Turn Anything into a Candle at the New 3-Ring Traveling Apothecary

Small local businesses are the heart of any city and something that Detroit was missing for many years. Throughout the last five years we have seen a boom in small stores opening around the city and each space offers up something new and unique. The latest store to peek our interest is the 3-Ring Traveling Apothecary which just opened a few weeks ago. This unique store offers up a unique collection of items and a really cool service. They sell a variety of soy candles and will fill anything that you want turned into a candle for a very low price.

It's really cool to see all the one of a kind candles owner Monique Given has created, but it's even cooler to be able to bring in anything you want to turn into a high quality soy candle. Have a cool vase or cup that you just don't know what to do with? Drop it off to her and she will have it turned into a soy candle by the end of the day!

We reached out to Monique to learn more about the new store. Check out what she has to say and stop by soon to see the place for yourself!

HID- How did you learn how to make your own soy candles?3-Ring Traveling Apothecary- "I started making 100% Eco-soy Wax Candles and Organic bath + body products over 10 years ago, due to the fact I felt organic/Eco friendly/not tested on animal products are very important and I used so much myself I figured I should learn to make all of it and be able to offer the highest quality product to my customers! Also, knowing the person who is making your products, realizing they are passionate about quality ingredients and supporting local is paramount."

HID- How do you find all your interesting antiques?3-Ring Traveling Apothecary- "The 3~Ring Traveling Apothecary storefront is a shop full of unique and one of a kind items which have been a culmination of myself being somewhat of a bowerbird and collector of many various things since childhood. I am always on the hunt for curiosities, oddities...items with history. One can find anything here from local art-vintage toys-one of a kind jewelry-antique taxidermy and furniture and so much more! I make all the candles (and bath + body products) in house, so customers can bring in containers that they would like a candle in and I will happily fill for $1 per ounce with their choice of an amazing body safe and phthalate free scent. I always use the highest quality 100% Eco-soy and use cotton core wicks. Drop it off and I will have it ready for pick up by the end of the day! In the spring I will start distilling my own essential oils and can also work with customers to create a custom scent for candles and bath + body products."

HID- When did you open a storefront in Detroit?3-Ring Traveling Apothecary- "The storefront in the Jefferson/Chalmers neighborhood has been open less than 2 weeks. Everything you come in you will see new and different items, I also plan on having events, art openings, classes and much more, so follow either the fb or instagram accounts for announcements and upcoming events. For instance on Saturday February 11th from 12-2 p.m. Mitch O'Connell, host of The Dirty Show will be at the 3~Ring Traveling Apothecary shop doing a meet and greet in addition to a book signing of his latest book! There are also other exciting events in the works~so stay tuned!"

HID- Why did you choose to open a business in the city of Detroit? 3-Ring Traveling Apothecary- "I chose to open my shop in Detroit for many reasons...I have been showing my artwork here for the past several years and every time I came to Detroit for an opening I was overwhelmed by the people here. Everyone has always been super supportive, overwhelmingly helpful and positive. I absolutely love this city and I am excited for all the amazing things happening here...the music, the restaurants, the art! And especially what's happening here in the Eastside/Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. I certainly plan on doing events/craft shows/fairs/pop-ups whenever possible, as well as continuing to do my own artwork. I am also available for interior styling for individuals homes, offices, etc."

HID- Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?3-Ring Traveling Apothecary- "I invite all to swing by and check out the shop~I guarantee you are in for a treat! There are tons of exciting things happening here in the near future. ♡"

You can get more information about the store by visiting their Facebook here. Their hours are changing and they do attend all sorts of pop ups, so it's smart to give them a follow so that you can stay up to date on everything they do!

~S

Win Tickets to See UK Legends Sham 69, The Creepshow and Gallows Bound!

U.K. rockers Sham 69 have been touring together since the 70s. They were one of the most successful punk bands in England and had five top 20 hits during their career. The boys still tour all over the world and they will making a stop in Detroit this Thursday, February 2nd. They will be playing the Majestic Cafe alongside Gallows Bound, The Creepshow and Devious Ones.

Tickets to get into the show are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. All ages are welcome to attend this one and doors for the show open at 8 p.m. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Black Iris Booking. If you would like to enter to win , please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #69. We will draw one lucky winner this Thursday morning and they will get to attend the show with a friend for FREE!

~S

Win Tickets to See Kevin Garrett at The Pike Room

Kevin Garrett is an up and coming artist that is coming to Detroit to play The Pike Room this Wednesday, February 1st.  He has lots of famous fans including Sam Smith, Katy Perry, and the Queen Bee herself. In fact, he co-wrote and produced the title track "Pray You Catch Me" off her 2016 smash hit Lemonade. So far the Brooklyn born singer has only released one EP called Mellow Drama, you can check that out here and watch this video for the single "Coloring" to see what Mr. Garret is all about.

