We like to say that metro Detroit has it all, but you only have so much time to experience it! Every week is a choose-your-own-adventure, and we have some fun options to raise if you don’t know were to start.

This weekend, prepare to laugh with shows like “Shucked” and “Jurassic Park: The Musical”. Celebrate local efforts and learn about food sovereignty with the Detroit Food Commons Fest. You can also take a nice walk through downtown Royal Oak on Mother’s Day looking at everything you could ever need to make your yard a mini-paradise.

Check out the events below for more details! 

Upcoming events (May 8-14)

Jurassic Park: The Musical

Planet Ant Theater

May 8-9

$30-35

Back by popular demand, “Jurassic Park: The Musical” is a retelling of the classic high-stakes dinosaur film—this time, as a prehistoric parody for your amusement with original songs. This show contains mature humor, and isn’t recommended for audiences under 16 years of age. Both showings start at 8 p.m., and this is the last weekend to experience it, so don’t wait!

Detroit Food Commons Fest

8324 Woodward Ave.

May 9

Free

Join the award-winning Detroit People’s Food Co-op for their second anniversary celebration! They’ll have vendors, food, political education and activities for guests to enjoy. Plus, a bouncy house and fun games for kids! This event is in the North End and will be going from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shucked

Midland Center for the Arts

May 9-10

$49.50+

On May 9 and 10, the Midland Center for the Arts will show the Tony Award-winning musical, “Shucked.” Saturday performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday performances will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission starts at $49.50. For more information, visit the Midland Center for the Arts’ website.

Royal Oak in Bloom

6th and Main Street lots in downtown Royal Oak

May 10

Free

A long-held Mother’s Day tradition in downtown Royal Oak. Step out and start beautifying your outdoor space with offerings of flowers and plants, statues, decorations, furniture and more. You can add another lawn gnome to your collection, get starter plants for your garden, or make a backyard perfect for attracting birds and butterflies. Food vendors will be there to make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty either. Stop by anytime from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Arab Film Festival

Arab American National Museum

May 8-10

$15

The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit with a curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length feature. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. Many showings also include discussion and activities to experience film to the fullest. View the showings and buy tickets in advance for this final weekend of films, themed “Remember. (Re)imagine.”

Riverfront Herbal Walk

Cullen Plaza

May 11

Free

Stroll along the beautiful Detroit Riverfront with local herbalists. As you walk, you’ll learn how to identify and best handle different plants, and be able to take home your own herbal creation. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. This event runs from 5:30-7 p.m.

This Throwback Thursday edition is built for movement, taking you on a ride through post-punk, house, disco, and techno made to keep you dancing from day into night. Along the way, we spotlight selections from electronic duo Disclosure as they prepare to light up Detroit’s Masonic Temple, alongside tracks from Joy Division, Daft Punk, Tyler, The Creator, finishing off strong with Kraftwerk, Kano, and DJ 3000.

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 May 7, 2026 

• “HIGHER!” – Dijon 

• “Lowdown” – Ronald Langestraat 

• “Days in the Summer” – Kosta G 

• “Son of a Gun” – The La’s 

• “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division 

• “I Love You” – Spacemen 3 

• “Corridor of Dreams” – The Cleaners From Venus 

• “Under the Pressure” – The War on Drugs 

• “Orin (Ricardo Villalobos Variation)” – Ricardo Villalobos & goat (JP) 

• “Star Blanket River Child” – Brightblack Morning Light 

• “Mosty (feat. Latarnik & Tenderlonious)” – Jaubi 

• “By Your Side (Cottonbelly’s Fola Mix (Edit))” – Sade & Red Hot Org 

• “Part 4 (Live at Alexandra Palace, London 8th and 9th May 2019)” – 4TLR 

• “Automaton” – Ash Walker, Oscar Jerome & Joe Armon-Jones 

• “When A Fire Starts To Burn” – Disclosure 

• “White Noise (feat. AlunaGeorge)” – Disclosure 

• “Noid” – Tyler, The Creator 

• “20th Century Boy” – T. Rex 

• “Stompin & Motorik’n” – Penza Penza 

• “Something About Us” – Daft Punk 

• “I’m Ready (Extended Version)” – Kano 

• “Computer Love (1991 Remix)” – Kraftwerk 

• “Shari Vari (Original Mix)” – A Number Of Names 

• “Sad Piano House” – Daphni 

• “Stand On the Word (Larry Levan Mix)” – Joubert Singers 

• “So Sheik (Los Hermanos Remix)” – DJ 3000 

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. 

An insanely special guest stops by – the legend Ed Love! To celebrate his birthday, he joins Ryan Patrick Hooper for a discussion about his career and shares some stories from back in the day, like introducing Art Blakey at the Hotel Pontchartrain in 1984, and how the sound of jazz made up the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement.

The set features music from Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd, Les McCann, Lonnie Liston Smith and more. You can listen starting at the 2:19 mark.

Plus, new music from Hollie Cook, Jordan Rakei & FKJ, alongside tracks from Kelela, Amber Mark, Tom Misch, and Yussef Dayes. 

There’s dance floor energy from Underworld, Hot Chip, and Flight Facilities, plus music from Panda Bear, Sonic Boom, and Adrian Sherwood, with classics from The Beach Boys, Blondie, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, The Damned, and New York Dolls. 

