A Chat with David Liebe Hart Before His Visit to Detroit

Photo Credit: Jessic Pohl

Fans of Tim & Eric Awesome Show need no introduction to the man pictured above. They already know all about the charismatic, hilarious, and odd man that is David Liebe Hart. David gained popularity for his songs and puppets that were featured on Adult Swim's Tim & Eric Awesome Show. He was a regular on the show, along with other favorites like James Quall, Richard Dunn, Pierre, Uncle Muscles (Weird Al), and even Dr. Steve Brule (a.k.a. John C. Reilly). His songs are often bizarre, and his puppets are nothing short of amazing. If you're not familiar, check out one of our favorite song's that David performed on Tim & Eric.

David Liebe Hart has a new album out now that he created with composer Jonah “Th’ Mole” Mociun. The album is called Space Ranger and is described as avant garde/electronic pop. You can give it a listen here. Then, you can head to PJ's Lager House this Friday night to see David perform these songs and more live on stage! This is his first time performing in Detroit, so you definitely do not want to miss it! We had a chance to chat with David before Friday's show. See what he had to say, then read ahead to find out how you can pick up tickets to the show.

Photo Credit: Chad Cooper

HID- How did you start working with puppets?

David - "I started working with puppets when I went to a TV show, Garfield Goose, back in the early 50's. Then I started working with puppets when Jim Henson and Burr Tillstrom taught the bible stories with Kukla, Fran & Ollie. And Jim Henson taught with Kermit The Frog and the dog."

HID - Who are some of your biggest influences?
David - "Doris Day, Barry White, The Beatles, Jackie Gleason. I liked Red Skelton and I liked Jim Morrison. The Spinners and The Stylistics."

HID - What was it like working on Tim & Eric Awesome Show? How did you get involved with that show?
David - "Ben Berman, the casting director, called me to come in for a cold reading for the show. And there were like three other Black guys being interviewed. And they had me write a song about an alien puppet. And they liked my act better than the other two Blacks that interviewed for the show. And the first show I did was Salame, and I became a hit ever since. Working on the show was fun. Comedy, enthusiasm, creativity. A lot of good energy, a lot of good talent. Great creativity like I have creating songs and music with Jonah."

HID - Tell us about your new album! We know you worked with Jonah “Th’ Mole” Mociun. Did you guys write the songs together? Where did you record the album?
David - "I recorded the album with Jonah's equipment at his home up in the Nevada [City] mountains. We co-wrote a lot of songs together on the album Space Ranger and Go Into The Light and Astronaut. And then I wrote songs before I knew him and he added different melodies to them."

HID - What can fans expect at Friday's show?
David - "Comedy, fun, puppets, creativity, enthusiasm. A lot of fun, a lot of joy, a lot of happiness, a lot of good music. And a puppet show."

Tickets to see David Liebe Hart and his puppets live on stage are only $10 in advance or $12 the day of the show. You can purchase your tickets online here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the show by sending your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #salame in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner the morning of the show and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

David will be joined by Chip The Black Boy, Whatever Your Heart Desires and Detroit's own Paco Higdon Band and The Imaginatron. Doors are set to open at 8 p.m. and performers will hit the stage at 9. All ages are welcome for this one. For more info, click here.

~C

Brightly Twisted and Their Dye Classes are Moving to Detroit Permanently

A few months ago we were invited to the Brightly Twisted warehouse, formerly located in Livonia, to attend a Dye House Class. We weren't really sure what a Dye House Class would entail, but we were pleasantly surprised to find out that it was fun, educational, and somehow easier and more difficult than we imagined. 

