WDET 101.9 FM

WDET Comedy Showcase: What's So Funny About Detroit? - JUNE
2024-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
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*****UPDATE AS OF JUNE 2024! DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM, SHOW IS AT 7:00PM!*******
The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back!
The What’s So Funny? showcase brings a new set of six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians to the stage on Thursday, June 27 to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove) will serve as your host and curator of comedy for the evening as he introduces you to ……. Nicole Melnyk, Diana Graham, Blain Hill, Alex Bozinovic, Brianna Blackburn, and headliner Ahmed Bharoocha!
This event is a benefit for Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET. 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*
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic. A food truck will be on site selling food (Mizz Ruth’s Grill).
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio.
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.
The show is intended for a mature audience and may include coarse language and subject matter. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET’s editorial standards.
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What’s So Funny About Detroit? is supported by The Finnish Long Drink.

Smart Politics: An Election Discussion Hosted By WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn
2024-07-10 19:00 - 20:30 | The Rind, 3125 Twelve Mile Road, Berkley, 48072, United States
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Join WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn and a panel of Michigan journalists for the second installment of Smart Politics, hosted at The Rind (attached to Mongers’ Provisions) on Wednesday, July 10! We will discuss Michigan’s effects on the 2024 presidential election and take audience questions with our panelists:

Michael Siegrist, Canton Township Clerk
Matt Friedman, Founding Partner – Tanner Friedman
Erica Peresman, Voting Rights Advocate

Food & drinks will be available for purchase, and we highly encourage enjoying dinner during our programming! To view The Rind’s menu, click here.
Seating will be on a first come first serve basis. If you have a group of 5 or larger and you’d like to request a table together, please contact Nicole Amine: nicole.amine@wdet.org.
A $5 reservation fee will be required to secure your spot. Buy tickets HERE.
The views and opinions of each panelist are their own and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of WDET or Wayne State University.
We ask that you please respect our panelists, host, and the other attendees. Anyone displaying disruptive or disrespectful behavior may be asked to leave.
If you plan to purchase or consume alcohol, please bring a valid government issued ID.
Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant or along Twelve Mile Road.
The Rind is wheelchair accessible.
Supported by:

33rd Annual Concert of Colors
2024-07-16 - 2024-07-21 | MI
The Concert of Colors is Metro Detroit’s free annual diversity-themed music festival. Global music at its finest at this colorful, festive, upbeat coveted summer event. Housed in Culture Source a coalition of 152 arts organizations in Southeast Michigan, the Concert of Colors has become the Midwest’s biggest diversity and arts festival.
The goal of the week-long festival is to unite metro Detroit’s diverse communities and ethnic groups through music and dance from around the world – and create dialogue where participants embrace freedom of expression.
Over its rich 33-year history, the festival has blossomed into a celebrated, beloved highlight of metro Detroit’s summer festival season- one of the few remaining large scale, free-admission music festivals in the area.
The Concert of Colors was established by Ismael Ahmed (host of This Island Earth) – the former head of the human services organization ACCESS – and New Detroit in 1993 as a one-day event at Chene Park on Detroit’s riverfront. The inaugural event drew a modest crowd to Chene Park, but by 1999, some 10,000 music lovers were coming out each year. The festival expanded to three days in 2001, when it was part of the official festivities for Detroit’s 300th birthday, drawing an audience of 100,000. In 2019, the concert expanded to nine days.

In addition to music, the Concert of Colors also offers global food and merchandise vendors, movies, poetry, children’s activities and much more.

The Concert of Colors is supported by WDET. Check out some of our highlights below or click here for the full 2024 lineup:

MC5 MUSICAL TRIBUTE on Friday, July 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Detroit Historical Museum. Hosted by Ann Delisi with Peter Werbe, Leni Sinclair, Don Was and Tino Gross and Band
DON WAS DETROIT ALL STAR REVUE: PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING on Sunday, July 21 8:00-9:30 p.m. at Detroit Institute of Arts – DFT. Featuring Don Was, Marshall Crenshaw, Steffanie Chris’ tian, Milton Bennet, Herschel Boone, Carolyn Striho, Corktown Popes, Gretchen Gonzalez Davidson, Julie Benjamin, Kara Meister, MIKE

*Plus, the WDET Street Team will be on the DIA South lawn on July 20 -21. Say hello to enter to win tickets to a future comedy show!

Click here for more information about the 2024 Concert of Colors and schedule.

