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Help ! My wallet is on fire !!

Name almost any item, chances are you can find someone who collects it. If you are a regular reader of DetroitDvotion, you are aware of our fondness for old things. Today I’d like to share with you two events that highlight some of our favorites. Lets begin in Ann Arbor; every April the Washtenaw County Fairgrounds become home to one of the largest classic bicycle shows and swap meets in the nation……really. We pulled into the fairgrounds around 10am, the scene was unbelievable; a line of cars driving over grassy areas looking for parking, moving trucks, vans and pick-ups stacked high with old bikes, grown men riding mini bikes through the swap area and of course, thousands of antique and classic bikes available for purchase or your viewing pleasure.

One of the hardest things about coming to an event like this is deciding where to start; we began outside in the swap meet area. It is impossible to describe; the sheer volume of bicycles and other vintage items is astounding. Along with complete bikes ranging from pre-war to BMX style, there were pile after pile of tires; raised white letter, balloon, white side walls, and striped. Mounds of handlebars rest on tables, some still in the original packaging. Looking for a headlight, saddle bag, rear-view mirror or a basket to hang on your handlebars? They’ve got it! Fenders, reflectors, shifters, horns, forks and banana seats can be yours for the right price. Along with bicycles there was an assortment of other vintage items; toys, games, fire extinguishers, GI Joe and pedal cars; for anyone who likes antiquing this event is a treasure trove of childhood memories.

Once we finished the swap spaces we headed over to the buildings; more of the same items as outside, but these tend to be a little nicer, and a little more expensive. Aisle after aisle we saw familiar brands such as Columbia, Schwinn, Raleigh, Huffy and Murray. Department store brands like Sears and JC Penney sat side by side with less familiar names; JC Higgins, Auto Cycle, Vista, and Ross. Have you ever seen a a Huffy Radio Bike, how about a Hopalong Cassidy? There was a display with five or six of them in perfect condition; complete with holsters and cap guns dating back to the 50’s. I like bikes from the late 60’s to early 70’s, you know, hi-rise handle bars, banana seats and sissy bars. They come it great colors, the paint often metallic or candy apple. Some have that drag racer feel like the Slingshot, Chopper or Dragstripper. Sporting a 16 inch front tire and a 20 inch rear slick they came with cool chrome shifters and colorful decals. Through the years bicycle design often copied popular automotive design of the period.

The main building is home to the Show Bikes; 50-75 bicycles are entered into one of 11 categories, the public votes for its favorites, awards are presented to first-place winners.The Classic Bike Of The Year Award is the only judged category; it is usually made up of the finest, rarest and most sought-after models, all from private collections. Bicycles such as these can be worth thousands of dollars. Also on exhibit was a brand new bike from the Detroit Bicycle Company called the Madison; painted black with copper plating it’s quite eye-catching! You can’t help but enjoy yourself walking around the grounds; bicycles have a way of bringing back fond childhood memories. Did you ever have a paper route? How about the bike Santa Clause brought? Was your first bike new from the store or a hand-me-down? It’s not too late to get the bike you always wanted as a kid, just mark your calendar, I’ll see ya next April!

Back in the car, we needed to get from Ann Arbor to Southfield for the Michigan Modernism Exposition, but first we needed to stop and grab lunch. Not far from Southfield is the modest city of Berkley; home to an ever-increasing number of restaurants and cafes, we thought we’d try something new. Graced with another beautiful day filled with sunshine and a clear blue sky, the patio at Amici’s Living Room was the perfect choice. The space itself is surrounded by ivy covered walls, gardens, pretty pots of flowers and garden art, all very charming. Service was quick, which was good since we were in a hurry. We ordered the Caribbean Spicy Jerk Chicken Pizza: Spicy jerk chicken, peanut ginger sauce, pineapple and mozzarella cheese on the whole wheat crust. All pizza’s come with their unique whole wheat pesto breadsticks…these are seriously good. They arrived fresh from the oven all warm and delicious, served with a side of chunky tomato sauce, we could have made a meal out of them! Next came the pizza, definitely unusual, but a great combination of flavors, all piled on the same delicious crust as the breadsticks. With no time to linger and enjoy the patio, we were back in the car on our way to the Southfield Pavilion on Evergreen Road.

Hosted annually by the Detroit Area Art Deco Society, the Michigan Modernism Exposition attracts dealers from around the Midwest ; it’s worth the price of admission just to walk around. Pieces on display range from the streamlined look of the Art Deco era to the funky colorful items of the mid to late century; we like ’em all. The show area is one large space divided into different booths or rooms, several times I would have loved to point and say “I’ll take that room”. The Art Deco articles are highly detailed, lots of stainless steel and shiny black surfaces; there were a number of clocks that were amazing. Decorative items such as coffee servers, light fixtures and sculptures made wonderful eye candy. As we walked around we traversed in and out of decades; one space featured a complete Heywood Wakefield dining room set making it seem like we walked right into 1950. We saw white shag carpet, kidney-shaped tables, tulip chairs and brightly colored plastic. There was lucite and polished chrome, colored glass and bakelite. Colors are vibrant; orange, red, turquoise and bright blue. All the names you would expect to see are there : Eames, Knoll, Herman Miller and Panton; I find the knock-offs equally appealing. You could completely re-do your home with the furniture and accessories for sale at the expo. The vintage jewelry is exceptional, I’m not picky, diamonds or rhinestone, I adore them equally. The variety of artwork this year was wonderful; from paintings and photographs to huge posters, any wall would be happy to display them. Coming here reminds me of when I was a kid and my parents would take me with them furniture shopping; I would look at each room display and try to imagine myself living there. I could be happy living in any one of these!

Tags: Ann Arbor, Antique & Collectible Bicycles, Art Deco, DAADS, Modernism 2012, Raleigh Choppers, Schwinn Krates

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Categories Happenings

Feeding Detroit; Gleaners to Coneys……

24 Apr

Over the past year we’ve taken you to many of Detroit’s hidden gems; architecture, art, food, all types of beauty. Today we’d like to introduce you to a gem whose beauty lies in its accomplishments instead of its aesthetics. Hidden among a bevy of industrial buildings on Beaufait St in Detroit sits Gleaners Community Food Bank. Founded in 1977 Gleaners was among the first food banks in the country. The goal was to solicit surplus food, store it safely and distribute it to local agencies that provide to the hungry of our communities. Gleaners helps our neighbors in need by giving them access to high quality, healthy food. Here are some amazing facts of what Gleaners accomplished in 2011: 94,997 children were fed and educated through children’s programs, 7.9 million pounds of fresh produce was distributed to the community, 26 Client Choice pantries supplied 5.7 million pounds of food, absolutely incredible! Very important to know: Of every dollar donated 94 cents is spent directly on food and food programs. Only 6% is used for operation costs.

