Erica Banas
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Music/News reporter. Wholesome badass. Long story short: I'm basically a Renaissance woman. (Opinions/commentary shared here are my own, obvi.)
Articles by Erica Banas
Detroit Serves as a Spooky Backdrop for Horror-Comedy ‘Haunted Heist’
Don't mind the demons. Director Rel Howery promises 'Haunted Heist' balances scares with laughs. // Photo by John Sipple Though Motown founder Berry Gordy called his Boston Boulevard mansion home for only a few years, the estate remains steeped in history. The footsteps of influential figures, from politicians to some of music’s biggest acts, linger in its hallways. With grand, Renaissance-style architecture, an imposing presence, and a storied past, the mansion seemed destined for a ghost story.
Cranbrook Tennis Classic Returns July 19-26
2025 Cranbrook Tennis Classic champion Mark Lajal. // Photo by Adam Fuller If you’re still buzzing from the recent Wimbledon finals, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of international tennis talent in metro Detroit at the Cranbrook Tennis Classic. The tournament will be held July 19-26 at the Cranbrook Schools Tennis Complex in Bloomfield Hills. Started in 2023, the tournament is one of the premier stops on the ATP Challenger Tour. It was named the 2025 ATP Challenger Tournament of the Year.
Where Celebrities Shop When They Visit Metro Detroit
Olivia Rodrigo and André 3000 visiting Old Soul Vintage in Detroit. // Photos courtesy of Old Soul Vintage Detroit has long been a hotspot for celebrity sightings, from Motown legends and hip-hop artists to Pistons players and Hollywood actors passing through the city. As new boutiques, luxury retailers, and trendy shops continue to pop up all over metro Detroit, there are more places than ever to shop for both locals and the occasional celebrity.
FIVE Steakhouse Is a ‘10’
As a lifelong eastside suburbs resident, I admittedly have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to metro Detroit past where WB I-696 ends. In fact, prior to dining at FIVE Steakhouse two weeks ago, the only other time I set foot on Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth was for a memorial ceremony. Fortunately, this visit was far more uplifting, and it gave me a meal I haven’t stopped thinking about a fortnight later.
Kresge Arts in Detroit Announces Its 2026 Artist Fellowships and Gilda Award Recipients
2026 Kresge Artist Fellows (L-R): Jeremy Brockman, Salar Ansari, Frisly Soberanis, Mitch McCabe, Shahida Nurullah, Maurice "Pirahnahead" Herd, Karen Prall, Ed Miller, Ackeem Salmon, Galaxy. // Photo by Jenny Risher Kresge Arts in Detroit has announced its Artist Fellowships and Gilda Snowden Emerging Artist Award recipients for 2026.
Detroit Burger Week: 5 Things You Must Know Before Dining
Photo by romaset/Adobe Stock Detroit Burger Week is almost upon us! Taking place July 13-19, several of metro Detroit’s most popular restaurants are offering up special burgers between $7-$10. The event also has an interactive element that gives participants a chance to win some impressive prizes. For those excited for Detroit Burger Week, here are five things you must know before dining. 1.
Sunset at the Zoo Brings Food, Fun, and a Cause Worth Celebrating
Photo courtesy of the Detroit Zoo On June 18, the Detroit Zoo traded daytime crowds for an after-hours experience as Sunset at the Zoo returned, bringing together food, entertainment, and exclusive access across the grounds in support of the Detroit Zoological Society.
The Belle: Inside the Restored and Renovated Apartment Building in Downtown Detroit
Exterior of The Belle. // Photo courtesy of Bedrock On June 22, Bedrock debutedThe Belle, an apartment and retail building located on Broadway Street in downtown Detroit. The building, formerlyknown as Harvard Square Center,has been restoredand renovated into 42 apartments and a 7,500-square-footretail space.
Sunset at the Zoo 2026
Sunset at the Zoo 2026 Sunset at the Zoo took place on June 18 at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The annual event raises funds for the Detroit Zoological Society’s wildlife nourishment, animal welfare, and global conservation efforts. In addition to featuring live music, craft cocktails, premium local cuisine, and silent and live auctions, this year’s Sunset at the Zoo offered attendees a special look at the Detroit Zoo’s newest attraction, the Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails.