Don Was Motor City Playlist 3-Year Anniversary Bowling Party
2024-07-22 17:00 - 21:00 | The Garden Bowl, 4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit
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Join WDET along with hosts of the Motor City Playlist, Ann Delisi and Don Was on July 22 at the Garden Bowl to celebrate the show’s 3 year anniversary! This event will feature music, food, and bowling and has three ticketing tiers:

Your $50 ticket purchase includes an hour of bowling, bowling shoes and a ball, and pizza courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s.
*****SOLD OUT***** For the purchase of a $250 VIP ticket, you’ll receive the above, plus an event-exclusive bowling shirt and the chance to bowl on either TEAM ANN or TEAM DON! VIP tickets are extremely limited and will be available on a first come first serve basis. *****SOLD OUT*****
If you’d like to enjoy the festivities, but would prefer not to bowl, you’re also welcome to purchase a spectator ticket for $25, which will include pizza.

Buy Tickets »
Additional event information below:
Doors for this event open at 5 p.m.. When you arrive, please check in at the front desk to receive your lane assignment and any additional information.
There are three general admission bowling times you are able to sign up for. Please note your bowling time on your ticket purchase when checking out and please respect the reservation times of your fellow bowlers.
A cash bar will be available for all attendees.
Lanes will be assigned based on the time frame you sign up for. If you’d like to bowl on the same lane as another ticket purchaser, please email Nicole Amine at nicole.amine@wdet.org. Please note there are six spaces per lane and we will be assigning parties to lanes to fully maximize available tickets.
Pizza will be served courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s. Vegetarian options will be available. Due to the nature of this event, we are unable to guarantee the accommodation of all dietary restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Street parking is recommended.
If you have any additional questions, please email Nicole Amine at nicole.amine@wdet.org.
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On The Don Was Motor City Playlist, Blue Note Records President and music industry powerhouse Don Was pays homage to the Motor City and the artists that inspire him.
Each week, Was digs deep into his music archives to curate playlists and share personal stories about the artists whose songs he features. Co-hosted by WDET’s Ann Delisi, listeners hear commentary about Detroit and its rich musical and cultural histories.
This year, the show celebrates its third year on Detroit’s airwaves and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate!

THE DON WAS MOTOR CITY PLAYLIST 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY IS SUPPORTED BY FENDER, KLIPSCH AND E-L-S STUDIO 3D

Cassandra Wilson: A Tribute to Ed Love with Ralphe Armstrong
2024-07-24 19:30 - 22:30 | Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater St, Detroit, MI, 48207, United States
Celebrating WDET’s own Ed Love, Cassandra Wilson and Ralphe Armstrong present a tribute at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre along the Detroit Riverfront. The Aretha is a majestic, 6,000-person waterfront venue, recognized as one of the top 100 concert venues in the world.
Longtime “Destination Jazz” host Ed Love.
Ed Love will be honored for his impact in the studio, as mentor and promoter of musicians far and wide, and his commitment as a cultural torchbearer and multigenerational voice for the tradition of jazz here in Detroit and throughout the world.
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WDET Comedy Showcase: What's So Funny About Detroit? - JULY
2024-07-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
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The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back!
What’s So Funny? brings a new set of six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians to the stage on Thursday, July 25 to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove) will serve as your host and curator of comedy for the evening as he introduces you to MELANIE HEARN, JASON JAMERSON, MARY SPENCER, WES WARD, RYAN BROWN, AND SAM RAGER.
This event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio. 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.
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. No pets are allowed.
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 6:00 p.m.
Show starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. The show will be approximately two hours long.
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio.
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic. A food truck will be on site selling food (Mizz Ruth’s Grill).
Want a guaranteed seat? Start a monthly sustaining donation of $40 at wdet.org/give or call 313-577-4550. As a token of our appreciation, we’ll have a WDET Festival chair waiting just for you. You can also select this option as an “ADD ON” when purchasing your ticket. Email Baraka Macharia with questions: baraka.macharia@wdet.org.
This is an uncensored comedy event. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET’s editorial standards.
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What’s So Funny About Detroit? is supported by The Finnish Long Drink.

WDET Presents: Sounds Like Detroit 2024
2024-08-15 18:00 - 22:00 | New Center Park, 2998 West Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
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Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET presents the 2024 Sounds Like Detroit showcase, featuring the top five, listener-voted Tiny Desk Contest participants!
Join us on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at New Center Park for a musical showcase of Detroit Tiny Desk Contest talent hosted by WDET’s MI Local host Jeff Milo!
The Sounds Like Detroit Showcase will feature five listener-chosen acts during our online voting:

Drey Skonie & The kLOUDs

C3theartist
Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment
Chris Lanard & One Band Global
Isis Damil

Gates open at 6 p.m. and music starts promptly at 7 p.m.
Food trucks and beverages will be on-site.
This is a BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR OR BLANKET-style event. Seating is not guaranteed.
The show is located at New Center Park, 2998 W Grand Blvd in Detroit. Street parking is available.
Sounds Like Detroit is supported by 8 Mile Vodka and Henry Ford Health.

