Help Chad Nicefield Help Detroit Dog Rescue

This past summer, Ye Olde Saloon in Royal Oak decided to start something new. If their brews, cheap burgers, and pinball machines aren't reason enough to get you in the door, perhaps a familiar face behind the bar is. The neighborhood bar started having guest bartenders serve up drinks every Wednesday. Favorites like Stevie Michael, Ang Kennedy, Jessica Knapik and Shawn Stanton have guest starred, serving up drinks for one night only behind Ye Olde's bar.

Well this Wednesday Ye Olde will once again have a special guest bar tending, and it just so happens to be a good friend of Hip In Detroit. Wilson front man Chad Nicefield will be serving up the drinks tonight, for one night only. We all know that Chad is sort of an expert when it comes to drinking and partying, so we're sure this will be an absolute blast. He joked on social media that he might just end up pouring shots of whiskey for everyone, but we're sure he will manage to crack a beer or two open too. Despite what he may or may not pour for you, it will be a good time and it's for a good cause too. Chad will be donating all of his tips to the Detroit Dog Rescue. This organization is Detroit's first and only no-kill animal shelter in the City. They find dogs homes, raise awareness for our four legged friends, and even help the community through programs like low cost vaccination clinics. Definitely a great organization and we're so happy that Chad is awesome enough to help them out!

So if you also want to help DDR out while having a good time, head to Ye Olde tonight and throw back a few drinks! Chad will be slinging drinks from 7 p.m 'til 2 a.m. Ye Olde Saloon is located at 1023 S. Main Street in Royal Oak. Tip well and make sure you bring some quarters to play pinball too!

~C

Win Tickets to Party with Coin Laundry

If you want to keep the party going in 2016, look no further than The Baltimore Gallery. This Saturday Coin Laundry will be taking the place over for a night of music, fashion and art.

If you aren't familiar with Coin Laundry, they're a hip-hop group from Detroit. They recently released a new album entitled Close Quarters: Live at the Laundromat that you can listen to here. Their live shows are always a party, see for yourself in this video from Dally in the Alley.

Joining Coin Laundry this Saturday are their friends Tim Schumack & Williamjfe. There will also be fashion and art on display from All Around Style & MAX Marie. Admission is only $5 and doors are set to open at 9 p.m. Lucky for you, we are also giving away 2 pairs of tickets to this show! If you would like to get in to the show with a friend for FREE, just send your first and last name over to hipindetroit@gmail.com with Coin Laundry in the subject line. We will draw our 2 lucky winners on Saturday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

The Baltimore Gallery is located at 314 E. Baltimore St. in Detroit. For more info on this event, click here.

~C

Win Tickets to Spend New Year's 2016 at the Haute to Death Party Featuring Flint Eastwood

Haute to Death is known for throwing some of the best dance parties Detroit has ever seen. Every third Saturday of the month they take over The Temple Bar in Detroit and make the people dance. This NYE they have teamed up with Flint Eastwood to throw the biggest, most bad ass NYE bash in Detroit!

We asked H2D co-creator Ash Nowak to tell us a little more about the party and she not only offered up the scoop, she also gave us two tickets to give away to one lucky reader for the NYE bash! Check out what she had to say and then make sure to enter to win tickets, we will be announcing the winner the morning of NYE! Ash also included her must have music tracks for 2016, so make sure that you check that out and give her playlist a spin this NYE! 

HID- Why did you decide to team up with Flint Eastwood for the Haute to Death New Year's Party? 

AN- "The song and video release of "Find What You're Looking For" really piqued our interest, so we checked out the listening party at Assemble. There was this palpable, positive energy as soon as we entered the space, and it only swelled with each following track... By the end of the night everyone was dancing to so hard the floor was about to give out, but I had already sent Jax a message half way through, like "look, I know I'm supposed to be paying attention but you have to play this party with us." I couldn't wait to ask.

Small Victories is one of the absolute coolest collection of songs we've heard in a really long time. It's so triumphant and thoughtful, totally dancey, but with a lot of gravity to it. It's the perfect way to say goodbye to the past year and start a new chapter."

