Huge Redevelopment News In Detroit Announced!

Photo: DEGC

Yesterday the City of Detroit announced the $52.4M investment to develop the Paradise Valley district surrounding Harmonie Park.

The teams include Hiram Jackson and his Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings II LLC, Dennis Archer Jr., architect Rainy Hamilton, gallery owner George N'Namdi, Patricia Cole and Roger Basmajian of 311 E. Grand River LLC, and Ismail Houmani.

Developments:
  • Developing the Harmonie Club Hotel at 311 E. Grand River, where the Carr Center currently stands. This will be a boutique hotel that should be done in 2018
  • Building Hastings Place at 1468, 1480, & 1496 Randolph St. (where there’s currently a parking lot) that will include residential, parking, and retail. 17% will be designated for affordable housing
  • Expanding Hamilton Anderson Associates offices and opening the Paradise Valley Jazz Club at 1435 Randolph St
  • Developing 1407 and 1427 Randolph Street into a mixed-use development with restaurants (the "gateway from Gratiot" as Archer said in the press conference)
  • Additional residential space over La Casa de la Habana cigar shop at 1502 Randolph St.
Click HERE For More Information! 
Yoga At The Zoo! Returns July 9, 2016

Yoga At The Zoo! returns for another great morning of yoga, music and fun. From beginner to expert, Yoga At The Zoo! is for anyone who enjoys yoga or wants to try it.

Afterwards you can enjoy the Detroit Zoo at your leisure.

This is your chance to participate in one of the largest yoga events in Michigan.

More than 900 yoga enthusiasts attended last year! Join the fun and bring your family and friends to Yoga At The Zoo! 

Event Details 
Date: Saturday, July 9, 2016
Check In Time: 6:30am - 7:45am
Yoga Start Time: 8am

Location:
The Detroit Zoo
8450 West 10 Mile
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Click HERE To Reserve Your Spot! 



Partners Disagree on Where to Buy Loft in Detroit

A couple looks to purchase their first loft together in Detroit, but they can't agree on the location. One wants to be a part of the rebirth of the city and buy a loft with historic charm; the other would prefer to be in an already established, walkable neighborhood outside the city. Will they be able to come to a compromise and find the perfect home for both of them?

THURSDAY
Jun 30
10pm | 9c

From the Loft Warehouse:

Everyone knows the HGTV hit series, "HouseHunters", and many people know that The Loft Warehouse is the leading loft condo experts in Detroit - but did you know that we teamed up to bring you the season premier episode, airing on June 30th, at 10 pm EST, featuring the Coolest Lofts in Detroit !

This special episode showcases some of The Loft Warehouse's most coveted listings, and follows TLW President, Jerome Huez, as he introduces to his clients, a young couple from out of state, three distinct Detroit loft developments.

Watch the show to learn insider tips about the pro's ( and cons) of each location, and to see the difficult choices this couple face when deciding which loft to buy. And, let's celebrate the fact that Detroit real estate is enjoying some very positive attention in the national media, thanks to HGTV, and The Loft Warehouse.

If you miss the show when it airs, you can download and watch it here: http://goo.gl/usXrLj





Today, the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) announced that it will offer free general admission on July 2 and 3, in honor of veterans, first responders and in recognition of the overwhelming response to their July 4th Ford Fun Free Day, which received 5,000 pre-registrations within 24 hours. Thanks to the generous support, totaling $30,000, from the sponsors listed below, MiSci is able to extend free admission for the entire holiday weekend and provide hands-on, interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiences to individuals who may not have access otherwise.

Saturday, July 2, 2016, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 3, 2016, noon – 6 p.m.

To take advantage of MiSci’s free general admission on July 2 and 3, patrons should pre-register for tickets at https://mi-sci.secure.force.com/ticket/.  Additionally, tickets will be available for purchase for MiSci’s newest exhibit Bug Quest and the Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure film in the IMAX® Dome Theater.  

Weekend Programing: The following educational activities will be available for visitors this weekend.