If you like what you hear, you can head up to The Pike Room this Wednesday night. Tickets for the show are $13 at the door and $15 the day of the show. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show. If you would like to enter to win, please email hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #garrett. We will draw one lucky person this Wednesday morning and they will get to attend the show for FREE with a friend! Doors for this one open at 7 p.m.

~S

Avalon Bakery Makes it Easy for You to Go Vegan!

Last week a new era was ushered in and in the first 24 hours the pages that discussed LBGT rights and climate change had disappeared from the White House website. It immediately made all of us aware that we had to start being even more conscience if we wanted to get through the next four years. So, I have been looking  for new ways to reduce my carbon footprint since the government has made it clear that they are not going to even try to fight the biggest problem facing all of us. One of the easiest way to do this is to cut back on our intake of all animal products. I'm not saying everyone needs to go vegan, but it doesn't hurt to incorporate healthy vegan choices into your diet, both for your heath and for the environment.

Local Detroit bakery Avalon has recently announced that they will be offering up even more vegan options to help eating healthy and animal free even easier. Detroit's best bakery has been celebrating veganism all month and there are only a few more days left to visit their bakery to take advantage of their buy one get one half off sale on all vegan sweets! They serve up an eclectic mix of homemade vegan goods, like wheaty wheat bread, blueberry muffins, monkey bread, vegan chocolate chip cookies, vegan date bars, cranberry apple bars, and more. Stop in early this week to get the deal.

But, you can always eat vegan at the bakery! So if you aren't able to make your own vegan goods, visit Avalon to get everything you need to eat well. Eating healthy and being environmentally conscience is just one of the ways that we have to step up and make personal changes to get through the next four years.

~S

Don't Miss the Punk Rock Winter Informal this Weekend!

For 6 great years our friend Amado and the guys from Bill Bondsmen brought you the Punk Rock Winter Formal. It was one night that the punk rock community put on their Sunday's best and headed out for a night of fancy fun and a great show. However, when the Magic Stick closed its doors a couple of years ago, the formal went away too. Well, now the group is back, but this time they bring you the Punk Rock Winter Informal!

Things are changed up a bit for this year's party. It will be taking place at The Rockery in Wyandotte this Saturday, January 28th. The lineup this time around includes Devious Ones, Detroit 442 and Voltage. These are a few bands that you don't get to see live very often, so you definitely don't want to miss this! There will still be Jello shots galore and if you want to dress up, you're more than welcome to. It's just not part of the shtick this year. However, if you do show up in a full tux, you will get in the door for free! For everyone else, cover for this show is only $7.

The Rockery is located at 1175 Eureka Road in Wyandotte. Doors are set to open at 9 p.m. For more info on this show, click here.

~C

Celebrate Zeke's 2nd Anniversary!

It's hard to believe that it has only been two years since Zeke's Rock & Roll BBQ opened its doors. This bar and restaurant has become a staple for so many, we can barely remember a time that it wasn't around! Whether you head there for the great smoked meats or for a drink or five at their bar, this has definitely become a favorite for many in Ferndale. The staff is amazing. They host great shows. We have nothing but great things to say about Zeke's!

This Saturday Zeke's is having a party to celebrate this anniversary. The night will feature music from the one and only Tim Barry along with Captains of the Head and Nick Ciolino. Zeke's has teamed up with Black Iris Booking to bring this great show to their stage and tickets are only $15. You can pick yours up in advance here.

Doors for the show will open at 9 p.m., but we highly suggest that you head out early and grab dinner there before the party. Their food is amazing and will get your night started off right!

Zele's Rock & Roll BBQ is located at 240 W. 9 Mile in Ferndale. For more info on the bar, their menu, and upcoming events head to ZekesRnRbbq.com,

Congratulations to our friends at Zeke's! Cheers to many more years!

~C

Win Tickets to Modern Cathedrals' Second Sacrament

This Saturday, January 28th Detroit record label Modern Cathedrals will be taking over El Club in Detroit. This event is being called Second Sacrament and will feature a night of amazing electronic music. The lineup for the evening includes Antenes, Container, Altstadt Echo amd MX SILKMAN. Get a feel for the evening by checking out this video of Container performing live at the Boiler Room.

Tickets for this show are only $15 and can be purchased in advance here. We are also giving away one pair of tickets to this show. If you would like to enter to win, please send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #sacrament in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Saturday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

All ages are welcome to attend this show and doors are set to open at 9 p.m.

~C

Those Hounds Release a New EP at Small's

Those Hounds are gearing up to release a new album so they're having a release show at Small's, in Hamtramck. The three piece, featuring Kevin Beattie, Ivan Fargo and Charlie King, has been hard at work writing and recording 6 new songs that will be on this new EP. The album is called Matrimony and you can check it out online here or pick it up at Weirdsville Records. Check out the music video for "Song for Miscreants" off of the new album below.

