Hip in Detroit's Weekend Picks - September 20-22, 2024

Friday, September 20th - Sunday, September 22nd - DIY Street Fair: The DIY Street Fair returns to Downtown Ferndale this weekend for three days of music, beer, and shopping local! The event takes place between Troy and 9 Mile on the East Side of Woodward, behind the WAB, The Loving Touch and The Emory. There will be over 150 artists setting up shop, plus free live music nightly. Check out the schedule of bands below. 

FRIDAY 9/20

7:00 THE SCIENCE FAIR

8:30 THE POLISH MUSLIMS

10:00 THE BEGGARS

SATURDAY 9/21

12:00 STRICTLY FINE

1:15 PAINTING WITH LIGHT

2:30 TURNER PORTER

3:45 CARJACK

5:00 DEASTRO

6:15 STARLINGS

7:30 MUTUAL HEAVEN

8:45 MYRON ELKINS

10:00 HOWLING DIABLOS

SUNDAY 9/22

1:45 TWIN DEER

1:45 (PAUL EIN) HAUS ARREST

4:15 CLEAR FIELDS

5:30 LEE CLEVELAND & THE LEFTHAND BAND

6:45 ECKK!!

8:00 JOHN SPECK

Admission is FREE! DIY Street Fair hours are: Friday 6 PM - Midnight, Saturday 11 AM - Midnight, Sunday 11 AM - 9 PM. 

Saturday, September 21st - The Ferndale Flea @ Vogue Vintage: If you love antiques and vintage wares, you have to make your way to Vogue Vintage this Saturday! They will be hosting the last Ferndale Flea of the season. Over 20 vintage and antique vendors will take over the parking lot from 9 AM - 6 PM, plus the shop will be open too, which also has an amazing collection of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and more. Admission is free! 

Friday, September 20th - Sunday, September 22nd - Ferndale Vintage Fashion Market @ The Rust Belt: We're not saying Ferndale is the place to be this weekend, but it kind of is the place to be this weekend. Right across the street from DIY and down the road from Vogue Vintage, the Ferndale Vintage Fashion Market will be taking over The Rust Belt for the weekend. Shop for great vintage clothing from over 20 vendors. Admission is free, hours are Friday noon - 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM. 

Saturday, September 21st - Six Feet Over Benefit Party @ Eastern Palace Club: Head to Eastern Palace Club in Hazel Park this Saturday night to raise money for Six Feet Over and check out a great show! The lineup for the night includes The Boy Detective, St. Thomas Boys Academy, Geranium Red, Dads on Couches, and Graders. Cover is a suggested donation of $10, but you can always give more! doors open at 6 PM. Six Feet Over is a Michigan-based nonprofit working to spread awareness about suicide prevention and provide financial assistance to suicide loss survivors.

~C

Support Six Feet Over at A State of Inspiration

Suicide is hard to talk about. It is sad, hard to deal with and has effected more of us than we want to admit. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States taking the lives of 44,965 Americans each year. In the US, someone dies by suicide every 12 minutes. Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds. The suicide rate has increased by double over the last twenty years and right now it shows no signs of stopping. This means that we have to do something. We have to break the stigma around suicide and start talking about it. Something that the crew over at Six Feet Over is able to do flawlessly wherever they are.

We have watched SFU aka Suck it Suicide pop up at every event this year to talk to the community and get them engaged. They always have a gathering of people around their table because they are great people who love to talk, share their stories, and talk about how hard life can be. They aren't afraid to jump right in and make sure that everyone has the resources that they need to take care of themselves and the people that they love and they are doing this by reaching groups of people that no one else has been able to reach. One of the reasons they are so successful is that they aren't afraid to get into it. They post up at events like Dally in the Alley and DIY and talk to people. They aren't the type of organization that puts up a mission statement, collects some donations, and pays the rent. They are out there making a difference at 11 p.m. on a hot Summer weekend when people need someone to talk to. Their commitment is inspiring, their hands-on approach is actually making a difference, and their hard work is more necessary than ever.

Six Feet Over is hosting an unforgettable evening on December 6th to celebrate all that they have done while raising money for everything else they still want to accomplish. They are hosting a walking dinner and #localshopping experience at The Rust Belt Market that will invite photos experiences raffles and more. You can learn more about their benefit and buy tickets to attend the party here. You can learn more about Six Feet Over here and you can donate any amount that you can spare to help them by clicking here. No one wants to lose someone to suicide so let's open up the conversation and support this great group so that we can keep the information flowing to prevent anyone from feeling alone in the dark times.

~S

Ray & Laura's Crew of Comedians Raise Money for Suck It Suicide at Small's

This Friday night Ray & Laura's Comedy Showcase returns to Small's for their annual Suck It Suicide Benefit Show! Now in it's fifth year, the event will feature 7 comedians that will not only perform some hilarious stand up, but will also perform a song of their choosing with a live band. The event is always hilarious and super fun, so we're sure this year will be no different. This time around, Ray & Laura are bringing out fellow comedians Brett Mercer, Seth Addison, Gad Holland, Mat Richards and D'Anne Witkowski. In addition to the comedy, there will also be awesome giveaways throughout the night, with prizes ranging from gift cards and concert tickets to a chainsaw.

