The WAB Gets Sciency with The Alechemy Room

Last week, the WAB in Ferndale gave their most loyal fans a sneak peek of their newest bar, The Alechemy Room. This new science themed bar will be housed on the lower level of the WAB, where you are used to grabbing some food in the summer, or where you may have grabbed a drink and listened to metal during the CVRSES pop-up last year.

The space has been transformed for Alechemy, making you feel like you've entered the lab of a brew-scientist. The bartenders are suited up in lab coats, and Edison bulbs are strung from the ceiling, giving the space an orange glow. Alechemy will be serving up "pressed beer cocktails". The drinks will be infused with everything from fruit, to childhood favorites like Trix cereal. They truly are the creations of a mad scientist, that you have to taste for yourself!

So far, the WAB's Brewers Club Members and a few select guests are the only ones that have had the opportunity to experience Alechemy for themselves. But, starting this weekend, the room will be open to the public. The Alechemy Room will be open Thursday thru Saturday from 6 p.m. until Midnight. If you're planning an event, this room is also available as a rental space, for more info on that click here.

The WAB and Alechemy are located at 22646 Woodward in Ferndale. For more info on The Alechemy Room, click here.

~C

The Winter Blast Kicks Off This Weekend

Photo borrowed from the Winter Blast

In 2005, the City of Detroit welcomed The Super Bowl to our door step. It was also the first year that Quicken Loans brought the Winter Blast to the heart of Downtown Detroit. Over the last 14 years, the annual event has brought thousands of people into the city to celebrate the coldest time of the year. So many people, that they deiced to extend the fun over four different weekends starting this week. 

The Winter Blast festival will kick off this Friday, January 19th and continue through the second weekend of February. This first weekend will feature free ice skating at Campus Martius, Ice Sculptures, marshmallow roasting, family activities, and a food truck rally that will feature eats from Beans & Cornbread, Taste of Nawlins, Chick a D, and Imperial. Saturday night will also feature live music from some of Movement's best DJs.

Over the next few weeks the festival will feature tons of local music as well as a variety of different food vendors. You can see the full schedule of activities here. Winter Blast will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as on this Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on the weekends. You can click here to find out more about local parking and click here to find out more about how to pick up coupons for a free hot chocolate when you visit.

~S

Win Tickets to See Vacationer at Deluxx Fluxx

This Thursday night, Vacationer will kick off its tour right here in Detroit. The tour is in support of the band's third studio release Mindset that was released last summer. You can give the full album a listen here. You can also check out the stunning music video for the song "Being Here". It's like going on a vacation and exploring the world from right behind your screen. 

Vacationer will be performing at Deluxx Fluxx this Thursday night along with Cousin Mouth. Tickets to see this show live are $10 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to Party Store Productions, we are also giving one lucky reader a pair of tickets to this show. To enter to win those tickets, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #vacationer in the subject line. We will draw our winner on Thursday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

Doors will open at 7 p.m. for this one and 18+ are welcome. 

~C  

The Old Shillelagh Went Vegan

The Old Shillelagh was opened by a retired Detroit Cop in 1975. Since then, it has remained a family owned business and become the place to have a drink on St. Patrick's Day. We already knew that it was a great bar to pop into to grab a drink before an event because they have a bus that goes to most local concerts and games. But, we recently learned that they are the latest Detroit restaurant to embrace vegans in a really big way.

This past Sunday, the historical Irish bar and restaurant launched their new vegan brunch that will now take place every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. The menu (which is subject to change) features some unique items that we haven't seen anyone else try to recreate for those living a plant based lifestyle. This includes brunch staples like french toast, avocado toast, jack-fruit hash, and biscuits and gravy. They even have their own version of breakfast tacos that features a chickpea scramble topped with vegan chorizo that is to die for. Their brunch also includes a drink menu that features interesting items like an almond milk based Baileys shot.

We also found out that this isn't the restaurant's first venture into veganism. It turns out that they have already taken the leap and added tons of vegan items to their everyday menu. This includes 3 different vegan burgers, vegan soft pretzels, brauts and kraut, coneys, shepherds pie' and more. They even have vegan soup ready to eat anytime you want it! We have to admit that we were a little shocked when we heard an Irish restaurant was cooking up vegan items, but we were more than pleased with every bite that we ate. We were dreaming about bangers and hash and now we know how to get them!

The Old Shillelagh is open from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Mondays and 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. You can find out more about their bus and their menu here. We loved brunch and we cannot wait to go back and try out their lunch/dinner menu.

~S

A Behind The Scenes Look at Cirque Du Soleil Corteo - Playing This Weekend in Detroit

The first Cirque Du Soleil opened in Montreal, Quebec in 1984. Since then, their various shows have been performed for over 180 million people in over 450 cities across the world. There are currently 6 cirque residencies in Vegas as well as troupes touring with different shows all over the world. What started as a small production has grown to be a full scale event that employs over 4,000 people around the world at any given time.

This weekend, Detroiters will be treated to five performances of Cirque Du Soleil's Corteo. This 2005 masterpiece follows the story of a clown that is imagining his own funeral. The performances are a look in to the life that he lived and the moments that meant the most to him before meeting his final destination.

