Official Blog of the University of Michigan Detroit Center

(Detroit Destinations recommendations are purely those of the individual and are not an endorsement from the University of Michigan or U-M Detroit Center)

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Detroit Destinations: Detroit’s Vault of Midnight

Have you recently seen a comic book movie and want more information on your favorite big-screen superheroes? Then head down to Vault of Midnight this weekend and pick up some of the best comic books in the world.

 Founded in 1996 in Ann Arbor, the recently opened Detroit Vault of Midnight is a home grown comic book shop in which comic book fans can have a welcoming place to not only purchase, but converse about any and everything involving comic books. From DC to Marvel to Vertigo, if there is a comic book character you love, they will have multiple sources for you to read. The store is also well known as one of the best comic book stores in the nation as they are the recipients of the 2010 Eisner Award for “Spirit of Comics”.

 If you want to know more about the backstory of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, you can read Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. And if you are a Marvel movie fan and want something to read involving Civil War, Black Panther or the upcoming Doctor Strange, all of this is available for you at one of the greatest comic book stores in Michigan at Vault of Midnight.

 Location

1226 Library St

Detroit, MI 48226

 Price

Pricing varies on purchasing desire. For more information, visit the official Vault of Midnight website or call 313.481.2165.

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Detroit Destinations: Trevor Noah Live at the Opera House

Are you a fan of political comedy and love The Daily Show? Then you are in luck this weekend, as The Daily Show host Trevor Noah comes to the Detroit Opera House as a part of his “Lost in Translation” tour.

 Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Noah got his start at 18 on the South African soap opera, Isidingo. After multiple ventures including his own radio show and hosting awards shows, he moved onto comedy and became the opening act for both Gabriel Iglesias and Russell Peters. After earning international fame, he moved to the United State where he became the first South African comedian to appear on both The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman. This then lead to him becoming a contributor and writer on The Daily Show with John Stewart and, ultimately, the successor of Stewart in September of 2015.

 His comedy mostly focuses on today’s political climate not only as an American, but as a foreigner in America. He also uses influences and real life experiences as a South African to draw comparisons to today’s world and the situations we go through every day.

 Noah is hailed as one the best young comedians in the business today. If you are a fan of intelligent comedy, while also having a good time, then this is the show for you.

 Time

Saturday, June 11,2016 at 8:00p.m.

Place

Detroit Opera House

1526 Broadway St

Detroit, MI 48226

 Price

Price varies by seating desire. For more information, please visit the official Trevor Noah website or call the Detroit Opera House at 877.606.9222.

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Detroit Destinations: Big Food at Small Plates

By Gerrard Rayford

U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Are you looking for a great bite to eat while enjoying the summer weekend? Then head downtown and enjoy a great meal at Small Plates Detroit.

 Being in the Motor City for over a decade, Small Plates hails itself as being equivalent to Greece’s Mezze and Spain’s Tapas as a restaurant that offers an assortment of appetizers with a particular type of cuisine. Small Plates serves American cuisine with a high-end appeal, while still maintaining an exquisite feel to not only the restaurant but also its meals.

 This level of dining excellence has led to Small Plates winning multiple culinary awards, such as “Best of Detroit” from Hour Magazine and “Best of the Year” from Bon Appetit Magazine. Some of their best dishes include their Beef Bruschetta; a delicious cut of beef tenderloin covered in white cheddar and caramelized onions, the Duck Confit & Brie Detroit Style Pizza, and the Lotus Flower Tuna with seared crusted tuna, a mango and jalapeno salsa blend and fried wonton flowers.

 This restaurant should be on any food lover’s bucket list, as its great cuisine, outstanding atmosphere and location make it a prime destination for anyone new or native to Detroit. So what are you waiting for? Small Plates is waiting for you.

 Time

Monday – Thursday: 11:30a.m. – 10p.m.

Friday: 11:30a.m. – 12a.m.

Saturday: 12p.m. – 12a.m.

