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Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

New psychiatric hospital opens this fall

The Northville campus will serve adults, children and adolescents amid high need for mental health services.

Health

Construction has finished on a new state-run psychiatric hospital serving Southeast Michigan.Why it matters: Need is high and beds are limited for people experiencing severe mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Detroit automakers face shrinking growth options amid China rise

Years of betting on pickups and SUVs have left Detroit vulnerable to global rivals like China.

Business Brief

Detroit&#x27;s automakers are running out of room to grow after years of retreating toward their most defensible turf: pickups and SUVs.The big picture: Japanese and Korean rivals are taking more U.S. market share, while Chinese competitors are squeezing Detroit overseas.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

Stevie Wonder returns to Detroit's Fox Theatre

The Motown legend will celebrate 50 years of "Songs in the Key of Life."

Music

Stevie Wonder is returning to Detroit for two shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of his most acclaimed albums.Driving the news: Wonder will perform his landmark 1976 album &quot;Songs in the Key of Life&quot; in its entirety at the Fox Theatre on Dec. 8 and 9 as part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly announced anniversary tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ91715af/stevie-wonder-events#shows" data-vars-content-id="8000d77a-41cf-443a-8a9b-945c42be6a65" data-vars-headline="Stevie Wonder returns to Detroit&#x27;s Fox Theatre" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ91715af/stevie-wonder-events#shows" target="_blank">newly announced anniversary tour</a>.

Detroit Jazz Festival returns for Labor Day weekend

The festival returns to Hart Plaza with four days of free jazz.

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Jazz Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/" data-vars-content-id="b59726a9-3b7a-4cd3-8c90-9313e91e20e4" data-vars-headline="Detroit Jazz Festival returns for Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/" target="_blank">Detroit Jazz Festival</a> returns this weekend with four days of free music at Hart Plaza.Why it matters: Billed as the world&#x27;s largest free jazz festival, the Labor Day weekend tradition brings some of the genre&#x27;s biggest names to Detroit.

Your guide to Movement in Detroit

Tickets, transit and festival basics for Memorial Day weekend.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit&#x27;s Movement festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/20/detroit-movement-techno-festival-2025" data-vars-content-id="4b2f8794-29cf-4294-a729-469a45d697ba" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Movement in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/20/detroit-movement-techno-festival-2025" target="_self">Detroit&#x27;s Movement festival</a> kicks off Saturday at Hart Plaza, and it&#x27;s not too late to plan a visit.The big picture: The Memorial Day weekend party celebrates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s techno roots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/27/black-artists-techno-afrofuturism-history" data-vars-content-id="4b2f8794-29cf-4294-a729-469a45d697ba" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Movement in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/27/black-artists-techno-afrofuturism-history" target="_self">the city&#x27;s techno roots</a> with dozens of performances across six stages.

Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit's Spotify Wrapped

Kendrick Lamar claimed 3 of Detroit's 5 most-streamed songs on Spotify in 2025.

Culture

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; by Kendrick Lamar &amp; SZA was the most-streamed song on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">Spotify</a> this year in Detroit.Why it matters: Our top 2025 song matches the streaming platform&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top song this year in the nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="4b86d5f8-59a9-4a49-87e8-dc279a8171f8" data-vars-headline="Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit&#x27;s Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">top song this year in the nation</a>.

"Seven Nation Army" marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock's elite

Jack and an absent Meg White were inducted into the Rock Hall during Nov. 8 ceremony in Los Angeles.

The White Stripes were a small band with big dreams that became fully realized on Saturday night.Why it matters: The band brought the glory days of Detroit rock back into the spotlight in the 21st century and, for that, was inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame.Driving the news: The Rock Hall&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="class of 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" target="_self">class of 2025</a> was honored during a ceremony at Los Angeles&#x27; Peacock Theater.<ul><li>The White Stripes earned induction this year after failing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="previous time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/13/white-stripes-try-again" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/13/white-stripes-try-again" target="_self">previous time</a> on the ballot in 2023.</li></ul>Flashback: Jack and Meg White formed the band in 1997 and played their first gig at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gold Dollar Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/07/24/detroit-historic-chinatown-building-demolition" target="_self">Gold Dollar Bar</a> in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cass Corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/26/chinatown-revival-cass-corridor" target="_self">Cass Corridor</a>.<ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early albums" data-vars-click-url="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8650-the-white-stripesde-stijl/" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8650-the-white-stripesde-stijl/" target="_blank">early albums</a> drew <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical praise" data-vars-click-url="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8651-white-blood-cells/" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8651-white-blood-cells/" target="_blank">critical praise</a>, The White Stripes reached their mainstream peak with 2002&#x27;s &quot;Elephant&quot; and its hit single <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY" target="_blank">&quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;</a></li></ul>What they said: Fellow Michigan rocker Iggy Pop inducted the band, calling Jack and Meg &quot;a 21st-century Adam and Eve.&quot;<ul><li>Jack accepted the award, saying, &quot;Today, The White Stripes are proud to represent the sound of Detroit punk and garage rock and all of its bands and artists.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: His former bandmate and ex-wife, Meg, did not attend. However, Jack delivered a message from her.<ul><li>&quot;She wanted me to tell you that she&#x27;s very grateful to all of the folks who supported her through all the years, and it really means a lot to her tonight.&quot;</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two women perform on stage, each playing an acoustic guitar and singing into microphones, with a red-lit background and audience watching." height="3392" id="f8f82213-7ee8-43d0-acb5-683b2434a3f9" src="https://images.axios.com/OeI-BQdpmCLJO8yx1m_11s7AuZs=/2025/11/09/1762702153699.jpeg" width="5000"/><figcaption>Feist and Olivia Rodrigo perform The White Stripes&#x27; &quot;We&#x27;re going to Be Friends&quot; during the 2025 Rock Hall ceremony. Photo: Amy Sussman/WireImage</figcaption></figure>State of play: Pop star Olivia Rodrigo and singer-songwriter Feist paid tribute to the band with a rendition of 2002&#x27;s &quot;We&#x27;re Going to Be Friends.&quot;<ul><li>Alternative duo Twenty One Pilots then took the stage for a cover of &quot;Seven Nation Army.&quot;</li></ul>How to watch: The 2025 Rock Hall ceremony is available to stream on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney+." data-vars-click-url="https://www.disneyplus.com/explore/articles/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-2025" data-vars-content-id="e9ef6929-6ed5-4c4a-bc15-f524deaa7184" data-vars-headline="&quot;Seven Nation Army&quot; marches to the Hall: The White Stripes join rock&#x27;s elite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.disneyplus.com/explore/articles/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-2025" target="_blank">Disney+.</a><ul><li>ABC will air a highlight special at 8pm on Jan. 1.</li></ul>

Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan's economy

A new report says independent venues boosted jobs and tax revenue — but most aren't profitable.

Michigan&#x27;s independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/music" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/music" target="_self">music</a> venues contributed $1 billion to the state&#x27;s economy last year despite the industry&#x27;s profitability problems, according to a first-of-its-kind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e91157c96fe495a4baf48f2/t/68e58e39bce25b729b47932e/1759874617679/2025-NIVA-State-of-Live-Report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e91157c96fe495a4baf48f2/t/68e58e39bce25b729b47932e/1759874617679/2025-NIVA-State-of-Live-Report.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> by the National Independent Venue Association.Why it matters: NIVA hopes the data motivates policymakers to support legislation like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capping ticket resale prices" data-vars-click-url="https://news.pollstar.com/2025/07/08/live-nation-niva-chime-in-on-feds-live-industry-study/" data-vars-content-id="7ce9d854-c713-4ab1-bb7c-0e7348eb104e" data-vars-headline="Indie music venues drove $1B to Michigan&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.pollstar.com/2025/07/08/live-nation-niva-chime-in-on-feds-live-industry-study/" target="_blank">capping ticket resale prices</a> and establishing state-backed live music performance funds to help indie venues survive.

Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead

Rhiannon Giddens says her time at U of M shaped her upcoming projects.

Rhiannon Giddens, a folk musician who&#x27;s won a Grammy, a Pulitzer and worked with Beyoncé, just wrapped up a yearlong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="residency" data-vars-click-url="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" data-vars-content-id="0a21eec9-bfbc-4dd8-ab1c-cf62f3637c29" data-vars-headline="Folk star ends U of M residency with new work ahead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arts.umich.edu/u-m-artist-in-residence" target="_blank">residency</a> at U of M, where she researched her next projects.Why it matters: Giddens was U of M&#x27;s first artist-in-residence. The biennial program started last year to amplify the work of transformative artists by inviting them to campus.

Detroit's Motown holiday music history

Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and other legendary acts released Christmas music.

No accounting of Christmas music is complete without Motown Records, the influential, genre-bending Detroit label born with an $800 family loan in 1959.Why it matters: A Michigan Chronicle writer once called Motown&#x27;s festive annual concerts — and their Christmas repertoire as a whole, by extension — as integral to Detroit&#x27;s holiday season as the Thanksgiving parade.

Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Saturday's induction ceremony will be streamed at 7pm on Disney+.

Detroit rock band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MC5" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/05/13/mc5-rock-hall-dennis-thompson" data-vars-content-id="1a824768-9c63-4be3-898d-16cd830e689c" data-vars-headline="Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/05/13/mc5-rock-hall-dennis-thompson" target="_self">MC5</a> — whose anti-establishment ethos and sounds influenced punk and heavy metal — will be honored at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="induction ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/event/2024-induction-ceremony/" data-vars-content-id="1a824768-9c63-4be3-898d-16cd830e689c" data-vars-headline="Revolutionary Detroit band MC5 makes the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/event/2024-induction-ceremony/" target="_blank">induction ceremony</a> Saturday in Cleveland.Why it matters: After failing to make the hall despite several previous nominations, MC5 is finally being inducted as a recipient of the Musical Excellence Award.

Lil Wayne headlines Afro Nation Detroit festival this weekend

Lil Wayne is headlining this weekend's Afro Nation Detroit festival.

Lil Wayne is headlining this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Afro Nation Detroit festival" data-vars-click-url="https://detroit.afronation.com/" data-vars-content-id="f246436a-59e2-4d67-a92a-b5c7ae197cae" data-vars-headline="Lil Wayne headlines Afro Nation Detroit festival this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroit.afronation.com/" target="_blank">Afro Nation Detroit festival</a> — a two-day event at the former Brewster-Douglass homes site.Why it matters: The festival highlights the city&#x27;s music and cultural traditions with an eclectic collection of artists and DJs specializing in Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&amp;B, dancehall, Amapiano and Afro house.

Music

Stevie Wonder returns to Detroit's Fox Theatre

Detroit Jazz Festival returns for Labor Day weekend

Your guide to Movement in Detroit

Summer concert deals in Metro Detroit

Kendrick Lamar dominates Detroit's Spotify Wrapped