers to get the sound just right. 

“1964 The Tribute” has the reputation for being so authentic that the members of three other Beatle cover bands have come to see the House Of Blues show. 

Frank Kanino from the group British Export says “1964” is the gospel when it comes to Beatle bands. “They move just like the Beatles.  They dance.  They’ve done their homework.  They’ve got the best show imaginable.  It’s great to go see them.  They really bring back that feeling.”  

Making it real is the only way to make the fans happy according to Jimmy Pou, the group’s George. 

“As musicians and actors we’re doing the Beatles and most of the people that come to see us are Beatle aficionados, if you will, or Beatle fanatics and they know every little nuance.  They know every little mannerism and if you don’t do it or you do it the wrong way, they’ll notice.”   

Apparently, the members of “1964” get it right.  After more than 15 years, the number of fans has grown dramatically, as have the number of nights the band plays each year and the size of the venues.   

Bringing Beatles to new generations

Down in front, six teenage girls lean their elbows on the stage singing, screaming, and swaying side to side.    The girls know the words to every song, even though they were born more than a decade after the real Beatles broke up.  14-year-old Megan O’Connor is one of them.   

“My favorite part of the show was the ‘Twist and Shout’ part,” she says. When asked why she liked that part, O’Connor replies, “Because we were all dancing and it was fun — and I like that song.”  

For Megan and many of the teenage fans at the 1964 show, their love of the music seems genuine. But their manic behavior may be genetic. 

Peggy O’Connor is Megan’s mom. “She went from N Sync to the Beatles very quickly and she lives for the Beatles.  I’m not surprised at all.  She knows every word to every Beatles song.  She gets that from mommy.” 

The members of “1964 The Tribute” say they don’t know how much longer they’ll continue touring.  The rigors of playing between 150 and 200 nights per year is taking its toll—especially considering “the boys” are in their early 50’s and have families, including teenagers of their own. 

But for now, the group will continue giving Beatles fans the closest thing they can get to a live performance by John, Paul, George and Ringo.   

This story originally aired in 2001.  Since that was an archived report, we should note that Mark Benson continues to lead the group, but Gary Grimes died in 2010 and the other members in this story have gone on to different adventures. 

“1964 The Tribute” plays tomorrow night, Saturday September 6, at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  The show starts at 8 p.m. 

From the 46th Annual Dally in the Alley to the inaugural Detroit Vinylfest, here are five free events to check out in Detroit this week.

Upcoming events

Detroit Vinylfest

  Eastern Market Shed 5

  Friday, Sep. 5

  Free

A new event from the creators of Detroit Bookfest, where vendors will sell vinyl records/LPs, CDs, cassette tapes, music-related posters, t-shirts and more. The event goes from 1–8 p.m.

In the Life: Black Queerness Exhibition

  The Carr Center in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11

  Free

An exhibition produced by Mighty Real/Queer Detroit that explores the mirroring power of artist and viewer through the lens of the Black Queer experience. The exhibition features 13 artists and spans photography, painting, drawing and multi-media works. The Carr Center is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from noon to 8 p.m.

46th Annual Dally in the Alley

Detroit’s Cass Corridor

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free

A longstanding community festival featuring live music, art, food, beer and a kids fair in the streets of Midtown Detroit. Festivities go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

6 Mile Street Festival

W. McNichols Road in Detroit

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free with RSVP

A celebration of local community, commerce and culture featuring musical entertainment, family-friendly activities and local artist showcases in Northwest Detroit. Festivities go from noon to 8 p.m.

Sounds from the Park: Memory and Transformation

Belle Isle

  Thursday, Sep. 11

  Free

The fifth and final installment of the Sounds from the Park series of outdoor concerts organized by the Detroit Parks Coalition. The show features a live performance from and original music by Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot. Performance goes from 6–8 p.m.

Longtime Detroit businessman and youth advocate Ed Deeb has died. The Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation says the founder of Metro Detroit Youth Day passed away at home on Sept. 2, 2025. He was 89.

WDET’s Pat Batcheller was there when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources honored Deeb in 2018. Here’s Pat’s report.

The following story was originally published July 11, 2018.

