The Tricycle Collective Helps Families Buy Back Their Homes

In the immortal words of  Madonna, "music makes the people come together".  Music is also a great way to get people to come together for a cause. This Wednesday, September 30th The Tricycle Collective is bringing Mic Write, Britney Stoney, and Ryan Spencer from Jamaican Queens to the stage to help raise money for local families in need. This event will mark the end of an online campaign to raise money for 20 local families to buy back their homes.

25,000 properties will go up for auction and be sold to the highest bidder during the Wayne County Tax Foreclosure online auction. Many of the homes are occupied by families who will eventually be evicted form their homes. The Tricycle Collective is trying to raise awareness and let people know that it is easy to help these families keep their homes. Many of these houses will be sold for around $500. In fact, last year the collective raised around $5,000 in total and with that money they were able to help 10 families buy their homes back in full!!!

This year they are aiming higher. Their online campaign hopes to raise $20,000 and they are very close to reaching their goal. The party will help put them over the top because all proceeds from the night will go directly to families.

Britney and Mic Write will be performing solo sets and Ryan will be doing a DJ set. The event invite even teases that an unannounced international surprise star will also be making an appearance and performing during the event.

The event will take place at The Jam Handy in Detroit at 7 p.m. this Wednesday. They are asking for a $10-$20 donation at the door. The Jam Handy is located at 2900 E Grand Blvd. in Detroit.

~S 

Win Tickets to See Valley Hush, Jamaican Queens and Little Animal

This weekend Valley Hush will be releasing their latest EP called Don't Wait. They have invited The Jamaican Queens and Little Animal to join them for a truly amazing night of great music at the newly renovated Majestic Cafe. 

You may remember Alex and Lianna from their former projects, Autumn Wolf and Phantasmagoria. We loved both of those projects, but we love this latest musical endeavor even more. These two make beautiful music together. We are excited to hear what they came up with on their latest release!

This is one of the best lineups that I have seen in awhile and thanks to our friends over at Assemble Detroit we have two pairs of tickets to give away. If you would like to enter to win a pair of tickets to the show, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with Valley Hush as the subject.

~S

Shhhh... It's a Secret!!!

There are a ton of great shows going on this weekend, with the Hamtramck Music Festival being at the top of that list. Since everyone is already going to be out partying this Saturday night, the guys in Jamaican Queens decided to put on a super awesome, super secret after party!

This Saturday night, after you are done Hamtramck-ing or going to one of the many other shows around town, head to 6541 East Laffayette in Detroit. There you will find a warehouse with one of the best parties in Detroit going on inside. Jamaican Queens will be playing and joining them are
696 Blues Band (featuring Jim from Wolf Eyes), Little Animal, Clyde Moop, Shigeto and Charles Trees, and a couple of amazing top secret acts that just happen to be in town this weekend.

This party goes from Midnight 'til 5 a.m. $5 gets you in the door. There isn't a Facebook event page for us to refer you to, that's how secret this show is. But, now you have all of the info you need. Spread the word and show up Saturday night! This is one party we guarantee you won't want to miss! 

~C

Mittenfest IX

This Thursday you can ring in the new year by taking a drive down 94 and buying a ticket to a four day music festival at The Blind Pig called Mittenfest. This annual event is taking place for the 9th year and it features a great lineup of acts including, Little Animal, Tunde Olaniran, Flint Eastwood, Passalaqua, Jamaican Queens, Disinformants, Max Marston, Shigeto, and Caveman Woodman.

Doors open each day at 7 p.m. and the music doesn't stop until the bar closes at 2 a.m.  It is $10 at the door each day of the event, so you can pick and choose which days you want to go. Proceeds from the event are donated to 826michigan, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. This money will be used to inspire generations of future blog writers like ourselves, that's something that we can get behind!

The Blind Pig is located at 208 N. 1st Street in Ann Arbor, MI 48104 and 18+ are welcome! 

Here is the full lineup and schedule for the weekend! 

~S

"Lights On Rider Anthem" Featuring Doc Waffles, Eddie Logix & James Linck - Official Video

The first time I watched this video all I could do was laugh. It's well done and I love the way that the movement in the video goes with the energy of the song. But, there is also a dude wearing a coat made out of someone's grandma's comforter and clips of masked women dancing with Doc Waffles in the back of a car with a multi color strobe light.