HID- Why did you choose the Elizabeth Theater?
AN- "We've been working with Park Bar for most of our special events since NYE 2011, when we find a venue we like, we're loyal to it. I don't remember who tipped us off initially, but when we started it was completely raw. Over the years it's realized itself as a proper theatre for everything comedy shows to Shakespearean plays... It's really a beautiful space, plus Jerry and his staff are some of the best."

HID- What is Haute to Death's New Year's resolution?
AN- "We say this every year, but it's to dance more, which can actually mean a lot of things, you know? We want to work with more people and encourage elevation and creative extensions... We've evolved a lot in the past 8 years, and there are some things we used to do that have maybe fallen out of vogue for us; we'd like to reinvent old habits and come full circle."

HID- What does Haute to Death have planned for 2016?
AN- "2016 is going to be really fun, we're re-instituting the H2D Social Club which popped up at Craft Work last summer (think, the softer side of Haute to Death). We're also relaunching our Emergency Nothing project, which is an arts/music series that takes H2D and other local artists to new venues around the country. We have a few other plans in the works, too- so pay attention!"

HID- What is the attire for this party? Give us an idea of what your perfect party look would be.
AN- "Oh man, this could be anything. Our crowd always looks so good... Honestly though, we're 80s people. I'm not talking about leg warmers and neon, you know, caricature 80s. We're into leather, sequins for no reason, structured pieces, bauhaus minimalism, whatever. Show Up, Look Good, and Dance has always been our mantra. Going out with purpose and presenting the best version of yourself (no matter what that looks like) really heightens the experience. Ideally, we want you to wear something that's sexy in a subtle way... Something nuanced and maybe even a little awkward."

HID- How can someone stay in the loop to learn what's coming up next from H2D?
AN- "We're all over the place, like us on FB (facebook.com/hautetodeath) and listen to us on soundcloud (soundcloud.com/hautetodeath), but you can also visit our website (hautetodeath.net) and join our mailing list, we've been sharing lots of fun stuff there lately."

HID- Some people have to stay in and have their own dance parties this New Year's. Can you give us your top ten dance tracks for New Year's for people who cant make it out to the party?
AN- Only 10 is harder than we thought, but here's what we couldn't get enough of this year (old and new!)

Freeeze: I.O.U
Flint Eastwood: Small Victories
Classixx (feat. Nancy Whang): All You're Waiting For
Alexander Robotnik: Problèmes D'Amour
Hot Chip: Hurrache Lights
New Order: Age of Consent
Tunde Olaniran: KYBM
Robyn and La Bagatelle Magique (feat. Maluca): Love is Free
Two Man Sound: Que Tal America
Egyptian Lover: Freak-a-holic

The H2D + Flint Eastwood NYE bash will kick off at 9 p.m. this Thursday. Tickets are $17 in advance, they can be purchased here. There is a very good chance that this event will sell out, so keep that in mind! The Elizabeth Theater at The Park Bar is located at 2040 Park Ave. in Detroit. If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets courtesy of H2D and Hip, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #dance. We will draw one lucky winner this Thursday and email them details on how to claim their prize! Cheers!

~S

Win Tickets to Spend NYE with Nothing Elegant and DJ Thornstryker

Have you ever been to a Pistons game and danced when the DJ played your favorite song? DJ Thornstryker is the official DJ of the Pistons and she is known for making a room move. She has teamed up with Nothing Elegant to throw a big ol' bash this Thursday for NYE.

 They are taking a 5,000 square foot space and turning it into a dance party. The event will feature music, dancing, drinks, and a toast at Midnight. Tickets are only $12 in advance, they can be purchased here. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader! If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets, please email us at hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #NYE. We will draw the winner early on Thursday and email them details on how to claim the prize.

~S

Win Tickets to Spend NYE with Electric 6

Detroit's beloved Electric 6 are inviting you to ring in the New Year with them at St.Andrew's this Thursday. They have invited one of our local favs, MPV, to open the show, so it promises to be one hell of a rock show!

Electric 6 will be playing Fire in its entirety and all of their greatest hits! MPV will be playing through all their music, including songs off their latest amazing 2015 EP, In Lust We Trust.