During the two hour event, we learned how to create three of the brand's signature dying techniques and then we got the chance to try those techniques on an item of our choice. We also got to dye the reusable bag that we would eventually take our new piece home in. We found out that their is a very precise art to rolling the fabric, tying the rubber banding, and squirting the dyes. Plus, some of the techniques that they use require you to let the pieces sit in dye overnight. It takes A LOT more effort to create one of these pieces then we could have ever imagined, which gave us a whole new appreciation for the art of their craft. It was also really fun to hang out, have a drink, and create something with a friend. We couldn't recommend trying a class more, but we know a lot of our readers were reluctant to make the drive. Fortunately for all of us, the dye house made a bold move this summer when they decided to relocate their entire operation to Corktown.

Their soon to open retail space will be the central location for the creation and sale of their pieces. In fact, eventually you will be able to watch their artists create while you shop and try on their wearable art. They have not announced an official opening day for the space, but they have started selling tickets for their new Detroit Dye classes. These classes will take place at different times throughout the week to cater to everyone's schedule. You can view the full list and purchase a ticket here.

You can also follow the brand on Instagram here to make sure that you stay in the loop as they roll out their new space. They have given us some insight on what they will be doing off the record and were very excited to see this Michigan brand become a Detroit brand, they will no doubt be a positive part of their new community!

~S 

Berserker is Back! + Ticket Giveaway

Five years ago, Berserker started out as a small metal festival that featured mostly Detroit names with a few traveling acts. Today, the festival has become a destination for all those that like things a little heavier and little more intense. The event has not only grown in recognition, it has also grown in size. They have outgrown their previous homes in Ferndale and Detroit and moved into one of our favorite venues in town, The Crofoot. This will be the second year that they host their festivities inside their doors. However, this year, they decided to make it a one day, balls to the wall event. So, instead of coming out for multiple nights, you can see multiple bands on multiple stages over one night. To top it all off, their lineup is bigger and better than ever before, and they are giving away a beautiful signed guitar to kick of this year's fest!

This year's event features performances by Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Negative Approach, Macabre, Battlecross, King Parrot, Tombs, Homewrecker, Child Bite, The Armed, Oozing Wound, Shock Narcotic, Bloodiest, and A Deer A Horse. There will be three stages playing music throughout the night and a VIP ticket option that puts you on the balcony drinking some of Berserker's featured beers, including brews from Dark Horse (Marshall), Cellarmen's (Hazel Park), Cognition (Ishpeming), Batch (Detroit), Fillmore 13 (Pontiac), and Exferimentation (Pontiac). Regular tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the day of. VIP tickets are $75 a piece and $85 the day of the show. You can learn more about what you get with each ticket price and purchase your tickets here.

This year's Berserker festivities will kick off with a Pre-Serker party at Small's in Hamtramck. Thursday's pre-party will feature 8 bands on two stages. This includes performances by Midnight, Shed The Skin, Axioma, Throne, Mammon, Manic Outburst, Menagerie, and Steve Harvey Oswald. The music will start at 7:30 and will be done by midnight so that you can get home, get your rest, and get ready for the next night. The pre-party will also feature $1 PBRs for the first hour and it's only $10 to get in if you are going to both shows, $16 if you aren't.

We also have a pair of tickets to give away to attend the show with a friend for free! If you would like to enter to win please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #berserker. We will draw one lucky person this Friday morning and they will get to claim their prize at the door.

Berserker V kicks off at 5 p.m. this Friday! 

~S 

Win Tickets to See Red Fang at El Club

Red Fang is currently out on tour with Big Business and Dead Now, and they're making a stop in Detroit this Wednesday night! The tour kicked off earlier this month in North Carolina and has been packing venues along the way. They will be hitting the stage at El Club in Detroit and tickets for this one are selling quickly! You can pick yours up for $27 online here.

If you're feeling lucky, you can also enter to win a pair of tickets to this show. To enter to win, just send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #redfang in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Wednesday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. for this one and the bands will start at 8. For more info, click here.

~C

Celebrate the First Day of Fall in Midtown

This Saturday, businesses throughout Midtown will fill the streets to celebrate the first day of fall. Dear Fall: Love, Midtown is a one day event that will feature sidewalk sales, live entertainment, food, and lots of fun. The event will kick off at noon and will run until 8 p.m. Over 30 businesses throughout Midtown will open their doors and head out into the streets, with sales and fun activities for people of all ages. Plus, dogs are welcome too! Check out the full list of the day's activities below:

1. 8 Degrees Plato Detroit - Live music and Oktoberfest beers on tap.