This latest video for "Lights on Rider Anthem" featuring Doc Waffles, James Linck and Eddie Logix was shot by none other than Andrew Miller. It has been one good video after another from this guy. It features appearances by Ryan Spencer from Jamaican Queens, Chris Jarvis, and Mister from Passalacqua.The song is really solid and I caught myself listening to it on repeat while I was writing about the video. Lately anything with James or Doc Waffles on it is music to my ears. Don't forget to Check out Doc this Saturday here and James next Thursday here.

Lights on Rider Anthem [Official] from The Right Brothers on Vimeo.

~S

Help Kids Beat Cancer with Jamaican Queens and Doc Waffles

This Saturday Jamaican Queens and Doc Waffles will take a break from bouncing around the city to drive out to the burbs and play a show to raise money for charity. That's right Romeo, two of Detroit’s finest acts are coming to the home of the Peach Festival to participate in this year's St. Baldrick's fundraiser.

Every year Romeo fills with people willing to shave their heads to raise money for children's cancer reach. My favorite salon, Salon Noir which is also located in Romeo, is known for participating in this event every year. It's a fun way to help raise money and awareness for a serious issue. 

DJ Ben Christensen will be playing sets in between the bands. The fun starts at 8 p.m. at 120 South Main Street in Romeo. This event is FREE, but don't be a broke ass, bring a few dollars to donate to the kids. 

~S  

Winter 2014 Opening at MOCAD with Jamaican Queens and Doc Waffles!

Head out to the MOCAD this Friday for the opening of their 2 latest Winter exhibits called James Lee Byars: I Cancel All My Works at Death and State of Exception. To celebrate the opening they have invited two of my favs to play for you, Jamaican Queens and Doc Waffles.

It has been way too long since I got to see Ryan, Adam and Ryan perform live and I've been itching to catch them again. I loved their newest video “WellFleet Outro” which premiered on Vice.com last week, check that out here.

You can also check out their debut album Wormfood here. It was definitely one of my favorite releases last year and will be coming out on vinyl for a limited time. It is available for pre-order now.

There are simply no words to describe Doc Waffles, you must see him live to truly get how amazing, weird, and talented he is. You can check out some of his music here, but you have to see him live to truely do justice to all that he is. When he came out and did a song at my birthday last year, I almost fainted. As far as I am concerned, he is a living legend ahead of his time. We're all just trying to catch up.

The best part about this show is that you get to check out the new exhibits and the music for only $5. If you're a member of the MOCAD it will actually be FREE. Doors for the event open at 7 p.m. and valet parking will be available. MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. To learn more about the art exhibits and keep up with any updates on the show, RSVP to the event on Facebook here.

~S

Kopelli Album Release Party

This Tuesday, February 4th Lawrence ‘Kopelli’ Young will release his first solo project called Gentleman Jack at The Grasshopper Underground in Ferndale. You may recognize this name from his work with Cold Men Young, he was also the brains behind the first hip hop showcase at The New Dodge during last year's Metro Times Blowout. This latest project features production from The Olympicks, Jay Norm, and Doc Illingsworth, with guest performances from Ryan Spencer (Jamaican Queens), Mister (Passalacqua), Mic Phelps and Mic Write (Cold Men Young).

Microphone Phelps, Mic Write, Macs the Realest, and, our favorite, Passalacqua will also be performing on Tuesday night. The best part is that this entire night of fun and good music is FREE to you. Instead, they ask that you bring a canned good along to donate to R.A.W.S (Ravers Against World Starvation). It's just another way to give back and be thankful for all that we have. The Grasshopper Underground is located at 22757 Woodward Ave. in Ferndale.

~S

Mo Pop Festival at Freedom Hill

I was very happy to see that Freedom Hill has started hosting events again. I have seen some legendary bands and classic movies on the hill and was bummed that it laid mostly dormant for the last few summers. This year it has had a steady flow of events and I've been hearing good feedback from those that have attended.

This weekend Freedom Hill is hosting a concert called the Mo Pop Festival that will feature some great acts including two great locals, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Jamaican Queens. For a full list of performers please go to MoPopFest.com.

Mo Pop will also have a Biergarten, a food truck rally, a Vaudeville revival sideshow, and an artist village featuring different pieces from all different types of artists.

Tickets for this event are $39.50 for general admission and $99 for VIP tickets. The show starts at Noon and Freedom Hill is located at 14900 Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights.

I have always had a great time whenever I visited " The Hill" and I am looking forward to finally going back and seeing what is new this weekend.

~S

WIN FREE TICKETS: Myyki Blanco, Jamaican Queens AND James Linck @ The Majestic Cafe

Mykki Blanco is coming to Detroit Tuesday, April 23, and she has recruited two of our favorite local acts The Jamaican Queens and James Linck to open up the show. This is one of the best lineups that I have seen in a long time. All three of these artists could carry a crowd on their own, but together this promises to be one unstoppable show.