We arrived at the massive distribution center for a fundraiser, once inside, we took a peek around. The interior is designed to look like the great outdoors where our food is grown and raised; walls are painted in pretty scenes. Canned goods are stacked high on pallets then shrink wrapped. Rows and rows of food are organized by numbers and letters marked on walls. In another section of the warehouse, signs hang from the ceiling identifying the company that has donated the food in that area. Everything a family needs for a healthy meal can be found here.With canned goods in hand, we rode the elevator up to the event; Wayne State University Press was celebrating the launch of the book “Coney Detroit“. Immediately off the elevator were displays about Gleaners and the wonderful things they do for the community. Each guest was asked to bring either three canned goods or a donation of $3, the total collected for the evening was 411 lbs of canned goods and $924.00 which provided a total of 3,084 meals, awesome!

We made our way into the room where all the activity was taking place; a slide show of mouth-watering coneys filled a screen. Around the perimeter of the room were coney stands representing National, American and Kerby Coney Island; lines formed from each table. The back of the room offered bags of Better Made Chips in several varieties, oh how I love the Salt & Vinegar. What better way to wash down a dinner of Detroit’s finest offerings than with an icy cold can of Faygo pop! Large round tables filled the space, we grabbed a seat and demolished our food. As we wandered around the room we paused at the large windows that overlook Earthworks Urban Farm; soon volunteers will begin the planting that will provide fresh vegetables for those in need. At the front of the room Katherine Yung and Joe Grimm sat at tables signing their book Coney Detroit and answering any questions one may have. Photographers who contributed to the book were also on hand to sign books, answer questions and some even had mouth-watering photos of coney dogs available for purchase.

By now you may be asking, so what exactly is Coney Detroit? Written by Detroiter’s, it is a book that plays homage to all things coney; from the hot dogs and chili topping to the men and women responsible for concocting these delicious dogs. The preface of the book begins,”Detroit is the heart of the Coney Nation, as you are about to see. Nowhere else in the world will you find as many coney island restaurants, as many ways to eat coneys, or as many people who love them.”. I can’t argue with that! The book takes us across Detroit and across Michigan introducing us to over 18 different coney island restaurants in Detroit, Flint, Jackson, Port Huron on beyond. It is both fun and informative. Warning: Do not look at this book when you are hungry, it will send you out the door and to your favorite coney island after only a few pages; come to think of it, I think it will have the same effect even if you’re not hungry! While the book feeds our love of coneys, the revenue from this book will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank, so in turn, helping to feed others.

We capped off the evening with a stop at Motor City Brewing Works on Canfield, what better way to follow-up a couple of coneys than with a nice cold local beer. Crowded as usual, we managed to find a couple of empty seats at the bar and enjoyed a beer. The variety of products offered continues to grow, from flagship varieties like Honey Porter and GhettoBlaster to the seasonal Corktown Stout. The Cass Farm Series includes Hard Cider and Pumpkin Ale. The Muscle Series is automotive themed; Old Gear Oil, 90W-40, 120W-60 and Motor City Ale, the labels are as cool as the beer! The Elixer Fixers are unique blends of fermented fruit juices produced in their farmhouse style winery, labels are decorated with gears. In fact, things like gears wrenches, headers and blowers show up on labels throughout the product line; after all this is the Motor City!

Tags: Coney Detroit, Detroit Blog, Feeding America, Gleaners Food Bank

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT: La Marche du Nain Rouge

10 Apr

There is a tradition in Detroit that began over 300 years ago, it’s called La Marche du Nain Rouge. First, let me translate; La Nain Rouge is ‘The Red Dwarf’. This malicious spirit appears as a dwarf with glowing red eyes, rotting teeth, matted fur and contorted red features. Legend has it that the first sighting of Le Nain Rouge took place when the founder of Detroit, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, took a stroll with his wife just outside Fort Pontchartrain’s walls. Le Nain confronted Cadillac shrieking at him, in turn Cadillac drove La Nain off with his cane; in retaliation La Nain cursed Cadillac. Soon bad things began to happen to Cadillac; he was indicted on charges of illegal trafficking, he was removed from power. Cadillac’s fortunes were never the same, eventually he died while still trying to establish his land claims in Detroit. On March 23, 1710 the citizens of Fort Pontchartrain banned together to drive out the evil spirit; they organized the first march beginning at St Anne’s church and ending by driving La Nain into the river.

The annual tradition was revived three years ago with a few modern twists. When we found out about the parade I couldn’t wait to go; I wasn’t sure what to expect, which made it even more fun! The activities kicked off in the parking lot of Traffic Jam & Snug; there was a large group of folks already assembled when we arrived, a sea of red clothing and accessories. At 1:00 La Nain arrived in all his gruesomeness; deep red coloring and over-sized fangs, creature-like hands and claws, even his voice was evil. He ascended high above the crowd in the bucket of a cherry picker, raising a banner that read “I’m Back”. He exclaimed his desire to rule Detroit and continue the curse, which was met with boo’s and shouts from the crowd. . The master of ceremonies declared the start of La Marche; The Detroit Party Marching Band led the procession toward Masonic Temple where the march would conclude. Revelers fell in behind the band, we stood still off to one side to take it all in. Historical Detroit figures were well represented; Father Gabriel Richard, Pontiac, Pingree and Cadillac himself among others. There were chariots made of bicycles and cardboard, the most impressive was the quadracycle complete with a fire-breathing torch. It’s a carnival-like atmosphere and anything goes; people are decked out in wigs, masks, fringe and capes. Some characters are recognizable; we saw Big Boy, the Kales Building and Richard Nixon doing the Hula-Hoop! Creativity abounds, from knee-high fur boots and jester caps to alien costumes and stilts. Some participants march in groups; “Mustaches Against La Nain” was well represented along with a consort of horse-head wearing individuals. The day was unusually warm for March 25, which made it all the more pleasant to be outdoors traversing the streets of the city.

