M E M O R I A L DAY WEEKEND 2024

Written By my name is saylem .

This article is being updated throughout the weekend as we hear of more events. Check back day by day for the latest news.

HELLO EARTHLINGS-

This is a transmission from BLUE MOON RADIO STATION ALPHA-OMEGA regarding MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES (05.22.2024 - 05.28.2024) at Earth Station D-E-T-R-O-I-T.

WE HAVE PROVIDED SUGGESTIONS AND DIRECTIVE ON HOW TO NAVIGATE THE IMMINENT EVENT BELOW.

Movement

We acknowledge that the success of The Movement Festival is rooted in the ingenuity and faith of Black Musicians, Artists, and Culture bearers in the Late 90’s that created the Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF) in the year 2000, as well as those who held the Detroit Regional Music Conference in the 1990s. While Paxahau currently runs the Movement festival, we believe these Black origins continue to contribute to the success, draw, and culture of the memorial day weekend tradition.

Below are our artist picks for this years lineup.

AK b2b Sheefy McFly, Dames Brown, DJ Cent, DJ Etta, DJ Minx, Drummer B, Fabiola, Floorplan, Huey Mnemonic, Honey Dijon, James Blake (DJ Set), K-1, Kevin Saunderson b2b Idris Elba, Ladymonix, LTJ Bukem, Masters At Work, Musclecars, Ron Trent, Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, Something Blue, Tammy Lakkis, Waajeed.

All bolded artists are from Detroit. All Underlined artists are based in Detroit.

To learn more about DRMC: LINK

To learn more about DEMF: LINK

Events

While Memorial Day Weekend is currently pulled together around the Movement festival, we don’t subscribe to the idea that Movement is the keystone of the energy around the weekend.

Below are our picks for Day, Night, and After parties throughout the weekend that highlight local musicians, affordable entry rates, and dynamic Detroit locations.

 

Wednesday, May 22

Night

  • Freak Press Ball | Spotlite Detroit | 8pm - 2pm

    • The Freak Press Ball is Ian Fink’s continuation and evolution of their yearly Memorial Day celebration. The last one we went to was in 2022, which ended up being one of Amp Fiddler’s last Detroit performances before his passing. This year’s iteration is the debut of 12-piece band, Celestial People’s time, including a selection of Detroit’s best musicians: SUPERCOOLWICKED, Salākastar, Marcus Elliot, Marquis ‘Quis Life’ Johnson, Salar Ansari, Jake Shadik, Shigeto, Sasha Kashperko and Dez Andrés. Know that this kickoff to the weekend is not to be missed. We repeat: IT IS NOT TO BE MISSED. (Tickets: $32 on RA.)

  • God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines Immersive Screening and WDET Fundraiser | Marble Bar | 6:30pm - Midnight

    • If your not at Freak Press Ball, be here. GSGEDM is a film about the origins of Techno, and a portion of the proceeds goes back to Detroit’s Public Radio/NPR Station, WDET. Deon Jamar and Hotwaxx will be wheelin it up. (Tickets: $27 on RA.)

 

Thursday, May 23

Day

  • Microtones Pop-up | S.I.D. | 12pm - 10pm

    • We’re not quite sure where this pop-up is, but we know the vibes and music will be healing and fun as hell. DM for Location. Our Faves: Wetdogg, Otodojo, and Indy Nyles. (Tickets: ?, but probably Donation at the Door.)

Night

  • Juicy (AK + BLKshine) | Paramita Sound | 9pm - 2am

    • FREE, BLACK + FUN! Drink wine and be outside. (Free.)

  • Club Revolution: Movement Pre-Party | High Dive | 9pm - 2am

    • With Love Higher + Blessed Up Gang in tow, we know this pre-party will be a good time. Love Higher’s Vrrg project brought a lot of love to midwest radio, and continues to contribute to uplifting midwest music culture. Go get freaky at High Dive with them. (Tickets: $17 all night.)

