WDET 101.9 FM

Virtual Artist Salon: Queen Gabby and Deidre D.S.SENSE Smith
2023-02-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
We invite you to join us in this virtual gathering space for discovery, dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
This unique series focuses on the 2022 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, featuring artists Queen Gabby and Deidre D.S.SENSE Smith. A presentation about their practices will be followed by a Q&A based conversation moderated by Bridge Detroit’s Orlando P. Bailey.
This program is a collaboration between Kresge Arts in Detroit and WDET and is part of Kresge Arts in Detroit’s mission to advance and showcase the work of Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, provide space for growth and discovery, and further the connection between Kresge artists and the wider arts community.
[accessibility note: ASL interpretation will be provided during this event]

Queen Gabby is the Queen of Detroit Jit. In her journey to push the development of Jit culture, Queen Gabby has performed in the opera Blue with the Detroit Opera and with Slippage at the Detroit Institute of Arts; showcased Jit in Paris, France; taught at universities across the country, including Wayne State University and the University of Michigan; choreographed for the Detroit Pistons; and has been featured on platforms such as Red Bull and Forbes Magazine. Queen Gabby’s mission is to shine a light on this city’s hidden gem and educate future generations about Detroit Jit.
Deidre D.S.SENSE Smith is a Detroit native who has always shown great pride in her city. Raised on the eastside, she was surrounded by culture and art. Although Smith has seen the struggles, despair, and chaos that has afflicted the city’s once flourishing neighborhoods, she reflects the hope and beauty she sees in her hometown through her artistry. Smith has performed on various stages in support of equal rights, education, art, and in protest of the many socio-economic woes plaguing our world.

Virtual Artist Salon: Summer Like The Season and KESSWA
2023-02-07 18:00 - 19:30
We invite you to join us in this virtual gathering space for discovery, dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
This unique series focuses on the 2022 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, featuring artists KESSWA and Summer Like The Season. A presentation about their practices will be followed by a Q&A based conversation moderated by Bridge Detroit’s Orlando P. Bailey.
This program is a collaboration between Kresge Arts in Detroit and WDET and is part of Kresge Arts in Detroit’s mission to advance and showcase the work of Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, provide space for growth and discovery, and further the connection between Kresge artists and the wider arts community.
[accessibility note: ASL interpretation will be provided during this event]

KESSWA is an interdisciplinary artist from Detroit. As a vocalist, producer, and filmmaker, her work integrates performance, video, and music to function as a resource for emotional healing. Her recent work with Shigeto, “Is My Mind A Machine Gun?,” premiered on MOCAD’s new media platform Daily Rush and as a performance art piece at the DLECTRICITY festival (2021). KESSWA toured Germany as Detroit-Berlin Connection and Musicboard Berlin’s premier artist-in-residence. She has performed in support of avant-garde artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Sudan Archives, the Sun Ra Arkestra, and Rashaad Newsome.
Summer Krinsky is a Detroit-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, and creative coder. Her sound is stylized by the use of mixing and production as a compositional foundation. Krinsky plays drums, bass, piano, guitar, and sings, releasing music under the artist name Summer Like The Season. Exploring themes of this cyborg era, her work traces the edge between live instrumentation and contemporary electronics, examining the intermediary role technology plays in modern identity. Additionally, she experiments with programming novel audio controllers and designing interactive installations. She is a 2020 Gilda Award recipient and Science Gallery Detroit resident artist. Krinsky’s highly personal approach to creativity speaks with a unique and inventive voice.

The Moth StorySLAM — Love Hurts
2023-02-02 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
LOVE HURTS: Prepare a five-minute tale about a love that made you go OUCH. The agony of deferred love, the misery of good-love-gone-bad, the anguish of one-way love. Bring stories of your heart, kicked to the curb by the people or places or things you love — or used to love. Love that “hurts so good” is also welcome.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET

The Moth StorySLAM — Vices
2023-01-05 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
VICES: Prepare a five-minute story about a wicked habit, a mild failing or a defect in your otherwise perfect self. Tell us what acts as kryptonite on your character! The ball and chain of developed habits and poisonous predilections. Give a special shout out to the backfiring virtues… when being too good is actually bad.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET

WDET One Small Step Virtual Listening Party
2022-12-21 12:00 - 13:00
RSVP for Free

Join Detroit’s NPR Station, 101.9 WDET, and StoryCorps for our One Small Step virtual listening party!
WDET brought hundreds of Metro Detroiters with different political views together to have civil conversations. We want to share what we found with you. You’ll hear from a few of the Detroit One Small Step participants.