Ed Deeb’s legacy lives on

Tensions were high in Detroit when a grocery store owner and two teenagers were killed in 1980. Then-Detroit Mayor Coleman Young called business leaders into his office, and challenged them to do something to keep young people out of trouble and ease the problems between retailers and the city’s youth. Ed Deeb was in that meeting. He founded the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. Deeb accepted Young’s challenge, and organized an event on Belle Isle. Since then, Metro Detroit Youth Day has become an annual rite of summer for thousands of kids across the city and the region. Deeb, who coached football at Eastern High School, says Belle Isle was a natural choice. 

Pat Batcheller

“We didn’t have a practice field for football. We came here to practice,” Deeb says. “So when they said, ‘where are we going to have this event?’, I said, ‘well, the only thing I could think of is the athletic field at Belle Isle. Nobody’s using it, and we practice there’—so we got the permission to have our first one there, and we did.”

Deeb was disappointed with the turnout for the first Youth Day, which drew about 1,200 people and a few local celebrities. It’s where a young Bruce Ross met his idol, Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney. But Ross says Barney didn’t talk to him about football. Instead, he had message for Ross.

“You need to go to college. Make something of yourself,” Ross recalls. “So, Metro Detroit Youth Day has been more than just a fun event, it’s been an event that has reached out to me, have a college education.” 

Ross earned his degree from Wayne State University and now works with Ed Deeb as a Youth Day board member. Education is a key component of Youth Day, which has presented more than 2,000 scholarships to young Metro Detroiters since its inception.

Pat Batcheller

Bruce Ross watched as city and state officials honored Deeb on July 6, 2018. From now on, Vista Avenue will be known as Edward Deeb Avenue. A new, bright blue sign bearing Deeb’s name now overlooks the athletic fields where the event has been held from the beginning. Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones says it’s a fitting tribute.

“And he can know that he has been appreciated, is still appreciated,” Jones says. 

Ed Deeb says he expects the 2018 Metro Detroit Youth Day to attract about 40,000 people to Belle Isle, which is now a state park managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Deeb says he’s noticed the difference the DNR has made working with the Belle Isle Conservancy to improve the island for everyone.

“What they’ve done and what the conservancy has done,” Deeb says. “This is a new Belle Isle, and it’s going to get better than ever, and I’m just pleased to be part of it.”

Edward Deeb Avenue ensures he’ll be a part of Belle Isle for this Youth Day and many more to come.

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, we’re honoring Jazz Fest by revisiting an Acoustic Cafe interview from 2024 with festival performer Keyon Harrold and his Detroiter filled band!

Also, lots more jazz from Robert Glasper, Trombone Shorty, Brad Mehldau, plus some other music of interest this final week of Summer ’25!

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 August 30, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Don’t Lie” – Keyon Harrold (at Big Sky Studio, Ann Arbor, March 2024)
• “Beautiful Day” – Keyon Harrold (at Big Sky Studio, Ann Arbor, March 2024)
• “The End Of Our Road” – Gladys Knight & The Pips
• “Dandelions” – Whitney
  
• “Petrichor” – Jon Batiste
  
• “Same Old Song” – The Lumineers (coming to Comerica Park, 9/13)
  
• “Between The Bars” – Brad Mehldau
  
• “Love On Your Side” – Adam Plomaritas
  
• “Listen To The Music” – The Isley Brothers
  

• “The Intellectual” – Keyon Harrold (at Big Sky Studio, Ann Arbor, March 2024)
• “Foreverland” – Keyon Harrold (at Big Sky Studio, Ann Arbor, March 2024)
• “Travelin’ Band” – John Fogerty
• “I Just Want To Celebrate” – Marshall Crenshaw
• “Rm 112” – Robert Glasper (flipped by Karriem Riggins)
  
• “Optimistic” – August Greene
• “Thirteen” – Brad Mehldau
• “The Stuff” – Rachael & Vilray
  
• “Earth” – Stratos (w/Santino Jones)

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, our guest is Ketch Secor, who has fronted Old Crow Medicine Show for 25+ years. This summer, Ketch finally made an autobiographical solo debut called “Story The Crow Told Me.”