WDET Comedy Showcase: What's So Funny About Detroit? - AUGUST
2024-08-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, United States
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The WDET comedy showcase What’s So Funny About Detroit? is back!
What’s So Funny? brings a new set of six of the city’s funniest stand-up comedians to the stage on Thursday, August 29 to the iconic Old Miami bar & backyard in the Cass Corridor / Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
WDET’s Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove, weekdays 12-3p) will serve as your host and curator of comedy for the evening as he introduces you to Jacob Barr, Finn St. John, Ms. Joyce, Zach Martina, Kathy Ryan and headliner Josh Adams!
This event is a benefit for 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio. 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.
This event will be held in the gorgeous backyard of the Old Miami. ***THE OLD MIAMI IS A 21+ VENUE. A VALID ID IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY*** 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. No pets are allowed.
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 6:00 p.m.
Show starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. The show will be approximately two hours long.
This show will be recorded live for a later airing on 101.9 WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio.
This event is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR and/or BLANKET. Think of it as a comedy picnic. A food truck will be on site selling food (Mizz Ruth’s Grill). Outside food and drink is not permitted.
This is an uncensored comedy event. The opinions and jokes of the comedians are completely their own and are not a reflection on WDET’s editorial standards.
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What’s So Funny About Detroit? is supported by The Finnish Long Drink.

Detroit Jazz Festival 2024
2024-08-30 - 2024-09-02 | Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, 48226, United States
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Detroit Jazz Festival 2025

The Detroit Jazz Festival returns to the city Friday, Aug. 29th through Monday, Sept. 1st, and Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET is teaming up with Paxahau as an official media partner to bring you special coverage and programming.
For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated Detroit’s rich history of jazz music by providing year-round concerts and educational programming, and of course, organizing the world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring world-class talent, over Labor Day weekend.
With the support of corporate sponsors, philanthropic organizations, individual donors and volunteers, the Detroit Jazz Festival is free to music fans looking to revel in the artistry and improvisation of jazz legends, rising stars, legacy and homecoming artists. Each year’s lineup of more than 60 performances as remarkable and diverse as the genre itself, as well as spontaneous late-night jam sessions, offers something for everyone.
The Detroit International Jazz Festival was founded in 1980 by Robert McCabe and the Detroit Renaissance. Along with the Detroit Grand Prix and the International Freedom Festival, the Festival was intended to bring people into the city and to provide all segments of the population with world-class entertainment.
Stay tuned for more information about WDET’s special on-air coverage and programming and be sure to stop by our table at the festival and say hello!

NPR's Morning Edition reporting from WDET
2024-10-07 - 2024-10-10 | On Air, Online, or on the WDET App
Leila Fadel host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR’s morning news podcast Up First will host NPR’s Morning Edition from WDET studios in Detroit on the following dates:

Monday, October 7th
Wednesday, October 9th
Thursday, October 10th

Tune into WDET 101.9FM, wdet.org/live, or stream on the WDET app throughout the week to hear the show!

Detroit Story Fest
2024-10-10 19:00 - 22:00 | The Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
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WDET is partnering with Back Pocket Media to bring the best stories from our city to one stage.
About the Event:
Detroit Story Fest brings journalists and locals together for a night of art, entertainment and storytelling by and for the people of Detroit. Think of it as a podcast, but live and on stage. And it’s happening on October 10th at the Detroit Film Theatre in the Institute of the Arts.
Storytellers:
Journalists from the Free Press, Michigan Public, BridgeDetroit, WDET, Chalkbeat Detroit, the Metro Times, Planet Detroit, Model D and more will go behind the scenes of their reporting, inviting readers into a world they’ve only observed from the outside. Artists and local raconteurs will also share surprising and hysterical stories live from the stage. Host and Senior News Editor Quinn Klinefelter will represent WDET as a storyteller, sharing about his relationship with T.C. Latham and his reporting on cash-strapped cities struggling to bury their dead.