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance, they can be purchased here. We also have two pairs of tickets to give away courtesy of our friends over at Live Nation Detroit. If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #rock. We will draw two lucky winners this Thursday morning and email those winners details on how to claim their prize!

Doors for the show open at 9 p.m. this Thursday. St. Andrew's Hall is located at 431 E. Congress in Detroit.

~S 

Hip in Detroit's Guide to New Year's 2016

Choosing a New Year's Eve party to attend is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. If you pick the right place, New Year's can be a magical time. If you don't, it can really kick the next year off on a sour note. Here's a list of parties happening around town that show promise, check it out!

2016 NYE Ball Drop at Campus Martius
Free, 4 p.m. All Ages, Family Friendly

The End of the World Party
Featuring Cheapshow, Way Out and Dishwasher Troubles at The Sanctuary.
$6 at door, 7 p.m., All Ages 

2016 Nothing Elegant New Year's Party

At The Eastern featuring Nothing Elegant and DJ Thornstyker
Doors at 9 pm $12 in advance

Cellarmen's New Year Soiree
Special Release of the Champagne Style Chardonnay Pyment
Free, 21+ Welcome

NYE at The Painted Lady
Free, Champagne Toast at Midnight, 21+

The Drop Motor City NYE
Featuring The Infatuations, Tosha Owens Blues Band, Angela Davis with Solid Pocket Band, Jukeboxx and Athena Johnson Band

Sweet 16 NYE
featuring Bevlove, James Linck, Valley Hush, Market
$20 regular admission, $35 VIP,  9 p.m. Club Reign


Small's Thirst Wave NYE
DJ Pleasure Kitten
Free noisemakers, hats, and party beards at the door
Complimentary Appetizers throughout the evening
Champagne/PBR toast at midnight.
Doors at 9 p.m., $5 cover for 21+ before 10 p.m., $8 After 10, $8 cover for 18-21

Haute to Death
Featuring Flint Eastwood at the Elizabeth Theatre
$17 in advance, 9 p.m., 21+ only

NYE at Kelly's Hamtramck
featuring Prude Boys, The Potions, Primitiv Parts, and Caveman Woodman & Cro-Maliszewski
$10 Polish Plates, Champagne Toast at Midnight

New Year's Eve at The New Way
Featuring DJ sets from Blunt Technics, Little Animal, Picky G, Pinky Lee Oswald, and Lt. Bad
Limbo Contest, $15 Bottles of Champagne, $10 Admission

New Year's Eve at Sugar House
Featuring Steve Jarosz Latin Trio and Small Plates from Chef Brion Wong,
$50 a Ticket, 9 p.m.

Black Tie New Year's Eve at The Loving Touch
Entertainment provided by Lightning Love, George Morris & the Gypsy Chorus, Ryan Dillaha & The Miracle Men

Champagne Toast at Midnight, Black Tie is optional

$5 Cover, Doors at 8 p.m.

New Year's Eagle at Marble Bar

A night of brutal dance music and the sleaziest party in town!

$5 in advance, $7 later, $10 at the door

~S

A Very Merry Black Christmas to All and To All a Good Night

This past weekend Black Christmas reminded me how much I love this City and Detroit's music scene. Black Iris Booking brought together some of the best bands from Metro Detroit and some great touring acts for a night of music, family and partying. This annual event has become the do not miss party of the year and a chance to see all of your friends and pretty much everyone from Detroit's punk and metal scenes under one roof.

Things were a little different at this year's event, with the Garden Bowl stage moved to the lanes, leaving more hang out space in the bar area. Plus this was the first glimpse many of us got at Populux, the revamped version of the Magic Stick. There were giant light up pillars throughout the room, a couple new bars, and the bathrooms confused people throughout the entire night, but when you fill that room with a couple hundred metal kids, it still feels like home.