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 May 6, 2026 

• “Villain” – Annahstasia 

• “Problems” – Jordan Rakei & FKJ 

• “Know You Love Me (Flight Facilities Remix)” – Riva Starr, Flight Facilities & Soul Speech 

• “Different Places” – Amber Mark & John The Blind 

• “idea 1” – Kelela 

• “Days Of Us” – Tom Misch & Kaidi Akinnibi 

• “Marching Band (feat. Masego)” – Yussef Dayes 

• “Rockaway Dub” – Hollie Cook 

• “Slow Down” – Skip Marley & H.E.R. 

• “Whirlpool Dub (Adrian Sherwood Reset in Dub Version)” – Panda Bear, Sonic Boom & Adrian Sherwood 

• “Caroline, No” – The Beach Boys 

• “stupid prizes” – KeiyaA 

• “Bamboo” – Harvey Sutherland 

• “Didn’t Cha Know / Gone Baby Don’t Be Long (Medley)” – Cousin Kula 

• “Too Good (Unknown Mortal Orchestra Remix)” – Arlo Parks 

• “Color My Life” – Chicano Batman 

• “Break Me Down” – Yukimi 

• “Need to Run” – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill 

• “Jumbo (Remastered)” – Underworld 

• “Over and Over” – Hot Chip 

• “Pawa! (Boys’ Shorts Remix)” – Asha Puthli & Say She She 

• “Heart of Glass (12-Inch Version)” – Blondie 

• “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” – Elvis Costello & The Attractions 

• “New Rose” – The Damned 

• “Trash” – New York Dolls 

• “Cult of Celebrity” – Lambrini Girls 

• “One Thing At A Time” – Courtney Barnett 

• “Goo Goo Muck” – The Cramps 

• “Chantized” – Curtis Fuller 

• “Bup A Loup” – Donald Byrd 

• “Astral Traveling” – Lonnie Liston Smith 

• “Price You Gotta Pay To Be Free” – Les McCann 

• “Mississippi God Damn” – Nina Simone 

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. 

Celebrated producer, musician and WDET host Don Was is being honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in recognition of his profound contributions to Detroit’s sound and art as a whole.

Was has earned six Grammys for producing and musicianship. He’s also been recognized for his work as a filmmaker, composer and more with a British Academy Award, Emmy and other honors. Was has lead the jazz label Blue Notes Records as company president since 2011.

With his many international accomplishments, Was keeps Detroit front and center, invigorating the cultural scene with his yearly performances at the Concert of Colors and his work with the talented Pan-Detroit Ensemble.

WDET is grateful to have him behind the mic every Friday night on The Don Was Motor City Playlist alongside Ann Delisi, where he shares insights, stories about the city’s music scene and expertly selected songs with a rapt audience. The show recently celebrated five years on air.

The honorary degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University further highlights his extraordinary accomplishments in the arts and his lifelong commitment to Detroit. Join us in congratulating Don Was on this well-deserved honor.

Hear from Don himself, talking about his career and insights about the arts today on The Metro.

Starting off slow and mellow with tracks from Swamp Dogg, Herbert and Gabrielle Cavassa—who will be performing this year at the Detroit Jazz Fest. Then we go hyperspeed with new music from Dry Cleaning and Soulwax. Tune in and tune out!

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 May 5, 2026

• “Jimtastic Blues” – Greentea Peng
• “Glitter” – BENEE
• “Trying to Live My Life Without You” – Otis Clay
• “Sleeping Without You Is a Dragg (feat. Justin Vernon & Jenny Lewis)” – Swamp Dogg
• “Brother Where Are You (Matthew Herbert Remix)” – Oscar Brown, Jr. & Matthew Herbert
• “Hypnotised (feat. Mel Uye-Parker)” – Herbert
• “Just Like A Baby” – Sly & the Family Stone
• “Hold Me” – SAULT
• “If I Should Die Tonight (SaLaAm ReMi’s Piano Mix)” – Marvin Gaye
• “Prisoner of Love” – Gabrielle Cavassa
• “Last Night Reprise (feat. Cautious Clay, Kaki King & Maeve Gilchrist)” – Arooj Aftab
• “Where Would You Be” – Yaw
• “Can We Pretend” – Bill Withers
• “Mary Don’t You Weep (Piano & a Microphone 1983 Version)” – Prince
• “Demon In Profile” – Afghan Whigs
• “God Gets You Back” – Mogwai
• “Firesuite” – Doves
• “Here It Comes” – Doves
• “Melody Day” – Caribou
• “Can’t Run But” – Paul Simon
• “Roscoe (Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve Remix)” – Midlake
• “Tom The Model” – Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
• “Deep Harbour (feat. Alfa Mist)” – Commodo
• “Tek Control (feat. Liam Bailey)” – IZCO
• “Brownout” – Ghost Funk Orchestra
• “Traveling With (feat. Jeff Parker & Anna Butterss) (LIVE ON WDET)” – Daniel Villarreal
• “Dita Cuja” – Nicholas Mariano
• “Uncanny” – Daniel Villarreal
• “R&B (Theo Verney Version)” – English Teacher
• “Sliced By A Fingernail” – Dry Cleaning
• “Rich” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• “Territorial Call of the Female” – BODEGA
• “Love Is the Drug (Todd Terje Disco Dub)” – Roxy Music
• “Perfect We Are Not” – Soulwax
• “In Person” – Low Island

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.

