A film featuring the work of 25 directors is getting another screening in Detroit before it’s released on video later this week. The feature is called “The Owner” and was developed by Detroit filmmaker Marty Shea. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

Alfred E. Neuman is getting his close up from a Detroit area filmmaker. Alan Bernstein is the director of a new documentary about MAD Magazine. “When We Went MAD” interviews many of the creators who have made a scrappy little magazine with a comic book past into an influence on popular culture and humor in America. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Bernstein about the film.

To say comedy is in Pauly Shore’s DNA is an understatement. His parents opened L.A.’s legendary club “The Comedy Store” where every major comedian over the last 40 years have performed on their way to stardom. Shore came into his own under the mentorship of controversial comic Sam Kinison and became a staple on MTV in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Since then, Shore has starred in movies, on TV and has a new special called “Pauly-Tics”. He’ll be at the Magic Bag in Ferndale tomorrow evening for two shows.

The end of the year is the time when Hollywood tries to pack the movie houses full of films vying for awards attention. Metro Times film critic Jeff Meyers spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about what’s worth the time for movie goers this holiday season.

Metro Detroit’s only monthly independent film festival turns eight years old in 2013. The Mitten Movie Project is curated by local filmmaker and producer Connie Mangilin. She spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

The Detroit Film Critics Society is announcing its picks for best of 2012. Metro Times film critic Jeff Meyers is president of the group. He spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

“I don’t tend to analyze what I’ve done. I can’t really… I’m not entirely sure why I have succeeded, why I have been able to cut out a career in show business for over 30 years and why I still have a real hardcore fan base that has stuck with me. If there’s any secret, it’s just not to do anything that feels wrong for you.” – Chris Elliott, actor/writer/comedian

WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Elliott about this new book, his work on “Get A Life” – featuring his father, Bob Elliott of the well-known 1950s comedy team “Bob & Ray” – and his most recent TV work.

Penn Jillette is the taller, talkative half of the magic duo “Penn and Teller”. In 2011, Jillette released the best-selling book “God No: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and other Magical Tales”. This year, he’s back with a new book of essays and personal experiences called “Every Day is an Atheist Holiday”. Jillette spoke recently with WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

Decades ago department stores provided not only goods for everyday living, but an experience for the whole family. Now, area artist Andrew Krieger is offering a chance to experience his art in such a setting for the holiday season. Krieger’s show “JC Hudsears” is running now through December 22nd at Public Pool on Caniff in Hamtramck. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A new book on a legendary pop culture character takes a look at why we embrace the heroes we do. “Superman: the High-flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero” is the latest book by author Larry Tye. He’ll be in the Metro Detroit area talking about the book this weekend. Tye spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

The battle for Michigan’s Eleventh Congressional district continued into the early morning hours. Republican Kerry Bentivolio and Democrat Syed Taj faced off in the district. But, Taj, who was down 6% when his election night party ended around 12:30am was not ready to give up.

Detroit voters will have a proposal to consider on Tuesday’s ballot. Proposal E will set a defined number of petition signatures needed for a resident to run for a city office. Janice Winfrey is Detroit City Clerk. She spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about Proposal E.

Fans of comics, sci-fi and other pop culture will find creators and vendors galore as part of this year’s Detroit Fanfare. The annual convention kicks off this evening at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn. Dennis Barger is one of the organizers of the event. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary

A Democratic candidate from eastern Tuscola County is seeking to unseat Tenth district congresswoman Candice Miller. Chuck Stadler is a Vassar Township trustee and is trained as a nurse and accountant. He currently co-owns an accounting firm. The newly re-drawn 10th district covers Northern Macomb, Eastern Tuscola, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac and Huron Counties. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Stadler about his candidacy and the issues he wants to tackle if elected.

U.S. Representative Candice Miller has served in Michigan’s congressional delegation just shy of a decade. The Republican is running for re-election in the newly re-drawn 10th district, which covers Northern Macomb, Eastern Tuscola, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac and Huron Counties. Miller had served as Michigan’s Secretary of State before her election to the U.S. House in 2002. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Miller about the issues she’s focusing on this election season.

A Detroit area cartoonist is releasing his latest book focusing on an influential heavy metal band just in time for Halloween. Mark Rudolph is the editor and creator of “Satan is Alive: a Tribute to Mercyful Fate”. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the book, the impact of the band and its lead singer – King Diamond.

Dozens of historic apartment buildings built between the 1920s and the 1960s will be showcased on Saturday. Detroit’s Palmer Park is opening its doors for a tour of its marquee buildings. Greg Piazza and Sarah James are coordinators of the tour hosted by People for Palmer Park. They spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A Warren native is returning home to screen his latest film. Greg James is the co-writer, director and producer of “The Joint” – a day in the life comedy involving a medical marijuana dispensary. The Wayne State University graduate spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about making the low-budget independent film which screens Thursday night at the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak.

In 1988, Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Errol Morris’s film “The Thin Blue Line” helped to release an innocent man from Texas’s death row. Today, his latest book – “A Wilderness of Error: the Trials of Jeffrey MacDonald” – could do the same. Morris’s book investigates a murder case that put the Green Beret doctor behind bars for the killing of his family in North Carolina in 1970. The story was the basis for two other books and a popular 1984 TV mini-series called “Fatal Vision”. Morris spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about his book, the nature of truth and how his investigation shows MacDonald should be released from prison.

A Detroit filmmaker has been invited to show her first feature at the Toronto International Film Festival this week. Since the announcement, several reviewers have called Rola Nashef’s “Detroit Unleaded” one of the top films to see at the festival. Before heading to Toronto, she spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about writing and directing her first feature.