·       Kaboomistry: Learn about the relationship between pressure, temperature, and fuel to explain why things go KA-BOOM! MiSci will mix physics and chemistry to get loud, flashy effects.
·       Put it to the Test: Under Pressure: MiSci will put pressure to the test with experiments that you can try at home.
·       Adventures on the Science Seas: This show is for MiSci’s younger audiences and introduces the idea of simple machines.



Hatch Detroit is pleased to announce the 2015 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest winner, Live Cycle Delight, will open its new cycle studio this fall located at 8019 Agnes St. in Detroit’s West Village. Live Cycle Delight will be the fourth contest alumni to locate in the West Village area and the first contemporary indoor cycling studio in Detroit.

“Live Cycle Delight will be the contest’s 15th business to establish a brick and mortar location in metro Detroit,” said Vittoria Katanski, executive director, Hatch Detroit. “From bakers to brewers to a kayak rental company, and now the first cycling studio in Detroit, this contest brings together a unique group of business entrepreneurs who will continue to make Detroit’s independent retail standout.”

Live Cycle Delight will offer three types of indoor cycling classes ranging from 30- to 90-minute sessions with varying intensity levels. TRX conditioning classes will be scheduled daily between cycling classes to complement the cardio-intensive cycling. These conditioning classes target the body’s core strength and flexibility to improve balance and reduce injury risk during bike rides. Additionally, the company encourages outdoor bike rides by offering meet-up rides as an introduction to outdoor cycling safety, promoting cycling hubs throughout Detroit and continuing to expose Detroit as a bike friendly community.

Live Cycle Delight will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and plans to offer monthly memberships as well as student and corporate packages. For those thinking about testing the pedals, single spin classes and TRX Drop-in Delight classes will be offered as well.

The company will also feature a state-of-the-art Bike Lounge encouraging outdoor riders to make Live Cycle Delight a start, stop or in-between ride destination. The Bike Lounge will have a tire pump station, lockers, Wi-Fi and water provided free for all members and class participants. Part of Live Cycle Delight’s Bike Lounge, will be a hydrate station filled with cold-pressed juices and healthy snacks available for purchase.

Visionary entrepreneurs looking to follow the tracks of Live Cycle Delight have until July 15 to submit applications for the 2016 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, presented by Opportunity Detroit, for a chance to win $50,000 from Comerica Bank, and more than $200,000 in pro bono services including a $25,000 branding and design package from GTB (formally Team Detroit), a 30-second social media advertisement from MCCI, legal services from Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn and a package of accounting, IT, public relations support, and counsel from Hatch Detroit and its partners.

As presenting sponsor, Opportunity Detroit will host the Top 10 Announcement Party and the Hatch Off event to declare the 2016 contest winner determined by public vote and a live pitch to a panel of judges on Aug. 26.

Applicants looking to perfect their application before submitting to the contest are encouraged to register for one of the two remaining business planning workshops on June 29 or July 7 by visiting http://hatchdetroit.com/submission-workshops/. Complete submission guidelines and contest rules are available on www.HatchDetroit.com.

“When the top 10 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest semi-finalists are announced they instantly become part of the Hatch Detroit family,” said Katanski. “For many of the top 10, the contest is their introduction to the public and is a great way for them to gain visibility, public support and support of other potential investors.”

The contest has garnered 1,400 business submissions with a combined 300,000 public votes that helped crown Hugh, La Feria, Batch Brewing Company, Sister Pie and Live Cycle Delight as contest winners, and assisted 14 other business storefronts in the cities of Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck since 2011.

Comerica more than doubled its commitment for the 2016 contest, investing an additional $50,000 to help launch even more small business successes in Detroit and contributing $25,000 to the Michigan Women’s Foundation to establish a micro-enterprise loan fund offered exclusively to Hatch Alumni to help them meet short-term funding challenges.







DTE Energy's planned park (Photo: Detroit Free Press)



Click HERE For More Details! 
Photographer: Mike Gilger

In 3 days and 10 cars (and a few boats and bathing suits), 30 friends cover 1,100 Michigan miles in a new take on classic road rallies.

