What to do in Detroit this week: Afro Beats, Mayer Hawthorne, sake tasting and more

Downtown Detroit Markets are back for the rest of the season. Via Downtown Detroit Partnership

There are lots of opportunities to shake your tail feather coming up in Detroit. Enjoy live music, dance the midweek blues away and sip sake around town. Shop the holiday markets or just enjoy the festive spirit downtown. If you’re the more serious type, we’ve got action for you too. Crack open your computer for some virtual workshops or head over to Pages for a deep dive into the maps of Detroit. As always, there’s something for everyone in Detroit this week. 

Wednesday

🎁 After a pause last winter, the Downtown Detroit Markets return Wednesday for all your festive shopping and quasi ski lodge relaxing. Check out dozens of local vendors and enjoy the programming, hot chocolate and charcuterie at the Cadillac Lodge. Nov. 10-Dec. 31, free, info.

🎤 New Orleans R&B and jazz songstress Ledisi comes to the Masonic for a soulful evening on the tail of her July album paying tribute to Nina Simone, “Ledisi Sings Nina.” Nov. 10, $35+, info.

🍎I think we can all agree that teachers are the real heroes these days. Join GreenLight Fund Detroit and Strategic Community Partners for a discussion about elevating and strengthening the teaching profession on behalf of our students. This event is part of the SHIFT Series, a collection of online convenings that approach timely and relevant issues through a racial equity lens and demonstrate the powerful impact of a collaborative, community-minded process. Nov. 10, free, info.

Thursday

💃🏼 Dance therapy, anyone? Head over to Copperhouse Detroit this Thursday and shake those midweek blues away at the $5 Dance Party. Tap your toes to Afro Beats, enjoy snacks and indulge in plenty of good vibes. Nov. 11, $5, info.

🥂There’s a new co-working space in town… Venture X strives to provide high quality, flexible spaces to business professionals allowing members to grow their companies and exceed their business goals. This Thursday, enjoy an adult beverage and a tour of the new downtown office. Nov. 11, free, info.

Friday

🎸Two Michigan acts are taking the stage at Otus Supply this Friday. If you love good old-fashioned jam bands, the fun and funky sounds of Desmond Jones and Act Casual are right up your alley. You can expect a high-energy show featuring skillful musicianship and magnetic stage presence. Enjoy! Nov. 12, $15, info.

🖼️ Detroit Artists Market’s Art for the Holidays market is back — snag some one-of-a-kind gifts, with works for sale from more than 100 artists. Nov. 12, free, info.

Saturday and Sunday

📈Entertainment and education come together at Motor City Industry Fest this weekend. The unique experience will feature influencers in the fields of music, media, film, entrepreneurship, cryptocurrency and more! Our old friend and former Detour reporter, Alex Washington, will be featured on the MediaTalk panel. Enjoy panel discussions, networking, performances and so much more at TCF Center with some of Detroit’s most ambitious movers and shakers. Nov. 13-14, $40+, info.

🎥 This Saturday, head over to the Detroit Film Theatre to enjoy a free screening of “Wolfwalkers,” a family friendly animation packed with superstition and magic. The film is thoughtfully, beautifully rendered, and the story is full of twists that keep things unpredictable until the finale. Nov. 13, free, info.

👗Dress to impress with your most imaginative futuristic fashion as you learn about the mission of DESIGNCONNECT and the creative pursuits of Detroit students this Saturday. Dress for 2050 features a strolling dinner, premium wine, open bar, fashion contest, DJ/dancing, auctions, raffles and a live performance! The event will highlight the creative work of Detroit high school students who participate in DESIGNCONNECT programs, as well as work by CCS students. Nov. 13, $85+, info.

🏃🏻‍♀️Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that encourages positive emotional, social, mental and physical development in young girls through physical fitness. At the end of the curriculum participants run in a noncompetitive 5k, which is coming up on Nov. 14. The organization is recruiting running buddies to support the org and join in! Better start stretching now, because I have a feeling these middle school kids are going to give me a run for my money. Nov. 14, $100, info.

🎵 Join the Detroit Sound Conservancy and City Institute for a bus tour of some of Detroit’s most important musical sites past and present, with stops at locations including United Sound, Blue Bird Inn and the Grande Ballroom. Nov. 14, $50, info.

Next week

🍶 Are you a sake enthusiast?! On Monday at HOMES Brewery, The Pink Boots Society is hosting a tasting with a variety of flavors to grasp a better understanding of the rice wine. The organization was created to assist, inspire and encourage women beverage industry professionals to advance their careers through education. It’s also a great opportunity to catch a little buzz and make some new friends. Cheers! Nov. 15, $10+, info.

🗺️ Where my nerds at? We’re looking forward to Wayne State University’s GIS Day (Geographic information system), really lasting all week with workshops on GIS programs, panels on data feminism and city GIS projects, and a book talk with Alex B. Hill, WSU GIS director and author of the new book “Detroit in 50 Maps,” at Pages Bookstore on Wednesday. If you love maps, geography or Detroit history, this event was made for you. Nov. 15-20, free, info.

💻 The Detroit Regional Chamber and Pure Michigan Business Connect are hosting a free webinar about how diversity, equity and inclusion can benefit small businesses and the ways Detroit residents can receive priority consideration for business opportunities. Nov. 16, free, info. 

🎶You cannot deny the jammy beats and sultry voice of Ann Arbor native turned famous crooner Mayer Hawthorne. He has had me hooked since his “How Do You Do” album dropped in 2011. Put your dancin’ shoes on and don’t miss him next Wednesday at El Club! Nov. 17, $32.50, info.