Passalacqua on Michigan Movement

The Detroit duo, Passalacqua came by the WAYN Radio studio for my show Michigan Movement. Visit the WAYN blog for my full Passalacqua post.

If you have yet to hear their music, then my dear friends, what are you waiting for? Passalacqua recently released a video for “Sirens” which will corrupt your vision with perfection. Mind you, the video is NSFW as the band warns on their facebook page. But, I assume if you are at work you may already be browsing the net and can sneak the video in.  Luckily, I’m posting this on a Sunday, so today you may enjoy all you want. But if you want to feel rebellious, wait until you’re back in the office.

Passalacqua on Michigan Movement

That Voting Business

Earlier in September I did an interview with Dan Korobkin, American Civil Liberties Union staff attorney. In the interview we spoke about registering to vote and some of the materials you need to have on election day. The ACLU’s “Let Me Vote” campaign offers information on knowing your rights when voting, tips for election day and help for students.  The site offers information if you have any problems at the polls for example, making a mistake on the ballot, or harassment at the polls.

“We’re counting on students and young people, who are really motivated to exercise their fundamental right to vote. To be aware of what’s going on, and to get out to the polls, and if they encounter some sort of problem to contact the right people so that everything goes as smoothly as possible on election day,” says Korobkin.

When at the polls if you encounter any problems contact the Election Protection Hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE or the Michigan Bureau of Elections at (517) 373-2540.

As far as the proposals go, I found a site and an article with some helpful information.

Visit the Citizens Research Council of Michigan for an in depth look and visit the next link for a  brief article I found.

That Voting Business

An Always Relevant Dally in the Alley Post

So it’s the beginning of October and here I sit in Fourteen East remembering my lack of a Dally in the Alley post. Thankfully when Dally talk was relevant over in September I made my post  on the WAYN Radio blog which you may check out here by clicking the lovely link. But, last night at Dlectrcity I overheard some girls reminiscing about Dally so I take it that I’m not too late.

Time to go a bit deeper into my time at Dally but from the WAYN post you now know I had the chance to talk with rapper SelfSays and people checking out Dally for the first time. During the past months I checked out music from SelfSays and went back and forth trying to set a meetup. Well, Dally turned out to be the place and it was great to meet another talented Detroit artist coming more and more into the spotlight. SelfSays also performed at the Ferndale DIY Street Fair and if you missed both of those performances go listen to him over on his website.

For the most part of Dally I traveled alone but met up with friends throughout the festival.  Running into old friends and meeting new people are the key to a good Dally experience. It’s always better to meet new people at Dally, people are happy even when they are broke and just there for the people and music. To all the first time “dalliers” I met, you made my day, and thanks for accepting my weird first time meeting rituals. Also, someone had to let me know that a picture of me dancing was over in Metro Times so I had to check it out and relive my odd dancing ways at Dally all over.

Back when I did the show I had some Dally artist on my playlist so I will leave you with one track you need to play.

Tunde Olaniran-Brown Boy

An Always Relevant Dally in the Alley Post

Movement Detroit Tips and Tricks

(Headline update to reflect current name)

DEMF IS TOMORROW, THE TIME HAS COME, START THE PREPARATION!

Well as you can clearly see I am excited for DEMF, and I know the rest of you are too, because my Fb and Twitter feeds surely show it. I have been going to this beautiful festival for quite some time now, and each year I meet someone who will be experiencing the festival for the first time. So I have decided to put together some tips for the weekend and feel free to share your own!

1. Buy Your Tickets Early- Eh, I know this is a bit late, but if you haven’t already bought your ticket be prepared to watch your bank account cry. Sign up for newsletters and get updates when the Super Early Bird Tickets go on sale.

2. Know the After Parties- Try and know where the official after parties are ahead of time so you can get a good deal on them. This will also come in handy when stranger person trying to dance all next to you keeps telling you to come to this party he heard about. You will now have an excuse.

3. Be Chill in the Line- People this is the first day, no need to be feisty. I think the rain last year made the line a bit more crazy than usual, but like I said just stay chill. Try to go with the flow, or just take charge and see who is slacking off and dash to a free spot in line.

4.  It Will Rain- Like I mentioned above, the rain is a usual festival goer. Look up the weather early, and plan your outfits ahead of time. You can even be extra snazy, and bring a rain coat or poncho.

5. Eat Some Food- Everything will cost you money and it won’t be cheap. You can stuff your face before hand, or you can plan on buying and splitting food with friends.

6. Don’t Bring the Whole World- This can apply to both friends and items. Do you really need to pack your life away? Bring what you need, and hang on to it. You will be in a crowd of people, and personal space does not exist. So when the crowd starts pushing, I do not need to see you attempting to crawl around looking for something. Seriously you will get hurt, move with the crowd. Oh, and the twenty friends you brought will get lost. But that’s okay they are having fun.

7. Walk with Someone- No, I am not trying to confuse you. I know I just said don’t have a ton of people, but that does not mean you have to wander around by yourself.

8.  Hydrate Thyself- There are enough people passing out. Drink something so you are not one of them.

9. Relax- You will be dancing your life away for hours, non stop! But I love just poppin a squat and relaxing. This is when you meet awesome people. Not to say that the person you were just rubbing up on isn’t awesome, but chill mode is the best. Sit near the fountain, be nice and see how many interesting people you meet. This is when you run into friends too. I should also add if you want to soak yourself in the fountain remember to bring a shirt or pants. I do not want to feel wet clothes if I’m walking through the crowd.