Bands like Temple of Void and Empathy lead up to the headlining act in the Stick, The Black Dahlia Murder. These guys played an awesome show at The Loving Touch a couple months ago, but this set was even more amazing. Multi-Grain played their last show ever over in the Garden Bowl, Against the Grain and Koffin Kats packed the Cafe, Jeff Sanguis took to the stage in the Theatre with some of his musically talented friends, with the entire night of shuffling from room to room while high-fiving and hugging passerbys, ending with The Suicide Machines in the Theatre.
Somehow over all of the years Jay, Ryan and the guys still manage to put on an even better show than the time before. This is one of those few bands that I've seen more times than I can count and yet there are still a ton of noteworthy performances that stick out in my head. And after a set that left the fans covered in beer and sweat, somehow Jay still had the energy to hit the stage back in the cafe with Break Anchor. This time around Break Anchor's crowd was a little more mild than Black Christmases of the past, but this is still one of the best bands to grab a beer and sing along to with your friends. Plus drummer Dan Stover got engaged during the set, which was just about the most adorable thing ever.

All in all this year's Black Christmas was definitely a notable one. In case you missed out or want to relive the night, here are a few videos from the Koffin Kats, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Suicide Machines, and Break Anchor's sets. Props to the ladies over at Black Iris Booking and everyone involved in this show! Once again, a great time was had by all.

~C

Finish the Holidays Off with The Family Woodman

If you haven't had your fill of family time after the holidays, head to New Dodge Lounge on Saturday night to spend some time with the family Woodman! The Woodmans will be hosting their 9th Annual Holiday Show there this weekend. The folky family will be hitting the stage to entertain you along with their friends in Old Empire and The Britemores.

We're sure this event will give you just enough holiday cheer to finish off the week right. Plus the New Dodge always has plenty of strong drinks that will fill you with cheer too! The fun is set to start this Saturday, December 26th at 9 p.m. For more info on this show, head over to the Facebook event page here.

~C

Sick & Twisted Fun at The Magic Bag

For over 20 years Spike Decker and Mike Gribble have been showcasing some of the most ridiculous and awesome cartoons.The duo was the first to introduce Beavis & Butthead to the world, they showed early creations from Tim Burton, and even from the creators of South Park. Every year they collect tons of new animations and showcase them to the world during Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Animation Festival.

Some of the highlighted animations at this year's festival include:

Weenis: 12 Days Of Elves – A play on the 12 Days of Christmas

Bat Metal – Batman rocks the death metal

The Saga of Biorn – A Viking's comedic struggle to reach Valhalla

Captain Awesome – The most awesome superhero is back to save the day

Red Shirt Dream – A homage to everybody's favorite Star Trek queen

Reggae Shark – The Rastafarian of the sea returns with hilarious new shorts

The festival will be making its way to The Magic Bag in Ferndale this week and will run through the holidays. It kicks off on Wednesday, December 23rd and also will take over the venue on December 26th, December 30th and January 2nd. Admission is only $7 and you can purchase tickets in advance here. The films start at 9 p.m. every night. To get a feel for the types of animations you will see at this festival, head over to Spike & Mike's website and check out their collection here. 

~C

Free Admission for the Michigan Science Center's 3rd Birthday!

This Saturday, December 26th The Michigan Science Center is celebrating its 3rd birthday! In honor of three years of educational fun they are inviting EVERYONE in for a FREE day of fun. The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. 'til 6 p.m. and will include showings of Jerusalem in the IMAX® Dome theater, gift making workshops, holiday camps, a birthday cake and more! Participants will be able to build toys and gifts, watch the film, and enjoy a holiday treat all for FREE. This will also be the last chance for you to catch A T. Rex Named Sue, which is leaving the center on January 3rd. The Center is also running the Toytopia exhibit and Nano, both will be open on Saturday.

The Michigan Science Center will have extended hours through the holidays. These include:

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Dec. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2

Noon – 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 and Jan. 3

Closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1

We had a chance to check out the Michigan Science Center a few weeks ago and had a great time. There truly is something for everyone!

Pack up the family and head out for a day of fun for FREE this Saturday!

~S

Catch Slow Jams at The Marble Bar this Saturday

Slow Jams is switching it up and doing something a little different this holiday season. They will be hosting a special session of Slow Jams at The Marble Bar this Saturday, December 26th. This special session will feature Eastside Jon alongside Detroit native DJ Dez Andres, the man behind Slum Village and La Vida Records.