This huge production rolled into town yesterday and they gave us a chance to get an up close and personal look at the set, cast, and crew before they had their first show last night. This included watching the team practice and seeing them test the balloons that will fly one of the performers around Little Ceasers Arena during the live show. We also got a peek inside the costume room to see how much work it is to keep the troupe well dressed for every performance. Take a look at our behind the scenes photos and make sure that you grab some tickets to the show. We knew that Cirque was going to be cool, but after getting a taste we need a full meal.

Tickets to attend one the five performances start at $65 a pop and they can be purchased here.

~S

Skate in Style at the Rainbow City Roller Rink

Photo borrowed from Library Street Collective

When we were kids, school roller skating parties were the do not miss event. Pretty much everyone from your class was going to be there, and you knew everyone would be talking about it the next day. Plus, there was always a chance that your crush might ask you to skate during that "couples only" song. The lights, the music, and the smell of the rink were unlike anything else. 

Now, you have the chance to experience a roller skating party like no other. Hopefully this rink smells a little better and we know it looks super cool! Library Street Collective has installed a roller rink in the heart of Downtown Detroit that is not only fun, but is a work of art! The Rainbow City Roller Rink opened at the end of November and this installation is getting ready to wrap things up. The black and white striped rink is adorned with inflatable and colorful characters, with the entire design created by artist duo FriendsWithYou. It is fun to look at and fun to experience, even if it has been years since you strapped some skates on. 

There are only a few dates left to checkout The Rainbow City Roller Rink. RSVP to reserve your skate time here. Skate sessions are 45 minutes long and the rink asks that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your reserved time. Entrance to the rink is free and skates and lockers are available on site. 

Rainbow City Roller Rink is located at 1001 Woodward Avenue, near Campus Martius. For more information on this awesome installation, visit RainbowCityDetroit.com! 

~C

Celebrate 11 Years of Solid Shows with Fusion Shows this Saturday

In 2008, a new president named Barack Obama was elected to office, Britney Spears had a full out meltdown and shaved her head, the writers strike had Hollywood by the balls, and a few people who loved music launched a new company called Fusion Shows. 11 years later, those same people are gathering together to celebrate over a decade of good times and growth with a killer lineup at The Crofoot in Pontiac this Saturday, January 12th.

Fusion Shows will celebrate their steel anniversary with a lineup of bands that includes Foxing, Shortly, Japanese Breakfast, Olivia Millerschin, Kimball, and many more. Bands will begin performing inside the Ballroom, The Pike Room and The Vernors Room at 6:30 p.m. sharp this Saturday. Doors are at 6 p.m. and some of the night's do not miss acts will be off the stage before 8 p.m. So this is the kind of event that you get to early! Tickets to attend are $23 in advance, $25 at the door.

If you want to know about the history of Fusion Shows check out a podcast that we did a year ago with Nate from Fusion Shows.

~S

Win Tickets to Sound Space 3.0 at Deluxx Fluxx

This Friday night, "journey into something deeper" at Deluxx Fluxx. The already visually stimulating venue will stimulate your ears at Sound Space 3.0, a night of underground techno. The night will feature Detroit's own Rebecca Goldberg and Hans P. Austermann. Check out some music from Rebecca Goldberg below, to get a feel for what the evening has in store.

Tickets for Friday's show are only $5 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to Party Store Productions, we are also getting one lucky reader in to this show with a friend for free. To enter to win a pair of tickets, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #soundspace in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

Doors will open at 10 p.m on Friday and the music goes until 2 a.m. 21+ are welcome. 

~C

Sometimes You Just need to Dance

Have you ever gotten the sudden impulse to dance? Do you ever get the overwhelming need to bust a move with a few of your friends? Do you want to let loose and wash away the weekday blues this weekend without worrying about what creeper is going to try to rub up on you and your friends? If you do, we have the perfect all inclusive event where everyone can shake their ass off in a safe place that celebrates life, love, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

The Feminist Throwdown is coming to Ferndale's Elks Lodge this Friday, January 11th. The evening of all inclusive fun celebrates feminists and allies alike. Trans and gender nonconforming people are celebrated and all are welcome to come have a good time in a safe space where they can let loose and be themselves. DJ Nouveau will be spinning female-centric tunes upstairs at the Elk's Club until 1 a.m. when the party will move downstairs to wind down for the last hour of the night. There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door and all proceeds form the event go to one of our favorite local charities, Girls Rock Detroit, a program that helps female identifying children learn music as well as essential life skills for success.

The dance party will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday. 18 and over are welcome and there is a cash only bar for 21+. All the music will be made by women and women will be celebrated all night long! 

To learn more about the event click here. To learn more about Girls Rock Detroit click here. 

~S

Win Tickets to See The Pom-Poms at El Club

This Friday night, The Pom-Poms will perform live at El Club. The Miami based duo is made up of Kitty and Sam Ray (Ricky Eat Acid), who have been making music on their own for years. Now they have combined their talents for this new project that just released its debut EP this past year. Give the self-titled release a listen below.

