Movement Electronic Music Festival 2013

DEMF 2001

In 2001, I along with 1.7 million people converged onto Detroit’s Hart Plaza for the second installment of what was then known as The Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF). For better and worse that event changed my life.  I’m not sure how many of you partied with 1.7 million people for 3 days at the age of 17 but I sure did. As a prep school kid I was thrown into a culture and an environment that I didn’t even know existed. I hopelessly fell in love with the music, the lights, the freedom, and the people.  As I type this I can still see it. I can still see Mix Master Mike perched on the main stage and screaming “What’s up DETROIT!!!” with thousands of people screaming as he dropped DJ Shadow’s track Organ Donor. I can still remember looking back and staring at the Renaissance Center and seeing my city like I had never seen it before. You may call this Detroit Rock City but we didn’t create rock, we just did it better than everyone else.  This is where electronic music was born, this city, this place. It was born here and DEMF was showing the world what we did.

From 2000 – 2002 nearly five million people converged onto Detroit. They came; they partied, and started a movement. Events like Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Electric Daisy Festival, Decibel Festival, and Electric Zoo began popping up across the United States. In 2003, the festival changed its name to Movement, then to Fuse-In in 2005, and finally back to Movement Electronic Music Festival in 2006. Over the past few years the festival has faltered while the others thrived. People like me stopped going simply because it just wasn’t the same. Recently, Movement has been making a comeback. In Beatport’s article listing the most anticipated dance-music festivals IN THE WORLD, Movement Electronic Music Festival came in second and #1 in the United States for 2013.

Going to Movement this year was a very hard decision. Did I want to step back into a scene I ran away from? Do I want to risk ruining what I remember DEMF to be?  Well eight years later I did, in fact, return. As I approached Hart Plaza the anticipation was honestly eating away at my stomach. I could hear it, I could smell it, and it was Movement.

I decided to go right at noon and take in the whole Sunday line-up. I wasn’t sure if I could still go strong for 12 hours but I was willing to give it a try. The first place I went was the Beatport stage to check out Annie Hall. I have to give Annie a ton of credit.  Although she had the opening 12pm spot she absolutely killed it. I really wish she could have played a later set. She was way too good of a DJ to get that slot. Next up on the same stage was Bill Patrick out of NYC. Bill was unreal. I’m pretty sure that most of the people who were at the festival were either at the Beatport stage or making their way to it. Bill Patrick laid down a perfect mix of deep house that showed exactly why he was a former DJ at Limelight in NYC and now the resident DJ at Pacha in Ibiza, Spain.

Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann

After Bill Patrick’s set I continued walking around but it just wasn’t what I remembered. It was dead, there wasn’t much to do, and the music wasn’t very good. So I put my head down and headed home. I was sitting on my couch for maybe 30min and for some reason just felt compelled to go back. So in typical Adventure Detroit style, I did. When I walked back in the first place I went was the Underground Stage. It was insane, so many people! Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann were absolutely fantastic. This was the Movement that I remembered!

Movement 2013 (Stacey Pullen)

After that it was a complete whirl wind. You had Detroit’s own Stacey Pullen ripping up the main stage, Ben and Marcel finishing up and over at the Electric Forest stage, Big Chocolate. Trust me I did the same thing when I heard the name. It sticks though doesn’t it? Well Big Chocolate had the crowd going like an old school DEMF crowd. I actually counted nine crowd surfers up at one time. It was fantastic. I’ve been to over 100 concerts in my life. Big Chocolate created one of the most hype crowds I’ve ever seen. His music choice and energy on stage just set the crowd off. It was a perfect example of what happens when So Cal meets Detroit.

 I am so glad that I decided to go back. Sunday night was exactly like what I remembered.  The music was great, the people were great, and it was just fun. Unfortunately due to the weather I skipped out on Monday but I have to say I was impressed. I will definitely buy a VIP pass for next year and check out all three days.

I know that some of you are reading this with a stereotype in your head. You probably think of electronic music as a bunch of drugged out people in rainbow clothing playing with glow sticks. Yeah, you are right, that is about 10% of the crowd. Electronic music isn’t about candy kids, fist pumping guys from Jersey Shore, or taking as many drugs as you can possibly ingest. Does that happen? Of course it does. What show have you been to where it hasn’t? It’s a rarity that draws attention. I’m here to tell you that isn’t the norm. Electronic music is international and can be enjoyed by every type of person from every walk of life. So what if people dress a little crazy, that doesn’t change the fact that they are awesome and doing the exact same thing that you are. So put your stereotypes aside, spend a little money, and go check out one of the greatest events in one of the greatest cities in the world. Remember “There ain’t no party like a Detroit party, cause a Detroit party don’t stop.” Join the Movement.