You also get an exclusive preview of WDET’s One Small Step holiday special, airing Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

From StoryCorps and Detroit’s NPR Station, 101.9 WDET!

Stream Video

The Moth GrandSLAM Championship
2022-12-14 19:00 - 22:00 | The Senate Theatre, 6424 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, 48210, United States
The Moth presents the Detroit GrandSLAM, a battle of wits and words — fierce, hilarious, heartbreaking and all points between.
The Moth is dedicated to finding people from all walks of life to tell inspired stories. At The Moth StorySLAM, those people find us. On this night, winners from our StorySLAM series compete to determine The Detroit GrandSLAM Story Champion.
Doors open at 7 p.m., stories begin at 8 p.m.
Media Sponsor: WDET

Celebrate Noel Night at WDET
2022-12-03 17:00 - 22:00 | WDET, 4600 Cass Ave, Detroit, 48201, United States
Visit WDET’s studio this Saturday for Noel Night, a celebration of the holiday season as the Cultural Center of Detroit comes alive with over 100 participating venues.

Tour the station to see where the news, music and conversation is made
Meet some of your favorite WDET hosts
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and cookies
Shop vintage WDET merch at discounted prices — perfect for holiday gifts!

WDET is located at 4600 Cass Avenue, on the first floor of Wayne State’s University Towers building.
Join us for Noel Night, this Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
From Detroit’s NPR Station, 101.9 WDET.

The Moth StorySLAM — Anniversary
2022-12-01 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
ANNIVERSARY: Prepare a five-minute story about milestones. Enduring love or loss. The fondness of nostalgia and the lessons of growth. Seconds, minutes, hours or when time stood still. Paper or silver — extra points if you make it to platinum. Rejoice or reflect the past while plotting the course ahead. Cheers to many more years!
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET

WDET Dearborn Women of Color Engagement Event
2022-11-15 11:00 - 12:30 | Qahwah House, 6655 Schaefer Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48126, United States
WDET is hosting an engagement event at Qahwah House in Dearborn with Women of Color in Dearborn. We invite you and a friend to chat with WDET reporters Sascha Raiyn, Nargis Rahman, and Tia Graham, WDET Culture Shift Producer/Host.
November 15 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Qahwah House in Dearborn, 6655 Schaefer Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126.

The Moth StorySLAM — Leftovers
2022-11-03 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
LEFTOVERS: Prepare a five-minute story of what remained. Feelings, dinners or lingering guests; the time there was too much or not quite enough; or the moment you couldn’t quite end things clearly. Cold pizza for breakfast, the last appetizer on the plate, family heirlooms, seeds of resentment.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET.

Ann Delisi's Essential Cooking: SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
2022-10-17 18:30 - 21:30 | SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, 438 Selden St., Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Get tickets

Join Ann Delisi on October 17th for a very special Essential Cooking event at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar! We will be featuring a five-course dinner with a wine pairing by Chef Anthony Lombardo right here in Midtown.
This is a benefit for WDET and begins at 6:30PM on Monday, October 17, 2022. Doors will not be open prior to event time. Purchase your tickets right here.
About SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
Tickets are general admission and seating will be random. Please note that the majority of SheWolf’s seating are high-tops. If you have a specific seating request, or would like to sit with a separate ticket holder, please contact Nicole Amine (nicole.amine@wdet.org). Price of ticket includes wine pairing and gratuity.
Ann Delisi’s Essential Cooking is supported by La Marca Prosecco

