Detroit, MI
Top Metro Detroit Events for February 2024 – Hour Detroit Magazine
DJ Shadow
With the release of his 1996 studio debut, Endtroducing…, this California-based DJ and producer established himself as an innovator in instrumental hip-hop and electronic music by composing an album entirely of vinyl samples. Since then, he’s dabbled in countless genres, collaborated with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, and released six more full-length albums. He’ll promote his latest work — 2023’s Action Adventure — when he makes a Detroit stop this month. Feb. 1. $29.50+. Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; majesticdetroit.com.
Dancing with the Stars Live
Join Emmy Award-winning entertainer Julianne Hough and a smattering of the beloved television show’s most talented dancers — including Brandon Armstrong, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, and Britt Stewart — for this dazzling night of high-energy fun. Expect to see reenactments of fan-favorite performances from the show’s 32nd season, along with all-new numbers and plenty of surprises. Feb. 1. $49.50+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Plymouth Ice Festival
Now in its 42nd year, the Plymouth Ice Festival features more than 70 stunning ice sculpture displays scattered throughout the city’s charming downtown district. Each piece starts out as a 350-pound block of ice before being shaped, sculpted, and perfected into a jaw-dropping work of art by a talented local sculptor. Displays will remain standing after the weekend concludes, weather permitting. Feb. 2-4. No cost. Downtown Plymouth; plymouthicefestival.com.
Tim Allen
The actor, comedian, and Birmingham Seaholm and Western Michigan University alum will make a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre for a night of stand-up this month. After rising to fame playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, Tim Allen starred in a number of popular family movies, including The Santa Clause and the Toy Story franchise. Allen’s comedy draws heavily from his own lived experiences as a dad, husband, and self-proclaimed everyman. Feb. 3. $70+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Angkor Complex
In the four-year period between 1975 and 1979, roughly a quarter of Cambodia’s population died of disease, wounds, and malnutrition under the brutal rule of the communist Khmer Rouge regime. This exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art will display more than 80 works that aim to illustrate the changes in the country’s visual culture in the face of inconceivable upheaval. Featured artists include Amy Lee Sanford, Sopheap Pich, Pete Pin, Maline Yim, and Ouk Chim Vichet. Feb. 3-July 28. No cost. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; umma.umich.edu.
Playboi Carti
The Georgia-based rapper first broke through in 2017 with his singles “Magnolia” and “Wokeup- likethis.” Known for eschewing typical lyrical structure in favor of flow and atmosphere, Carti’s sound is characterized by frenetic energy and high-pitched vocals with unclear pronunciations. In addition to collaborations with some of the biggest stars in hip- hop, including Solange and Tyler, the Creator, Carti has released two studio albums. Feb. 8. $49.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Ryan Hamilton
Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Five Comics to Watch” in 2012, this Idaho-born funnyman is known for a clean brand of observational comedy that skewers everything from dating to skydiving to his own physical appearance. He’s made hilarious appearances on a gamut of late-night shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show. Feb. 10. $24.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com.
A Little More Alive
Follow the story of two estranged brothers who reunite following their mother’s funeral at the Michigan premiere of this folk-pop musical by Nick Blaemire. When their collective memories are challenged by a stunning revelation, the brothers uncover a lifetime of secrets and ponder the gray area between right and wrong. Feb. 14-March 10. $37. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester; mbtheatre.com.
Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience:
Witness the acclaimed late country star in a live show setting when this unique touring experience arrives at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. While video footage of Cash plays on a projector screen above the stage, live musicians and singers will accompany him in real time to showcase some of the singer’s most iconic performances. Fans will hear the legend’s biggest hits, including “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with some of his most memorable interviews and anecdotes. Feb. 16. $50+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
From Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell comes this musical spin on the beloved 1990 rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set to a toe-tapping original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and co-composer Jim Vallance, the production is sure to dazzle both new and old fans of the hit film. Feb. 20-25. $40+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
Irish American dancer Michael Flatley first brought traditional Celtic dance to the masses when he starred in the hit show Riverdance nearly 30 years ago. After parting ways with Riverdance producers in 1995, Flatley established his own show, Lord of the Dance, in 1996. Since then, the show has been witnessed by more than 60 million fans, making it one of the most successful touring endeavors in entertainment history. Expect new staging, fresh costumes, and cutting-edge technology at the latest incarnation of this classic production. Feb. 23. $59+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
On Your Feet
The heartwarming story of acclaimed Latin pop duo Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to life in this vibrant, Tony Award-nominated musical. Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, the production features classic Gloria Estefan hits like “Get on Your Feet” and “Conga,” along with a new original song written by Estefan and her daughter, Emily. Critics have roundly praised the show’s boisterous energy, feel-good message, and crowd-pleasing recipe. Feb. 23-24. $30+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Shen Yun
Experience 5,000 years of China’s rich cultural heritage through stunning dance, vibrant set pieces, and enchanting music when this acclaimed performing arts company brings its latest production to the Detroit Opera House. Witness ancient legends, majestic dynasties, and heroic battlefields as stories of courage and spirituality aim to inspire and uplift. Feb. 23-27. $90+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; shenyun.com.
Jon Batiste
Singer, songwriter, bandleader, television personality, and multi-instrumentalist Batiste became a household name when he appeared nightly as the bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 until 2022. The wickedly talented Juilliard grad boasts five Grammy Awards from 11 nominations, including a prestigious Album of the Year victory for his 2021 release, We Are. He’ll play selections from his latest LP, 2023’s World Music Radio, when he embarks on a North American tour this winter. Feb. 26. $53+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; livenation.com.
This story is from the February 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. Read more in our digital edition.
Detroit, MI
Detroit archdiocese releases last proposed parish Mass stoppages. List hits 90
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and Fr. Mario Amore on restructuring
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger and Fr. Mario Amore on the archdiocese restructuring on Nov. 17, 2025 in Detroit
The list of Catholic parishes targeted for the possible stoppage of weekend Masses has grown to about 90 parishes across southeast Michigan, according to the latest proposed models the Archdiocese of Detroit has released as part of its major restructuring process.
The archdiocese released on Thursday the models for potential parish groupings for the six remaining planning areas in the archdiocese, and 32 parishes wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one of the models. Previously released models showed that 58 other parishes could stop holding weekend Mass.
The Archdiocese of Detroit recently completed listening sessions meant to garner feedback on the models, but parishioners can still share input through a survey that is open until July 31.
The archdiocese has been divided into 15 planning areas, or geographic areas, and three or four models are being proposed for each planning area, said the Rev. Mario Amore, executive director of parish renewal for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
The models have different proposed groupings of parishes ― called pastorates ― in which a grouping would share a pastor and potentially other priests. In some cases, selected churches in the grouping would no longer hold Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass.
The models released on Thursday are for planning areas 6, 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15, which include parts of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and parishes in St. Clair and Lapeer counties.
Sixteen of the parishes wouldn’t have weekend Mass under any of the models, including St. Alphonsus-Clement Parish in Dearborn, Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Redford Township and Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Clair Shores.
The models are part of the archdiocese’s biggest restructuring plan in years. Announced last fall, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger said the archdiocese can’t maintain the roughly 200 existing parish buildings and is working to “right-size” the archdiocese, along with its personnel and financial resources.
Holly Fournier, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Detroit, emphasized that the models are just draft proposals “intended to solicit feedback from parishioners.” She said no decisions have been made regarding pastorate groupings, weekend Mass schedules or any other aspect of the restructuring process.
The Rev. Mario Amore, executive director of parish renewal for the Archdiocese of Detroit, said in May that parishioners understand that the archdiocese “needs to do something” about its challenges. But when it becomes personal for people, it’s “very difficult,” he said.
“And there’s a lot of human emotions, and … we need to honor that,” Amore said. “We need to be attentive to that, and no one’s saying that it’s an easy process, and it’s not a process that … we’re happy that we need to undertake, but it is one that we do need to undertake.”
What the latest Wayne County models show
Planning Area 6, which is in the southern section of Wayne County, excluding the Downriver area, includes 16 parishes. Eight of them would stop holding Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass under at least one of the models for the planning area.
They include St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy in Westland, St. Richard in Westland, St. Aloysius in Romulus, St. Sabina in Dearborn Heights, St. Linus in Dearborn Heights, Divine Child in Dearborn, St. Alphonsus -St. Clement in Dearborn and St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Dearborn.