Dusty May Reportedly Leaving Michigan Basketball for Dallas Mavericks
Dusty May, the head coach of the University of Michigan’s Men’s Basketball program, is reportedly leaving for a head coach position with the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN reports May is finalizing a deal with the NBA team, which fired coach Jason Kidd following a 26-56 season. It’s the end of a very short, but very successful era for the U-M Men’s Basketball program. May’s exit from U-M comes after leading the Wolverines the past two seasons to a 64-13 record.
Top 10 ‘Hour Detroit’ Covers, As Voted By Readers
As part of our 30th anniversary celebration last month, we asked Hour Detroit readers to vote for their favorite covers from the magazine’s history. With all votes tabulated, here are the top 10 Hour Detroit covers, as voted by our loyal readers. 10. May 2022 Our May 2022 cover story by Nolan Bianhi highlighted the rise of Detroit City Football Club.
Why UWM Field Should Be the Site of Your Next ‘Cheat Day’
UWM Field in Utica is home to some truly outstanding food, like their Shrimp Basket ($16.99) featuring a half pound of shrimp, seasoned fries, with Bang Bang Sauce and lemon. // Photos by Erica Banas Summer has always felt like a reward after battling through a brutal Michigan winter. Perhaps you’re one of many people who spent the winter months getting into “swimsuit shape.” I certainly applaud anyone putting in the hard work in the gym.
Mid-Century Detroit Photos by Norman Zadoorian on Display at Detroit Historical Museum
“Chrome and Brick” (1956). // Photo courtesy of the State of Michigan Library and the Norman Zadoorian Estate As an industrial photographer for Detroit Edison (now DTE Energy) where he was hired following his battle-scarred World War II service in the Philippines, Norman Zadoorian often roamed the streets of downtown Detroit with his twin lens Rollieflex camera during lunch hour and nighttime.
Inside the CCS Student Exhibition: Process, Experimentation, and Detroit’s Next Generation of Artists
Photo by Amber Zundel Roberts The annual Student Exhibition at theCollege for Creative Studiestransforms the college into a massive gallery space each spring. It showcases work from emerging artists and designers across disciplines ranging from illustration and product design to textiles, automotive design, and fine arts. This year marks the 101st annual CCS Student Exhibition. It features more than 4,800 pieces of art and design on display.
Yoga Moves Any Body Brings Adaptive Yoga to Those Living with Neuromuscular Conditions
Paul Berkey (left) started attending Yoga Moves Any Body with encouragement from his wife, Lisa. // Photo courtesy of Yoga Moves Any Body When Paul Berkey first walked into a Yoga Moves Any Body class in early 2024, it wasn’t with grace or athleticism; it was with uncertainty and low expectations. Multiple sclerosis symptoms had left him physically unable to work, so his doctor suggested adaptive yoga to improve mobility. “I kind of laughed,” Berkey says. “I mean, I’m a big guy. Me?
Menopause in 2026: What’s New, What’s Known, and What’s Not
Leff has dedicated her practice to improving care for women in every stage of life. // Photo courtesy of Melissa Douglas A board-certified pediatrician and internist at Henry Ford Health’s Bloomfield Township medical center, Dr. Carrie Leff specializes in primary care for midlife women and is a certified menopause provider through the Menopause Society. She is committed to demystifying menopause and empowering women to prioritize their health during this stage of life.
Mike Duggan Drops Out of Michigan Gubernatorial Race
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke at the annual forum, expressing the need to work cooperatively with our Canadian neighbors to the south. // Photograph by the Downtown Detroit Partnership Mike Duggan has announced he’s exiting the Michigan gubernatorial race. Duggan announced this news in an open letter via his official website. In the letter, Duggan expresses his disappointment in dropping out. He also expressed his decision to exit the race is due, in part, to the ongoing war in Iran.
Metro Detroit Organizations Providing Care for Caregivers
Gilda’s Club gives primary caregivers of older adults living with cancer a place to rest and recharge with community members. // Photo by Inner Circle Photography/Miranda Hopkins Jim Mangi had been caring for his wife, Kathleen, for about nine years when one night, he found himself lying on a stretcher in the back of an ambulance. He’d reached the end of a long day, helped Kathleen into clean pajamas, and “absolutely collapsed,” he says.