At last we arrived at the steps of the Masonic Temple only to find La Nain at the top of the stairs; a banner declaring La Nain for Emergency Manager hung from the building. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the sight of it, La Nain had thought of everything…….What he didn’t count on was the spirit and unity of those gathered to drive La Nain from the city and rid Detroit of its woes. One by one, members of the crowd climbed to the top of the steps declaring their commitment to Detroit and the banishing of La Nain, until at last La Nain was gone. A Celebration ensued; music, dance and laughter filled Temple Street. The party was moved indoors via tunnel to the Fountain Ballroom, here the festivities continued. The Marching Band continued to play, food was available from Slows-to-Go along with a variety of adult beverages. The Fountain Ballroom is cool; a sunken dance floor with large decorative columns fill most of the space, the walls are adorned with decorative panels, a balcony of sorts surrounds three sides of the room. When we got inside the place was packed, we enjoyed the festivities for awhile but the lines for food and drink were long. Our stomachs were not that patient, so we headed elsewhere.

In a normal Michigan March you would be hard pressed to find outdoor seating at a restaurant, but this was no normal Michigan winter. Kris recalled seeing patio seating at Los Galanes in Mexicantown, so that’s where we went. Located on Bagley at 23rd Street Armando Galan and his family (Los Galanes) have made the restaurant into a popular destination. Most people recognize the restaurant by the large, colorful mural painted on the back of the building. When we arrived we were glad to see an open table on the patio, you can’t sit indoors on a day as beautiful as this! The patio is quite lovely; dangling white lights hang from wrought iron arches, plants already filled the window boxes with spring color. Chips and salsa arrived immediately, we ate as we decided what to order for lunch. We find we enjoy the combination plates the best; a taco, enchilada, burrito and tostada, it’s nice to try several different things. We also ordered the Chiles Rellenos; poblano peppers breaded and filled with cheese, topped with a rancherito sauce, they were delicious! It was another wonderful day in Detroit.

Tags: Detroit Parade, La Nain Rouge, Los Galanes, Mexicantown

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT:The Historic Players Club

23 Mar

We’ve been passing by this place forever,the lovely brown brick building with the tile roof, wondering what secrets it holds inside; a Detroit gem we’ve always wanted to see. A plaque hangs above the door that reads “Nunquam Renig”, carved in stone above the door is “The Players”. We heard it was a Members Only, “what happens at the players, stays at the players” kind of place. It was truly serendipity when Kris noticed the ad for a St Patrick’s Day Eve concert. The Players was open to the public, we’re so there…..

First a little background: The Players Club was founded in 1910 as a gentleman’s club. Their official purpose is to encourage amateur theater; from acting and writing to set design and building. Their theatre season runs from October to April; on the first Saturday of the month members perform 3 one-act plays at what is called a “frolic”. Performances are all done by members for members. In 1925 the club was able to construct their very own home, the “Beautiful Lady” known as the Playhouse. Member/architect William Kapp designed the Playhouse, and Oh! What a magnificent job he did.
We arrived at 7pm, just as the doors were opening. We took our time admiring the outside of the building; designed in the Florentine Renaissance Style, leaded glass windows are accentuated by stone blocks. Large wood entry doors are surrounded by smooth stone, it appears quaint, like something from another time. And then we went inside……As wonderful as I had imagined it would be, didn’t even come close to how wonderful it is. I felt like I had just stumbled upon a castle; lots of brick and stone, thick wooden beams and wrought iron, a winding staircase lurks to the left. So much to investigate, where to start? We were warmly greeted by members who offered a guided tour before the show started, perfect! We began by ascending the stairs; thick rope strung through wall mounted rings serve as a railing, framed caricatures commemorating each performance hang on the wall. The higher you climb, the more narrow the stairs. At the top a knight in shining armor greets your arrival. The second floor is home to the Founders Room, used as a formal meeting room, an uninterrupted chain of photos of club presidents wrap around the room. A large fireplace anchors one wall; wood plank floors, leather couches and a baby grand piano make the space warm and inviting. When you become a member you are given a mug with your name and the year you joined; they are stored in cabinets in this room. When a member has passed away a black ribbon is placed on the mug. While upstairs we were shown to the recently restored balcony; the view of the theatre from up here is fantastic! The floor plan of the room is laid out before you, the theatre can be taken in as a whole, it’s striking. Aaahhhh, then there’s the ceiling; a beautiful timber structure, dark stain brought to life with richly colored stencils, it’s spectacular.

On the way back down I was able to take in more details; the ceiling is painted in a reproduction of a night sky, light shone through stained glass windows.We grabbed ourselves some Porter, with glass in hand we proceeded to our table for the evening. I sat in awe while Kris took photos; vintage 1920’s murals hang in the stone archways that line the two side walls, painted by Paul Honore they depict a traveling group of troubadours. The colors are bright, the scenes eye-catching. The columns that divide the archways are capped with decoratively carved capitals. Above, eight smaller banners represent the skills and trades needed to stage a theatrical production. And of course, if you look all the way up there’s that ceiling again. Small details are everywhere you look. With a little time for more exploration we went behind-the-scenes so to speak and took a peek at the dressing rooms and storage rooms. The hallway is narrow and line with more caricatures, these went back even further to like the 40’s. It is interesting to note the difference in style from artist to artist (some you may even recognize) and decade to decade. With the show about to begin we took our seats, we had a great view of the stage.

The Balduck Mountain Ramblers were introduced and the music began, almost as quickly my toe started tapping. In the spirit of St Patrick’s Day the songs were distinctly Irish, the five member band was extraordinarily entertaining. It was obvious many in the crowd had seen them before, they knew the audience participation parts by heart. During the intermission a light dinner of corned beef sandwiches, chips and pickles was served. The second half of the show began, there was light banter between the band and audience, everybody was having a good time. For a time I felt as if I was actually in a castle in Ireland, listening to songs native to the country, played on traditional instruments, in this most astonishing building. The evening passed much too quickly.

Not ready to go home yet, we took a drive over to Corktown for a nightcap. Sugar House on Michigan Ave occupies a beautifully restored space in a century old building. The decor and menu are a throw-back to a pre-prohibition era; classic cocktails are jazzed up with homemade syrups and freshly squeezed juices. The menu changes seasonably and also offers a large selection of international beer and organic wine. It was an exceptionally warm March evening, so the door remained open. The softly lit room portrays a by-gone elegant style; exposed brick walls, brass chandeliers. We chose cocktails off the spring menu; a Johnny Rottenseed for Kris and a Black Palm for myself. The list of ingredients is long and seemingly complicated, but the end result is awesome! It was the perfect ending to an ideal evening.

