Elizabeth Washington

WDIV • May 2 2023

Michigan mourns death Gordon Lightfoot, his impact on the Great Lakes state

Gordon Lightfoot, a legendary folk singer from Canada, passed away on Monday at the age of 84.

Lightfoot wrote and sang songs for over 45 years. He started singing when he was a preteen. Over four decades, the Canadian singer recorded 20 studio albums and performed over 1,500 concerts.

One of his top hits is a track that hits close to home for many Michiganders. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” was released in 1976 and took a prominent spot on Lightfoot’s album “Summertime Dream,” being th

WDIV • April 19 2023

Record Store Day 2023: These are the Metro Detroit record stores to visit

Record Store Day is this Saturday, April 22, and vinyl lovers will be coming together to pick up the newest release from their favorite local record store.

After being spread out over a series of days during the pandemic, the annual holiday returns to its traditional one-day celebration. Artists are releasing limited edition titles in recognition of the musical day.

Click here to see the complete list of artists releasing a limited edition RSD title this Saturday.

Note: Not all participating

WDIV • April 3 2023

Spike leaves Mojo in the Morning after over 2 decades on Detroit radio

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – After 23 years, Spike from the Mojo in the Morning iHeart radio show has announced his departure.

The radio personality posted on his Facebook page that he is no longer with the Detroit-based iHeart morning show. Mojo in the Morning started in 2000, and for as long as the show has been around, Spike has been a voice on it.

“For more than 23 years, it has been a dream come true to entertain you. I never took it for granted,” stated Spike in his departure announcement.

WDIV • March 13 2023

From Saginaw house shows to headliner in Detroit: Get to know the band Michigander

From Michigan to Nashville, Michigander has been showcasing their Midwest indie style across the states.

Jason Singer is the frontman of the group, and it is pretty ironic that his last name is his career. Singer, just like many musicians in Michigan, has always dreamed of headlining in a major city like Detroit and Michigander has that opportunity in April.

From playing at house shows throughout the state to performing at Mo Pop, Michigander has done a lot within the past decade. I first saw

WDIV • February 28 2023

‘This is not a goodbye’: Mo Pop announces no festival in Detroit this year as they are taking a ‘break’

DETROIT – Mo Pop, an annual summer music festival in Detroit, has announced they are taking a break.

On Tuesday, the festival shared on its website and social media that “this is not a goodbye; this is our ongoing love letter to our fans and Detroit.”

Within the letter, the festival mentions that over the past decade, the music event has evolved from being a one-day event in the suburbs to moving downtown and becoming a two-day outdoor festival. It is mentioned that the festival’s mission was

WDIV • January 17 2023

Blast from the past: Photos of Jeff Beck rocking at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom

DETROIT – When the name Jeff Beck comes up in conversation, it’s not typical for an average person to think of the ties the famous guitarist has with Detroit rock city.

Beck, not to be confused with the “I’m a loser baby, so why don’t you save me” Beck, has shown off his skills for decades and influenced a lot of musicians here in Detroit.

With performances at the Grande Ballroom, Beck has been in bands with artists like Rod Stewart -- when Stewart was barely old enough to drink. From there, B

WDIV • December 12 2022

‘C’mon Down!’: Former ‘The Price is Right’ host Bob Barker celebrates 99 years around the sun

Legendary “The Price is Right” host Bob Barker celebrates his 99th birthday on Monday.

Barker hosted the game show from 1972 through 2007. Comedian Drew Carey took Barker’s place after he retired and has been the host since June 2007.

Below is a mural dedicated to the former game show host on the wall of Studio 46!

Nancy Burnet, a longtime friend of Barker, wrote in a birthday press release that Barker is doing great and is aware of all the birthday love he will be receiving on his birthday.

WDIV • December 10 2022

Pine Knob Music Theatre ranked as No. 1 amphitheater in the world

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Pine Knob Music Theatre has been ranked as the No. 1 amphitheater in the world, according to Pollstar.

313 Presents announced the ranking and stated that Pine Knob Music Theatre finished No. 1 in 2022 for the category Top 100 Amphitheaters in the World after reporting the venue had $36.9 million in overall gross ticket sales.