You can also pick up a copy of the EP on CD this Friday night at Small's. Everyone that pays $8 to get in the door will also get Matrimony on CD. The lineup you will get to see with that paid admission is pretty awesome too, it includes Bogart, Red Robe and Iron Downey Jr. Doors for this show are set to open at 8 p.m. and 18+ are welcome to attend. For more info, head over to the Facebook event page here. 

~C

Win Tickets to See Public Access TV at UFO

New York rockers Public Access TV have opened up for everyone form the The Strokes to Weezer, but they are currently headlining their own tour in support of their first album Never Enough which was released this past September.  Public Access TV will be hitting the stage at UFO this Friday, January 27th with fellow New Yorkers The Britanys and  UK imports Splashh. Tickets to get into the show are  $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Doors for the show are at 8 p.m. and UFO will be slinging its signature hot dogs, fries and bar fare if you're hungry.

We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Party Store Productions. If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets to the show please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #PA. We will draw one lucky person this Friday and that person will be able to attend the show with a friend for free.

~S

Don't Miss The Dropout at Snowed in Summer

The gloomy skies and that quick heat wave we had over the weekend has us all yearning for summer. Well this weekend El Club has you covered with Snowed in Summer. It may not be summer outside, but the summer vibes will be going strong inside the club! The Dropout will be there performing one of his first solo sets and he will be joined by Humons and House Coffee who will be doing DJ sets throughout the night. 

The Dropout is the new solo project of Andrew Ficker, formerly of Nigel & The Dropout. His songs mix electronic music with jazzy elements, incorporating everything from keys to sax. He does it all on his own, showing how truly talented this guy is. You can hear some of The Dropout's tunes for yourself on soundcloud, where he has been releasing a series of singles all leading up to an EP that should be released this summer. 

We had a chance to chat with Andrew before the big show this weekend. Check out what he had to say. 

Snowed in Summer is happening this Friday, January 27th. The party is set to kick off at 9 p.m. and admission is $7. We are also getting one person into this show with a friend for free! If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets to Friday's show, send your name over to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #dropout in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

This is going to be an awesome show that you won't want to miss!

~C

Win Tickets to See D.R.A.M. at El Club

D.R.A.M. (Does Real Ass Music) is currently on tour in celebration of his first album Big Baby D.R.A.M. The artist already made it to #5 on the Billboard music charts with his single "Broccoli" off of the album. He also released a music video for that hit which he recorded with Lil Yachty.

D.RA.M. is coming to Detroit this Thursday, January 26th. Tickets to get into the show are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Party Store Productions. If you would like to enter to win  a pair please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #DRAM. We will draw on lucky winner this Thursday morning and they will get to attend the show with a friend for free.

All ages are welcome to enter and attend! Doors for the show open at 8 p.m,

~S

Four Female Fronted Bands In Ferndale

This weekend many women across the world marched together to let the new administration know that we are not going to be silent if we disagree with the direction that this country is taking. Here in Detroit they estimated that around four to five thousand people gathered at Wayne State to march together on Saturday morning. One of those marchers was local musician Jo Champagne from Siamese.

Jo is one of those bad ass women that isn't afraid to support other women. In fact she is hosting an all female fronted four top at The Loving Touch this Saturday, January 28th. She recruited Queen Kwong, Dear Darkness and Kaliedo to perform alongside Siamese on Saturday to showcase the talents of some of Detroit's female musicians. Every one of these projects is female fronted by an amazing woman who isn't afraid to get on stage and command some attention.

We had the chance to talk to Jo about the event and her background as a woman in music. Check out what she has to say and then head up to The LT this Saturday for another weekend of female power and good music!

HID- What inspired you to put a show together that featured all female singers?

Jo Champagne- "Last year we put together a show at The Loving Touch that featured all female led bands (Fawnn, Odd Hours, and Tart). It was one of our favorite shows, so we decided to do it again this year with a different line up. Plus, with the political climate as it is right now, I think celebrating females who kick ass is a great thing."

HID- Why do you think it’s important to showcase female musicians?
Jo Champagne- "Female musicians are often held to a different standard than male ones. It is intimidating, and I feel that is why there are so few of us in the scene. I have been in bands where other musicians would mock how women hold their guitars and belittled my opinions and abilities. I have played wayyy too many shows where I am treated like a girlfriend of a band member, other than a musician myself. We get comments at almost every show we play about how surprised people are that our drummer, Angie, is actually good. Women don't get the same type of respect, and it's incredibly frustrating. I wanted to put this show together featuring strong, powerful, talented females because I want to say “fuck that.” Every band on this bill is one I enjoy for the music, and they just happen to be led by a woman. None of us playing are “shrinking violets” or little kittens stuck in a tree. We will all be kicking, screaming, and making noise."