Tags: Balduck Mountain Ramblers, Detroit Blog, Players Club, Playhouse, Sugar House, William Kapp

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT: Autorama; Customs, Candy and Chrome

9 Mar

Detroiter’s have had a long-standing love affair with the automobile, this has always been and probably always will be a car town. Every winter for the last 60 years hundreds of custom vintage vehicles roll into town showing off the final results of time, labor and money…….lots of money. This my friends is what we call Autorama! The Michigan Hot Rod Association held the first Autorama as a way to raise money to build a local drag strip, the show took place at the U of D Field-house with 50 cars. In 1956 the club hired Don Ridler, a professional promotions agent, the show took off from there. Don brought in musical acts and bands such as Bobby Rydell, the Big Bopper and Mitch Ryder. Celebrities such as Adam West, Wolfman Jack and William Shatner made appearances along with wrestlers, Tigers and Red Wings. It was always the cars that were the real stars of the event. After moving to various locations through the years, Autorama found a permanent home at Cobo Hall in 1961. Don Ridler died an untimely death in 1963, thus the Don Ridler Memorial Award was created, honoring the “Best In Show”. This is the most prestigious award on the show circuit, 2012 marked the 49th Ridler award; the winner, Dwayne Peace took the trophy and a check for $10,000 for his 1955 Ford T-Bird.

I have been coming to the show for years, I think Kris has been coming since before he could spell C A R. My perspective is that of an admirer of the time and hard work, beauty and creativity these folks put into their cars, the end result is astounding. I am always taken aback walking into Cobo, the show is enormous. Fresh paint glows under bright lights, chrome is polished to a high shine, proud owners display photo albums taking you through the restoration process. Row after row of custom paint jobs; metalflake is one of my favorites. Painters rule; from stripes and flames to flip-flop colors and original artwork the cars themselves are unique pieces of art. Interiors get a makeover too; upholstery comes in all colors and fabrics here, so much more fun than the gray of today’s cars. Some of the cars start out life as one kind of car, after a body man has had his way, it takes on a completely different appearance. For example, a hard top may now be a convertible, several feet of length may be eliminated, grills, hoods and taillights may be exchanged for something completely different. What I love about Autorama is that individuality is encouraged, and even rewarded. The funkiest ones get the most attention! Someone even made a watermelon themed pickup truck…… They painted the outside watermelon green, the interior is well, watermelon pink, didn’t miss a detail, the engine compartment even had a watermelon in it.

I walk the aisles in awe of the men and women who take on such a project, the cars are beautiful. Often mirrors are strategically placed on the floor reflecting the underside of the vehicle. Oh, and the engines! From stock to high performance everything is finely detailed; color keyed pieces, braided fuel lines and chrome valve covers. Speaking of chrome, here it reigns supremely; Grills, bumpers, moldings, pipes and wheels, a chrome polish salesman’s dream come true. The same cannot be said for the lower level of the show. The basement showcases what are known as “Rat Rods”. These are the vehicles you will often see in primer; vintage pick-up trucks, street rods and lowered sedans, they have an appeal all their own. It surprises me how much money can be spent on something you want to look like no money was spent on it. I especially like the really old ones that have some sort of artwork on the door, or the name of the company that owned the truck, with just enough paint left of the lettering that you can barely make it out, I think it’s cool! This year there were about 1000 cars on display, I heard attendance for the weekend was 151,000 people; I’m not surprised, after all, this is the Motor City.

Click here for more cool car photos.

We weren’t sure where we were going for lunch, when we walked back to the car from Cobo we saw Finn & Porter about 100 feet up on the left, perfect! Located in the lobby of the Double Tree hotel, Finn & Porter offers 2 dining spaces, the main dining room is not open for lunch, so we ate at the Finn & Porter Round Bar. We were seated at a table by the window, I love that. The room is contemporary in decor, lots of windows on two sides give you a front-row seat to the happenings on the street. We had just missed the Soul food buffet, served from 12-2, so we ordered off the menu. With lots of good sounding items we decided on the Baby Iceberg Salad: a wedge of iceberg lettuce , diced red onion, crumbled apple-wood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles topped with a green goddess dressing, delicious. The Italian Panini was filled with thinly sliced meats, yellow peppers and tomato, the bread was grilled perfectly giving it a nice crunch. Home made potato chips served alongside were excellent.

Bear Claw Coffee is located in the lobby of the hotel, we stopped in for a warm beverage before heading out into the cold and what had become snowy day. With our drinks in hand we took a seat in the hotel lobby, the couches and chairs were very inviting. Hilton spent $90 million on the restoration of this hotel. Originally opened in 1917 it was known as the Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel. In 1927 the hotel expanded adding a 22-story tower designed by (you know who..) Albert Kahn. The hotel was one of Detroit’s top luxury hotels back in the day, in 1983 it was placed on the National register of Historic Places. One day I’d like to take a good look around the place, I’ve seen photos of a restored ballroom that were just stunning! We enjoyed our little respite, drinking our coffee and talking about our favorite cars. Even if you’re not a car lover give Autorama a try sometime. Celebrities, Pin-ups, toys and tools there’s something here for everyone. Great for a dose of nostalgia, art and design .

Tags: Albert Kahn, Car Shows, Detroit Autorama, Finn & Porter Round Bar, Historic Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel, visit detroit

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Categories Happenings

Winter Blast

24 Feb

In 2005 the NFL and Superbowl committee created an event to kickoff the countdown to Superbowl XL being held in Detroit; thus Motown Winter Blast was born. The Blast has undergone many changes through the years, but is still something I look forward to every February. For a simple donation of a dollar or a can of food you can spend an afternoon enjoying the best parts of winter. We haven’t had much winter to speak of this year, but it showed up just in time to give festival-goers bright red noses and frozen toes. The area surrounding Campus Martius was bustling with activity, children’s laughter filled the air as they took a spin on rides at the Winter Carnival. Firewood burned in large barrels as visitors roasted marshmallows over an open flame, the combined scent of wood and burnt sugar filling the air. Folks in every shape and size donned their ice skates and gave it a whirl on the ice rink. Food trailers offered corn dogs, elephant ears and french fries while other vendors provided hot chocolate with a “shot” of something extra to keep you warm. I always like to look at the pieces in the Ice Garden, talented artists carve out beautiful sculptures representing the D in amazing detail. It was fun to watch individuals climb up into the ice chairs to have their picture taken, finding it near impossible to stay still long enough to get the shot; not only is it cold, but it’s slippery too! There are heated tents everywhere, you can pop in and out enjoying a Taste Of Detroit, merchant tables, or a performance by a local band. Detroit has an abundance of musical talent, much of it showcased into the night throughout the weekend. As we walked through the various tents I made notes of restaurants and items I’d like to try in the future…..