 Place

1521 Broadway

Detroit, MI 48226

 Price

Price varies on ordering desire. For more information, visit the official Small Plates website or call 313.963.0702

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Detroit Destinations: MS MR and Bloc Party Live at the Majestic

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Are you looking for a great concert to kick off your Memorial Day Weekend? Then make your way down to the Majestic Theatre to see Bloc Party and MS MR perform live.

 Hailing from London, England, Bloc Party is an indie rock band that while rooted in rock and roll, uses elements of electronica and house music. The band was formed in 1999 by lead singer Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack, and got their break in 2003 after having Franz Ferdinand’s lead singer Alex Kapranos hear their first demo She’s Hearing Voices. The band went on to release their critically acclaimed debut album Silent Alarm, which was named the 2006 Indie Album of the Year at the PLUG Awards. After numerous number one albums and a short hiatus, the band has returned to release their fifth album, Hymns.

 Coming onto the music scene in 2011 with the demo EP Ghost City USA, MS MR got their big break with the single Hurricane, which lead to their debut album Secondhand Rapture and last year’s record, How Does It Feel. Both albums received great reviews, as their sound has been compared to Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey and Kavinsky.

 If you are a lover of indie music and want a great concert to go to on this jam-packed Memorial Day weekend in Detroit, then this is a cant-miss concert.

 Time

 Friday, May 27, 2016 at 7p.m.

  Location

Majestic Theater

4120 Woodward Ave

Detroit, MI 48201

  Price

Tickets are $26.50 in advance and $30 day of concert. For more information, visit the Majestic Theatre’s official webpage for Bloc Party and MS MR concert or call 313.833.9700.

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Detroit Destinations: The Beatles Magical History Tour Exhibition

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Did you grow up a Beatles fan? Or did you become one because of your parents? Either way, come down this weekend to the Henry Ford Museum to see the iconic story of one of the biggest rock bands of all time with the U.S. premiere of The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Memorabilia Exhibition.

 Known as the most influential act of the rock era, the Beatles formed in 1960 and became best known for group members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. While originally influenced by skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles became iconic not only for their experimentation with different styles, like pop and psychedelic music, but their later songwriting complemented the counterculture in the 1960s. This rise to fame led to the famous “British Invasion”, which internationalized rock and roll and bridged the musical gap between the U.S. and the U.K.  Prior to their breakup, the band released some of the most influential albums of all time, such as Revolver, The White Album, and Abbey Road.

 After their breakup, the Beatles are still hailed as the best-selling artists in the United States, as well as the record holder for number-one albums and sold singles in the UK. In addition, the group received ten Grammy Awards, fifteen Ivor Novello Awards and is known as the best-selling band in history with 600 million records sold.

 The Magical History Tour Exhibition will include original instruments, equipment, the official “break-up” letter, original Quarrymen drum kit and the album signed by John Lennon to his eventual killer before his death.  If you are a longtime fan or you are just learning about the Beatles, then this is an exhibition no Beatles fan or music lover should miss.

  Date

 Now through September 18, 2016

  Location

The Henry Ford Museum

20900 Oakman Boulevard

Dearborn, MI 48124-5029

  Pricing

Free for Henry Ford Museum members, prices vary for non-members. For more information, visit the official Henry Ford Museum webpage for the Magical History Tour or call 313.982.6001

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Detroit Destinations: Red Bull’s Hart Lines

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Is fun and excitement for this weekend what you are searching for? Then come down to Hart Plaza to see some of the world’s greatest skateboarders compete in the 2016 Red Bull Hart Lines competition.

Originally started as an Austrian beverage company in 1984, Red Bull has gone from being an energy drink company to a worldwide entertainment conglomerate. The company has multiple sponsors in extreme sporting events such as cliff diving, BMX and skateboarding. The company also hosts different competitions such as disc jockey, breakdancing and much more.