Detroit school board virtual candidate forum
2022-10-13 17:30 - 19:30
RSVP

Two former board presidents, a few former educators, four incumbents, parents and a recent graduate are among the 18 candidates running for four open seats on the Detroit school board in what could be a consequential election for the city school district.
​​The seven-member board oversees and sets policy for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which educates nearly 49,000 students. With more than half of the four-year seats open for the Nov. 8 general election, new board members could impact Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s plan to address pandemic-related enrollment losses, chronic absenteeism and poor academic achievement.
Chalkbeat Detroit and WDET are hosting a virtual school board candidate forum Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us as we hear from the 18 candidates vying to lead Detroit public schools. The forum will be held over Zoom and split into two panels with a short intermission. A schedule will be announced closer to the event.
This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP to receive the Zoom information. You can also let us know what questions you have for the candidates when you sign up.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization committed to covering one of the nation’s most important stories: the effort to improve schools for all children, especially those who have historically lacked access to a quality education.
WDET has provided an independent voice for the Detroit region for nearly 70 years. As a community service of Wayne State University, we use the power of our broadcast and digital channels to inspire and educate listeners at home and away.

First Friday Watch Party: Focus on Freighters
2022-10-07 13:30 - 14:00
Those freighters along Great Lakes ports and the skylines are part of the region’s history, economy and mythology.
Join WDET’s own Nick Austin (Soul Saturday, Detroit Today) and Great Lakes Now’s Sandra Svoboda to learn more about the best places to see the ships, how to track them and where museums around the region are showcasing Great Lakes shipping history, including the storied Edmund Fitzgerald.
Ask questions (and get answers) about the boats, the shipping industry, freighter routes and more.
Guests:

Michelle Briggs, chief park ranger at the Soo Locks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Scott Bjorklund, park ranger at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

Photo credit: Sandra Svoboda/Great Lakes Now.

The Moth StorySLAM -- Grown
2022-10-06 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
GROWN: Prepare a five-minute story about the highs and lows of adulting, or the trials and tribulations of getting there. Old enough to know better or wishing someone else would grow the heck up. Growing pains, rites of passage and the great onslaught of responsibility. You know what they say: age is just a number.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET

Making Black Detroit Town Hall: Bringing Home the Story of African American Empowerment from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s New Series
2022-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Wayne State’s Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
Join us LIVE and in-person for a community event with Detroit Public Television and WDET-FM, exploring Detroit’s history in the context of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s new series “Making Black America,” premiering nationally October 4th on PBS.
Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. ET, in Wayne State University’s Community Arts Auditorium.
RSVP Here.
Watch “Making Black America,” by Prof. Gates, every Tuesday in October at 8 p.m. ET, beginning on Oct. 4 on Detroit Public TV.

WDET Live Broadcast: The Detroit Jazz Festival
2022-09-02 18:00 - 2022-09-05 23:00 | On Air, Online, or on the WDET App
WDET will broadcast the Detroit Jazz Festival presented by Rocket Mortgage in its entirety this Labor Day Weekend. Stream it on air, online, or on the WDET App!

First Friday Watch Party: Visit a Shipwreck, Connect with Great Lakes History
2022-09-02 13:30 - 14:00
Shipwrecks, sailors’ stories, artifacts from bygone eras. The history of the Great Lakes is not only on display at NOAA’s current and proposed national marine sanctuaries on the Great Lakes, it’s there for visitors of all ages to engage with and enjoy.
Join WDET’s own Nick Austin (host of Soul Saturday, producer for Detroit Today) and Great Lakes Now’s Sandra Svoboda to learn more about visiting these unique places, whether you’re a tourist on land or a diver in the water.
View a new video from WPBS-TV in Watertown, New York about Lake Ontario’s proposed sanctuary, and ask questions (and get answers) about the sanctuaries and their shipwrecks from NOAA experts.
Guests:

Ellen Brody, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator, NOAA’s Office of the National Marine Sanctuaries
Stephanie Gandulla, Resource Protection Coordinator, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
David White, Recreation Specialist, New York Sea Grant

The Moth StorySLAM -- Crossroads
2022-09-01 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
CROSSROADS: Prepare a five-minute story about a turning point in your life. Do or die, now or never. Saying or doing something you can never take back. Turning down the job, saying yes to the tattoo, breaking up with not-the-one. Opportunities, decisions or indecision. Am I this stray dog’s forever home? Taking the high road or the low road. Right, left or full steam ahead.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
Media Sponsor: WDET