Stephen Moore

Follow Adventure Detroit on Twitter!!

@AdvntureDetroit

The Sugar House

Discovering places like this was exactly what I had in mind when I came up with the concept for Adventure Detroit. For nearly a year I have been hearing about The Sugar House. Whenever anyone would explain it they would say something like “It’s awesome and I don’t want to ruin it, just go.” A lot of people say that about a lot of different places, but the diversity of those talking about it really piqued my interest. Well on Saturday I finally decided to quit wondering and “just go”.

The Sugar House is located in Corktown (a few steps from Slow’s) and specializes in craft and classic cocktails. This is an old school pre-prohibition style bar that will “wow” you from the second you brush back the velvet curtain. The attention to detail is apparent throughout. The wood floors, exquisite bar, brick walls, chandeliers, and classic décor just scream Detroit. When I sat down the first thing that popped in my head was the beginning of the first Chrysler Super Bowl commercial. The spot where the narrator, Kevin Yon says, “I got a question for ya, what does this city know about luxury? Huh? What does a town that’s been to hell and back know about the finer things in life? Well I’ll tell ya, more than most.”

The detail doesn’t stop with the aesthetics. When you are seated you will be greeted by either a server or a bartender/mixologist. However, calling these guys bartenders devalues their skill level. That would be like saying Picasso was good at drawing. Plain and simple, these guys are artists. You can order anything from the 21 page menu or do what I did, just let the artists do what they do best, create. Using only high quality and fresh items, I was given the best drink of my life. Although, I spilled it halfway through (oops), I was able to enjoy two more. I think it had tequila, 100 year old bitters, ginger, and whatever else they tossed in there.

I honestly could write for hours about The Sugar House. Hell, I could spend hours at The Sugar House. I know I always say to check out the places that I write about but you seriously have to check this place out. Quit watching Mad Men and go live it!

Here is a quick feature that Cranes Detroit ran on The Sugar House...




Stephen Moore
Adventure Detroit
@advnturedetroit


Information on The Sugar House 

The Sugar House Detroit
2130 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48026
Phone: 313.962.0123
Website: www.sugarhousedetroit.com
Twitter: @SugarHouseBar
Email: Info@sugarhousedetroit.com

House Rules

Rule1: “We can only accommodate as many guests as there are seats. If you don’t have a place to sit, you can’t have a drink.”

Rule 2: “No Fighting, pretend fighting, or talking about fighting”

Rule 3: “Smoking on the patio is prohibited. Please step out front and make use of the designated receptacle for your butts”

Rule 4: “For the benefit of those around you, please step outside when making telephone calls.”

Rule 5: “No split checks for parties of three or more.”

Rule 6: “20% gratuity will be added for parties of six or more.”

Rule 7: “Imbibe responsibility: Compared to life, loss, and lock down a taxicab is free.”

Welcome to Miami

Tucked away in Midtown is arguably my favorite Detroit bar. The Old Miami opened in 1979 and pays homage to Vietnam veterans. Today, not a lot has changed. From the moment you walk inside you will quickly realize that this is not your typical bar. To the left of the door is a bar, decorated with military memorabilia. To the right is a lounge area with couches, chairs, and a television. It looks like the living room of a Wayne State frat house. Slightly adjacent to the “living room” is a pool table. As you proceed toward the back the first thing you will notice is a stage and floor area. Now you may be saying to yourself, “Where are the pictures, I want to see!” Well all you get is one. I would love nothing more than to ruin the experience for you but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m sorry. You have to go and just see this place for yourself. You will thank me later.

The Old Miami and PJ’s Lager House are two of the best places to see live and local bands. The Old Miami offers everything from punk to prog and everything in between. Don’t misunderstand, this is a rock bar, but we aren’t talking about death metal either. The sound is very good and the crowds are equally fun. The diverse mix includes students, hipsters, vets, business people, and a large number of musicians. It’s this diverse crowd that makes what I like to call “the back yard”, so much fun.

Yes, people you did read that correctly. The Old Miami could have easily installed a nice, gated parking lot. However, that would mean this review would be over and The Old Miami would be just like every other bar in the Cass Corridor. Instead the owners built a gated outdoor space. This isn’t a little area, but rather an extremely large grass area with lawn chairs, tables, and in the summer a full bar. The Old Miami even allows you to bring your own chairs (and hookah if you’re into that sort of thing)!  This feature makes this the best bar I’ve ever been to in the summer. It’s the perfect summer house party, all the time you have a full bar, cool people, live music, and you don’t have to clean up. In the winter and on cool evenings this area features a giant bon fire and chairs. 

