There has been a lot of hype in the local Detroit media about hosting this Second Creative Cities Summit October 13-15th since Governor Granholm announced it and blogged about it February 15th. No location for the event has yet been identified. Neither the link in the MiLifeMiTimes article nor the Cool Cities page of MSHDA seem to provide any detail. MiLifeMiTimes goes on to say the first Summit was held in St. Petersburg Fl. in 2004, which is also listed in the Freep article released in the same media salvo on this issue. Digging in a bit further, I find that an organization called UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) hosted what they thought was the first one in Philadelphia last year, partnering with a local organization called Innovation Philadelphia. So I am confused - when was the first summit? From MiLifeMiTimes, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) Cool Cities Team is a key organizer of the event. Freep also mentions Creative Cities Productions, which doesn’t seem to exist, at least to Google. Peter Kageyama, who is mentioned in conjunction with Creative Cities Productions is very active in Creative Class activities, more of which you can read about here. I am hoping to get some people engaged in this worthy effort, so I hope more information on this event is provided soon!

No, this isn’t another Die Hard movie. A geeky group in Detroit called Motor City Connect is sponsoring a Red Cross drive called ‘Red, Green and Warmth to provide blood, money & blankets in this holiday season that is a dry spell for the Red Cross.  The day to act is Friday, December 21.  Check out either site and do what seems best.

Another celebration of urban living is happening again this Friday at Willy’s Lofts, 444 West Willis in Midtown. Illuminate highlights recent urban residential developments in Detroit. Starts at 7, lasts till at least Midnight, and showcases food, music and art - what more do you need?

Making it happen: Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit, Slow’s BBQ, Majestic Cafe, R. Hirt Jr., Cost Plus wines and music courtesy of Detour Magazine.

$10 at the door helps StandUp for Kids and CAID. If you can’t afford the ten bucks, volunteer - Detroit Synergy can still use help on the day of the event.

In case you haven’t gotten there yet and you are into the fashion and design scene in Detroit, the last few days of DFW are rapidly drawing to a close.

Go to the St. Regis Hotel, 3071 W. Grand Blvd. @ Woodward in Detroit (next to the Fisher Theater)

Starting at 7:30 Friday,

Camilo, Gretta Wallace, Jill Robertson, Samaher Mohammad - Zaynini Fashion Intl.

Starting at 7:30 Saturday,

La’Tosha Williams-Qahhaar - La’Monee’ Couture
Lasijas Miller - Nethade by Lasijas
Cynthia Lamaide - LaMaide Designs Inc.
Fotoula Lambros / Emily Thornhill - Femilia
Beulah Cooley - The “Beulah Cooley Collection”

More detail and tickets on the DFW site.

Formerly known as TasteFest, this re-engineered music and food event that draws huge crowds downtown is also sporting a new Gallery Preview Party in the Fisher Theater lobby tonight at 8. Eleven artists work will be featured, kicking off a 5 day, 4 stage, 40 restaurant eating, drinking and merry making time. CityFest highlights the ‘D’s musical and entertainment diversity with local rock, rap, R&B, jazz, and more in the main music categories. Highlights include Weird Al and lots of local talent, including Revolva, displaying her exotic hoop routines & leading the way with the World Hoop Day July 7th (who knew the hoola hoop could get upscale!) If food, drink, music & entertainment aren’t enough, their is a skateboard exhibition area, the Detroit Derby Girls, and way more that you can see on the site. Head down to the D!

There is never a shortage of reasons to head for the ‘D’ on any given weekend, and this one is no exception!  With over 50 live performances, 6 stages, and way over a hundred individual artist booths, the Detroit Festival of the Arts will be a celebration of the creative!  In it’s 21st year, the Festival is located in the heart of the Wayne State area, and is easily reached from several major freeways.  If live music, tons of sand, and just about every type of live performance you can imagine sound like a good time, hit it!

Come to the DYC at 8am tomorrow to hear Smart Cities Radio host and CEO’s for Cities President Carol Coletta discussing what it takes to make a city successful and how Detroit measures up. Register here, get more info here, and get directions here. Joining Carol will be Detroit’s own Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future.

Detroit stands second to none when it comes to Techno!  From the beginning, Techno was invented by Detroiters, and the former Techno Festival this year will feature over 75 of the worlds leading electronic artists.  This event is known all over the world - I could start naming names, but essentially everyone is here!  Now dubbed Movement 2007, Paxahau, the event’s principle promoter has established a website with the amazing lineup for this 3 day weekend!  If you are into electronic music, this will be your event this year.  If you are into parties, besides all the entertainment there are a series of pre and post events guaranteed to keep you in the spirit!  Check the site for more details, and be there May 26, 27 & 28!

From 9 until 11:30am at The Parade Company, Josh Linkner, CEO of ePrize, will discuss how to create an entrepreneurial and innovative culture in the ‘D’. Best part - it’s FREE!! Click HERE to register, HERE for more info, or contact Jon Kreger .

Sponsored by

Actually we are talking Quatro De Mayo first, followed by the more traditional May 5th Mexican holiday. In it’s 3rd year, the Bash is being held at Cheli’s Chili Bar in downtown Detroit. With over 5,000 attending last year, and a stellar lineup of talent, not to mention some awesome Margaritas, this event will be THE way to spend this weekend in Metro Detroit! One day, two day or weekend / VIP passes are available online or at the door. Starting early Friday afternoon - 3pm - 20,000 feet of tequila swigging space, including Cheli’s rooftop will be available for your enjoyment.   Jody Raffoul,  That 80’s Band,  Killer Flamingo’s  and assorted DJ’s will  be providing latin themed and more current flavors of hot and spicy music to mix with the burrito eating contests and other great excuses to eat, drink and be merry.  Click the event website above for  all the sordid detail & to get tickets.