Back outdoors it was time for an ice skating exhibition at The Rink. Once cleared, the Zamboni gave the ice a fresh, smooth, glistening surface. Amateur skaters donned colorful, sparkly costumes and lined up to perform. I love this! I get the chance to stand along the rink wall and watch elegant skaters glide across the ice spinning and jumping to their favorite song. The audience is always appreciative and rewards their skill with whistles and applause. I was getting cold again so we ducked into the Compuware Building, if you’ve never been, stop in and take a peek sometime. The lobby is host to an amazing water feature, a shower of water drops down from way up high, landing into a shallow pool. As your eye travels upward you will discover a small group of colored glass pieces that always remind me of kites. What is usually a peaceful space has been transformed into the Kids Zone for the Blast. Shows, magicians, jugglers and puppeteer entertain children and adults alike. Oh yeah, it’s warm in there too! Back outside, we walked past the area looking for the dog sled demonstration, but it was time for snowshoeing instead. Standing on Woodward our stomachs reminded us it was time for lunch, the Hudson Cafe was just a short walk away. I am sorry to say that I never had the pleasure to experience Hudson’s Department Store in its heyday. By the time I was grown up the glory days were gone, I had never eaten a meal in the storied cafe. Kris on the other hand spent a great deal of time in the store and the cafe when he was a young boy; one of his fondest memories was eating a Hudson’s Special.

Newly opened, the Hudson Cafe takes it name from its location; it is directly across the street from where the legendary Hudson’s flagship store once stood. We stepped inside the modern open space and were greeted immediately. The current patrons were well dressed, us, not so much; on top of that we smelled like we had just come from an open fire….which we had. The cheerful hostess assured us we were just fine to dine there and asked us if we’d like to see a menu. Kris scanned it quickly, looking for any sign of Hudson’s signature dishes, there was one: the Maurice Salad. We decided to stay and were seated at a nice spot along the wall. Kris had told the hostess about the Hudson’s Special; which is actually a large portion of the Maurice Salad placed between 2 slices of white toast and cut into quarters; club sandwich style. Before we knew it one of the owners was at our table asking Kris for the details on the sandwich, he then offered to have the chef prepare one especially for him, how cool is that?? You can’t turn down an offer like that! Now we were left with more item to choose; the menu focuses on breakfast and lunch items, the red velvet pancakes were hard to pass up, but something about the graham cracker crumb french toast won us over. To Kris’s delight his Hudson’s Special arrived looking much the way he remembered, and even better, it tasted just as he remembered. As for the french toast, it was delicious; thick slices of custard soaked bread fried in butter with a crunchy coating of graham cracker crumbs. Topped off with a ribbon of sweetened cream cheese, we didn’t even use syrup. Our meal was truly enjoyable and the service was great. Next time you are looking for a new place for breakfast or lunch give the Hudson Cafe a try!

Tags: Hudsons Cafe, visit detroit, Winter Blast

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT: The Auto Show

25 Jan

Detroit is still the Motor City, no name is more synonymous. We still build cars, engines, transmissions, axles and millions of untold parts in the city and its metro. Once a year we have our own red carpet preview; The North American International Auto Show. While not a hidden gem by any means, it is one of the most iconic, Spectacular and historic events in Detroit. It is estimated to gross hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the metro area, and this year alone raised $3 million for children’s charity. Weeks of work and months of planning go into elaborate displays dedicated to what Detroit does best: build cars. Whether you’re looking for a Chevy Volt built in Hamtramck , a Chrysler 200 from Sterling Heights, a Mustang from Brownstown or an ultra exotic Falcon from Holly, they’re all here. For 105 years we’ve been proudly showing our vehicles to the world.

The first Detroit Auto Dealers Association Auto Show was held in 1907 at Riverview Park on Jefferson near the Belle Isle Bridge. The show grew from year to year, as it did, it moved from location to location; The Light Guard Armory on 8 Mile, Wayne Gardens Pavillion, and the Michigan State Fair Grounds. 1957 marked the first year international manufacturers displayed their vehicles at the show. In 1965 the Auto Show moved to its permanent home at Cobo Center. The show was (and still is) a huge deal for Detroit, in the old days manufacturers would transport the vehicles to the venues ‘under wraps’, the wraps would stay on until the show opening. The dealer showrooms often copied this tactic; showroom windows would be covered over as the vehicle lines changed over from year to year. It was a big deal when the new model year was unveiled. In 1989 the Detroit Auto Show officially became the North American International Auto Show, Detroit hosts the only domestic show to be distinguished as a Major International Show. In 2007 the DADA celebrated the centennial of the show which had grown from a regional event with 17 exhibitors to an internationally sanctioned show with over 90 exhibitors! With their headquarters located in metro Detroit, the “Big Three” have always been the life-blood of the city.

Kris and I ventured down to the NAIAS on a Friday morning hoping to beat the crowds. I love this time of year downtown; city streets are filled with cars bearing license plates from neighboring states, scores of people fill the sidewalks leading to Cobo, local bars and restaurants overflow with folks on their way to or from the show. It is more than just an auto show, it is an event. Manufacturers transform Cobo into an almost science-fiction type atmosphere; cars rest upon platforms and turntables at strange angles rotating to showcase every view. Entire sets and stages are constructed, there are multiple levels, funky lighting, lounge areas and music. As you pass from display to display beautiful models recite dialog pointing out the most interesting features of each vehicle. There are give-aways, free tote bags, and plenty of brochures to place inside. There is an electricity in the air here; American muscle is back and it’s cool; Boss 302 Mustang, a Supercharged ZR1 Corvette, Challenger SRT 8, the Charger SuperBee, ZL1 Camaro, even a 556 HP Cadillac CTS-V . Cars are exciting again, the lines are sleek, the colors are outstanding; the Black Diamond on Cadillac is rich with metal-flake, Ford paints cars in lime green and Grabber Blue, Chrysler has Header Orange, you should have seen the paint on the 2012 Hot Wheels Camaro, a cross between chrome and anti-freeze green it was wild! I like to do a bit of research before I write each post, while reading the history of the auto show I came across a quote I’d like to share with you: Detroiters have always endured, excelled and exceeded expectations. I think our auto industry is a perfect example of that.