HID- How old were you when you started playing music?
Jo Champagne- "I have been playing music since elementary school. I started taking piano lessons back then, and eventually went in to musical theater. I started playing in bands towards the end of middle school, and I just never stopped."

HID- When did you write your first song?
Jo Champagne- "When I was very very little, probably about 5, I would record my own songs on cassette with just me singing about whatever was going on in my head. I would fill up the whole tape, and then make another. I started writing piano songs in elementary school."

HID- When did you play live for the first time? When and where and with who?
Jo Champagne- "I started acting and singing in musical theater around age 7. I did play a few concerts on piano around that time too. I first started playing with a band in middle school, and we had our first show freshman year of high school. It was at some really crappy “battle of the bands” gig. This was with a few people I met through my guitar teacher. I had to do a bass solo for some judges, and they were all very serious looking. They had everyone tell them who their favorite musician was. All the other teens were giving very respectable answers such as Miles Davis. I told them mine was Marilyn Manson, ha ha. I didn't win that contest. Obviously. I think my musical theater background comes out on stage. I have to actually feel the emotion of whatever I am playing/singing, and usually it is anger."

HID- Do you think that female musicians are treated different than male musicians? If so how? Why?
Jo Champagne- "YES. We are often treated like accessories. A lot of times others assume that the men in the bands are the ones writing the music, and we just sing or play it. I have no idea why. It is baffling."

HID- What is Siamese working on these days?
Jo Champagne- "Right now we are working on new music. We put out an EP last year, and we are hoping to have a full length out in early/mid 2018."


Tickets for this Saturday's show are $8 and they can be purchased here, Doors for the show open at 8 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Each one of these bands is doing something unique and interesting, so get your 8 bucks worth and come out early to catch all of their sets! You wont regret it! 

~S

Win Tickets to See Cherry Glazerr

Cherry Glazerr is currently on tour in support of their latest album Apocalipstick which was just released on Secretly Canadian last Friday. The band recently underwent some lineup changes and and became a three piece. It will be interesting to see them perform their new stuff live with the paired down lineup!

They will be coming through Detroit to play El Club this Wednesday, January 25th to take the stage alongside Slow Hollows. Tickets to attend the show are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. You can purchase advance tickets here or enter to win a pair courtesy of Party Store Productions. To enter to win please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #cherry. We will draw one lucky winner this Wednesday morning and they will get to attend the show with a friend for FREE.

Visit the band's bandcamp to listen to some of their new jamz and come out this Wednesday to check out the show!

~S

Win Tickets to the SOLD OUT Isaiah Rashad Show!

This weekend Isaiah Rashad is playing a completely sold out show at El Club, but we still have your tickets! He will be hitting the stage this Sunday, January 22nd and thanks to our friends at El Club and Party Store Productions, we are giving away one pair of tickets to his show!

Isaiah Rashad is a rapper and songwriter from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He's currently out on his Lil Sunny Tour in support of his latest release The Sun's Tirade that was released last year. Check out the music video for the song "Free Lunch" off that album below.

If you would like to enter to win tickets to see Isaiah Rashad this weekend at El Club, just send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #ElClub in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Sunday morning and will email them details on how to claim their prize. 

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. on Sunday and all ages are welcome to enter this contest. Good luck! 

~C

Eat All of the Crack Fries this Weekend at HopCat's Birthday Party!

This weekend HopCat will be celebrating their 9th Birthday! It has only been a couple of years since the popular bar opened its location in Detroit, but the company actually got its start in Grand Rapids back in 2008. So, to celebrate their birthday, they are throwing big parties at all of their locations, including Detroit!

This Saturday, January 21st HopCat will celebrate their 9th birthday with free crack fries, special beers, and a crack fry eating contest. Crack fries and great beers are definitely what this bar is known for, so we can't think of a better way to celebrate! Free fries will be available to the public from the time the doors open at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Some of the special beers that will be available include Lagunitas High Westified Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Coffee Stout, Griffin Claw Brewing Co. Flying Buffalo Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Griffin Claw Brewing Co. - Flying Buffalo Imperial Stout with Hazelnut & Coffee, Oskar Blues Brewery - 2014 Ten FIDY Russian Imperial Stout, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - 2015 Narwhal Imperial Stout, Dogfish Head - World Wide Imperial Stout, Almanac Beer Co - Farmer’s Reserve: Wine Barrel Aged Blueberry Golden Ale and Bell’s Brewery - Hopslam Imperial IPA. Although free fries and amazing beers are pretty awesome, the part that we're most excited about is the fry eating contest!