Shoegaze is a prominent genre in Big Sonic Heaven and last night was no exception as I featured new music from Tokyo Shoegazer, She Shone, The Haunted Youth as well as some Shoegaze classics. Take a peek below at the playlist and, as always, the show is available for two weeks on-demand at WDET.org. Thanks for listening!

• “Rococo” — Cocteau Twins
• “The Drift” — deary
• “The Perfect Girl” — The Cure
• “Be Still” (Robin Guthrie remix featuring Elizabeth Frazer) — Peace Together
• “A New Goodbye” — Nation of Language
• “Remains” — Tokyo Shoegazer
• “Mesmerise” — Chapterhouse
• “Prince of Insecuria” (feat. Erik Ljunggren & Johannes Winther Farstad) — Bel Canto
• “A Girl Like You” [7″ Mix] — Wolfgang Press
• “Slivered Kisses” (feat. Danella Hocevar) — She Shone
• “Diamonds in the Sand” — State of Grace
• “What a Mess!” — Ellis
• “Love in Itself” — Depeche Mode
• “Atlantis” — Postiljonen
• “You and Your Sister” — This Mortal Coil
• “Another Tale From Another English Town” — Lanterns on the Lake
• “The Dance of the Birds” — Gergana Dimitrova & Lisa Gerrard
• “End Credits” — Laptop
• “In Real Life” — ACTORS
• “Leave Me Alone” — New Order
• “Wake Up” — The Haunted Youth
• “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo” — Echo & the Bunnymen
• “Clusters” — Emma Anderson
• “The Maker of Heavenly Trousers” — Cranes
• “Chained to a Cloud” — Slowdive
• “Além” — Summer of Hate
• “No Flash in the Sky” — Moev
• “Our Day Will Come” — Dead Can Dance
• “Wild Horses” — The Sundays
• “Tell Me” (feat. Saoirse Ronan) — Johnny Jewel
• “I L U” — School of Seven Bells
• “Dirt” — Searows
• “Lions” — Tones on Tail
• “The Runaway” (feat. Elle J) — UNKLE
• “Trainspotting” — Primal Scream

On this week’s episode of Acoustic Café,  Amelia Day joins us for the first time! The newcomer from Washington State is about 5 years into their career, having just dropped a new EP called “Ego Trip” this week, with a full-length debut coming later this year.

Also, two great covers from past in-studio guests Norah Jones, Grant Lee Phillips  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 May 3, 2026

• “Million Dollar Intro” – Ani DiFranco
• “Frown Lines” – Blessing Jolie
  
• “Kentucky Too Long” – Charlie Crockett
  
• “Strawberry Moonrise/Year After Year” – I’m With Her
  
• “Young Love” – Milk Carton Kids
  
• “Song Of Storms” – Jon Batiste & Josh Harmon
• “Lilac Wine” – Arooj Aftab, Beck
  
• “Clementine” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “Skippin’ Down The Sidewalk” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “We Were Made For These Times” – The Klezmatics
  
• “I Guess I Wasn’t Made For These Times” – The Beach Boys
  
• “All For A Man” – ROZZI
• “Next To Me” – Emeli Sande (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “Alleycat” – Mumford & Sons
  
• “Dirtbag Saloon” – Emily Scott Robinson
  
• “Got A New Car” – Tyler Ballgame
• “The Store” – Anjimile
  
• “Cold Cold Heart” – Norah Jones (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “This Town (acoustic)” – Brooke Combe
  
• “The Only Time I Prayed” – Dermot Kennedy
  
• “Particular” – James Hunter Six
  
• “Under The Milky Way” – Grant Lee Phillips (Acoustic Cafe in-studio performance)
• “Margie” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)
• “Eastward Of Eden” – Amelia Day (Acoustic Cafe in-studio guest)

Listen to Acoustic Café with host Rob Reinhart every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org

This week on Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music we’ll note some classic album anniversaries from May of 1966 – 2006… also lots of new tunes from Canadian Cat Clyde, a third album from Arlo Parks, the final “balloon” from Tank & The Bangas, a quiet folk record from Michigan’s Ryan Racine 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 May 2, 2026

HOUR ONE:

• “Invisible Ink” – King Tuff
• “Beams” – Arlo Parks
• “Acid Tongue” – Swamp Dogg
• “Puppy And A Truck” – Jenny Lewis
• “I Wish” – Stevie Wonder (1 of 30 NYT Best Living Songwriters)
  
• “Steady As She Goes” – The Raconteurs (May 2006)
  
• “Ahead By A Century” – The Tragically Hip (May 1996)
• “Cherry Bomb” – The Runaways (May 1976)
• “Love Song 43” – Ryan Racine
• “Hold My Hand” – Cat Clyde
• “Panic In Detroit” – Steven Brown
• “All The Disaster” – Sarah McLachlan
• “Big Time” – Peter Gabriel (May 1986)
• “Little Darling (I Need You)” – Marvin Gaye (May 1966)

• “Riptides” – Death Cab For Cutie
• “Oyaya” – Angelique Kidjo
• “6th Ward” – Trombone Shorty
• “I Did This To Myself” – Thundercat
• “Whole Lot Of Shakin’ In My Heart” – Smokey Robinson (1 of 30 NYT Best Living Songwriters)
• “6th Avenue Heartache” – The Wallflowers (May 1996)
• “All Night” – Chance The Rapper (May 2016)
• “Carmelita” – Warren Zevon (May 1976)
• “Move” – Tank & The Bangas
  
• “Heart Stop” – The Revivalists
  
• “IRL” – Devon Gilfillian
• “New York State Of Mind” – Billy Joel (May 1976)
• “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” – Stevie Wonder (May 1966)

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 on Visions I visit more classic cuts, this time spanning the early 1960s to the late 1980s. It’s a piano-heavy episode where you’ll hear Mary Lou Williams, Keith Jarrett, Elmo Hope, Kenny Barron, and Stanley Cowell.