  • THRG Weekend Kickoff | Marble Bar | 8pm - 3am

    • Our Picks: GRRL, Jonah Baseball, Lady Vibrator. (Tickets: $21 on RA)

Ash Lauryn + Deon Jamar at Underground and Black, 2023

 

Friday, May 24

Day

  • Moods at Movement BBQ 2024 | S.I.D. | 2pm - 8pm

    • The who’s who of the underground DJ circuit flock to the Moods crew’s annual BBQ, acting as a sort of reunion/field day in the chaos of the weekend. If you can snag a ticket to this elusive BBQ, say hi to Cookie for me. Our Picks: Bileebob, Fabiola + Naygod. (Limited Tickets available on RA.)

Night

  • '(unofficial)' | High Dive | 9pm - Until?

    • This is easily Detroit’s best up-and-coming Trans-focused party. SUPPORT THE DOLLS! Our Picks: Every doll is a STAR. (Tickets are an amazingly affordable $12!!! )

      • Update: We have been notified that if you attend ‘(unofficial)’, that you can get 50% off a door ticket at Blueprint x Hidden Ideas!

  • caitlin c. harvey | The Siren Hotel Lobby| 7pm - 10pm

  • (UPDATE: This event is cancelled due to an alleged building collapse and visible roof damage that happened to Temple Bar on the afternoon of 5/24.) EIGHTBALL + 8BALL // FUN-DRAISER FOR UNDERGROUND MUSIC ACADEMY | Temple Bar | 9pm - 2am

    • Go see Detroit’s oldest standing gay bar in action while supporting the Underground Music Academy. (Temple Bar is always $5.)

Afters

  • Blueprint X Hidden Ideas | Red Door Digital | 9pm - 6am

    • No words need to be said. If you want to be at one of the events closest to the source of what the weekend is really about, you should be here. Expect them to hit capacity, so make your time count. Our Picks: Every-fucking-body. (Tickets on RA.)

Moods at Movement, 2023

 

Saturday, May 25

Day

NIGHT

  • Portal 1515 | Paramita Sound | 2pm - 2am

    • Our Picks: Ameera (<3), Meftah + Julion De’Angelo (Deep Rhythmic Encryption), Tammis Lakkis (Wizard) , Max Watts (Turntablist Extraordinare). (FREE.)

Afters

  • Tresor 313 (2024) | Tangent Gallery | 10pm - 10am

    • This is your night for all things Submerge/UR/Real ass techno related. Our picks: AK + Blackmoonchild , Huey Mnemonic, Model 500 + DJ Stingray. (Tickets on RA.)

 

Sunday, May 26

Day

  • Memorial Sunday Block Party | 7615 Oakland Ave | 1pm - 8pm

    • North End Block party by dedicated, Black Detroiters. Come for the block party and stay for the people. (FREE.)

  • Elixir 2024 | Nancy Whiskey | 10am - 10pm

    • Stefan Ringer of FWM Entertainment, Blaque Dynamite, and NDATL Protege. Need we say more? (Tickets: $30)

Afters

  • METAMORPHOSIS | Trumbullplex | 1:11am - 5:55am

    • Metamorphosis is sure to be a positive and unique experience to add to your movement weekend due to the care and intention of the current stewards, headed by femme organizer Lu Bubbles. Our Pick: GET TAROT BY BOBBI AT 3AM! (Tickets: $15+ Donation, No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds.) 

      Note: A previous version of this guide stated that Trumbullplex is operated by all Femmes, this is not accurate as of MAy 2024. It is currently BIPOC LEd.

  • Sleep Olympics AFTER HOURS 2 | S.I.D. | 12am - 8am

    • Ben Hixon + Auntie Channel are the star highlights of this special Sleep Olympics. (Tickets on RA.)

  • Smoke and Mirrors | The Lincoln Factory | 8pm - 8am

    • Our Picks: DJ Cent + Scott Grooves + Mood II Swing. (Tickets on RA.)