“It gives us immense pride to have Pine Knob Music Theatre recognized as the number one ranked amphitheater in the world,” said President of 313 Presen

WDIV • May 17 2022

Method Man is bringing da ruckus to Michigan with a new cannabis brand

DETROIT – Wu-Tang’s Method Man has announced a new cannabis brand that’ll be available in Michigan starting May 17.

TICAL, also known as Taking Into Consideration All Lives, is an inclusive brand hoping to raise awareness of racial and ethnic aspects of the cannabis space.

According to a press release, the brand priorities partnerships with female and minority-owned businesses.

The new cannabis brand is partnering with Glorious Cannabis Co., out of Rochester Hills.

The Rochester Hills cannab

WDIV • June 10 2023

Midtown’s Cinema Detroit closing its brick-and-mortar doors after 10 years of showings

DETROIT – Cinema Detroit will be closing its brick-and-mortar location after showing independent films for 10 years.

Since opening in 2013, Cinema Detroit has been a hub for film lovers in the area.

The small independent theater located in Detroit’s midtown area told the Detroit News on Wednesday that the establishment will be shutting down its movie projectors at the end of the month.

Cinema Detroit is a nonprofit 2-screen theater with a community-based mission to promote media literacy, art

WDIV • June 7 2023

Detroit’s EDM, funk artist GRiZ set to announce last show for foreseeable future

GRiZ, an EDM Funk artist from Metro Detroit, has plans to announce his last show for the foreseeable future.

The artist announced on Tuesday on social media that in October of 2023, he will have the last show for the foreseeable future. GRiZ announced that he is looking to take some time off from touring and the GRiZ Project, which puts on events like 12 Days of GRiZ, GRiZMAS, Space Camp, and NYE.

GRiZ notes in his announcement that he is following his gut instincts and plans not to put a hard

WDIV • June 7 2023

Taylor Swift concerts in Detroit: What fans should know before heading to Ford Field

Tens of thousands of people will be heading to Downtown Detroit this weekend with one of the biggest names in music in town -- Taylor Swift -- along with some other big events.

The Detroit Tigers will be playing during the day, but pop singer Taylor Swift will be bringing in a large crowd as she will be performing sold-out shows at Ford Field on both Friday and Saturday. Doors for the shows will open at 4:30 p.m. each day and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. There will be different openers for Swif

WDIV • June 5 2023

Why Paul W. Smith is moving from mornings to middays on Detroit’s WJR

DETROIT – WJR’s Paul W. Smith is moving to the midday radio slot after hosting mornings for over 27 years on Detroit radio.

Smith has been bringing his voice to Detroit homes, cars, and businesses weekly from 6-9 a.m. on the morning show “Great Voice of The Great Lakes.” The Wall Street Journal has dubbed Smith as “the king of talk radio in Detroit.”

The move was announced on Monday by Cumulus Media Group in Detroit. The show “Focus” will be replacing the syndicated Dan Bongino Show that has l

WDIV • May 30 2023

Here is how you can check out Hello Kitty’s limited edition gear in Oakland County this weekend

NOVI, Mich. – Fans of Hello Kitty can check out her cafe truck on Saturday in Oakland County.

The cafe on wheels will be carrying limited-edition merch and snacks and will have these products for sale at Twelve Oaks Mall. Some of the merch includes Hello Kitty t-shirts, mugs, stainless thermos, and cookie sets.

The cafe will be parked near the food court at the Novi mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This will be the only day the truck will be in Metro Detroit.

The truck only accepts cre

WDIV • May 23 2023

Where to enjoy some outdoor music in Michigan this summer

The state of Michigan has a very strong influence within the world of music.

With ties to almost every genre, the state is no stranger to shows taking place anywhere and anytime.

Some of my best memories have been at Pine Knob, or what the kids know it as, DTE Amphitheater.

If you have never been to an outdoor concert in Michigan, highly recommend it. From county hoedowns to classic rock, there are many shows you can choose from that’ll take place all over the state.

Here’s a list of the dif

WDIV • May 3 2023

Detroit Grand Prix announces Big Boi, Steve Aoki and more as 2023 entertainment performances

DETROIT – The Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear has announced its 2023 weekend entertainment lineup.

Racing fans can enjoy free concerts during the June 2-4 weekend at Hart Plaza, inside the Meijer Fan Zone.

