On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Josh Ritter rounds our 2025 as our last guest of the year. Recorded at The Leon Loft in November, Josh plays songs from his new album “I Believe In You My Honeydew“.

Also, in-studio archives from Amos Lee, Shawn Colvin, Mike Doughty 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 December 21, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “This Christmas I’m Coming Home” – Leon Bridges & Norah Jones
• “Buffalo, 1981” – Haley Heynderickx & Max Garcia Conover
• “Clay Pigeons” – Muireann Bradley
• “All For You” – Rhett Miller
• “How To Love” – Buffalo Nichols (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “River” – The Accidentals
• “You Won’t Dig My Grave” – Josh Ritter (in-studio guest performance)
• “Truth Is A Dimension…” – Josh Ritter (in-studio guest performance)
• “Hard Times” – Mavis Staples
• “The Way It Will Be” – Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
• “Small Talk” – Whitney
• “Looks” – Mike Doughty (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Appalachian Adam’s Apple Smile” – Palmyra
• “Store Bought Christmas” – Old Crow Medicine Show
• “Rebel Soul” – Michael Kiwanuka
• “I’m Gone” – Shawn Colvin(Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – Freedy Johnson
• “Who Knows” – Daniel Caesar
• “Hanukkah Gelt” – The Klezmatics
• “Bottom Of The Barrel” – Amos Lee (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Thunderbird” – Josh Ritter (in-studio guest performance)
• “Only A River” – Josh Ritter (in-studio guest performance)
• “Wild Ways” – Josh Ritter (in-studio guest performance)

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

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, as Hanukkah ends and Christmas week begins, naturally it’s time for the annual holiday music extravaganza!

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 December 20, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 1)” – David Sedaris
• “Mi La Gozo” – Cheo Feliciano
• “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas” – Roland Gift
• “The Christmas Song” – Roberta Flack
• “Christmas Time Is Here” – Jill Jack
  
• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 2)” – David Sedaris
• “I’ll Be Your Santa Baby” – Rufus Thomas
  
• “Happy Joyous Hanukkah” – The Klezmatics
  
• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 3)” – David Sedaris
• “It’s Christmas” – Cory Henry
• “This Christmas I’m Coming Home” – Leon Bridges & Norah Jones
  
• “Mele Kalikimaka” – Jake Shimabukuro & Jimmy Buffet
  
• “At The Holiday Party” – St. Vincent
• “Happy Kwanza” – Teddy Pendergrass
  

• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 4)” – David Sedaris
• “Someday At Christmas” – The Accidentals
• “No So Merry Christmas” – Michigander
• “No So Merry Christmas” – Raul Malo
• “Christmastime Is Here” – Spoon
• “8 Days” – Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
  
• “Driving Home For Christmas” – Kathy Kosins
• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 5)” – David Sedaris
• “Who Took The Merry Out of Christmas” – Staples Singers
  
• “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Ella Fitzgerald
• “Mistletoe And Holly” – aron!
• “Hanukkah Blessings” – Barenaked Ladies
• “Santaland Diaries (excerpt 6)” – David Sedaris
• “What Are You Doing New year’s Eve?” – Herb Alpert

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

Every year, legendary jazz broadcaster Ed Love (host of Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program on 101.9 WDET Sundays 5–7 p.m.) curates a list of recently-released recordings that he considers required listening for today’s jazz lovers.

This year’s list features 166 “CDs” from around the world, from France with Michel Petrucciani’s ‘Jazz Club Montmartre’ to right here in Detroit with the compilation album ‘Strata-East: The Legacy Begins.’

Use the table below to check out Ed Love’s highly recommended new CDs for 2025.

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, the duo Rachael & Vilray make music that sounds like the 1940s, but it’s brand new! Rachael Price from Lake Street Dive and singer-songwriter-guitarist Vilray have created a new set of songs called “West Of Broadway.”

