Ann Delisi has been a part of the Detroit media landscape for more than 35 years. A Wayne State Music School grad and former WDET Music Host and Music Director (1983-1995), Ann returned to WDET in 2009 to host Essential Music, a program dedicated to exploring the history of music, creating a platform for Detroit musicians, discovering new music and listening to what is next on the musical horizon. As a broadcaster, music host and storyteller, Ann creates features that highlight iconic artists, landmark albums and has curated hundreds of shows. As an interviewer, she's talked with everyone from David Bowie to White House Photographer Pete Souza to Iggy Pop and her curiosity about the creative spirit led to the podcast series, Essential Conversations. Her passion for food and those who make it led to another podcast/broadcast, Essential Cooking, with her co-host, award-winning chef, James Rigato.

She is an accomplished voiceover talent and for 5 years, Ann hosted the Detroit Public Television program, Backstage Pass, a weekly arts and culture program highlighting Detroit's artistic community. She has donated her time to working with The Greening of Detroit, Karmanos Cancer Institute and other Detroit non-profits.

Echopark Guitars Owner Gabriel Currie is Right At Home in Detroit – Full Interview

This is the extended interview Ann Delisi conducted with Echopark Guitars owner and guitar maker, Gabriel Currie. During this interview...

Detroit Free Press 2019 Restaurant of the Year: IMA

Mark Kurlyandchik serves up a mouth-watering recounting of the food he ate at IMA and why he picked it as...

Detroit Free Press Top 10 Best New Restaurants – Part Two – Restaurants 1-5

Ann Delisi talks with Mark Kurlyandchik about the Metro Detroit restaurants that left the biggest impression on him as he...

Detroit Free Press Top 10 Best New Restaurants – Part One – Restaurants 6-10

Essential Music Host Ann Delisi talks with Detroit Free Press Restaurant Critic, Mark Kurlyandchik, about restaurants that made it to...

Detroit Free Press Names Bert’s Marketplace in Eastern Market as the 2019 Restaurant of the Year Classic

Ann Delisi talks with Detroit Free Press Restaurant Critic, Mark Kurlyandchik, about naming Bert's Marketplace the 2019 Restaurant of the...

Detroit Free Press Best New Restaurants – Honorable Mention

Mark Kurlyandchik gives Ann Delisi an overview of the culinary landscape in Detroit and how we will look back on...

Michigan Writer Jim Harrison’s Life and Work are Celebrated With an Event and a Film

Ann Delisi talks with filmmakers Chris Walton and Steve Byrne along with Dan Riley, owner of Axle Brewing, about Jim...

Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery and Urbanrest Brewery Celebrate Scottish Food, Culture and Poet Robert Burns

Everything from bagpipers to bangers, dancing and Scottish brews will be at this family friendly event in Ferndale at Urbanrest Brewing...

Detroit Musician Stewart Francke Talks About Resilience and Getting Back on the Stage

Stewart Francke has been making music in Detroit for over 30 years producing 14 cds, authoring 2 books, and logging countless performances...

Chef Michael Barrera Opens Latido’s at JoeBar in Hazel Park on January 22nd

Chef Michael Barrera along with Chef Moses Fishman will transform JoeBar in Hazel Park to Latido's for a year-long residency...

Motown Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary This Month. It Started With an $800 Loan.

Courtesy of Ann Delisi Click the audio player to hear Ann Delisi's full feature on the 60th anniversary of Motown....

Chef Jimmy Hill’s Culinary Program at Lakeland Correctional Facility Enters Its 30th Year

Ann Delisi spoke with Chef Jimmy Hill about being a kid and watching his father serve up BBQ and recalling...