Comic book writer and Michigan-native Geoff Johns was in Dearborn this weekend to usher in a new member of the DC Comics universe. Johns held a book signing at Green Brain Comics and a presentation at the Arab American National Museum. The newest Green Lantern, Simon Baz, is an Arab American from Dearborn. Johns, who grew up in Grosse Pointe and Clarkston and is of Lebanese heritage himself, says the new Green Lantern reflects a larger understanding of culture diversity at DC Comics. He spoke to WDET's Rob St. Mary about the character, his Michigan roots and the recent reboot of the DC Comics universe with "the new 52".

DC Comics is adding a new character to its universe, this week. The latest issue of the Green Lantern will feature the superhero as an Arab-American man from Dearborn. The new character was created by Michigan native Geoff Johns – one of the top talents at DC comics. Matthew Jaber Stiffler is a researcher at the Arab American National Museum. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the new comic book character and Arab American representation in the media.

There is been an effort underway to rehab a 100-plus year old apartment complex in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. Several units of Spaulding Court have been rehabbed with plans for more in the coming year. To make it happen, there are plans for a party – an Octoberfest. Jon Koller is the President of Friends of Spaulding Court. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

Detroit’s underground carnival is heading back to the Masonic Temple this fall. John Dunivant is co-creator and the artist-designer of Theatre Bizarre. The design of this year’s edition of, what organizers call, “The Greatest Masquerade on Earth” picks up where last year’s ended.

Dunivant spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about this year's event "The Summoning", the design, working with the Masonic Temple, lessons learned from last year's event and the current state of Theatre Bizarre's "grounds".

It seems like every summer comic book characters invade the screens at the multiplex. This summer’s big films include “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises”. But, a small, long-running comic from a local artist makes its way to the big screen this summer. Hamtramck resident Matt Feazell is the creator of “The Amazing Cynicalman” – a strip that’s been running for over 30 years. Wednesday evening he’ll be screening his independently produced live action film version of Cynicalman at Green Brain Comics in Dearborn. Feazell spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

Kathe Koja’s first book, “The Cipher”, was released by Dell in 1991 as a paperback. 21 years later, the horror story comes to e-readers worldwide.

WDET's Rob St. Mary sat down with Koja last week for for coffee and conversation of the state of publishing, the future of print, e-books and her latest works.

Record stores have become harder to find in Metro Detroit over the past few years. The local chain Harmony House no longer exists and neither do long-standing indie shops like Record Time and Car City Records. But, a few new places have opened recently like UHF in Royal Oak. And, now, another new record store with a heavy emphasis on vinyl is opening in Ferndale on Saturday. It’s called Found Sound. Ray Hayosh and Chris Butterfield are former record store employees who manage Found Sound. They spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A special art performance brings a Detroit band and artist together this weekend. The group Rouge Satellites and painter/filmmaker Alice V. Schneider will create a piece they are calling “Other Angels” on Saturday afternoon in Corktown. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Jaye Thomas of Rogue Satellites and Alice V. Schneider about the collaboration.

It’s been almost a decade since Detroit artist Niagara has hosted a new show of work in her hometown. Her latest show “War Paint” opens at Re:View Contemporary Gallery in Midtown Detroit, Saturday night. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Niagara recently about her newest series of images featuring femme fatales lacing up their boots in a World War Two era style born out of her love of history.

An artist and cartoonist who grew up downriver has a new art show opening this weekend. Bill Morrison has worked on comics and on the popular animated shows “The Simpsons” and “Futurama”. His latest show called “Detroit Pop” celebrates Detroit musicians. The show opens at the River’s Edge Gallery in Wyandotte on Saturday. Morrison spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

The Detroit Windsor International Film Festival is back for its fifth year. The festival starts tomorrow and runs through Saturday on the Wayne State University campus. Suzanne Janik is Director of Operations for the festival. She spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary - who is also a judge for the upcoming festival.

Imagine being good friends with someone in your youth and then about a decade later you turn on the news and his name is connected to some of the most gruesome crimes in American history. That’s was the case for Derf Backderf. His schoolboy friend became the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Writer and artist Backderf is in Dearborn this weekend to talk about his new graphic novel, “My Friend Dahmer”. In the book, he chronicles his boyhood friendship with Dahmer as they two grew up in the town of Bath, Ohio – a small town a few miles east of Dayton.

Detroit poet M.L. Liebler recently returned to Detroit following 10 days of teaching, writing, and traveling throughout in Afghanistan.

As City of Detroit officials consider options to improve targeted neighborhoods under the Detroit Works Project… private citizens are considering new ways of using technology to help residents activate redevelopment on their block. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Jerry Paffendorf of Loveland Technologies – a Detroit based internet firm – about his latest concepts in mapping and information sharing around vacant properties for sale.

Starting today at the Detroit Institute of Arts, a new photography exhibit opens featuring the work of someone known better for her music and poetry - Patti Smith

Smith spent time yesterday morning with the media at the DIA. WDET’s Rob St. Mary was one of the reporters who attended and was able to tour the exhibit with Smith leading the way. He talked to WDET's Pat Batcheller about the tour, the photos and more.

Multi-talent artist – musician, poet, writer, singer – Patti Smith is in Detroit this weekend celebrating her first solo show of photography at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Some of the latest movies from Europe’s boot will shine on the silver screen this weekend in Metro Detroit.

WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Wayne State Professor Elena Past. She is one of the coordinators of the Italian Film Festival.

The festival ends its run in Metro Detroit on Sunday.

A Detroit artist and teacher is working with area foundation grants and a new art center to offer a special opportunity to kids in the city. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Steve Coy – half of the street art collective known as the “Hygienic Dress League” – about his latest effort called “Swagon”.

Author, activist and artist Ed Sanders has been a creative force for over 50 years. From his early 1960s literary journal to his band the Fugs and beyond, Sanders is seen as one of the key people who bridged the beat generation of the late 1950s and the hippie culture of the late 1960s.

A southeast Michigan cultural institution is celebrating 50 years of cutting edge film, this week.