Also, in-studio archives from Australian soul songwriter Allysha Joy, folk stalwart John Gorka, Memphis bluesman Alvin Youngblood Hart 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 December 13, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Teardrop” – Jose Gonzalez
• “Pajarito” – Jose Gonzalez
• “Not Yet Free” – Flock Of Dimes
• “Count The Days” – Swamp Dogg ft. Jenny Lewis
• “Big Mama’s Door” – Alvin Youngblood Hart (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “I’ll Find A Way” – Ted Lucas
• “Forever Never Lasts” – Rachael & Vilray (in-studio guest performance)
• “Love Comes Around” – Rachael & Vilray (in-studio guest performance)
• “No Kings” – Jesse Welles
• “This Morning I Am Born Again” – Haley Heynderickx/Max Garcia Conover
• “No Time To Cry” – John Gorka
• “Blue Chalk” – John Gorka (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “White Winter Hymnal” – The Accidentals
• “Islands” – Whitney
• “My Own Advice” – Belle Canyon
• “Take Two” – Madison Cunningham
• “Raise Up” – Allysha Joy (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Norwegian Wood” – Jacob Collier
• “In My Life” – The Beatles
• “Buckle” – Florence + The Machine
• “Side Pony” – Lake Street Dive (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Just For Fun” – Beyonce
• “Off Broadway” – Rachael & Vilray (in-studio guest performance)
• “The Stuff” – Rachael & Vilray (in-studio guest performance)

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

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, remembering the sweet voice of Raul Malo in 2 studio sessions from 2009 and 2010. He died this week at age 60.

Also, new music from the duo TOMORA, Daniel Caesar, and Mavis Staples. Then we take it back to December 1965 (which is still with us every day), a Parliament classic from December 1975 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 December 13, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Ring The Alarm” – TOMORA
• “Conqueror” – Aurora
• “Florescence” – Big Gigantic & Lady Blackbird
• “If I Told You” – Lady Blackbird
• “The Gingerbread Monster” – Emma Guzman
  
• “Think For Yourself” – The Beatles (“Rubber Soul,” Dec. 1965)
• “Get Off Of Me Cloud” – The Rolling Stones (“December’s Children,” Dec. 1965)
• “My Generation” – The Who (“My Generation,” Dec. 1965)
• “Linus & Lucy” – Vince Guaraldi Trio (“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Dec. 1965)
• “Call On Me” – Daniel Caesar
• “Satisfied Mind” – Mavis Staples
  
• “Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose & Grace Potter
• “You Always Win” – Raul Malo (Acoustic Cafe performance, 2009)
  

• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Ella Fitzgerald
  
• “Wonderful Christmastime” – The Accidentals
• “Who’s That” – Brother Wallace
• “What Good?” – Arkells
  
• “Giving Up” – Michigander
• “Give Up The Funk” – Parliament (“Mothership Connection,” Dec. 1975)
  
• “Screwdriver” – Prince (“Hit N Run Phase 2,” Dec. 2015)
• “Looking Out For #1” – B.T.O. (“Head On,” Dec. 1975)
• “Beck N Call” – waterbaby
• “In The Saddle” – Whitney
• “Ignorance Is Bliss” – Alice Merton
• “Living For Today” – Raul Malo (Acoustic Cafe performance, 2010)

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

After a family trip to Syria at the tender age of ten, Michael Ibrahim’s parents handed him an oud. The lute or guitar-like instrument is prominent in Arab music, and it became a gateway that connected Ibrahim to his heritage.

Ibrahim insists that he, like any other kid, fell in love with playing music that reminds him of family and of home. Unlike many other kids, he grew older and constructed an entire orchestra to honor it. In 2009, he founded The National Arab Orchestra, and in the years since, the group has performed across the country and established itself as a national leader in Arab music.

Locally, the orchestra partners with public schools  to teach students about Arab culture and it performs regularly at the Detroit Music Hall. Michael Ibrahim joined the program to share his musical origins, how the orchestra came to be, and why he believes music can bring communities together.

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

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café, Chris Thile (Nickle Creek, Punch Brothers, Goat Rodeo) talks about his new collection of Bach Sonatas & Partitas, and how this set is different from the Bach he recorded in 2013. Chris also explains his “daily practice of Bach” and what it means in his life!

Also, in-studio archives from Grammy nominees Molly Tuttle and Southern Avenue, plus newcomer Treanne, a peek at the upcoming Jose Gonzalez album 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 November 30, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Afraid” – Flock Of Dimes
• “Off Broadway” – Rachael & Vilray ft. Stephen Colbert
• “I’m Listening” – Josh Ritter
• “I Fell In Love” – Treanne
• “Old Me, New Wig” – Molly Tuttle (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “We Got To Have Peace” – Mavis Staples
• “Gavotte” – Chris Thile (in-studio guest performance)
• “Allemanda” – Chris Thile (in-studio guest performance)
• “Robin’s Egg” – Iron & Wine (w/I’m With Her)
• “Emily’s Song” – Daniel Caesar
• “Pajarito” – Jose Gonzalez
• “Music By Men” – Florence & The Machine
• “Beck N Call” – Waterbaby
• “Hold On To The Light” – Jack Johnson, Hermanos Guiterrez
• “Long Is The Road” – Southern Avenue (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Does My Ring Burn Your Finger” – Buddy & Julie Miller (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Pretty Ideas” – Amber Mark
• “Baby Man” – Fruit Bats
• “If God Is A Woman” – Larkin Poe
• “Gentle On My Mind” – Alison Krauss
• “I Made This For You” – Chris Thile (in-studio guest performance)
• “Allegro assai” – Chris Thile (in-studio guest performance)