WDET Comedy Showcase - What's So Funny About Detroit?
2022-08-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back!
We’re bringing six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians on Thursday, August 25 to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of CultureShift, weekdays 12 – 2p) will serve as your host for the evening as he introduces you to Detroit stand-up comics Robert Jenkins, Brianna Blackburn, Jeffrey Ford, Alaina Bamfield, Mike Boone and Michael Bussler.
This event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station. The cost of your tickets directly support WDET and will also go towards compensating the comedians, who are critical members of the city’s independent comedy scene and larger performing arts community.
Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance online right here. Walk-up ticket sales at the venue are available for cash purchase only *if the event is not sold out.* Credit cards cannot be accepted for tickets at the venue.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. The show will be less than two hours long.
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station.
This event will be held in the gorgeous backyard of the Old Miami. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain or severe weather, this event will be canceled and your tickets will be refunded.
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic in Old Miami’s gorgeous backyard. A food truck will be on site selling food (food truck to-be-announced).
This is an uncensored comedy event. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET whatsoever.

***MEET THE COMEDIANS***

Robert Jenkins
Robert Jenkins combines his quick wit and sharp words with a disarming delivery to leave you wondering if you just heard what you thought you heard. A Detroit native and resident of Lansing, Michigan, Robert has performed at the Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Laughfest where he was a participant in the Best of the Midwest Comedy Competition. Robert’s comedy albums, “Achievement Unlocked” and “Attempted Salvation” are available on Apple Music, Google Play, and Amazon, and Attempted Salvation can be heard on SiriusXM Radio.
Brianna Blackburn
Brianna Blackburn is a comedian from Grand Rapids. She has quickly become a favorite comedian in the Michigan comedy scene with her amazing ability to relate to any crowd. She has opened for people including Tony Hinchcliffe, Josh Wolfe, Donnell Rawlings, DeRay Davis and more.
Jeffrey Ford
Born and raised in Detroit, Jeffrey Ford is one of the most talented comedians working in the city today.
Mike Boone
Although his content has deep social and cultural analysis, your first impression of comedian Mike Boone will be the whimsical silliness he brings to the stage. Throughout his career telling jokes his own goofy giggles are what carry his punchlines through. Life is silly, and he’ll only ask you to take him as seriously as he takes himself. As a stand up he has never failed to delight and challenge audiences.
Alaina Bamfield
Alaina Bamfield is a Michigan based comedian that has quickly made a name for herself and the Michigan and Midwest comedy scenes. Performing regularly on stages such as the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Mark Ridleys Comedy Castle, Summit City Comedy Club (IN), and The Comedy Bar (IL). Alaina brings razor sharp wit with the force of a sledgehammer, leaving audiences in stitches. Participating in multiple festivals such as the Savage Henry Comedy Festival 2021 and StoopFest 2022. Alaina has opened for comedians Tom Thakkar, KVON, Ron Taylor, and Chris Barnes.
Michael Bussler
Hailing from parts unknown, Michael Bussler, a.k.a. “Iron Mike” is a comedian you don’t wanna miss. He’s worked with Brian Posehn, and Mick Foley. He’s also performed at Laughfest, and is the Second Funniest Person in Grand Rapids. When Iron Mike is in town you better be around!

First Friday Watch Party: Get Out There on the Great Lakes
2022-08-05 13:30 - 14:00
Join WDET’s own Nick Austin (host of Soul Saturday, producer for Detroit Today) and Great Lakes Now’s Sandra Svoboda to learn more about fun and interesting places around the Great Lakes. They’ll be joined by guests from around the region who will share places to go for outdoor fun and to learn more about the history, culture and science of the Great Lakes.

The Moth StorySLAM -- Happy
2022-08-04 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
HAPPY: Prepare a five-minute story about smiles and sunshine. Think unbridled joy—landing the dream job, winning the talent show, or bowling a perfect game. The quest for your soul mate or for the perfect cup of coffee. The Midas touch. The good old days. Tales of finding happiness or letting it slip through your fingers.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
COVID-19 Requirements: Please note that proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours of the SLAM will be required for entry.
Media Sponsor: WDET

