Just when you think the hype on this event can’t get bigger - it does!  My list of the huge number of online resources for this year’s Detroit Electronic Music Festival is the tip, but this is a big iceberg!  Wikipedia does the ‘Fest justice, giving the history and current stats, Paxahau is a big promoter this year, along with Synthtopia, get the details at the official DEMF BLOG and of course the DEMF site itself.  Videos and attendee info can be found on MySpace, last.fm and afterparty action at detroitluv.  One more reason the ‘D’ owns the music world!  Don’t miss this party!  $40 for a early purchase weekend pass, $25 per day, $50 weekend at the gate, $175 VIP!

Yea, when Richard Florida talks Creative Class, his presentations are on Technology, Tolerance and Talent.  But having witnessed his pre and post presentation activities, what is practiced but not preached is the big ‘P’ - Party!  While it has been a while since Maxim made the call ranking Detroit number 7 on its top 10 party cities, The Detroit Regional Chamber reminded the development community in their e-newsletter today that there are more reasons to come to Detroit than just our engineering and design brilliance - you can party like Kid Rock too!

Only in Detroit will you see the likes of the The Stooges, White Stripes and Kid Rock relegated to the category ‘Outstanding National Single’.  That leaves plenty of nominations open for the tons of local talent showcased at this year’s Detroit Music Awards!  The range of music and categories being celebrated Friday night at the Fillmore are only surpassed by the talent themselves!  Check nominees for 2008 awards, determined by nominations from local musicians and music industry professionals and voted for over the web.

The DMA has featured performances and guest appearances by Eminem, Kid Rock, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent and many others.  Tickets for this year’s event are $20, and you can either get tickets through ticketmaster or at the door.  Thanks to Detroitcity.com for the heads up!

Detroit Renaissance wants to know what you think and where you live - if you are creative.  They have asked New Economy Strategies LLC to conduct a survey to gauge obstacles to build a creative environment and Crain’s Detroit to survey the community to create a map of all the creative sector businesses in our Metro area.

For the Creative Business Climate survey (which they will email you the results of) click here.

For the asset map survey (which they won’t send you results of), you can read Mary Kramer’s intro to the survey, or jump to the survey.  If you even remotely suspect that you or someone you may work with can loosely be defined as creative - take this survey.  This survey is aimed at business, not individual, so fill it out for your company, even if you are a company of one!

There are few options (1) if you are in the music industry, and there may be others that are not completely represented.  Go ahead and pick the ‘other’ checkbox - don’t be intimidated to explain how you don’t fit into any of the pigeon holes!  What is most important is to stand up and be counted!

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.

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!

Rumor from DetroitCity.com is that St. Andrews Hall, famous for Eminem’s rap battles featured in the movie 8 Mile, is a purchase target for the rapper/future real estate magnate.  No comment from Eminem’s camp on the discussions with Live Nation, formerly Clearchannel Communications, on what is going on.  You can read more about it from Rap Basement, here.  Thanks to DetroitCity and Rap Basement!

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!

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!

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.