Looking back, my past few months in Detroit have been nothing short of a whirlwind. While I experienced my fair share of obstacles, the good (great!) times far outshine the rest. In counting down to 2015, here are my top 10 Detroit moments of 2014:
Crowds for crafts!
10) Detroit Urban Craft Fair – Of the 5 holiday markets around Detroit I visited in December, the Urban Craft Fair at the Masonic Temple was definitely my favorite. Not only did I enjoy meeting local artisans and admiring their handmade goods, I ended up purchasing 95% (all except one!) of my Christmas gifts from talented Detroiters – candles, jewelry, soap, chocolates, and more! For me, it was totally worth the few extra dollars to be able to shop local and support small (tiny) Detroit businesses.
9) DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist play Afrika Bambaataa – TBcompletelyH, I had no idea who these three artists were before I bought a ticket to this show (at the door). Luckily, I took my friends’ recommendation (thanks Alissa and Sarms!) to heart and spontaneously went to this show at the Majestic Theatre – a stimulating evolution-of-hip-hop musical experience that kept my toes tapping for days afterwards. Spontaneity and saying “yes” oft result in the best memories!
Debbie on Dequindre
8) Meeting Debbie on the Dequindre Cut – As many of you probably know, I love talking to strangers. One chilly day in November, I went biking down the Dequindre Cut (an urban greenway lined with murals and graffiti) and was disappointed to find that I was completely alone along its 1-mile stretch. My disappointment soon dissipated after I met Debbie, a native Detroiter who lives near the Cut and was out for a Sunday stroll. We walked and talked for nearly an hour and she warmly welcomed me to her city.
Mangos at the Challenge Detroit Kickoff After Party
7) Challenge Detroit Year 3 Kickoff – To kick off Challenge Detroit’s third year, we Fellows enjoyed a celebration and reception in the famed Compuware building downtown. I was asked to speak on behalf of my class of Fellows, and I took the opportunity to express my immense gratitude to be in Detroit and to be part of the program. Standing there addressing the audience was almost surreal – I felt overwhelmed with happiness that my Detroit dream (visa and all) actually worked out!
2 artists, 1 monster drawing
6) MOCAD Monster Drawing Rally – Detroit has no shortage of unique cultural events, and the Monster Drawing Rally at MOCAD was no exception. The event brought in local artists by the dozen, gave each a 1-hour shift in which they could produce as many monster drawings as they wanted, and then immediately sold said drawings to the public for a flat rate of $40. Not only was it awe-inspiring to see the artists create one-of-a-kind pieces right before my eyes, but as an event volunteer, I even got to take a drawing (hello, perfect souvenir!) home at the end of the night!
5) Watching an inspiring 73-year old man complete the Detroit International Marathon, his 44th and last one – Volunteering sure has its perks. Read the full story here in my friend Ellen’s blog.
Signed, sealed, delivered!
4) Motown the Musical – Back in October, I took my parents (in town for a visit) to see Motown the Musical at the Fisher Theatre. From watching Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder begin their musical careers to learning the backstory behind the Motown recording studio, I got goosebumps watching the story unfold knowing that it all took place, not too long ago, right here in Detroit (Hitsville U.S.A. is located just blocks from my house!). What’s more, Motown was the most engaging, interactive musical I’d ever been to – the entire audience sang and clapped along through it all!
3) Mango Holiday Food Drive – I was delighted to find out a few days ago that the food drive I organized at my host company Mango (we have ~60 employees) collected 507 pounds of food and raised over $400! Our efforts will help provide 1,622 meals to our neighbors in need. All it took to organize was some boxes, signs and a tiny bit of guilt tripping – a great reminder that a bit of effort can go a long way to helping your community!
Rachel and I carolling away
2) Noel Night – All of Midtown came alive on the eve of December 6th – it was great to see so many folks out and about in Detroit! Together with a group of Fellows, I visited several museums, shops and institutions, all open late in celebration of the event. My favorite part came at the end of the night when we sang carols on Woodward Avenue amidst a giant crowd of jolly Detroiters.
1) GRiZmas – On one of my last 2014 nights in Detroit, I went to see ODESZA (one of my favorite artists) and GRiZ (Detroit native boasting a great funk-soul-electronic sound) play at the iconic Masonic Temple. The energy at the show was truly incredible – it was a concert I’ll never forget. I love music and I love Detroit, and this night was the perfect way to cap off a few amazing months in the Motor City.
Merry GRiZmas to all, and to all a good night!
These 10 moments do not even begin to capture the people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve fostered, and the lessons I’ve learned thus far in Detroit, but, if you stuck it all the way out to the end, know that I am grateful for all those things, too.
Thanks goes out to my family and friends in Montreal, Thunder Bay, Detroit and beyond for supporting me through it all. I can’t wait to experience all that 2015 has in store for me in the D!