Michigan-born friends Ben Bator and Matt Ferrel grew up taking a certain sort of vacation. “You take 75 north to your exit, go to your cottage and then you don’t leave that area. You just get to your destination and stay,” Ben says. Growing up, it was a great trip. But not really a great take-in-the-scenery road trip.

Not like the Mille Miglia (that’s 1,000 miles in Italian). The epic road rally began in 1927, when bored Count Aymo Maggi invited a few Porsche- and Ferrari-driving associates to race him over 1,000 miles of Italian countryside. The tradition continues today in a noncompetitive fashion—vintage Italian touring cars required.

Ben says, “We thought, What if we could do that in a way that catered to our friends who didn’t necessarily have three vintage Porsches, but had the same interests?” In 2012, he and Matt planned their first 1,000-ish-mile Michigan-crossing Mille Mitten, hitting public high points (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore swims, Mackinac Bridge crossings) as well as homes and hideaways. They invited 25 friends to join them (based on personality, not vehicle), and the Mille Mitten was born.

You don’t have to wait for Ben and Matt to invite you to their (nonracing) road rally to experience a Mille. Follow their adventures at millemitten.com, or design your own using their insight. Ready to rally?

Click HERE For The Full Article! 


Photo: Kevin O'Connor 

"This Old House" will head to Detroit for the first time to help a retired firefighter and his family renovate their home in the Russell Woods neighborhood in the northwest area of the city.

The renovation project in Detroit will span 10 episodes that are scheduled to air in March. The Public Broadcasting Service television show has plans to renovate additional homes in Detroit, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.

"There are some amazing housing stories in Detroit," John Tomlin, senior producer for "This Old House," told Crain's Detroit Business. "We heard beautiful stories of people working hard to improve their homes and we wanted to ... be a part of telling the story."

Tomlin said the producers of This Old House chose the Detroit project because they liked the family and "the house had some potential."

"We went through a lot of abandoned houses doing our research," he said. "A lot of them are borderline. You're not sure that the homeowners can finish it."

The two-story brick home was built in 1939 and was owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority. The family recently purchased the home at auction and is required to rehabilitate the property and live in the house under the terms of the authority's auction program.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 




Corktown STRUT is Detroit's music, art and food festival over 4th of July weekend, July 1-3, 2016

Click HERE For Tickets and More Information!

Music Line-Up





If you rent a bike from Citi Bike in New York this week (and look carefully) you might notice something new: some of the bikes are now made in Detroit. The company that manages the bike-share program—along with many of the other major bike-share networks in the country—has decided to start manufacturing bicycles in the U.S.

In part, that's because bike share is growing quickly, and Motivate, the company that runs the programs, wanted to be able to respond equally quickly with production. As recently as two years ago, bike share was struggling; Motivate, then known as Alta, was on the verge of bankruptcy, and it wasn't clear if fledgling bike-share fleets would all survive. Executives from Equinox and Related took over the company, renamed it, and turned things around.

If you rent a bike from Citi Bike in New York this week (and look carefully) you might notice something new: some of the bikes are now made in Detroit. The company that manages the bike-share program—along with many of the other major bike-share networks in the country—has decided to start manufacturing bicycles in the U.S.

In part, that's because bike share is growing quickly, and Motivate, the company that runs the programs, wanted to be able to respond equally quickly with production. As recently as two years ago, bike share was struggling; Motivate, then known as Alta, was on the verge of bankruptcy, and it wasn't clear if fledgling bike-share fleets would all survive. Executives from Equinox and Related took over the company, renamed it, and turned things around.

In New York City, Citi Bike will double in size by 2017. In the San Francisco Bay Area, bike share is growing 10-fold. D.C. is adding 50 new bike-share stations. Chicago's program has grown 60% this year. Smaller cities, such as Columbus, Ohio, are adding bike-share systems. The list goes on.