As suggested by the name of this event, proceeds will go to Suck It Suicide, an amazing non-profit that's mission is "to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, and support; with a special interest in suicide survivors support and fundraising for families suffering from the loss of a loved one from suicide." They have helped a ton of people in our community and are some of the best folks around. So help them out by heading out to Small's Friday night!

Cover for the benefit is only $10 and doors are set to open at 8 p.m. with the show starting at 9. For more info on the event, click here.

~C

Fall Festy Fest Suicide Prevention Benefit

As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression for the better part of 20 years, I’ve learned to gauge the reaction of those who I discuss it with and alter my tone accordingly. Most conversations can be lumped into the following responses:

“When do you get off antidepressants? You won’t have to take those for the rest of your life, will you? Aren’t they just supposed to be used to get through a bad phase?” or “A natural approach of diet, exercise, meditation, and a lightbox can cure depression. You’re just not trying hard enough.” Finally, there are the people who say nothing, but put as much distance as possible between me and them because they fear depression is contagious.

However, between the concern-trolling about my health and being shunned, I will occasionally have a conversation in which someone really listens, often sharing how depression has affected his or her life. It’s difficult to know why people replace their intolerance with understanding, but I am always grateful for those who actively advocate and educate on behalf of the mentally ill. One of these heroes is Stephen Cramer, organizer of Fall Festy Fest, a benefit for Suck It Suicide. Stephen took time from his busy schedule to explain to HID readers why he is so passionate about suicide prevention.

KT- You have done other benefits for mental illness in the past. It must be an issue close to your heart. Do you want to share why?

SC- My mom struggled with mental illness for most of her life. Soon before she died in 2012, she spoke to students at Wayne State about the stigma of mental illness. She was not ashamed of her illness. So, I want to carry the torch for her. I have depression and anxiety myself. Like any disease, mental illness needs to be treated, but too many people never seek help. We lose about 100 Americans each day to suicide. Stigma is responsible for many suicides. I just want to support local nonprofits like Suck It Suicide and others. It's so important that we support people when they are most vulnerable. As human beings, we ought to take care of each other.

KT- Does Suck It Suicide provide suicide prevention services or are they more of an advocacy organization? What is their relationship to Six Feet Over?
SC- Suck It Suicide is the outreach program of the nonprofit Six Feet Over. They connect people with services in the community. They also support families that have had a suicide in the family. They work to destigmatize mental illness. (Ed. Note: See our interview with Kate Hardy for more details)

KT- What has been the response from the musicians and businesses you’ve approached to participate?
SC- Our lineup of bands are excited to help raise money for a good cause. Our business sponsors are involved for the same reason. I'm so thankful for everyone involved.


The three day festival runs October 8th, 9th, and 10th at PJ’s Lager House. The line-up includes Invisible Things, Ancient Language, and DUENDE! Cover is $8 per day. The Detroit Fest LLC will be organizing more festivals in 2016. Interested musicians, volunteers and business sponsors can email Stephen at thedetroitfest@gmail.com.

~KT

Suck It Suicide - Spreading Awareness and Supporting Survivors for Two Years

Suicide is quite possibly one of the worst ways to lose someone. Perhaps one of the reasons is because those left behind feel like it could have been prevented. They feel like they could have done or said something to help the person. Or they feel like the person could have done something to help themselves. There's counselling, medication, support, and countless other ways to deal with depression and mental illness. However, some people just don't see any another way to fix things. One strong and amazing local lady had seen one too many people around her choose suicide as a way out. She decided it was time to do something about it. 

Chances are that you have seen a person or two around town wearing a Suck It Suicide shirt. But, it is more than a cute logo on a shirt or a witty phrase. Suck It Suicide is part of a non-profit organization. Their goal is to spread suicide awareness and support the loved ones left behind after one chooses to end their own life. For two years now they have been helping people through support and education. This Saturday they are going to celebrate all that they have achieved so far, while also remembering a recently fallen friend. Before Saturday's festivities we wanted to catch up with Founder Katie Hardy to find out more about this great organization. 

HID- Describe Suck It Suicide in one sentence. 

Katie- "SIS is part of the non profit Six Feet Over and works to create a dialog amongst the music, art, and non traditional and mainstream community while raising money for those who have lost someone to suicide."

HID- Why did you start this organization?

Katie- "I started it because I've lost so many to suicide. My mother was the first of eight losses I've had to suicide, in 2003. I found out quickly that people in my community of "non-mainstream" people were not talking about what we could do to curb suicide, help mental illness, or how to support each other. I also found that a lot of people were suffering because they thought their mental illness was a muse, and that if they got help their creativity would be lost. Some just weren't aware of the resources available to them. After losing so many friends and raising money for their funerals, it occurred to me that many others also struggle with these financial burdens and someone needed to step up and be that resource."

HID- This weekend is the 2 Year Anniversary of Suck It Suicide. What are some of the highlights or greatest accomplishments over the past 2 years?