The Ann Arbor Film Festival started in 1962. So organizers are taking the long view with this year’s celebrations of five decades of cinema.

“I have a healthy fear of my audience and healthy fear of failure. I fear failing my audience and that keeps me very upright, very awake, very leaning into it – never taking it for granted.” – Henry Rollins

WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Rollins about his current tour, his recent journeys and his creative drives.

As part of WDET’s “A Call to Action”, an effort to unlock ten-thousand hours of volunteerism to improve Metro Detroit, WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes a look at the Ravendale Community Center on the city’s eastside.

“I knew from the day we started that they (the City of Detroit) were going to come eventually… without a doubt. You can’t do this on the scale that we were doing it and not raise some eyebrows eventually.” – Ken Poirier, Co-Creator of Theatre Bizarre

Theatre Bizarre creators John Dunivant and Ken Poirier say they don’t expect their annual, underground masquerade to return to its original location inside a burned out residential neighborhood near the vacant Michigan State Fairgrounds again.

This year marks the fourth year for Grand Rapids’ international art competition known as Art Prize. Brian Burch is one of the organizers. He spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about some of the changes planned for this year’s event.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum finished second in the Michigan’s Republican Primary Tuesday night.

Detroit singer/songwriter Rodriguez worked for decades without much notice. Then, in the late 1990s, he found out that his early 1970s albums had a huge following overseas – especially in Australia and South Africa. Last month, a documentary about Rodriguez premiered at Sundance Film Festival, winning awards and rave reviews. The film “Waiting for Sugar Man” was also picked up at the festival by Sony Pictures Classics and is expected to be released later this year. Rodriguez recently stopped by WDET to share the news. Excited about the new developments, Rodriguez often clutched at his newspapers as he spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A group show featuring the art of several cutting edge tattoo artists will start its month long run Saturday at the 323 East Gallery in Royal Oak. The show is called “Clean as a Whistle” and features the work of seven artists who work at Signature Tattoo in Ferndale and Big Top Tattoo in Utica. Dan Rick and Mark Heggie are co-owners and artists at both tattoo shops. They spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A Metro Detroit writer is celebrating the release of his first novel. Saladin Ahmed is the author of “Throne of the Crescent Moon” – a story that blends Arab myths with fantasy elements. Ahmed spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the book and the business and art of writing.

Sad news from the art world today, a respected contemporary artist, and Detroit native, Mike Kelley has died. He was 57. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Travis Wright about Kelley. Rob interviewed with Kelley recently.

An artist transplanted to the Detroit area is being celebrated with a one-man show in Midtown on Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Bryan Christopher Baker about “an evening of Order and Other Formations” – his one-night only show at Review Contemporary Gallery.

A group art show opens at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester on Friday. The show is called “Four” and features four female artists from Metro Detroit. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Exhibitions Director Mary Fortuna and featured artist Lynn Galbreath about the show.

With thousands of reporters and industry professionals in town for the previews of the North American International Auto Show this week the economic impact of the show in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Building goodwill for future visits is the job of the Metro Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to bureau President and CEO Larry Alexander about his efforts.

The North American International Auto Show opened today.

The Chrysler Group is unveiling a new car was a familiar name it hopes will make a big dent in the compact car market.

The North American Car of the Year award goes to a foreign nameplate partially engineered in the US.

A new solo show of the work of local artist and Schoolcraft Collage instructor Topher Crowder opens at the Northville Art House on Friday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary met up with Crowder to talk about the works being presented in the show.

A group in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood has been working over the last few years to redevelop the Spaulding Court apartment complex. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Jon Koller, one of the lead organizers on the project, about the latest developments and plans for 2012.

A Detroit writer who has been creating his own underground publication of true stories… is collaborating with an internationally known contemporary artist and filmmaker for the latest issue. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Steve Hughes, the creator of “Stupor”, about his latest issue featuring art and design by Matthew Barney.

A Detroit poet is celebrating the release of her first book with an event this Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Tawana Petty – known by the stage name “Honeycomb” about her new book, “Introducing Honeycomb”.

A new documentary about the punk/funk band Fishbone opens in Detroit this week. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Chris Meltzer – the director of “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone” which starts a weekend run at the Cass City Cinema on Thursday.

A Detroit artist who has been painting for over 25 years is celebrating the release of two new books with an event on Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Glenn Barr about his new book, “Faces”, which was theme of solo exhibitions in Rome and Los Angeles earlier this year.

WDET’s Rob St. Mary met up with John Sinclair recently at the Trans Love Energies Compassion Center – a store front near Eastern Market related to medical marijuana – to talk about what led up to rally, his release from prison and Sinclair’s on-going crusade to reform marijuana laws.

When people think of Detroit recording studios that created a unique sound, the best example is Motown’s Studio A. Known as the “snake pit”, the Motown studio is really the garage of a home on West Grand Boulevard. This fall, another Detroit studio hidden in plain sight is celebrating 15 years of creating its own unique rock sounds. WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes us to Ghetto Recorders.

A group of Detroit labor, clergy and elected officials concerned about a state appointed Emergency Financial Manager are joining an effort to end the practice through a ballot initiative. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Brandon Jessup – Chairman and CEO of “Michigan Forward”, an urban public policy think tank, who is leading the petition effort.

Saturday night is Noel Night in Midtown Detroit – a chance for the public to get into the holiday spirit while visiting various businesses, museums and galleries. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to one of the hosts of the event – Simone De Sousa of Re:View Contemporary Gallery. De Sousa’s gallery is opening a special year end group show called “Re:Collect 2011”.

A Detroit area fashion designer is seeking the community’s help to warm those in need this holiday season. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Sarah Lapinski about her second annual coat drive which starts today.

The youth group of a local non-profit is offering a CD of music as a fundraiser. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to area musician Joe Reilly about “We Are Dream Seekers” – a record of contemporary and traditional music to support American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeast Michigan.