As cities expand their fleets, Motivate decided to revamp production. "We were looking for tighter quality control," says Jay Walder, the company's new CEO, who previously ran city transit systems in both New York and Hong Kong. "It's a heck of a lot easier to visit a vendor in Detroit than it is to visit a vendor in China. It actually saves us costs in doing it."

Detroit-made bicycles can also be made and delivered more quickly. Motivate is partnering with Detroit Bikes—currently the only large-scale bike manufacturer located in the U.S.—which set up a new production line just to handle bike-share bikes.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 




The White House is partnering with the New Economy Initiative to host “The Detroit Story,” a side event highlighting Detroit’s business environment at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Palo Alto, California.

“It is time to tell the Detroit story, to put Detroit back on the global map, and to encourage innovators from around the world to come join the entrepreneurial movement in Detroit led by Detroiters,” said Julie Egan, deputy director of the White House Detroit Federal Working Group.

Detroit has a large footprint at this year’s Summit, with five official delegates. No other city has as many representatives, according to a press release.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 

Detroit 1967 Riot Movie To Partly Film In the City

Photo: CBS

"Zero Dark Thirty" filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow's next project will partly film in Detroit.

Plans were announced in January for Bigelow to direct a film set amid 1967's deadly race-related rioting in Detroit. Colin Wilson, a line producer, tells the Detroit Free Press they want "try to shoot as much as we possibly can" in Detroit.

Wilson says filming also could take place in the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck. John Boyega, who played Finn in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," is joining the cast.

The crime drama written by Mark Boal is scheduled to begin production this summer and be released in 2017 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the riots. Bigelow and Boal previously collaborated on the war movies "Zero Dark Thirty" and "The Hurt Locker."



Photo: humanscalestudio.tumblr.com

Michigan Avenue is Corktown’s main street, but it is also a nine-lane state highway. This harms the neighborhood’s viability by separating residents from businesses, discouraging community interaction by reducing walkability, forcing dining and retail activity indoors, diminishing public life, and preventing the energy of the neighborhood from flowing out into public spaces.

People First Project wants you to change that.

They are seeking 12 forward-thinking designers, activists, architects, urban planners, and artists for a new project at the forefront of urban change.

These twelve people will each receive $5000 in funding to design and implement a transformative project that utilizes the principles of human-centered design to transform Michigan Avenue into a more complete street.

Additionally, selected project leaders will participate in a learning community that consists of global leaders in the tactical urbanism movement.

The ideal project should be highly visible within the larger community of urban activism while remaining rooted in Corktown by addressing the desires of its residents. Additionally, successful submissions will be projects that are inspiring and ambitious yet attainable for the allotted time frame and budget. We will be moving fast. We are operating on an accelerated timeline due to the weather, and because of that, people who demonstrate a unique combination of flexibility, speed, and excellence will be favored. All projects are aimed at the transformation of Michigan Avenue.

Click HERE For More Information! 


"Detroit"

Find me in the suburbs and
The shadow of decay
Rolling rings of rubber and
The band begins to play

Am I on the right side of the left side of your brain
Can you see the rising of old yesterday's remains
Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest
Time don't stand a chance against this motor madness

Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like

The Stooges and J Dilla, yeah
They tore this town apart
Put me back together, well
I guess that's quite an art

Henry won the war you see
But not with pen or sword
He did it with the little thing I think it's called a Ford

Funkadelic said it best I think you know the rest
Time don't stand a chance against this motor madness

Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Don't you worry baby I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy

Everything's so hazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy I'm like
Detroit, I'm crazy
Everything's so hazy

Check Out Their Full Album HERE


Those who are interested should email transformers5extras@gmail.com.

Things to include in the email are a recent photograph of yourself and your stats (height, contact info, schedule, etc.) She said most extras will be for those 18 and older, but there may be some spots available for 16-18 year olds.




Rivière28, an auxiliary group within the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy (the Conservancy) will host its fifth annual Light Up the Riverfront event on Friday, June 17 at an all-new location, Gabriel Richard Park (just East of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle.) The group, which is comprised of more than 15 engaged professionals from the metro Detroit area, organizes fun and inviting experiences on the riverfront and Dequindre Cut for their peers who live, work or play in the city of Detroit. The event will be held from 6 until 10 p.m. and is open to individuals of all ages.