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

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, family bands and family members making music together! From The Jackson 5 to Dolly Parton, oklou to The Brothers Johnson, Detroit’s The Jones Girls and some fun family in-studio performances from Acoustic Cafe.

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 November 29, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “The Hard Way” – Jimmy Cliff
• “Many Rivers To Cross” – Delta Spirit (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Family” – Aloe Blacc
• “Family Affair” – Sly & The Family Stone
  
• “Let’s Celebrate” – The Jones Girls
  
• “Alien” – Chris & Trixie Whitley (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “You Can’t Fail Me Now” – Loudon & Lucy Wainwright Roche (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Evona Darling” – Linda & Teddy Thompson (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Family Time” – Ziggy Marley (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Upside” – Southern Avenue
• “Ode To My Family” – The Cranberries
• “Family & Friends” – The Isley Brothers
• “friends & family” – oklou
  

• “We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
• “Family Reserve” – Lyle Lovett
• “Smoky Mountain DNA” – Dolly Parton & Family
• “I’ll Be Good To You” – The Brothers Johnson
  
• “I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5
• “Back In Your Head” – Tegan & Sara (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Close The Door” – The Holmes Brothers (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Key To The Highway” – Phil & Dave Alvin (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Family Bible” – Willie Nelson & Family
• “Family Table” – Bill Withers
• “Family Ghost” – Jeff Tweedy
• “Nothing Compares To You” – The Family
  
• “Let’s Do It Again” – The Staple Singers
  

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, we dip into the archives for Words + Music from past in-studio guests, including greats Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Gregory Porter, Joan Baez and many many 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 November 23, 2025 (all in-studio stuff!)

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “God Is God” – Joan Baez
• “On My Side” – AHI
• “All Day I Dream About” – Joe P
• “Brown Eyed Lover” – Allen Stone
• “The Joke” – Brandi Carlile
• “Bring My Flowers” – Tanya Tucker
• “Everything Old Is New Again” – Barenaked Ladies
• “Stolen Moments” – Cautious Clay
• “Ain’t Got Time For Hate” – Shemekia Copeland
• “Telepathic” – Ani Difranco
• “Whooping Crane” – Lyle Lovett
• “The Moment Has Passed” – Jeff Tweedy
• “Oh, Miss Claudia” – Rodney Crowell
• “Hill Country Love” – Cedric Burnside
• “Back To Me” – Grace Potter
• “Rake” – Cowboy Junkies
• “Sweet Talk” – Iron & Wine
• “When You Give It Away” – Bruce Cockburn
• “Don’t Lose Your Steam” – Gregory Porter
• “Gentle On My Mind” – Alison Krauss
• “El Invento ” – Jose Gonzalez
• “Steppin’ Out” – Joe Jackson w/Graham Maby

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

In this week’s episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, “Double Fantasy” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono turned 45 this week, plus a look at the upcoming Ann Arbor Folk Festival—happening Jan. 30-31!

Also, we’ll remember the late songwriter Todd Snider with some neat in-studio performances from Acoustic Cafe.

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 November 22, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Bitter Rivals” – Sleigh Bells
• “Piranhanana” – Shovels & Rope
• “By The End Of The Night” – Amber Mark
• “Heartbreaker” – Indigo De Souza
  
• “Wildfire Skies” – The City Lines
  
• “Talkin’ Seattle Blues” – Todd Snider
  
• “Dearborn” – Bahamas
  
• “Godspeed” – Mavis Staples
  
• “Celeste” – GoldFord
• “Witch Dance” – Florence & The Machine
• “Honeydew (No Light)” – Josh Ritter
  
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen (Night At The Opera turning 50)