The parking can be a little difficult and depending on the night, there may be a cover. Also keep in mind THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ATM. The bar will let you run a tab but if there is a cover you need cash or you will not be allowed inside. If this happens you will have to walk a few blocks to Honest John’s and the neighborhood is mildly sketchy. I know this because it has happened to me. Not a big deal but noteworthy.

Overall, The Old Miami is the type of bar that makes Detroit great. They have an excellent beer selection, fair prices, entertainment, etc. So I would really appreciate it if all of you would please do me a favor. Instead of going to some fist-pumping d-bag bar in Royal Oak, adventure to Detroit and see what a real bar is like.

The Old Miami
3930 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48201

Stephen Moore

@advnturedetroit

Adventure Detroit

Market Fresh

This week I will conclude the last of the generic, main stream, Detroit destinations. We first took a look at Mexican Town, then the casinos, Windsor, and now Eastern Market. Next week the real adventures begin.

Saturday’s bring thousands of people to Eastern Market. This six-block public market has been a Detroit mainstay for the past 122 years. Open-air stalls line the streets and offer fresh produce, flowers, meat and many other things. This is the best place to get fresh, high quality goods.

What first brought me to Eastern Market (beside my Italian genes) is a company called Fairway Packing. Fairway offers the highest quality meats at a great price. Specifically, they are the only place I could find that sold Piedmontese beef. You are probably asking yourself what in the world is Piedmontese beef. This is a unique breed of cattle from Piedmont, in north-west Italy. Imagine eating a hamburger that has more flavor than traditional beef and fewer calories than chicken, well it’s possible with this breed of cattle. Per 3.5oz serving traditional beef has 287 calories, chicken has 119 calories, and Piedmontese comes in with 104 calories. In addition to a low calorie count it only has 1.9g of fat. Chicken typically has 3.08 and traditional beef has 23.56.  Now I will admit, Piedmontese beef is not cheap, but it is also not outrageous either. You can purchase 2lbs from Fairway for right around $13.

Eastern Market isn’t just about the shops and stalls. If you want authentic Italian food, this is the place to go. I don’t want to hear any of this Olive Garden, Andiamo, or Papa Vino’s crap either. That is like saying that you can get great Mexican food at Chipotle or in the case of Olive Garden, Taco Bell. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few good Italian restaurants in the Metro Detroit area (Picano’s and Luciano’s) but the real stuff can be found in downtown. Giovanni’s Ristorante is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Detroit but this is a review of Eastern Market. Although they don’t boast the best restaurant, they have arguably the second best, Roma Café.

Roma Café is the oldest Italian restaurant in the city. It was established in 1890 and is still family owned. Roma has that old world feel and incredible food. Roma is a little pricey but if you want cheap, see the previous paragraph of Italian knock-offs. Dinner will cost you around $30 per person plus wine. Come on now it’s an Italian dinner, get the wine!  When it comes to dinner I highly recommend going with one of the traditional dishes. My personal favorites are the Veal Parmigiana, Veal Scaloppine a la Tosca, or the Chicken Parmigiana with Eggplant. Eggplant might be a little too traditional for some of you but the first two are incredible.

So this concludes the culture series. Grab your family, grocery bags, and appetite and head down to Eastern Market. My advice is to make a day of it. Don’t sell yourself short but grabbing some things and leaving. Also, if you are going to eat…do that before you get the groceries, this is summer time in Detroit after all.

Stay tuned next for next week’s blog where we switch the focus for the summer. Are you all ready to get down and party with Adventure Detroit? I thought so.

Adventure Detroit Goes International

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north. Wait, it is the north correct? Hold on a second let me figure this out. So I go south down I-75 until I reach either Canada or Florida.  That makes sense, let me start over. 

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north/south. The last time I was in Canada I was more concerned with how much I could drink and still get through border patrol, than what Windsor had to offer. This time I decided to take a drastically different approach and visit during the day. Not only visit during the day, but not visit a single bar. I know what you are thinking and no I don’t know why I decided to do this.

Let’s start with security. As always it was a breeze getting into Canada. They checked passports, asked a couple of questions, and sent us on our way. The security on the way back was quite different but I will get to that later.

My first stop was back to my old party spot, Ouellette Ave. I remember Ouellette being filled with bars, bars, and more bars. I was not at all prepared for the changes that took place. Yes, the street still has many bars and clubs. The difference is that shops and new high rise building dominate the landscape.

