Arts & Culture

When times get tough people start looking for a reason to laugh. No one knows this better than comedy club veteran Mark Ridley, who's been busting the guts of Metro Detroiters for more than 20 years. And even in though credit is tight and the economy tighter, he's decided to renovate his storied Royal Oak Comedy Castle.
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An Artistic Vision: The Red River Artists Center

By: Jon Zemke, 9/30/2009

Like many rustbelt communities River Rouge has seen better times. But one man's urban decay is another man's opportunity. Enter urban pioneer Rick Manore, co-founder of the former C-Pop gallery in Detroit. Working with municipal leaders, he's converted the former offices for U.S. Steel into the Red River Artist Center. The goal? To build an arts incubator that helps revive the city's downtown. (more >)

The Amazing Adventures of Metro Detroit's Comic Industry

By: Megan Pennefather, 7/9/2009

Star Wars. Cynicalman. The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. Mouse Guard. Metro Detroit is home to an ecclectic and fiercely independent group of graphic novelists, cartoonists, and comic book artists. This is their story. (more >)

Ringwald Theatre has its cake, and eats it too

By: Tanya Muzumdar, 6/4/2009

Fringe theater is often viewed as a barometer for a city's hipness.The Ringwald, in downtown Ferndale, has garnered top billing for its campy and unconventional shows, even drawing the city's mayor into the limelight. (more >)

The Russians Are Coming... To Harper Woods

By: Chris Handyside, 5/21/2009

It's a Russian Orthodox Monastery. It's a gourmet restaurant. It's home to incredible works of art and history. And, yup, it's in Harper Woods. Welcome to the neighborhood St. Sabbas and The Royal Eagle. (more >)

Blog/Anuja Rajendra

Dancer and choreographer Anuja Rajendra, the creator and CEO of Bollyfit (Bollywood-themed fitness dance classes) puts a positive spin on downsizing in a region known for both employment woes and beefy waistlines. This week, Anuja shows how we can bhangra our way to a state of cultural understanding, good health, and good spirits.
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Video/Wyandotte Gets The Arts

Funding for the arts is taking a beating all around, but especially in Michigan. Wyandotte, however, sees a real value in having a resource for local creatives. Exit an old rundown Masonic Hall, enter the new Wynandotte Arts Center. (more >)