10.  Parking- It’s downtown loves, the parking process is not dandy. Either pay a ton or be prepared to walk, but I don’t want to see any complaint statuses.

11. Download the App- The app is available for iPhone and Android. See if you like it, and organize your schedule on it.

12. Know the Artist- Yes, it is fun to listen to someone you have not heard of. But at least attempt to know who some of the DJ’s are. Know when and where they are playing. Go to the stage ahead of time if you want a good spot.

13. Sunblock- I will probably wear some this year. It will be a first time for me, or you can just bum some from your friends.

14.  Just Go, and Dance- It’s Movement, Tech Fest, DEMF whatever you call it.  Have fun and just experience the day.

Those are some basics,and for some  just reminders. Like I said add some in the comments and I will most likely remember some more to share.

The official website for more info

Movement Detroit Tips and Tricks

High Voltage Fashion Show

On April 19, 2012 the Fashion Design and Merchandising Organization (FDMO), and Wayne State University presented “High Voltage” at the Music Box in the Max M. Fisher Music Center. The show was sponsored by Smart Water, and StyleLine Magazine. The show also received help from David Houston Salon, Wayne State’s DOSO, Delta Zeta and Sole Sisters. During the show, music was provided by DJ Alex Kaye, and after we had an interesting performance from FlashClash.

I had fun behind the scenes and walking in the show. Surprisingly back stage wasn’t too wild, but there was hair, makeup and clothes everywhere. Since I am great with managing my time (shameful sarcasm) I had to rush and paint my nails on the floor right before makeup. So that was one wild factor, but even though the night had some crazy moments I had a great time.

After the show FlashClash performed, and my god did they perform. It was a great way to end the night by dancing and watching them jump around and dance everywhere as well. While waiting for pictures the lead singer was spinning around on the floor. So as you can tell the night was one to remember.

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High Voltage Fashion Show

Kiva Detroit

Earlier in April I did a show on an organization that allows Detroiters to become community leaders, and help build small businesses.  Kiva Detroit helps Detroiters  support local entrepreneurs with the use of microloans.   Kiva Detroit is a partnership between  Kiva.org, Accion USA, Michigan Corps and the Knight Foundation. The organization Kiva works with community organizations to provide small loans of $25 at a time with the use of field partners. I admire that Kiva puts a strong focus on their field partner’s social performance. Kiva has a strict criteria of whom they decide to allow to become a field partner. Social performance is how an organization contributes to the greater good of their city. On the Kiva website different badges represent their specific social performance ranking.  Badge examples are anti-poverty focus, innovation and family and community empowerment. Kiva finds it important that an organization cares and supports the city, and does not just depend on money.

Individuals can also contribute, so don’t worry you don’t need to be a large company to help.  You can review different business proposals from across the globe and choose what business you like the best.

    Find out more about Kiva and Kiva Detroit.

Kiva Detroit

Fresh Corner Cafe

It’s time to eat healthy, and Fresh Corner Cafe is here to help. Fresh Corner Cafe is increasing the availability of fresh, quality food all over Detroit.  Created by five University of Michigan students, they recognized a lack of stores in Detroit with fresh food. The original name was Fresh Detroit, and started in only a select few gas stations across the city. The company distributes their products to corner stores and gas stations to give people healthier choices where typically junk food is dominant.

Fresh Corner Cafe establishes itself as somewhat of a  separate cafe in these stores. The problem they faced was that people didn’t want to buy food at a gas station.  The name change helped create the “cafe” vibe, and the company has expanded as well. Fresh Corner cafe also does catering and can be found in stores across Midtown.

After my show I went to Thistle Coffee House where they sell Fresh Corner Cafe products. I ordered the Grand River and Telegraph’s Jerk Chicken Special(Fresh Corner Cafe) and a vanilla chai tea( Thistle Coffee House). They both tasted great and the cafe is a great hangout spot for both studying and hanging out with friends. While eating and enjoying my tea I even played a game of Scrabble from Thistle’s board game collection.

Visit Fresh Corner Cafe’s website for retail locations

Fresh Corner Cafe

Fashion In Detroit

Fashion in Detroit: Behind and (Right) In Front of the Scenes

On March 10, 2012 I was able to attend a beautiful event at the Motor City Casino Soundboard. The event Fashion In Detroit featured Detroit artist making a big impact on the Detroit fashion scene. Now even though I had a press pass for the event my camera of choice was my lovely  Droid phone (which did not do the models/designers any justice).  So up above I have linked an article with gorgeous pictures, and a great Detroit fashion blogger as well.

Enjoy!

Fashion In Detroit

Are You Young Detroit?

Are you under 40? An entrepreneur? Or just a young Detroiter looking to make an impact? Well I Am Young Detroit is the place for you. This blog profiles some of the newest leaders, and young Detroiters changing the city with their ideas.  The site features profiles and a Q&A section of a young Detroiter and highlights what they are doing for the city. Some of the great questions are ” Why he/she chooses to stay in Detroit, and what he/she wishes others knew about Detroit” and some great pictures are included as well.

The I Am Young Detroit blog ( movement is a great word too, as they use in their about section) inspires young individuals to be creative and get involved in their city. Seeing other young people doing big things encourages others to continue the Young Detroit movement. Other outlets are also available through social portals on the site. While browsing the profiles you can check out some great dining, decor and other hot spots in the city. If you want to stay on top of what’s new in the city then I would hurry up and check out I Am Young Detroit.

Follow I Am Young Detroit on Twitter for the latest projects

Are You Young Detroit?