I also play music from Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Steps Ahead, Tania Maria, Wes Montgomery, Ron Carter, Miles Davis, and Toots Thielemans. I have three songs that break the mold of classics with new tracks from Flea and Elsa Nilsson’s Band of Pulses, plus a 2008 release from Dave Holland.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for May 4, 2026

• “Fancy Free” – Donald Byrd*
• “Firm Roots” – Clifford Jordan
• “Come With Me” – Tania Maria
• “In a Sentimental Mood” – Steps Ahead
• “Morning Cry” – Flea
• “Nothing Like You (feat. Wayne Shorter, Frank Rehak, Paul Chambers & Jimmy Cobb)” – Miles Davis
• “Bluesette” – Toots Thielemans
• “Green Chimneys” – Kenny Barron Trio
• “Tourist Point of View” – Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra
• “A Night in Tunisia” – Elmo Hope
• “Lalene” – Keith Jarrett
• “Fast Track” – Dave Holland Sextet
• “Mourning For Two” – Elsa Nilsson
• “Equipoise” – Stanley Cowell
• “Holy Ghost” – Mary Lou Williams
• “Up and at It” – Wes Montgomery
• “Yes, Indeed (feat. Eric Dolphy & Mal Waldron)” – Ron Carter*

* indicates Detroit artists

Metro Detroit’s cultural veins are thrumming this week with jazz, spring greenery, and so much more. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Southwest Detroit with local vendors and a sweeping parade, find some new music at the Detroit Vinyl Fest or enrich your mind with a free trip to the Cranbrook Science museum. 

There’s a lot to do this weekend for little to no cost… and if you’re thinking you’d like to lighten your wallet, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so while supporting important causes and local business. 

Upcoming events (May 1-7)

Free First Friday at Cranbrook

Cranbrook Science Museum

May 1

Free

Enter a world of discovery at the Cranbrook Science Museum! There are so many exhibits to explore and many hands-on learning opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Take advantage of free admission and engage your curiosity. Stars, fossils, mammoths and more await you.

Midtown Jazz Crawl

Detroit Institute of Arts, Cathedral of St. Paul

May 1-2

Free

The Midtown Jazz Crawl kicks off this weekend with performances by the Xavier Davis New York Quartet, a group of seasoned jazz musicians that bring both city-sophistication and warm inviting tones into a medley of classics and original compositions. Experience a stirring performance that channels the soul of jazz Friday at the Detroit Institute of Arts or Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Earth Fest

Bailey Park

May 3

Free

Join Bailey Park in celebrating the Earth and the arrival of spring. Further your sustainability-skills and knowledge with various demonstrations and resources on site. There will be limited free food, crafts, local vendors, plus the opportunity to plant in the community garden. Revel for the planet! The event goes from 1-5 p.m, with a live performance by the Detroit Urban Orchestra from 3-4 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade

Southwest Detroit

April 24

Free

The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit invites you to watch a colorful parade down West Vernor Hwy, including Mariachis, schools, local businesses, and the Miss Mexico Pageant Queen and her court among the procession of floats and dancers. Local vendors and entertainers will be around for the Original Cinco de Mayo Fiesta both days from noon to 8 p.m. The parade is on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Free Comic Book Day

Various

May 2

Free

Various local shops and libraries are taking part in Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 2. Green Brain in Dearborn, Vault of Midnight in Detroit and many more are all offering a variety of experiences, including food, activities and—of course—free comic books to guests. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Detroit Vinyl Fest

Eastern Market Shed 5

May 3

Free

Calling all music-lovers! Expand your physical media music library at the second annual Detroit Vinyl Fest. Browse vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, music memorabilia and more while DJs set a soundtrack for the day, and keep an eye out for artists offering autographs. The festival is up and running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Arab Film Festival

Arab American National Museum

May 5-10

$15

The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit. A curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length features are available for viewing. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. View the showings and buy tickets in advance. 

Happy first day of May! Today we play music that feels like a fresh start, with selections from The Stylistics, Cocteau Twins, The Replacements, and Ruby & The Romantics alongside tracks from Nilüfer Yanya, Nadine Shah, Widowspeak, Momoko Gill, and Annahstasia. The set stretches outward with global sounds from Yasmine Hamdan, Zeid Hamdan, Sven Wunder, Jeff Parker, and AURORA. 