Benzinga in Detroit Establishes Several Partnerships to Enhance Capabilities, Reach
Detroit-based Benzinga has in recent months entered into several partnerships to increase the capabilities and reach of its real-time financial data and market intelligence service. // Stock photo Benzinga, the Detroit-based provider of real-time financial data and market intelligence, has in recent months entered into several partnerships to increase the capabilities and reach of its service.
Bloomfield Hills Doctor First to Perform Knee Replacement via Augmented Reality
Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County in Bloomfield Hills has announced Dr. Safa S. Kassab has become the first surgeon in the United States to perform a total knee replacement using Pixee Medical’s Knee+ NexSight augmented reality glasses. The wearable heads-up display delivers real-time surgical guidance directly into the surgeon’s field of vision inside the operating room. // Photo courtesy of Pixee Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County in Bloomfield Hills has announced Dr. Safa S.
Mother’s Day: Last-Minute Activities and Dining Options in Metro Detroit
Shinola Hotel's Mother's Day brunch. // Photo courtesy of the Shinola Hotel This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 10. If you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute idea, check out our roundup of Mother’s Day activities and dining options happening in metro Detroit. (All activities/dining options were available at the time of publishing.) Shinola Hotel’s Mother’s Day Brunch The Shinola Hotel is going big with their Mother’s Day brunch on May 10, which is taking place inside the Birdy Room.
‘The Show 2026’: Inside the CCS Annual Student Fashion Showcase
Look by Veronica Wardowski (L), Look by Bryce Truby (R) // Photos by Emma Albert, Courtesy of College for Creative Studies Suspended frames, projected light, and a 700-foot runway transformed the Skywalk at Somerset Collection on April 26 as the College for Creative Studies presented The Show 2026, its annual student fashion showcase. The event drew 354 guests for an evening featuring over 100 looks from 19 student designers across apparel and accessories.
MCHS Family of Services Opens ‘The Den’ Honoring Mikey Novak
Gaming area inside of "The Den" (left), inspired by Mikey Novak (right). // Photo by Erica Banas/courtesy of MCHS Family of Services On April 17, the Methodist Children’s Home Society (MCHS) Family of Services opened a unique space on their campus called “The Den.” Designed for the children they serve in their foster program, “The Den” is a tribute to Mikey Novak, a resident of MCHS’ Redford campus, who passed away in 2021 at age 13 from complications following a heart transplant.
Go Red for Women Luncheon 2026
Go Red for Women Luncheon 2026 This long running event held by the Southeast Michigan chapter of the American Heart Association was held at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit and raised funds and awareness for cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in women. Attendees, encouraged to dress in red, were treated to a seated lunch, an inspirational program, and a live auction.
Tecovas Brings Its ‘Radical Hospitality’ to Somerset Collection
Boot lounge. // Photo courtesy of Tecovas Tecovas, the Austin-based retailer known for its cowboy boots and top-tier customer service, has opened its latest storefront in Somerset Collection in Troy. This is the 60th location the Western brand has opened in the United States and the second location in Michigan. The first Michigan location opened at Hudson’s Detroit in October 2025.
2026 BasBlue Bold Women Summit
2026 BasBlue Bold Women Summit This year, BasBlue’s annual Bold Women Summit celebrated the organization’s fifth anniversary as a non-profit providing various programs and working space to women and non-binary individuals. The summit, held at BasBlue’s headquarters in Midtown, offered a chance to bring women and non-binary individuals together to network and hear from two local leaders: Robin Terry, CEO of the Motown Museum, and designer Tracy Reese.
Where to Celebrate Record Store Day in Metro Detroit
Photo courtesy of Weirdsville Records/Paperback Writer Book Shop Celebrated on the third Saturday of each April, Record Store Day has been a tradition since 2008. Since then, the number of participating independent stores has grown — nearly 1,400 around the U.S. and thousands more internationally, according to the event’s organizers.
Earlybirds Club: The Perfect Escape
Photograph by Ami Nicole/ACRONYM The Magic Bag in Ferndale hosted a sold-out event on Jan. 30, but it wasn’t the typical intimate concert the small-capacity venue is known for. Instead, it was a special kind of dance party targeting women and gender-expansive people, particularly Gen X and millennials. The event was called the Earlybirds Club. What set it apart from other dance parties is that it started at 6 p.m. and ended at 10 p.m. Why?