Beginning at 3 p.m. contestants will lineup to see who can eat the biggest pile of those oh so tasty crack fries. There is a $5 entrance fee if you would like to participate in the contest, but that money will go to a great cause, Cass Community Social Services. This organization, "is dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of the diverse populations it serves by providing for basic needs,including affordable housing, promoting self-reliance and encouraging community involvement." They provide shelter for over 300 homeless people nightly. They also help those with mental and physical illness or disabilities. They are doing a lot of good for the people that need it the most right here in our community. So $5 will not only get you a belly full of fries, but it will help this great group help so many people. 

For contestants, not only will you get a ton of fries and good karma, but you also have a chance to win some great prizes! Here's the catch though, you only have 6 minutes to eat as many fries as you can! If you win, you will walk away with a $500 HopCat gift card and the chance to compete for the grand prize - $2,000 and a chance to compete against the other HopCat locations' winners in the World Championship Crack Fries Eating Contest at the 2017 Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti. The runner up will receive a  $100 HopCat gift card and 3rd place wins a $25 HopCat gift card.

If you think you've got what it takes to eat all of the crack fries or you just want to join in on the party, make your way to HopCat this Saturday, January 21st! The Detroit location is located at 4265 Woodward in Midtown. For more info on the party and this bar, click here. 

Happy Birthday, HopCat! 

~C

Have a Blast at Campus Martius this Weekend!

This weekend the Winter Blast will return to Campus Martius Park for three fun days! The event is happening this Friday thru Sunday, January 20th-22nd and will feature live music, ice skating, marshmallow roasting, a food truck rally, a zip line, ice carvings, and even an ice bar.

It should be no surprise that our favorite part of this festival is the music. This year there will be three indoor stages and there will also be DJs playing on stage at the ice bar. The DJs that will are on deck for this event include DJ Thornstryker on Friday from 8-11 p.m and DJ Ryan Richards on Saturday from 8-11. There is also a long list of bands and musicians performing throughout the weekend. Some of the acts that stood out to us are Zander Michigan, The Gasoline Gypsies, The Social Bandits, Stone Clover, The Native Howl and Nina & The Buffalo Riders. Most of the music will actually be spread across 2 stages, then the third stage will host family entertainers and events. The Pistons and their dance team will be there, as well as LEGO® Batman, Robin and Batgirl from The Lego Batman Movie. There will also be special presentations throughout the weekend from the Michigan Science Center. For a full list of musicians playing, set times, and family fun events, click here.

Admission to the festival will only cost you 3 cans of food or $3, which will go to Matrix Human Services. Children under 3 get info the event for free. However, if you also plan on stopping at the Auto Show this weekend, you can get into the blast for free with your NAIAS ticket stub from the same day.

Winter Blast kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday and is open until 11 p.m. On Saturday, the hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Sunday the festival will run from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. For more information on this event head over to WinterBlast.com.

~C

Win Tickets to See Superjoint, Battlecross, Child Bite and more at The Crofoot!

Two great "local" bands have teamed up with one or rockers biggest stars for the Caught Up In the Gears Tour.  Child Bite and Battlecross are currently embarking across the US with Phil Anselmo, legendary Pantera front man, who is currently touring with Superjoint. The tour also features Blind Haven and Fate of Misery. It's a pretty solid show from start to finish and a chance to see two of Detroit's best heavy bands take the stage with one of metal's biggest legends. We had the pleasure of seeing Phil perform with Down two years ago at Dirt Fest and we can assure you it's as cool as you imagined it would be!

The tour will be making a stop at The Crofoot this Sunday, January 22nd. Tickets to get into the show are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. We also have one pair of tickets to give away courtesy of the cool kids over at The Crofoot. If you would like to enter to attend the show for free, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #super. We will raw one lucky person this Sunday morning and they will get to attend the show with a friend for FREE.

Doors for the show open at 6 p.m. on Sunday. 

~S

Win Tickets to the 89X Homie Awards at The Crofoot

This Saturday, January 21st 89X will recognize some of the best that Detroit has to offer at The Homie Awards at The Crofoot in Pontiac. Now in its second year, this awards ceremony recognizes the bands and artists that make Detroit what it is. Actually, it's more of a party than it is a ceremony. There will be live music throughout the night from Sycamour, Shapes & Colors, The Banshee Pilot and Man Eating Lion. Some of your favorite Detroit area bands will also be in house in hopes of grabbing those awards. Plus, the personalities you know and love from 89X will be there hosting the event and giving away Homies throughout the evening.

Tickets to attend event are only $10. You can pick yours up in advance here or at UHF in Royal Oak. Thanks to our friends at The Crofoot we are also giving away a pair of tickets to this party. If you would like to enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #Homie in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Saturday morning and they will get into the party with a friend for free.

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. on Saturday and all ages are welcome to attend this event. For more info on The Homie Awards and to see a full list of award categories, click here.