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 May 1, 2026 

• “I’ll Be Your Friend” – Ruti 

• “No Driver” – Widowspeak 

• “Doubt” – Holly Walker 

• “Need to Run” – Matthew Herbert & Momoko Gill 

• “Villain” – Annahstasia 

• “Just A Western” – Nilüfer Yanya 

• “Ya Banat” – Kazdoura 

• “Evil” – Nadine Shah 

• “Nahr El Mot نهر الموت” – Zeid Hamdan 

• “Shmaali شمالي” – Yasmine Hamdan 

• “THE THING” – TOMORA, AURORA & Tom Rowlands 

• “Hang on in There” – Mike James Kirkland 

• “How I Spent My Summer” – Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys 

• “People Make the World Go Round (Lp Version)” – The Stylistics 

• “Silently” – Tara Clerkin Trio 

• “Take a Break” – Sven Wunder 

• “I Can See the Devil” – S.G. Goodman 

• “Like Swimwear (part two) [feat. Anna Butterss, Jay Bellerose & Josh Johnson]” – Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet 

• “Love Story” – My New Band Believe 

• “Heavy” – Momoko Gill 

• “Thinkin Bout You” – Flea 

• “Our Day Will Come” – Ruby & The Romantics 

• “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire” – The Black Keys 

• “Do Anything You Wanna Do” – Eddie & The Hot Rods 

• “Swingin Party” – The Replacements 

• “Closer Lover” – Nabihah Iqbal 

• “Cherry-Coloured Funk” – Cocteau Twins 

• “Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie” – Red Hot Org, Laraaji, Kronos Quartet & Sun Ra 

• “Birthday” – The Sugarcubes 

• “Province” – TV on the Radio 

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. 

We’re matching the gloomy weather with something a little hazy today. Spinning tracks from The Marías, Tara Clerkin Trio, plus jazzier sounds from Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Okonski, and Nina Simone. 

Today’s playlist also includes Little Dragon, Moses Sumney, and Air, along with Massive Attack’s “Paradise Circus” featuring Hope Sandoval. You’ll also hear tracks from José José, Cymande, and Curtis Mayfield mixed in. 

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 April 29, 2026 

• “Back To Me” – The Marías 

• “Another Day” – Soul Saver 

• “Porcelain (Above & Beyond Remix)” – Moby 

• “The Other Lover” – Little Dragon & Moses Sumney 

• “Retold” – Nate Smith 

• “Unfinished Sympathy (feat. Shara Nelson)” – Massive Attack 

• “Sexy Boy (Vegyn Version)” – Air 

• “Adeleine” – Water From Your Eyes 

• “Boy from School” – Hot Chip 

• “Love Story” – My New Band Believe 

• “The Way I Feel Inside” – The Zombies 

• “Somewhere Good” – Tara Clerkin Trio 

• “Darkness, Darkness” – Kieran Hebden & William Tyler 

• “Silently” – Tara Clerkin Trio 

• “La Nave del Olvido” – José José 

• “Á la Mode” – Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 

• “Montagne Ste Genevieve” – Stephane Wrembel 

• “Summertime” – Rosinha De Valença 

• “California Dreamin’” – Bobby Womack 

• “I Believe To My Soul” – Farhad Mehrad 

• “Vista” – Okonski 

• “Get Me Back in the Game” – LL Burns 

• “Soul On Fire” – LaVern Baker 

• “Dub Me In Your Arms” – Hollie Cook 

• “Baltimore” – Nina Simone 

• “Ann Wants to Dance” – Papooz 

• “Dove” – Cymande 

• “Paradise Circus (feat. Hope Sandoval)” – Massive Attack 

• “Here But I’m Gone” – Curtis Mayfield 

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. 

You’ll often get quiet a zesty sonic stew when you tune in to MI Local! Part of that is due to how creative and adventurous many of the artists in our local scene are, but it’s also due to just how much music is released across the state, week-in and week-out, that inevitably a noisy indie-rock song by Jasper Dean transitioning into an EDM-driven electronica ballad by Gwendolyn Dot.

But it also means that you’ll get guests like Pinkeye, aka The Pinkeye Orchestra. This is a free-jazz inspired ensemble of 12 local musicians that formed a little more than 18 years ago, around what was then a burgeoning post-garage-rock scene of the mid-late 00’s.

Several of them started out by covering John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” with distorted guitars, frenetic drums, saxophones and more. Initially known only as Pinkeye, the band started to add more members, circling unconventional venues like The Bohemian National Home and the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit.

At the center of the Pinkeye band were three musicians who also had a knack for organizing, event-planning, or call-it-what-you-will, that was Mike Ross, Jeff Howitt, and Ray Thompson. They joined me in-studio to talk about the band’s upcoming performance at the Annex Gallery, part of 333 Midland in Highland Park, this Friday at 7 p.m., their first performance in 16 years.

During our interview, the trio talk about forming the band, and eventually crossing paths with the late John Sinclair, former manager of the MC5 and celebrated poet, musician and jazz-enthusiast. He began performing with Pinkeye in 2009-2010, and rechristened them The Pinkeye Orchestra. Catch ’em live, this Friday, playing two sets at the Annex.

My second guest was Arriana Bardoni, the singer-songwriter and guitarist who started Tears of a Martian. This has been Bardoni’s songwriting project that has attracted a revolving cast of band members over the years, but she’s also just performed live under the moniker as well, blending elements of indie-rock, R&B, and soul.

During our interview, Bardoni revealed the origin of the name, and talked developing the project and aligning with fellow talented local artists and songwriters like Carmel Liburdi and Shannon Barnes. Bardoni also treated WDET listeners to an exclusive sneak preview of her new single, “Spotless Mind,” which is officially out this Friday.