Slow Jams is not your typical dance party. The DJs are known to play some very obscure Detroit tunes and they only spin real vinyl records, nothing digital. Slow Jams recently celebrated their 7 year anniversary. You can usually catch creators Erno the Inferno and Eastside Jon spinning records for FREE every Monday at Woodbridge. They have all sorts of guest DJs that also drop in from week to week. 

This Saturday the music will start at 9 p.m. and it is only $5 to get into Marble Bar if you get there before 11 p.m. and $10 after.  

If you want to hear a little sample of what Slow Jams is all about, check it out here.

~S 

Holiday Nights Captures the Warmth of the Christmas Season

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village could accurately be described as a fine balance of claustrophobia and nostalgia. Entry into the Village on a sold-out night is a bottleneck of families walking with no particular sense of direction, pushing double-wide strollers, and trying not to get hit by slowly moving Model Ts. I empathized with the parents who had to plan for an evening out, dressing tired kids in layers of warm clothes and readying themselves for requests for sugar cookies and toys. At $24 per ticket for adults and $18 per ticket for youths (ages 5-12), is it really worth the cost and effort? In my opinion, it is.

From an adult’s perspective, Holiday Nights offers the rare opportunity to grab a hot cocktail, enjoy the brisk air, scented by bonfires and holiday greens, and learn about history. Mummers roam the streets creating mischief, Dickensian carolers randomly gather in song, and immediately the winter magic of childhood is rekindled. This experience is why Holiday Nights continues to sell out year after year and was voted Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.

During my three hours at the Village, I took in as much history as I could. The open buildings ran the gamut from undecorated houses of the mid-1700s, to an Edwardian Christmas celebration at the Edison Homestead circa 1915, and a brief, but touching, reminder of WWII at the Cotswold Cottage, temporarily reimagined as a Red Cross Hospitality Station at Christmas. The undecorated homes offer insight into the evolution of Christmas traditions, as explained by the re-enactors. For foodies, some homes, like the Edison Homestead, place a special emphasis on holiday cooking.

In addition to history lessons, guests can ice skate, indulge in roast beef sandwiches and roasted chestnuts, and take free rides in a horse-drawn carriage or Model T. For those with children, activities include a gingerbread house craft, storytelling, and writing a letter to Santa. The highlights of the evening, besides Santa at the Robert Frost Home, are the fireworks and sing-along before the Village closes promptly at 10.

If you don’t already have tickets, you can bask in the holiday afterglow next week. As of today, there are still tickets available for December 27th and 28th. For more information, check out The Henry Ford Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village.

~KT

Win Tickets to the Hippest Christmas Party Around, Black Christmas!

Detroit's Black Christmas has become a highly anticipated yearly delight. Every year this event features a solid lineup of Detroit's most iconic punk, metal and rock bands playing alongside The Suicide Machines, who close out the show. This year's lineup boasts an electric mix of local music, including The Black Dahlia Murder, BIGWIG, Mustard Plug. Koffin Kats, Counterpunch, War On Women, Break Anchor, Worlds Scariest Police Chases, Temple Of Void, Against the Grain, Empathy, The Lippies,Bastardous, Braidedveins (Record Release), Multi-Grain (final show), DEAD CHURCH, GLITTER TRASH, Suburban Delinquents  and Thin Skin.
For the Love of Punk,  The Jeff Sanguis Show, PRTY Crew Collective , Painted Lady Trashions
Signature Tattoo Big Top Tattoo, and Suck It Suicide will also have booths set up during the event.

For the Love of Punk is running a series called "The 12 Days of Black Christmas", we highly recommend checking it out if you would like to know about any of the acts playing this year. 

This years show will once again take over The Majestic Complex in Detroit. Tickets for this year's party are $27.50, they can be purchased here. Doors open at 6 p.m. We have one pair of tickets to give away to this year's celebration courtesy of the event's creators, Black Iris Booking. If you would like to win tickets to the show you must add us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and post on the wall of one of theses social media sites, We will choose one lucky winner at random early on Saturday and they will be able to come out and party with a friend for FREE! See you on Saturday! 