 

Monday, May 27

Day

All Day

  • Detroit Vinyl Room | Motor City Wine | 2pm - 2am

    • If there was a MCW party you were looking to go to, let this be the one for you. The breeze on the patio on Memorial day with some of the cities best selectors is a special treat. Detroit Vinyl Room (Isaac Prieto) sets up this day the right way every year. Our Picks: (Tickets: $20)

  • Waste Management | Marble Bar | 21 Hour Party

    • The tickets will be $$$, but what a lovely opportunity to see Boo Williams + JEM + Norm Talley + Soichi Terada + Yukiko all in one place. Take it if you can afford it! (Tickets: $$$)

 

All Weekend

  • Underground Music Academy Workshops

    • UMA’s workshops are informative for any interested or emerging musicians! Make sure to make space for those who need it the most (aka if you already have access to the info, don’t RSVP. Respectfully!)

  • Paramita Sound - Free All Weekend!

    • You can’t beat Paramita Sound’s commitment to the people of Detroit. It remains the only music venue in Detroit that is always free, and always impeccably curated. Every single day is packed with amazing programming. Our picks to look out for: AK + Blkshine, Tammy Lakkis, Ameera, Max Watts, and Helluva.

 

Non-Music

  • Friday, May 24th | Street Beet Pop-up, 5-9 PM, Bagley Bar (2545 Bagley St, Detroit, MI) Street Beet was the SPOT for fun vegan american food back a couple of years ago. If you’re vegan, you should be there. While the pop is also on Thursday, Lady Vibrator + JEM hold down the pop-up decks on Friday night. Don’t say we didn’t let you know.

  • Saturday, May 25th | Black Her Stories Community Meetup, 1-3 PM, Next Chapter Books (16555 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48224) Who are the powerful Black women in literature that have shaped your life? Join Black Her Stories for an inspiring afternoon of storytelling, creativity, and community as they explore a curated selection of books written by Black women and uplifting the stories of Black maternal figures in literature.

  • Monday, May 27th | Dance Class & Exchange: Mehdi, 6-8 PM, Moondog Cafe (8045 Linwood St, Detroit, MI) Dance class madness on a Monday? And it’s at Moondog? Be there to get down with Yukiko + Lorenzo Dewberry in this new Detroit venue (w/ a killer record selection + cold brew on tap.)

People’s Records, Detroit, MI

 

Record stores

 

  • People’s Records | (Eastern Market)

    • The people’s records team will hold it down in terms of good music straight out the bins. Be aware that the store will run drier throughout the weekend, so be sure to make this one of your first stops if you want to slide through.

  • Detroit Threads | (Hamtramck)

    • Michael never disappoints with his commitment to Detroit Techno from any and every label you could think of. Chances are high there’s gonna be a dj in the shop throwing down.

  • Lo + Behold | (Hamtramck)

    • Andrews little madhouse of musical treats is perfect for those looking for an especially unique and grandiose curation of music.

  • UMA / Somewhere in Detroit | 2990 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit (North End)

    • The infamous S.I.D. record store will be in place with the UMA pop up record store for 2024. UR Fans, you’ll find everything you’ve been searching for here. UMA sales directly contribute to the schools programming and structural support. For those that know.

  • Paramita Sound | 1517 Broadway, Detroit (Downtown)

    • Paramita Sound specializes in half New Records and half Detroit music. Be sure to check out Dreys impeccable selection of new African imports, and their highly curated drink menu.

  • Street Corner Music | (Oak Park)

    • If you’re willing to make the trip to Oak Park, it’ll be worth it. It’s far enough away from the action i’m the city that it’ll be full of affordable cuts of all genres. If you’re a book lover, check out saylem’s new favorite bookstore Book Beat next door.

  • Hello Records | (Downriver)

    • A downriver gem, the guys at Hello have been deeply supporting the local jazz and live music scene by having concerts in the store after hours. You’re sure to find some good cheap cuts here.

Belle Isle, Detroit, MI

Places

  • Exhibit 3000 | 3000 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit (North End)

    • Free tours are happening all weekend at Exhibit 3000- The worlds first Techno Museum. You might even get to see UR and Submerge mainstays in front of the building as you learn about Detroit’s gift of Techno to the world.

  • Meta Physica Sauna | (Corktown)

    • If you can grab a spot in the sauna over the weekend- do it. The $35, 1 hour sauna can really help beat the heat and give you a chance to slow down and listen to great ambient tunes in your own private room. (Update: Their holding a $25 sauna special for the weekend.)