2. Artloft - Sidewalk tent featuring fall specials, treats and music.

3. Avalon International Breads - Harvest Bowling on the patio with a food drive to support Forgotten Harvest.

4. Blossoms Midtown - Community visit with a local mounted division officer, fall floral arrangements, and refreshments.

5. Bolero Latin Cuisine - Sangria and tapas on the patio with live music.

6. The Bottom Line Coffee House - Live music in the afternoon with drink specials.

7. Cass Cafe - Live music on the patio and fall chef specials.

8. Cass Collective Detroit - DIY fall-scented body scrub with E. Rose Touch of Elegance, sampling of wine and cider, and promotions.

9. Cass Corridog - Activities including “Ask the Trainer”, free nail trimming, toy demonstrations, treat samples, and a doggie Ice Cream Social. Raffles and prizes throughout the day.

10. City Bird / Nest - Music with the Post Imperial Jazz Band, fall sales, food tastings and pop-ups throughout the day.

11. Detroit Shipping Company - Live music and pop-up brewery specials.

12. Flo Boutique Co. - Flo Fall Fashion Challenge (winner receives a prize!) and autumn fashion tips with live mannequins.

13. Founders Taproom - Detroit - Special tappings of KBS, Blushing Monk, and more, grilled seasonal fare, yard games, live DJ sets on the patio from 2-6pm, and school supply drive for grades 9 through 12.

14. Fresh101 - Savory Buddha Bowls, harvest smoothie bowls, and a vegan soul-Caribbean pop-up by Paradise Foods. Sounds by international DJ/Producers.

15. Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company - Live music on the patio, harvest food and drink specials with Great Blake’s Coffee Cider.

16. Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery Detroit - Harvest themed food and drink specials.

17. La Feria Detroit - Fall wine tasting of 3 Spanish wines paired with 3 Spanish cheeses perfect for the Autumn Palate.

18. Le Petit Zinc - Specials featuring a ratatouille crepe and squash soup.

19. Little High Flyers - Interactive music sessions with Melissa Sigh (2pm).

20. Nora - Celebrate the first birthday of the ‘4 Detroit’ cookbook with a raffle of gift cards to our partner restaurants. Samples of wines and Gold Cash Gold’s truffle honey.

21. Pure Detroit - Enjoy an s’mores roasting station and s’mores kits with every purchase.

22. Sfumato Fragrances / Castalia - Celebrate the 5-year anniversary with music, Taku Taku food pop-up, new drinks, and the release of a custom gin created with Detroit City Distillery.

23. Shinola - Cider & doughnuts, pumpkin painting for kids and a floral workshop.

24. Slows To Go - Launch of a new seasonal sauce.

25. Source Booksellers - Activities throughout the day including yoga, mini tastings of recipes from the book Coconuts and Collard Greens, and an evening Annual Fall Equinox conversation.

26. Third Man Records Cass Corridor - Live music, shopping and promos.

27. Third Wave Music - Live folk, blues and traditional music performances throughout the day. Libby DeCamp performs from 3-4pm with Jerry Dreams from 6-7pm.

28. Traffic Jam & Snug - Food and drink specials, behind the scenes restaurant tour including kitchen, bakery, dairy, brewery and rooftop garden.

29. Treat Dreams Midtown - Special doughnut sundae with cider sauce and a pop-up tent with Blossoms florists.

30. Tulani Rose - Sidewalk sale and pop-up dessert cafe featuring The Blakery and a musical celebration honoring the 92nd birthday of master musician, John Coltrane.