~S 

Forget the Family, Spend this Saturday with James Linck, Bevlove, Eddie Logix, Boudior Noir, and White Bee

Every once in a while we come across a lineup that makes us smile. This Saturday's show featuring Bevlove, James Linck, Eddie Logix, White Bee and Boudoir Noir at Northern Lights is one of those shows. EVERY act on this lineup is worth checking out on their own, but together they are an unstoppable force of awesome.

Bevlove will bring class style and pipes to the table, James can croon his way into your heart, Boudoir Noir will invoke your curiously naughty side, Eddie Logix has a way with words and White Bee will remind you of your love of soulful sounds. This will be a night of drinking, dancing, and celebrating the last weekend of 2015.

The fun will start at 9 pm this Saturday.  Northern lights is located at 660 W Baltimore Detroit.

~S 

Zeke's Gets Unplugged

A few months ago we started hosting Unplugged events with some of our favorite bands in Detroit. Seeing bands play their songs, stripped down and acoustic is a much more intimate experience and gives fans a whole new appreciation for these musicians. Well, apparently we weren't the only ones that enjoy this type of live show! Zeke's Rock & Roll BBQ is hosting an unplugged event of their own this Sunday, December 20th.

This weekend will be the first installment of what we hope will be a regular event at Zeke's. And they are kicking things off with three of our favorite musicians, and three of my favorite people. The lineup includes Rob Barker, Kyle Davis and Austin Ahmad. You may know these fine fellows from their other bands like RAWDOGS, Against the Grain and Her Dark Host. They have a new project they are working on together, called Voltage, which we are looking forward to checking out soon. This weekend they will be playing acoustic versions of some songs from that new project, as well as some covers and hopefully some other tunes we are all familiar with. This should be a super fun night full of great music at one of the best bars around!

The music starts at 9 p.m. and 21+ are welcome. Admission is FREE, but make sure you bring some $$$ for food and drinks! For more info, visit the Facebook event page here.

~C

Detroit Must See: Duane The Brand New Dog

A lot of artists are easy to describe, but Duane the Brand New Dog is a little more difficult to explain. He is a 23 year old performance artist that embodies everything good about the '90s, despite only being a small child during them. This Detroit born artist started his career as Duane the Teenage Weirdo, but changed his name before releasing his latest album CD​-​R LP. He was recently featured on the cover of Pride Source magazine, was interviewed by The Free Press, and was flown to Poland to perform for fans that couldn't get enough of him after seeing him open for The Black Lips.

Duane is a graduate of Detroit’s High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and credits Bowie, Prince, and Madonna for shaping his musical ear and his personal style. He has a very unique approach to fashion. He states that he, "love(s) going to the thrift store and getting $5 jackets". And, by "jackets" he means full shoulder pads, Delta Burke style jackets! He also draws a lot of fashion inspiration from none other than The Golden Girls. He's no stranger to pushing people's idea of what someone is supposed to be, which is why he so refreshingly doesn't really fit in any fucking box.

I have been waiting for someone like Duane to come onto the scene. I was eager for something unique and he has given me my fix. I like listening to his new album while I write or work, it puts me in a good mood and it's fun to dance to. Check out his new album here and then head out to Elijah's in Hamtramck tonight to catch him performing with a great lineup that includes our favorite local DJ Eastside Jon.

Check out this teaser video to get a feel for Duane:

This artist is Hip AF!

~S 

Catch Some Holiday Cheer at the Main Art Theatre this Weekend!

Ever since the movie Elf came out, I haven't been able to look at an escalator the same way. It's not often that a Christmas movie comes out and instantly becomes a classic, but this movie managed to do that. The movie stars Will Ferrell alongside Zooey Deschanel. Yes, Zooey is in this movie! You might not recognize her with the blonde locks, but you can't mistake that voice when her and Will sing "Baby It's Cold Outside".

Although you will probably be able to catch this movie on TV at some point this holiday season, it's always better to see a movie on the big screen. And this weekend Main Art is giving you the chance to do just that! 

The Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak will be showing Elf this Friday and Saturday, December 18th and 19th as part of their Midnight Madness series. Tickets for the show are only $7 and they can be purchased in advance online here. This is a super fun way to get in the holiday spirit and just have some carefree fun for the night!

