Don't Miss Winter at Valade Park

If you haven't experienced Winter at Valade yet, your time is running out! This weekend is your last opportunity to check out all the winter activities that have been taking place at Valade Park all season long. Winter at Valade features bonfires, warm drinks, marshmallow roasting, sledding, ice sculptures, and more. This weekend is supposed to be a bit warmer so it'll be the perfect time to bundle up for a socially distanced visit.

Winter at Valade Park is free to attend. In case you get hungry while you're there, Geisha Girls Sushi and Smokey G's Smokehouse are on-site from noon - 8 p.m. The activities at Valade Park are available from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, noon - 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon - 7 p.m. on Sunday. Valade Park is located on the Detroit Riverfront at 2670 Atwater Street, east of the Aretha Franklin Park Amphitheatre (Chene Park). For more details on this event click here or visit the Facebook event page. 

~C

The Crofoot Presents Brings Live Music to a New Site on the Detroit Riverfront

Site of the New Outdoor Venue - Riverside Station Detroit (From Google Maps)

Over the years, the team at The Crofoot Presents has transformed everything from parking lots to historic buildings like The Fisher into amazing concert grounds. Their team knows what it takes to put on an amazing show and this summer they have plans to blow concert goers away with another new experience. 

It's no secret that over the past year live music has been basically non-existent. Going to a venue and getting sweaty next to a complete stranger isn't really an option right now. So, the team at The Crofoot Presents decided that they were going to have to get creative if they wanted to continue to produce live music. In the fall of 2020, they began hosting some drive-in concerts at the lot across from The Crofoot. This year, they have a new plan in place to create a safe, outdoor space for concerts. They will be drawing fans to the old site of the Joe Louis Arena for new concert grounds in the parking lot across the street, just west of the old arena. The venue will be called Riverside Station Detroit, appropriately named since it is alongside the Detroit River and located below the Joe Louis Arena Station for the People Mover. In a recent interview and article from WDET, Dan McGowan from The Crofoot Presents shared the plan for this new space. He explained that this site will allow for music fans to once again experience the thrill of live music by setting up pods for viewing. The grounds will be separated like a checkerboard into designated areas for groups of up to 6 people. Each of these "pods" will be 8 feet apart from one another. So, no there won't be a "pit" and you won't' be getting touched by strangers or questioning whether you're covered in your own sweat, someone else's sweat, or beer, but is that really a bad thing? Personally we are all for this new idea, especially if it means that we can start seeing live music again! 

In addition to spacing fans out during the show, there will be other modifications to the concert going experience as well. Instead of visiting the merch booth or standing in line for a drink, purchases will all be made from your pod through an app on your phone. Then you will sit there like royalty while staff brings your order right to you! Sounds pretty sweet, right? Plus, then you don't have to worry about missing the show while you wait in line for a drink! 

The first show that has been announced for Riverside Station Detroit is Mt. Joy on May 7th with Michigander. Tickets are already on sale for this inaugural event and can be purchased online here. Tickets are on sale per pod, which for this show is for up to 4 people. Pods range from $175-$250, with the higher priced pods being located closer to the stage. Tickets are already selling quickly, so if you're interested in attending this show, don't wait too long to purchase yours!

The team at The Crofoot Presents said that they will be announcing more shows at this new venue in the coming weeks! So keep an eye on The Crofoot's Facebook page and Instagram to be the first to hear those announcements. 

Riverside Station Detroit is located at 701 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48226. To learn more about this new venue, check out this interview from WDET. 

~C

Hip in Detroit - February 2021 Playlist

This month's playlist features some newer releases from some great Detroit musicians! Click play below to give it a listen! 

Remember, you can always access all of our playlists by clicking the "Music" tab up above. 

Learn more about each of the artists featured on this month's playlist by clicking the links below. 

John Salvage

Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms

Reuther

Ladysse

Passalacqua

~C

Preorder Your Limited Edition Support Local Shirt and Help Hip in Detroit Keep it Hip in 2021

Last March, the entire world took a pause. Most businesses closed and all the hip places that we love temporarily shut their doors. None of us knew what to expect or how long we would have to lay low, so we stocked up, jumped on Zoom calls, wrote letters, donated to our favorite local shops and restaurants, and planned to ride this out for a few weeks until things got back to "normal". But, here we are almost a year later and very little has changed back to the way things were. Few, if any of our normal activities have returned to our lives, and all the magical events that made covering Metro Detroit so amazing are still on pause.