31. Union Street Detroit - Harvest Chef features with an extended happy hour.

32. Will Leather Goods - Fall shopping and a pop-up floral truck with Pot + Box.

33. Willis Show Barr - Special outdoor performances with The Heavy Petters, tunes spun by The Dapper DJ, Marianna Vermiglio & Willa Rae, and local vendors including Hustler’s Wife, The Standard Detroit, Quetarshe Textile Company, Sonic Juju, Detroit Friends Potato Chips, Cyntsational Popcorn & Detroit Gourmet Nut Company, a special “Dear Fall” Cocktail Selection, Vintage Cars, Sidewalk Chalk Art & more!

Saturday looks like it will a beautiful first day of fall, with temperatures topping out in the low 60s. So throw on those boots that you've been dying to wear and spend the afternoon shopping, sipping, and enjoying music in Midtown! 

~C

The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard will be Open During Eastern Market After Dark!

Have you been to the Dequindre Cut Fright Yard yet? The outdoor gathering space opened last May and it features a bar, a variety of food options, and a pop-up artisan market every weekend throughout the Summer. You can learn more about the space and keep up to date on their events here. They host a lot of cool experiences throughout the year and give out a lot of glow sticks during those events.

You can also stop by tonight before or after you hit up Eastern Market After Dark because they are opening up the space in celebration of the event. They will be serving up food and drinks starting at 5 p.m. this Thursday, September 20th. Brut Detroit Bar will be open, Yumvillage & The Drunken Rooster Food Truck will be serving up food, and the market will be in full swing for the night. Eastern Market Brewing Company will even be on site for a special tasting event from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.!

The DCFY is located at the corner of Orleans and Wilkins. It is free to come by and free to park at the parking lot located right next to the space. The cut will only be open until 10 p.m. (EMAD goes until 11 p.m.) so make sure that you make a plan that involves stopping by while they are open!

~S 

24 Hour Ticket Giveaway: Mom Jeans. @ The Loving Touch

This Thursday night, Mom Jeans. will be hitting the stage at The Loving Touch in Ferndale. The band is out on tour after releasing their latest album Puppy Love earlier this summer. This is the second LP for the Berkley, CA based band, and if you haven't given it a listen yet, you probably should. Just hit play below.

Mom Jeans. will be going world wide with this release, with shows planned for Mexico, Europe and the UK throughout the winter. So don't miss your chance to see these guys while they're in town! They will be joined by Just Friends, Mover Shaker and Shortly for Thursday's show. This will also be your first chance to see Shortly live since she released her latest EP last week. (You can find out more about that here.) Tickets to see these acts live are only $13 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to our friends at Fusion Shows, you can also win a pair of tickets to this show. Just send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #mom in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner Thursday morning and they will get into The Loving Touch Thursday night with a friend for free. 

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. for this one. For more info, click here. 

~C

The Fall Vintage Fashion Market Takes Place this Weekend in Ferndale

I love vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. When I get my hands on the perfect piece, I obsess over it for months. But, I feel like it's getting harder and harder to find that must have item at a lot of these so called trunk shows and vintage markets around town. First of all, a lot of them barely have any vintage items, and when they do, they are a lot of items that anyone could thrift from a good local shop. So it's hard to justify coming out and going through the racks. But, I can assure you that the Fall Ferndale Vintage Fashion Market taking place at The Rust Belt Market will be a treasure chest of unique finds for anyone that wants to make the trip out to see what they can find.

The three day long market will take place inside The Rust Belt Market during the DIY Street Fair and The Funky Ferndale Art Fair. The show will feature around 20 unique collectors who take vintage seriously. When they unload their trunks, the entire event space will be taken over with beautiful vintage finds that are looking for a new place to call home. The last time that they came to town, we were blown away by the selection and the sizes. There truly was something for everyone and even if you couldn't fit into something, there were lots of beautiful pieces that were fun to look at and experience in person.

The Vintage Market will be free to shop from Noon until 9 on Friday, 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. You can also pay $2 to come by the show from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Don't forget! There are 40+ vendors to check out inside The Rust Belt Market and their indoor and outdoor bars will be open this weekend with an Urbanrest Brewing Company event at the outdoor bar at Noon on Saturday!  

