As the chill of winter gradually fades and the warmth of spring emerges, the vibrant city of Metro Detroit comes alive with the captivating sounds of music. This April, the entertainment scene is brimming with an array of concerts, comedy shows, and theater performances that are sure to leave audiences enthralled.
MUSIC
Kicking off the month on a high note, the Motor City Blues Festival is set to take the stage at the Fox Theater on April 1st. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, this annual event has become a beloved tradition for blues enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. This year, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of headliners, including the soulful Calvin Richardson and the legendary Lenny Williams. Joining them on stage will be Pokey Bear, King George, and Ronnie Bell, creating an unforgettable evening of bluesy melodies and heartfelt performances. While not everyone may be a die-hard blues fan, this event is definitely worth considering for those looking to expand their musical horizons.
On April 3rd and 4th, fans will be treated to a nostalgic trip with the Cowboy Junkies at The Ark. This talented group, best known for their 1990's breakout hit "Sweet Jane," has been captivating audiences since their formation in 1985. With a unique sound that blends alternative country and folk rock, the Cowboy Junkies were once regulars on 89X radio. Those who have followed their journey will surely enjoy this special performance.
The Machine Shop will host the high-energy Nu Metal Madness Tour on April 8th featuring Tantric and Crazy Town alongside (Hed)P.E. And Adema. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Tantric is a rock band known for their guitar-heavy hit "Breakdown." Their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, released in 2001, remains a fan favorite. Los Angeles based, rap-rock band Crazy Town came together in 1995, of which many people would probably recognize their catchy song "Butterfly." With a sound reminiscent of a unique collaboration between Linkin Park and 311, Crazy Town brings an exciting fusion of genres to the stage.
Also on April 8th, the Metro Detroit music scene will be treated to a performance by renowned EDM artist Will Clarke at Spot Lite, a popular venue situated in Detroit's Islandview neighborhood. Fans of Clarke's work should not miss out on this opportunity to experience his tracks "Hallelujah" and "U Take Me Higher" live.
A few days later, on April 11th, legendary rapper Lil Wayne will take the stage at The Fillmore in downtown Detroit. This highly anticipated concert is sure to draw a large crowd, as fans eagerly await the chance to witness Lil Wayne's undeniable talent and magnetic stage presence.
On April 14th, music enthusiasts in Metro Detroit are in for a treat as The Piano Guys grace the stage at the Masonic Temple Theater. This talented duo, reminiscent of the acclaimed 2Cellos, has captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of piano and cello music. Comprised of Jon Schmidt, the pianist, and Steven Sharp Nelson, the cellist, The Piano Guys have made a name for themselves by producing both original compositions and masterful covers of popular songs. In 2020, they achieved an impressive milestone, surpassing 2 billion views and amassing 6.7 million subscribers on their YouTube channel. Interestingly, the duo initially launched their channel as a marketing strategy for their piano store. However, as their popularity skyrocketed, they decided to close the store to focus on their music career.
A week later, on April 22nd, country music fans should mark their calendars for the highly anticipated concert by multi-platinum, award-winning artist Luke Combs at Ford Field. With a string of chart-topping hits under his belt, Combs has solidified his place as one of the biggest stars in the country music scene and his shows sell out on a consistent basis. If you plan on attending and haven’t gotten your tickets yet, do so soon.
On April 25th, concertgoers are in for a nostalgic treat as The Wallflowers take the stage at The Fillmore. This talented group, led by Jakob Dylan, son of the legendary Bob Dylan, first came together in 1989. With a string of hits to their name, including the memorable "One Headlight," The Wallflowers have cemented their place in the music world. Their collaboration with Adam Duritz from Counting Crows on "6th Avenue Heartache" further showcased their musical prowess.
As April comes to a close, the Metro Detroit music scene offers another exciting event on the 30th with M83 performing at the Royal Oak Music Theater. This French electronic music group, which formed in 1999, has been off the radar for some time, making their upcoming show all the more enticing. With a distinct 80s vibe, M83 draws inspiration from bands like My Bloody Valentine and Pink Floyd, but their sound also echoes traces of Echo and the Bunnymen, Simple Minds, and The Human League. Conveniently located in the heart of Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Music Theater offers an ideal setting for fans to enjoy M83's unique and captivating sound.
COMEDY
The Metro Detroit comedy scene also heats up in April, offering audiences an incredible lineup of stand-up performances. Kicking off the month at Little Caesars Arena on April 1st is the Straight Jokes Comedy Tour featuring powerhouse duo of Mike Epps and Cedric the Entertainer. These two comedy legends require little introduction, as they have captivated audiences for years with their unique styles, appearances in numerous films, and engaging stage presence. Comedians Earthquake, D.L. Hughley, and DC Young Fly will also be taking to the stage for a night full of side-splitting laughter.
Also on April 1st, Detroit's historic Masonic Temple will play host to the internationally-acclaimed Jo Koy as part of his ongoing world tour. As one of the preeminent stand-up comedians of today, Koy draws from his personal experiences and family life to weave heartfelt stories and side-splitting observations into his performances. From selling out arenas to starring in his own Netflix specials, Koy has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy, and this event offers a prime opportunity to witness his talents firsthand.
Jeff Ross, known as the "Roastmaster General" for his scathing insult comedy, will be gracing the stage at the Andiamo Showroom in the Ren Cen on April 22nd. Ross has made a name for himself with his wildly popular celebrity roasts at the New York Friars Club. If you're not familiar with his work, check out some of his hilarious roasts on YouTube to get a taste of what you can expect.
Last but certainly not least, Dane Cook will be performing at Caesars Windsor on April 27th. Cook rose to fame in the early 2000s, and his comedic career has been supplemented by appearances in several films, including "Waiting," "Employee of the Month," and "Good Luck Chuck." Cook's humor is known for being unapologetically vulgar, so be prepared for a night of laughter that pushes the boundaries.
THEATRE
Theatre enthusiasts in metro Detroit are in for a treat this April, as the city's stages come alive with some truly classic performances. The month kicks off with the iconic musical Chicago, which will be playing at the Fisher Theatre on April 1st and 2nd. Though some may not have seen this captivating production, its storyline delves into the corrupt justice system and its treatment of celebrity criminals - a riveting and timely theme for modern audiences to explore.
April 2nd also brings a limited engagement of the beloved musical Legally Blonde at the Fox Theatre, with two shows available for eager fans. Adapted from the popular film, the stage version follows the journey of Elle Woods, a former sorority member who enrolls in Harvard Law School with the intention of winning back her ex-boyfriend, Warner. However, Elle's experiences at Harvard lead her to discover the power of her legal expertise and her ability to help others. Through her successful representation of fitness queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial, Elle defies the expectations of those who doubted her and remains true to herself in the process.
Towards the end of the month, from April 25th to the 30th, audiences can enjoy the heartwarming tale of Annie, the classic story of an orphan girl who captures the affections of billionaire Oliver Warbucks during the Depression era. This timeless musical, filled with memorable songs and endearing characters, is sure to warm the hearts of viewers young and old alike.
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