Tickets for Light Up the Riverfront are available online for $25

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful park, this interactive event will feature tasty summer BBQ dishes along with campfire treats, live music from DJ Emmett Burkes and lawn games such as life-size Jenga. The event will also incorporate furniture from Detroit’s very own Sit On It Detroit. Attendees are invited to bring their own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the event. Picnic gear, including blankets, chairs and coolers, are also welcomed and encouraged.

Friday, June 17, 6-10 p.m.

Gabriel Richard Park
7400 East Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, Mich. 48214

Held on an annual basis, Rivière28 events are aimed not only at creating unrivaled experiences on the riverfront, but also at cultivating a new generation of supporters for the Conservancy.

For information about group ticket purchases, please email the Conservancy’s donor relations coordinator, Kate Andrecovich at Katherine.Andrecovich@detroitriverfront.org.

For the latest information about Rivière28 and updates on the two planned events, please visit www.detroitriverfront.org/Riviere28.




As the first African-American woman in history to hold a patent for a natural hair care product, Gwen Jimmere, founder and CEO of the world-renowned Naturalicious hair care line, is no stranger to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

For many entrepreneurs, the beginning of running a business is very exciting—you’re passionate about having your own business and creating your own hours, and really, you just love feeling like a boss.

However, this flow of passion can quickly run dry with the common misunderstandings and mishaps new entrepreneurs experience as they build their business. Jimmere shares the top mistakes entrepreneurs make and the keys to avoiding them.

Working In Your Business (And Not On It)

There’s a distinct difference between an entrepreneur and a small business owner. When you’re a small business owner, oftentimes your business is completely dependent upon your physical presence. However, Jimmere says, “An entrepreneur works to grow their business to a point where they’re able to scale it and become the CEO, allowing them to work on the business, and not in the business.”

Jimmere explains that becoming the CEO of your business is the goal because you don’t want to experience a situation that forces you to leave your business for some time (such as unexpected sickness, or God-forbid you dare to take a weeklong vacation)—and then your business falls under because the only way you make money is if you’re the one who physically handles everything that needs to be done.

You want to grow your business to the point where, regardless of the situation that requires you to leave your business for a period of time, you know your business will continue to run well without your presence and your family will be taken care of.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 


Detroit is a city becoming. Rich with history, full of tradition and still driving—always driving—toward the future, Detroit today is not the Detroit of yesterday, nor is it the Detroit of tomorrow. It is the Detroit of right-this-very-moment. We asked four community leaders to chronicle their city, their heroes and the vibrant life within the 313.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Frica Raleigh, executive director of Data Driven Detroit, on Sarida Scott, Quincy Jones and the power of data to transform neighborhoods.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Ned Staebler of Detroit’s incubator TechTown on entrepreneur Dave Stenson and the new engine of Motor City.

CULINARY REBIRTH

Chef James Rigato of Mabel Gray on his mentor Luciano Del Signore and the deep roots and new bounty of Detroit’s dining scene.

MUSIC SCENE

Carleton S. Gholz, executive director of the Detroit Sound Conservancy, on DJ John “Jammin’” Collins, a transformative figure in the local DJ scene.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 
Photo: Freep
A new facility in Detroit will become Michigan State University’s first center for studying and developing urban food systems.

Drawing on experience from MSU’s 13 rural AgBioResearch field stations and MSU Extension work in every county of Michigan, the MSU/Detroit Center for Urban Food Systems will facilitate best practices for food and non-food plant production and a variety of related community support activities.

“The food systems center reflects Michigan State’s commitment to the people of Detroit and drive to bring our pioneering work in food systems into the urban environment,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said.

A proposed Detroit neighborhood site is under consideration and will be announced once land use review and community outreach are completed. Michigan State has earmarked $300,000 to launch the project and anticipates ongoing support from state and federal sources.

