It's Time for a Queer Dance Party!

Virginia Woolf wrote about having a room of one's own in September of 1929. She knew that it was important for women to have both a literal and figurative space within a literary tradition dominated by men. The idea of creating a safe space for people to exist, create, and flourish isn't new, but it is one of the most important if not the most important thing that underrepresented communities need to flourish and expand under their own terms. For these reasons, and many more, two Detroit icons are bringing a Queer Dance Party to Detroit under their own terms. This brand new event was created by RV Mendoza and Jax Anderson a.k.a. Flint Eastwood, two Queer identifying performers who aren't afraid to be themselves and express themselves, which is exactly what they are hoping their party will inspire you to do.

On Friday, September 7th they will be taking over El Club Detroit for the first Queer Dance Party. Tickets to attend the event are only $12 at the door, but you can get them even cheaper and fee free if you pop by the club before that night and grab them at the ticket window. You can also save yourself a drive and a space at the party by buying a ticket online here.

But, before you head out, find out more about why this party is needed, necessary, and going to be a one of a kind experience form the mouth of one of the most inspiring performers around, RV Mendoza.

HID- Okay, so officially, what is a "Queer Dance Party"?

RV Mendoza- "Queer Dance Party is exactly what the name implies. It’s a party centered around LGBTQ+ folks that really want to dance to pop and left-of center dance music."

HID- Why did you team up with Jax Anderson aka Flint Eastwood for this event?
RV Mendoza- "Jax and I are very similar. We’re both queer people that feel like we don’t really “fit in” too well with a lot of mainstream gay communities. Queer Dance Party is our earnest attempt at making a space we feel safe to let loose and have fun with pop music."

HID- Why did you decide to organize a "Queer Dance Party" event in Detroit?
RV Mendoza- "Jax and I literally met on the dance floor, and ever since, we’ve been dreaming about a party that we would like the throw. We’ve been talking about this for years and I’m excited to finally make it happen!"

HID- Are cisgender allies allowed to come play?’
RV Mendoza- "This event will always be centered around LGBTQ+ folks, and yes, allies are welcome!"

HID- What kind of music can we expect? Will their be DJ’s?
RV Mendoza- "Queer dance party make it possible to hear Britney and Trina in the same set.
Ariana to Big Freida. CardiB by way of Carly Rae. It’ll be fertile ground where you’ll be dance-crying to Robyn, then lip-syncing to CupcakKe. This music will be lovingly and queerly curated by me and another DJ. What I hate most about some dance parties are 20 minute long songs that barely change. Some people love it, but it’s really not for me.

At Queer Dance Party, I fully expect for everyone to dance the whole night, but if it happens that you’re not into a certain song, you’ll know it’ll be less than 5 minutes until the next one.
(Unless it’s Beyoncé’s "All Night”––but that won’t be until the end.)"

HID- Will there be more dance parties? How often?
RV Mendoza- "This first party is a test run. If a good amount of people turn out and everything goes well, we plan on doing it monthly. The support has been super great so far and a lot of people are sharing and tagging. I’m pumped to see how this goes. If you want this thing to be a regular event, make sure to come support!"

HID- What's the dress code?
RV Mendoza- "Come as you are, or come as who you want to be. This is an opportunity to try a new things if that’s your goal. Jax will be taking photos so if you want your lewk featured––come correct."

HID- Will you performing?
RV Mendoza- "Maybe. If I do, it won’t be in the way most people expect. ;)
Performances will be integrated right into the dance party. It’ll be sudden––there won’t be any waiting or lead up to it. The performer will get on stage and perform in the middle of the DJ set and immediately after, the dance party continues. The goal is to be non-stop dancing."

HID- Can I dance with you?
RV Mendoza- "The moment Milkshake plays, it’s on."

HID- Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?
RV Mendoza- "I don’t drink, so anytime I go out, it’s stressful to feel like I’m bothering the bartenders for water. If you’re not much of a drinker like me, El Club will always have jugs filled with water that you can get yourself. Just because you’re thirsty, doesn’t mean you have to be dehydrated."

Keep up with everything QDP here.

~S

24 Hour Ticket Giveaway: F I N K E L at PJ's Lager House

Mackinac Island based duo F I N K E L are currently on tour, making their way through the Midwest. This Saturday night, they will make their way to Detroit to play PJ’s Lager House. Joining them for the evening are Britney Stoney and The Turbos. Plus, as an added bonus, the guys from Handgrenades will be DJing throughout the night!