  • Southfield Sauna and Tub | (Southfield)

    • A bit farther away, but always a good time! A beloved favorite of locals.

  • Belle Isle | Belle Isle

    • Especially calm at sunrise, Belle Isle offers calm trails, a inlet for swimming, and a break from the noise of the city. We highly recommend the lighthouse trail.

  • Lito | Southwest

    • For the sustainable designer girlies, xoxo.

 

Food

  • Yemen Cafe | Hamtramck

    • This is the spot to hit with a group of 4+ friends and eat family style. It’s a movement ritual for many. They’re also open till 1am, everyday. Support our Yemeni brethren- Free Palestine. Our Rec: Chicken galaba with hummus, fatoush salad, and ask for THE BREAD.

  • See You Tomorow | North End

    • The perfect breakfast spot after a perfect night out. Just make sure you get the broasted chicken and enjoy the smooth jazz. Our Rec: Chicken Wing Entree.

  • Baobab Faire | New Center

    • East african deliciousness. Our Rec: Kuku Plate.

  • Glady’s Nite | Eastside

    • This woman owned food truck is outside of Spotlite, very convenient for a second dinner situation before the afters.Our Rec: If they have the Nachos, get those.

  • Pie Sci | Woodbridge/Wayne State

    • Any and everything is the perfect freaky pie. Our Rec: A square Veggie D.

  • San Morello | Downtown

    • If you got real baller money, San Morello is your place. The brunch makes you feel a star. Our Rec: The Breakfast Spaghetti off the brunch menu.

  • Mootz + Supino | Downtown + New Center

    • Both of these pizza spots offer up affordable, big slices of za. Our Rec: Literally any slice.

  • Ima Wayne State + Ima Izakaya | Wayne State + Corktown

    • Wayne State to save on coin, and Izakaya for a victory lap. Our Rec: Everything, but if you’re getting an app the scrimp and scallion dumplings. Also the ginseng tea and the house made mushroom broth.

  • Tacos El Rodeo | Corktown

    • Posted up most days outside of MCW, you really can’t go wrong with anything. Our Rec: Three Chicken Tacos with extra-extra green sauce.

  • La Jalisciense | Southwest

    • This Supermercado has affordable + delicious tacos. Plus, one of your friends is probably staying off Hubbard Street anyway. Our Rec: Just sit down and eat.

  • Bronx Bar | Midtown

    • The burgers here have always been TIGHT. Our Rec: Get the burger and fries, and eat it there.

 

Coffee

  • Alba | Corktown

  • Kitab Cafe Hamtramck + Midtown - free palestine.

  • La Ventana | Eastern Market

  • Trinosophes | Eastern Market

  • The Congregation | Boston - Edison

  • Cafe Sous Terre | Midtown

 

Tips

  • Drink All The Water.

  • Rest- there will always be more music.

  • Don’t leave a bunch of stuff in your car at night.

  • Take a buddy when you go out- have a safety plan and method to communicate (Ie. charged phones or a meetup spot) if you’re at an unfamiliar or big spot.

  • T-I-P the bartenders and servers during the weekend.

  • Clean up after yourself.

  • Use ear protection! Most bars have earplugs if you ask.

  • Each one, teach one.

  • We have no idea what people are bringing in to sling during the weekend. If you’re using substances, get fentanyl/substance testing strips and obtain Narcan (naloxone.) Even if you are not using, get Narcan. Narcan is available for free outside of Spotlite Detroit, at Corktown Health Clinic, at all IT Return to the Source events, at the Underground Music Academy, and at MOCAD.

    We hope that it wont come to it, but please familiarize yourself with how to administer Narcan and what signs of overdose look like. Narcan wont reverse Xylazine related overdoses, and it only temporarily reverses Opioid overdoses- but it can save someone’s life by giving more time for help to arrive.

    Always call 911 if you suspect someone has overdosed. Michigan's Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose. Please stay safe.


If you’ve made it this far: Thank you for reading our guide. We’ve pulled together the most we could about the weekend to give a no-BS rundown of what makes our city special to US. We are more than just our music. We hope you enjoy.

If you’ve enjoyed this guide a lot, be sure to leave us a tip, xoxo.

my name is saylem .
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