WDET Comedy Showcase - What's So Funny About Detroit?
2022-07-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back, supported by The Finnish Long Drink!
We’re bringing six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians on Thursday, July 28 to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of CultureShift, weekdays 12 – 2p) will serve as your host for the evening as he introduces you to Detroit stand-up comics Esteban Touma, Melanie Hearn, Osama Basal, Johanna Medranda, Louis D. Michael and Pat Sievert.
This event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station. The cost of your tickets directly support WDET and will also go towards compensating the comedians, who are critical members of the city’s independent comedy scene and larger performing arts community.
Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance online right here. Walk-up ticket sales at the venue are available *if the event is not sold out*
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. The show will be less than two hours long.
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station.
This event will be held in the gorgeous backyard of the Old Miami. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain or severe weather, this event will be canceled and your tickets will be refunded.
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic in Old Miami’s gorgeous backyard. Mizz Ruth’s Grill will be on-site cooking up delicious food for you to purchase. Check out the menu here.
This is an uncensored comedy event. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET whatsoever.
***MEET THE COMEDIANS***

Esteban Touma
A part Palestinian/part Latino immigrant from Ecuador, Esteban Touma is a teacher, writer and comedian adjusting to life in the US. His comedy has been featured on Comedy Central, NPR, and The Moth. He has worked with comics such as Judd Apatow, Roy Wood Jr., Mark Normand, Rory Scovel, and Michelle Wolf, among others. Esteban was invited to perform in Clusterfest in San Francisco, at the NBC Second City Break Out Festival in Chicago, and at the Comedy on State “Best of the Midwest” showcase. The U.S. Government officially declared him an “authorized legal alien with a reentry permit.”
Melanie Hearn
Melanie is a fast rising talent on the Metro Detroit comedy scene, is a native of The “D” and has always enjoyed entertaining people. As a graduate of Bill Bushart’s comedy class at the world famous Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle earlier this year, Melanie has hit the ground running. She has been sweeping the scene as Winner of the “Jumpstart your Comedy Career Contest” at Joey’s Comedy Shop, recent winner of The “Big Money Contest” at Laff Tracks Comedy Club and Finalist in the Woodward Comedy Competition. Such opportunities have afforded her the opportunity to emcee across the state and open for nationally known comedian Mike Bonner. In just a few short months Melanie has made her presence known around town for her versatile mix of realism and sass she’s just as nice as she is naughty. Melanie delivers a fun high energy show that really gets the crowd involved in her act. A local favorite across the Metro Detroit area, Melanie continues to hone her skills at open mics across the state. Melanie can be seen performing at comedy clubs, bars, corporate events across the Midwest
Osama Basal
Born in Syria, Osama Basal is an immigrant in the United Arab Emirates for 16 years and an immigrant in the United States for over a decade. Never found a place to call home so he finds solace on stage. Osama offers a unique and hilarious perspective on everyday interactions we take for granted. Taking care to set up his perspective, while utilizing his quick wit and sharp observational humor to paint a picture of what it is like to be a refugee living in America. Presenting a unique view into his family, dating life, politics and his daily adventures!
Johanna Medranda
Johanna Medranda is both a finalist of the Gilda Radner LaughFest Roast Battle and a fan favorite of LaughFest’s “Dirty Show”. She has played for Bricks & Bridges Comedy Festival, StoopFest, two “12 Days of Grizmas” showcases, two of NPR’s WDET “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” showcases, produced and performed for The Motor City Comedy Festival, and was the first comedian to perform for So Far Sound Detroit. Johanna has opened for comedians Brody Stevens, Liza Treyger, Stavros Halkias, Nicole Schreiber, and Akaash Singh. You may have seen Johanna on the cover of Hour Detroit Magazine, featuring at The Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, The MadHouse Comedy Club, and the infamous Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Outside of performing stand up, Johanna is the co-founder of Honorary Mentions Comedy, a producer for The Independent Comedy Club, 313 Comedy, and the host of Each Other’s Mothers podcast.
Pat Sievert
Pat Sievert sees things in a way you’ve never considered, but it’s a perspective you’ll never forget. Based out of Lansing, Michigan, he’s quietly become a fixture in the midwestern underground comedy scene. He’s honed his charmingly quirky, wickedly funny material with diligent road work, appearing at festivals across the country (Whiskey Bear, Motor City, and Savage Henry to name a few). In 2019 Pat won the prestigious Funniest Person in Grand Rapids Competition and recorded his debut album “I Do What I Want Now”. Whether it’s an indie DIY show or an A-list comedy club, Pat is a refreshing new voice that stands out from the crowd.
Supported by:

