It seems like March could be going out like a lamb this year. Which is great, because it sure did cause some problems earlier in the month.
Let’s get this list, and this weekend, started.
Freep Film Festival – Detroit, Royal Oak, and Novi
The Freep Film Festival is a great way to see films that you might not usually get a chance to see.
There are nine venues for this years festival. Most of them are in Detroit however the Emagine Royal Oak and Novi are participating as well.
There are some great film choices this year that tackle the 1967 Detroit riots, Jane Jacobs, the Flint water crisis, White Boy Rick, and voguing.
I’m having a hard time picking a top pick, because they all look so good. You can find information about all of the films as well as purchase tickets here.
The festival officially starts on March 30 and continues through April 2.
I suggest checking out the Day by Day grid because it makes finding out when and where the films will be shown.
P.S There is a vogueing class with Jose Xtravaganza on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the Boll YMCA. Jose Xtravaganza is a choreographer and one of Madonna’s original dancers from the Blonde Ambition Tour. You can pick up tickets here.
Detroit Pheasant Walk- Detroit
Earlier today we were on the Eastside and we just happened upon some pheasants. I knew it was a sign that I had to add this Detroit Audubon Society walk to the City 5 this week.
This is the first pheasant walk that DAS has offered, so let’s make sure this first walk is a success.
The walk is free, however donations are always welcome. Becoming a member isn’t expensive either, so that is always an option.
You can register for the walk here.
The walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will go until 11:00 a.m. The walk will start near the corner of Scott and Grandy on the Eastside.
Dequindre Cut Community Clean-Up – Detroit
Now that Spring is here it is time to start cleaning up our outdoor spaces. Come hang out with the Detroit Riverfront Conservatory and help clean up the Dequindre Cut on Saturday, April 1.
The clean up begins at 12:00 p.m. and continues until 4:00 p.m, but you can show up anytime between 12:00 and 3:00 and volunteer for as long as you want to.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservatory will supply garbage bags and gloves for volunteers. There will also be snacks and drinks available.
If you’re interested you can let them know that you’ll be attending by signing up here.
You can check in for the clean up at the entrances of the the Dequindre Cut at Woodbridge, Gratiot, and Wilkins Street.
4th Annual Storytellers Festival – Detroit
Here I am talking about storytelling again. I can’t help it, storytelling is something that is really important to bridging gaps between people, beliefs, and ideas.
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication, and it is something that should continue.
Ok I’ll get off my soapbox now. Here’s the details for the Storytellers Festival.
The day will be filled with storytellers from all different backgrounds and ethnicities. Come and hear about Detroit’s innovators from the past, present, and future.
Along with listening to the storytellers you can also attend a storytelling workshop with The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers.
You can find the entire schedule of storytellers here.
The best part of the festival is free.
It is going to be on Sunday, April 2 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5401 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48202
Rock For Refugees – Dearborn
If you are in the mood for some live music I suggest heading to the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn for the Rock For Refugees benefit concert.
There will be two stages for musical performances. The complete line up is located on the AANM website. Concert goers will be able to see ean Blackman & Friends with special guest Thornetta Davis, Casual Sweetheart, and BombaRica.
They will also be accepting donations for Syrian refugee families, through the Center for Arab American Philanthropy’s Building Blocks for New Americans Fund. (Think new toiletries, cleaning supplies, and diapers sizes 1-5.)
The Drunken Rooster food truck will be on hand for those of you who need to get some grub.
Tickets are only $20 per person, for the entire day. This is such a great deal for a good cause. You can purchase tickets here.
The concert benefits the Freedom House and ACCESS’ Campaign to Take On Hate.
The concert is on Sunday, April 2 and it is from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The Arab American National Museum is located at 13624 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, Michigan 48126