More about Quinn:
Quinn Klinefelter is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, anchoring midday newscasts and preparing reports for WDET, NPR and the BBC. Klinefelter joined WDET in 1998 after earning a M.A. from the nation’s top-ranked journalism school, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and working as a sports correspondent for BBC Radio 4 and as a talk show host, anchor and reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio.
He has won over 50 awards for his work from groups including CBS Radio, the Associated Press, the Wisconsin and Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists. He has covered government and politics for WDET, including interviewing numerous presidential candidates, Michigan governors and every Detroit mayor elected in the 21st century. He also regularly reports on sports and entertainment, including covering 20 editions of the Indianapolis 500.
Registration:
Early bird tickets are only $17! Reserve Here
Sponsors: Detroit Story Fest is sponsored by the Knight Foundation and the Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre.
Interested in supporting Story Fest? Email sponsorships@backpocket.media
More About Back Pocket Media:
Back Pocket Media is a team of journalists, artists, and storytellers who create experiences around the country.
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Ann Delisi's Essential Cooking: TAKOI
2024-10-13 17:30 - 20:00 | Takoi, 2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI, 48216, United States
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Join us for the next installment of Ann Delisi’s Essential Cooking at TAKOI on Sunday, October 13! Chef Brad Greenhill will prepare a special 5-course meal with a beverage pairing for guests to enjoy as part of TAKOI’s Ten-Year Anniversary Tour!
Poster by Blake Juras Design
Located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit, TAKOI is known for modern Thai cooking accented with Michigan seasonality, a DIY mentality, and a penchant for local food production. As a core pillar of our mission, TAKOI operates HiO Farm which is located just a mile north of the restaurant. During the height of farm season, the restaurant highlights dishes prepared with HiO produce utilizing the techniques and flavors inspired by Thailand and beyond.
TAKOI, originally KATOI, began as a food truck in 2014, evolved into an Ann Arbor pop-up, and landed as a proper restaurant at 2520 Michigan Avenue in March of 2016. After being open for 11 months, having a slew of fun, and garnering a handful of awards — including a James Beard ‘Best New Restaurant’ nomination— KATOI was brought back down to earth when it was subjected to arson in February 2017. The day after the fire, the rebuild began, and we opened as TAKOI exactly six months later in August 2017.
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Due to the nature of this event, there will be no menu substitutions. If you have a severe food allergy that needs accommodating, please contact Takoi directly.
Seats will be assigned to maximize space due to limited availability. If you’d like to be seated with a separate ticket buyer, please contact Nicole Amine: nicole.amine@wdet.org.
There is one seating for this event: 6:00PM. Doors will open at 5:30PM.
Tickets are $150 and directly support WDET and Takoi. Ticket price includes food and beverage pairing. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
Takoi is wheelchair accessible.
We recommend the paid street parking located along Michigan Ave.

Detroit Public Schools Board Candidate Forum
2024-10-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St., Detroit, MI, 48215, United States
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Get to know candidates running for the Detroit Public Schools Community District board before the November 5th election with a forum hosted by Chalkbeat, WDET, BridgeDetroit and other partners on October 15th. WDET’s own Sascha Raiyn will be participating as part of the in-person forum at Eastside Community Network in Detroit.
Students and journalists will ask candidates about their plans to guide the school district over the next four years. Most questions will be centered around the issue of chronic absenteeism. (Under Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, the district has invested resources in improving attendance that have contributed to declines in the rate of chronic absenteeism in the last two school years, but the rate is still well over 60%). Candidates will discuss additional issues as well as take audience questions.
This is a free event, but please RSVP via EventBrite as space is limited.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 to 8 p.m. ET
Where: In-person at Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St., Detroit, MI
Live Stream: This event can also be attended virtually via Facebook Live.

MichMash: Live in Lansing!
2024-10-16 19:00 - 20:30 | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI, 48906, United States
Reserve Your Spot »

MichMash, a podcast partnership between Gongwer News Service and WDET Detroit Public Radio, is taping the show live in Lansing on Wednesday, October 16 as part of WDET’s Smart Politics to discuss the 2024 election. Join us and listen to co-hosts Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben from Gongwer and Cheyna Roth from WDET share their insights and interview guests about all things politics as the November election nears. Enjoy the discussion, see friends and have fun at UrbanBeat in Lansing’s Old Town.
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Unjumble Michigan politics with MichMash. Each week, Cheyna Roth, Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben interview lawmakers and politicos, and unpack the statewide issues that affect you. MichMash is produced by WDET Detroit Public Radio in collaboration with Gongwer News Service. Part of the NPR Network.
Listen and subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and NPR.
MichMash airs on:

WDET 101.9 FM Detroit
WKAR 90.5 FM Lansing
WCMU 89.5 FM Mount Pleasant
WVPE 88.1 FM St. Joseph
WMUK 102.1 Kalamazoo

Have a question about Michigan politics you’d like to ask Cheyna, Zach and Alethia? Email us >>> michmash@wdet.org

WDET x Batch 'It's So Kölsch in the D' Beer Release Party
2024-10-18 19:00 - 23:00 | MI
Tickets »
Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and Batch Brewing Co. present a collaborative brew called “It’s So Kölsch in the D.”
Join us on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7-11 p.m. at Batch Brewing in Corktown Detroit to celebrate the release of “It’s So Kölsch in the D,” hosted by In the Groove host Ryan Patrick Hooper!
Featuring live performances from:

Sugar Tradition
Winestoned Cowboys
Allen Dennard Trio

Come join us for an evening of music and mingling to celebrate our brand new WDET beer on the eve of WDET day!
Event Details

Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased right at eventbrite.com
This is an all ages venue. You must bring a valid government-issued ID if you plan to purchase or consume alcohol.
This event will be held outdoors in a covered area. Please dress accordingly for the weather.
A portion of every beer purchased at this event will directly benefit WDET.
Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Batch’s menu. To view Batch’s current food menu, click here.