MSU currently has 59 full-time Extension staff in Detroit and Wayne County in five offices, and will staff the proposed center as program needs dictate. Staff will work with residents to optimize plant health and productivity, handle land contamination issues and connect entrepreneurs with markets and networks.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 

The Detroit qualifier for Red Bull Reign, an interstate 3x3 basketball tournament where the finals are held in Chicago on July 16th, returns for its second year on June 25th to the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse. The winners of the qualifiers will head to Chicago’s Seward Park for the Red Bull Reign finals to face off against each other in hopes of winning the ultimate street ball competition.

Qualifiers Schedule:
May 28th New Orleans
June 11th Philadelphia
June 18th Cleveland
June 25th Detroit
July 8th Indianapolis
July 9th Chicago

Joe Dumars Fieldhouse
1120 West State Fair
Detroit, MI 48203

Saturday, June 25th
9:00 AM - Registration Opens
10:00 AM - Competition Begins

Endurance is the name of the game: it’s not just one round – teams must go multiple rounds if they want to rule the court of victory.  24 teams will be selected from the pool of registrants.  Round 1 and 2 games will be pool-play and each game will last eight minutes.  The final round will be a bracketed tournament and will run 10-minute games, with the winning team earning their spot in the Red Bull Reign Finals in Chicago. The winning team from the qualifier must have the same roster to participate in the Chicago finals. The qualifier is open to amateur and pros alike, however players must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Twenty-four of Detroit’s most talented 3x3 basketball squads fighting tooth and nail to earn a spot to compete in the Finals in Chicago.  Only the top team from Detroit will advance.

For info on competing, players should visit www.redbull.com/reign.


Entre-SLAM, an Ann Arbor based business storytelling organization, is launching a Business Storytelling Accelerator in Detroit, Michigan. They have partnered with TechTown Detroit, Dinsmore and Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses to deliver a series of competitive, business storytelling cohorts for Tech, Retail and Social Enterprise organizations.

The Entre-SLAM Business Storytelling Accelerator schedule is as follows:

  • The Tech Cohort begins June 24th
  • The Retail Cohort begins June 27th
  • The Social Enterprise Cohort begins June 28th


Each cohort will last for four weeks. Training will be held mostly at TechTown’s Junction440 at 440 Burroughs St. Detroit, Michigan 48202.

Subsidized by Entre-SLAM and partner sponsorships, cohort fees start at a low rate of $49 and go to $225. Fees covers coaching, marketing, strategy and sales training.

Interested parties can go to Entre-SLAM: www.entreslam.com/accelerator

All will accomplish:

  • Discovering their 'why' and how to build a compelling, competitive narrative around it, 
  • Connecting their personal 'why' to their brand's 'why', and,
  • Building focused plans for implementing sales and digital marketing strategies.

Select candidates will be featured at the Entre-SLAM Business Storytelling Demo Day on October 5th at TechTown where the event will feature a steampunk theme. Three winners will receive valuable prizes. ‘The stories building and coming out of Detroit and the state of Michigan, by extension, are stories of resiliency, determination and tenacity. Detroit won’t stop and neither will Entre-SLAM as we join in the city’s pursuit of positioning Detroit as a viable draw for entrepreneurship.’ says Christa Chambers-Price, founder of Entre-SLAM.

“Every business has a powerful story, and that story is integral to every facet of operations,” says Bonnie Fahoome, SWOT City Portfolio Manager at TechTown. “TechTown is thrilled to be partnering with Entre-SLAM to provide Detroit entrepreneurs with the tools they need to develop and deliver their stories across channels in engaging and impactful ways.”

Since 2012 Entre-SLAM provides coaching, training and events for innovators seeking to discover their 'why,' build compelling narratives and implement them across their entire operations.