Also, we dip into the vast ACafe archives for songs from Beck, Jensen McRae, Old 97’s 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 August 31, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “A Lesson In Leavin'” – kissing other ppl
• “In Love With Me” – Maren Morris
• “I Can See The devil” – S.G. Goodman
• “Everything” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “Cancel Culture” – Crys Matthews (in-studio performance)
• “Unravelling (acoustic)” – MUSE
• “Talkin’ Doc Blues” – Ketch Secor (in-studio guest)
• “Destination Road” – Ketch Secor (in-studio guest)
• “Manhattan Serenade” – Rachael & Vilray
• “Eventime” – Uwade
• “Come As You Are” – Rhett Miller
• “Ivy” – Old 97’s (in-studio performance)
• “Heaven With You” – Michael Franti & Spearhead
• “Pray God Listens” – The Wood Brothers
• “Gravity” – Sarah McLachlan
• “Guess I’m Doing Fine” – Beck (in-studio performance)
• “Luther” – Iron & Wine, Ben Bridwell
• “Everybody’s Trying To Figure Me Out” – HAIM
• “People Lead” – Ben Harper
• “Let Me Be Wrong” – Jensen McRae (in-studio performance)
• “A World Away” – Old Crow Medicine Show
• “Old Man River” – Ketch Secor (in-studio guest)
• “Thanks Again” – Ketch Secor (in-studio guest)

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.

It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means tons of annual festivals in Detroit. Plus, some unique celebrations for punks and sandwich enthusiasts. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

“What’s So Funny About Detroit?” Comedy Showcase

  The Old Miami in Detroit

  Thursday, Aug. 28

  $25 online, $30 at the door

The final WDET comedy showcase of the summer, hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper. This month’s headliner is Nicole Melnyk with special guests Alaina Bamfield, Madison Thomas, Andy Peters, Reeves Ledbetter, Pat Sievert, Brooke Van Poppelen and Joe Aasim. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21+.

Michigan State Fair

  The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

  Thursday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$42

A family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, talent competitions, beer tastings and more. General admission is $10, and some festival activities cost extra. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday.

46th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival

  Various locations in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

The world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring dozens of performances by world-renowned musicians across several local venues. General admission is free, but VIP seating and other perks are available for $125–$600. Performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday through Sunday.

Arts Beats & Eats

  Downtown Royal Oak

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$68

An annual festival featuring live music, a juried art fair, carnival competitions and more. General admission ranges from $10–$12 depending on the day and time, and VIP tickets are available for an additional $68 online. The festival is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

45th Annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

  Joseph Campau Street in Hamtramck

  Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

An annual Labor Day celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, canoe street racing and more. The Labor Day Parade takes place on Monday, Sep. 1, and the festival is open from noon to 10 p.m. each day.

Crew Fest

  Tangent Gallery in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 30

  $16

A new community-driven art and music festival celebrating the underground punk and alternative scenes. There will be live performances by local bands, art for sale by independent makers and refreshments from unique kitchens. The festival goes from 2–11 p.m.

Detroit Sandwich Party

  Eastern Market Shed 5 in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 31

  Free to attend, sandwich prices vary

The second annual event celebrating the great sandwich makers of our city. Guests can sample small-format sandwiches from dozens of local vendors, and drinks are available for purchase as well. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15th Annual Detroit Month of Design

  Various locations in metro Detroit

  Monday, Sep. 1 through Tuesday, Sep. 30

  $0–$100+

An annual celebration Detroit’s designers, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, installations, product launches, tours, hands-on workshops and discussions. This year’s calendar features work from over 500 creatives on display at 95 events throughout the metro area.

The Shifa Institute hosts Islamic psychoeducation workshops across community centers and college campuses as students return to school.

At a recent Institute for Muslim Mental Health networking event, Shifa founder Salman Pervez shared how this initiative is creating mental health safe spaces across the state. 

“It’s it started at MSU as a school chapter, and then now we’ve branched out into the community… we have chapters starting at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy this fall,” he says. 

Shifa means healing in Arabic. 

Pervez says the group uses creative outlets to introduce students to wellness, “like Golden Age ideas of Islam, like astronomy or art or, or like, engagement with nature and sort of like being in awe of it.”

The workshops usually consist of professional speakers engaging people about mental health related topics in third spaces by “informing people, translating mental health research, and sharing it with college students in a way that’s relatable, applicable to them,” he says. 

“We found that that’s very effective in getting students to engage with this sort of work and into the field as well education,” says Pervez.

The group also works with campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which provides free therapy to full-time students. 

Pervez says he works with college students to help them become aware of resources and even potentially go into psychology as a field. He says Gen Z is a lot more open to talk about mental health.