• “Monument” – Greensky Bluegrass (A2FF, January 30)
• “Hold On Tight” – Amos Lee (A2FF, January 31)
• “Shake Shake” – Jon Muq (A2FF, January 31)
• “A Little Bit Of Everything” – Dawes (A2FF, January 31)
• “The Well” – The Crane Wives (A2FF, January 31)
• “My Generation, Pt. 2” – Todd Snider (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Black Myself” – Amythyst Kiah
• “I’m Losing You” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Double Fantasy is now 45 y/o)
• “Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)” – John Lennon
  
• “Everybody Knows” – The Legal Matters
  
• “Long Haired Country Boy” – Todd Snider (Acoustic Cafe performance)

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

The days may be getting shorter, but Detroit knows how to make the most of wintery weather. From finding the perfect gift during Small Business Saturday, to strolling through breathtaking light displays with a loved one, here’s how to kick off your holiday season in metro Detroit.

Plus, indoor entertainment to keep you warm. Read on to learn more. 

Upcoming events

Wayne County Lightfest

Hines Drive

  Thursday, Nov. 20 – Wednesday, Dec. 24

  $5-50 cash, depending on vehicle 

Every Wednesday through Sunday from 6-10 p.m. Hines Drive goes full winter-wonderland with miraculous light displays! En route there’s also food trucks, hot chocolate, and plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect photo. 

Sunset: A Cyber-Lament

  Andy Arts in Detroit

  Thursday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Nov. 25

  $11.63–$64.15

A music-driven work inspired by medieval retellings of the Orpheus myth and our collective internet-driven madness. The production weaves technologies old and new to mythologize our relationship with technology and how it has changed and shaped our imagination. This performance runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

Art for the Holidays

  Detroit Artists Market

  Friday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

Detroit Artists Market’s Art for the Holidays exhibition is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Peruse and purchase unique pieces from almost 100 local artists, perfect for the gift-giving season! 

Detroit Tree Lighting

Campus Martius 

  Friday, Nov. 21

  Free

The 22nd annual tree lighting will be accompanied by live entertainment, holiday shopping, food trucks, and giveaways. It’s a great time to watch professional ice skaters hit the ice and make a visit to Santa! 

Light Up Beacon Park

 City Bird and Nest

  Friday, Nov. 21

  Free

Watch as Beacon Park brings a massive White Fir to life with ornaments and listen to carolers as the park lights up with festive cheer. Beacon Park celebrates the start of the holiday season from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. 

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

City Bird and Nest

  Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29

  Free

Visit City Bird and Nest for special deals and events during extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free gifts will be available, as well a DJ set, a locally crafted photo-op and Midtown Holiday Bingo. For those unable to attend in person, a coupon code is available from Friday to Cyber Monday. 

CatVideoFest 2025

Detroit Film Theatre

  Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 30

General Admission $11.50, Senior/Student/DIA Member $9.50

Cat videos are a long-standing gem of the internet era, and the Detroit Film Theatre invites you to enjoy the cutest and goofiest of them on the big screen. There are 4 showings over the weekend of this 80 minute compilation. The DFT recommends purchasing tickets in advance. A part of the proceeds will be donated to local shelters. 

A legendary Detroit band has been recognized with one of music industry’s highest honors. 

The White Stripes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month. With that distinction, the band is now alongside some of Detroit’s greats, like Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, and Aretha Franklin.

The duo exploded onto the national scene in the early 2000s and  released six studio albums across ten years. Songs like “Blue Orchid,” “Icky Thump,” and the iconic stadium banger “Seven Nation Army” are examples of the raw textures and driving beats that characterize their approach to garage-punk. 

Meg and Jack eventually split after 2011 but their contributions to music in Detroit and America will be forever recognized.  Mike Latulippe, host of The Detroit Move on WDET, played with Jack White back in the day. He joined the program to discuss the band’s legacy.

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

From design to fashion, all art can act as a vehicle for larger themes impacting society. Some art makes you laugh and puts you in whimsical mood, while some are built on justice.

Local experimental theater A Host of People prides itself in being a collective that brings justice to the forefront, making sure all people see themselves on stage.  The theater company explores a range of topics in their productions, including how American politics intersect with personal lives. 

Recently, A Host of People got a permanent location on Detroit’s West Side, further cementing its mission in a city that has no issue fighting back against injustice.  

Sherrine Azab is the co-director of A Host of People. She spoke with The Metro’s Tia Graham about the move and using theater to speak justice to power. 

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 great covers  and originals from Mavis Staples’ new album “Sad And Beautiful World.” Plus some other songs Mavis chose by the original artists!