Planning Area 7, which includes the northwest portion of Wayne County, has 15 parishes, four of which wouldn’t hold weekend Mass under at least one model. They include Our Lady of Loretto in Redford Township, St. John XXIII in Redford Township, St. Priscilla in Livonia and Resurrection in Canton Township.
What the latest Oakland and Macomb Co. models show
Planning Area 8, which is in southern Oakland County, has 13 parishes, six of which wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one of the models. They include St. William in Walled Lake, St. Gerald in Farmington, Prince of Peace in West Bloomfield, St. Joseph in South Lyon, Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield and Our Lady of Albanians in Southfield.
Planning Area 11, which includes the southeastern section of Macomb County, the Grosse Pointe communities and one parish in Detroit, has 14 parishes. Seven of them wouldn’t have weekend Mass under at least one model. They include Our Lady of Hope in St. Clair Shores, St. Lucy in St. Clair Shores, St. Basil the Great in Eastpointe, St. Margaret of Scotland in St. Clair Shores, Holy Innocents-St. Barnabas in Roseville, St. Matthew in Detroit and St. Clare of Montefalco in Grosse Pointe Park.
What the models in St. Clair, Lapeer counties show
Planning Area 14, which is in St. Clair County, has 12 parishes, five of which wouldn’t have Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass in at least one model. They include Sacred Heart in Yale, St. Edward on the Lake in Lakeport, Holy Trinity in Port Huron, St. Christopher in Marysville and Immaculate Conception in Ira Township.
Planning Area 15, which is in Lapeer County and part of northern Macomb County, includes ten parishes. Two wouldn’t hold weekend Mass under at least one model. They include St. Mary Burnside in North Branch and St. Cornelius in Dryden.
asnabes@detroitnews.com
Detroit, MI
This Detroit steakhouse used to serve thousands a night in its heyday
Carl’s Chop House, 3020 Grand River in Detroit, 1923-2008
It was one of the most prominent restaurants in Detroit throughout the 20th century. Carl’s Chop House served Detroit for decades, from the Great Depression through the new Millennium.
Founder Carl Rosenfield first opened as the Grand River Chophouse in the early 1920s and he moved the business across the street and renamed it Carl’s in the 1930s. The often-repeated story goes that he won the full ownership of a bar from his partner in a poker game and turned it into Carl’s Chop House.
Prior to his restaurant success, Rosenfield was a well-known tire merchant. At one point, Rosenfield also owned a lighthouse near Port Sanilac.
As a restaurateur, Rosenfield persevered through many trials, including the Great Depression and a beef shortage during World War II, which left the steakhouse to serve chicken, lobster, sturgeon and “a lot of fish I never heard of,” he was quoted as saying.
A sirloin steak dinner was $1 when Carl’s Chop House opened.
By the 1960s, business was booming, and the restaurant was serving thousands of customers daily and had plans to expand the 850-seat dining room to 1,200. By then, steak dinners were up to $6.
They bounced up to $10 in the 1970s when longtime Detroit News restaurant reporter and critic Molly Abraham included Carl’s in a column, pointing out that even though the restaurant was a bit out of fashion — it had been open for more than 50 years by then — she describes the place as having “an infectiously festive, informal atmosphere.”
Along with the steaks, convivial atmosphere and firm handshakes, Carl’s Chop House was known for always being open, even on Sundays. The only day of the year it was closed was Christmas Day, Dec. 25, which was also Rosenfield’s birthday.
Rosenfield, who would support local farmers by purchasing cattle and other livestock from the Michigan State Fair, was still working at the restaurant in the 1980s when he was in his 90s. He died in 1991 at age 95.
The new owners of Carl’s Chop House ushered it into the next century for another generation to enjoy.
It wasn’t the same without its namesake proprietor, who was known for an absolutely crushing handshake, however. In 2008, owner Frank Passalacqua filed an application with the state for a topless permit, hoping to turn the property, which was now a neighbor of MotorCity Casino, from a steakhouse to a strip club.
Passalacqua, who was more successful at Mario’s Italian restaurant in the Cass Corridor, said he was losing $1 million a year on Carl’s. The gentleman’s club idea never materialized. Carl’s closed in 2008 and the building was demolished in 2010.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
Detroit, MI
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