For more info on the Main Art's Midnight Madness series, click here. 

~C

Melt Your Ears at No Rest Fest 2 this Saturday!

I am a fan of all genres of music except new school country. I can get down with almost anything, but to most people's surprise, punk and metal will always be my two favorite genres. In fact, Pantera was my all time favorite band in high school. I love heavy guitars, moshing, and getting weird in a loud room with a bunch of kids wearing black. But, metal ins't the most popular genre anymore so great metal shows aren't as common as they used to be. But, this Saturday No Rest Fest 2 is going to take over Tires to put the heavy back onto music,

This fest boasts a killer lineup of local bands including Nice Hooves, Clear Soul Forces, The Armed, Nolan the Ninja, Mexican Knives, Golden Torso, Marital Vows, Eyesore, SSS, Old Gods, and SNAFU. It will also feature DJ sets from John Stoll and an Andrew WK cover band that will close out the night.

The best part is that with all of these bands playing, it is somehow only $5 to get in the door! On top of that, a lot of the bands are playing for FREE so that they money raised from the event can be donated to Charity Music. Don't say metal never gave back! 

Each band will be playing about a 10 minute set with a little break in-between each band, They are going to keep things heavy and moving! The first 100 people through the door will get a golden tape of the Nice Hooves' new album The Gall. This will be your only chance to get a psychical copy of the album, period. 

Tires also features a skate park, so bring your boards to grind in-between sets! All ages are welcome to come out this Saturday and the fun starts at 8 pm. There will be cheap beer, good music, and fun. See you at the show! 

~S

Some of the Hippest Places to Shop Local this Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us and chances are you either have all of your shopping done or you haven't even started yet. Well if you still have some shopping to do, we're here to tell you about some of the hippest places to shop this holiday season while supporting local businesses!




City Bird & Nest - 460 W. Canfield
Located side by side in the heart of the Cass Corridor, these two stores offer some of the best gifts around. Whether you're looking for fun household items, handmade jewelry or Detroit apparel, these two stores have you covered!

Shinola - 441 W. Canfield
While we're at it, we might as well just cover all of the stores right there on Canfield! Shinola makes some of the best watches, bikes, and leather goods around. Their items are a little on the pricier side, but any guy or gal that finds a Shinola watch under the tree will be absolutely thrilled!

Third Man Records - 441 W. Canfield
It's located right by Shinola and it has been the talk of the town for the last few weeks! If you have someone on your list that is a fan of Jack White, you have to check this place out. Even if you hate Jack White, it's still a pretty cool place. Personally, I thought the bathroom was one of the best parts!

Willys Detroit - 441 W. Canfield
Also at 441 Canfield is Willys Detroit. They feature fashionable clothing, jewelry and some other small gift items.

Nora & HUGH - 4240 Cass Ave.
Another side by side duo, these two shops offer housewares, furniture, small gift items, and some of the coolest postcards around. Throw one in a frame and you have an great piece of art for a great price! You can also find some great gifts for men here, especially over in Hugh. They have wallets, an array of items to keep that man groomed, and great cocktail glasses.

Cass Corridog - 4240 Cass Ave. 

Don't forget your four legged friend this Christmas! Cass Corridog has you covered with everything from treats to toys! You can even bring your pup along to let him or her pick out their own gift! 

Will Leather Goods - 4120 2nd Ave.
Another newer store in Detroit with a slightly higher price tag, Will offers pretty much anything made out of leather. From footballs to handbags, this place has it! Plus it's one of the coolest looking stores in Detroit.




The Detroit Mercantile Co. - 3434 Russell St.
Clothing, quirky gifts, handmade goods, this place has pretty much everything. Plus, this weekend they will have even more than usual! December 19th and 20th the Mercantile will be hosting a shopping event, The Lodge, which features local artist and cocktails! You're bound to find something great either in the shop or in The Lodge!

Leon & Lulu - 96 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson
If you feel like shopping outside of the City, we've got a few ideas for you too! Leon & Lulu is at the top of that list! By far one of our favorite stores around! Small gifts, big gifts, toys, books, home decor, jewelry, clothing, furniture. Plan on being in this store for quite a while!

