Lee DeVito
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Editor in chief, Detroit @MetroTimes (he/him)
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Articles by Lee DeVito
‘The Scene’ Came Back to Detroit
For a couple of glorious hours on Saturday, Detroit partied like it was the 1980s — or at least like Prince’s “1999.” As part of the city’s 35th annual Concert of Colors music festival, the Detroit Film Theatre stage was transformed into a tribute to The Scene — the influential dance show that aired from 1975 to 1987 on WGPR-TV, the first Black-owned television station in the U.S. Best described as the Motor City’s answer to Soul Train, Detroiters tuned in five days a week to watch a cast of...
Rock N’ Roll Sushi opens first Michigan location
A national chain that blends American-style sushi rolls and classic rock ’n’ roll is coming to metro Detroit. Rock N’ Roll Sushi is set to open its first Michigan location on Monday, June 22 at 23370 Eureka Rd., Taylor. The chain was founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 2010 and now boasts more than 75 locations. The Taylor restaurant will be owned and operated by Silvia Maruncic and Hicham Bazzi, the latter coming with experience developing Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Michigan.
Pine Hall opens for brews and views atop Hudson’s Detroit
A new rooftop bar offers beautiful sights of downtown Detroit while also nodding to the city’s history. Pine Hall opens Thursday at Hudson’s Detroit, Dan Gilbert’s skyscraper built on the site of Detroit’s former J.L. Hudson Department Store. Its name comes from a wood-paneled restaurant inside the store, which operated from 1911 to 1983 and was once one of the largest department stores in the U.S., outdone by only Macy’s Herald Square in New York City.
Detroit’s Atwater Brewery returns to local ownership
After a stint under multinational corporate ownership, Detroit’s Atwater Brewery is coming home. The craft beer brewery is set to return to the ownership of Detroit entrepreneur Mark Rieth, who owned Atwater Brewery from 2005 to 2020 before he sold it to Tenth and Blake Beer Company, a division of Molson Coors. In 2023, Atwater was acquired by Tilray Brands. “My heart has always been with Atwater, and I’m thrilled to have the brewery back in my hands,” Rieth said in a statement.
Detroit City Distillery is serving Vernors cocktails for the ginger ale’s 160th birthday festivities
Detroit City Distillery is joining the festivities celebrating the 160th anniversary of Vernors in Eastern Market this weekend. The craft distiller will be serving cocktails made from Vernors at its tasting room from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, coinciding with a previously announced block party celebrating the beloved Detroit-born ginger ale brand.
Free Will Astrology (June 10-16)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many of you have a fraught relationship with discipline. You recognize you need it if you want a life rich with epic adventures. Yet you sometimes resist planning ahead or organizing your resources, fearing it might dampen your immediate pleasures. The problem is that when you skip the planning and organizing, the short-term fun you default to may turn out to be unsatisfying. That’s the challenging news.
After 12 years in downtown Detroit, Wright & Company calls it quits
Wright & Company, an acclaimed restaurant in downtown Detroit that racked up national recognition since in opened in 2014, announced it will close for dinner service this summer. In a social media post, the eatery said its last dinner service will be July 3. “For more than a decade, you’ve made us part of your first dates, anniversaries, celebrations, late-night cocktails, and countless unforgettable evenings,” the post continued.
Detroit’s Concert of Colors to feature ‘The Scene’ tribute
From 1975 to 1987, Detroiters tuned in to WGPR-TV to watch The Scene — the Motor City’s answer to Soul Train that featured young people dancing to funk, R&B, and early Detroit techno acts like Cybotron. A special tribute to the influential television show’s musical legacy is set for this year’s Concert of Colors music festival, running July 15-19 in Detroit.
Detroit’s Marrow to close West Village flagship, pivot Birmingham storefront
Acclaimed restaurant Marrow says it will close its popular restaurant in Detroit’s West Village and concentrate efforts on its new Eastern Market brasserie instead. Marrow founder Ping Ho made the announcement in a social media post on Monday, calling the decision “bittersweet.” Billed as a “neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant,” Marrow opened its West Village location at 8044 Kercheval Ave. in 2018. The restaurant quickly earned critical acclaim, including four James Beard Award nominations.
Detroit to celebrate 160 years of Vernors ginger ale with birthday bash
Pharmacist James Vernor started selling his ginger ale in Detroit in 1866 — making it the oldest American ginger ale brand. That means this year marks Vernors’s 160th anniversary, and a big birthday bash is in the works.
Metro Detroit’s biggest concerts of the summer
Let’s get loud. Between the festival circuit and the big-name touring acts coming to amphitheaters and stadiums, there’s great concerts happening every week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here are some to look out for.