Tickets for the show are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. You can purchase your tickets here. You can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the show by sending your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #finkel 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

Win Tickets to See The Mighty Mighty Bosstones at St. Andrew's Hall

In the 1990s, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones had everyone singing about knocking on wood with their huge single "The Impression That I Get". This band gained more mainstream popularity than most ska bands, especially with this song. But, the Bosstones actually had been around since the 80s. And now, over three decades since they got their start, they have a new album out and are out on the road playing to fans across the country. Their 10th studio album While We're At It was released earlier this summer. Give it a listen below.

You can catch The Mighty Mighty Bosstones live in Detroit this Sunday night at St. Andrew's Hall. Opening the show is Buster Shuffle. Tickets start at $30 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 #bosstones in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner this Sunday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize. 

Doors are set to open at 6 p.m. on Sunday and all ages are welcome. 

~C 

Win Tickets to See Black Tusk, Whores., Child Bite and WhiteNails at Small's

This Sunday, Small's in Hamtramck is going to get super metal! The traditionally punk bar is going to take things to the next level by hosting one of the heaviest shows of the year. Sludge metal rockers Black Tusk will be co-headlining a show with noise rockers Whores. Rounding out the bill will be WhiteNails from Canada, and hometown heroes Child Bite. EVERY single band on this list is worth seeing on their own, but somehow Small's brought them together for one night and they are charging less than $20 to get in the door.

Tickets to attend the event are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. You can purchase your advance tickets here. You can also enter to win tickets to the show courtesy of Small's by emailing your full name at hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject #fuckingmetal. We will draw one lucky person this Sunday morning and they will get to attend the early evening event with a friend for free. Please be aware, doors for this one open at 6:30 p.m. and music starts sharply at 7:30.

~S

The Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! Record Show Takes Over The Sanctuary this Sunday

For the past couple of years, the Facebook group Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie has been a place where music fans and collectors can come together to buy, sell, swap, and trade items. In the group, members can post vinyl, CDs, or cassettes, and the more rare they are, the better. Well, now the group is moving from the internet to a physical location for their first ever record show! 

The Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! Record Show will take place this Sunday afternoon at The Sanctuary. The show will host 16 private vendors and 8 record shops, including Village Vinyl, Flipside Records, B-Bop Records, Culture Clash Records, FOUND SOUND, Record Graveyard, Traxnwax, and Weirdsville Records. All of the vendors will be selling all sorts of music related items, like vintage shirts, posters, CDs, VHS, cassettes, and of course, records. And, judging by what we've seen in this group in the past, you'll have a chance to get your hands on some pretty awesome items! You can get a sneak peak of some of the goods that will be up for grabs here.

Doors for Sunday's record show are set to open at 11 a.m. and it will go until 5. Admission to this event is free, so you'll be able to use all of your money to shop! You can also buy some drinks from the bar while you're there, and if you get hungry, there will be pizza for sale for $2 a slice. The Sanctuary is located in Hamtramck at 2932 Caniff. For more info on this show and to keep an eye on what will be for sale on Sunday, RSVP to the Facebook event here. 

~C

Win Tickets to See The Pink Spiders at The Sanctuary

The Pink Spiders rose to fame in 2005 when they were signed to Geffen Records. Since then they released 4 albums, including their brand new album Mutations. This album is the first album that the band has released in almost 10 years. They took a very long hiatus, but now they are back, better than ever, and about to embark on their first tour in a long time. They will be making a stop in Detroit to play the Sanctuary this Friday, August 17th. You can hear their new single and see what they have been up by checking out their latest video for the song "Black Dagger".

The Detroit date will be the second date of their tour and Johnny-O and The Class 5's & The Prophetics will be opening the show. Tickets to attend are only $12 in advance and they can be purchased here. We also have one pair of tickets to give away to the show courtesy of Black Iris Booking one of the coolest companies that has started booking at this new to Hamtramck venue that was previously located on the west side of town. In addition to getting into the show for free, the band will also give our winner a signed vinyl copy of their record for free! If you would like to enter to win this package, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #pink. We will draw one lucky person on Friday and they will get to attend the show with a friend for free!