Remembering Linda Dresner
Photograph courtesy of BOSWELL HARDWICK (@boswellcreative) The first time I met Linda Dresner was in 2008 while pulling clothing for a StyleLine magazine fashion shoot at her eponymous store in downtown Birmingham. It was a space where clean lines and minimalist fixtures met vibrant, avant-garde designs that practically danced on their hangers. And there was Linda, a more muted statement, with a bandana effortlessly wrapped around her head and smiling eyes that beckoned Welcome.
‘The Lion King’ Continues to Roar After Nearly 30 Years
David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa in Disney's 'The Lion King.' // Photo by Matthew Murphy. The greatest challenge for Karl Shymanovitz, who serves as music director and conductor for Disney’s The Lion King, is not, as you might expect, listening to the same arrangements of the same music played day after day. In fact, Shymanovitz, who has toured with various companies of the hit musical since 2004, insists he never gets sick of the music.
Feed Stingrays and Encounter Goats at Detroit Zoo Exhibit Opening in May
Rendering courtesy of the Detroit Zoo An upcoming Detroit Zoo exhibit will be a spot for families to experience animals and nature in an entirely new, immersive way. Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails is planning its grand opening for May 23. The Discovery Trails has been in active construction for a couple of years. However, zoo staff first conceived the idea about six and a half years ago by conceptualizing what the space would offer guests.
Angels of Hope’s Night of Hope: Fire and Ice Gala
Angelina Torres, Trish Haas Brad and Nikki Manning Craig Wietchy, Carissa Wietchy Craig and Kate Brens Dorian and Steve Gorski Dr. Molly and Andrew Bhampine Emerald City Designs Genevieve Craig, Fran Lucedo George and Tiffany Tank Hannah Pelczarski, Avery Dyer Jay Towers and Friends Kelley LaFontaine, Alicia Churilla, Johnnie Batesa Kory and Brittany Spence Laura and Barry Neal Angels of Hope’s Night of Hope: Fire and Ice Gala Angels of Hope’s Night of Hope: Fire and Ice Gala Angels of Hope’s...
Junior League of Birmingham’s Little Black Dress Brunch
Junior League of Birmingham’s Little Black Dress Brunch The Junior League of Birmingham held their annual Little Black Dress Brunch on March 7 at The Community House in Birmingham. The event featured speakers and a silent auction raising money for women living in poverty or crisis situations. Attendees also brought items to the event for as part of their women’s health and hygiene donation drive. To learn more about the work of the Junior League of Birmingham, visit birminghammi.jl.org.
25th Annual Classical Roots Celebration
25th Annual Classical Roots Celebration The 25th Annual Classical Roots Celebration took place on March 7 at the William Davidson Atrium inside the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in downtown Detroit. The event served as a pre-party for the 48th Annual Classical Roots Concert at Orchestra Hall. Both events served to honor and raise awareness of the African American composers and musicians that have made significant contributions to classical music.
Melissa Etheridge Talks Rock Hall, New Album, Bob Seger, Detroit Lions
Photograph by Candice Lawler Melissa Etheridge is staring down quite an itinerary in 2026. She has a batch of headlining tour dates kicking off March 26 at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit. The tour kicks off the day before the release of Rise, the singer-songwriter’s 17th studio album. This summer will also see Etheridge join forces with country legend Wynonna Judd on a co-headlining tour.
Shady Lane Cellars Named Best Winery in Michigan by Mashed
Photograph by Beryl Striewski Shady Lane Cellars was named the best winery in Michigan in a recently published list by Mashed, an online food and beverage outlet. In her “Best Winery in Every State” piece, reporter Kelsey Juntwait wrote of the Suttons Bay winery, “Shady Lane Cellars is a boutique winery in Northern Michigan that’s equally known for its hot mulled wine just as much as the cross-country ski trail that winds through its vineyard.
Host Opens New Location in Downtown Romeo
Photograph courtesy of Host Romeo On March 5, Host celebrated the grand opening of its second location — Host Romeo — in the heart of Downtown Romeo. Following the success of Host Utica, which opened in 2022, the new Romeo restaurant features a seasonally-driven menu crafted by Executive Chef Jessica Phillips. “People are excited to have a trendier place come into Romeo,” she says.