May 13-26, 2026 - Detroit Metro Times
‘Michael’ is not a movie about Michael Jackson Everyone who goes to the movies is after something different. Relaxation, stimulation, escapism all are valid. That’s why it’s hard for me to reconcile exactly who Michael, the Michael Jackson musical biopic, is meant for and if its existence is healthy for culture and society at large. The film ends in 1988, at the height…
New poll finds Abdul El-Sayed surging in Michigan U.S. Senate race
Left-wing candidate Abdul El-Sayed is now leading Michigan’s Democratic Party primary for U.S. Senate, according to a new poll. It finds El-Sayed has emerged as the race’s clear frontrunner with 28% support, ahead of U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens at 18% and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow at 17%. El-Sayed, a former Detroit and Wayne County health official who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2018, said the poll shows voters want change from the Democratic Party.
Buns & Patties to serve up late-night smashburgers in Berkley
The smashburger craze is coming to downtown Berkley with a new late-night spot. Buns & Patties is set to open its doors on Friday, with opening hours as late as 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 a.m. from Sunday-Thursday. Smashburgers have been having a moment in recent years.
Sanders backs El-Sayed, McKinney for U.S. Congress at packed Detroit rally
The Democratic Party establishment’s attempt to cancel Abdul El-Sayed appears to have fallen flat. More than 1,360 people packed Detroit’s Mumford High School on Sunday to hear the Michigan U.S. Senate candidate speak alongside U.S. House candidate Donavan McKinney. The event was helmed by Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders, who endorsed both candidates, and billed as the latest stop on his popular “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which drew thousands of supporters in Warren last year.
Massive, fantastic Chihuly exhibition opens in Grand Rapids
This spring, the botanical gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park have sprouted strange new forms: giant translucent flowers, neon blue crystals floating in a pond, and a towering 30-foot structure that looks like it could be a cactus made of ice, among others.
Pig & Whiskey moves to Detroit’s Corktown for 2026
Pig & Whiskey is coming to Detroit. The annual barbecue and music festival is leaving its longtime home in downtown Ferndale for Corktown this summer, organizers announced on social media Thursday. The event is set for July 31-Aug. 2, with the location to be announced at a later date. The festival did announce its initial music lineup, however, with Texas rockabilly trio Reverend Horton Heat on July 31, Detroit country band Goober and the Peas on Aug.
Little Liberia restaurant celebrates grand opening on Detroit’s east side
What is believed to be Michigan’s first restaurant dedicated to Liberian cuisine has opened in Detroit and is celebrating with a party. Little Liberia’s grand opening event is set to start at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15 with tastings, a live DJ, a Liberian dance performance, a photo booth, an art exhibition, and more. RSVPs are encouraged at eventbrite.com. Chef Ameneh Marhaba launched Little Liberia as a pop up 10 years ago.
Chicago-style Rosati’s Pizza opens first Michigan location
Does the home of Detroit-style pizza have room for Chicago-style pizza? Chicago-based Rosati’s Pizza opened its first Michigan location in Southfield and is celebrating by offering free slices from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, limited to one per person. The pizzeria is located at 29854 Northwestern Hwy. The family-owned chain was founded in 1964 and became the fourth-largest in the Chicago area, behind Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Little Caesars.
Complaining about Michigan is actually a very Michigan thing to do
Look, I have my own problems with Mallory McMorrow’s campaign for U.S. Senate, but her deleting some old tweets, as a new CNN article reports, is not one of them. The article seems to suggest that McMorrow — a native of New Jersey who arrived to Michigan via Los Angeles and has served as a state senator here since 2019 — is somehow an insufficient Michigander because she said she misses living California, complained about our terrible weather, and fantasized about a future without automobiles.
Noir Leather is relocating to Ferndale
After more than 40 years of flying its freak flag, Noir Leather is leaving downtown Royal Oak. Fortunately, it’s not the end of the BDSM-themed shop.
April 29-May 12, 2026
He blew the whistle on a toxic dump — and says he paid for it with his freedom This is the tenth installment in “Exploring Integrity: Reviewing Wrongful Conviction Remedies,” a series examining the impact of conviction integrity units on the American judicial system’s rate of wrongful conviction. Presented by the O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism, the investigation is supported by Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After 25 years of what he calls unwarranted…
HopCat announces grand opening at Great Lakes Crossing
Michigan-based craft beer bar chain HopCat is readying to open its latest location at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. Fans can get a first look at the new restaurant and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The new location is hosting a soft opening benefit from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
Eastern Market Brewing Co. plots statewide distribution
Detroit’s Eastern Market Brewing Co. says it plans to expand in Michigan. The craft brewery says it is working with a new production partner to significantly expand its production capacity, making beers like its popular Elephant Juice IPA available across the state this summer. “For years, our self-distribution business has been our most important competitive advantage,” founder Dayne Bartscht said in a press release.
Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza is coming to Detroit
A local chain that has developed a cult following with its fried chicken and New York-style pizzas is opening its first Detroit location next month. Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza is set to open inside the new Griswold Market & Spirits at 735 Griswold St. in downtown Detroit. The Detroit store is Saroki’s first to not be located inside of a gas station.
Transgender woman alleges discrimination at Ferndale gay bar
A Black transgender woman accused a popular, long-standing LGBTQ+ bar in Ferndale of discrimination after a bartender at Soho refused to serve her. In a video clip posted to TikTok last week, the Detroit woman said an alleged dispute over her ID quickly escalated, with the bartender shouting at her and kicking her out of the bar.
Detroit’s Mutiny Tiki Bar is moving, gay bar El Trombone to take over former space
After closing last month following nearly 10 years of business in Southwest Detroit, Mutiny Tiki Bar plans to reopen in another part of the city — but owner Dave Kwiatkowski isn’t ready to say exactly where just yet. “Mutiny will be reopening this fall in a different location,” Kwiatkowski tells Metro Times. “We should be open by October.” In the meantime, Kwiatkowski says his Detroit Optimist Society hospitality group is at work on a new concept for the space at 4654 Vernor Hwy.
April 15-28, 2026
I’m not sure what to say about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, but one thing is for sure: I don’t know that I like Chris Pratt that much anymore. I find that strange because his character on Parks and Recreation, Andy Dwyer, is one of my all-time favorite sitcom schlubs and he was one of…
Jack White is finally playing Pine Knob
Jack White’s quest to seemingly play every venue in the Detroit area continues with what will be his biggest local concert yet. The rock star’s newly announced tour includes a stop at Pine Knob, a legendary concert venue outside of Detroit with a capacity of more than 15,000. It would be his first time playing there. The show is set for Saturday, July 25. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 17, with fan presales also available.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces concert lineup for 2026 season
Some big names in music are set to perform as part of this year’s concert season at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.
Michelin Guide to rate Detroit restaurants as part of new Great Lakes edition
The respected Michelin Guide has dispatched its anonymous “Inspectors” to scout Detroit restaurants. Announced Wednesday, the Michelin Guide American Great Lakes edition will also cover the cities of Cleveland, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh. “The Michelin Guide is committed to fostering a culture of travel and dining by helping people discover unforgettable culinary experiences in new destinations,” said the Michelin Guide’s international director, Gwendal Poullennec.
Popular influencer the Hungry Black Man is opening a restaurant in Detroit
After years of growing a following by reviewing Black-owned businesses across the U.S., popular social media food influencer Starex Smith — better known to many as the Hungry Black Man — is opening a restaurant of his own in Detroit. Located at 1428 Gratiot Ave. in Detroit’s Eastern Market area, Smith & Williams is holding a preview this weekend ahead of its grand opening on May 1.
Midtown’s Jolly Pumpkin closes, to be replaced with ‘Mediterranean-ish’ concept
Jolly Pumpkin has closed its location in Detroit’s Midtown area. The local pizza and beer chain announced its closure on social media, writing, “After 11 incredible years, JP is closing its doors. We are so grateful for the love, support, and memories you’ve shared with us over the years, it has truly meant everything.” Jolly Pumpkin says it plans to reopen somewhere else in the city. “This isn’t goodbye, just see you soon,” the post continues.
Detroit’s 2026 food truck program will include festival favorite Island Noodles
Downtown Street Eats kicks off on Monday, April 6, bringing dozens of food trucks to Detroit’s Cadillac Square. This year’s program includes Island Noodles, a popular vendor at music festivals across the U.S., including Movement and Electric Forest in Michigan. The brand was founded in the 1990s in Montana and has become beloved for its Hawaiian-style wok-fired stir fry noodles. The food truck is also known for its smoothies.
The Ranch Honky Tonk brings live country music to Ann Arbor
The formula for a new business opening its doors in downtown Ann Arbor is pretty simple: “Live bands. Cold beer.” That’s according to Jerry McKinnie, general manager of the Ranch Honky Tonk — a new country music-themed bar and music venue that celebrates its grand opening on Thursday. “That’s really the whole idea behind The Ranch,” McKinnie said in a statement.
Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar opens in Royal Oak
A building in the heart of downtown Royal Oak has seen a number of different restaurants concepts over the years. Now, it’s become what its owner is describing as “a whole Italian complex.” Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar is opening Thursday on the ground floor of 100 S. Main St., Royal Oak, following the upstairs Bella Limone last year. Previously, the building housed multiple concepts with Pinky’s Rooftop, Pearl’s Deep Dive, and Bohemia.
St. Vincent to perform with Detroit Opera Orchestra
National art rock act St. Vincent will perform with the Detroit Opera Orchestra this summer. “St. Vincent LIVE with the Detroit Opera Orchestra” is set for Friday, July 24 at the Detroit Opera House.
