The Metro Events Guide: Movement pre-parties, musical histories and fresh markets

Movement Electronic Music Festival is only one week away, and we’ve got your guide to the hottest pre-parties in town.

Plus, some musical history lessons and farm-fresh markets. Read on to learn more.

Movement pre-parties

WDET is joining forces with Washington Hill Pictures and Marble Bar to host the first-ever nightclub screening of Detroit Techno documentary “God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines: The Director’s Cut” on Wednesday, May 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail hour with Donna Gardner, followed by the film screening from 7:30-9 p.m. Afterward, Detroit dance music legends Eddie Fowlkes and Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale will play their first ever back to back performance. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit Detroit Public Radio. This event is all ages, but capacity is limited. For more information, visit our events page.

But first, WDET’s own Liz (host of Alternate Take Thursdays 8-10 p.m.) and Clark Warner are DJing two shows this weekend to get you in the Movement mindset. On May 18, they’re playing a special Saturday edition of KeepingUP at Northern Lights Lounge. This monthly residency — usually on every third Friday — features Liz and Clark 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 Instagram.

Then, head to SpkrBox on Monday, May 20 for Liz and Clark Warner’s annual Movement pre-party, Metamatic. They’ll be spinning records back to back from 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit SpkrBox on Facebook.

Tune in: WDET Movement programming »

And finally, one of the most highly anticipated events of the Movement season will be at Spot Lite on Wednesday, May 22. The 2024 Freak Press Ball will feature live music from some of the city’s biggest rising artists, including the debut of a new 11-piece ensemble, IAN FINK.cpt (Celestial People’s Time). Led by Ian Fink, the group includes SUPERCOOLWICKED, SALĀKASTAR, Cjay Hill, Marcus Elliot, Sascha Kashperko, Jake Shadik, Salar Ansari, Dez Andrés, Marquis Johnson and WDET’s own Shigeto (host of The New Music Show Saturdays 8-10 p.m.). DJs Scott Grooves and SABETYE will be spinning tracks after the showcase, and exclusive new merchandise will be available for purchase. Tickets are $33 online and the event goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, visit ra.co.

Musical histories

On Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m., the Detroit Sound Conservancy will hold a celebration of Club Heaven at The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills. This free program will pay homage to the legendary gay Detroit nightclub that inspired a generation of Black LGBT youth in the heart of Detroit from 1984–1994. The evening will feature stories shared by Club Heaven’s community, followed by a tribute to the music of Club Heaven, as part of the DSC mission to preserve and amplify the history of Detroit’s musical heritage. To RSVP and learn more, visit thehawktheatre.com.

Then, go back a decade further with Disco Fever at the DSO. This onstage performance and dance off will feature non-stop hits, including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive” and more. Performances will take place at Orchestra Hall on Friday, May 17 at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $24. For more information, visit dso.org.

Fresh finds

On Saturday, May 18, the Detroit People’s Food Co-op is throwing a Grand Opening Celebration. The Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative in Detroit’s North End neighborhood officially opened to the public earlier this month, offering fresh produce and opportunities for local growers and food businesses to sell their goods. The free celebration will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a ribbon cutting, live performances, family-friendly activities and more. To learn more, visit Detroit People’s Food Co-op on Facebook.

Then, Flower Day at Eastern Market returns on Sunday, May 19 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event is one of the most popular market days of the year, featuring a lush selection of flowers from Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association vendors, as well as family-friendly activities. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.