“I think it’s overall, it’s really nice that they’re they’re more casual about it, and that they want to do something about it,” he says. 

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, some cool music from and around the 50th anniversary of Springsteen’s “Born To Run” album. It turns 50 on Monday, August 25.

Also, Chance the Rapper with Jazmine Sullivan, The City Lines with new Motor City Music, Jack White punches back hard and more!

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 August 23, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Finest Worksong” – R.E.M.
  
• “Daria” – Toro y Moi
  
• “Everybody Scream” – Florence & The Machine
• “‘Running Boy” – Mon Rovia (at The Ark 11/19)
• “That’s How I Feel'” – Jack White
• “Born To Run” – Bruce Springsteen
  
• “Thunder Road” – Matt Nathanson
  
• “So Young And In Love” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Moody” – Royel Otis
• “Sushi & Coca Cola” – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
• “Found A Friend” – Southern Avenue (at The Leon Loft, Ann Arbor)
• “Gethsemane” – Ian Gillan (turned 80 this week)
  

• “Lisztomania” – Phoenix
  
• “Old Me, New Wig” – Molly Tuttle (9/11 at Masonic)
• “Speed Of Love” – Chance The Rapper w/Jazmine Sullivan
• “People” – Patrick Adams
• “Do It All” – The City Lines
• “Janey Needs A Shooter” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Jeannie Needs A Shooter” – Warren Zevon
  
• “You Were Wrong” – Roomful Of Blues
• “Walking The Dog” – Rufus Thomas
• “Watch Me Go” – Lord Huron
• “She’s The One” – Bruce Springsteen

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, our guest is the band Southern Avenue, the family band from Memphis. In July, they absolutely brought the house down at The Leon Loft, playing songs from their new album “Family.”

Also, the late Flaco Jimenez, cool new covers from Maia Sharp (U2) and kissing other ppl (Lennon Stella), Warren Zevon and Lianne La Havas from our in-studio archives and 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 August 24, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “And So It Goes” – Billy Joel
• “No Champagne (6 AM)” – Cautious Clay
• “How About A Drink” – Billy Raffoul
• “What’s It All For” – Noah Cyrus
• “Paperthin” – Lianne La Havas (in-studio performance)
• “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – Maia Sharp
• “Upside” – Southern Avenue (in-studio guests)
• “Found A Friend” – Southern Avenue (in-studio guests)
• “Forever Never Lasts” – Rachael & Vilray
• “I Don’t Want Your Garden” – Hazlett
• “Carmelita” – Flaco Jimenez & Dwight Yoakam
• “Lawyers, Guns & Money” – Warren Zevon (in-studio performance)
• “God Sent You” – Bruce Springsteen
• “Avalanche” – Jade Bird
• “The Way I Tell The Story” – David Wilcox
• “Dinner” – Indigo De Souza
• “Driver Education” – Indigo Girls (in-studio performance)
• “Kissing Other People” – kissing other ppl
• “Self Made Man” – Rachel Baiman
• “What If” – TORS
• “Treason” – Nilufer Yanya
• “Sisters” – Southern Avenue (in-studio guests)
• “Long Is The Road” – Southern Avenue (in-studio guests)
• “So Much Love” – Southern Avenue (in-studio guests)

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.

Picture this: you’re on Mackinac Island having a grand old time at the Grand Hotel, and then boom, a mystery is a foot.

Someone has been murdered during the Mackinac Policy Conference and treachery begins—and if you’re familiar with Mackinac Island, you know you’re not leaving unless it’s by boat or ferry.  

That’s the premise of a new book called “The Grand Secret” that depicts schemes, betrayal, and, of course, a high profile murder. The book also highlights the beauty of Michigan and its landmarks while going through the twists and turns of a murder-mystery.

“The Grand Secret” is the work of author Ed McKenna. The Downriver native and Michigan State Graduate has been writing for more than 20 years. 

The father of two joined The Metro to talk more about “The Grand Secret” and why writing matters.

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

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

More stories from The Metro

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, what’s the point of the Dream Cruise without cruising music? We’ll provide.

Also, a lovely new duet from Detroit’s Lilly Macphee with Mike Leslie, new music from IVY, Durand Jones & The Indications, Chance the Rapper with Jazmine Sullivan and more!

