Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

I'm a bit exhausted today from TEDxDetroit so my mind isn't functioning properly and I can't be all witty and such. Not that I usually am.

All I'm going to say is that there are so many cool things to do in Detroit that you could never get bored.

Oh, and I found this quote that I liked from SPIN Underground USA, 1997. I'd love to read the context from which it came but couldn't find anything in the Google machine.

When people talk about Detroit, what they really mean is anything east of Ann Arbor...

Weekend Roundup

1. Russell Industrial Center Open House - The RIC houses some of Detroit's most innovative artists; explore their studios, workshops and galleries. October 2nd.

2. Rainbow Blight & Slow's Bar-B-Q 5th Anniversary Party - This big party takes place in front of Michigan Central Station and proceeds will go to building a skate park in Roosevelt Park. Music, over 30 different beers on tap, food from Slow's, cornhole and more! October 3rd.

3. The Facebook Show - The Museum of New Art in Pontiac presents this show on how the digital age is changing art. October 2-30.

4. Detroit Party Marching Band Benefit Show - PJ's Lager House hosts a party for Detroit's guerilla marching band so they can make it to the HONK! Festival in Boston. October 2nd.

5. Fall Farm Festival - Enjoy the season at Kensington Metropark featuring demonstrations of carpentry, beekeeping, and how to make apple cider. Storm, a white German shepherd service dog, will show off his skills too! October 2-3.

6. Marian Call performs at Detroit Comics - This Alaskan singer/songwriter is on a DIY national tour of the other 49 states. The tour is community collaberation with fans requesting the cities and shows. October 3rd.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie Reader Appreciation Party!

Detroit Moxie has grown in the most amazing ways since I first launched the site back in March of 2009. The amount of people who read what I have to say, people who are looking for things to do in Detroit, and who engage either here, on Facebook, or on Twitter truly astounds me.

I didn’t do anything for my “blogaversary” partly because I wanted to do something really special for all of you. And now I am.

The Detroit Moxie Reader Appreciation Party is at The Old Miami in Detroit on 10/10/10. This party is about you; I want to thank you for all your support and kind words over the last year and a half.

The Old Miami

The Old Miami is a place uniquely Detroit. From their website:

Located at 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI, 48201 Established in 1979 as a haven for Vietnam Veterans, the Old Miami has been called "the C.B.G.B's of the midwest" for it's history as a music venue. Almost every notable artist from Detroit has played on its stage as well as many national acts of the punk/modern rock era. "Miami" is an acronym for Missing In Action Michigan and the walls are lined thick with Vietnam and other military mementos, many of which were given to owner Danny Overstreet by fellow veterans. People from all walks of life call the Old Miami a home away from home. Bikers, students, bladers, musicians, lawyers and anarchists are its patrons who gravitate to this easy-going off-campus dive where live music rules.

The Old Miami also has a delightful backyard and that is where the party will take place. Take a look.

I can also announce today that we’ll be giving away some prizes at the party!

First up, The Henry Ford, America's greatest history attraction, has donated a Companion Flex yearlong membership worth $150. This membership allows two members plus two of their guests unlimited admission to both the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for the year. You can see the full benefits here.

If that isn’t enough, The Henry Ford will also be putting together a basket with some of their signature food items. Included will be some of their beers that are made especially for them by Motor City Brew Works, Hobo Bread, and other goodies!

More surpises to come!

So, head on over to the Facebook page and let me know if you’re coming to the party! If you’re not on Facebook, no worries. Just let me know in the comments if you can make it.

When: 10.10.10 from 4pm - 8pm.

Where: The Old Miami, 3930 Cass Avenue, Detroit.

Why: To thank all of you for your support!

Nonsense: 101010 in binary is 42 in decimal. 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. I’m only turning 41 and don't have the answers.

I’m still looking for more Detroit and Michigan based food & giveaway sponsors for the event. If you or your company are interested in donating contact me at becks@detroitmoxie.com.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Fall, or autumn as my very formal husband likes to call it, is my favorite season. I love the smell of the leaves, the crisp air that is perfect for a sweatshirt, and cider mills.

Here in Detroit, there are tons of things to do this time of year. So, get out there and enjoy Detroit! You better hurry; the snow will be here before you know it.

Oh, and I almost forgot.

Save the date: 10/10/10! Detroit Moxie Reader Appreciation Party at the Old Miami. (Facebook link)

I’m still sorting out the details but this party is for you; I want to thank you for your support throughout the last year and a half. All you readers and re-tweeters, those of you that “like” the post or the site, and all those lovely comments deserve a reward.