The Moth StorySLAM -- Nature
2022-07-07 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
NATURE: Prepare a five-minute story about life on earth. From the great, wide-open outdoors to the wee, uncharted interiors of the human mind. Think: salt of the earth, strong as an ox, sturdy as an oak, peas in a pod, a thorn in my side, treated like dirt. An inevitable force to be reckoned with. Beautiful, punishing, restorative.
We will not be selling any tickets at the door.
COVID-19 Requirements: Please note that proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours of the SLAM will be required for entry.
Media Sponsor: WDET

WDET Comedy Showcase - What's So Funny About Detroit?
2022-06-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back!
***BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE***
We’re bringing six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of CultureShift, weekdays 12 – 2p) will serve as your host for the evening as he introduces you to Detroit stand-up comics Josh Adams (headliner), Camila Ballario, Connor Meade, Jacob Barr, Alex Bozinovic and Zech.
This event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station. The cost of your tickets directly support WDET and will also go towards compensating the comedians, who are critical members of the city’s independent comedy scene and larger performing arts community.
Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance online right here. Walk-up ticket sales at the venue are available and cost $30 day-of (only available for in-person sales).
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. The show will be less than two hours long.
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit’s NPR station.
This event will be held in the gorgeous backyard of the Old Miami. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain or severe weather, this event will be cancelled and your tickets will be refunded.
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic in Old Miami’s gorgeous backyard. A limited amount of blankets will be available on-site at no charge.
This is an uncensored comedy event. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET whatsoever.
***MEET THE COMEDIANS***
Josh Adams
Detroit comedian Josh Adams has performed on BET’s Apollo Live and recently released his debut stand-up comedy album, “Miseducation of Josh Adams.” He’s appeared in the pages of Hour Detroit Magazine and the Detroit Free Press. He has opened for a host of comedic luminaries including D.L. Hughley and Mo’Nique.
Camila Ballario
Comedian Camila Ballario is a promising talent voted Best Comedian in Washtenaw County of 2020 by Current Magazine, and has been entertaining crowds far and wide with her fresh brand of stand-up. Formally trained in music, she often joins her ideas with songs to give you a unique look into her perspective on the realities of being a woman in her 30s.
Connor Meade
From the moment Connor Meade entered the Detroit comedy scene she has effortlessly captivated audiences with her curvy jokes. Week after week the midwest has come to count on her to twist our daily experience into punchlines that take aim at everyone. While developing her hard hitting jokes she has quietly become one of Detroit’s up-and-coming producers through her work with the Independent Comedy Club and other local outfits, and flooded the local scene with stage time and unparalleled curatorial power. Winner of Comedy Rumble 9. She has opened up for Jeremiah Watkinz,, Sean Patton, Kurt Metzger and Eddie Pepitone.
Jacob Barr
Jacob Barr is a young comic who has been performing since 2015. He uses his disability and unique life experiences to make people laugh….or scared. Jacob works clubs and festivals in the Midwest. In the past he has opened for Tim Meadows, Casey Frey, Chris Gethard, and Joe List.
Alex Bozinovic
Alex Bozinovic has been a comedian on stage and presence behind the scenes for five years, quickly making a name for himself in the local scene. He has opened for comedians Jen Kirkman, Joe Mande, Guy Branum and Eddie Pepitone.
Zech
Zech is a Cass Corridor resident, visual and performance artist and Ryan Patrick Hooper enthusiast.
Supported by Finnish Long Drink

First Friday Watch Party: All About Otters
2022-06-03 13:30 - 14:00
Do you love otters? If so, you are definitely not alone. These semi-aquatic members of the weasel family are known for their cuteness and resourceful behavior.
In our June First Friday Watch Party, we’ll celebrate the recent otter sighting on the Detroit River after a long absence, and talk about the differences between sea otters and river otters. We’ll also learn about what we can do to protect and promote a safe and healthy habitat for otters throughout the Great Lakes region.
We’ll show a PBS Digital Studios and PBS Nature Animal IQ video about otters called “Otters: Cute, Playful, Geniuses?” You can learn more about the series by visiting the PBS Terra YouTube channel.
Guests for this watch party include:
–Dr. John Hartig, an award-winning Great Lakes scientist and columnist for Great Lakes Now. Hartig recently penned a special column for GLN on the significance of the recent otter sighting in the Detroit River.
–Natalie Riemer, curator of terrestrial animals at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. She is the caretaker of the two otters who live at the aquarium.