When everything hit the wall, Hip in Detroit pivoted, canceled all of our upcoming ticket giveaways and plans for event coverage, and started supporting locally by amplifying the voices of the businesses that are trying to survive during these unsure times. We promoted ordering out, outdoor patio dining all summer, and we put together the most comprehensive shop local list in town over the holidays. We also started putting a lot of time and effort into our Instagram/Facebook stories so we could share the most up-to-date happenings with all of you on a near-daily basis. Finally, we put all of our sponsorship on hold. We understand that we cannot ask these local businesses to give us money when they are having a hard time making enough money to even remain in business. But, we also didn't plan on things being closed for so long. We have 100% run out of funds to keep this thing going, so it's time for us to pivot again to make sure that we can survive! Thankfully, we only need to raise enough money to pay for the programs, memberships, and fees that go along with running Hip in Detroit, our team will continue to work for free. But, we also aren't the type to ask for something without offering you something in return. So, we came up with a really cool way to support Hip in Detroit, and in turn support all things local, and help us raise funds to make it through 2021.

We teamed up with Monster Free Design and KO Prints Detroit to create this limited edition Hip in Detroit "Support Local" shirt that will only be on sale for the next two weeks!

If you like what we do and you want to support us, as well as a local artist and a local screen printing company, we are asking you to purchase one shirt or to make a one-time donation to hipindetroit.com to help us make it through the rest of this pandemic without any sponsors or income. If you would like to preorder a shirt, please send $25 to us on PayPal (hipindetroit@gmail.com) or Venmo (@hipindetroit). In the notes, please include the size shirt that you are ordering (unisex sizing), your shipping address, and your name. If you would like to make a donation without purchasing a shirt, just let us know in the notes that it is a donation. This presale will run from February 17 until March 3, 2021. Once it closes, we will get the shirts made and ship them out as soon as they are dry!

We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get this far and we would be honored if you would help us get through this next year so that we can keep covering all the cool things that you do! 

Thank you for your continued support! Please share this with your friends and followers and help us reach our goal! 

~S & C 

Give Sareytales' New Podcast a Listen

Do you listen to podcasts? According to the latest stats, more than half of US consumers over the age of 12 have streamed at least one episode of a podcast over the last year. Most listeners report streaming shows while they workout, commute, or clean their homes, and the number one reason people give for tuning in is to "learn something". This means that for a lot of us, it's not what the podcast is about, but how interesting the topic is and how much we can learn from it that determines if we are going to listen. Personally, this usually means that I am willing to give any topic a one-episode listen before I decide if I am interested in it or not. That being said, even I was skeptical when a new podcast by Sareytales came across my inbox. I was intrigued because I love Sarey's art, but skeptical because I thought what could a podcast about dating teach someone who has been in a long-term relationship for a decade and a half and has never opened a dating app? It turns out that if you approach it as thoughtfully as Sarey did, you can teach me a lot and keep me streaming episode after episode without a pause! 

If you're not familiar with Sareytales, it is the brainchild of a Detroit-based artist named Sarey Ruden who took the creepy, cruel, and misogynistic messages she received on online dating apps and turned them into art. This started a bigger conversation about dating and with the help of  Michigan Podcast Productions (shout out Becky and Seth), she turned those conversations into 7 one-hour deep dives into topics like "Bias in Social Media" and how to "Dodging Wastemen". The podcasts are well-produced, the topics are great, and every guest is interesting and well versed in whatever they came onto the show to discuss. Plus, Sarey is a great host, and the production of the show is top tier. I especially love the music and the sound effects! This show is on par with anything that you would find on the big networks like Earwolf, Gimlet, or Radiotopia, but it was made right here in Detroit by a great local company, which makes it even more magical! All 7 episodes of the show were released on Valentine's Day and I highly suggest that you give the first episode a listen to see what you think. I have a feeling you will find yourself just as intrigued as I was whether you are single, dating, or in a long-term committed relationship. 

Click here to listen to the podcast and here to learn more about Sarey's art.

Click here to learn more about Michigan Podcast Network.

~S

Who Boy is Back with New Music

Like most bands, Who Boy has been relatively quiet since COVID hit. Before the pandemic, they had just released an EP entitled ONEHUNDRED 100 and they were ready to play the tunes live. They had shows lined up and plans for the year. They were even on the bill for MOPOP. Obviously that all changed. Shows were cancelled, MOPOP was cancelled, and things got pretty quiet for the band.

Well now Who Boy is back and they have some new music! The band just released a new single called "Yellow Check" this week. The song is an ambient track and is completely different from anything that they have released in the past. Give it a listen by clicking play below. 

Who Boy · Yellow Check

If you like what you hear, head over and follow Who Boy on Facebook and Instagram. They plan to release another new song in a couple of weeks! We had a chance to check it out and it is a good mix of the new and the old Who Boy. So we think you will like what you're going to hear! 