Next, Bardoni performed a live acoustic version of another new single, “Real,” which, like “Spotless Mind,” are both featured on her new release, her first full length, “light II dark,” which is out on May 8.

You can see Tears Of A Martian live this Friday night at the Outer Limits Lounge, for a release party, where you can get copies of the album on CD.

A few other notable tracks this week: new hook-heavy instrumental noise-rock from Callie Simon, a hard-driving, hard-rocking ballad from The Hourlies, and slick surf rock from Ann Arbor’s The Vicissitones.

Listen to the full episode using the media player above for up to two weeks after it airs.

This was one of my favorite call-in segments on the Groove Hotline ever! It’s all about obsession songs—not quite earworms, but instead songs you simply can’t get enough of, like some sort of musical fiend. Songs that you wake up with in your head like a jukebox from hell! 

Those picks are noted in the playlist below and include Dirtbombs, IDLES, Paul Westerberg, Buzzcocks, Bryan Ferry and so much more. I’m so grateful for your taste today! 

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 April 28, 2026

• “Underdog (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Dirtbombs

• “Beat On The Brat” – Ramones

• “I’m Scum (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – IDLES

• “World Class Fad (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Paul Westerberg

• “Why Can’t I Touch It? (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Buzzcocks

• “Mamouna (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Bryan Ferry

• “Heavy” – Momoko Gill

• “100 years of Bill & Lil” – Joe Webb

• “Like Swimwear (part two) [feat. Anna Butterss, Jay Bellerose & Josh Johnson]” – Jeff Parker & ETA IVtet

• “Ya Banat” – Kazdoura

• “Nahr El Mot نهر الموت” – Zeid Hamdan

• “Sleepwalk (Remastered 2010) (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Santo & Johnny

• “Alegría (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Elia y Elizabeth

• “Aonde Voce Vai (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Antonio Adolfo

• “Olhos de Sá” – Joutro Mundo

• “Gurbet” – Özdemir Erdoğan

• “Alemania” – Twin Shadow

• “Desert Raven” – Jonathan Wilson

• “Alone Again Or (Remastered)” – Calexico

• “Hotel California (Spanish Mix)” – Gipsy Kings

• “Southland (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – Lindsay Lou

• “You Can Bring Me Flowers” – Ray LaMontagne

• “Lavender Buds (In The Groove Obsession Songs)” – MF DOOM

• “White Light” (In The Groove Obsession Songs) – Liam Bailey

• “Time (You and I)” – Khruangbin

• “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This” – Idris Muhammad

• “Use Me (Live)” – Bill Withers

• “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” – Eddie Hazel

• “Road of the Lonely Ones” – Madlib

• “Didn’t I (Dave Allison Rework)” – Darondo

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.

It’s been a great couple of months for new music in Big Sonic Heaven and tonight we dove into those albums further. Dead Can Dance continues to release a new track every month via Bandcamp. We heard the almost 9-minute track, “Death Cult.”

We also revisited Deary, Bug Teeth, Art School Girlfriend, The Twilight Sad, Miki Berenyi Trio, Ashes and Diamonds, The Giraffe Told Me in My Dream, and A Shoreline Dream. Plus classics from Lush, Slowdive, Tones On Tail, The Cure, Cocteau Twins, and more.

Check out the playlist below and don’t forget this show is available on-demand for the next two weeks at wdet.org.

• “Glóð” – Sigur Rós
• “Light From A Dead Star” – Lush
• “Smile” – Deary
• “That Was Another Country” – The Innocence Mission
• “Life in Mono” – Mono
• “Death Cults” – Dead Can Dance
• “Blind Hearts” – Clan Of Xymox
• “Saudade” – This Love Is Deadly
• “lakes” – She’s Green
• “Birdmad Girl” – The Cure
• “Thin Circle” – Bug Teeth
• “Blue Bell Knoll” – Cocteau Twins
• “Seven” – Fever Ray
• “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” – The Smiths
• “Like Me” – MØAA
• “Down with the Upward (feat. Mark Gardner)” – A Shoreline Dream
• “Christian Says” – Tones on Tail
• “BACK TO FOURTEEN” – The Twilight Sad
• “Boyfriend” – Majesty Crush
• “Paralysed” – Ride
• “Surely I Can’t Wait” – Nation of Language
• “Stray Fantasies” – Mint Julep
• “Almost Transparent” – Art School Girlfriend
• “When The Sun Hits” – Slowdive
• “Fate” – Memoryhouse
• “Into You” – The Haunted Youth
• “In Your Room” – Depeche Mode
• “Island Of One” – Miki Berenyi Trio
• “Ruined In A Day” – New Order
• “Hollywood” – Ashes And Diamonds
• “Just Like Honey” – The Jesus & Mary Chain
• “Tonight Is Mine” – Emma Anderson
• “Nefi & Girly” – Asobi Seksu
• “Before” – The Giraffe Told Me in My Dream
• “Special One” – Ultra Vivid Scene
• “Acid, Bitter and Sad” – This Mortal Coil

There’s no doubt the Detroit Lions have scarred many of their fans, being the first team to ever go 0-16.

Heartbreaking losses that seemed to defy the rule book, like Calvin Johnson’s non-catch in Chicago. Or the picked up penalty in the playoffs vs the Cowboys.

Losing affects the players too, like Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders faxing his retirement to his hometown newspaper.