GM River Days presented by the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, returns June 24-26, 2016.  This one of a kind festival  takes place along the Detroit Riverfront – from the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Terminal & Dock just west of the GM Renaissance Center, to Rivard Plaza and the William G. Milliken State Park. River Days is a celebration of Detroit’s RiverWalk with activities on land and water.  Experience all the RiverWalk has to offer, from the tall ships, jet-ski demos and riverboat tours to live music, sand sculptures, kids activities, delicious eats and much more!

Admission to GM River Days is $3 before 3pm and $5 after 3pm to support the non-profit Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.  GM River Days is FREE to enter on Friday between 11am-5pm.

Click HERE for parking information.

Events

Yoga on the River

Beginners and experienced yogis alike are invited to participate in “Yoga on the River.” The community event is Hosted by Detroit Bikram and takes place in the idyllic setting on the GM Plaza overlooking the Detroit River on Saturday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m. before GM River Days.

Zip Line Rides 

Daredevil festival goers will get a bird’s eye view of the Detroit River, GM Renaissance Center and State Park with zip line rides available. Thrill seekers will get to fly 300-feet across the sky. This festival feature is the longest, fastest mobile zip line available and allows two people to zip simultaneously on two lines 34 feet in the air.

Tuskeegee Air Show

This year’s GM River Days celebration will include an airshow Friday at 1:00pm, Saturday and Sunday June 25 and 26 starting at 4:00 p.m. each day. The show is being staged by the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. The show will include something for everyone.

Diamond Jack River Boat Tours

Diamond Jacks River Tours will be docked at Rivard Plaza during River Days!  Festivalgoers will be able to take 1-hour tours and experience the sights along the newly refurbished RiverWalk from the Detroit River.

Click HERE for more!

Music

Quicken Loans National Stage
Located between Schweitzer & Rivard on Atwater


Friday, June 24, 2016
                                                                                                                     
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.             Ryan Dillaha & the Miracle Men (Rock and Roll)
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.             Laith Al-Saadi (Soul)
8:40 to 10:00 p.m.           B-52s (New Wave)

Saturday, June 25, 2016
                                                                                       
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.                Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:30 to 6:00 p.m.                Brielle  (R&B)
6:45 to 7:45 p.m.                SWV (R&B)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.              Patti LaBelle (R&B)

Sunday, June 26, 2016                                                          

4:00 to 5:00 p.m.                Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.                Notorious featuring Leslie Nelson  (R&B, Soul, Funk)
6:45 to 7:45 p.m.                Jeffery Osborne (R&B)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.              Mint Condition (R&B)

Chevy Stage
located on GM Plaza outside the GM Wintergarden

Friday, June 24, 2016
                                                           
11:30 to 12:30 p.m.          Mia Green (Acoustic Pop)
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.              Off The Ledge (Funky, Folky, Blues)
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.              Teddy Richards (Singer/Songwriter)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.              1592 (Reggae/Rock)  
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.              Pete ‘Big Dog’ Fetters and The Bourbon Street Blues Band (Blues)
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.              Carolyn Striho (Indie Rock/Pop)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.            Paul Lamb & The Detroit Breakbown (Classic Rock/Blues Rock)

Saturday, June 25, 2016
                                                         
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.            BIKRAM YOGA                  
11:30 to 12:30 p.m.          Katelynn Corll (Acoustic/Singer Songwriter)
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.              Awkward Theory (Alternative Hip Hop)
2:30 to 3:45 p.m.              Austin Scott (Americana)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.              Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.              The Native Howl (Mix of bluegrass and metal)
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.              The Reefermen (Rock)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.            Stone Clover (Irish Americana Rock)

Sunday, June 26, 2016
                                                           
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.            YOGA                  
11:30 to 12:30 a.m.          Cayenne & Ginger (Acoustic pop)
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.              Shay Lewis (Pop/R&B)
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.              Carcosa (Alternative rock)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.              Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.              Sam Van Wagoner (Acoustic Pop, Rock, & Blues)
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.              Laura Rain & The Caesars (Retro Soul)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.            Larry Lee & Back in the Day (Funk R&B)