WDET Member Exclusive
Prior to the evening event, WDET will host a VIP party for WDET members as Ryan Patrick Hooper broadcasts live from Batch Brewing from noon-3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18! Be one of the first people to taste “It’s So Kölsch in the D” before the general public! All you need to do is become a WDET member at $50 a month and select the Batch Brewing VIP party as a thank you gift. Give now at wdet.org/give.
VIP Access »Beer can label and logo designs courtesy of Blake Juras Design.

WDET's Rock and Roll Horror Show II hosted by Jon Moshier
2024-10-25 19:00 - 23:00 | Cadieux Cafe, 4300 Cadieux Rd., Detroit, MI, 48224, United States
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On Friday, October 25, Jon Moshier’s annual Halloween special will crawl out of the grave and onto the stage for the second annual ROCK AND ROLL HORROR SHOW! Garage rock royalty The 3-D Invisibles and Eastside Elvis & the Motor City Mafia will curse us with undead performances under the moonlight on the outdoor stage of the Cadieux Cafe. Join us for a night of spooks and scares, and wear your best costume to be featured on stage as best dressed! Plus, tarot readings by Moon Club

Doors at 7PM, show at 8PM.
Cadieux Cafe opens at 4PM for dinner service.
This event will be OUTDOORS. In the event of serious weather, we will cap capacity and move indoors.
Tickets are $25 and will directly support WDET and the performers.
This is a 21+ event. NO EXCEPTIONS! Photo ID required for entry.
No outside food or beverage is allowed at the Cadieux Cafe.
The Cadieux Cafe is wheelchair accessible.
Winner of the mid-show costume contest will receive a special prize basket courtesy of WDET.
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NPR's 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' Live at the Fox Theatre
2024-11-14 19:30 - 22:30 | Fox Theatre Detroit, 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
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Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, the NPR comedy news quiz show is coming back to Detroit after years away! WDET and Michigan Public are thrilled to welcome the Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show to the Fox Theatre on Thursday, November 14. Host Peter Sagal will lead a panel of comedians, writers, listener contestants and a secret celebrity guest through a rollicking review of the week’s news. Contestants vie for the most coveted prize in all of public radio: a custom-recorded greeting by any of the cast members for their voicemail.

“Every week, Wait, Wait…. Don’t Tell Me! records in front of a live audience, then carefully edits out all the raunchy, inappropriate, shocking and hilarious stuff so we can broadcast something that doesn‘t get NPR in trouble… well, more trouble. The only way you can find out what our panelists and guests really think about the news is to come see for yourself. And please — don’t tell NPR. Also, we’re all much more attractive than we sound.” -WWDTM

As part of our continued 75th anniversary celebration, WDET is excited to offer a package for 4 that includes a tickets plus a VIP strolling meet & greet reception with Peter Sagal after the show! Donations of $100/month or more are eligible to select this thank you gift on our donation page. Click here or the button below to make your gift now!*
Make a Donation »
*In order to ensure your spot when making your gift, please select WWDTM/Wait Wait from the drop down menu under Thank You Gift. Available while supplies last. VIP Reception will include dessert, coffee, and a cash bar. Thank you for supporting WDET!

WDET Travel - Canadian Rockies by Train Zoom Presentation and Q&A
2024-11-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Register »
Join us on November 18th at 6PM for a No Obligation* information session about our upcoming Travel with WDET: Canadian Rockies trip! We’ll discuss travel itinerary and take questions from attendees.
Trip Description:
From the lush green Pacific coast of Vancouver, board VIA Rail’s The Canadian for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight train journey. Relax in the dome car and experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, rushing rivers and the sheer unspoiled wilderness of Canada. Arrive in Jasper and see the dramatic Maligne Canyon and its picture-perfect lake. Journey along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway. Marvel at Athabasca. Discover the natural beauty of Moraine Lake and the powerful Bow Falls. Experience a day on a ranch in the Alberta plains, complete with a wagon ride in search of buffalo and a BBQ lunch in the great outdoors. End your journey in cosmopolitan Calgary. Discover the natural beauty only found in the Canadian Rockies.
Registration:
This session will take place via Zoom. Please follow this link or click the button above to register.

*Registering does not commit you to participating in the trip nor guarantee a spot on the trip. If you’d like to view the travel page and book your trip, click here.

