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A new collaboration between the Detroit and Windsor public libraries is shining a light on local creatives of all ages and backgrounds.

Libraries were once buzzing community spaces for families and book lovers. But the rise of audiobooks and online book sales has shifted how people use them, leaving libraries in Windsor and Detroit looking for new ways to engage.

The two cities share a rich, intertwined history dating back to the mid-1800s, and their library services have evolved over time. One recent initiative is Pagination, a literary arts zine from the Windsor Public Library that features flash fiction, poetry, collage art, and more from creators in both Windsor and Detroit.

Now, the two library systems have partnered to publish a free print and digital magazine celebrating the voices of local artists across the border. Joining The Metro to talk about the project are Pagination editor David Konstanino of the Windsor Public Library and Jennifer Nobles, lead librarian at the Detroit Public Library.

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Tourism between the U.S. and Canada has taken a hit amid trade disputes between the two countries. U.S. travel to Canada in May declined 8% when compared to the same time last year, according to Statistics Canada, while Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped 38%. 

To help change that, the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel has launched a new campaign in partnership with the University of Windsor to promote tourism in the city.

Organizers say the “40-40 Campaign,” running now through July 31, is a nod to 40 local Windsor restaurants and the nearly 40% more value per dollar Americans capture when spending their money in Canada.

Windsor-Detroit Tunnel CEO Tal Czudner and Olivia Sylvester, 40-40 project lead and a business school student at the University of Windsor, joined The Metro to share more about the campaign.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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A new jazz festival is coming to Windsor this holiday weekend.

The inaugural Electric Avenue International Jazz Festival will take over the WindsorEats Food Hall on Erie Street in Via Italia July 4-5. The free event will infuse the city’s food and art scenes to create a cross-border celebration of blues, soul, and of course, jazz.

Russ Macklem, a Detroit/Windsor-based trumpet player, composer, educator and artistic director for the Electric Avenue International Jazz Festival, joined The Metro to share more about the two-day event.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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Longtime musician and event promoter Hugh Leal has been curating jazz events in the Windsor area since 1976.

Thanks to his efforts, established jazz artists from Detroit, New York, Chicago and beyond came to Windsor to perform, including some of the last surviving jazz musicians of the 1920s and ’30s.

Leal has continued to promote jazz performances in Windsor over the years, going on to help launch the nonprofit Windsor Jazz Concert Series — the latest in a string of jazz concert series that have taken on various names — now considered the longest-running jazz concert series in Canadian history.

He joined The Metro on Tuesday (Canada Day!) to talk about his extensive efforts to bring live jazz music to Windsor, and to discuss the upcoming Port Windsor Jazz & Arts Festival in Sandwich Town this Sunday.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

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