Also, the Detroiter who started the iconic Bloodshot Records in Chicago, new Sampa The Great, Detroit’s Nick Behnan, the late Motown artist Ted Lucas and lots 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 November 15, 2025

HOUR ONE:

• “Sad And Beautiful World” – Mavis Staples
• “God Speed” – Frank Ocean
• “Cold At Night” – Mountain Goats
• “Stay In Your Lane” – Courtney Barnett
  
• “The Line” – Nick Behnan
  
• “What A Racket” – Joe Jackson (as Max Champion)
  
• “Hit Single’” – Joe Jackson
  
• “Can’t Hold Us” – Sampa The Great
  
• “Hold On To The Light” – Jack Johnson & Hermanos Gutiérrez
• “Ain’t Nobody Making Me High” – Bartees Strange
• “Evelyn Wood” – The Hangabouts
• “Hater’s Anthem” – Infinity Song
• “I’ll Find A Way (To Carry It All) – Folk Bitch Trio
  
• “It’s So Easy (When You Know What You’re Doing)” – Ted Lucas
  

• “Chicago” – Mavis Staples
• “We Got To Have Peace” – Curtis Mayfield
• “Trixies, Pt. 1” – Squeeze
• “From The Cradle To The Grave” – Squeeze (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “The Last Day I Went Crazy” – Kate Hinote Trio
  
• “Ivy” – Old 97’s (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Castanets” – Alejandro Escovedo (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “To Be Young” – Ryan Adams (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “Rock Bottom, Population 1” – Robbie Fulks (Acoustic Cafe performance)
• “New Rochelle (1 AM)” – Cautious Clay
• “Change A Life” – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
  
• “Everybody Needs Love” – Mavis Staples
• “Satisfied Mind” – Jeff Buckley & Gary Lucas
  

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, Madi Diaz returns as our guest, telling the second half of the story started on last year’s album “Weird Faith”. Her new one, “Fatal Optimist,” chronicles the relationship coming apart!

Also, some archived performances from Wilder Woods, Ben Taylor, I’m With Her, Bobby McFerrin 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 November 16, 2025

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Joni” – Brandi Carlile
• “Free Man In Paris” – Joni Mitchell
• “Flip A Coin” – Cautious Clay
• “Offering” – Wilder Woods (in-studio performance)
• “The Joker” – Fruit Bats
• “Take The Joker And Run” – The Steve Miller Band
• “Haevy Matal” – Madi Diaz (in-studio guest)
• “Lone Wolf” – Madi Diaz (in-studio guest)
• “Night And Day” – Ringo Starr
• “Song For Arthur” – Natalie Bergman
• “Run It Back” – Madison McFerrin
• “Every Time” – Bobby McFerrin (in-studio performance)
• “First Timer” – Elliott Smith
• “Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands” – Brad Mehldau
• “You Can Close Your Eyes” – Jacob Collier
• “Nothing I Can Do” – Ben Taylor (in-studio performance)
• “Tonight, Tonight” – Leslie Odum, Jr.
• “Thirty Three – Smashing Pumpkins
• “Tie You Down” – HAIM ft. Bon Iver
• “Mother Eagle (Sing Me Alive)” – I’m With Her (in-studio performance)
• “Partita No. 3 in E Major – Preludio ” – Chris Thile
• “If Time Does” – Madi Diaz (in-studio guest)
• “Fatal Optimist” – Madi Diaz (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

WDET’s Liz Warner appeared on All Songs Considered, New Music Friday discussing the best albums for November 14.

View the entire article and listen to the broadcast.

It’s Friday, it’s mid-November, and the weekly deluge of new albums felt like it was finally starting to slow down as we approach the holidays — until we looked at our Nov. 14 list of LPs, EPs, compilations and reissues and saw triple digits. There’s no offseason in this business.

The most anticipated album out this week is Summer Walker’s Finally Over It … which we did not get to hear in advance, but that didn’t stop us from marveling at the Atlanta R&B star’s promo acumen. With 26 featured guests across 18 tracks, it’s going to challenge Taylor Swift for the top spot on the Billboard 200.

Each week, we welcome a different DJ from the NPR Music network of public radio stations, and this episode’s guest is the esteemed Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit, where she hosts an eclectic program called Alternate Take.

View the entire article and listen to the broadcast.

As the weather gets colder, we’ve got some cozy events to keep you warm — including intimate performances, accessible art sales and seasonal celebrations.