New owners of Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger plan to get liquor license, expand hours
It’s a new era for Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger. Founded in 1953, the Ann Arbor burger spot is under new ownership with plans to modernize the space while preserving its legacy.
Smashburger spot Patty & Press celebrates grand opening in Shelby Township
A new Detroit-area burger joint is joining in on the smashburger trend. Patty & Press is set to celebrate its grand opening in Shelby Township starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21. The business says the first 100 guests through the door will receive one free burger, limit one per person. The business had a soft opening in December, and says demand for what they bill as a “better-for-you” burger spot with 100% grass-fed beef has been so high that they are expanding their kitchen.
Detroit’s Duane mixes ghettotech and pop with ambitious new project
The Detroit artist Duane has gone by a number of names. “I’ve lived a lot of lives, is what I say,” the artist tells Detroit Metro Times.
Rashida Tlaib introduces legislation to defend people who expose government corruption
During the Vietnam War, Daniel Ellsberg — a peace activist from Michigan who had worked as an analyst in the U.S. Department of Defense — became so disillusioned with the quagmire that he leaked a critical top-secret report dubbed the “Pentagon Papers” to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other newspapers.
Balam Coffee & Wine readies to open in Ferndale
After opening Ferndale’s Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen in 2021, sibling owners Sandra Haro and Jose Granados are expanding with a new venture. Balam Coffee & Wine is getting ready to open to the public on Monday, March 16 at 207 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, not far from their restaurant.
Detroit’s Sunda New Asian serves up creative cuisine in a stunning space
Sunda New Asian is not subtle about its influences. An eye-grabbing art installation evocative of Japanese cherry blossoms fluttering in the breeze is suspended over a pink quartzite bar, with another nearby made from pearlescent capiz shells from the Philippines. Framed photos from throughout Asia adorn another wall, mementos of the travels of founder and CEO Billy Dec.
Why this Detroit Congressman keeps trying to impeach Trump officials
Congressman Shri Thanedar has filed articles of impeachment against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the latest effort from the Detroit Democrat to hold high-ranking members of the Trump administration accountable. Last week, Thanedar introduced H.Res.1105, which in part accuses Bondi of covering up the investigation into disgraced financier and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, an associate of President Donald Trump.
The Greater Detroit Music Census needs you
Detroit is known as one of the world’s great music cities, thanks to rich legacies like Motown, rock ’n’ roll, hip-hop, techno, and more. However, it could be better. Exactly how is what organizers behind The Greater Detroit Music Census hope to find out. The survey aims to support the local music industry by seeking input from a wide swath of it, including artists, producers, managers, venue owners and workers, teachers, members of the media, and more.
Detroit Burger Battle celebrates 10th anniversary this summer
The Detroit Burger Battle is celebrating 10 years of its popular food event by bringing back its previous winners to compete for the “Burger of the Decade.” The event is also expanding to Grand Rapids for the first time. The Detroit Burger Battle is set for Sunday, June 28 at Eastern Market, with the Grand Rapids event planned for July.
Michigan’s Faster Horses country music fest canceled for second straight year
After teasing a “bigger and better” event in 2026, Michigan’s Faster Horses festival is canceled again. The massive three-day country music fest, which drew some 40,000 fans annually to the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, announced on social media that the show will not go on this summer. “Faster Horses Music Festival will not return in 2026,” Faster Horses wrote in a social media post.
Pinball Pete’s faces sex discrimination lawsuit after refusing to hire woman for closing shift
East Lansing video game arcade Pinball Pete’s describes itself as “an easy-going, inclusive environment where retro vibes meet genuine hospitality,” according to its website. However, a local woman alleges that when it comes to hiring, the business — a fixture in the community since 1977 — is anything but inclusive. East Lansing resident Melissa Rill, 46, accused Pinball Pete’s of sex-based discrimination after she inquired about a closing shift position in April 2024.
Here’s how to get in our 2026 Detroit Music Issue
Are you a Detroit-area musical artist? Have you released a project in the past year or so? Do you want people to hear it? This is your chance to reach a wider audience! Last year’s Detroit Music Issue was such a hit that we’re bringing it back, set for publication on Wednesday, March 18. Fill out the Detroit Metro Times Music Issue Google Forms survey by Friday, March 13 for a chance to be included.
Sunda New Asian readies to launch near Detroit’s Comerica Park
Sunda New Asian is getting ready to open its first location in Detroit. Led by Emmy award-winning restaurateur Billy Dec, the chain features pan-Asian cuisine. Sunda New Asian plans to open at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at 33 W. Columbia St., not far from Detroit’s Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena. The Motor City location will be the chain’s fourth overall, which includes two locations in Chicago, as well as locations in Tampa and Nashville.
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