Episode Notes

Detroit is internationally recognized for Motown, Auto Motors, and today’s craft cocktails. The drink wizards using blends of natural juices, mixers (Shout Out Steve & Wolf Moon soon a guest again on Detroit is Different), and liquors are costing more than the traditional mojito, and so much better. Justice Akuezue & Davante Burnley are developing an experience through the Exchange combining fine dining and high-end drinks for Black culture. Both young Black men building their business with experience as the head chef for (Savannah Blue) and bartending experience (Grey Ghost & Detroit City Distillery) have the premise for a top-notch experience. Here Devantae and Justice give their takes on Detroit’s restaurant culture, Black business, and their aspirations.

Episode Notes

Attorney Howard Hertz started his career as an attorney, in entertainment law, and developing artist platforms all organically. Decades of practice began through relationships of trust providing opportunity. Born in Canada and raised in the Linwood Davison neighborhood his perspective of life is from a Detroit state of mind. Today he is the founder of the Detroit Music Awards, represented a host of international icons, and a Blues player himself. This Detroit is Different interview is full of his strides in work from Wayne County’s Public Defender’s office in the 1970’s to represent George Clinton & Eminem. This was a fun, interesting, and insightful interview. Particulars as to representation, rights in music today, and independent artistry are explored.

Episode Notes

Marcus Ware has defied the odds on many levels. We originally met through his cousin DJ Drummer B (Leonard Ware) when Marcus was released from serving 4 years in prison. Finding Marcus, Leonard, Leland Stein Jr, and a host of other younger guys always saw me as someone finding my way through artistic entrepreneurship so pre-Detroit is Different they heard my takes on success, vision, and cool Detroiters. Ware has come to embody all of that and now is one of the stories I often share. From his WCCCD Associates degree to certification at Dorsey as a chef he used school as a platform of opportunity. Starting as a dishwasher he now is the head chef of the Menagerie Lounge in Pontiac MI. His time at Katoi running their kitchen, corporate pop-ups, and detail to making desserts all have welcomed this grand opportunity. The doors of the Menagerie Lounge opened a week ago and have been standing room waits since. In this interview we talk his family’s Mississippi roots, making vegetable stock (shout out to my Grandma Vel), and how cooking’s a family tradition.

Episode Notes

Luther Keith is my example of mixing art, business, and community together to have fun. Keith joined me for a great interview where we talk family, journalism, and the Blues. Saturday, April 28, 2018, @ 9pm we open the ‘Bourbon, Blues, and the Badman,’ concert series at Tony V’s Tavern (5756 Cass Detroit MI). Luther Keith loves playing the guitar and belting out some originals and classic blues tunes. His show is a lot like his approach to life, inclusive and experiential. On this interview, we talk about his father’s work organizing ‘Negro History Week’ in Detroit, him being the first journalist to cover Emmanuel Stewart and the Kronk boxers, and the art of giving a show. As always Luther talks Detroit community and his passion for ARISE Detroit and Detroit love.

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Herman Davis is full of joy and a classic smile. Davis believes and has discovered the value of kindness and work ethic are gateways to success. In his podcast interview, we explore how his life has been filled with knowing how recreation and fun add to the character of children. A Detroit School Board member in the 1970’s and as recent as the 2010’s between the time owned and operated Northland Roller Rink with his family. The family-run business for over 20 years was a destination for all Detroiters. He discusses the TV show on local CBS ‘Northland Roller Skating,’ DJ Doc Elliot, and how the need for wholesome recreation led him to the million dollar deal in 1980 that purchased Northland roller rink. He shares many gems of his business, family, and life success. Herman Davis also shares why today in leading the Cherrylawn Block Association is as much of a commitment as entrepreneurship.

Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to listen to the Herman Davis interview in full.

Episode Notes

Cydney Camp is creative. Cydney launched ‘the Process’ bi-monthly live art show and installation in February. Thursday April 19, 2018 6 PM – 10 PM @ the Tangent Gallery (715 E Milwaukee St, Detroit, Michigan 48202) will be the second presentation of this lively event. Mark Denson is an art collector that attended the event and was impressed by the experience, audience, and creativity of the Process. Cydney and Mark joined me for a discussion about art, value, and adding creativity to life.

Episode Notes

Hair Goals 313 is a salon located in Grosse Pointes ‘My Salon Suites’ at 16824 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230. Hair Goals 313 is a natural hair salon run by Markquisha St Clair & La Donna Sims. Locs, twists, and curls are coiled, conditioned, treated, and styled for men and women looking to love their hair naturally. The interest and movement connected to natural hair have also led to the ‘My Natural Hair’ podcast on the Detroit is Different podcast network. This Sunday April 8, 2018 La Donna & Markquisha will be at Detroit Sip at 2pm (7420 W McNichols Detroit MI 48221) to discuss ‘Finding a Natural Hair Stylist.’ ‘My Natural Hair’ is a podcast about natural hair, MarkQuisha & La Donna joined me on Detroit is Different to discuss their start into business and natural hair.

Robin Terry & Raina Baker are part of the team welcoming thousands of people weekly to tour, take pictures, and experience Motown. Hitsville USA is located in the heart of Detroit on W Grand Blvd. This small home was the place where so many stars were launched and today facilitates more. The Motown Mic Series featuring Spoken Word poetry, and the Motown Legacy series highlighting Black entrepreneurship is a taste of it all. In this Detroit is Different interview both Robin & Raina share their ties to Detroit and vision for Detroit.

visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to watch the Detroit is Different interview with Robin Terry & Raina Baker of the Motown Museum.

Charita Mona has developed a full line of skin care products saving people’s lives. What began as an interest in using she butter has become a passion encouraged by hundreds of people struggling with diabetes, surviving with cancer, and dealing with other ailments. With Detroit is Different Charita sits down and shares her story of fitness, health, and skin care. Learn how a great idea is now mass produced, marketed, and distributed.

Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to watch the Detroit is Different interview with Charita Mona of Naturally U Health & Skin Care

Jennyfer Crawford is the creator of All Things Detroit. Jennyfer’s ambition in understanding a need and people has built a successful business in helping businesses reach others. All Things Detroit is an event that currently welcomes people to experience the makers, tasters, and creators of Detroit to offer what they have to an audience. This Sunday March 25^th you should attend to get an essence of something creative and alive! Crawford’s journey started from being frustrated with a job where she didn’t and a joy for connecting people to their desires. Her desire was to produce a maker’s fair that has now welcomed thousands to Eastern Market and given her a national platform. A star traveling the nation on incubating business is from the E Warren neighborhood by Southeastern HS. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com and check out the video interviews with Jennyfer and find more of the culture of Detroit.