For more Auto Show photos click HERE

Back in the “Mad Men” days there was such a thing as the “businessmen’s lunch”, it would last longer than the typical lunch hour, it usually included a cocktail, and took place in a restaurant with a club-like feel; dark wood, dim lighting, small space. The Caucus Club is located on the ground floor of the Penobscot Building, opened in 1952 it has been a long time favorite lunch spot for judges, lawyers, bankers and executives. The interior is dim, light by a series of Tiffany-style lamps, it consists of two rooms separated by a small kitchen, dark paneling, brass sconces, antiques and paintings decorated the spaces. The Caucus Club was opened by Les and Sam Gruber and was the sister restaurant to the world-renowned London Chop House. The Gruber brothers were well-known in the industry not only for their food, but for the talented young people they hired to perform at the Caucus Club. In 1961 Les received a call from Irwin Arthur in New York City, telling him of a young woman singer he thought would be perfect for him, Les agreed to give her a try. In February 1961 Barbra Streisand began singing in the back room of the Caucus Club for $125 per week. She performed there off and on from February to August that year. Sometime during her stay she was invited to be on the Jack Parr show, which of course kicked off her professional career.

It is a short walk from Cobo to Caucus Club, they serve lunch and dinner during the week and dinner only on Saturday. We were seated near the window, brought menus and glasses of water. The menu has changed little, you will still find menu items such as a Chef’s and Maurice salad, a tuna plate, the John Hancock and Old Glory sandwiches and of course their famous fresh lake perch. We chose the Waiters Salad; iceberg lettuce, julienne ham, turkey and swiss, a hard-boiled egg and tomato with the waiters dressing. Along with that a good old-fashioned club sandwich; nothing fancy, just turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toast. The restaurant still caters to the business lunch crowd, people from nearby offices came and went while we were there. Bobby Flay’s Food Nation visited a while back and featured the Caucus Club sautéed Lake Perch and Oysters in Champagne Sauce. I am sad to report that after 60 years in business, Caucus Club closed their doors in late 2012.

The Buhl Bar is a throwback to the time when each one of the buildings in the Financial District had its own after work cocktail bar. The bar is definitely old-school, located in the Buhl Building it is open from 3 to 8pm Monday through Friday. This former bank lobby has been transformed into a relaxing place for a drink after a long day. With its dark wood, dim lighting and ornate plaster ceilings this cozy space has a distinctly masculine ambiance. We arrived shortly after the bar opened, we were the first customers of the day, old standards played softly in the background. We sat at the bar and ordered our drinks, as we sat there a few regulars began to trickle in. Tables by the window provide a view of The Guardian Building and activity on Griswold and Congress. After a short respite it was time to move along, but we will definitely be back.

Tags: Buhl Bar, Caucus Club, Detroit Skyscrapers, North American International Auto Show, The Big Three

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Categories Happenings

Detroit: Historic Boston Edison Holiday Home Tour

27 Dec

Detroit is home to several historic neighborhoods; through the years some of these neighborhoods have put together annual home tours, one of my favorites is the Boston-Edison Holiday Home Tour. The Boston Edison Historic District is made up of over 900 single family homes encompassing four streets: W. Boston Blvd, Chicago Blvd, Longfellow and Edison between Woodward and Linwood. Most of the homes were built between 1905-1925, popular architectural styles of the time include: English Tudor Revival, Greek Revival, French Provincial, Italian Renaissance and Prairie style. The location of the neighborhood and close proximity to Henry Ford Hospital made it a desirable place to live, many of the wealthy movers and shakers of Detroit took residence here: Henry Ford, SS Kresge, B Siegel, Horace Rackam, Ira Grinell, James Couzens, Ty Cobb, 4 of the 7 Fisher brothers, Joe Louis, Berry Gordy, and Walter Briggs, to name a few…….They say that Mr. Sanders and Mr. Vernors, who both lived on Boston Blvd, one day combined Sanders Vanilla Ice Cream and Vernors ginger ale, they liked it so much they decided to name the concoction after their shared street, thus creating The Boston Cooler.

The home tour is a fundraiser for the Boston Edison association, proceeds go to their general fund, with a portion put aside for beautification projects in the neighborhood. This is a well organized tour; tickets are only sold in advance, you choose your tour time when you order your tickets. The tour begins at Sacred Heart Seminary; here you check in and trade your ticket for a tour book, at your designated tour time you climb aboard an awaiting school bus that takes you to all five homes. Tours are limited to 30 people, you have your own personal tour guide who actually lives in the neighborhood, they can tell some great stories! As the bus travels through neighborhood streets your guide will point out significant houses; The Charles T Fisher house at 18,000 sq ft is the largest house in Boston-Edison, the SS Kresge home built in 1914 in the Mediterranean Villa style is the largest lot in the neighborhood, on your left is the former home of JL Hudson, you get the idea…..the list of families who lived here is quite impressive.

We had brought along a friend who is working on getting her architecture license, we were sure she would enjoy the homes as much as we would. Our first stop was on Longfellow Ave, a charming 3-story home built in 1920. Purchased only 4 months ago, the current owners have done a lovely job making it their own. The Pewabic tile fireplace surround is superb. Over to Boston Blvd next, first occupied in 1920, the current owners have lived here for two years, this house still has its original built in Frigidaire, and a stunning Pierpont mirror in the upstairs hall.The decorative plaster in the living room is splendid and gives the room a formal feel. Chicago Blvd was next, this home was built in 1919 in the Georgian Revival style, current owners have lived here since 1994. Through the years they have done an amazing job keeping the original features of the home while personalizing it, they have wonderful whimsical collections all through the house. This home retains its original tile roof and window shutters. Just across the street was house #4, a gorgeous English Tudor built in 1928. I have a soft spot for the Tudor style, and this one took my breath away. Heavily textured plaster work throughout the home, the fireplace mantel and surround in the living room features an intricate design that matches the molding around the ceiling, the dining room boasts 2 sets of french doors and a raised plaster design that forms a ring on the ceiling. The current homeowners bought the house five years ago. The last home on the tour was on Edison Ave, built in 1914 the current owner has lived here since 2003. While the exterior is an example of American Eclectic style, the interior has definite Arts and Crafts influences, another style I love. I’d have to say the dining room was my favorite room in the house, the Arts and Crafts style prevailed here, from the stained glass light over the dining room table, to the furniture itself and the leaded glass windows. The french doors leading to the living room carry over the same leaded glass pattern as the windows and are enchanting. I was glad to see our friend was as enthused as we were in each home. Many people are unaware of the the array of historic homes and neighborhoods in Detroit.