If you don’t know who Mykki Blanco is, you are in for a treat. She is the female alter ego of Michael David Quattlebaum, Jr., a young African American man who got his start in NYC. Mykki frames herself as the monster who is taking over hip hop. She raps like the big boys, but also talks about f**king other boys, something that until now was never embraced by the hip hop community. Nothing about her or her show is ordinary.

The same can be said about The Jamaican Queens. I have never been able to classify the genre that they fit into. They have a sound that is unique and if you haven’t noticed lately, it is taking them places. They have been on tour for the last few months and after this show will be back out on the road with no other local performances in the foreseeable future. Their new Album, Wormfood, was released recently and you can order your own copy here. If you haven’t heard Ryan Spencer sing, I implore you to give it a listen. He has a unique voice.

Speaking of unique voices, James Linck has one of the most unique and beautiful voices that I have ever heard. The first time I heard him sing I was hooked. I have never looked forward to a record release more than I look forward to his album coming out. Hurry up James!

This show is $10 in advance and $12 at the door, or you can enter to win tickets courtesy of Hip in Detroit and The Magic Stick. We are giving away two sets of tickets for this event and we would love to give them to you. To enter, just email your full name with the Subject headline Mykki Blanco to HipInDetroit@gmail.com.  We will email the winner early on Tuesday morning so make sure you include your name so we know who we are emailing. The show starts at 9 p.m. and will be in The Majestic Cafe, located at 4120 Woodward Ave.

~S

Jamaican Queens Album Release Party Friday!

Lately, Jamaican Queens have been busy traveling all over on their tour. Luckily they will be back in town this Friday for their album release show and we can't wait!

In case you forgot, the talented trio is made up of Ryan Clancy, Ryan Spencer and Adam Pressley. They released the first single, "Kids Get Away" last fall and a couple others since then. The album, Wormfood, is already available for download on their Bandcamp for 'name your own price'. There is also a special limited first edition compact disc available for $8 on their Bandcamp. The special first edition includes 4-panel cases screen printed by Progress Custom Screen Printing, an 8-page handwritten lyric booklet, and an immediate download of the 9-song album in whatever format you would like. If this sounds like something you would like, you better hurry up and buy it! There are only 400 available.

The lineup for their show this Friday, April 12, includes Dakota Bones vs. Slufter, Self Says, Coyote Clean Up and Bill Spencer. The show will be at Trinosophes that is located at 1464 Gratiot in Detroit. Doors are at 8 p.m. and it's only $6 to get in.

Until then, watch this awesome new video for "Caitlin" that was done by local filmmaker Daniel DeMaggio.

Jamaican Queens: Caitlin on Nowness.com

~B

Big Freedia w/ Tunde Olaniran & Jamaican Queens Thursday!

The Crofoot is known for booking some of the best acts that come through Michigan, but they are also known for booking the best locals to compliment the bigger players. When you go to a show there, you go to see the whole lineup instead of showing up late to just see the featured act. 

The Crofoot has two of my favorite Michigan acts scheduled to open up for Big Freedia this Thursday in the ballroom, Tunde Olaniran and Jamaican Queens. Big Freedia is known for her version of bounce music called sissy bounce which features her flamboyant style and a little cross-dressing to entertain the crowd. 

Both Tunde and Freedia have dancers that know how to shake their money makers in ways that I have never seen and will never be able to replicate. Jamaican Queens may not feature dancers, but they will be able to grab your attention. Ryan Spencer has a very unique voice and their single “The Kids Get Away” has been on repeat on all my playlists for months. You can check out the music video here. You can also check out video and interviews with Tunde here:

The show is at 8 p.m. and is $13 in advance, $15 at the door. This event is open to all ages. The Crofoot staff is one of the best around; you will never wait long for a drink or a bathroom. Make sure to tip your bartenders well and wear your best dancing shoes to this one. 

~S

New Jamaican Queens Video"The Kids Get Away"

This week on of my favorite local acts Jamaican Queens released their video for the song “The Kids Get Away.” The video was filmed in and around the streets of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. It premiered on Noisey and we wanted to make sure that you caught it. 

The video was directed by Andy Miller and produced by Amanda Leclaire. It features all three of the boys from Jamaican Queen’s- Ryan Clancy, Ryan Spencer, and Adam- wearing masks while riding their bikes.