The Moth StorySLAM -- Birthdays
2022-06-02 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
BIRTHDAYS: Prepare a five-minute story about a celebration. Once a year, for better or worse. Party hats, blowing out the candle, opening the gifts, or weeping in solitude, wondering where all the years have gone.
COVID Requirements: Please note that proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours of the SLAM will be required for entry.
Media Sponsor: WDET

Communities of Hope Roundtable: Powering Through The Pandemic
2022-05-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Baobab Fare, 6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
WDET’s series Communities of Hope focuses on the positive ways communities of color have persevered through the pandemic. Join Detroit-based food entrepreneurs as they share their stories and lessons during this unprecedented period, and enjoy samples of their specialty food items.
WDET reporter Nargis Rahman will speak with Chef Helina Melaku of Konjo Me, authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and Sadya Chowdhury, owner of Zafreen’s Kitchen, a Bangladeshi catering company.
Beverages will be available for purchase from Baobob Fare. Metered street parking is available.
From left, Sadya Chowdhury, owner of Zafreen’s Kitchen, and Helina Melaku of Konjo Me, authentic Ethiopian cuisine

First Friday Watch Party: Butterflies & Climate Change
2022-05-06 13:30 - 14:00
What can butterflies tell us about #climatechange? In this First Friday Watch Party, join Great Lakes Now Producer Anna Sysling to learn about what the cabbage white butterfly can teach us about the impacts of climate change playing out in our own backyards.
We’ll check out a video called “Backyard Butterflies, Meet Climate Change” from Chicago PBS affiliate WTTW’s Urban Nature, a digital series that explores the surprising slices of nature thriving in America’s largest cities.
Plus, learn about how to attract and support the iconic Monarch butterfly species during its annual migration through the Great Lakes.
Join us LIVE to ask your questions to our guests.
Guests for this watch party include:
–Urban Nature host Marcus Kronforst (Watch the entire Urban Nature series at wttw.com/urbannature)
–Author of “Bicycling with Butterflies” Sara Dykman. She made history when she became the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their annual migration—a round-trip of more than 10,000 miles.
–Eastern District Interpretive Supervisor with the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Erin Parker, who is an experienced educator and steward for butterflies in the Great Lakes region.
This First Friday series of watch parties is a partnership with Detroit Public Television, the Belle Isle Conservancy, WDET 101.9 FM Detroit’s NPR Station and the environmental online newsletter Planet Detroit.

Virtual Artist Salon: Peter Daniel Bernal, Gisela McDaniel and Neha Vedpathak
2022-04-21 12:00 - 13:30
We invite you to join us in this virtual gathering space for discovery, dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
This unique series focuses on the 2021 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, featuring visual artists Peter Daniel Bernal, Gisela McDaniel and Neha Vedpathak. A presentation about their practices will be followed by a Q&A based conversation.
This program is a collaboration between Kresge Arts in Detroit and WDET and is part of Kresge Arts in Detroit’s mission to advance and showcase the work of Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Awardees, provide space for growth and discovery, and further the connection between Kresge artists and the wider arts community.
[accessibility note: ASL interpretation will be provided during this event]

The Moth — Books
2022-04-07 18:30 - 21:30 | Marble Bar, 1501 Holden Street, Detroit, MI, 48208, United States
BOOKS: Prepare a five-minute story about the written word. The novels that changed your life or the ones you only pretended to read. An open book, or one judged by cover alone. Book stores, clubs and libraries. Dog-eared pages with notes in the margins, tell us about one for the record books, or just the CliffsNotes.
If you go home with someone and they don’t have any…
Media Sponsor: WDET+
This show is presented in partnership with General Motors.
General Motors is boldly reaching farther than ever before as they aspire to be the most inclusive company in the world. Their goal is to bring employees and partners along in this journey, and to influence change that will close gaps in equity across global communities.