A documentary about a year in the life of the Detroit Fire Department called “BURN” is heading towards the finish line. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to producers and directors Brenna Sanchez and Tom Putnam about the last developments with the film including the addition of comedian/actor Denis Leary as a producer.

One-thousand layoff notices are expected to land on the desks of City of Detroit employees in January.

This week, an Ann Arbor art collective from the 1970s will be recognized in a retrospective show at a Los Angeles gallery. WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes a look at Destroy All Monsters.

Saturday night at the art space Public Pool in Hamtramck, several Detroit area artists and fashion designers are coming together for a group show called “Un-Dress Re-Dress”. One of the artists is designer Sarah Lapinski of Motor City Sewing and Wound Menswear. She spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the show and her thoughts on fashion.

The group that started the Burton Theatre in Detroit, which closed this spring, says it’s preparing to broaden it’s effort and re-open in a new neighborhood. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Nathan Faustyn, Jeff Else and Brandon Walley about the new “Corktown Cinema”.

Warren residents have decided to keep their Mayor for another term.

The Wayne County city of Harper Woods is returning its long serving mayor back to office.

An event taking place at the Magic Bag in Ferndale on Thursday is being billed as a battle between “found” objects. In one corner is the creators of Ann Arbor based Found Magazine, who collect misplaced notes, pictures and materials. In the other corner are the creators of Wisconsin based Found Footage Festival, who collect odd and humorous videos. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Nick Prueher of the Found Footage Festival about his love of unloved VHS tapes and this week’s event.

Detroit’s Mayor says an agreement between the city, the suburbs and a Federal judge is moving the water and sewer department out from under Federal oversight. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Buses in the DDOT system stopped running this morning stranding thousands of passengers at stops throughout the city of Detroit. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Megan Owens, the Executive Director of Transportation Riders United, about the current state of Detroit’s transit system. Owens says the stoppage happened after an assault on a bus driver yesterday.

City of Detroit officials say this year’s “Angel’s Night” anti-arson effort set a new record. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Wednesday evening, WDET will hold a listening session at the Southfield Public Library to talk to people in the neighborhood about their community. If you are a Southfield resident, please join us.

Last week, WDET’s Rob St. Mary spent some time with former Mayor and current Southfield city councilman Donald Fracassi who has been involved in Southfield government for 42 years, about 30 of them as mayor, from the early 1970s to 2001. Fracassi, who has lived in Southfield over 50 years, says great changes happened very quickly but without some of the growing pains other areas have felt.

The Ferndale Film Festival is returning for another year. The celebration of independent film – local and international – runs Wednesday through Sunday at some new locations… even beyond the Ferndale city limits. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to organizers Suzanne Janik and Bill Urich about this year’s event.

WDET is unveiling its “Crossing the Lines” series this morning. It’s an in-depth exploration of what unites us and divides us as people and as a region.

Throughout the year, we’ve been mapping the region’s beliefs, behaviors, and the language codes people use to unite and divide.

We’ve focused on issues of inclusion, exclusion, geographical boundaries and efforts to bridge those boundaries.

Our goal is to bring new perspectives and a more inclusive range of voices and views to discussing those issues that limit the region’s potential.

Detroit’s image has long been an issue that divides the region’s residents.

As part of our "Crossing The Lines" series, WDET’s Rob St. Mary has created a sound collage of media references and perceptions of Detroit over the past 50 years.

A new movie theatre is opening this weekend inside the old Burton International School in Detroit. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to organizers Joel Landy and Erin McDonald about the new Cass City Cinema - which is slated to open in the former Burton Theatre location. .

The Southwest Detroit community is using the upcoming Day of the Dead festivities to raise awareness and funds for local projects. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Vittoria Katanski of the Southwest Detroit Business Association about Saturday’s “Run of the Dead”.

With Halloween approaching, the Angel’s Night mobilization against arson in Detroit is gearing up. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to the Director of Community Relations for the mayor’s office – Frazier Kimpson – about this year’s efforts.

As Halloween approaches, a Metro Detroit artist is celebrating the release of his latest graphic novel with a book signing at Dearborn’s Green Brain Comics on Wednesday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Dave Acosta about his new horror themed book, “The Vessel of Terror”, and his career as a comics creator with international reach based in Southeast Michigan.

Halloween starts early this weekend at the Redford Theatre with a screening of the 1960’s horror comedy “Munster, Go Home”. The non-profit community movie house on Detroit’s Northwest side is hosting actor Butch Patrick of the 60s cult TV show “The Munsters” as part of the event. Patrick was cast as “Eddie” the wolf boy on the show. Patrick talks to WDET's Rob St. Mary about those times, what he's doing today and this weekend's event.

“It’s magic. It’s the only thing that’s held its magic for me, at least; all the way through my life and trying to play with that magic and that alchemy to create something that no one has ever seen. It is like alchemy – throwing all these mixtures of things together and hoping to produce something greater than its whole, and Halloween has always held that for me.” – John Dunivant, chief artist and co-creator of Theatre Bizarre (on Halloween)

Last week, WDET’s Rob St. Mary had a chance to talk to John Dunivant at the Theatre Bizarre grounds as he was working to developing site specific art and installations for this year’s gathering at the Masonic Temple.

The Detroit Institute of Arts opened a new photography exhibit yesterday called “Detroit Revealed: Photographs 2000-2010”. It’s a contemporary look at the city through the lenses of several local and international artists including Carlos Diaz who spent time in Southwest Detroit’s Mexican-American community.

Detroit musician Warren DeFever, best known for his two-decade plus run as the leader of the band “His Name is Alive”, is branching out and bringing some New York musicians to town to perform a newly composed classical piece, this weekend. WDET’s Rob St. Mary explains.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a fundraising party on Friday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Marsha Miro – the President of the museums’ board of directors.