Detroit Named 'Most Underrated City Everyone Should Visit' by 'Travel + Leisure'
Detroit continues to receive positive national attention with the latest shoutout coming via Travel + Leisure. Over the weekend, the publication published a glowing feature on the city titled “I Live in the Midwest—This Is the Most Underrated City Everyone Should Visit Once.” Journalist Iona Brannon highlighted many of Detroit’s attractions, including neighborhoods, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and much more.
Canton's Jack Hughes Scores OT Game-Winning Goal for Team USA Gold
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrates after their gold-medal win during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
2026 Cocktails for a Cause Gala
2026 Cocktails for a Cause Gala The 2026 Cocktails for a Cause Gala took place on Feb. 13 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. Emceed by Charlie Langton and Sara Thomas, the event raised funds for Friends of Foster Kids, the Shelby Township-based organization that provides personalized gifts to foster youths in metro Detroit every Christmas, as well as providing emergency services for foster youths in need.
Farmington Hills' Megan Keller Scores OT Game-Winning Goal for Team USA Gold
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 19: Megan Keller #5 of Team United States celebrates winning the gold medals with the national flag after the team's 2-1 overtime victory in the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Michigan By The Bottle Opens 4th Location in Downtown Lake Orion
Owners, staff, and guests celebrating the opening of the new Michigan by the Bottle location in Lake Orion. // Photograph courtesy of Michigan by the Bottle Michigan by the Bottle (MBTB) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 12 celebrating the opening of its fourth location in downtown Lake Orion. The crisp, yet sunny, winter day brought out a sizable crowd.
Justin Verlander Returns to Detroit, Signs 1-Year, $13M Deal
Photograph courtesy of AP Photos Justin Verlander is returning to the Detroit Tigers after signing a one-year deal worth $13 million. MLB.com reports that $11 million of the deal will be deferred, but no other details about the terms of the deferred payments were disclosed at the time of publishing.
Voting Do's and Don'ts
Voting is officially underway for the 2026’s Hour Detroit “Best of Detroit” awards! The finalist ballot was launched on Feb. 9. Before voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 9, we wanted to share some do’s and don’ts for readers to consider. Don’t engage in “ballot stuffing” We totally understand wanting to win one of Hour Detroit‘s “Best of Detroit” categories, but trying to rig the competition is a big no-no.
Mickey Lolich: Forever a Blue-Collar Idol in Detroit Sports History
Image courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society I live in Ann Arbor. This week, I was sitting at a stoplight on State Street waiting to make a turn. The light was a turn on green only. As I waited for the light to change, I noticed a gentleman in a pick up truck right behind me waving his arm out the window.
‘Heated Rivalry’ & Its Impact on Metro Detroit’s Romance Bookstores
Photograph courtesy of Mon Coeur If you have a pulse and keep tabs on general pop culture, then you likely have heard of Heated Rivalry. If you’re a pop culture enthusiast, then there’s a very good chance you’ve not only watched Heated Rivalry, but you’ve rewatched the show multiple times by now.
15 Michiganders Competing in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games
(Top left clockwise): Emilia Zingas, Christina Carreira, Kirsten Simms, and Megan Keller are four of 15 Michiganders competing in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. // Photographs courtesy of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games kick off this week, with the opening ceremony taking place on Friday, Feb. 6. In total, the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team consists of 232 athletes. Among those athletes, 15 hail from Michigan.
Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen Celebrates 50 Years in Las Vegas by Giving Away $50,000
Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen in Las Vegas is marking its 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone for this family-run eatery. Originally named Villa Pizza, it now operates four locations. Carmine Vento, the founder, opened Villa Pizza on Sahara Avenue in 1976 during a strike that closed many hotel-casinos. This timing helped the business gain a foothold. Villa Pizza introduced something new to the area: New York-style pizza by the slice.
Rudy's Prime Steakhouse
Photograph by Jacob Lewkow On my second visit to Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse, I did something I had never done before. I locked my keys in my truck. While it was running. That’s how excited I was to get back to Rudy’s. I wasn’t thinking straight. I was stupefied. I was daydreaming about a well-made Paper Plane cocktail, drooling over the thought of a superbly engineered steak frites and an iceberg wedge salad with jammy tomatoes.
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