After visiting the last home on the tour, our bus took us back to Sacred Heart Seminary; here we could have cookies in the Cardinal Mooney room, and check out old photos of the historic district and it residents. When finished, we walked down the hall to the seminary chapel. Bishop Gallagher had the seminary built in 1924 in the English Tudor and Gothic architectural style. The chapel itself is Gothic and features stunning stained glass windows imported from Munich Germany. The Fisher brothers were chief donors in the building of the sanctuary, I would say no expense was spared. The sanctuary furniture, choir stalls and credence table are all carved from solid oak, the craftsmanship is incredible. The floor from the front pew forward to the wall is Pewabic Tile, I have never seen it so shiny! The sanctuary window above the alter is a true piece of religious art, I can’t imagine how astonishing it would look with the bright sun shining through it. It’s the kind of place you walk in and the pure sight of it makes you draw in a breath, after staring for a little bit you begin to breathe normally again. I have been in here maybe a dozen times and I still do that. I like to take a seat near the entrance and watch the look on people’s faces as they enter the chapel, everybody seems to have the same reaction, like they can’t believe what they are seeing. Every inch of the chapel is beautiful, from the ceiling panels and chandeliers to the alter piece and floor.

The cookies seemed to rev up our appetite, we wanted to take our friend somewhere she had never been for lunch before, so we chose Traffic Jam & Snug on Canfield and Second. The menu is huge and vegetarian friendly so everybody can find something they like here. Inside there seemed to be a buzz, it was more crowded than the typical Sunday afternoon, then I remembered: Traffic Jam was recently featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This place is wonderful; the large interior is decorated in an eclectic style, vintage items hang on the walls and sit on shelves. They have their own in-house bakery, micro-brewery, and dairy….they make their own beer, cheese and ice cream! Traffic Jam was actually the very first Brew Pub in the state of Michigan. We were seated in a roomy booth and given the task of deciding what to eat, they have their regular menu and a specials menu, they don’t make it easy do they?

Between the three of us we ordered the Traverse City Salad, the Tex-Mex Lentil Burger, and the Pork Loin Kamatsu Salad. The Kamatsu Salad was featured on D,D & Dives; it’s a panko encrusted pork loin pan fried, topped with salad greens, arugula, berries and red onion. It is dressed with a fresh herb vinaigrette and garnished with hot sauce jelly beans, it is excellent! The pork loin is fork tender and the combination of flavors really works. The burger was large and very tasty, as was the TC Salad. Kris enjoyed a cocktail and we girls reveled in the house brewed Java Porter. It has that nice deep porter color and flavors of coffee and chocolate, so good! Our favorite Traffic Jam dessert is the Carlotta Chocolatta; a slice of rich chocolate cheesecake topped with the best coffee ice cream I’ve had, all doused in house made dark chocolate hot fudge. Though our mouths said “get it”, sadly none of us had any room to spare in our stomachs. There’s always next time!

Tags: Boston Edison Home Tour, Gothic Architecture in Detroit, Historic Chapel, Historic home tour, Historic Neighborhood, Sacred Heart Seminary, visit detroit

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Categories Happenings

Rochester’s Big Bright Light Show!

23 Dec

For the last six years the city of Rochester has been putting on an extraordinary light show from Thanksgiving weekend until January 1st. You’re probably picturing a typical Main Street scene with old-fashioned light posts wrapped in garlands, holiday wreaths and those lighted plastic outlines of figures, well stop right there, this is no typical Main Street display!!

Every year Kris and I get to downtown Rochester at least a couple of times to see the lights. For block after block illuminated buildings line Main Street as cars drive up and down from just south of the bridge on Rochester Rd to Romeo Rd. Oddly enough parking is never too hard, and I prefer walking the sidewalk and peeking in shop windows over simply driving by. The first time I saw it I was mesmerized; I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard Of Oz when she went from the black and white of her house into the Technicolor of Munchkin land. Remember years ago when Warren Beatty made the Dick Tracy movie using all of the comic strip colors? That’s sort of what it’s like. Each building is covered from top to bottom in LED lights, each one is a different color, most are solid colors but a few buildings are the multi-color. It’s quite a sight; red, yellow and purple colored shops, the blue gives off an interesting glow, orange, green and multi color, all are beautiful and festive. Stand in place and take in the street scape, I feel as though I am in a make-believe world. The city of Rochester website claims they have over 1.5 million lights, I believe it.

After we walked a little bit we stopped in at Sumo Sushi for dinner. There are very few places outside of Detroit that we eat at; Sumo is one of our favorites, their sushi is excellent! We start off with a house salad, crisp chunks of iceberg lettuce topped with carrots, cucumbers, and ginger dressing. Next up is the Age Dage Tofu; cubes of tofu with a crunchy coating deep-fried and sitting in a bowl of tempura, so good. If you’d like to try tofu, this is a good dish to start with. Our sushi arrived looking appetizing and pretty. Spicy California roll, Cucumber and Avocado Roll and a Veggie Heaven, this one is uniquely tasty; a tempura roll of mushroom and avocado sitting on a bed of ginger sauce, topped with sweet soy and spicy mayo, a vegetarian’s dream come true. We have liked every roll we ever tried here, everything is super fresh. The wait staff is generally made up of enthusiastic 20-somethings that are friendly and attentive.