The Red Bull Hart Lines event comes from the mind of legendary skateboarder Ryan Sheckler. The object of the competition is to have a skater take up one lane and try to score as many points as possible in a high octane, start-to-finish contest. While not a native of Detroit, Sheckler has been quoted saying, “Detroit is an amazing city with a rich history and skateboarding has a passion that I want to use to impact the Midwest and the skating community”.

 This years competition will include Sheckler, X Games finalist Felipe Gustavo, Joey “Manual King” Brezinski, 2011 X Games gold medal winner Ryan Decenzo, and many more. If you are looking for a great time with one of the best street sports in the world, then this is something for skaters and skating advocates to see.

  Time

 Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 1p.m.

 Sunday, May 15,2016 at 1.p.m.

 Location

Hart Plaza

1 Hart Plaza

Detroit, MI 48226

Price

Admission is free. For more information, visit the official Red Bull 2016 Hart Lines webpage.

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Detroit Destinations: Alton Brown Live at The Fox Theatre

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Are you looking for a great show this Mother’s Day Weekend? Then make your way down to the Fox Theatre as award winning author, chef and scientist Alton Brown comes to Detroit as apart of his  “Eat Your Science” tour.

 Born in Los Angeles, California, Brown got his start as a cinematographer for music videos, one in particular being “The One I Love” by R.E.M. His career in cooking shows started with his distain for the quality of American cooking shows. So after attending the New England Culinary Institute, he decided to focus on the subject of science to understand the various processes and systems of cooking. This lead him to creating Good Eats, which first aired in July 1998 on PBS and was picked up the following year by the Food Network.

 Along with the show airing for 14 seasons, he also appeared as the play-by-play announcer and host for Iron Chef America, The Next Iron Chef and Cutthroat Kitchen. He has received a Peabody Award for his work on Good Eats, along with a James Beard award for his book, “I’m Just Here for the Food”.

 His Fox Theatre show will consist of the same level of comedy you see in his television shows, along with a talk show like feel, presentations and music. The show will feature more out-of-the-box experiments along with making the show interactive by having a member of the audience serve as his assistant.

 If you are searching for a good time, then this is the perfect way to kickoff your Mother’s Day Weekend in an event that is must see for all Alton Brown fans.

 Time

 Friday, May 6, 2016 at 8:00p.m.

Place

Fox Theatre

2211 Woodward Avenue

Detroit, MI 48201

 Price

Ticket pricing varies by seating desire. For more information, visit the Ticketmaster’s official website for Alton Brown; or, visit the official website for Alton Brown.

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Detroit Destinations: Art in the D (April 29-May 1, 2016)

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Enjoy two great art exhibits this Friday, April 29 as the Wasserman Projects and the Red Bull House of Art present two great exhibits with Esther Shalev-Gerz’s Space Between Time and the Red Bull House of Art Residency 1 Exhibition.

Wasserman Project’s presentation of Esther Shalev - Gerz’s Space Between Time features eight of the major artworks by Shalev–Gerz, and the debut of two new works that have never been displayed. Originally from Paris, she is known for her artistic investigation of history and cultural identity through unexpurgated expression, whether it is through photography, video, sound or public sculpture.

Red Bull’s House of Art Residency 1 Exhibition features the first selection of national curated artists at the House of Art, and features the work of the artists in their three-month artist residency. The artists featured in this exhibition are: Katy Ann Gilmore, an artist that highlights two-dimensional girds and how it can be manipulated into a three-dimensional space, Carl Rauschenbach, whose art is influenced by skate and graffiti culture, and Scott Vincent Campbell, who examines personal experiences and the way it shapes their interaction with other individuals and society at large.

Both of these events highlight great art styles, so if you are an art enthusiast and love networking with others in an up-tempo setting, then these two events are absolute musts to kick off your weekend.

Time Esther Shalev - Gerz’s Space Between  //  Friday, April 29, 2016, from 6-10p.m. Red Bull House of Art Exhibition  //  Friday, April 29, 2016, from 7-10p.m.