~C

Celebrate Palentine's Day with Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control

If you've been considering adopting a pet, this weekend is a great time to adopt from the Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control! Starting this Thursday through Sunday, they are hosting their Palentine's Day - Sponsored Adoption Event. That means that just in time for Valentine's Day, you could have a new love in your life and the adoption fee will be covered. So you can use that money to pamper your new pet with toys, treats, and whatever else your heart desires. 

Friends of DACC is a volunteer group that supports Detroit Animal Care and Control, the City of Detroit's Animal Control Department. As you probably know, there are many stray dogs, cats, and animals in need in Detroit. The need is more crucial than ever right now, with the extremely low temperatures outside. So, by adopting a pet, you not only are making life better for that dog or cat, but you are also helping to get an animal out of the cold and potentially saving their life. 

If this all sounds like a great idea to you, head to the DACC building this Thursday - Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The building is located on the I-75 Service Drive at 7401 Chrysler Dr., Detroit, 48211. Before you go, check out some of the current adoptable pets that are available by visiting the Adoptable Animals at DACC Facebook Group or their Adopt-A-Pet page. In addition to those that are posted on these pages, there are always other pets available too! So stop by and see who might want to come home with you! 

If you would like to help the animals of Detroit through the Friends of DACC, but can't adopt, there are other ways you can help. You can make a monetary donation through their website here. You can also donate gifts or supplies through Chewy or Amazon by shopping off their wish lists. They are also always looking for volunteers and fosters! Can't take on a foster pet long term? You can have a sleepover or just take in a pet short term through the Couch Surfers program. Learn more about all of the ways to help out by clicking here. 

~C

Beat The Winter Blues with a Private Sauna Session

A lot of us have spent the last year locked up in our houses. Sure, we might have to go to work, run to the grocery store, and keep an appointment or two, but for the most part, where we live has become where we have spent most of our time over the last eleven months. At first, it was easy to stay home because everything outside was scary. Then it warmed up and we got to go outside to play at a social distance, but this winter is dragging on and it's getting a lot harder to stay positive. So, we started looking for a semi-safe way that we could get out of our homes to do something special without feeling like we were risking it all.

That's when fate intervened, we received an email that one of our favorite local wellness spas has installed a new private infrared sauna and they were offering a special on your first visit. We were intrigued by the email so we made a phone call and chatted with the staff about their COVID safety precautions. They informed us that they were not only wearing masks, cleaning spaces, and spacing out their appointments to keep things safe, they had also invested in a machine that would sterilize the entire space. I was also assured that everyone would be wearing masks and that I could pay at the checkout window with little to no contact after my appointment. This conversation made me feel safe coming in for a visit, so I booked my first session to spend 30 minutes in a 130-degree sauna all by myself. 

That half-hour was one of the most magnificent moments that I have experienced over the last year! It was nice to take a minute away from it all, sweating, breathing, and refocusing on myself and my wellbeing. I also felt really good about my safety during my visit. Even though they provide everything you need, I felt more comfortable bringing my own towels and a change of clothes that I could slip into after my visit. I also double-masked with a KN95 and a cloth mask while I was entering and exiting the building. It was one of the first times I felt truly relaxed and it was exactly what I needed to help me make it through the rest of this pandemic. I enjoyed myself so much that I bought a package and booked a standing appointment to visit the sauna by myself every Wednesday for as long as I can. This half-hour of slow breathing and self-reflection is helping me remember that there is a light at the end of this long tunnel. 

I highly recommend checking out the sauna at GreenLeaf Bodywork and booking yourself a visit if you are in the Downtown Ferndale area. If you are not, I suggest googling "infrared sauna" and booking a visit at someplace near you. If you visit someplace else, please make sure that you call and talk to them about what they are doing to keep you safe before you visit. You want to feel calm and relaxed when you are there and you won't be able to do that if you're worried about your safety! It's more important than ever to make sure that you are taking care of your mental and physical health, so make sure that you are doing something that will help you get through this because the vaccine is out and there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

~S

Everyone Can Enjoy A Sandwich + More at Oak House Deli

Some people say that the sandwich is the perfect food. It's portable, it can be made hot or cold, and the meats, veggies, cheeses, and condiments can be switched up a million different ways. In fact, Americans love sandwiches so much that we eat around 300 million of them every day. If you love sandwiches as much as the rest of us do, you will be pleased to find that Royal Oak has a deliciously unique deli that serves up scrumptious sandwiches for EVERYONE. 