Two artists – one from Detroit… the other from Tokyo… are celebrating their four year collaboration in the Metro area later this month. The result is a photo book called “Parallel Universe” by sculptor Dick Cruger and illustrator Yasuo Tanaka. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Cruger about the project.

A Metro Detroit artist known for her watercolor works is branching out into fashion. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Jaclyn Schanes about her new “Jacx” clothing line.

The northeast Detroit neighborhood of East English Village is hosting its second annual home tour this Sunday highlighting foreclosed properties available for purchase. William Barlage is the President of the East English Village neighborhood association. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

A battle of the beards, and moustaches too, is taking place this weekend. The Second Annual National Beard and Moustache Championships sponsored by Beard Team USA is being held in Pennsylvania. And as WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports Metro Detroit men, and a few ladies as well, are gearing up for the competition.

Detroit’s Mayor says plans are in the works to help residents facing public assistance cuts. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

A new graphic novel by acclaimed artist and writer Frank Miller called “Holy Terror” was released last week. In the book, Miller places two masked vigilantes in the middle of a September Eleventh-like attack by Muslim terrorists on a major city. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Ahmed Michael Beydoun – a 20-year-old Wayne State University pre-med student, comic book fan and Lebanese-American Muslim about his thoughs on “Holy Terror” after reading the book.

Writer and artist Frank Miller has created some of the most beloved stories in the hearts of comic book fans over the past 30 years. The rebooting of “Daredevil” to “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” to “Sin City” and “300”, Miller has created acclaimed stories. Several of them have gone on to become Hollywood blockbusters. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Miller about his latest work, “Holy Terror” which puts September Eleventh and the War on Terrorism in the realm of costumed heroes.

A local playwright is offering a final opportunity this week to see her latest work called “Unlocking Desire” which picks up where Tennessee Williams’ classic “A Street Car Named Desire” leaves off. But, Barbara Neri says it’s an entry point for a effort to bring the artists in New Orleans, the setting for the play, and Detroit together. Neri spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

If you could make a movie that tells the Detroit story, how would you write it? And how would you star in it? And how would you bridge the Eight Mile divide?

Those are some of the questions we want YOU to answer as part of our Public Insight Journalism Network. WDET's Public Insignt Analyst Rob St. Mary spoke with Pat Batcheller about how YOUR opinions shape our coverage of the news in our community. Listener feedback was essential to our unique coverage of the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Now, we'd like your insight on some other issues, that will help guide some upcoming reports and conversations on WDET and wdet.org.

The Michigan Opera Theatre is reaching out to young professionals to build support and appreciation. The annual opera ball is being held on Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to one of the co-chairs of the event – Peter Van Dyke about the opera and the annual ball.

The former police chief, his wife and five former detectives with the Romulus Police Department are facing multiple charges in a wide ranging public corruption case.

This is Detroit Gallery Week. Over the next several days art institutions will welcome the public with special programing. One of the larger community events is called “Memory Cloud”. The art piece features input from the community thanks to the web and will premiere in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts on Friday evening. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Theo Spyropoulos, one of the creators of the work.

This past weekend, the Detroit Fanfare, a comic book and pop culture convention took place at Cobo Center. One of the guests was actor/director Peter Weller. The star of “Robocop” met up with some of the people responsible for raising the money to build a statue in Detroit in honor of the character. WDET’s Rob St. Mary met up with Weller Saturday night at the Lager House in Corktown where supporters of the Robocop statue were holding a party to support local food pantry “Forgotten Harvest”. Weller talked about his thoughts on Detroit, the Detroit Tigers, Robocop - the film and the statue effort, his current work directing the show "Sons of Anarchy" and working on his PhD in Art History at UCLA.

The historic Pewabic Pottery is Detroit is seeking a little help repairing a necessary part of its operation – the chimney. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Terese Ireland, Executive Director of Pewabic Pottery about the damage and the fundraising campaign.

The Ann Arbor Film Festival turns 50 in the coming year. Leading up to the anniversary, the festival is hosting a series of monthly screenings of some of the important and influential films to come through over the past five decades. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Donald Harrison, the executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival.

A cancer study taking place in Metro Detroit is seeking members of the Latino, African-American and Arab-American communities. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to organizer Rose Khalifa about the American Cancer Society study.

A soon to be doctor is the newest master storyteller in the Moth's Detroit competition. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

A former Detroiter is working on getting area residents to see the beauty growing in the vacant spaces and parks around the City of Detroit and then share it worldwide using mobile technology. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Gwen McKay – one of the coordinators of the Wildflowers of Detroit project.

The third annual ArtPrize event opens in Grand Rapids this week. ArtPrize is a festival where the public vote on the art pieces they like best at hosted sites around the West Michigan city. WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes a look at what this event… featuring art from around the world means to several Metro Detroit artists.

A new exhibition opens Friday night at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit in Midtown. It’s the second part of the show entitled, “Barely There”. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Luis Crouquer (Crocker) – the Director and Chief Curator of MOCAD – in the spring about the first part of the concept. Today, he follows up with a look at “Barely There 2”.

Wayne State University could close a long running program working to end war and neighborhood violence. For 46 years, the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies has been teaching and working in the community. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Dr. Fred Pearson, director of the center about the future of the program.

Detroit artist Mark Dancey has had many jobs over the past 25 years - a cartoonist, a publisher, a rock musician – and for over a decade now he’s sought to make a lasting impression as an oil painter. WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to the artist as a new series of Mark Dancey’s paintings are about to go on display.

Organizers of an event this week hope a little bit of street theatre will motivate better land use in cities worldwide. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recent to Claire Nelson… the owner of Bureau of Urban Living in Midtown Detroit and one of the organizers of the local Park(ing) Day event.

A conference of urban planners and community activists interested in improving “rust belt” cities is taking place this week. WDET’s Rob St. Mary recently spoke to Sarah Szurpicki - the co-founder of GLUE, the Great Lakes Urban Exchange – about the conference which starts Thursday in Pittsburgh.

