Hey, everyone! Welcome back to Culture Canvas.
Last week, I talked with Avalon Village founder Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris and her friend, Derrick Kearney, who teamed up to bring hip-hop star KRS-One to the Highland Park eco-garden tonight to headline a concert.
Harris said she’s expecting 3,000 people to attend the concert, which would make KRS-One the first major artist to perform a show of that size in the village.
The concert will feature local artists like DJ Los, Miz Korona, Awesome Dre, Dahilla The Poet and Alius Pnukkl. The event, hosted by radio personalities Billy T and TJ, will also include poetry and spoken word with Sofull Poetry, Friz Allen and Big Foolay. Tickets are $40 online and $50 at the door.
Harris said a portion of the concert’s proceeds will benefit the Avalon Village Homework House as well as fall music programming for Highland Park students.
“We’re very excited for KRS-One to come and see our space and just to be able to bring something wonderful like this in our own neighborhood,” she said.
Are you guys excited to see KRS-One? Let me know if you make it to the show! As always, hope you enjoy the rest of your week!
Cheers,
Micah
313 Scene
- BridgeDetroit Managing Editor Christine Ferretti reported the latest news on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy controversy. The organization filed a civil lawsuit last week against its ex-Chief Financial Officer Will Smith, his relatives and associated companies in an attempt to recoup $40 million the nonprofit claims was stolen in an “elaborate scheme and cover-up.” The suit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, names Smith’s wife, mother and sister as co-conspirators who benefited from his alleged theft.
- Duke Fakir, the last living founding member of Motown group the Four Tops, died July 22 inside his Detroit home at the age of 88. A public viewing will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Motown Museum. A funeral is set for 11 a.m. Friday at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 1800 James Couzens Freeway.
- Detroit native Ryan Destiny will portray two-time Olympic gold medal winning boxer and Flint native Clarissa Shields in the upcoming film, “The Fire Inside.” The movie is adapted from the 2015 documentary about Shields, “T-Rex.” It is directed by Oscar nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, who is best known for 2016’s “Moonlight.” The film is expected to be released Christmas Day.
What’s Going on in the D?
- The annual Belle Isle Art Fair returns Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can check out 100 professional artists from more than a dozen states as well as emerging teen artists from the Mint Artists Guild. Some of the highlights include the Heritage Artist Tent, which will feature work from artists who no longer participate in shows due to age, health or other issues. New this year is the Secret Art Garden, located in a not-so-secret place between booths 127 and 131. The area will include programming from Detroit Hives, the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, Detroit Bird Alliance and Belle Isle Nature Center. Admission to the fair is free with a park pass, which is $14 for vehicles and $7 for motorcycles.
- ARISE Detroit’s annual Neighborhoods Day will be held Saturday with several community service projects happening across the city. This year’s event, themed “My Neighborhood Matters,” aims to amplify the voices and stories of Detroit residents. Residents are encouraged to participate by sharing stories of their neighborhoods through essays, photos, and videos, which will be showcased on the ARISE Detroit! website, YouTube channel, and local media. Events planned include blight removal, beautification projects, art exhibitions, music festivals and educational resource fairs.
- The Motor City Summer Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at Hart Plaza. Hosted by comedian Jack Funny and social media personality Tay Crispyy, the event will include a fashion show, bike and school supply giveaways and performances from Skilla Baby and Dess Dior. General Admission is $60.
- The Detroit Parks Coalition’s Freedom Arts Festival series continues Saturday with an event 2-6 p.m. at O’Hair Park focusing on sustainable art. Then from 3-9 p.m., guests can head to the Selden Courtyard in Midtown to hear some Detroit house and techno.
- Hear ye, hear ye! Lovers of the Michigan Renaissance Festival can help ring in this year’s event with a kickoff party Sunday at Eastern Market. The free event begins at 10 a.m. in Shed 5 with an exclusive buy 1, get 1 for 5 cents deal toward general admission. Attendees are also able to pick up their royal or season passes.