Katie- "We've had some stellar experiences. The amount if support we have gotten from all walks of life has been really cool. Our recent experience at Dally in the Alley and the overwhelming interest and donations from that event have been awesome. There are two things that stick out the most though. Getting our official 501(c)3 last month and an email I received about six months ago. The email was from a guy who said we saved his life. He said that he hopped on the interwebs to look up ways to kill himself. He typed in "suicide" and we came up. Looking through our stupid memes and posts he forgot what his intention was and survived the night. He now has an online newsletter called hopeofthemind.com that talks about mental illness and suicide."

HID- Do you have any advice for someone that might be thinking suicide is the answer to their problems?
Katie- "I have a few pieces of advice, but I would never say I have all the answers. If I did, suicide and mental illness would be a thing in our history books. 1) Finding the right mix of therapies is like Cinderella's slipper. It's not one size fits all and it may take a while to find out what works for you. Be it holistic, prescription, counseling and/or a mix of them. Don't give up. 2) There are resources available to you. The internet is an amazing place to start. 3) The friends that keep asking if you're ok... they actually want to know. They care. Let them in and let them give you the support you need."

HID- What about friends or family that think a loved one might be suicidal?
Katie- "As an 8 time survivor of suicide loss and an advocate, I think it's important for everyone to know the warning signs. We teach CPR, what to look for when someone is having a heart attack or stroke, but not a whole lot of people are aware of the symptoms relating to suicidal ideologies. Here they are:
-Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
-Searching for ways to kill themselves (looking online or buying a gun)
-Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
-Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
-Talking about being a burden to others
-Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
-Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
-Sleeping too little or too much
-Withdrawing or isolating themselves
-Showing rage or talking about revenge
-Displaying extreme mood swings

Some other things to know: if you are really worried about someone, you can call the non-emergency number of the police station near where your loved one lives. Give them the address and ask them to do a wellness check. They will simply go to their house and make sure they are ok. They won't "cart them off", but they will take them to get psychiatric help if they are showing signs of intent to harm themselves. Otherwise they just check and leave. Don't worry about them getting mad at you. I know I'd rather have a pissed off mom than a dead one. Lastly, it may seem like they don't want you or your help, but they need you. Keep doing what you're doing, you're doing a great job."

HID- Let's talk about this weekend's event! It sounds like a great time. Can you tell us about the bands playing and your MCs for the event?
Katie- "All the bands volunteered to play and we are happy to have them! Some I know personally like SUB, Dad 1000, and George Heritier who was a friend of my mothers and I refer to as Uncle Pizza. The other bands Rut Strutter, Sros Lords, and Notes and Leaves I'm excited to hear for the first time and I've heard great things! George will be playing acoustic on the patio in his humorous folk style that I grew up around. The other bands will be playing inside and kicking everyone's ear balls into submission. Our MCs are comics that have been supportive of SIS in the past. Ray Hollifield and Laura Witkowski held an all comedy fundraiser for us last January and it was amazing. These are two funny people who will bring a lot of laughter to your night."

HID- You also mentioned a raffle on the event page. What are some prizes that people can win?
Katie- "We haven't completed our raffle inventory yet and we are still collecting donations, but people should expect a ton of tattoo/piercing gift certificates and probably some art. I'll be raffling some SIS shirts and a hoodie for sure."

HID- Last, but not least, part of the proceeds of this event will be going to Stop the Clot. Tell us about that organization and why you decided to help them.
Katie- "Without going into too much detail, a blood clot was involved in Mark's death [Mark Shives, a friend of SIS] and may have triggered abnormal brain activity. His parents respectfully declined any donation for funeral costs and instead asked us to donate part of our proceeds to StoptheClot.org. Some people may wonder why I am willing to donate our funds to another organization not usually associated with mental illness or suicide. What I'd like for those people to know is that any way that we can help Mark's family grieve, heal and feel peace is part of our mission. We are here to do many things and supporting the survivors in any way we can is a core part of our organization."

HID- Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

Katie- "We are not a normal non profit. We encourage a dialog and create support by any means necessary. This means that we generally try to add humor, a relaxed atmosphere, and an old fashioned good time to all of our events and activities. Do not expect a somber night on Saturday when attending our fundraiser. If that's what you're looking for, great, but you won't find it here! There will be drinking, jokes and somebody will probably take their pants off. It's just the kind of group we are."

The Suck It Suicide 2 Year Anniversary show is this Saturday, September 13th at Northern Lights Lounge. The lineup for the night includes SUB, Dad 1,000, Rut Strutter, Sros Lords, Notes & Leaves and George Heritier. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there is a minimum of $5 donation to get in. Northern Lights Lounge is located at 660 Baltimore St. in Detroit. 

We can't end this post without saying this... Please remember, there is always another option. If suicide ever crosses your mind, talk to someone, whether it is a friend, a doctor, or a complete stranger. Nothing is impossible or insurmountable. Somehow, some way, things will eventually get better. And someone out there does care about you and their life will be shattered if you are no longer a part of it. Also, if you suspect that someone you care about might be considering suicide, do something about it! Even if you think you are overreacting. It might just save their life.

~C