~S

Nipflix and Chill at Ant Hall this Friday (Giveaway)

Ant Hall has been expanding their audience and bringing some really cool events to their stage. They are ushering in a new era where a venue can have many purposes, including hosting movies, plays bands, comedy, and more. This Friday, August 17th, they will be welcoming a talent packed burlesque crew called Black Sheep Burlesque to their stage for a whole new kind of experience.

Roxi DLite

The Black Sheep Burlesque troupe is a one of a kind group of ladies that bring something fun, unique, and playful to the stage. This Friday's lineup will include: Roxi DLite, Vivacious Miss Audacious, Lushes Lamoan, Hermione Stranger, Jax Nippleson, Lilith Von Tal

Dish Delish (Dee Dee Smith), May Blush, Darryn Storm, Tommy Gun, Autumn Sage, Dotty Dart
and Nicky Champagne. Tickets to attend the show are only $15 in advance and $20 at the door. You can purchase advance tickets here.  

Lilith Von Tal

You can also win tickets to the show courtesy of Ant Hall, but before we tell you about that, read this interview with Hermione Stranger to learn more about this event, burlesque, and the art of the performance!

Hermione Stranger

HID- When did you decide that you wanted to start performing burlesque?
Hermione Stranger- "It’s funny, I never actually “decided” to become a burlesque performer. When I lived in NYC, I took classes at New York School of Burlesque. I figured it would be a good way to make girlfriends in a new town while giving my confidence a much-needed boost. I had no intention of performing, but my classmates convinced me to participate in the student showcase, which is like a recital."

HID- How did you get started?

Hermione Stranger- "I was terrified at the student showcase but ended up doing really well! Shortly after that, I got booked to do a duet performance at Coney Island Freak Bar. And things just kind of took off from there."

HID- How do you prepare yourself for a show?
Hermione Stranger- "To prepare a new number, I concept, choreograph, create costumes and props, then practice. Once that’s all said and done, I also have a little ritual that prepares me for going on stage. I do this high-energy warm up exercise from improv called “Crazy Eights.” It helps me get all that nervous energy out."

HID- How do you write your show/performance?
Hermione Stranger- "For me, concept is king. I believe that all shows and performances should start with a solid idea and tell a story. When concepting a show theme, I try to think of things that people love — like movies or guilty pleasure songs or Harry Potter — then I come up with a clever name using the pun skills I’m never allowed to employ in my day job as an advertising writer.

When it’s time to concept my act, I basically do the same thing. For Nipflix I thought, “What’s a movie that I love? And how can I do a humorous, entertaining take on a character from that movie?”

I mention humor because burlesque was always intended to be funny. The word itself is originally derived from the Italian word “burla” which means prank or joke. It was meant to entertain the audience by caricaturing other aspects of culture."

HID- Who inspires you?
Hermione Stranger- "There are so many performers who inspire me! Locally, Roxi Dlite is just unbelievable. In New York, my teacher Jo Boobs Weldon is who I looked up to. Then there’s Fancy Feast who breaks body stereotypes and sparked my love of themed shows. Or Darlinda Just Darlinda who does whatever the fuck she wants on stage. Or Penny Wren who I don’t know personally, but once saw perform a hilarious Tinkerbell act to an Alanis Morissette song at The Slipper Room in NYC. That act inspired me to always, always have a concept in my performances. To make sure the song is chosen for a reason and that the character makes sense. Otherwise you’re just taking off your clothes — and considering we can all see that for free on the internet, it’s simply not that interesting."

HID- Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
Hermione Stranger- "Black Sheep Burlesque is a troupe that performs outside the box. We’re bitches that’ll leave you in stiches. We hope that you’ll come to our next show!"

To enter to win a pair of tickets to the show, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #justdance. We will draw one lucky person this Friday morning and they will get to peep some of the best burlesque that Detroit has to offer for free with a friend! 

~S 

Win Tickets to See Angelo De Augustine with Many Rooms at The Pike Room

Angelo De Augustine and Many Rooms have been out on tour all summer long, making their way across the US. The tour is about to wrap up, but first they have a few dates left, including a stop in Metro Detroit. The two acts are set to hit the stage at The Pike Room in Pontiac this Thursday, August 16th. Most of the tour has taken place in intimate settings like The Pike Room, allowing De Augustine to get up close and personal with fans while playing songs off his latest release Swim Inside The Moon, as well as other favorites. Give his latest album a listen below.

