Saturday Music: Hot, Busy Night in Detroit

June 30, 2012

Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat? /
Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin’ in the street.
- Martha & the Vandellas

Heat waves and music just go together. For some reason, that seems especially true here in Detroit. There are so many great concerts this weekend, in fact, that we’d thought we’d narrow it down for you. You’re welcome.

Woodbridge Merrick’N Summer Fest

Today. Free. Noon to Midnight.

Located in one of Detroit’s historic neighborhoods, the annual block party is back with two stages chock full of local music. The Woodbridge Pub is providing the food and drinks for this outdoor fest at Merrick and Trumbull. The music’s free and the stages run through midnight. This year’s acts include Audra Kubat, the Hounds Below, and Bear Lake.

The Beehive Revue

Tonight. Eight bucks. 9pm.

The Beehive Recording Company is a progressive new model for independent record labels in an increasingly difficult industry. The Detroit label records musicians for free and then distributes the recordings for free. It makes its money through memberships and donations. Beehive is throwing a Motown-style revue for some of its artists tonight in the Music Hall’s Jazz Cafe. K.I.D.S., J. Walker & the Crossguards, Esquire, and Eric Villa & the Vista Marias are performing.

Additional Happenings

What’s that you say? Cut off jean shorts, fluorescent tank tops, and mustaches aren’t your thing? Detroit’s got you covered. There’s plenty more going on tonight. A smattering:

Legendary Detroit blues and R&B singer Thornetta Davis will be at Guy Hollerin’s Sports Bar in Ann Arbor. $5 cover, 8pm.

Tower of Power and Average White Band will be bringing the funk to the Detroit Opera House, of all places. $35 – $65, 8pm.

Adding legitimacy to their recent legacy, Brian Wilson is touring with the Beach Boys for the first time in decades. They’ll be at Pine Knob, oops, DTE Energy Music Theatre, tonight. $25, $35, and $69.50, 7:30pm.

This article brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments Royal Oak Michigan, Urbane Apartments Ferndale Michigan,Urbane Apartments Birmingham Michigan, and Urbane Apartments Dearborn Michigan

MJ Galbraith

MJ Galbraith is a songwriter and local musician, freelance writer, baseball enthusiast, lover of travel, and a terrible mechanic. When MJ graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Creative Writing, he was immediately barraged with 'questions' of "What are you gonna do, teach?" He is determined to not get a job teaching. So far, so good. With music, MJ's traveled the country touring on his songs. Having spent time in places from Chicago to Seattle, LA to New Orleans, and Nashville to NYC, he is convinced that Detroit and its 'burbs have the the highest concentration of 'native' songwriting talent anywhere. Eat it, New York. You too, LA. MJ started writing for the Urbane Life in the summer of 2011. He also writes for a handful of other websites as well as an immigration lawyer. He used to work in a publishing house. He's glad he's out.