The first stop was BB Sneaker Boutique. I don’t know how many sneaker heads read this blog but I will make this perfectly clear to all of you. Spend the money on tolls, deal with security, do whatever you have to do, just go to BB Sneaker Boutique. This place makes Burn Rubber in Royal Oak look like Payless. Imad Saddy runs a top notch store full of unique sneakers and accessories. Check out all of Imad’s contact information at the end of the blog. You need to go and I need to go back.

As I was leaving the sneaker shop, something dawned on me. Certain things are legal in Canada that are not legal in the US. No, I am not about to talk about prostitution or weed. Calm down people. However, I am going to talk about Cuban cigars! That’s right people. Cuban cigars are legal. So we decided to take a stroll over to Habanos. Habanos isn’t the largest cigar shop, but they do have a very nice selection of Cuban’s. Habanos also provides a very nice seating area on Ouellette. If you are into cigars, I highly recommend Habanos. Just remember, don’t bring back the cigars! I think you would be violating some sort of embargo which probably isn’t good.

After indulging on some Cuban nicotine, the next logical stop had to be coffee. I mean what goes better with nicotine than caffeine? Now I did spot a Starbucks within ½ a block from Habanos but this is an adventure blog. As much as I wanted my usual, I decided to stroll over to The Coffee Exchange. I admit that I am a coffee snob and that I am pretty lame as a result. That being said, I am also pretty damn knowledgeable when it comes to good coffee. I will tell you this right now, The Coffee Exchange does not have good coffee. Plain and simple it isn’t good. The Coffee Exchange has the best coffee I have ever had in my life. Without a doubt, the best iced coffee ever. I would spend the $10 in tolls, and deal with security just to have another one. This coffee is haunting me…like night terrors…cold sweats.

The Coffee Exchange

Last thing on the agenda was checking out the recently developed river front. I will say that this would be an excellent date spot. It really would. They have sculptures, picnic areas, and bike paths. On the other hand, this was not a place for a couple of dudes reviewing stuff for an adventure blog. It was a little awkward and I did accidentally lock myself in the bathroom. This resulted in a nice cut on my hand trying to break my way out. Yes, I also wish I had a YouTube clip.

Penguin Sculpture on the river front

Finally it was time to return to the homeland. As expected, security sucked on the way back.  Every car was getting trunk searched and the lines were pretty long. My story was a little different than the others. I didn’t get searched one but twice! Come on, what do you think happens when you look at a border patrol officer and say “I have a social media marketing class in which I have to write a blog. Mine is called Adventure Detroit. I decided to come over to Windsor and review the downtown area.” Also, a piece of advice, when they ask how you know the people in your car, do not say church. Even if that is the truth, just lie. After my 15min car search was complete we were free and clear to go.

Overall, Windsor is pretty nice. If I you want to get out of the house, visit some new places, and just do something different, go to Canada. You might discover some new places or have another funny story to tell. Who knows?

Stephen Moore

Adventure Detroit

Habanos

286 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A5

519-258-9878

BB Branded Lifestyle & Sneaker Boutique

347 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J1

519-253-3960 (Shop)

INFO@BBBRANDED.COM

www.bbbranded.com

facebook.com/bbbranded

twitter.com/bbbrandedstore

instagram.com/bbbranded

The Coffee Exchange

266 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A%

http://www.coffeeexchange.ca

Money, Money, Money.....Parking!

The first stop for many suburbanites venturing into Detroit is often the casino. The casinos provide a safe meeting place, parking, and entertainment. The two casinos that I will taking a look at are Greektown Casino and Hotel and the MGM Grand – Detroit. You may be asking yourself, what about MotorCity Casino? Exactly, what about it? 

I am often asked what is the better casino, MGM or Greektown. My answer is typically the same; it depends on what you are doing. I am the first to admit that I am not a gambler by any stretch of imagination, but many of you aren’t either. I can’t comment on the poker rooms or the payout from a technical standpoint, but I can offer many tips that may be helpful for all of you venturing into our great city.

If you want to go downtown to gamble, eat, drink, and have fun, the clear choice is MGM Grand. The MGM offers breweries, clubs, restaurants, a great buffet, and even a Starbucks. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Somerset. Actually, I have to apologize for Somerset for that comment. Eating and drinking at Greektown is a lot like hanging out in the food court at Universal Mall. It’s horrible. I understand that they built new restaurants and created a food court, but it’s still awful. Their only saving grace would have to be the hot dogs they offer. There is nothing better after a fun night in Detroit than a casino hot dog.

The main reason that most of you go to the casino is to park. This is an area where Greektown really shines. The new parking lot is located right off of I-75 and provides easy access. In addition, Greektown Casino is centrally located to many of Detroit’s restaurants, bars, and stadiums. Oh and I almost forgot to mention, has access to the People Mover. MGM on the other hand is not very centrally located. That being said, if you are not interested in walking around Detroit MGM is the place to park.