Smart Politics III: An Election Discussion Hosted By WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn
2024-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Shield’s Midtown, 5057 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, United States
RSVP»
Join WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn and a panel of experts for the third installment of Smart Politics, hosted at Shield’s of Midtown on Tuesday, November 19! We will reflect on Michigan’s effects on the 2024 presidential election, explore what worked and what didn’t, and take audience questions with our panelists:

Dennis Darnoi – Founder, Densar Consulting, LLC
Matt Friedman – Co-Founder, Tanner Friedman
Darci McConnell – President & CEO, McConnell Communications

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Food & drinks will be available for purchase, and we highly encourage enjoying dinner during our programming! To view the Shield’s Midtown menu, click here.
Seating will be on a first come first serve basis. If you have a group of 5 or larger and you’d like to request a table together, please contact Nicole Amine: nicole.amine@wdet.org.
WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn (right) speaks with panelists (from left) Michael Siegrist, Matt Friedman, and Erica Peresman during Smart Politics II on July 10, 2024 at The Rind in Berkley
A $5 reservation fee will be required to secure your spot. RSVP via Eventbrite here.
The views and opinions of each panelist are their own and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of WDET or Wayne State University.
We ask that you please respect our panelists, host, and the other attendees. Anyone displaying disruptive or disrespectful behavior may be asked to leave.
If you plan to purchase or consume alcohol, please bring a valid government issued ID.
Shield’s Midtown is wheelchair accessible.
Supported by:

2024 political coverage on WDET is supported by Ruby Duffield, Mary Ann & Carl Fontana, and listeners like you. Thank you!

Noel Night 2024 at WDET
2024-12-07 15:00 - 22:00 | WDET, 4600 Cass Ave, Detroit, 48201, United States
Visit WDET’s studio on Saturday, Dec. 7 for the 50th annual Noel Night, Midtown Detroit’s celebration of the holiday season as the Cultural Center of Detroit comes alive with over 50 participating venues.

Tour the station to see where the news, music and conversation is made
Meet some of your favorite WDET hosts
Grab some sweet treats, courtesy of our partners (to be announced soon!)
Shop vintage WDET merch at discounted prices — *perfect for holiday gifts!*
Plus, more 75th anniversary surprises!

WDET is located at 4600 Cass Avenue, on the first floor of Wayne State’s University Tower building and will be open from 3PM – 10PM.

WDET Travel - Alaska Discovery Zoom Presentation and Q&A
2024-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Register »
Join us on December 9th at 6PM for a No Obligation* information session about our upcoming Travel with WDET: Alaska trip! We’ll discuss travel itinerary and take questions from attendees.
Trip Description:
From August 13th, 2025 to August 23rd, 2025, travel with WDET to Alaska and beyond. Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines’ lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. Plus, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a domed railcar.
Registration:
This session will take place via Zoom. Please follow this link or click the button above to register.

*Registering does not commit you to participating in the trip nor guarantee a spot on the trip. If you’d like to view the travel page and book your trip, click here.

Ed Love's Evolution of Jazz Holiday Special
2024-12-25 10:00 - 2025-01-03 15:00 | MI
This year, put some love in your holidays with WDET’s own Ed Love.
In celebration of WDET’s 75th year of service to Detroit, and in recognition of Ed Love’s legendary contributions to jazz, broadcasting and our city, we’re proud to feature a special weekday holiday schedule. We’re going to re-air highlights from Ed Love’s six seasons of the landmark program Evolution of Jazz, and give you a soundtrack for the holiday season.
Tune in weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Dec. 25 through Friday, Jan. 3 for Ed Love’s Evolution of Jazz. You’ll be switchin’ in the kitchen during this holiday season.
Tune in »
For more from Ed Love, tune into ‘Destination Jazz’ every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 p.m. to midnight.

A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sixty Years After Selma and We’re Still Marching
2025-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Hilberry Gateway, 4715 Cass Ave Way, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
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Wayne State University will host its annual tribute to civil rights icon the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Hilberry Gateway. The celebration will culminate with a keynote speech from the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.
The event will mark the 25th anniversary of the university’s MLK tribute and the 60th anniversary of the historic voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery that King led in 1965.
Limited seating remains available. Community members interested in attending should RSVP in advance. The recorded event will also be played on wayne.edu/live Monday, Jan. 20, to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“Wayne State University is humbled and honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of Wayne State University. “Dr. King worked tirelessly to advance the ideals of freedom, fairness and justice that underpin our democracy. His achievements and sacrifices continue to embolden us in carrying on his mission.
“For this important event, Wayne State convenes our community together to highlight his work and achievements, recognize his impacts locally, and underscore our unique responsibilities in the civil rights movement for our future.”
The program will feature the annual presentation of the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Community Leadership Awards and the Warrior Strong Distinguished Service Award, which recognize local leaders whose work has positively impacted metro Detroit communities. The Arthur L. Johnson award will be presented posthumously to late WSU faculty member and philanthropic business leader Dr. William F. Pickard. Retired U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow will receive the Warrior Strong Distinguished Service Award.
“The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life of service and his unending fight for equality and justice serve as both a guide and a standard for our continued efforts,” said Patrick O. Lindsey, Wayne State University community affairs vice president. “We are proud to recognize Dr. King’s tremendous contributions to this nation, and we are equally as excited to honor those in our communities who work every day to promote the values and causes that Dr. King spent a lifetime championing.”
Rev. Haynes, the keynote speaker, is a nationally recognized social activist and leader. He received the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Leadership Award in Community Service and was named by Ebony magazine to its “Power 100” list of most influential African Americans.
Themed “Sixty Years After Selma and We’re Still Marching,” the event will feature music and dance performances by students from Wayne State University Freedom Players Social Justice Theatre Ensembleand the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Show Choir.
The Hilberry Gateway is located on the Wayne State University campus at 4715 Cass Ave.