After facing a shutdown before last year’s event… the creators of Detroit’s underground carnival are returning to a different venue and a different form this year. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

All this week WDET has been looking at the September Eleventh attacks and how they have affected us… ten-years later. Filmmaker and adventurer Paul Daniels has been to Antarctica three times. During his second time there, wintering over at the South Pole, the September Eleven terrorist attacks took place. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the experience and the film he made during that time.

As we approach the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, WDET’s Rob St. Mary went looking for some perspectives in the art world. Rob spoke recently with Pontiac based artist Jef Bourgeau about his thoughts on the use of 9/11 in art and a gallery show he hosted in early 2002, about six months after the event, at the Museum of New Art called “Ground Zero”.

Two Detroit artists, who previously worked together in the late 90s arts collective AWOL, have come together for a two-man solo show but with a twist. WDET’s Rob St. Mary recently interviewed Matt Zacharias about “BOLTH” – a one night only art event featuring Zacharias and Greg Fadell at Review Contemporary Gallery in Midtown on Friday night.

The on-line fundraising effort for a documentary on Detroit’s underground carnival, Theatre Bizarre, ends tomorrow. But the filmmakers aren’t sure they’ll meet their goal. WDET’s Rob St. Mary sat down recently with filmmakers Per Frankell and Gary Bredow to talk about the latest developments on the film and the fundraising efforts.

For the past 17 years several local musicians and artists have been holding a camp for noisy performances. Called simply enough “Noise Camp”, it was originated by “His Name is Alive” mastermind Warren DeFever and local record label owner and artist Davin Brainard. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently with Brainerd about the annual summer performance which invites audience members to dress up, take part and enjoy a camp-like experience.

Two legendary Michigan punk bands will play a show at St. Andrew’s Hall on Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary caught up with Tesco Vee – the lead singer of the Meatmen – to talk about the show and his new book collecting all the issues of the “Touch and Go” fanzine… a homemade publication which covered the punk scene from the late 70s and early 80s.

Arts organizers in two Detroit neighborhoods are coming together this weekend for a sonic fundraiser. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recent to Jeff DeBryun of the Imagination Station in Corktown about a concert this Sunday featuring Spencer Barefield who coordinates the Music in Homes series in Palmer Woods.

Throughout comedy history duos have been a winning combination. Think Martin and Lewis or Cheech and Chong or Harold and Kumar. Today, WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to Ed and Moe, the brain child of a Dearborn filmmaker whose internet show is attracting attention locally and beyond.

Detroit officials say area residents shouldn’t panic if they happen to see an explosion or emergency responders out on the Detroit River this week.

Tomorrow is the annual Woodward Dream Cruise from Ferndale to Pontiac. But in the morning, a few miles south of Eight Mile, a different kind of cruise is taking place on Woodward. The Bike Cruise offers a chance to check out auto history in Detroit at a more leisurely pace. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Tom Page, one of the coordinators of the event.

Chase Bank Foundation is offering $1 million in down payment assistance grants to help City of Detroit employees and police officers move to targeted areas. Some community development corporation officials hope it means new neighbors. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Tom Goddeeris - Executive Director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation.

The Bing Administration is getting some help to get more police officers and city employees to move back to the city. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

This weekend’s outbreak of violence in Detroit is on everyone’s minds.

WDET wants to know what each individual in the area is willing to do the change the equation.

We’re talking with newsmarkers, changemakers and area residents all this week to find out.

WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Austin Black – the president of City Living Detroit – a real estate firm that specializes in selling properties in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood about how the violence affects his business and what he feels can be done to fight crime.

WDET wants to know what each individual in the area is willing to do the change the equation.

We’re talking with newsmarkers, changemakers and area residents all this week to find out.

WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Toni McIlwain – the president of the Ravendale Community Center on Detroit’s eastside about her center and what can be done on a grassroots level to fight against crime and the conditions that cause it.

The Urban Network Book Store has been a gathering place for local business and community activism near the former Olympia Stadium in Detroit for the past two-and-a-half years. Today and Saturday, a grand re-opening will celebrate the expansion of the store’s mission. WDET’s Rob St. Mary talked to Yusef Shakur – a Detroit social activist and the owner of the store about the expansion.

Scripps Park in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood is offering a public art display and a bike ride on Saturday to tour many of the city’s public art assets. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to one of the coordinators of the effort – Dominic Arellano of Forward Arts.

The party store is a staple of the Metro Detroit retail experience and it appears to be fertile ground for a Detroit raised filmmaker. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to writer-director Joe Doughrity and producer Dwight Patillo about their film “Cornerstore” which opens locally on Friday.

Earlier today, WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduced us to a group of people from Grosse Pointe and Detroit’s eastside working together to build bridges between the long divided communities. As part of the effort, both groups attended a service earlier this year at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church. What follows is an edited version of the sermon given by the interim minster at the church, the Reverend Mitra Rahnema

For about a year now congregants at a Grosse Pointe church and members of an eastside Detroit neighborhood have been working in tandem to change attitudes and the lives of people in both communities. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Saturday is a day community organizers say they want the entire city to come together, neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, and pitch in to help improve Detroit. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke with Luther Keith… the Executive Director of Arise Detroit about Neighborhoods Day.

The second season of the Detroit City Futbol League is coming to an end with a tournament on Saturday on Belle Isle. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to League Organizer Sean Mann about the second annual Copa Detroit.

The Bing Administration has reached an agreement with the Detroit Police Officers Association on a new labor accord. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Ford is recalling 1.1 million pick-up trucks because of a defect involving the gas tank. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Young people in the Jewish community in Metro Detroit, and across the nation, are raising funds to help bring new residents for the City of Detroit. Jordan Wolfe is one of the coordinators of the “Do It For Detroit” campaign. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.

