This summer , “The Majestic Experience” artist development company and B.H. Productions (BHP) are giving local Detroiter's a chance to shine.  "Facing The Crowd" is a free series of events put on at the Russell Bazaar.  Sixty performing artists ranging from nine to twenty-five years old will be performing live on stage entertaining the many regular shoppers that visit the Bazaar every weekend.

The “Facing the Crowd” series will take place, every third Saturday from 5-7pm and every first Sunday 2-5pm starting in July thru September, at the happening spot the Russell Bazaar.  (July 12, Aug 1, Aug 21, Sep 5 and Sep 18).  “Facing The Crowd” will give audiences the opportunity to enjoy the best of free entertainment that Detroit has to offer.

Do you have a talent that you think is ready for the spotlight?   Contact The Majestic Experience and audition for the opportunity to be part of this showcase of Detroit’s wealth of young talented individuals and groups.  To arrange for an audition or for more information call (313) 784-1568 or (313) 220-4148.  You can also send email to:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As the first step in their new partnership, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF) will host legendary jazz pianist, composer and former DSO Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair (2005-06) Chick Corea and his Freedom Band as part of the band’s extended tour of the U.S. and Europe.  Chick returns to Orchestra Hall with his new all-star quartet featuring alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Christian McBride (DJF 2008 Artist in Residence), and legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who turns 85 this year.

The concert takes place on Sun., June 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. in Orchestra Hall. 

A National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, 16-time Grammy winner, prolific composer and undisputed keyboard virtuoso, Chick Corea has attained living legend status after four decades of unparalleled creativity and staggering artistic output.   From straight ahead to avant-garde, bebop to fusion, children’s songs to chamber music, along with some far-reaching forays into symphonic works, Chick has touched an astonishing number of musical bases in his career. 

Since embarking on a solo career in 1966, Chick has been at the forefront of jazz, both as a renowned pianist forging new ground with his acoustic jazz bands and as an innovative electric keyboardist with Return to Forever and the Elektric Band. His extensive discography boasts numerous essential albums, beginning with his 1968 classic, Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. 

The June 1st Mitten Movie Project is proud to announce that 100% of the filmmakers on the bill are from Michigan! Like the May MMP (which boasted all MI filmmakers), the June MMP is a shining example of the strong and diverse independent filmmaking community in Michigan. Screening at the 6/1 MMP are high quality documentaries (“The World/Inferno Friendship Society Documentary,” “Peanut Shop,” and “Curiosities of the Animal Kingdom”), whimsical PSAs (“No Cell Phones PSA,” “Scurvy PSA”), music videos (“I’m A Mess,” “I Ball”), animations (“Mister Jung Stuffed,” “GR30K”), beautifully shot dramas (“Wonderboy,” “The Candle”), and other shorts.

The June Mitten Movie Project takes place on Tuesday, June 1st at 7:30 p.m. at the Main Art Theatre (118 N. Main Street, Royal Oak 48067). For presale tickets and more information, go to www.facebook.com/mittenmovieproject. Headlining the night is “The World/Inferno Society Friendship Documentary,” a short documentary about Brooklyn's finest punk orchestra, "The World/Inferno Friendship Society." This doc was directed by Ann Orrin, a Troy, Michigan, native who has recently returned home from studying film in New York. Orrin also has another short in the lineup, “Mister Jung Stuffed,” a charming stop- animation video set to the crazy music of Philadelphia band, Man Man.

One of Detroit’s most famous art collectives, the Russell Industrial Center, has been a source of material and inspiration for talented Detroit artists for years now – I recently embarked on a mission to find out more about the complex, which houses over 200 artists and craftspeople from various backgrounds. What I found was a growing reputation for being the most established art community in the Midwest and a source of great inspiration for Detroit artists and visitors.

Single Barrel Detroit is one of those groups who has found inspiration from the Russell and has featured the complex in a few of their projects. The collaborative, born out of its founders’ deep appreciation for active citizenry, showcases the sights and sounds of Detroit through videos featuring local musicians playing in historical settings throughout the city.  The resulting videos honor not only the talent of the musicians, but the beauty of the city.  

doDetroit had a chance to speak with Andy Martin, a Co-Producer with Single Barrel Detroit about what inspired the project, his vision for the city of Detroit, and the power of local citizens actively working to revitalize their home.  

Click below to read the interview.