Tickets to Thursday's show are $13 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to our friends at The Crofoot, you can also enter to win a pair of tickets to this show by sending your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #pikeroom in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Thursday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors are set to open at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and all ages are welcome.

~C

Win Tickets to See Richard Lloyd at PJ's Lager House

In 1973 in New York City, the band Television was formed. It has been said that this band's sound perfectly embodies the 1970s in New York. Their debut studio album Marquee Moon is still their most popular album to date, making its way to several "top" lists over the years. The band only released two albums during their original run, with Television calling it quits in 1978 and then reuniting in the '90s. Although their time was short lived, they left a big impression on the music scene and still influence bands to this day.

This Thursday night, you have a chance to see one of the founding members of this influential band, guitarist Richard Lloyd, live on stage in Detroit. Lloyd will be playing PJ's Lager House along with Detroit's own Royal Sweets and The Idiot Kids. Before the show, you also have a chance to meet the artist starting at 6 p.m. for a book signing and meet & greet. His book, Everything is Combustible, documents his time in Television, years playing at CBGBs, and rock & roll lifestyle.

Tickets to Thursday's show are only $20 and can be purchased in advance here. We are also giving one lucky reader a chance to win a pair of tickets to this show. To enter, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #lagerhouse in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Thursday morning and they will get in the door that night, with a friend for free.

~C

Join The Ride for Pride

2018 is being called "The Year of The Woman". This year we saw more women run for office than every before and the #metoo and #timesup movements are changing the dynamics of our offices, our relationships, and our daily interactions. Women are coming together to make a change in real ways and it's working

One of the coolest local female groups that comes together every year for a cause is The Dahlias, a female motorcycle riding group that uses their passion for riding and female bonding to do something positive for their community. Every year, The Dahlias gather together to ride for a cause. This year's event is being called the Ride for Pride, and proceeds form the benefit will go to the Ruth Ellis Center  

This year's event will take place on August 26th and it will take off from Harding Park (107 Mapledale, Ferndale Mi 48220) at 4:30 p.m. sharp. It is only $10 to participate in the ride if you sign up in advance and $15 to join the day of the ride. You can purchase advance tickets o attend here. The ride will be making a midpoint stop at Clutch & Throttle before it ends at The Loving Touch, where The Dahlias will be hosting a party that includes a raffle and auction. Everyone is welcome to attend the party, bike or no bike. To learn more about the event you can click here. You can also learn a little more about these ladies by watching our very wet interview with them in the parking lot of The Loving Touch last week. Check it out and mark your calendars for this year's event!

~S

A Quick Interview and Ticket Giveaway with Joan of Arc

Indie rockers Joan of Arc recently released their 23rd album called 1984. They are currently on tour in support of their new music and they are making a stop in Detroit this Thursday, August 16th. The band will be playing alongside Fred Thomas and Sikk Laffter and it's only $10 to get into the show.  

You can listen to the band's new album here and you can learn a little bit more about them by checking out our 4 questions with Tim Kinsella, singer and guitar player for the band.

We also have one pair of tickets to giveaway to the show courtesy of El Club Detroit. If you would like to enter to win, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #joanofarc. We will draw one lucky winner before the show and they will get to attend the show with a friend for free. 

HID- What's your favorite track off your new album "1984"?
Tim Kinsella- "I couldn’t say I have a favorite cuz I really love all Melina’s songs, but I do feel like when Punk Kid came together I thought “I smell a hit!” In a way that songs don’t often make me feel. Layering the two instrumentals was also very fun."

HID- Whats's your favorite song to currently play live?

Tim Kinsella- "Our live set is definitely about momentum and sequencing and the energy of each song charging to the next. And, even on a structural level the songs are a lot different than each other, different modes. So I couldn’t really pick a favorite, it’s like how yellow depends on purple to look yellow, you know?"

HID- Whats the best part about being on the road? Whats the worst?

Tim Kinsella- "Best part is my band-mates. We all have a very good time together. And it’s great seeing old friends everywhere. Worst part is definitely money. It’s very tricky to sustain this at the level we operate on."

HID- What's your go to album right now and why?

Tim Kinsella- "I actually went thru an Injury Reserve phase a few months ago. They’re Detroit guys I think, right? My go to album forever is Arnold Dreyblatt Propellers in Love. My go to Spotify move is the L.I.E.S. Playlist on shuffle cuz it’s good for running and for reading, but I end up skipping a third of the tracks.