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 August 16, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “If She Could See Me Now” – Lorde
  
• “Lucky Stars” – HAIM
  
• “Flower Moon” – Durand Jones & The Indications
• “‘Heartbreak” – IVY
• “Someone I Knew” – Lilly Macphee & Mike Leslie
• “White Mustang” – Lana Del Ray
• “My Mustang Ford” – Chuck Berry
  
• “Mustang Sally” – Wilson Pickett
• “Mustang Sally & GTO” – John Lee Hooker
  
• “Peaceful Place” – Leon Bridges
• “Lonestar” – Charley Crockett
  
• “Southern Man” – Kashus Culpepper w/Marcus King
  
• “Save Your Tears” – Jade Bird
• “Immigration Man” – The Roamers
• “Immigration Man” – David Crosby & Graham Nash
  

• “Express Yourself” – N.W.A.
• “Foreign Bird” – Folk Bitch Trio
• “Always On My Mind” – Chrissie Hynde
• “Boots Of Chinese Plastic” – The Pretenders
  
• “Muddy Shores'” – Moonrisers
  
• “Sunday Driver” – The Raconteurs
  
• “Baby Driver” – Simon & Garfunkel
  
• “One Piece At A Time” – Johnny Cash & The Tennessee Three
• “Motor City” – The Satintones
• “Being A Woman” – Lake Street Dive
• “I Want You Back” – Lake Street Dive
• “All My Ex’s Live In Texas” – George Strait
• “Motor City Steel” – The Dandy Warhols

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, it’s Jon Muq telling an amazing story of coming from Uganda, to Austin, TX, then on to Nashville to work with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on his debut album.

Also, the return (for the first time) of the Buckingham/Nicks album from 1973, new songs from Folk Bitch trio, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jade Bird and 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 August 17, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “32 Flavors” – Ani DiFranco
• “God’s A Different Sword” – Folk Bitch Trio
• “Broken Wing Bird” – Kashus Culpepper & Sierra Ferrell
• “Holy” – Mac Demarco
• “For What It’s Worth” – Martin Sexton (in-studio performance)
• “Whiplash (acoustic)” – Kristen Ford
• “Hello Sunshine” – Jon Muq (in-studio guest)
• “Run Away” – Jon Muq (in-studio guest)
• “Who Wants” – Jade Bird
• “You Called Me Kid” – Pete Droge
• “Crying In The Night” – Buckingham Nicks
• “Races Are Run” – Cunningham Bird (in-studio performance)
• “Way Up To the Sky” – Patty Griffin
• “Truth #2” – The Chicks
• “16 Military Wives” – The Decemberists (20th anniversary of “Picaresque”)
• “California” – Natalie Bergman
• “This Love Is Real” – John Prine (in-studio performance)
• “Youth Gone Wild” – Alex Williams
• “One Ray Of Shine” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
• “Redemption Song” – Bob Marley
• “Old Soul” – Stephen Marley
• “Bend” – Jon Muq (in-studio guest)
• “One You Love” – Jon Muq (in-studio guest)

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.

This week, we’ve got a global spread of celebrations, from Afrobeats to K-Pop. Plus, bringing it back home to the Motor City with the Woodward Dream Cruise and more. Read on for details.

Upcoming events

Techno In The Parks

  Riverside Park in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 15

  Free

An outdoor concert celebrating techno music, featuring DJ Deep Sequence with special guests Hazmat Live and Room 131. There will also be food trucks, face painting, games and inflatables. The concert goes from 5–8 p.m.

K-Pop Culture Experience — Dance, Games and Flavors

  The Detroit Institute of Arts

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with museum admission

An immersive celebration of Korean culture, featuring a dance performance by PRISM Cru, games with prizes, food samples, and a tour of the DIA’s Korean Gallery. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and activities go through 2:30 p.m. Museum admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

AfroFuture Detroit

  Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 17

  $95–$327

The U.S. debut of a globally-successful two-day music festival showcasing African and diasporic talent. Headliners include Afrobeats superstars Asake and Davido, genre-defying Kaytranada, Brazil’s Ludmilla and Detroit’s own Tee Grizzley. Doors open at 2 p.m. each day.

R&Beach

  The Beach at Campus Martius Park in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with RSVP

An downtown beach party featuring R&B music, tequila samples, vinyl record decorating and concert ticket giveaways. The party goes from 6–10 p.m.