Michigan Lottery Stage
located near the Beaubien and Atwater Entrance


Friday, June 24, 2016
                 
12:00 to 12:45 p.m.           Trey Connor (Acoustic/Folk, Pop/Rock)
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.               Boudoir Noir (Dreamy, cabaret pop)
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.               Alison Albrecht (Acoustic and Roots)
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.               Telephon9 (Electro Pop)
6:00 to 7:00 p.m.               The Ruiners (Garage Rock, Biker, Bubble Gum, Rockabilly)
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.               Inohs Sivad Evolution (Funk, Rock, Soul)
9:00 to 10:00 p.m.             JCanady & The Soul Nyce Band (Jazz, funk, Fusion, Soul)

Saturday, June 25, 2016
                           
12:00 to 12:45 p.m.           Sophia Avocado (Mixed Genre)
1:15 to 2:15 p.m.               Inner Mitten Blues (Blues/Rock/hip-hop)
2:45 to 3:45 p.m.               Lilac Lungs (Pop/Alternative)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.               Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:15 to 6:15 p.m.               Roots Vibrations (Reggae/Soca/Caribbean music)
6:45 to 8:00 p.m.               Last Call (New country rock)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.             Bobby Murray (Blues. Rockin' soulful, blues)

Sunday, June 26, 2016
                                                           
12:00 to 12:45 p.m.           Emily Rose (Folk)
1:15 to 2:15 p.m.               Dragon Wagon (Acoustic folk-rock/Americana/bluegrass)
2:45 to 3:45 p.m.               Blood & Wine (Heavy Alternative Rock)
4:00 to 5:00 p.m.               Tuskeegee Airmen Museum Airshow
5:15 to 6:15 p.m.               Oak City Roots (Indie Folk/Rock)
6:45 to 8:00 p.m.               The Dave Hamilton Band (Pop, Funk, Rock)
8:30 to 10:00 p.m.             The Orbitsuns (Outlaw Country)

20 Emojis All Michiganders Wish Existed

Buzzfeed is asking members of their BuzzFeed Community what new Emojis should be created for their state.

Below are the results for Michigan!

Thanks for your suggestions, Michigan!

Click HERE For The Full Article!


Highland Park, Mich. - Her dream came in a nightmare.

When her baby was killed, Shamayim Harris looked around this city wholly surrounded by Detroit. No streetlights, no parks, no libraries. No place to be a child.

She began to dream. Be the change.

She bought a rundown house on Avalon Street. And then she bought the lot next door and made a park. She erected a solar street lamp. She mowed and cleared the lots on Avalon Street. She got abandoned houses torn down. Soon, the children came to camp overnight. Musicians came to play. And her dream began to grow.

The loss of a child set in motion a remarkable American story about humanity and perseverance and beauty of woman.

https://www.facebook.com/TheMoonMinistry/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/440111044/avalon-village-from-blight-to-beauty/updates

Could Detroit Become a Google "Digital District"

Photo: Getty Images
New York. Portland. San Francisco. Seattle. The debate rages on about the most innovative city in America. But if Google parent company Alphabet has its way, there soon may be a new contender.

Sidewalk Labs, which Google created last June and has since spun off as a subsidiary--is reportedly scouting locations to build an entire city, a highly connected utopia that will make the aforementioned cities look obsolete. Think: self-driving cars, high-speed Wi-Fi, internet of things-enabled everything.

According to The Information, the Denver and Detroit areas, so far, look like the frontrunners. Sidewalk Labs has consulted with more than 100 urban planning experts and forward thinkers, such as Anthony Townsend, research director of Institute for the Future. Sidewalk Labs already has some heavy-hitting city planners in its own ranks, including its CEO, Dan Doctoroff, a former New York City deputy mayor.

Google created Sidewalk Labs to confront the problems plaguing cities: traffic congestion, pollution, lack of public transportation, limited connectivity, to name a few. Its mission statement is to "accelerate innovation in cities around the world." What could that mean? Maybe a city with exclusively self-driving cars, clean energy sources, world-class transit hubs, and high-speed wireless, for starters.

Click HERE For The Full Article! 
top