~C

Win Tickets to See Rah the Son with Ben Keeler and Fluffer at UFO Factory

This Saturday, January 21st head to UFO Factory to check out Rah the Son. The solo artist will be joined by Fluffer from Cincinnati and Ben Keeler.

This is the first show that Ben Keeler has played in quite a while and he will have a brand new band on stage with him, including Will Shattuck and Ricky Ruggero. Although you probably haven't seen Ben live in quite a while, he has still been hard at work making music. He has actually been working on a new full length for the last couple of years and has been in the studio with Alex Kaye. Check out some of the songs that he has released so far on is Soundcloud here.

If you haven't yet, we also highly suggest that you head over and give Rah the Son's latest album a listen here. And while you're at it, crank those speakers up and check out Fluffer's music video for their song "Bombay" off their self titled release that came out last year.

This show will definitely have an all around good vibe and will be a fun night of dancing, drinks and good music. Admission to UFO Factory this Saturday is only $7 and 18+ are welcome. We are also giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the show. So, if you'd rather save that $7 for a drink or two, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com and put #UFO in the subject line. We will draw 2 lucky winners on Saturday morning and they will each get to attend the show with a friend for free.

UFO Factory is located at 2110 Trumbull in Detroit. Doors are set to open at 9 p.m. For more info, click here. 

~C

Tune in Tonight for the First Hip in Detroit Podcast of the Year!

Hip in Detroit is about the people, places and things that matter in Detroit, But it's important to note that the people come first for a reason. It's the people that live, work and play in Metro Detroit that truly make this place magical. Without them, it's just a bunch of places and things! That's why we decided to kick off our first podcast of 2017 by inviting two very interesting people to come in and chat with us.

Our first guest is named Jake Watson. The Michigan born trainer is Gym Jones certified and currently works at Station 515 in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan. His fitness philosophy and training style are unique and his gym, Station 515, isn't your typical planet fitness. Hip in Detroit co-founder Sadie Q began working with Jake a little over a year ago so she invited him in to talk to health and fitness for the new year. We're going to ask Jake all the questions you always wanted to ask a personal trainer, so tune into to hear what he has to say.

Our second guest for the night is Australian born Metro Detroter makeup artist Jessica Haze. The makeup artist currently works at Todd's Room in Birmingham by day and creates amazing tutorials for hundred of thousands of followers at night. She also recently branched out and became one of the first people in the area to perform microblading. Sadie was one of the first people to get her brows permanently applied by Jess, so we're going to check in with her to find out more about 2017 make up trends, her awesome YouTube tutorials and of course get all the details on microblading.

Tune in live at 8 p.m. tonight by visiting PodcastDetroit.com and listening in live to studio 2. If you miss the live broadcast, keep your eyes out for the link to the show which we will share later this week!

~S

Women's Rights are Human Rights!

This Friday, January 20th at Noon Donald J. Trump will be sworn into office as the 45th president of the United States of America. The next day thousands of women will March into Washington DC to remind the incoming officials that woman's rights are human rights. Many people feel that Mr. Trump might need a reminder that we are in the majority and he will not be able to take rights away from any of us without a fight.

Buses of Michigan residents will head to Washington this week to march with hundreds of thousands of people from around the word. Others who are not able to make the trek to DC will walk in Detroit that morning or will make a pilgrimage to Ann Arbor to march later that same day. This is a chance for all of us to come together to show the new administration that we will stand together to make sure that America continues to move forward and become a more equal place for all. For more information on the March on Washington visit their website here, For more information on the Detroit walk, click here. For more information on the march in Ann Arbor click here.

~S

24 Hour Giveaway: Win Tickets to See Code Orange at El Club

El Club has quickly become our favorite place to see a show in the City of Detroit. There are multiple great lineups playing this stage every week, they have good pizza, and the sound system makes everyone sound amazing. They also keep it fresh by not hosting the same lineups every night of the week. This week, they have everything from hardcore to hip hop hitting their stage.

This Tuesday, January 17th they will kick off the week with Code Orange, Youth Code and Lifeless. Tickets to get in to the show are only $15 in advance and $17 at the door. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Party Store Productions. If you would like to enter to win them, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Orange. We will draw one lucky person tomorrow morning and we will email the winner details on how to claim their prize.

Doors for the show open at 8 p.m. and the music usually starts around 9. El Club is all ages all the time and we weren't joking about the pizza. Their food is really good, so there is no reason to grab dinner before. Just get there on time, hang out, have a pizza, have a drink and make a night of it.

~S

Win Tickets to Celebrate the Birth Of Bevlove!

It's Bevlove's birthday and she wants Detroit to celebrate with her! She has invited Supakaine, Megapowers, Perrier Rosewood and Milfie to share the stage with her at El Club this Saturday, Januray 21st. She has also promised her fans lots of big birthday surprises! The "Do What I Say" singer knows how to control a room and puts on one hell of a live performance, especially when she sings a cappella.