Scout - 508 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
This is my go to shop when I have to buy a gift! Amazing jewelry, great decor, and even some toys too! Plus this store and Leon & Lulu usually have a dog on site. Who doesn't want to shop with a pup?

Rail & Anchor - 502 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
A couple doors down, this store is tied for the title of my go to shop. Plus, it is very affordable! So many quirky gifts, more amazing jewelry, housewares, art, and some awesome old school replica prints. Great shop for guys and gals. You'll definitely find something here.

The Rust Belt Market - 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
If you're looking to support a whole bunch of local businesses all at once, this is the place to go. Think of it as a small mall full of goods from local artists.

Time Travelers - 3277 12 Mile, Berkley
This is the place to shop for the nerd on your list. One of the greatest selection of comics around, new and old toys and action figures, trading cards, and all sorts of collectibles.

Saffron - 308 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak
If you want to give the gift of fashion this holiday, head to Saffron. They have amazing wears for that girl on your list, as well as great accessories!

RECORDS!!! 
Give the gift of music this year. There are so many great records store in Metro Detroit, it seemed silly to list them all separately. UHF, Peoples Records, Flipside, Hello Records, the list goes on and on. See a list of some of the best record stores around here. Or better yet, head to a show this weekend or shop online and pick up some music right from a great Detroit band!

~C

It's a Wonderful Life at the Redford Theatre

If you're looking for a great way to get in the Christmas spirit this weekend, the Redford Theatre has you covered. They are playing one of the best Christmas classics of all time, It's a Wonderful Life. 

We all get a little down from time to time, and George Bailey (played by James Stewart) is no different. He's at the end of his rope, but just in time, his guardian angel shows him what the world would be like without him. Sure, it's not the cheeriest of Christmas movies, but it reminds us to be thankful and just how wonderful life is.

You have four chances to watch this film on the big screen at the Redford this weekend. It will be shown on Friday, December 18th at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are only $7 and they can be purchased in advance here. Don't forget to get there early to hear the organ player and to get your picture taken with Santa! Doors and the box office will open about an hour before showtime. 

The Redford Theatre is located at 17360 Lahser in Detroit. For more info, head over to RedfordTheatre.com. 

~C

New Store Alert: Elphie Elora Purveyor of Fine Goods

Holiday shopping is in full swing, I have been running around town from store to store trying to get the perfect gift for everyone on my list. Some people can be extra difficult to shop for, so I always try to think outside the box while keeping it local. Last week, I discovered a new gift shop in Royal Oak called Elphie Elora and knocked out a lot of my last minute gifts.

Elphie Elora is Royal Oak Michigan's newest gift shop. The space features all sorts of different items including Cellar Door soap, buttons, fun socks, air fresheners, candles, books, mugs, gag gifts, and more. They also had a mug with a hippo inside and a really cool clock with pretty ladies in vintage bikinis that I had to take home for myself.

The store is very brightly decorated and the owner promised that she will be getting a lot more merchandise over the next few weeks. The best part about the shop was that everything was reasonably priced. If you are looking for a cool little gift shop to visit this holiday season, stop by Elphie Elora at 206 West Sixth Street in Royal Oak.

Here's a little video that further explains the shop:

Elphie Elora Commercial
Welcome to Elphie Elora...
Posted by Elphie Elora: Purveyor of Fine Goods on Tuesday, December 8, 2015

~S 

Win Tickets to the Winter Wunderbash Featuring Tart, Citizen Smile, The Idiot Kids, and Coin Laundry

This Saturday, December 19th The New Dodge will be hosting the Winter Wunderbash. This event will feature an ugly sweater contest, holiday treats and music from Detroit's own Tart, Citizen Smile, The Idiot Kids, and Coin Laundry. Tart is one of those bands that we liked from the start, but they have still been growing on us. If you haven't seen this duo perform yet, we suggest going to the show to check them out.

The show is only $5 to get into and 18 and older are welcome to come out and hang. We also have two pairs of tickets to give away that will get you in the door for FREE. If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets to have a nice night out on us, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #winterwunderbash. We will draw two lucky winners on Saturday and email the winners details on how to claim their prize!

~S