The street was less crowded after we ate, better for taking pictures. Again we walked up and down Main, this time at a more leisurely pace. Store front windows have gorgeous displays of Christmas trees, Poinsettia, sparkling ornaments, and darling little elves. Merchandise is arranged in eye-catching arrangements making me wish the store was still open so I could wander inside. The Big Bright Light Show continues down 4th Street from Walnut to Water, corner buildings are decorated on two sides. The lights come on at 6pm, they turn them off at midnight. From Christmas eve through Christmas day they will be lit 24 hours. There are plenty of restaurants lining the street, and you can grab a coffee or hot chocolate at Bean & Leaf to keep you warm as you look around. Come on out to Rochester for a magical light-filled evening.

Tags: Christmas Lights in Metro Detroit, Downtown Rochester, Sumo Sushi, The Big Bright Light Show

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Categories Happenings

DETROIT: Noel Night

15 Dec

Each year Kris and I look forward to Noel Night in Midtown Detroit’s University Cultural Center. It takes place the first Saturday in December, from 5:00-9:30 pm, this year was the 39th annual. Noel Night is one of those things you really have to experience for yourself, for as hard as I try to describe what an amazing event it is, I can’t do it justice.

We started the evening with cocktails and Dim Sum at Shangri-La on Cass Ave, it was just after 4 and the place was already jumping. Fellow patrons were perusing their Noel Night program to try to decide how to cram in as many activities possible in the allotted time frame, it’s impossible to do everything! We started by walking a few blocks over to the DIA, in addition to the spectacular collection of art, the museum was hosting all kinds of entertainment and activities. You could decorate Gingerbread cookies, listen to a marching band, do some gift shopping in the Museum Shop, have a photo taken with Santa, watch a dance ensemble or like us have a seat in Rivera Court and listen to Paul King & The Rhythm Society Orchestra. The band is huge, the music classic big band, and the venue, wow! If you’ve never seen a big band perform in person, you don’t know what you’re missing, it’s like going back in time. The full band will play and then individual soloists stand and play their part, always followed by a loud round of applause from the audience, the music takes you over, you can’t help but tap your toe and smile.

When they finished we scooted out the back entrance, crossed John R to the CCS Student and Alumni Art Sale at the Walter B Ford Building. If you like to shop, and are looking for something unique, this is a great stop. It takes place over 3 floors of the building, it’s always crowded. Prices are fair, the variety of mediums is great, and the students love it when you buy something. Outdoors on the campus were blacksmithing and glass blowing demonstrations, the temperature was quite comfortable, so you could watch without freezing. Next over to the Scarab Club on Farnsworth, I love this building, the brick and stone exterior is gorgeous, the second floor is my favorite; a gorgeous fireplace and large wooden beams make it feel cozy. WSU Press was having a Holiday Book Sale, artist designed wreaths were for sale, you could grab a hot cocoa or have something off the Caucus Club menu. We walked through the open artist studios located on the third floor before making our way back down the stairs and through the exit.

We breezed into the International Institute on Kirby, they were between performances, so we browsed the Holiday Bazaar and then it was back outdoors. Just a couple of doors down is the Hellenic Museum of Michigan, we had never been, so we took a peek. The House itself is beautiful, the woodwork is dark, the staircase curving and elegant. We enjoyed a glass of punch and a few cookies as we looked at pretty pictures of Greece, then it was time to move on. The next block over is Ferry Street, here a group of restored Victorian homes makes up The Inn on Ferry Street, Detroit’s premier Bed and Breakfast establishment. We have had the pleasure of staying here, I highly recommend it; the homes are impeccable, the service top-notch. No two rooms are the same, and each is stunning. Two houses were open to the public to ramble through, potential guests wandered in and out of standard rooms and suites trying to decide which one they’d choose as holiday music by Trio Fiori played softly in the background. Out back one of the carriage houses was open, you could purchase a beer, and have a seat to regain your momentum. We had never seen the rooms above before, so that was a treat. We dashed into the Park Shelton, a new shop just opened on the first floor called The Peacock Room, selling new and vintage clothing and accessories, the shop was a hit with visitors. The space it occupies is lovely; ornately detailed plaster, large arch shaped mirrors, and elegant marble floors. The Park Shelton has really come to life in the last couple of years with a mix of retail, Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes, and a new coffee shop, so good to see!

You may have noticed by now the amount of activities to do and buildings to see is staggering. We like to jump around from place to place, but others may spend the entire evening at one place. We crossed Woodward and listened to a church bell choir at the Bank One Plaza outside the Detroit Historical Museum, this group is great, we always try to make time to catch a couple of songs. Inside the museum was packed, they had several choirs performing throughout the evening in addition to the Sweet Adelines and a dance performance. We zipped across Kirby to the Detroit Public Library, if you’ve never been, this is another building you need to see, the architecture is fantastic! The original structure was built in 1921, be sure and climb the marble stairs to the third floor; the ceiling detail is out-of-this-world. Don’t leave without visiting Strohm Hall, it’s exquisite. The building was bustling with activity, singers, dancers, a puppet show, Thornetta Davis performed in the auditorium. Remember, all of this is yours for FREE.

We went in and out of beautiful, historic buildings all night long, we saw breath-taking churches and decorative art work, we listened to children’s choirs, talented musicians and Christmas carols being sung on Woodward Ave. There were crowds of people smiling and having a good time, little ones sat on Santa’s knee and asked for their hearts desire. We had cookies and wine, popcorn and punch. We saw the African-American History Museum decked out in holiday lights, a live nativity scene and the Green Garage. Yet we still didn’t come close to seeing all there was to see. Noel Night is the best event of the entire holiday season; it’s authentic Christmas without commercialization.

The activities ended at 9:30 pm, so it would be a late dinner for us. You can always count on something being open late in southwest Detroit, so we hopped in the car and headed for Mi Pueblo. We have favorite dishes at each restaurant we frequent, at Mi Pueblo it’s their Botana. We ordered a small one with no meat, added a llomo tostada, and a tinga taco, with all the snacking we did this would be enough for two. Everything arrived simultaneously, it looked scrumptious. The botana is a stack of corn chips smothered in melted white cheese and refried beans, then it is topped with tomato, onion, green pepper, pickled jalapeno and avocado, it’s incredible. Llomo is spicy pulled pork, tinga is spicy pulled chicken, both were excellent. We sat there eating our spicy and salty dinner washing it all down with icy cold diet coke, thinking, Life Is Good!

Tags: Christmas in Detroit, Detroit Blog, DIA, Midtown Detroit, University Cultural Center

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Categories Happenings

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