The Metro Events Guide: Celebrating Detroit’s international influence on music, urban planning and more

Detroiters already know that we have the best music, but it’s always nice when the world recognizes it too. One overseas DJ who consistently spreads the Motor City sound is in town this week with a five-part series celebrating the music of Detroit.

Plus, spotlighting the start of market season and other evening entertainment. Read on to learn more.

International influence

This week, iconic BBC Radio 6 Music Host Gilles Peterson is doing a residency at Spot Lite Detroit honoring music made in the Motor City. The series kicked off Wednesday, May 1 with a tribute to Amp Fiddler and continues Thursday, May 2 at 9 p.m. with “Detroit Love: The Live Experience” presented by Carl Craig with Jon Dixon on keys. The performance will include Detroit music legends and special guests, including Ian Fink, De’Sean Jones, Kasan Belgrave, Wendell Harrison, Joan Belgrave and more.

Then, Friday, May 3 includes two events — the first of which is “Talking on the Airwaves,” featuring Peterson in conversation with WDET’s own Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove weekdays noon to 3 p.m.) at 6 p.m. Admission is free. The second Friday event is “Next Gen,” featuring music by rising stars Deon Jamar, Meftah, Ahya Simone with KESSWA, Khadijah, Tammy Lakkis and WDET’s own Shigeto (host of The New Music Show Saturdays 8-10 p.m.) at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $16 online.

And finally, the residency ends with a five-hour DJ set from Peterson on Saturday, May 4 starting at 9 p.m. and going through 2 a.m. Tickets are $33 online. All events in this series take place at Spot Lite Detroit and are 21+. For more information, visit spotlitedetroit.com. 

Related: Radio legend Gilles Peterson brings Detroit residency to Spot Lite »

Urban planning

On Saturday, May 4, Book Suey is hosting a talk by urban planner and commentator Idrees Mutahr about how the Detroit economy influenced the thinking and writing of celebrated urbanist Jane Jacobs. The presentation will be followed by a “Jane’s Walk” around Hamtramck to explore these ideas in the real world. The talk begins at 3 p.m., the walk begins at 4 p.m. and registration is free. For more information, visit their Eventbrite.

Related: Urban planner and commentator Idrees Mutahr joins The Metro »

Market season

On Saturday, May 4, the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market opens for their 31st season in Riley Park. In addition to the usual produce and products, there will also be some special opening day activities, including remarks by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and an appearance by The Parade Company’s Big Head Corps. The market will be open from 8:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music starting at 10 a.m. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

Then, flower season at Eastern Market kicks off on Tuesday, May 7. Sheds 5 and 6 will feature lush selections of florals from local growers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday in May. While the official Flower Day isn’t until May 19, Tuesday Markets offer smaller crowds and easier parking in the meantime. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

Comedy

On Friday, May 3, Best Case Scenario’s Comedy at the Congregation is back with a new set of comics from across the Midwest and Canada. This month’s lineup includes Alexa Stanton, Steve Kaz, Jake Russell and Shelly Thomas. Doors open at The Congregation Detroit at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Please note that this event space is not ADA accessible. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Film

This weekend, the Redford Theatre is hosting two rare screenings of “Boogie Nights” (1997), marking the first time a Paul Thomas Anderson movie has been shown in 70mm film in Michigan. This sprawling mosaic of life in the adult-film industry in the late 1970s stars Burt Reynolds, Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Screenings will take place on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and the event is 17+. For more information, visit redfordtheatre.com.