The Metro Events Guide: St. Patrick’s Day parties and more in Detroit this weekend

This week, we’ve got live DJ sets, collaborative songwriting workshops and St. Patrick’s Day parties.

Plus, WDET’s spring fundraiser has officially begun! Tune in to hear how you can get access to exclusive Detroit events when you support your public radio station.

Midwest music

Fondly referred to as “the people’s DJ” by his most loyal fans, Le Youth — real name Wes James — will perform live at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit on Saturday, March 16. The Toledo, Ohio native is on tour in support of his 2023 album ABOUT US. Le Youth returns to Detroit a year after he headlined the smaller El Club. Tickets are available at majesticdetroit.com and at the venue box office.

Or, come see WDET’s own Liz Warner live in action at KeepingUP this Friday, March 15 at Northern Lights Lounge. This monthly DJ night features Liz and Clark Warner spinning back to back tracks from 9 p.m. to close. Admission is free and the event is 21+. For more information, visit Northern Lights Lounge on Facebook.

Farther west, there’s the Funky Rivertown Fest, a new five-day festival in downtown Ypsilanti dedicated to original music from local artists. Kicking off on Tuesday, March 19, the lineup will include an eclectic variety of acts including alt pop songwriter Premium Rat, folk rock group Cedar Bend and R&B Detroit Tiny Desk finalist Nadim Azzam. Tickets are $10 for Ypsi residents and students, or $20 for general admission. For more information, visit them on Facebook.

Creative collaborations

On Saturday, March 16, join award-winning singer-songwriter, composer and educator Audra Kubat for a songwriting workshop at the DIA. Guests will collaborate in writing a song inspired by select artworks within the DIA with a focus on art created by women. The guided songwriting process will result in a finished song, and will be performed as a group led by Kubat. Workshops begin at noon and 1 p.m. in Rivera Court, and the event is free with registration. For more information, visit the DIA’s website.

Then, stick around for a live musical performance by Audra Kubat in the DIA’s Rivera Court at 2 p.m. This family-friendly concert will include songs from across Kubat’s expansive catalogue, plus the songs created during the preceding songwriting workshops. Kubat will be joined by celebrated musicians Emily Rose and Ozzie Andrews. Admission is free with general admission to the museum, but seats are limited. For more information, visit the DIA’s website.

St. Patrick’s Day parties

This year’s Detroit Shamrock Festival will take place on Saturday, March 16, featuring food trucks, a full bar, 15 DJs and live entertainment in an indoor heated tent and outdoor party. Doors open at noon and tickets range from $5 to $40. For more information, visit their Eventbrite.

Then, the 49th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at Old Shillelagh’s kicks off bright and early on Sunday, March 17. The first floor will feature DJ Kenny Washington from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., the second floor will feature live bands from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the indoor/outdoor headed patio is open all day. Their kitchen is open late featuring a variety of plant-based options, and there will obviously be plenty to drink. Reservations are limited. For more information, visit their Facebook event.