This video reminds us that Detroit has a dark side and at times can be a dangerous place. Singer Ryan Spencer said he was inspired to write this song when he realized how unsafe and stupid he was at times. He says "I kind of wrote this song as a reminder to stop being such an idiot. It’s not safe getting fucked up and riding my bike home from weird rave spaces at 4 in the morning alone.” 

The band's next show is this Friday with Nothing Elegant and CrayCrays at Jumbo's and is only $5. You can spend the end of the world dancing and listening to some of the best music this city has to offer. 

~S

Jamaican Queens and Bars of Gold at Small's

Last week two of my favorite local acts played together at Small's and both bands killed it! Jamaican Queens and Bars of Gold were simply amazing and if you were not there, you missed out. Thankfully your girls at Hip In Detroit are always there to get you videos of the best bands in town, so you never feel like you missed out. You can check out a couple songs down below and make sure not to miss out the next time these two bands play. They do not disappoint! 

~S

Bars of Gold, Jamaican Queens and More Tonight at Small's!

Once the turkeys have been carved and the thanks have been given you will likely need to get out of your house and away from your families. I know that personally after a day with the whole crew I need to hear some good music and have a stiff drink. No, Aunt Janice, I still haven’t finished my masters.Yes dad, I really did get that tattoo. You get my drift. Luckily we live in Detroit rock city and we have many events to choose from on any given day. But, I can tell you where I will be this Friday; at Small's watching 2/3 of my favorite local bands tear up the stage at my favorite bar. This Friday the amazing Bars of Gold and Jamician Queens are teaming up with Lightning Love and Meadower to kick off the weekend right.

Bars of Gold are like no band you have ever seen before. The way that the singer moves and the sound of his voice makes me melt. This is by far one of the best bands I have ever seen live. They suck you in immediately and keep you mesmerized the entire time they play. Check out the last time we saw them at Small's here:

Jamican Queens is also like no one that I have ever seen. They just started playing out this past year and I cannot miss a show. This 3 piece has a unique sound and are also unique people. Their 3 song EP has been one of my favorite things to listen to for months and I am addicted to the singer, Ryan Spencer’s voice. They do not remind me of anything that I have ever seen before, which a great thing. Check out this video from when we caught up with the queens at The Pike Room:

The show starts at 9 p.m. this Friday  and tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door. I can’t believe that I get to see these bands in the same place on the same night! It is going to be epic! 

~S

Fun Weekend At DIY Street Fair

This past weekend was the annual DIY Street Fair, and as usual it was a lot of fun. It's easily my favorite street fair/festival in the Detroit area. DIY went on the whole weekend with good tunes, food, beer and of course lots of great vendors. 

I look forward to DIY every year. It always has the best vendors. None of those stupid kitchen knife demonstration people. I don't go to a craft show to watch an infomercial! I usually walk away with a new ring for every finger and who knows what else. Christie and I were definitely scoping out the amazing posters at Shawn Knight's booth, too.

I swear every year the festival grows and this year was no exception. There was even a free ferris wheel! I am a little wary of carnival rides, all the creaking and weird noises kind of freak me out, so I didn't go on it, but I'm sure there would have been a nice view of the festival from the top. Maybe next time I'll brave it.

It was great seeing everyone's faces out and about during the weekend, especially at the Loving Touch for Sadie's birthday and the awesome Jamaican Queens and Child Bite shows. I have never seen the place so packed. It was hard just to get up to the bar to grab a beer!

Smudge Candy also put on a great show! You really need to keep an eye on these girls, and if you missed it, you can read an interview with them here.

Check out some pictures from the weekend and see why you won't want to miss it next year!

~B

"Kids Get Away"

It's always fun to get into something before everyone else does. It's fun to be the person who can say you saw them when they played the side stage at a festival or in the back of a local record shop before they were selling out Saint Andrews or even The Palace. 

For a few weeks now I have been trying to get you in on the ground floor for one of my new favorite local acts, Jamaican Queens. I have seen them perform a few times around town and we even got the chance to interview them at the Crofoot Ballroom a few weeks ago. Now, here is your chance to sign on to bandcamp and pick up their first single, "Kids Get Away", which will be available at midnight on September 11!

I have played a few songs for friends when they have been driving with me lately and every person has asked who we were listening to and commented about how much they liked it while we were listening. I have no doubt that in just a few short months, this band will be the talk of the town and I will be left saying, “I told you so!”

Please note that Jamaican Queens are playing for free this Saturday at The Loving Touch at MIDNIGHT. I will be there celebrating and watching the show. Please come out and hang with Hip In Detroit and see this amazing band before it’s too late! 