Ann Delisi's Essential Cooking: Alpino
2025-02-11 18:30 - 21:00 | Alpino, 1426 Bagley St., Detroit, 48216, United States
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Join us for the next installment of Ann Delisi’s Essential Cooking at Alpino on Tuesday, February 11th! Chef Colin Campbell will prepare a special 5-course meal with a beverage pairing for guests to enjoy to showcase his culinary journey through the restaurant’s Alps-inspired fare.
Opened in 2023 by restauranteur David Richter in the space that once housed Detroit staples like St. Cece’s Pub and Lady of the House, Alpino’s menu is “inspired by ingredients sourced from hills, fields, rivers, and streams. Such mountain landscape provides yearlong diversity in agriculture be it fresh farmed, preserved, or sourced.” In addition, Alpino is heavily mission-focused, with emphasis on heritage, tradition, and simplicity.
Alpino has received numerous accolades since conception, including being awarded the Detroit Free Press 2024 Restaurant of the Year –they’re now graciously opening their doors to WDET listeners for an intimate evening of food & music.
Join us for an evening of community, culture, and delicious flavors all while supporting public radio in Detroit!
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Due to the nature of this event, there will be no menu substitutions. If you have a severe food allergy that needs accommodating, please contact Alpino directly.
Seats will be assigned to maximize space due to limited availability. If you’d like to be seated with a separate ticket buyer, please contact Nicole Amine: nicole.amine@wdet.org.
There is one seating for this event: 7:00PM. Doors will open at 6:30PM.
Tickets are $200 and directly support WDET and Alpino. Ticket price includes food and a beverage pairing. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
Alpino is wheelchair accessible.
Free guest parking is available on Alpino’s paved lot adjacent to the restaurant.

WDET's 75th Anniversary Wrap Party
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
Team ‘DET Members! Join us at The Majestic Theatre on World Radio Day – Thursday, February 13 for a members-only event to celebrate the wrap of WDET’s 75th year of broadcasting over the Detroit airwaves. Check your email for your personal invitation and RSVP link!

We will look back on a year filled with exciting new changes including new music shows and new local programming and celebrate the accomplishments of our esteemed staff. We will also reflect on 75 years of service to the Detroit-area community and the important role public media continues to play in our society today.

We invite our Team ‘DET members to mix and mingle with the WDET crew over pizza courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s. A cash bar will also be available!

Parking will be available at a lot on-site in the rear of the complex. If the lot is full, street parking is available.

Doors open promptly at 6PM. The event will conclude at 8PM. There will be a short presentation at 7PM.

The Majestic Theatre is handicap accessible.

Please note that this event is for Team ‘DET members only so if you would like to become a member and join us on Feb. 13, contact Member Services or visit wdet.org/give. Thank you!
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The WDET 75th Anniversary Wrap party is made possible in part by:
-Liz and Stuart Carter, devoted WDET members and listeners. Thank you, Liz and Stuart!
-Our friends and longtime partners at the Majestic Theatre Detroit

WDET Travel - Alaska Discovery Zoom Presentation and Q&A
2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Register »
Join us on February 19th at 6PM for a No Obligation* information session about our upcoming Travel with WDET: Alaska trip! We’ll discuss travel itinerary and take questions from attendees.
Trip Description:
Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines’ lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. Enjoy local dishes and a lively musical performance at the Denali Dinner Theater about the first brave men to summit Denali. Ride a luxury domed railcar from Denali to Talkeetna, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open-air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region’s wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders. Explore Alaska’s gorgeous capital, Juneau. Visit Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This is Alaska as you always imagined.
Registration:
This session will take place via Zoom. Please follow this link or click the button above to register.

*Registering does not commit you to participating in the trip nor guarantee a spot on the trip. If you’d like to view the travel page and book your trip, click here.

Concert of Colors Presents: Caribbean Winter Fest
2025-02-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI, 48219, United States
This year, the Concert of Colors expands its programs to grassroots neighborhoods citywide, bringing more free music to the residents of Detroit. On February 22nd at 6pm, Duane Stephenson, global ambassador of Reggae, will play live at the historic Redford Theatre in Detroit presented in partnership with the Caribbean Cultural & Carnival Organization. This special event will celebrate Black History Month with music, culture, and community at one of Detroit’s most beloved venues. Free to attend, everyone can enjoy one of Reggae’s most respected and powerful voices in a high-energy performance. For more information, visit the Concert of Colors website.
The Concert of Colors in Detroit is one of the nation’s longest-running, largest, free and global music festivals. It was founded by Ismael Ahmed, host of WDET’s This Island Earth, in 1993 as a one-day festival and has continued to expand ever since. The festival runs yearly in July and features world class music acts, ethnic food, merchandise vendors, movies, poetry, childrens’ activities, and more. More information on the Concert of Colors can be found on their website.