~S

The Freight Yard Brings Live Music and Comedy to the Dequindre Cut

You probably already know that the Dequindre Cut is a great walking and biking path in Detroit, but did you know that you can now go shopping, grab a drink, or even see some great entertainment on this hidden pathway? Earlier this year, the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard opened up shop on the Cut near Eastern Market. The freight yard is a structure made out of shipping containers, featuring a bar and pop up shops on the weekends. Now, the Freight Yard has also begun hosting events and this weekend they will host their first ever comedy night and there will also be some great musicians playing all weekend long. Admission to all events is free too! Check out this weekend's schedule below.

FRIDAY:

7 - 10 PM - The PreGame - Freight Fridays w/ DJ Bernan Bush

SATURDAY:

1 - 4 PM Jes Kramer & Summer Like The Season

4:30-6:30 PM Jason Brent Comedy Showcase

7 - 10 PM Summer Saturdays w/ DJ Bernan Bush

SUNDAY:

12 - 3 PM - Dequindre Cut Dog Days - Free treats, water bowls & Canine To Five Detroit Swag bag. 

1 - 4 PM - DJ set by NANDI of Exquisite Future/Seraphine Collective

The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard is open on Friday from 4 - 10 PM, Saturday from Noon - 10 PM, and Sunday from 12 - 9 PM. The Pop Up Market is open on Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until 4. For more info on the Dequindre Cut and the Freight Yard, click

~C

Load Up Your Super Soaker and Head to Ferndale This Saturday, War is Brewing

Every once in awhile there is a local event that peeks our interest. Something so outside the box that despite not knowing how it will play out, we feel the need to share it with all of you. We stumbled upon one of those events this week on Facebook and we knew that if we didn't tell all of you about it, we would be doing you a disservice.

For some reason, this Saturday, August 11th there will be a huge water gun fight in Ferndale. The crews of PORT and New Way Bar have officially declared war and they are going to be trying to capture each other's flags. But, instead of keeping their beef private, they are broadcasting it and inviting the entire local community to join in on the fun. The "war" will take place from  2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and there are some rules to participate. If you want to join, you need to check out their Facebook event here. Then, you have to claim a side, get the right hat, and read the rules before coming out. It's also BYOWG, so make sure that you stop by mom's to get that old Super Soaker that you left when you moved out!

Very cool idea, we are interested to see how this one plays out!

~S

Experience the Detroit Zoo After Hours for the Savor Food & Wine Festival

This weekend, visit the zoo after hours while sipping on wine and having some tasty treats. The Savor Food & Wine Festival will be taking over the zoo both Friday and Saturday night, August 10th and 11th. Presented by Hour Detroit, this event will feature wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails along with bites from over 30 local businesses. Just a few of the businesses participating in this event include Atwater Brewery, B. Nektar, Detroit Vineyards, American Fifth Spirits, Nosh Pit, Motown Soup, and Germack. For a full list of vendors that will be at this event, click here. In addition to the great food and drinks, there will also be live entertainment and you'll get to visit all of the amazing animals and exhibits at the Detroit Zoo!

The Savor Food & Wine Festival will take place from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. each night. Tickets to attend the event are $65 and can be purchased here. Tickets will grant you access to the event on either Friday or Saturday (depending on which day you buy a ticket for), and will also get you 12 beverage tastings, unlimited food samples, and access to the zoo. If you have a group of friends that wants to attend the event together, there's an even better deal. When you purchase 3 general admission tickets, you will get one for free! Plus, a portion of all tickets purchased will go to the Detroit Zoo, to help them in their efforts to save and preserve wild life. To learn more about the Detroit Zoo and all of the great work that they do, click here.

If you would like to have an even more in depth experience at the Food & Wine Festival, you can purchase additional "Tasting Seminar" tickets to sip on wine, whiskey, or absinthe. Tickets to each Tasting Seminar are $20 per seminar and must be purchased along with a general admission ticket. There is also a more intimate event taking place on Thursday evening, in conjunction with the Savor Food & Wine Fest, called the Celebrity Cruises Grand Red Affair. This is a wine tasting event that will take place in the Polk Penguin Conservation Center and the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. Tickets for that event are $100, for more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

This is a completely different way to experience the zoo and see it in a light that you never have before! 21+ are welcome to attend the Savor Food & Wine Festival. For more information on this great event, visit SavorDetroit.com.

~C