Plus, the Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Sweet Tooth exhibition

  Hatch Art Center in Hamtramck

  Ongoing through Dec. 7

  Free

An art exhibition centered around the idea that we need sweetness in our lives to counteract the bitterness around us. The exhibit features works by 18 artists in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, sculptures and more. Hatch Art Center is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays and Fridays from 6–9 p.m.

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition

  Royal Oak Farmers Market

  Thursday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 14

  Free

An indoor fine art fair featuring 60 juried artists showing a wide variety of works, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, glass, photography and more. There will also be live musical performances, food vendors and adult beverages. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days.

Jalasat / جلسات: Victor Ghannam, Roger Kashou and Noon

  Adeni Tea Room in Dearborn

  Friday, Nov. 14

  Free

A new pop-up performance series from the Arab American National Museum that celebrates Arab and Arab American expression through intimate performances of poetry, music and conversation in accessible environments. The first show features musical performances by Victor Ghannam, Roger Kashou and Noon (Farah Afra and Layan Srour). Admission is free and open to the public, and the show goes from 7–9 p.m.

Winter at The Station

  Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Nov. 14 through Dec. 28

  Free, $15–$88

A family-friendly celebration of the season featuring festive decor, interactive exhibits, holiday shopping, live music and more. Special programming will also take place throughout the month, including dance performances, artist workshops and more. General admission is free and open to the public, but some of the special programming is ticketed, ranging from $15 to $88. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Sugar Hill Clay’s 2025 Seconds Sale

  Sugar Hill Clay in Detroit

  Saturday, Nov. 15

  Free

The third annual ceramic seconds sale from Sugar Hill Clay, where experiments, tests and imperfect pieces from the studio are available for discounted prices, starting at $5. This sale is a fundraiser to help the studio purchase new shared tools and create new programming for their members to improve their community experiences. The sale goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ferndale Underground Holiday Market

  Underneath the doT Parking Garage in Ferndale

  Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16

  Free

An underground holiday market featuring unique gifts from over 90 local artists, makers, authors and bakers. Admission is free but canned food donations are welcome. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

  Detroit Opera House

  Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16

  $70–$150

A highly-anticipated Detroit performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem, with a program featuring iconic works by Robert Garland, Jodie Gates and more. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Limited tickets remain for the Sunday show.

Detroit has changed a lot in the last two decades. 

There’s more investment in the downtown and midtown areas. There are more people milling about the city. The parks and public areas have improved. 

Stephen McGee witnessed those changes up close.The photographer and award-winning filmmaker came to Detroit decades ago and began photographing the city for the Detroit Free Press. He aggregated a lot of that work into his documentary, “Resurgo.”

In it, he focuses his lens on decaying infrastructure, new investments injected into the area, and the people who never left.

Who gets credit for all these changes? And, how can the investments in Detroit be more inclusive of those that have always been here?

These are some of the questions that McGee’s “Resurgo,” asks. It will be playing at the Emagine theater Thursday, Nov. 12 in Royal Oak at 7 p.m.

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Darren Revell’s Big Sonic Heaven ruled Sunday night radio in Detroit for over 8 years, beginning in 1995. After leaving the airwaves, the show continued to develop a fervent international following of folks looking for shoegaze, dream pop, brit pop, trip hop, and electronic music with online streaming shows.

WDET is proud to introduce the next chapter in this groundbreaking program with a new weekly radio show every Sunday night from 9 p.m. to midnight. Darren will also be joining the on-air talent team as a support host.

Big Sonic Heaven will begin broadcasting on WDET this Sunday, November 16, at 9 p.m., replacing rebroadcasts of the Don Was Motor City Playlist and Sound Opinions.

More jazz on Saturday nights, and farewell to The New Music Show on WDET

WDET listeners will have more opportunity to enjoy Kaleigh Wilder’s Visions (Monday 8-10 p.m.), with rebroadcasts every Saturday night from 8-10 p.m. beginning November 15.

The New Music Show wrapped up a fantastic run of shows with its last broadcast on Saturday, November 8. We want to thank Shigeto for an amazing 19-month run on WDET.

Fans of the Don Was Motor City Playlist (Friday 8-10 p.m.) will now find an encore broadcast every Monday night from 10 p.m. to midnight (replacing the rebroadcast of Acoustic Café).

The Progressive Underground (Saturday 6-8 p.m.) with Chris Campbell rebroadcasts Wednesday nights, 10 p.m. to midnight.

Download our updated program schedule to see the new layout.