The headliners performing during the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend are A-Trak, Big Boi, Steve Aoki, and Z-Trip, along with local bands and DJs throughout the day. Live music will take place on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bel

WDIV • March 28 2023

Study: Michigan ranks No. 9 as festival-obsessed state

We’ve got Cheeseburger Fest, Electric Forest, Movement Music Festival, Faster Horses, Wheatland Music Festival, Tulip Time and many other festivals throughout the Mitten.

A study by the fashion retailer Boohoo released the top 10 states that are festival obsessed after analyzing Google Trends data of the last year and seeing what Americans are searching for when it comes to these events.

According to their studies, some of the most popular searches in Michigan are “summer festivals,” “music fe

WDIV • March 20 2023

Looking for some ‘good vibrations’ this summer? Check out the Beach Boys at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – The Beach Boys are making their way to Metro Detroit this summer with a show at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills.

The 60s boy band will be rocking the Rochester Hills stage on Aug. 20. Doors for the show will open at 7:30 p.m.

The band from California has sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have more than five decades of touring within their career and have been abducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From “Califonia Girls” to “Wouldn’t It B

WDIV • March 14 2023

‘Hip-hop drums, jazz spirits’: Detroit Jazz Festival announces Karriem Riggins as 2023 artist-in-residence

DETROIT – Jazz drummer and hip-hop producer Karriem Riggins has been announced as the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation’s artist-in-residence for 2023.

The EMMY Award winning Detroiter is set to lead several performances on Labor Day weekend in Hart Plaza during the annual Detroit Jazz Festival.

“The selection of Karriem Riggins as the 2023 Artist-in-Residence represents our mission to embrace the next generation of jazz leadership and jazz’s continuous evolution that makes this genre of music

WDIV • March 8 2023

Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Corktown on Sunday: What to know

DETROIT – The Corktown St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to Michigan Avenue for another year of a fun Detroit tradition.

The Irish pride parade will be hosting its 65th annual parade on March 12 at 1 p.m. The parade will start near Sixth Street and Michigan Avenue.

The Corktown parade will be filled with marching and pipe and drum bands, color guard units, floats, clowns, novelty groups, and marching units. The parade will last roughly two hours.

This parade is one of the largest St. Patr

WDIV • February 28 2023

‘This is not a goodbye’: Mo Pop announces no festival in Detroit this year as they are taking a ‘break’

DETROIT – Mo Pop, an annual summer music festival in Detroit, has announced they are taking a break.

On Tuesday, the festival shared on its website and social media that “this is not a goodbye; this is our ongoing love letter to our fans and Detroit.”

Within the letter, the festival mentions that over the past decade, the music event has evolved from being a one-day event in the suburbs to moving downtown and becoming a two-day outdoor festival. It is mentioned that the festival’s mission was

WDIV • February 28 2023

Movement Detroit announces full lineup for 2023 music festival

DETROIT – Movement Music Festival is returning to Hart Plaza during Memorial Day Weekend, and the lineup is stacked with artists from the electronic and hip-hop genres.

From Basement Jaxx to Kash Doll, there are over 115 acts who will perform at the electronic music festival on May 27- May 29. Organizers on Tuesday announced the full lineup for the festival

“Since its inception, Movement has been dedicated to bringing music fans a completely original experience to Detroit, with a focus on show

WDIV • February 28 2023

Tim McGraw to headline WYCD’s 40th annual Hoedown at Pine Knob Music Theatre

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Tim McGraw will be one of many to headline WYCD’s annual Hoedown at Pine Knob Music Theatre this year.

The event marking the beginning of summer will take place on May 20. There will be main stage performances from Chris Janson, Dalton Dover, Jordan Harvey and Kassi Ashton.

The all-day festival will begin at 3 p.m., with artists performing throughout the day.

“There’s one artist that we have wanted for Hoedown for years, and it’s Tim McGraw!” wrote 99.5 WYCD Program Directo

WDIV • February 13 2023

Don’t have a date this Valentine’s Day? Take yourself out in Detroit instead

If you didn’t know that Valentine’s Day is around the corner, here’s your friendly reminder that it is Tuesday.

While the Hallmark holiday is all about you and your significant other, I wanted to plan out a Valentine’s Day you can have to celebrate yourself!

There are many fun things to do in Detroit by yourself. I picked out a dozen of my favorite places I like to check out in the wintertime. If Valentines Day was in the summer, I would have a few more seasonal options that are fun to do solo