Detroit Artists In The Spotlight in Chicago

June 13, 2011 | 11:38 AM | By Micki Maynard
FILED UNDER: Communities, Detroit, music

Ask Detroiters to list their favorite musicians and you’ll hear names from Motown to classical music,

Detroit in the Chicago Spotlight

hip-hop to folk. And there’s no doubt that the music business has been an economic ambassador for the Motor City. Now some of Detroit’s notable artists are about to take the stage in Chicago where the Chicago Symphony Orchestra usually performs. On Friday night, the Auditorium Theater will host a tribute to the music of Detroit, as part of its United Sounds of America series. The bill includes singer/guitarist Marshall Crenshaw, violinist Regina Carter, soul singer Bettye LeVette and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.

Sunday night’s concert in the series was a tribute to New Orleans, whose musicians have many ties to Chicago (think Louis Armstrong and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings).

Wendell Pierce, center, with New Orleans musicians

The night featured the Rebirth Brass Band, Donald Harrison, several members of the Andrews family, and was hosted by Wendell Pierce, the New Orleans born actor who starred in the HBO series The Wire and currently appears in Treme. More than one parasol was lifted and hankies were waved as the Chicago audience spent most of the night on its feet.

Can Detroit give New Orleans a run for its musical money? Which Detroit artists are on your iPod? We’d love to compile a Detroit music playlist. Post your nominations.