Aimed precisely at the intersection of Black history and musical contributions, the spotlight will be shining even brighter on Detroiter James Dewitt Yancey this week, also known as J Dilla. Known the world over for his contributions to hip-hop and Detroit’s vibrant artistic legacy, J Dilla would have celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this month. In his honor, several events are happening this weekend to remind us of the myriad contributions he made during his brief life and prolific musical career.
In addition to the “thrilla” that is the Dilla-themed weekend ahead, the city will be alive with opportunities to nourish your mind, body and soul. From blues to bluegrass and sound bowl meditation to Lunar New Year celebrations, we got you!
J Dilla celebrations
From Friday to Sunday, Detroiters will celebrate J Dilla at the third annual Dillaworld series of events at MOCAD, Marble Bar, Garden Bowl and TV Lounge. You can purchase an all-access pass for the weekend or register for events à la carte.
🪩 Head to MOCAD Friday night for Distinctly Dilla, a full-on mash-up of mingling, music, books, beats and eats. The festivities include performances by Urban Art Orchestra, Phat Kat and Guilty Simpson; an interactive art exhibit curated by Ali the Unifier; food by Eat Street Social; and a book signing with “Dilla Time” author Dan Charnas, all hosted by Miz Korona. 21+. $20. Registration required.
🎳 On Saturday, double down on your J Dilla love with your kiddos in tow at Dilla Bowl at Garden Bowl in Midtown. DJ Bet and DJ Los will be on the decks while you enjoy pizza while supplies last! All ages. Free to attend and kids bowl free.
🕺🏾 Ditch the kiddos and shake your booty Saturday night at Marble Bar for DillaWorld Live, a hip-hop showcase hosted by John Cloud and featuring live performances by Boldy James, Elzhi & Oh No, Skyzoo, Mena Mahone and more. You’ll want to grab the limited-edition Dilla merch like it’s going out of style (even though we know it never will). 21+. $20 presale.
📺 Head to TV Lounge on Sunday for Dance for Dilla, featuring sets by DJ Godfather, DJ Psycho, Gary Chandler, DJ Fingers and DJ Don Q. 21+. $20.
Thursday
✂️ Let your creativity shine Thursday at a craft night for adults and teens in a relaxing and encouraging space at the Detroit Public Library’s eastside Franklin Branch. Led by “Craftinista” Ms. Mary Jo, you’ll get to unwind from the day while making something new! Free. Registration required.
🖍️ Check out The Coloring Museum in Rosedale Park on Thursdays. Your reservation fee gets you a chance to draw on the wall or in coloring packs created by Sherrie Savage, illustrator and owner of the Coloring Museum. All materials provided. All ages. $15 for adults, $10 for children 15 and under. Registration required.
This weekend
🐉 Head to Valade Park for a weekend-long celebration of the Lunar New Year! Activities Friday through Sunday include trivia, roasting marshmallows, enjoying hot chocolate, crafting and special performances! The weekend culminates in a parade with the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization and a food truck rally with Lor Bistro and Paradise Street Eats. All ages. Free.
🎹 Enjoy Friday Night Live!: The Black Opry Revue at the Detroit Film Theatre as part of its celebration of Black History Month. See live performances from Isaiah Cunningham, Christine Melody, Jett Holden and Nathan Graham, who are part of the touring group for the Nashville-based Black Opry. Free. All ages.
😍 Head to The Zone on the eastside for a speed-dating session called What’s Your Love Language? Hosted by the Masterminds Collective, activities are designed to reveal how you like to express and receive love, based on “The Five Love Languages” by author Gary Chapman. There will be socializing, giveaways, refreshments and a series of seven-minute dates. 21+. $20. Registration required.
🎓 Looking for what’s next after graduation? High school students and their parents are warmly invited to Second Ebenezer Church’s College and Trade School Fair. All ages. Free. Registration is suggested.
💃🏽 Shake your groove thing on Saturday during Zumba at The Congregation! You’ll get your heart rate up and make new friends, then you can hang out at the coolest repurposed church-turned-coffee-spot in town. Ask your baristas about who won last week’s Barista Throwdown. 😉 All ages. Free with registration.
🪀 Zack’s not the only Lego Maniac! If you and the kiddos still have some playful energy after Zumba, join the Black History Month Lego Challenge on Saturday at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch. Kids will build their own creations brick by brick, based on real inventions from Black inventors. Free. All ages. Registration required.
🥣 Decompress on Sunday morning with Miss AJ Williams at Detroit Foundation Hotel downtown during a soothing Winter Sound Bowl Meditation. Williams will focus on chakra healing in a calm private setting. $10. Registration required.
🥞 Start off your Sunday musical adventure with a Bluegrass Brunch at the Ferndale Project, featuring Wilson Thicket. It’ll be finger-picking good.
🎺 On Sunday afternoon, get your fix of swinging jazz at Cadieux Cafe on the eastside with Detroit Music Award winners Planet D Nonet, headed up by the amazing, civically minded RJ Spangler. All ages. $10 at the door.
Next week
😌 Recover from all the weekend fun at Wellness Wednesday: Mindfulness & Black History Month at Detroit Public Library’s Lincoln Branch. Free. Registration required.
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