Location Wasserman Projects Red Bull House of Art 3434 Russell Street 1551 Winder St Detroit, MI 48207 Detroit, MI 48207

Price Both events are free of charge. For more information, visit the Wasserman Projects page and the Red Bull House of Art’s official page.

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Detroit Destinations: Friends of Prints, Drawings and Photographs Exhibition (April 22-24, 2016)

By Gerrard Rayford Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

Are you looking for something fun and interesting to do this weekend? Then visit the Detroit Institute of Arts as they host the “Fifty Years of Collecting: DIA’s Friends of Prints, Drawings and Photographs” Anniversary Exhibition.

The Friends of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (FPDP) is dedicated to supporting the work of the Detroit Institute of Arts Print’s, Drawings, and Photographs department in the museum. The department also organizes openings, previews, lectures, customized gallery tours, and much more at the DIA.

This year’s featured work includes Berenice Abbott’s New York at Night, Robert Frank’s Belle Isle Detroit, Helen Frankenthaler’s Tales of the Genji III and many more. It will also be the final exhibition organized by DIA curator of prints and drawings, Nancy Sojka.

Don’t miss this truly unique experience at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Time: Friday, April 22, 2016 Saturday, April 23, 2016 Sunday, April 24, 2016

Place: Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) 5200 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202

Price: Event is free of charge. For more information, visit DIA.org or call [phone].

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Nonprofit campaign to make Detroit the Little Free Library Capital of the World. Part of Detroit's come back, we're inspiring and installing 313 libraries in a year.

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Detroit Destinations: Detroit Tigers Opening Weekend (April 8-10, 2016)

by Gerrard Rayford - U-M Detroit Center Intern Are you ready for some Baseball? Kick baseball season off right this weekend by visiting Comerica Park and seeing your Detroit Tigers take on the New York Yankees in the first weekend series of the 2016 season.

Coming off a sour ending to last season, the Detroit Tigers look to bounce back in their division and the American League. Returning stars Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera look to re-establish their dominance as MVP candidates, while fellow Tigers Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler look to back them up with strong hitting.

The Tigers begin the new season against the New York Yankees, and are joined by a cast of new players, including Opening Day pitcher Jordan Zimmerman, Justin Upton and closer Francisco Rodriguez.

A timeless tradition across Detroit, Opening Day weekend is fantastic to experience, so why not do it in person?

Time Friday, April 8, 2016 at 1:10p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 1:10p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 8:10p.m.

Place Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201

Price Tickets vary on seating desire and date. For more information, visit the Detroit Tigers official ticket website or call 866-66-TIGER.

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DETROIT DESTINATIONS: The Sleeping Beauty, Backseat Tours of Detroit (April 1-3, 2016)

Are you looking for a great time in Detroit this weekend? Then come down to the Michigan Opera Theatre to see the retelling of Tchaikovsky’s classic play, The Sleeping Beauty.

Premiering at St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre in 1890, the story of Sleeping Beauty is one of the most well known fairy tales. It has been adapted from its original story by the Brothers Grimm into various plays, television shows and movies, most notably as the Disney animated film.

This adaptation will take on the original story with over 80 performers, a rotating cast and the great musical ensemble from the Michigan Opera Orchestra. If you want to see a great performance, then don’t sleep on this great stage production.

Time Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 7:30p.m. Friday, April 1, 2016 at 7:30p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 2:30p.m.

Place Michigan Opera House 1526 Broadway St. Detroit, MI 48226

Price Ticket pricing varies on seating location and date. For more information, visit the official Michigan Opera House site for Sleeping Beauty or call (313) 237–7464.

Take a personalized tour of Detroit in your own vehicle. BackSeat Detroit tours are catered to your interest and needs. Lead by Joseph C. Krause, the concept is simple: “You drive your own vehicle, and I hop in and guide you through The Motor City.” Joseph is entertaining and knowledgeable of the 300+ year old city originally known as “City on the Strait.”