Both of these casinos offer free parking and free valet. However, Greektown does not offer free event parking. In order to receive free event parking at Greektown you will need to have a player’s card and actually use it.  You have to use your card at least once every 90 days in order for it to work for the free parking. If you do not possess a card, parking for events can cost as much as $20.

I have a much better way to spend your money. If you are going to a concert, game, or any event, park at the MGM Grand. I know what you are thinking, and yes it is a bit out of the way. As I mentioned above, they offer free valet. In addition to this the lot is not as busy and it’s free. Now the next part will impress your friends and make you look like a master of the city. Pull into the MGM Grand valet area. Next, as soon as you get out of the car let the valet know that you need a cab. The reason that you want to do this is because they know which ones are legitimate. The cab should arrive within a minute or two. The cab ride to Comerica Park, The Fillmore, or Ford Field is roughly 5min and will cost you about $6 plus tip. There is no longer a need to worry about walking, crowds, or getting down there early. I will pay $12 round trip for door-to-door service any day.

So next time you take a trip to Detroit try and park at a casino. It is safe, fun, and provides many options that a random unguarded lot will not. Now get out of my face and go enjoy the city!

Stephen Moore
Adventure Detroit

Mexican Town

With Fivo the Mayo (Cinco de Mayo for my Spanish speaking amigos) quickly approaching I thought that it would only be fitting to start off this adventure series with Mexico. However, I really couldn’t afford to hop on a plane and review a country for all of you, but I do accept donations. I apologize for the lack of adventure displayed in this adventure blog but I did bring you the closest thing Detroit offers to the great state of Mexico, Mexicantown. Actually, that might not be completely accurate. There are other places with bartering, street food, stray dogs, and wild chickens. Have any of you been to Gibraltar Trade Center? Anyways…

Mexicantown is easily one of the most visited areas of downtown Detroit. Located between Clark Park and West Grand Blvd, Mexicantown is packed with vibrant buildings, shopping, and of course amazing food. It is easy to see why so many people visit each year.  Although Mexicantown offers a variety of activities, I am fairly certain that those reading this blog aren’t concerned with the shopping district, but just so you know, there are quite a few places to get a kick ass sombrero.

 People from the suburbs are concerned with safety in downtown Detroit and especially Mexicantown, but in my numerous aventuras I have not encountered any issues. Although I would advise those that aren’t familiar with the area to stick to Bagley or Vernor Ave until you feel more comfortable. Parking may also be an issue depending on the time of day but two outstanding restaurants offer private lots instead of on-street parking.

The first of these restaurants is Armando’s Mexican Cuisine. Armando’s is located just off the Bagley strip on Vernor Ave. Armando’s offers a great menu, décor, and atmosphere. The area may seem a little shady but there is a parking lot attached to the back of the building. If you are looking to throw your own Mexican themed party you can also have Armando’s cater or provide carry-out. Combine Armando’s with Evie’s Tamales and you can throw one hell of a fiesta.

The second is my personal favorite, Xochimilco (pronounced soc-i-mico). Xochimilco is named after one of the sixteen boroughs found within the Mexican Federal District. The restaurant itself is essentially a converted house. When you walk inside you will see narrow walkways and different rooms set up with seating. Upstairs they offer a bar and additional seating.

The food at Xochimilco is outstanding. They start you off with arguably the best chips and salsa this side of Mexico. The menu is diverse and large, offering both traditional and Americanized options. I highly recommend flautas. For those of you that aren’t familiar, a flauta is a large corn tortilla rolled around a filling (chicken, steak, etc). It is then topped with lettuce, sour cream, tomato, etc. I must warn you, the portions are massive so order accordingly. Last but not least, Xochimilco offers margarita by the pitcher. Yes, you heard that correctly. These are deceptively strong and very tasty so please be careful. Remember you may be driving in an unfamiliar area.

Overall, Mexicantown is a great place to take a date, go out for a family dinner, or just experience the great city of Detroit. For those of you looking to celebrate Fivo the Mayo, there is no better place than Mexicantown. So grab some friends, your sombrero, and a designated driver and head on down. Feedback is welcome so feel free to comment on your experience or questions.

Xochimilco

3409 Bagley Ave

Detroit, MI 48216

Armando’s Mexican Cuisine

4242 W Vernor Hwy

Detroit, MI 48209

Evie’s Tamales

3454 Bagley Ave

Detroit, MI 48216

Gracias,

Esteban