CBC x The Middle Cross Country Checkup
2025-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | On Air, Online, or on the WDET App
Tune in to WDET on Sunday, February 23rd for another Cross Country Checkup with the CBC’s Ian Hanomansing and The Middle‘s Jeremy Hobson about the current U.S.-Canada relationship.
With tensions rising between the U.S. and Canada, WDET is bringing back the Cross Country Checkup between the CBC’s Ian Hanomansing and Jeremy Hobson from The Middle. This Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., we’ll go live from Vancouver for an open conversation with listeners from both nations. We’ll dive into key issues like tariffs, trade, and the Trump administration’s proposal to make Canada the 51st state. What’s next for the U.S.-Canada relationship? The question being posed to listeners will be:
“What does Canada as the 51st state mean to you?”
For more information on the program and to submit your own response, click here.
Join the discussion—tune in this Sunday at 4 p.m. on WDET by visiting 101.9FM on your radio dial, or stream the show via wdet.org or the WDET mobile app.

WDET Spring Fundraiser 2025
2025-03-06 - 2025-03-16 | On Air, Online, or on the WDET App
Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET presents the 2025 Spring Fundraiser Thursday, March 6th through Sunday, March 16th!
Detroit Public Radio WDET 101.9FM is a member-funded non-profit radio station in the heart of Midtown Detroit. Deeply rooted in Detroit for over 75 years, WDET relies on members and its sponsoring businesses to power WDET’s commitment to community service, revealing the stories, voices and music that transcend the ordinary and connect people and Detroit.
During the Spring Fundraiser, listeners who donate within specific shows and program times will be entered into “chance to win” drawings. Listen daily, visit wdet.org, check your email, and follow @wdetdetroit on Instagram to find out during which shows your donation will act as an automatic entry to win the following prizes:

Weekend passes to Movement Festival 2025, held over Memorial Day weekend
JaZZ PAZZ bundle to the Detroit Jazz Festival, held over Labor Day weekend
Wristbands for the Hamtramck Blowout, held March 20-22
Vinyl records pressed at the iconic Third Man Record store and pressing plant in Detroit
Vinyl records handpicked and bundled at Found Sound in Ferndale by Modern Music host, Jon Moshier
Detroit Historic Society “Streets of Detroit” tour with take-home Detroit Monopoly game
The Vault Package
Achatz Pies on Pi Day March 14
Gift card to Basan in District Detroit
Suite tickets to a Pistons game, with parking and Players Club passes
One-year digital subscription to the Washington Post or the New York Times
And more!

Membership has its benefits, too!
Members power WDET and receive benefits throughout the year, including invitations to members-only events and offers such as pre-sale tickets, discounts, and opportunities to attend special events.
One of the ways we say “thank you” when you become a member is exclusive WDET swag and experiences. You can select a thank you gift each time you make a qualifying gift of support.
View our latest thank you gifts »
New members who make their first gift to WDET this Spring Fundraiser will receive a limited-time exclusive WDET water bottle (pictured below).

Donate now »
Thank you to our sponsors!

And a special thank you to individual sponsors who donated goods and experiences for WDET’s 2025 Spring Fundraiser:
GRETCHEN & ETHAN DAVIDSON | KEN FISCHER | RUBY DUFFIELD | LIZ & STUART CARTER

Hamtramck Blowout 2025
2025-03-20 - 2025-03-22 | MI
WDET is the official media partner of the 2025 Hamtramck Blowout!
The Hamtramck Blowout music festival will return to dozens of venues and community spaces around the city on March 20th through 22nd. The three-day festival will showcase over 200 local bands and performers who responded to an open call for auditions online earlier this year. While the lineup is being slowly teased through social media, wristbands are now available for purchase in advance for $35 through the Hamtramck Blowout Website. Wristbands may also be purchased in person for $40 at the festival at participating venues. There are 25 participating venues to showcase the hundreds of local acts. The list is as follows:
Bank Suey | Black Salt | Bumbo’s | Cafe 1923 | Club Coyote | Coffeetron | Detroit Threads | Florian East | Fowling Warehouse | Ghost Light | Hamtramck Public Library | HenriettaHaus | High Dive | Kelly’s | New Dodge | Outer Limits Lounge | Painted Lady Lounge | Planet Ant Hall | Plav Post 10 | Polish Sea League | Polka Dot Bar | Port Bar | Sanctuary | Small’s | Whiskey in the Jar

For a festival map and to purchase wristbands in advance, visit the Hamtramck Blowout Website. Check back soon for a lineup and schedule announcement!
