With 2015 in the books, we’re ready to start 2016 with a bang. We hope your resolution involves going to more shows and listening to new music. With that in mind, here’s our shortlist of events we recommend checking out this month.
Secret Friends Fest 3
Friday, January 8 – Sunday, January 10
7:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
The Loving Touch
$16
Secret Friends fest is back this year at The Loving Touch. The two-day event features 18 bands from the US to Canada, with many local favorites. January 8 features sets from Tart, Prude Boys, Heaters, The Erers, and more. Mild High Club, Grand Analog, Deadbeat Beat, and The Deadly Vipers headline January 9. Read more about SFF3 and buy tickets here.
Aguankó
Saturday, January 9
9:30 p.m.
Cliff Bell’s
$10.00 General Admission
Michigan-based musicians join forces as Aguankó, a Latin jazz group led by percussionist and composer Alberto Nacif. Nacif formerly hosted WEMU’s “Cuban Fantasy” program, and he fuses his knowledge of Afro-Cuban folk rhythms to traditional jazz. The ensemble of veteran musicians bring their unique sound to Cliff Bell’s Saturday, January 9. Read more about the event here.
Duane the Brand New Dog / Ex American / ASBO Action Squad
Saturday, January 9
9:00 p.m.
Marble Bar
$5 (18+)
Detroit’s favorite dog is back at it in 2016, playing at Marble Bar Saturday, January 9. Duane will be joined by Ex American and ASBO Action Squad. Find out more here.
MOCAD Winter 2016 Opening
Friday, January 15
7:00 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
Free /$5 suggested donation from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., $7 starting at 9:00 p.m.
MOCAD presents their Winter 2016 opening, featuring Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson’s Woman in E. The exhibit also includes work by Detroit photographer Steve Shaw, Chloe Brown, and Mike Kelley. In addition, soulful singer/songwriter Bevlove will be performing live. This fusion of contemporary visual art and one of Detroit’s most talented musicians is not to be missed. Get more info here.
Nigel & the Dropout / Passalacqua / Racehorses Are Resources / Eddie Logix
Friday, January 15
8:00 p.m.
The Loving Touch
$10
Fusion Shows presents Nigel & The Dropout at the Loving Touch Friday January 15. Filling out the rest of the stacked lineup are local favorites Passalacqua, Racehorses Are Resources, and Eddie Logix. Find out more here.
Matthew Dear (DJ Set)
Saturday, January 23
9:00 p.m.
The Blind Pig
$10.00 General Admission
Ghostly International’s Matthew Dear returns to his home base in Ann Arbor for an intimate DJ set at The Blind Pig. Get the details here.
Passalacqua / Height Keech / Gavin Riley Smoke Machine
Monday, January 25
9:00 p.m.
UFO Factory
$7
UFO has put together a remarkable January schedule, including this event featuring Passalacqua, Height Keech, and Gavin Riley Smoke Machine. Get more information here.
Protomartyr / Rebel Kind / Deadbeat Beat
Friday, January 29
9:00 p.m.
The Blind Pig
$12 (18+)
After watching Protomartyr’s meteoric rise to international stardom in 2015, the band still show that they appreciate their local fans and are slated to rock out at the legendary Blind Pig, with support from Rebel Kind and Deadbeat Beat. Buy tickets here.
Wolf Eyes / Outrageous Cherry / Viands
Friday, January 29
9:00 p.m.
UFO Factory
Ticket Prices TBD
Close out the month at UFO factory for a rare Wolf Eyes performance. They are joined by Outrageous Cherry and Viands. See more info here.