This weekend on The Progressive Underground, we dropped anchor in the world of Yacht Rock — that smooth, soulful, and yes, sometimes delightfully corny blend of soft rock, blue-eyed soul, and jazz-pop that soundtracked many a sunset in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

From Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and Christopher Cross to deeper cuts from the California studio scene, we explore the polished grooves, lush arrangements, and the studio legends behind the music. Think creamy synths, tight harmonies and lyrics that make you chuckle while you vibe.

In this special episode, we navigate the genre’s cultural roots, its surprising resurgence and the smooth sounds that still go down easy, whether you’re sailing the coast or just cruising down memory lane.

This program coincides with a special performance by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as they present “Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s and 80s” on Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall. For more information, visit dso.org.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

The Progressive Underground: Yacht Rock Edition playlist (aired July 19, 2025)

• “Taking it to the Streets” by The Doobie Brothers
• “Tin Man” by America
• “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is” by Chicago
• “Baby Come Back” by Player
• “Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck
• “Crazy Love” by Poco
• “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross
• “Free Man in Paris” by Joni Mitchell
• “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
• “Baker Street” by Gerry Raferty
• “Time Passages” by Al Stewart
• “What A Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers
• “You Can’t Change That” by Raydio
• “Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rungren
• “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John
• “Magic” by Olivia Newton John
• “Midnight at the Oasis” by Maria Malduar
• “Reminiscing” by The Little River Band
• “Peg” by Steely Dan
• “Africa” by Toto
• “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago
• “How Much I Feel” by Ambrosia
• “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins
• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
• “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Sarah Smile” by Hall & Oates
• “I Keep Forgetting” by Michael McDonald
• “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille
• “Cool Night” by Paul Davis
• “Goodnight, Tonight” by Paul McCartney
• “Love Will Find A Way” by Pablo Cruise
• “Hey 19” by Steely Dan
• “Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs
• “My Best Friend” by Queen
• “Show You The Way (feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins)” by Thundercat
• “Only The Beginning” by Chicago

Soak up the sun this holiday weekend with outdoor festivals, food truck rallies and concerts. Or, beat the heat at an art gallery or crafting workshop. Either way, we’ve got you covered with these metro Detroit arts and culture events. Read on to learn more.

Outdoor dining

Royal Oak Taco Fest returns to metro Detroit this weekend with tacos, tequila and more from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6. This street festival features food from over 50 vendors and live entertainment across three stages from a wide variety of talent — including WDET favorites Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment, the debut performance of alt-rock band SHÜ, and a special appearance by Tommy Chong of comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Other activities include mechanical bull rides, taco-eating contests, tequila sampling and more. Tickets are $12 and children 3 and under get in for free. For more information, visit royaloaktacofest.com.

Michigan’s largest weekly food truck rally, Downtown Street Eats, is back for its 13th season, bringing a variety of food trucks, carts and local restaurant pop-ups to the heart of Downtown Detroit. On Tuesday, July 8, they’ll have Cousins Maine Lobster, The Chubby Batch Cookies, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Impasto, Little Caesars, Sonny’s Hamburgers and Twisted Street BBQ. Food trucks are available in Cadillac Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and prices vary by truck. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays series continues on July 8 on the second floor of Cabana 313 in Campus Martius Park. Guests are invited to play for free for a chance to win fun prizes, no registration required. Tacos and drinks will be available for purchase, and the series is supported in part by Corona Extra. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Arts and crafts

Decked Out Detroit offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment along throughout the summer. On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on the 1200–1400 blocks of Woodward Avenue, visitors can enjoy acoustic music, pose for personalized watercolor portraits, build a bouquet from the flower cart and more — all free of charge. While most of their activities will be closed on Thursday, July 3, the CREATE DIY workspace on 1413 Woodward will still be open, and is offering a free craft workshop for kids and adults from 4–7 p.m. For more information on their summer lineup, visit deckedoutdetroit.com.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Summer in Sosnick Festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 9 and goes through Sunday, July 20. This series features two weeks of free performances in Sosnick Courtyard, the DSO’s community green space. Events include a concert of works by living BIPOC composers, a yoga and music program, a sensory-friendly concert and more. For more information, visit dso.org.

Or, beat the heat by checking out the Michigan Watercolor Society’s 78th Annual Exhibition at the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield. The exhibition features works from over 60 of Michigan’s finest watercolor artists, ranging from traditional landscapes to stunningly realistic portraits. Admission is free and open to the public, and the show runs through July 23. For more information, visit thejdetroit.org.

This week, we’re celebrating lots of different aspects of our community, from the people who make things happen to the places where memories are made.

Plus, where to catch local performers in metro Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Cultural celebrations

This weekend, Detroit’s largest park is celebrating its 100th birthday. The Rouge Park Centennial Celebration will include a family-friendly carnival, live entertainment for all ages and a community resource fair. Admission is free, and the event goes from 5–8 p.m. on Friday, and from 12–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit rougepark.org.

WDET is partnering with the Concert of Colors to celebrate Michigan’s only historical marker dedicated to the pioneers of Detroit Tejano music on Saturday, June 28. Concert of Colors in Mexicantown will highlight different styles of Latin music, featuring live performances, dancing and food. Admission is free, and the event goes from 1–8 p.m. at the Mexicantown CDC Mercado Plaza. For more information, visit our events page.

The GhostLight Arts Initiative is celebrating five years of arts engagement, production, education and activism in Detroit with an inaugural GhostLight Gala on Sunday, June 29. They’ll be honoring producer Njia Kai and musician Dr. George Shirley for their trailblazing contributions to Black arts, and the evening will feature special remarks, performances, an auction and more. The event goes from 7:30–10 p.m. at the Garden Theatre in Detroit, and tickets range from $40–$150. For more information, visit ghostlight.art.

The Henry Ford and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are celebrating the 4th of July with their annual Salute to America event at Greenfield Village from Wednesday, July 2 through Saturday, July 5. There will be food trucks, fireworks and a patriotic musical performance by the DSO. Festivities go from 5–10 p.m. each day. Tickets are $36–$42 for the general public or $30–$35 for members, and children under 4 get in for free. For more information, visit thehenryford.org.

Local talent

On Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29, The Pleasant Underground is hosting their third annual PUGFEST in Ferndale, highlighting local indie rock, punk, Midwest emo and post-hardcore musicians. This year’s lineup includes performances by Charmer, Origami Button, Eyewash and more. Day passes range from $25–$55, and weekend passes are available for $100. For more information, visit noxp.org.

On Friday, June 27, Michigan Central continues its Fridays at the Station series with a Peoples Records takeover. There will be live performances by the Balance Duo and the Ian Fink Ensemble, with DJ sets curated by Peoples Records in between acts. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and tickets are $15. For more information, visit their event page.

On Thursday, July 3, Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti is hosting a variety show featuring live music and comedy. Comedians include Who Can Say? Improv and “What’s So Funny About Detroit” alum Brad Wenzel and Sam Rager. There will also be live music from Ralph Manginio and Missing Cats. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit @ziggysypsi on Instagram.