~S

Jamaican Queens @ The Crofoot

Last week Sadie had a chance to catch a newer band that we have been hearing a lot about, Jamaican Queens. Although she gave you a quick glimpse of  them then, we wanted to meet up with the band to find out what they are all about. Luckily, they had a show last night at The Crofoot Ballroom with Tune-Yards, so I got a chance to see them play too! (On a side note, I applaud the sound guy that was working at The Crofoot last night. Jamaican Queens sounded amazing. It's been a while since I've been to a show that sounded that good!)

Before the bands set, we got a chance to meet up with Ryan Clancy, Adam Pressley and Ryan Spencer, the trio that is Jamaican Queens. Here's what they had to say and a song from their set!

As of right now, the band's next show is in Indiana. However, they will be playing DIY in Mid-September and it sounds like they will be hitting the road for a short tour with Lightning Love at the beginning of September. Keep an eye on JamaicanQueens.com for when they will be hitting the stage again! And when you do make it out to see them play, make sure you bring a few bucks to buy one of their awesome, hand crafted shirts!

~C

Don't Miss The Boat!

It's time to get on the boat because the line up that played at The Shelter in Detroit on Saturday night is on its way out to sea! Each one of these bands is bursting with talent, style and a one of a kind sound that I think will take them places near and far. As I watched each group perform, I couldn't help but think that I was watching the beginning of something big. My only regret is that most of you missed the show and most likely a once in a lifetime chance to see a lineup this good at such a small venue.

Jamaican Queens is a new band that has just started playing out. They are a solid three piece that plays music loud and deep. By deep I mean that you can feel the bass inside of you while they play. I really loved what I saw, so I took a video to share with you during their set. Please give it a look. It's better than any words that I could conjure up. They are playing August 2nd with Tune-Yards at The Crofoot in Pontiac. It is worth your time and money not to miss that show.

Next up was The Summer Pledge. We have been following them for awhile and every time we catch a performance we remember why we keep tooting their horn. They're fucking good. Their new record Vessels is out now and they have began touring for it. They play well together and have great instrumental sequences in their music, which I really enjoy.

Bars of Gold raised the bar for the night when they stepped on stage. No one plays and performs like they do. The energy that they put out to the crowd got me all excited inside and I wanted to burst. Jumping from mic to mic, holding guitars in the air over their heads and pounding drums with fists are just some of the stunts they pull off while never missing a note. They are true stage performers, making their live show something not to be missed.

The Company We Keep was the headliner and crescendo to an already successful night. This is one of the last two dates for this tour, which will finish up in Chicago on Sunday night. Singer Amy Meeko was excited that friends and family were in attendance for the show and was full of energy as she bounced around stage and performed. I have been a fan of guitar player Brian Southall's previous projects, so I was not surprised that I enjoyed this band. TCWK has been creating a buzz in each city that they have been to, a buzz that I feel is only going to grow louder with each passing month.

We thank all the bands that performed for letting us inside to take pictures and enjoy! Please keep checking back to find out where they are performing in the future and make sure that you check out each bands music and get on the boat before you're the only one left at shore.

~S 

2012 Pig & Whiskey Festival

This weekend the Metro Times and the Woodward Avenue Brewery are joining forces to bring you a good, old gluttonous weekend full of Pig & Whiskey.

The fun starts Friday night with a pre-party that goes from 6 p.m. to midnight. Bands featured that night include Ty Stone, Passalaqua, Jamaican Queens and American Mars. Saturday festivities are from 11 a.m. to midnight and features Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Frontier Ruckus, Lord Scrummage, The Beggars, Dutch Pink and Jeecy and the Jungle. Sunday continues on from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features Electric Six, The Hard Lessons, Child Bite, K.I.D.S, Illy Mack and Dragon Wagon. Personally I cannot wait to see Passalaqua, Jamaican Queens, The Hard Lessons and Child Bite. They are some local favorites you should not miss. 

There will be over 10 different barbeque restaurants featuring all sorts of different versions of pork. They will also feature over 40 types of liquor to sample. For those of you who don't like liquor don't worry, there will also be a beer tent. If you are like me, you might be excited about the whiskey, but you might not be into the pork. Again don't worry. I remember eating a great stir fry last year so I know that there will be some choices for the vegetarians out there. 

Here's the best part- entry is free! You have to buy tickets to sample the food and drinks, but walking around, hanging out and listening to the music is FREE.

Last year they had quite a few vendors from the area selling wares and most of the restaurants and patios were open for business. 

Hope to see some of you in Ferndale this weekend!

~S