Really, I just want to say thank you and meet you all in person. Check back for details, I’ll have them soon.

Weekend Roundup

1. Detroit Critical Mass (Facebook link)- Take a bike ride through the streets of Detroit with a few hundred riders. All ages and all skill levels are welcome for this leisurely ride. September 24th.

2. Tour de Troit - If a few hundred riders isn't enough for you, the Tour de Troit expects thousands on this bike ride that takes over the streets and explores the historic areas and beautiful views of Detroit. September 25th.

3. Rochester Area Heritage Festival - This festival celebrates the communities unique heritage and brings history to life. Activities include entertainment, wagon rides, a petting farm, and arts & crafts. September 25-26.

4. Sean Blackman "In Transit: Travel the World Through Music & Dance" - World music blended with modern Detroit jazz that will inspire seven dancers. September 24th.

5. Birmingham Rail Jam - The median between Old Woodward & Woodward Avenue, just south of the 555 building, will be transformed into a mini ski-lovers paradise complete with snow. Come out and watch the professional demo as well as amateurs strutting their stuff. September 25th.

6. MotorCity Casino $10,000 Manhunt - Find the escape artist in this scavenger hunt through Detroit and you and your team can win $10,000. What a fun way to explore downtown! September 25th.

7. Live Love Local: The Greening of Detroit's 20th Anniversary Celebration - Head to Eastern Market to celebrate local food and music and living green. Twenty-four local eateries will be featured as well as beer from Motor City Brew Works. September 25th.

Don't Forget: Detroit Restaurant Week kicks off on Friday, September 24th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Big Thinkers to Share at TEDxDetroit

TEDxDetroit is an independently organized event inspired by the national TED conference, which focuses on technology, entertainment, and design.

From the TEDxDetroit website:

The area's leading creators, catalysts, entrepreneurs, artists, technologists, designers, scientists, thinkers and doers will gather on Wednesday, September 29th to share what they are most passionate about — positive ideas for the world from Detroit.

Last year, I was excited yet shocked to attend TEDxDetroit. Shocked that they let me in and stoked that they wanted me at their event.

What a difference a year makes! This year, I’m working behind the scenes on TEDxDetroit and I think it’s going to be an amazing day. The conference is being presented by Wayne State University and will take place at the Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

This years lineup of speakers include Erik Proulx, creator of two documentaries, Lemonade and Lemonade: Detroit; Rick DeVos, the founder of ArtPrize; and Kami Pothukuchi, director of Seed Wayne at Wayne State University.

Lemonade: Detroit Trailer from Erik Proulx on Vimeo.

There are limited seats still available but you must act now! Click here to submit an application to attend TEDxDetroit 2010. The conference is free to attend but a $21 donation is strongly encouraged. The donation will go directly to Public Art Workz and makeLoveland.

TEDxDetroit is for you if:

• You like to think big and outside of the box.

• You’re passionate about Detroit.

• You know that the way it has always been done isn’t necessarily the best way to accomplish something.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now.

Fall 2010 Edition of Detroit Restaurant Week

Attention Food Lovers! Time is running out, make your reservations for Detroit Restaurant Week now. The Fall 2010 edition of DRW kicks off at the end of the week and runs September 24^th through October 3^rd.

Detroit’s finest restaurants will offer a three-course dinner for $28 (excluding beverages, tax, and tip). This is a great time to explore a few restaurants you’ve never been to before or to revisit some old favorites.

Crain’s Detroit Business is sponsoring a Detroit Restaurant Week preview at Mosaic on September 23, 2010 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. The preview will feature complimentary appetizers and drink specials. RSVP to attend the DRW preview at Mosaic.

There are two features on the website that make my heart smile. First, under the After Dinner tab, they offer suggestions on events to check out after your meal for each of the 10 nights of Detroit Restaurant Week. Second, the restaurant menus are on the website, not on a PDF that you have to download. Seriously, this little thing made me so happy!

So, how does a foodie decide which of the 18 Detroit fine dining establishments to check out?

Do you go with an old classic like The Whitney, Roma Café, or the Caucus Club? Or, do you check out one of the newer heavy hitters such as Roast, Atlas Global Bistro, or the Detroit Seafood Market? How about the incredible views of Detroit and Canada from Coach Insignia?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

If you’re still undecided, take a look at The Hungry Dudes previews of DRW and view their Flickr stream.

Which restaurants are on your list for Detroit Restaurant Week? Have you made your reservations yet?

Keep me posted on your experiences!