Oak House Deli is the first deli in Metro Detroit to offer a full menu of staple sandwiches that can be made 100% vegan without sacrificing a single ingredient. Craving a fresh Italian sub on Crispelli's bread? You can have it stuffed with fresh-cut Boar's Head deli meats or 100% high-quality vegan slices if you're keeping it plant-based. Do you want pasta salad or potato salad on the side, go ahead and order it. They even have a vegan egg salad ready-to-go! It is RARE to find a spot that serves up so many options. Especially when it does all of them well.

This is the perfect place to get something to-go because everyone in the group will be able to find something that they like. They even have vegan desserts and Faygo pop on their menu. Their prices are more than reasonable, their service is friendly and quick, and you can pre-order and pick up using their website. We have been grabbing to-go hoagies every time we are in the area and we haven't had a bad sandwich yet. We highly suggest working your way through the menu before you land on your go to order because we would have never guessed that the vegan egg salad sandwich would be our favorite until we tried it! The vegan Italian is a close runner up, but if we're being honest, we plan to eat every single sub on that menu again when we get the chance.

You can view Oak House Deli's full menu here.

#keepitlocal

~S 

Small's Celebrates Paczki Day 2021 with Paczki Bombs & Polish Food

It's safe to say that we are all looking for a reason to celebrate and have a good time right now. Well, Small's is giving us that opportunity, while doing their best to keep everyone safe at the same time. They are bringing back their Paczki Day festivities this year, with a safer, socially distanced twist.

This year, Paczki Day is on Tuesday, February 16th. Small's will be opening early, at 10 a.m., to start your day off right. They will be bringing back the legendary Paczki Bombs this year, with custard or raspberry filling. For those that don't know, a Paczki Bomb is a delicious paczki (a.k.a. a filled donut) with booze added to the filling. So, not only are you getting a tasty treat and a sugar buzz, but you'll be getting a buzz from alcohol too! Paczki Bombs will be available for pre-order or you can pick one up and eat it on the patio outside of Small's. The pricing for pre-order is 3 for $16, 6 for $30, or 12 for $55. If you just want to grab one while you're at the bar, they are $6. But beware, Paczki Bombs are known to sell out fast! So, if you want to guarantee that you get some, pre-order a pack by sending a message to Renegade Kitchen on Facebook here. 

In addition to Paczki Bombs, Small's will also have big beers available and Renegade Kitchen will be cooking up delicious Polish food. The menu for the day includes Kielbasas, Pierogi, Kielbasa Fried Rice, and Pierogi Mac N Cheese, with pierogi as the mac in the mac n cheese. Food can be ordered for takeout by calling (313) 873-1117 that day or you can grab food at the bar to eat on the patio.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, there will not be live music at Small's on Paczki Day this year. However, you can catch a livestream from Paczki Day favorites Captains of the Head at 7 p.m. So, you can pick up some food and Paczki Bombs, and head home to eat, drink, and watch Captains of the Head. 

Now we all have a day to look forward to where we can be happy and gluttonous (as if we haven't been eating all day every day already)! Small's will be open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Paczki Day. For more details on the festivities at Small's and to stay in the loop leading up to Paczki Day, head over and RSVP to the Facebook event here. 

~C

Hamtramck Has It's Own Near Nightly Talk Show Featuring Bahama Jon

Are you yearning to connect with a community? Do you miss live music, comedy, or knowing what local artists are up to? We've all felt a little disconnected from the world over these last few months, but we are finding new ways to form friendships and to find a way to belong. One of our favorite ways to feel part of something fun is to tune into a near-nightly talk show that is broadcasted out of Ant Hall in Hamtramck featuring a local semi-celebrity named Bahama Jon. 

When lockdown first began, Bahama started going live 7 days a week to entertain whoever was bored and wanted to watch. He created a few characters, made a few bits, and was able to get quite a few followers to tune in to his nightly shenanigans. He turned that initial buzz into a deal with Planet Ant that included a new space to broadcast and the ability to have some socially distanced guests on the show. He also moved his broadcast over to Twitch where viewers could be part of a live chat during the show. It turns out that live chatting is fun and a great way to connect with people all over the world! The other reason we love to tune into the show is that Jon has his pulse on the who's who of the local DIY music, art, and comedy communities. So, all of his guests are charming, talented, and fun to learn about, if you aren't already familiar with their work.

If you are looking for a new way to connect with the local scene and have some fun 4 nights a week, we suggest that you tune in for a show! Bahama is live at 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Monday nights are our favorite because they feature Hamtramck Steve. So if you're going to tune in any night, we suggest Mondays. You can watch some of his previously recorded shows on his channel at your leisure. Make sure you create a Twitch profile when you login so that you can chat with whoever else is hanging out that day. It just might be the friendly hangout that you have been missing.

~S