It’s not easy for anyone around that franchise, apparently. The same goes for Dearborn-raised, Brooklyn-based comedian Joel Walkowski.

In his book “Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Team Created a Winning Man” Walkowski recounts the story of his family’s personal trauma, alongside the failings of his favorite team, the Detroit Lions. It’s incredibly funny and deeply personal in a way that many can relate to.

Walkowski has been on stages across the country. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, on Comedy Central and a bunch of other places. He tells WDET’s Russ McNamara why he decided to write the book.

Joel Walkowski: It was during the [Lions coach Matt] Patricia era, and you knew that fourth quarter collapse was always coming, and knowing that the hard thing was coming kind of made it easier. And that made me think, like, ‘oh, being a Lions fan impacted me in a profound way’.

And then as part of my, like, sobriety journey, I was tasked to do goals for myself. Like, what do I really want out of life? What do I think maximizes who I am? And it was like, “Oh, if I don’t write this book, I will always regret it.” So it became my purpose, my number one goal, and like I revolved my life around writing this book.

Russ McNamara: It says a lot about the depth of a book when a historically bad franchise with its own share of tragedy isn’t the darkest stuff in it.

JW: I’ll say that there is maybe every bit of darkness that could exist is in this book, but it’s handled with lightness. And I do think the overlap is there because I started to get very serious about my sobriety, September 2021 exactly.

And I don’t know how familiar you guys are with Lions history, but things started to be done very different. So it’s Campbell-Holmes era. It’s Sheila Ford. I’m bouncing back from, like, my darkest points. So like looking at Jared [Goff] and Dan [Campbell] and Brad [Holmes], as I’m like, you know, white knuckling 90 days of sobriety and thinking, like, “Oh, is there a different way to do this?” It was so helpful.

RM: In the book, you’re very open about your experience growing up, and you specifically mentioned essentially getting addicted to speed as a child—as many people of our age did. At what point did you, even as a child, kind of realize something’s not right?

JW: I was seven years old when I was put on very high doses of Adderall. Then I get to high school and there was a high school video program. I started to want to make different videos. I wanted to have more ambitions, but I would just start taking pill after pill after pill, pulling all-nighters and really string myself out.

But along those same lines, every time I’d produce something, I got validation. I was seen for the first time. So this finding of my identity was happening while I was abusing a substance.

I didn’t become an addict because I was letting loose or partying. I became an addict alone in my room, fostering some ambition, because putting something out there was the only way I had any value, any worth, right?

RM: How much of that value and worth did you sort of get tied into with following the ins and outs of the Detroit Lions?

JW: My life revolves around Sundays, but I try and make them only value added. Regardless of a win or loss, I play basketball from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If we win, I show my girlfriends the highlights. If we lose, I turn off my phone and don’t check any football news until Tuesday.

If you get to the very ending of this book, which dovetails with, you know, a certain 17-point halftime lead, [Lions vs 49ers in 2023 NFC Championship Game] that lesson was given to me is “the win is the friends and relationships we make along the way.” And that it took me nearly 40 years to learn that.

Joel Walkowski’s book “Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Team Created a Winning Man” is out July 14, 2026 just in time for the start of Detroit Lions training camp. It is available for pre-order now.

Warm weather outside today sets the tone for a playlist built on warm sounds from James Blake, Olivia Dean, Jessie Ware, and Sade, along with Latin classics from Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and Thievery Corporation, plus a throwback from the Beastie Boys.

We also talk with Sky Jetta about her Detroit sound and the music that shapes her work, highlighting Stevie Wonder, DJ Assault, MotorKam, and DJ Holographic. She’ll be DJing at MOCAD’s reopening show on April 24. 

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 April 23, 2026 

• “I Want More” – Can 

• “Once In A Lifetime” – WITCH 

• “Never Be Another You” – Lee Fields & The Expressions 

• “Wednesday Morning Atonement” – Curtis Harding 

• “I Had a Dream She Took My Hand” – James Blake 

• “A Couple Minutes (A COLORS SHOW)” – Olivia Dean & Colors 

• “Please Forgive My Heart” – Bobby Womack 

• “..THUS IS WHY ( I DON’T SPRING 4 LOVE )” – Saya Gray 

• “It’s a Mirror” – Perfume Genius 

• “Bow (feat. Michael Kiwanuka)” – Sault 

• “Sabotage” – Beastie Boys 

• “Excursions” – A Tribe Called Quest 

• “Norfside (feat. Tierra Whack)” – Jill Scott 

• “Ain’t Got the Love (Of One Girl On My Mind)” – Ambassadors 

• “Vale a Pena” – Sessa 

• “Oye Cómo Va” – Tito Puente & Celia Cruz 

• “Yo Viviré (I Will Survive)” – Celia Cruz 

• “Begin Again (Joe Goddard Remix)” – Jessie Ware 

• “Maureen” – Sade 

• “On a Better Day I’m Dreaming (Tall Black Guy Remix)” – Colman Brothers 

• “Nautilus (Mawtilus)” – Nuyorican Soul 

• “Can’t Be Friends” – SKY JETTA 

• “Check Stub” – DJ Assault 

• “Sex Rain” – MotorKam 

• “Taurus” – DJ Holographic 

• “Para Sempre (feat. Elin Melgarejo)” – Thievery Corporation 

• “Paradise (feat. Thalma De Freitas)” – DJ Center & Sly5thAve 

• “I Love You Too Much” – Stevie Wonder 

• “Preben Goes to Acapulco” – Todd Terje 

• “Sáré Kon Kon” – Antibalas 

• “Sun Goddess” – Ramsey Lewis 

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. 