Tickets to attend the b-day bash are $10 and advanced tickets can be purchased here. DJ Stacye J will be providing sounds in between the performances and 18 and older are welcome to come out and play. Doors for the show open at 8 p.m. and the kitchen will be serving up slices throughout the night. We have a feeling this one might sell out, so you may want to snatch up tickets to ensure your spot. 

We also have one pair of passes to attend the show for FREE courtesy of Party Store Productions. If you would like to try your luck, email hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #itsherbirthday. We will draw one lucky person this Saturday morning and we will email them details on how to claim their prize!

We would also like to wish Bevlove a happy birthday! Hope this one is as magical as your music is!

~S 

13 Bands on 3 Stages

This Saturday 13 awesome bands will come together for one night for another amazing Band Blender. Put on by Scott Boyink, these events feature a bunch of great bands, playing super short sets, on three stages. Once again the blender will be taking over Small's bar in Hamtramck. This time around the lineup includes The Amino Acids, Friends of Dennis Wilson, The Counter Elites, CARJACK, Mechanical Heart, Smash the Jukebox, The Lucid Furs, The Strains, Something to Hate, Milk Bomb, The Imaginatron, Steve Harvey Oswald and Cockhorse.

Admission to the Band Blender is only $3 for those 21+ with proceeds going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. If you're under 21, you'll have to pay a little more. Admission will be $10, with part of that still going to charity. All ages are welcome to attend this event and doors are set to open at 8 p.m.

Small's is located at 10339 Conant in Hamtramck. For more info on this show, click here.

~C

Celebrate Fusion Shows' Ninth Birthday Tonight

The Detroit music scene wouldn't be anything without the "small" booking houses that pay attention and bring the bands that we want to see to town. The music scene relies on people with passion to exist, not every show sells out. In fact, lots of them lose money so the people who risk their companies to bring you a good show should be more than celebrated. Fusion Shows is one of our favorite companies in Metro Detroit. They bring a very unique mix of bands to town and throw some amazing events. They also have a very healthy mix of men and ladies on their team, something that is rare in this business. They are a bunch of cool kids who are passionate about live music and it shows!

This year, they even expanded their reach by teaming up with The Crofoot Presents which enables them to bring even more bands into town! Tonight they will opening the doors of the Magic Stick to celebrate their 9th birthday with a killer lineup that includes Title Fight, Free Throw, Koji and Shortly. Tickets to attend the party are $17 and they can be purchased here. $5 from every ticket will be go to The Ruth Ellis Center, a shelter for LGBTQ youth in Detroit. Doors for the birthday bash open at 7 p.m. tonight!

We would like to sincerely wish Fusion a very happy birthday. Without their support HipinDetroit.com would not be the website that it is today! Thanks for all the amazing live music over the last nine years, we cannot wait for the next nine!

~S

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Mr. Linck

Five years ago Christie and I launched hipindetroit.com and began documenting all the amazing people, places, and things around Detroit. We have had the honor of watching thousands of musicians perform over the years, but no musician has meant more to me than James Linck. The first time I saw him perform it was an accident, from that point on it was my mission. I have been at every album release party and I have had the honor of interviewing James on camera, on the radio, and in print. I have over listened to all three of his EPs over the last four years and I have shared his songs with anyone who will listen. I have made an ass out of myself and danced up front at every show that I was able to and I have had the honor of hearing sneak peaks of a lot of his tunes before they were released. I have been asked time and time again who my favorite artist in Detroit is and my answer has always been James Linck. But, it wasn't until he released his last EP No Future that I figured out why Mr Linck's music means so much to me.

It all clicked the first time I heard the song "The Artist".  During my first listen I laughed and cried, for some reason the catchy track really moved me. There is something very powerful about defining yourself as an artist. It gives you the power to claim your talent, mold it and explore if given the chance to find out where it might take you.

I have been on an adventure with James since he released his first solo EP Fortress of Solitude, followed up by his sophomore EP Small World and his most recent release No Future. He has inspired me to keep molding my craft and creating new things because, at the end of the day, I'm an artist and that's what I do.

I have always had a hard time describing his sound to others and I truly believe that until your hear him hit a high note in person, you cannot completely appreciate how talented he is. Which is why it is going to be so hard to say farewell when he preforms at El Club this Friday, January 13th. It's been an honor to watch an artist as talented as James master their craft and it's going to be sad to continue that journey long distance. But, given the chance, I am even more excited to see how far my favorite artist can take it.