Tours are 2-3 hours and can: 313-731-2727 or email [email protected]

Location: Urban Bean Co 200 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48226

Prices: $60 per hour with a $20 discount at the third hour

Website: backseatdetroit.com

This week’s Detroit Destinations recommendations come from U-M Detroit Center interns Gerrard Rayford and Olea Hokes. All recommendations are purely those of the individual and are not an endorsement from the University of Michigan or U-M Detroit Center.

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Learn More: http://myumi.ch/6xBOd

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Detroit Destinations: Laughter and Dance in the D (March 18-20, 2016)

Frank Caliendo at The Filmore

Are you looking for a good laugh while hearing some of the craziest voices? Then you are in for a treat as Frank Caliendo comes to the Fillmore this weekend.Born in Chicago, Illinois, Caliendo began his stand-up comedy career after graduating from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Known for his spot on impressions of entertainment and hollywood stars, he made his television debut on the sketch comedy show Hype, which later lead to him being on the main cast of MADtv. 

Currently, he is known for his involvement with NFL on Fox and ESPN, as he has done numerous impressions of various sports figures, such as Mel Kiper, Jon Gruden and Stephen A. Smith. He is also became a staple of ESPN’s Mike and Mike In The Morning, which is in infamous for his reading of Lebron James’s letter to Cleveland as Morgan Freeman.If you love his appearances on ESPN, NFL on Fox, and more, then you have to check out his live show.

Location: The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48201

Time: Friday, March 18, 2016 at 7:00p.m.

Price: Ticket pricing varies by seating desire. For more information, visit the Ticketmaster website for Frank Caliendo or call [phone].

Come celebrate the history of dance through art at the DIA.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) presents “Dance: American Art 1830-1960”

With more than 90 paintings, sculptures, photographs and costumes, the exhibition celebrates the world dance in American culture. Experience sacred dances of indigenous North Americans to Irish jigs, and Spanish Flamencos.

The experience begins with some of the greatest 19th century American artists such as John Singer, Sargent, Winslow Homer and Mary Cassatt. Harlem Renaissance artists Aaron Douglas, William Johnson and James VanDerZee help shape the world of modern dance.

Date: March 20 - June 12, 2016 Location: Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202 Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Friday   9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Free general museum for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties, Free children 5 and under, Ages 6 – 17 $6, Adults $12, Seniors $8 and College students $7 with ID

Detroit Destinations is compiled of contributions from Detroit Center interns Olea Hokes and Gerrard Rayford.

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Detroit Destinations: Broadway, Rock and Art - March 4-6, 2016

By Gerrard Rayford U-M Detroit Center Public Allies Intern

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Are you looking for a Broadway musical with a rock n’ roll flavor? Then visit the Fox Theatre this weekend and enjoy A Night With Janis Joplin.

Based on the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer known as “The Queen of Psychedelic Soul,” A Night With Janis Joplin celebrates the life of the singer, while highlighting some of her biggest musical influences.

The musical features Mary Bridget Davies in the starring role, who was asked to sit in with Joplin’s original band, Big Brother & The Holding Company. Davies received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role when the musical debuted in 2013.

Don’t miss this great mashup of Broadway and rock in the Motor City.

Time: Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 8p.m.

Location: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

Price: Ticket pricing varies by seating desire. For more information, visit the Fox Theatre’s official website for A Night With Janis Joplin or call 1 [phone].

By Olea Hokes U-M Detroit Center Communications Intern

Visit Midtown Detroit as the Charles H. Wright Museum welcomes the exhibition “Collect: The Power of Knowing.” Featuring exquisite artwork from Africa, this collection comes to the Wright Museum from a multitude of contributors. Artists for this exhibition include Charles McGee, Samuel Hodge and Ken Myree.

These collections are on display now - March 27.

Location: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48202

Admission: Children ages 3-12 - $5, Adults - $8, Seniors+ - $5  

More Info: http://thewright.org/index.php/explore/exhibitions/current-exhibitions?id=697

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