There’s something special about the way nature creates its own art and it’s even more special how creativity can live, breathe, and grow right alongside those green spaces.

Visitors will get that experience as it comes to life at Palmer Park with Art and Music in the Trees. It’ll turn the old growth woods themselves into an open air gallery. The festival is a celebration of sustainability, community, and the power of art to transform how we connect with the world around us.

Mark Loeb is the president of Integrity Shows. He joined me to talk more about the Earth Day experience that is Art and Music in the Trees at Palmer Park. The event is on Saturday, April 25.

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

We’ve got everything from orchestral renditions of Journey’s greatest hits to parties that won’t stop until the sun rises this week in Metro Detroit. The lights may come down in every other city, but here in Detroit, they’re always going up. 

Upcoming events (April 23 – 30)

Keith Harring: Subway Drawings 

Elaine L. Jacob Gallery

April 17 – August 15

Free

Put on your most elegant pair of painter’s jeans and get ready to take a dive into the world of artistic vandalism. From April to August, the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University will be hosting an exhibition composed of 25 subway drawings created by Keith Harring between 1980 and 1985. “Art is for everyone,” so be sure to take this opportunity to see one of America’s most prolific artists. The gallery is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the hours shift to 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays. 

Undergrad Art Exhibition 

Wayne State Art Department Gallery

April 24 – May 8

Free

Break out the strolling shoes, practice your hand-behind-the-back smolder and embrace your inner art critic. Over the course of the next three weeks, Wayne State University will be holding its 2026 undergraduate exhibition showcasing fine arts, art history and design. This collection is an emphasis on the student’s ability to go beyond the confines of what we see as contemporary art. The opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the gallery being open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Open Studio/ Gallery at Wayne State 

480 W Hancock St, Detroit

April 24

$7 – 10

But if that’s just not enough art for you, if you’re a real division 1 yearner and you’re looking for something more to sink your creative canines into, this Friday, the Wayne State University Graduate Artist Coalition is hosting an open studio and gallery event coinciding with the opening reception of the undergraduate exhibition. In addition to the ceramics, industrial design and paintings, there will also be live music as well as refreshments. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

12 Hour Party 

Marble Bar & Lincoln Factory

April 24

$50

Caffeine and ample water consumption are going to become your most trusted compatriots this weekend as you fight the urge to pass out with your tenacity to groove. This Friday, Marble Bar is teaming up with Lincoln Factory to bring you a 12-hour set consisting of 4 different stages across both venues. Stages will be both indoors and outdoors, with performances from DOME SURVEY, Ayesha, Matthew Dear, Bruno Schmidt and more. The event is set to begin at 9 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. And don’t forget the five-hour energy. 

Specter 

TBA

April 25

$29+

Normally, I’d say something along the lines of, “house and acid are commencing a takeover this weekend,” but take over where? The location hasn’t even been disclosed yet… I suppose this week’s motto should be “eh, take a chance.” At least you know which horses you’ll be betting on. This Saturday, Chicago native Specter is headlining the Sleep Olympics booth with Sugar, Shigeto, Meftah and 2000 Avalon on deck. The event will begin at 10 p.m. and it will go until 7 a.m. Boy, we are just screwing with your sleep schedule, aren’t we?  

Cuffing SZN 

Big Pink

April 25

$23

The neon beacons and the beckons of R&B are calling you home this weekend, to your true home, with all of us wonderful degenerates in tow. Pull through to Big Pink this Saturday to immerse yourself in 2000s throwbacks and bumping dance rhythms. DJ Selfie, Completd and Chuck Inglish are spinning tracks to get you making questionable decisions until the wee hours of the night, but you know what Austin Butler’s mother always used to say, “embarrassment is an underexplored emotion, get out there and make a fool of yourself.” This event is set to begin at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

Oakland University Film Showcase 

Dodge Hall

April 26

Free

But, if stationary art and house shows dont pique your interest, perhaps you’ll feel better suited supporting local filmmakers at Oakland University’s 2026 film showcase. The English, creative writing and film departments have united to bring you a night filled with narrative, experimental and documentary short films. So, make the trek out to Rochester and don’t forget the popcorn. And don’t worry, this event starts at 3 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. for you “normal sleep pattern” people. 

The Music of Journey 

Orchestra Hall

April 24-26

$21+

If it wasn’t the music itself and it was simply that it didn’t have enough elegance whilst also reminding you of your father who grew up in the 80s, you’re in for a treat pal. This weekend the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is hosting an orchestral tribute to one of rock’s most notorious bands: Journey. The beauty of this performance is set to make sure you’re the one who’s crying now. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday performance as well.  

Jay Electronica 

The Crofoot Festival Grounds

April 25

$23+

Or, if you just felt there wasn’t enough grit in your meal this week, New Orleans native Jay Electronica is slated to perform alongside Detroit heavy hitter Boldy James this Saturday in Pontiac and you’re not going to want to miss this. These two emcees are making history this weekend, and I don’t need to give you Exhibit A through C to show you that it’d be pitiful of you to skip out. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m.