Tickets to see The Pom-Poms live are $10 and can be purchased in advance here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to this show. Just send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #pompom in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors will open at 9 p.m. on Friday and the show will start at 10. All ages are welcome.

~C

Get Some "New To You" Gear at Trixie's

If you're a musician and you've been itching to get some new gear, but are low on cash, we have the perfect event for you! After all, we did just make it through the holidays, and chances are that you either spent to much on gifts or spent too much while you were celebrating. So, this Wednesday night, you have a chance to get that gear that you've been wanting to get your hands on, and get rid of some equipment that you don't need anymore.

Trixie's in Hamtramck will be hosting a Gear Swap on Wednesday, January 9th. There will be everything from strings and sticks to pedals and plenty of other musical accessories up for grabs. Just bring anything that you are looking to trade or sell, and you should probably bring some cash too just in case you have to barter. Plus, there will be great drink specials throughout the night that we're sure you will want to have money for. The swap will take place from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Make sure you get there early so you don't miss out on any of the goods!

Trixie's is located on the edge of Hamtramck at 2656 Carpenter. For more info on this event, click here.

~C

A Mirage You Will Want to See

Photo from the Library Street Collective 

The State Savings Bank on the corner of Fort and Shelby in Downtown Detroit officially opened its doors on May 31, 1900. The historical building features classic columns, stunning marble work, and an old fashioned bank vault right in the middle. Over the years, the building was used as a bank, a marketplace, offices, and even as a home for puddles when the roof was caving in. Then, in 2014 Bedrock Properties purchased the space and began a redesign. People speculated that it would once again become offices or maybe even a parking garage, but for the time being, it's home to one of the coolest art installations in the city, Mirage Detroit. This larger than life mirrored installation is currently housed inside the historical savings bank. The living art piece was created by Doug Aitken for the Library Street Collective and it is currently free to walk through if you want to take the time to experience something different.

Photo from the Library Street Collective 

We visited the space over the holiday break to see what it was all about and we really enjoyed experiencing the art and getting a peek inside the building. It was stunning to walking into the 70,000-square-foot building for the first time and it was interesting to see the inside of a vault that was built over a century ago. It was also fascinating to see how the installation and the building played off each other to create different mirages as you walked through the "house". This means you might end up walking into a wall in one room and taking the best lit selfie of your life in another. 

The installation will be open to the public through February. It is currently open Wednesday and Thursdays from 12-8 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12-10 PM, and Sunday 12-5 PM. You can find out more about it and see more photos from Mirage here. P.S. you have to walk through a lot of rocks to get inside the house, don't wear heels to this one! 

~S

2 Detroit Centered Podcasts that are Worth a Listen

Over the holidays, all of our normally scheduled programming was on a holiday break so we took the opportunity to search out some new listening that was Detroit related so we could learn a little more about the history of the city and keep ourselves entertained during these cold winter days. Here are two Detroit-centric podcasts that we recommend you take the time to listen to when you get bored this winter.

Crimetown-
Crimetown is a weekly podcast featuring Marc Smerling and Zac Stuart-Pontier from The Jinx. The first season documented the history of crime in Providence, Road Island and the second season which is currently rolling out, is documenting the history of crime in Detroit. This podcast takes a look at the criminal history of those with power in the City of Detroit starting in 1971. It details the Detroit Police's S.T.R.E.S.S. program which was accused of inappropriately targeting black and low income people and explains how each cause has effected the city. The podcast went on break for the holidays right after its 11th episode which talked about the "hip hop mayor" Kwame Kilpatrick. It will begin rolling out today and there will be 20 episodes in total. You can catch up on all the previous shows here. We would also recommend listening to season one if you like this kind of thing. It's a different city, but it's equally as interesting!

Shattered Presents: White Boy Rick-
White Boy Rick is an infamous Detroit legend. Lots of people have heard stories about what happened to Rick, but very few people know the real "truth". This in-depth look at the who, what, when and why is hosted by WDIV investigative reporter Kevin Dietz. The 8 episode podcast explores what really happened through interviews with all sorts of people involved including Rick Wershe Jr. himself.


If you have finished both of those and are still craving a little Metro Detroit mystery, you can keep listening to hear the first season of the show. This season explores the disappearance of 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander, and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton from Morenci, Michigan. It is a little slow moving, but nevertheless, kept our attention all the way through.

Podcasts are a great way to learn while you clean, workout, or drive around town! So if you aren't already listening, now is the time to start!

~S

BAVE Turns 2!

This New Year's Eve Eve, spend the evening with BAVE while they celebrate their 2nd Birthday! The band will be throwing a birthday party at PJ's Lager House on Sunday, December 30th. The duo has been busy over the past year, with several short tours and the release of their first full length. Before they head into another year, they want to celebrate their accomplishments with all of you as well as some special guests.

BAVE will be joined by Party Days and Big Donut for this special show. Cover will be $7 and doors will open at 7 p.m. We are also getting some people into this show for free! To enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #bave in the subject line. We will draw two lucky winners the morning of the show and they will each get in the door that night with a friend for free.

For more info on this event, click here. Get in the spirit for this party by listening to BAVE's album below.