The Art Effect Gallery in Detroit’s Eastern Market is opening a new show Saturday. Called “Constant Flux”, it offered artists a chance to use the gallery walls to evolve their ideas over the past month before Saturday’s opening. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Craig Nowak, the gallery manager, and artist Blake Carmichael about the show.

A new rotating multi-artist retail space is opening in Detroit’s midtown neighborhood on Saturday. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Margarita Barry – the creator of 71 POP.

Southwest Detroit will be one of the demonstration areas targeted under the newly announced Detroit Works plan. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to the President of the Southwest Detroit Business Association Kathy Wendler for her take on the plan and what it means to her neighborhood.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is unveiling his long-awaited plan to target resources more effectively in the city But at the moment the Detroit Works plan is actually more of a demonstration project than a major transition for the city.

City officials say the Detroit Works’ plan will finally be implemented in the coming weeks. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Following the lead of the “Live in Midtown” incentive program introduced earlier this year… five downtown Detroit companies are hoping to lure their employees to the city. Denise Starr is Chief Administrative Officer for Compuware - one of the companies taking part. She spoke to WDET's Rob St. Mary.

A big name from the basketball and business world is returning to his home state with an appetite to grow new ideas. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Officials with the Detroit Public Library system have decided the fate of the long vacant Mark Twain branch on the city’s eastside. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to the library system’s Assistant Director of Marketing, A.J. Funchess, about what is next for the long vacant building.

Thursday evening, the Southwest Detroit Business Association on Vernor Highway will host an art exhibition which will eventually become a permanent part of the community. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to artist Vito Valdez, one of the coordinators of the project called “Southwest Detroit Voices and Visions”.

On Wednesday evening, Grosse Pointe raised author Megan Abbott will make a local appearance, signing copies of her new book “The End of Everything”. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Abbott about her new book and how growing up in the area has had an impact on her writing.

An effort to change perceptions about Detroit – one bus tour at a time – continues to develop in the old Woolworth Building on Woodward Avenue. WDET’s Rob St. Mary goes “Inside Detroit”.

The Detroit Public Library is hosting a meeting this evening about the future of the Mark Twain Branch on the city’s east side. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Karen Nagher of the group Preservation Wayne about the branch building and the meeting.

A new report on victims of violence in the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community has been released. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Nusrat Ventimiglia. She is Director of Victims Services at the Equality Michigan about the report from the National Coalition for Anti-Violence Programs.

A local techno DJ and filmmaker is currently working on a documentary about female DJs, like her, and what it takes to make it in a music dominated by men.

WDET’s Rob St. Mary sat down recently with DJ Jenny LaFemme to talk about her project.

The Burton Theatre – which closed in the spring – lives on in exile… popping up in different locations around Metro Detroit. WDET’s Rob St. Mary talked recently with Nathan Faustyn – one of the coordinators for the Burton Theatre – about his efforts to keep their film series viable.

A local art center is hoping you’ll put on your dancing shoes this month. On the 16th, Paint Creek Center for the Arts will be hosting a dance marathon fundraiser. WDET’s Rob St. Mary caught up recently with Mary Fortuna – the exhibitions director at Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester.

As lawmakers in Lansing debate the future of a new bridge in southwest Detroit, political, business and labor leaders got on a bus to see what the impact would be in one neighborhood. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

At it's worst, and most annoying, are art writers and artists who speak as Charlotte Young describes humorously in the video below. Speaking in what Young calls "Art Bullocks". My goal is to never speak or write like them.

A documentary about Detroit’s legendary rock band the MC5 has been completed but the producers need a little help securing the music rights. So, an on-line effort is underway now through the 4th of July to raise the funds needed to bring the feature to screens worldwide. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to one of the coordinators of the effort – Freddie Brooks.

From the factory floor to the freeway, noise is all around us. But is it music, or even art, when performers make it? The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit plans to talk about it tomorrow night. WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes a listen.

I stopped by Cary's store - Book Beat in Oak Park - and he was kind enough to spend some time talking to me about the book, Destroy All Monsters and the state of lo-fi/collage/mash-up arts which the band and the magazine was chiefly influenced.

Eleven local artists are sharing $300,000 in fellowship money as the Kresge Foundation has announced their 2011 arts fellows.

The creators of the underground Halloween party known as Theatre Bizarre have spent the better part of the past decade transforming a section of a blighted, burned out neighborhood in the City of Detroit into a one night carnival. With stages, a roller coaster and even a Ferris wheel, Theatre Bizarre is a circus sideshow come alive. That was until city officials shut it down last fall. WDET’s Rob St. Mary recently caught up with the creators, who call their concept “the greatest masquerade on earth”, to talk about the future of their creation.

Jewish and African-American community leaders from around the nation are meeting in Detroit this week to talk about how to they can work together to fight poverty. Larry Schooler is a Jewish leader from Austin, Texas who took part in a similar event in Alabama. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the experience and what the activists can expect during the four-day event in Detroit.

50 years ago this fall, a comic book was released that changed the shape of things to come from Marvel comics. It was the “Fantastic Four”. Green Brain Comics in Dearborn is issuing an open call to area artists to help re-create the issue – page for page… panel for panel – in their own style. Dan Merritt is the owner of Green Brain Comics… he spoke recently with WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the idea.

This weekend, a Detroit band that broke up about 40 years ago will reunite. SRC was part of the Grande Ballroom scene in the late 60s and early 70s that made an impact locally and internationally and then disappeared. WDET’s Rob St. Mary takes a look at the band, yesterday and today.

The fourth annual Detroit Windsor International Film Festival takes place this week on the Wayne State University campus. WDET’s Rob St. Mary recently talked to festival organizer Suzanne Janik and local filmmaker Jeffery Schultz about the festival.

A new documentary opens in Detroit this weekend made by someone known for appearing in fake documentaries. Actor and comedian Harry Shearer’s new project is called “The Big Uneasy” and investigates how New Orleans flooded following Hurricane Katrina. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Shearer by phone yesterday.

