Melody of Motown

One thing I've learned on my many visits to Detroit is that it is a hot spot for real music. Not the fake crap you hear on the radio. F*** this, F*** that, B-words, B-words, Money, B-words. More like the smooth sounds of a saxophone swarming the air like a light smoke, sweet sultry voices like the sounds of crashing waves on a beautiful sunny day. Jazz creates such a peaceful, care-free atmosphere that should be present everywhere you go. Sadly, that is not the case, but in Motown it is! Nicknamed after Motown Records, a record company founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy Jr in 1959. This label was graced with voices of legendary musicians like The Temptations, Diana Ross, Billie Holiday and Marvin Gaye. There are now so many discreet and accessible spots for Jazz lovers to get lost in their passion of music. From the classy aura of Cliff Bells to the antique feel of Cafe D'Mongos, there is always a spot for people of all shapes and sizes to engulf themselves in authentic Jazz. If you’re the mood to dress up nice, drink expensive cocktails and eat a bountiful seafood dinner, all while you enjoy a live Jazz performance, Cliff Bells is the right place for you. Right on 2030 Park Avenue, is the former busiest night crawl corner of Detroit in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

As I walked into the bar, I instantly felt important with the affluent ambiance of the wrap around bar and the dim lighting, along with the live Jazz music caressing my eardrums. Almost every single face was lit up with smiles and light airy conversation added a sort of melody to the music. This was my favorite part of the place. There were no judgments, no hostilities, no complaints. Just good, clean, honest fun.

Now, if want to see live jazz and you didn’t shower today or feel like it, The Jazz Loft right off of 529 Monroe street in Greektown is one of the best places to be. Not only is it very dimly lit, but very secluded. You would never know it was there without word of mouth. There is a man standing next to a bland doorway on the streets of Greektown guarding the door into the club, which is technically called Exodus. Door opens at 9 pm and closes at about 2 am. Some of best jazz bands in the city play here every Monday night. You will only understand why if you visit yourself. The passion the musicians exude is written plainly on their faces as they present their precious talents. You can tell just by looking at them that they live for these moments. 

The place is so small, yet so comfortable and homey, until you walk outside. The patio is set up so sensually with white curtains decorated in every corner, couches, chairs and tables set up for small talk, deep conversations and kindling of love and a view of the city below it. The patio was a reason in itself to visit.

The heART of Detroit

If you haven't visited the Detroit Institute of Art, plan a special trip. Right now. If you love beautiful, moving paintings, carefully sculpted sculptures and world modern/historical art, plan a special trip. Right now. The first time I visited the DIA, I felt like an Irishman in a bar with 50 imported beers on tap. Needless to say my eyes were soaring like a hawk upon every piece of art the place held. It was a maze, but the kind you would want to get lost in. Every room you found yourself in was more interesting than the next. You almost feel like you’re in a different world. All you need to do is dress the part and a different world it will be. The DIA was actually founded in 1885, but called The Detroit Museum of Art, so it was not always as awesome as it is now. After many updates, the most recent being when it closed down from May 28^th to November 23^rd in 2007 for a very rigorous renovation that actually cost them a total of $158.2 million, it has come a very long way. You can only imagine what type of work could have been done with that much money. The only way to find out is to actually go check it out for yourself. Which I highly suggest you do immediately. New wings were built, square feet were added and different categories of art as well. It is said the DIA’s collection of art is among the top six in the United States with an art collection worth over one billion dollars. They possess art from all over the world, from African American art, European art, Asian art to Islamic art. They don’t just hold paintings and sculptures either, they hold anything from clothing to stained glass. From toys to rugs. From flags to furniture. They hold it all. Not only does the museum stand still and look pretty, but it hold events and exhibitions. Events are listed as Sunday family days with family yoga, dance performances, story-telling and even puppet performances all for the kids! For the grown ups they have a Sunday music bar where local bands play Jazz, pop and swing music. If you visit www.dia.org, you will find everything you are looking for. The entire website is constructed very thoroughly for anyone interested in finding certain art or artists the museum possesses. It also bares a calendar of events. Any day you decide to visit, just visit the website and look up the day, it will list all events and exhibitions held that day! They also have classes and workshops for anyone that is interested in becoming in artist or is just looking for a side hobby. The Detroit Institute of Art is located on 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. You can also call ahead to find out tour dates, if you would like to be guided and educated throughout the place. This is a must check out in the Motor City if you haven’t already. Tickets are only $8! I wouldn’t waste anymore time.