Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas Release a Record
Based on the tentative and confused steps up the stairs to the Magic Stick, many of Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas' fans seemed to be young women who had never been to a concert before — but for Detroit's often jaded and often insular music scene, this is a coveted demographic to be sure. The band played through many of the songs on Secret Evil, a set of WDET-friendly, pop-oriented rock bolstered by Hernandez's soulful vocals (and copious trombone). They played some new material, too, indicating it might not be as long of a wait for their next album. A big LED video screen served as the band's backdrop, the kind you're more likely to see with a national band at the Fillmore than a local show at the Stick — possibly an advantage of her major-label budget. They closed with an unexpected cover of electroclash band Le Tigre's "Deceptacon," with the trombonist expertly interpreting the track's spastic guitar lick. More, please.
How Bizarre
DDAYS swung by Theatre Bizarre's fancy, carnie-inspired party at the Rust Belt Market last weekend to help celebrate the official kick-off of this year's ticket sales for the Halloween hootenanny. Folks started lining up around 2 p.m., five hours before the box office even opened, and many waited in line as long as three hours before they got inside. We were shocked to see the line wrap around the corner and down the street as far as the eye could see! The Theatre Bizarre team went over the top as usual, and the market was outfitted with spooky décor and plenty of games and props, plus entertainment and plenty of booze. There are still a few tickets left for the second night of the event, which happens at the Masonic Temple Oct. 17-18. Get 'em now before they're gone!
Dip See Do
The DIYpsi Art Fair took place over the weekend at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, where there was plenty of beer, live music, and some fantastic art for sale. A couple of our favorite stands included Feral Foods, an organic veggie booth, and henna art by Kelly Caroline. We loved the magical Robot Lights by Tin Angry Men, the one-of-a-kind Cool Critters Plush Dolls, and we must mention the crocheted cactus plants by Harvesting Hart — they were just too darling. There was some great rock 'n' roll art by Jason Gibner and creative taxidermy by Black Jake (from the local band Black Jake & the Carnies). There was even beard oil for sale by Tame Your Mane. It smelled marvelous and was a must-buy for that special beard in your life. Of the myriad booths filled with artsy goods, we also enjoyed works by Jehan Burki, Kill Taupe, the Library Lab, Gabriel's Design Shop, Earthenwood Ceramics, and the clothes and purses by Mended.
Jamming and Jubilee-ing
DDAYS hit the Russell Industrial Center Saturday night for the first-ever Art Jam + Jubilee and enjoyed live music, beer, and glass-blowing demonstrations. Though the crowd was markedly thin, we liked the wide-open spaces that allowed for a rowdy game of Giant Jenga. We'd like to thank Sean Yargeau and Brandon McKee Davis for a visit to their Sharklion studio inside the Rust Belt, and we'd also like to apologize for spilling that beer on the floor. It was only the first of the night, but at least the other two were spilled on the ground outside. Sorry — they don't let us out very often.
Free Fallin'
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers performed at DTE Energy Sunday night to a sold-out, hyped-up crowd. Steve Winwood opened the show and warmed things up nicely with his big Traffic hits, including "Dear Mr. Fantasy." Petty rocked the house, and folks were on their feet the entire performance. Tom and the boys just released their 13th studio album this summer, Hypnotic Eye. The new album is getting rave reviews, and it debuted at No. 1 on Billboard in July, making it his first album to ever top the chart. Petty joked on stage and mentioned many times how he loves Detroit and this venue, called Pine Knob. He performed a few new songs and many classics hits like "Refugee," "Learning to Fly," and "Free Falling." A two-hour set with a three-song encore, closing out the show with everyone's favorite, "American Girl." — mt