The Second Detroit Musicians Caucus takes place Monday evening at Small’s in Hamtramck. WDET’s Rob St. Mary talked recently with the organizer of the event – musician and manager Scott Boyink.

A celebration of comics, as an artful way to help children learn to read, is taking place this weekend in Chelsea.

Eighteen bands will come together in Detroit on Saturday and battle – sonically, speaking – from two stages at the Lager House in Corktown while the cameras roll. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports on the making a local concert film – “Urgh: A Detroit Music War”.

Starting Thursday night at the Detroit Film Theatre, the Oscar-winning editor of such modern classics as “The Conversation”, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Star Wars” – Richard Chew – will host a series of four double features and a discussion on the art of film editing.

In the mid-1980s, two Wayne State University students started a magazine which covered the underground and independent film scene. Eventually, it with international. But in 1997 Film Threat Magazine ceased publication and became web only. Now, 14 years later, the current owner and publisher of Film Threat - Mark Bell – is seeking a return to print.

Dozens of Detroiters and community activists came together at Cobo Hall today (Monday) to try and keep a 30 year old business from losing its contract. WDET’s Rob St. Mary explains.

The deadline for non-profit groups to apply for grants to improve the Ferndale Community is Friday.

Detroit’s Tech Town business incubator is branching out into the world of art.

The Southfield attorney who assisted Jack Kevorkian with his original legal challenges says he’ll miss his friend. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood is hosting a home and garden tour this weekend.

This weekend, a local Catholic church is hosting an art show featuring pieces inspired by faith.

Earlier this month, organizers in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood came together to host an art exhibit and party at Scripps Park. A few days later, vandals stole and destroyed some of the pieces. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke with Dominic Arellano of Forward Arts about what the vandalism and the search for those responsible.

A new website is attracting Detroiters who like the idea of getting deals at local merchants by working on community projects.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit in Midtown will host an opening reception.

Detroit local artist Cristin Richard known for her sculptures made from pig intestines return home from Paris show.

The State of Michigan says a film based on a best seller by a Michigan writer will receive the production tax incentive.

This weekend local burlesque performers are hosting a fundraiser for two retired dancers who are going to be inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas later this year.

The Detroit City Futbol League kicks off its second season on Belle Isle on May 26, 2011.

Livonia-native Warren DeFever has been the main creative force behind the group “His Name is Alive” for the past two-decades.

Ferndale’s “Art on the Town” event is a fundraiser for art education in the local schools.

Organizers in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood are welcoming the community to visit Scripps Park for an art exhibit and party

The Grand Rapids-based troupe – “Super Happy Fun Time Burlesque” – is heading to the Detroit area for some shows this month.

Film incentive story follow-up.

The tenth annual “Free Comic Book Day” takes place this Saturday at comic book stores worldwide.

A spring weekend has brought another wedding expo to a Detroit area hotel, but as WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports, Sunday’s event was aimed at people who can’t legally get married in the State of Michigan.

Fans of the Detroit’s scrappy, independent film theater, the Burton Theatre, got an unpleasant surprise Monday night on Facebook.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is seeking gently used art books as donations to the Detroit Public Library system.

A battle of the silver ball is taking place this weekend at Oakland University and Metro Detroiters of all skill levels are encouraged to come and join the fun.

A Northwest Detroit neighborhood organizer says things must change in light of Mayor Dave Bing’s new budget proposal.

An organized effort to teach gentility has returned to Detroit after a decade of absence.

The Art X events in Midtown start today.

The Art X events in Midtown start tomorrow. Art X is a showcase for local writers, performers and visual artists who are Kresge Foundation fellows to share their talents with the community. Today, WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to a Kresge performing arts fellow who has been pushing the limits of jazz and offering opportunities to fellow musicians for close to forty years. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

The Art X events in Midtown start later this week. Art X is a showcase for local writers, performers and visual artists who are Kresge Foundation fellows to share their talents with the community.

On-line fundraising to place a statue of Robocop in Detroit ended this weekend and plans to cast and place the statue in the city have begun.

For the second year in a row… residents will take to the streets of Midtown in an effort to rid Detroit of a demon which folklore says has plagued the city for centuries. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.

The second annual Detroit Independent Film Festival kicks off this weekend. Today, WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to a young filmmaker who’s not only pursuing his own career… but is helping others like him in the process.

This weekend, several community organizers and City of Detroit officials are expected to attend a party honoring former gang member Yusef Shakur. It’s been ten years since Shakur was released from prison and started his efforts to improve his community.

The effort to build a statue memorializing a science fiction character with ties to Detroit is one step closer to reality.

Livonia is the home of a new motion picture studio. For the past year, French producer Philippe Martinez has been building a team of creative people to produce films here in Michigan....

The Southwest Detroit community is throwing an event this week to raise funds and increase activity in and around Clark Park. The community groups “Savor Southwest” and the Clark Park Coalition are hosting...

A Detroit band that brought international attention to the city’s so-called "garage rock revival" of the late 1990s is breaking up.

A Detroit-area instrumental surf-punk band is calling it quits after more than a decade of taking the stage in “human form”. WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to the strange sounds and pseudo-history of the Amino Acids.

When is a corporation not a corporation? When it’s an art concept that uses slick advertizing style pieces to spotlight Detroit’s vacant buildings. WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to the Detroit street art collective known as the Hygienic Dress League.

Next week, Detroit artist and musician Matthew Ellison the Second will screen three new short films at the Mitten Movie Project’s Zombie Night in Royal Oak. Today, WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to Ellison and takes us deep inside his creation, Electric Otto’s Funk Factory.

This past weekend, a young Metro Detroit artist had her first solo exhibition… a one-night only performance art piece called “Show Pony”. WDET’s Rob St. Mary introduces us to the artist Jaclyn Schanes.