~S

Hip in Detroit's Guide to DIY 2018

The DIY Street Fair will be returning to Ferndale for the eleventh year in a row this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This free three day festival has built up a reputation for being one of the best places to see Metro Detroit's up and coming creators. This includes live music, gourmet food and drinks, and lots of entertainment for the whole family.

Every year, the DIY Street Fair welcomes back some tried and true vendors and mixes them with some new up and coming artisans. Some of our favorite returning artists include Cellar Door Bath Supply Company, Cool Critters, Detroit GT, Outer Spaceways, The Foxy Hipster, and the Postergeist poster tent. But, there are also tons of new names on the list that we haven't heard of before, so we are looking forward to seeing what each of those new people has to offer. You can see the full list of this year's vendors by clicking here.

You can also check out a full list of musical acts here. The biggest names playing this year's show are Too Many Zooz, Tunde Olaniran, Cloud Nothings, and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. These big name acts will be supported by some great local names, including Ancient Language, Brother Son, Extra Arms, and Stone Clover. We are personally obsessed with Too Many Zooz and we can't wait to see the crowd go nuts for their live show. If you're not familiar with them, take a second and educate yourself. Their set is going to be golden.

This year's festival will feature food from spots like Slows to Go, Nosh Pit (all vegan), Mac Shack, El Guapo, and Treat Dreams. Their drink lineup will include libations from The WAB, Whitefish Head, Tecate, Sailor Jerry, and many more. Drinks will be served by a variety of local charities throughout the weekend with 100% of the tips earned going to that charity. So, when you drink, tip well. It's for a good cause. Some of this year's causes include Suck it Suicide, Girls Rock Detroit and The Ferndale Cat Shelter.

This year's event will run from 6 p.m. until midnight on Friday, 11 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sunday. You can find out everything you need to know, including set times and game times throughout the weekend, by clicking here. There are also after parties on both Friday and Saturday at The Loving Touch. So when the outdoor area shuts down, take it inside where the music continues until 2 a.m. each night! You can see the full list of after party acts here.

DIY Street Fair officially kicks off at 6 p.m. this Friday!

~S 

Don't Miss Eastern Market After Dark this Thursday Night!

A few weeks ago I took some first timers to the Eastern Market for a Saturday morning market experience. After we completed our shopping, we drove around the area and I showed them some of my favorite murals. As they oohed and ahhed their way through one of my favorite spots in the city, it occurred to me how much of an impact Murals in the Market has had on the city. For the last four years, they connected amazing artists with resources and a place to paint. The result is a city full of life that showcases the artistic blood that runs through it. Thankfully, 45 new artists have been working their butts off for the big reveal this Thursday at the Eastern Market After Dark event.

Mural by Michelle Tanguay and Ouizi

This year's Eastern Market After Dark party will be bigger and better than ever before. This year's closing party will include a prom picture station and putt-putt in Shed 2, and food and vendors in Sheds 4 and 5. Most of the galleries and studios throughout the Eastern Market are open for the event and there are bars and food trucks all over the market. All of the area's breweries and distilleries are open during the event and the streets are filled with people who want to walk around and see all of the new murals that we will get to enjoy. There are also art installations and pop up events happening all around you, making EMAD a truly interactive experience. 

This year's event runs form 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. this Thursday. If you would like to see the artists working hard this week, head down to the Market and drive around anytime from noon until 8 p.m. this week, there will be creators doing their thing all over the city and you are welcome to watch! There is also a meet and greet with some of the artists Tuesday night, check our previous posts to learn more about that!

~S

24 Hour Ticket Giveaway: JEFF The Brotherhood @ El Club

Just over a week ago, JEFF The Brotherhood released their latest album, Magick Sounds. This album is the eleventh studio album for the band, you can give a couple of songs off the album a listen here. Now the Orrall brothers are out on the road in support of the album and they are making their way to Detroit this week.

