Seems it was just a couple weeks back that I wrote about all the things to do here in and around Motown this summer, and now the end is already upon us. But, there sure isn't a lack of anything to do. For sure Detroit is one to throw a party, and any reason will do, especially the Labor Day weekend. Decisions, decisions. And we sure have them here this weekend. Events abound all within 10-12 miles of the center of downtown.(except one). All are outside (except one).
*Downtown: The Detroit International Jazz FestivalSome acts appearing: Stanley Jordan, The Miracles, Herbie Hancock, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Regina Carter, Maria Muldaur and James Dapogny, Marcus Belgrave, Poncho sanchez, Kenny Garrett. Otis Caly, Patti austin, Mavis Staples, Wendell Harrison, Johnny O'Neal, Alexander Zonjic, Betty Levette and Yusef Lateef....just to name a few.
*Pontiac Arts, Beats and EatsSome acts appearing: Starship/w Mickey Thomas, TheGin Blossoms, Mark Farner/Grand Funk Railroad
*Downtown Hamtramck FestivalSome acts appearing: Rare Earth, Question Mark and the Mysterians
*Downtown Wayne State Cultural Center's Dally in the AlleyClose to 50 local bands and artists
*Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle
*Renaissance Festival in Holly
*The Henry Ford Museum Stars Cars and Guitars20 custom guitars and Rock Star's guitars, Johnn Lennon's Paisly Roll Royce and Rickenbacher Electric guitar, ZZ Top's Roadster and Billy Gibbons Les Paul etc...
And all of the above is just for starters. There still is DTE Concert Theatre, Freedom Hill Ampitheatre, Comerica Park, Meadow Brook Ampitheatre, Chene Park, Hart Plaza, Ceder Point, the Beaches, Mackinaw Island, Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island, Irish Hills etc, etc, etc. For some reason, Detroit likes to wind down big with almost all of these happening at the same time very close to each other, on the same holiday weekend. I think Im going with Alice Cooper at the State Fair, the Renaissance Festival with all the 'wenches', a day trip to Put-in-Bay on the Island, and Cars & Guitars of Stars.
Yep, all this is sure exciting. So many choices and so little time. I suppose it would be better to spread all these things to do over a period of time, but you know? The Assembly Line was started by 'ole Henry Ford right here to move things along in a timely manner. But, with all these great musicians, cars, exhibits, festivals and fairs, who wants to hurry? It's like that in Detroit here. Cram as much as you can into one weekend...like the assembly-line.
I guess its good thing to have some options though. I just wish they werent all at once, and at the same time, at the end of our summer here. All that great music, food and things to do and people to see? It all boils down to one thing.....Get out the rakes and sharpen the shovels...'cause the LEAVES and the SNOW'S-a-comin'! ('n Where the devil are my tire-chains?!)
Peace, Love 'n Light all......
Special Thanks: La Grizzy, Team Detroit, the Hurricane Shelter, Sonja Paris, Larry Patterson & Treasure Island Gold, Ralph Terrana & Soulful Detroit, Marcus, Jake and "Lucky" the Wonder Dog
http://www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com
duanethomas@johnnyandthehurricanes.com
hurricane.duane@atilarecords.com