Fraser Lions Club Carnival

  Steffens Park in Fraser

  Thursday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 24

  Free

An annual fundraiser for the Fraser Lions Club, a local nonprofit that supports blind community members by providing resources like leader dogs. The four-day event features family-friendly activities like carnival rides, games, live music, a petting zoo, fireworks and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, parking is $10 and ride wristbands are $30.

New music discovery from Rogê, Ista, Larry June & 2 Chainz, The Marias, Anderson East and more, plus lots of your voicemails and picks for your favorite discoveries from 2025 (so far).

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 August 14, 2025

• “Get Sun (feat. Arthur Verocai)” – Hiatus Kaiyote
• “Life Is Beautiful” – Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist
• “No Bad Vibes (feat. MARISA DARGAHI & Joe Webb)” – Bluewerks & DARGZ
• “Road to Nowhere” – Rogê
• “Waves” – Ista
• “Human Behaviour (feat. Underworld) [Underworld Mix]” – Björk
• “Closer” – Mr. Fingers
• “SPACE INVADER” – KAYTRANADA
• “Love Is a Natural Magical Thing” – Laurie Miller
• “17 Days (Piano & a Microphone 1983 Version)” – Prince
• “Plasty” – LL Burns
• “Nobody New” – The Marias
• “Strange” – Celeste
• “Yeah Yeah” – Blackrock
• “All Your Love” – Magic Sam
• “You’ve Got A Woman” – Lion
• “Ruler Of My Heart” – Irma Thomas
• “You Are Mine” – Jay Robinson
• “Knife” – Grizzly Bear
• “West Side” – Studio
• “The Seize” – Jordan Rakei
• “Dispose of Me” – Omar Apollo
• “Star Blanket River Child” – Brightblack Morning Light
• “Three More Days” – Ray LaMontagne
• “Will O the Wisp” – Armando Young
• “Someone (feat. Jamila Woods) [Armando Young Remix]” – Gabriel Garzón-Montano
• “É Preciso Dar um Jeito, Meu Amigo” – Erasmo Carlos
• “1968” – Bill Frisell
• “Anyway” – Anderson East
• “Go Home” – Angel Olsen
• “The Joke” – Brandi Carlile

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.

New music from Khaled Al Reigh, Francis Bebey, Yttling Jazz, Jimi Tenor, Africa Express and more of your listener picks highlighting your favorite new music and music discoveries from 2025!

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 August 13, 2025

• “Constellation” – The Circling Sun
• “Rolling With A Planet (Vocal Mix)” – Ari Roze
• “Zannik” – Khaled Al Reigh
• “Le Grand Soleil De Dieu (Psychemagik Remix)” – Francis Bebey
• “Illegal Hit” – Yttling Jazz
• “Ikuchi” – Jimi Tenor & Cold Diamond & Mink
• “Pit Stop (Take Me Home) [feat. Mike Patton, Jennifer Charles, Kid Koala & Dan the Automator]” – Nathaniel Merriweather
• “Fallen Again” – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill
• “7/4 (Shoreline)” – Broken Social Scene
• “Collage” – The Three Degrees
• “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing (12″ Version)” – Gloria Ann Taylor
• “Heaven Scent (feat. Chloe Sevigny) [DEEWEEDUB]” – Soulwax
• “Invocation (feat. Onipa, Jupiter & Okwess, Otim Alpha, Damon Albarn & Joan as Police Woman)” – Africa Express
• “MISK” – Roundabout
• “Don’t Listen” – Corto.alto
• “Back On 74” – Jungle
• “Seu João” – Gabriel da Rosa
• “Don’t Call It Love (12″ Version)” – Zero 7
• “Siesta Freestyle (Frisco version)” – Lewis OfMan & Alicia te quiero
• “Safe And Sound” – Justice
• “Enything” – Quickly, Quickly
• “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” – War On Drugs
• “Moonshine” – Joviale
• “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore (“1999” B-Side)” – Prince
• “Glory” – Sault
• “Let Go” – Sonic Interventions
• “Down (feat. Dames Brown) [Natasha Diggs Extended Remix]” – The Vision
• “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat. Yazmin Lacey)” – Ezra Collective
• “Garden” – Maria Somerville
• “Alone (Four Tet Remix)” – The Cure

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.