If you want to take a walk down memory lane before the show check out some of the interviews and videos we have done with James throughout the years. If you want to hear "The Artist" and the rest of James body of work visit his soundcloud here and if you want to experience what I consider to be one of the best talent's Detroit has to offer before he heads out to the West Coast,  join me stage front at the show this Friday to dance it out one last time. He will be performing alongside Jaws That Bite, Cousin Mouth,  Doc Illingsworth, and Eddie Logix. We can only hope that means that they might unearth one of my favorite collaboration tracks called "Lights on Ryder" at some point throughout the night. Tickets to get into the show are $8 at the door and doors are at 8 p.m. See you at the show!

~S

Comedians Stand Up for Planned Parenthood at Zeke's

"Planned Parenthood was founded on the revolutionary idea that women should have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams." Their centers offer a wide variety of health care, including cancer screenings, preventative care, primary care, STD testing and treatment, reproductive health services and even sex ed. The list of services that they offer is pretty wide spread. Approximately 1 in 5 women use Planned Parenthood for their health care. Despite all of the good that they do, some republicans are trying to defund this organization, which would be extremely detrimental and will put women across this country at risk. That's why it is extra important that you head to Zeke's Rock & Roll BBQ this Friday. 

This Friday, January 13th a group of comedians will "Stand Up for Planned Parenthood" at Zeke's. These hilarious comedians are coming together to help raise money for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. The fund's purpose is, "to ensure that elected officials support policies and programs that help women and their families make responsible choices about family planning and reproductive health." A very important cause and a very important organization. The lineup of comedians involved in this event includes Wesley Ward, Lauren Uchalik, Will Green, Simply Shannell, and Ray Hollifield and the night will be hosted by Mike Stanley. Admission is only $5, so it won't cost you a ton to help PP and you'll get to see a great night of comedy too! 

Seating for this event will start at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10. Zeke's is located at 240 West 9 Mile in Ferndale. For more info on this event, click here. 

~C

Here's Johnny!

This weekend one of the all time favorite thrillers of many is playing at the Main Art Theatre. The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, will be playing as part of the Main Art's Midnight Madness series this Friday and Saturday night. The 1980s Stanley Kubrick film still sends chills down viewers' spines. The plot follows, "A family [that] heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future." It has lead to many iconic scenes and phrases, like the ever so popular, "Here's Johnny". Check out the trailer below.

Tickets to see the shining are only $7 and can be purchased in advance here. There are showings on both Friday, January 13th and Saturday, January 14th at Midnight. The Main Art is located in downtown Royal Oak at 118 N. Main Street. For more info on Midnight Madness and other showings at the theatre, click here. 

~C

Riot Grrrl 90s at Planet Ant

If you were a Riot Grrrl back in the '90s you have to get to the Planet Ant Theatre this month! They are featuring a show called Riot Grrrl 90s and it is the story of two of those riot girls. Written and directed by Dyan Bailey, this show is, "...Set in 1990s suburbia, Rachel and Jen meet in French class and become instant best friends. Their mutual love of Nintendo, Riot Grrrl music and smoking cigarettes gets disrupted when Rachel's neighbor, Mike, starts hanging around." We can only imagine what happens after that! As two girls that met in English class, bonded over music, and became best friends for 20+ years, this is a story Sadie and I can definitely relate to and can't wait to see! We're sure it will speak to the 90s girl in all of us.

If you want to see this show for yourself, you have 3 weekends to get to Planet Ant. The show opens this weekend and will run thru January 30th. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $10. You can pick yours up or make reservations online here. Tickets are also available at the box office, which opens 30 minutes before showtime.

Planet Ant is located in Hamtramck at 2357 Caniff. Just look for the big purple building! For more info, head to PlanetAnt.com.

~C

The Idiot Kids, Cabin 7, Elemental Meaning and AHMI Show their Support for the Ferndale Music Program

This Friday night some great bands will be coming together at The Loving Touch to raise funds for the Ferndale Music Program. Proceeds from the evening will go towards FAB, the Ferndale Arts Boosters. This group supports the fine arts for grades K-12 and supplies support for the music program. FAB's goal is to make sure that Ferndale students have access to musical instruments in the classroom, supplying bigger pieces like percussion gear, horns and cellos. They also support the marching band with uniforms and props. Without FAB the band experience would not be what it is today.

To help support this organization and its efforts The Idiot Kids, Cabin 7, Elemental Meaning and AHMI are all coming together to play one awesome show. These great bands are volunteering their time, which means more money for FAB. Admission to get into the show is only $10 in advance or $15 at the door. All ages are welcome to attend and doors are set to open at 7 p.m.

If you can't come up with the cover charge, but still want to show your support and see this awesome lineup, we are also giving away two pairs of tickets to this show! To enter to win a pair, send your name over to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #FAB in the subject line. We will draw two lucky winners and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

We can't imagine a world without music and the earlier we can get kids interested in music, the better! So come out and support this great organization this Friday and see a great show while you're there!

~C