13 ways to keep the good vibes going in Detroit during the pandemic

Itching to get outside? We totally get it, even when going out is more fraught than ever, and the weather is being uncooperative. 

Rain or shine, some of you are still getting fresh air. Feel free to take these suggested activities — whether jogging, reading or techno vibing — into the backyard. For those who are less inclined to venture out, you can still find ways to get a break from your typical ‘rona routine, even if it means swapping out your triathlon plans for a treadmill 5k or tuning into a virtual concert.

These cultural moments and things to keep you busy, from Detroit venues and creators, have got you covered either way. So check out what’s in store for this week, and as always, share feedback and tips for virtual events you’re loving right now at events@detourdetroiter.com.

Listen:

The Keynote Sisters performing “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae

🎧 You can dance if you want to: Detroit’s annual Movement Music Festival is postponed until September, but you can still participate virtually with Movement At Home this Memorial Day Weekend (May 23 through 25). The streamcast will feature artists originally scheduled for Movement 2020, plus some surprise guests. You can listen in via www.movement.usFacebookYouTube and Twitch channels. Contributions will benefit MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund.

🎸 Jam out with Jeff: Multi-talented Michigander Jeff Daniels has been a favorite for folks at home right now. While his website hosts plenty of ways to catch his tunes, don’t miss his final free show online tonight, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. This intimate performance is filled with stories about Daniels’ career, plus several surprises! All donations go toward The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea.

🎶 Mobile concerts are coming to a street near you: The Keynote Sisters, led by Jaclyn and Phoebe Holmes, are known for their sweet acoustic melodies and playing a little of everything — country, pop, oldies… you name it. Throughout quarantine, fans have been digging â€œThe Keynote Sisters Sundays” every Sunday night at 8 p.m. Since the beginning of April, theLake Orion-based duo has stayed even busier, treating locals to mobile concerts by setting up a portable speaker system in their car. They sisters are helping commemorate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions happening during the pandemic. You can schedule a drive-by show by clicking the â€œContact” section of their website.

Run:

Credit: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

🏃🏽‍♂️ A little friendly competition: Since group runs are out right now, virtual races have become all the rage. If you’ve recently gotten into running or have always loved a little competition, check out the annual Milford Memorial Day 5K, which extends from May 15 through June 15. Complete your 5K during this window at your convenience either outside or on a treadmill (as long as you’re socially-distanced, it counts). Register here for $25, and upload your finishing time online. All proceeds go toward the Milford High School Marching Band.

Read:

📖 Stay well-read: Pages Bookstore in Detroit is keeping scheduled events going during the pandemic, including the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club. Even if you’re a newbie, come visit virtually on Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m. with fellow literary fans — the group is open to all. The discussion on the book “The Mothers,” by Brit Bennett, will be led by Pages bookseller Jazmine Cooper. Purchase your copy online from Pages to get 15% off!

📚 Keep feeding your inner bookworm: The Arab American National Museum is launching a virtual book club in light of social distancing featuring books by Arab American authors. Pick up “Bitter Almonds” by Lilas Taha this week — it’s a captivating story of displacement, exile, family, love and loss. Join in on the discussion with Taha herself via Facebook live on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m.

🖥️ Stacks on stacks: Trying to kick that Amazon habit? Pick up your book club titles and others instantly via Libby and hoopla, which let you check out ebooks as a Detroit Public Library member. Or purchase the audiobook version through Libro.fm, which lets you choose the indie bookstore you want to have the profits.

Watch:

🙂 You gotta have hope: If you need a solid short vid to set the tone for your week, check out the latest from Blue Racer Productions — “Hope.” The video production company is led by Michigan State University grads David Zemon, Adam Luger and Scott Gordon, who created the film while staying socially distanced. For the voiceovers, they recruited Jeff Daniels and Detroit rapper Big Sean. Get ready to take in beautiful shots of the city while feeling inspired by Detroit’s resilience.

🍿 Pass the popcorn, please: Think beyond your mainstream streaming services and give an indie some views — the Film Lab in Hamtramck is providing a true cinematic experience through their Virtual Cinema offerings. Rent a movie for a low fee, with the ability to watch at your convenience over a few-day rental period. Some of their latest releases, like “Spaceship Earth,” include enlightening conversations with the director. Plus, keep the kids entertained with screenings of the best of the New York International Children’s Film Festival’s shorts, with programs tailored for younger kids and ages 8+.

Learn:

Credit: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park/Facebook

🌱 Let your garden grow: Now that spring is finally showing up, it’s time to get out and tend to those plants. If you’re seeking tips on seed saving, indoor houseplants, flower bulbs and more, Michigan State University Extension is hosting weekly “Cabin Fever Conversations” every Friday through June 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on on Zoom.

🌺 Nature at its finest: If you’re familiar with the gorgeous Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids or haven’t yet made it for a visit, immerse yourself in trees, plants, wildlife and plenty of sculptures daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with virtual tours on YouTube and Facebook. They also host morning storytime sessions for the little ones!

Connect & Collab:

Credit: Image by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

🙌 Let’s go team: We’re all adjusting to the pros and cons of collaborating via Zoom with co-workers. Kelly Murdoch-Kitt of the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design and Denielle Emans of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar are leading a workshop through CultureSource to help you dominate your remote work using visual thinking methods. Register to join the conversation Wednesday, May 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.

🤝 Networking with ease:
 Looking for positive conversations with other professionals? Networking on Purpose is a lively panel discussion moderated by Erika Monaé, founder and CEO of The Erika Monaé Group, featuring a diverse panel and focused topic every third Thursday. Registration is free, but EMG is taking donations to give back to a metro Detroit nonprofit selected each month. Their upcoming chat on Thursday, May 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is called My Faith. My Profession, and donations go to Alternatives for Girls. 

Correction: The Well-Read Black Girls Book Club book “The Mothers” is written by Brit Bennett. An earlier version of this post misidentified her as Brooke. We regret the error.

Allison Jacobs

Allison Jacobs is the digital producer and lifestyle reporter for Detour Detroit. She was the former digital editor at The Detroit Jewish News, where she helped oversee their digital strategy and produced a four-part video series called “Bubbie’s Kitchen.” Over the years, she has contributed articles for The Detroit Jewish News and SEEN Magazine. She’s a stickler for honest reporting and creating content that educates, entertains and inspires. Follow her on Twitter: @ajacobs114

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