JEFF The Brotherhood will hit the stage at El Club this Tuesday, September 18th. Joining them is Detroit's own, The Idiot Kids. Tickets to see these two great bands live are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. You can purchase your tickets in advance here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the show by emailing your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #brotherhood in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Tuesday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors are set to open at 8 p.m. for this one and all ages are welcome.

~C

Meet the Artists Behind this Year's Murals in the Market at the High Dive

Murals in the Market 2018 is officially underway and this year's artists have been hard at work making their masterpieces throughout Eastern Market. In addition to the amazing art that is being added to the city, there are always a bunch of amazing parties throughout the run of the festival, all leading up to the unveiling at Eastern Market After Dark on Thursday night. One of of the parties that we're most excited about is happening this Tuesday and it's called Drinks with the Crew. This is your chance to get up close and personal and meet the artists while having a cocktail or two. As if that isn't cool enough, the reason that we are most excited is because of where it's at. This event will be taking place at the High Dive, a new bar on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck.

Selfie in High Dive's Restroom

We first had a chance to check out the High Dive during this year's Labor Day festival. In the past, we've always used Carbon Lounge as a place to sit and have a drink, while still being able to hear the nearby stage, and we also escape the doom of using a port-a-potty by using their restroom while we were inside. Well, we knew that Carbon was no more, so we were thrilled to find out that something else was opening in its place. When we went into the bathroom and saw some of the cutest art we've ever seen on the walls, we had to find out what was up. Well, the bathroom was just the start. Murals in the Market alum and LA based artist, Shark Toof, has taken the bar over. Over the past few weeks, he and his team of other talented street artists have been hard at work painting murals throughout the new bar and transforming this space into not only a cool bar, but a work of art. We haven't had a look inside since Labor Day, but after talking to the team behind the bar and hearing their enthusiasm, we are super excited to see what they have in store for everyone.

Murals in the Market Drinks with the Crew is happening this Tuesday, September 18th from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. High Dive is located at 11474 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212. For more information on this event, click here. To learn more about Shark Toof and to see his work, click here.

~C

Party at Deluxx Fluxx Friday Night with The Messenger Birds, Tart, Lung, and Those Hounds

This Friday night, Deluxx Fluxx is the place to be! If you haven't had a chance to check out this awesome new bar yet, get ready to walk into one of the coolest places that you've ever set foot in. The entire bar is designed by artist duo Faile, and nearly every inch of the place is covered in their artwork. In addition to the great atmosphere, there are also amazing craft cocktails on tap and even Detroit themed arcade games. On top of all of that, this Friday night, the bar will host 4 of the best bands that Detroit has to offer, including two of our personal favorites, The Messenger Birds and Tart.

The Messenger Birds will be headlining the show and will be joined by Lung, Those Hounds, and as we mentioned, Tart. This is a stacked lineup from start to finish and the best reason yet to head out to Deluxx Fluxx. Great art, tasty drinks, and awesome music, we couldn't think of a better night! Plus, if you get to the show before 10 p.m., cover is FREE! After 10, you'll have to pay $5 to get in the door, but bands are starting promptly at 8. So do yourself a favor and get there early!

21+ are welcome to attend this show. Deluxx Fluxx is located in The Belt at 1274 Library Street in Detroit. For more info, click here.

~C

Win Tickets to See The Goddamn Gallows at The Sanctuary

This Saturday night, Black Iris Booking will bring The Goddamn Gallows to the stage at The Sanctuary in Hamtramck. This band never really seems to stop touring. They just hit the road again at the end of August after only taking a month off. Before they head out west, they have a stop here at home in Detroit. The tour is in support of the band's latest album The Trial, which was released earlier this spring. If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen below.


The Goddamn Gallows will be joined by High Totals, Chuck Coles / United Snakes, and Timmy Reynolds for Saturday's show. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the show by sending your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #goddamn in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Saturday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

~C