Don’t miss the DIME Sessions Vol. 3 Album Release Party this Friday, August 25th! New album! Original music! Live performances! It’s going down live in The Underground at DIME! Doors open at 6 pm! FREE ADMISSION! Please come out as we will have the bar open for drink specials and refreshments! Please share the flyer attached among your social circles and teammates. We hope to see you soon! The DIME Sessions Vol.3 Album will be available on Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and other streaming services.
DIME students play Concert of Colors with Don Was!
This weekend the annual Concert of Colors Festival took place in Detroit. Spanning two days and multiple venues, this free event celebrates the indigenous music of the city. A highlight of the festival each year is a performance by Detroit-born superstar Don Was and his All Star Revue. Don’s impressive resume includes multiple Grammy awards / nominations and production credits for acts as diverse as The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elton John, and John Mayer. A founding member of the band Was (Not Was), Don is also the President of Blue Note Records, and to top it off, a member of DIME’s Board of Directors. Entitled “Music of the Rebellion”, Don’s show this year commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1967 uprisings in Detroit.
Don’s show is always a highlight of the festival, but it was even more special for DIME this year, who were represented by four of our vocal students! Under the direction of Antea Shelton, DIME’s Head of Vocals and Songwriting, Alivia Combs, Ally Evenson, Danihea Hobson and Devin Woodson took to the stage at Orchestra Hall on Saturday to sing ‘Everyday People’ by Sly and the Family Stone with Don and his band at one of Detroit’s most prestigious venues.
The show was an incredible opportunity for these students, who have just finished their first year at DIME. Here’s what they had to say about the experience of performing with a living legend.
“One year ago today I auditioned for DIME and I have been blessed with the most amazing opportunities. Performing with DON WAS and his band last night was exhilarating to say the least!” (Alivia Combs)
From left to right: Danihea Hobson, Alivia Combs, Devin Woodson and Ally Evenson
“This time last year I was frazzled and nervous about transferring schools to DIME. The thought of “am I doing the right thing?” was crossing my mind daily. One year later, I get to walk out on the stage of Orchestra Hall and perform for the largest audience I’ve seen while up on stage, with Don Was and one of the greatest sounding bands in the world. I know it sounds cliche, but it was a total dream come true. DIME has opened up a world of possibilities for me, and I couldn’t be more thankful.” (Ally Evenson)
On stage at Orchestra Hall
“I’m still mind blown that I was able to perform with Don Was! My life has shifted so much in a positive way since I started attending DIME!” (Danihea Hobson)
DIME students with Don Was!
“Last night was one of the greatest performance experiences of my life. I had the opportunity and honor to perform with Don Was and with some of my best friends! But, our part truly came together with the help of one my favorite teachers, mentors, and songwriters, Antea Shelton! Thank you so much for coaching and supporting us through the whole experience.” (Devin Woodson)
DIME students with Head of Vocals and Songwriting, Antea Shelton
Congratulations to Alivia, Ally, Danihea, Devin and Antea!
DIME Students: The Week in Live Shows
A busy week of shows kicked off on Saturday night at Smalls Bar in Hamtramck, with a headlining show from Brother Son, led by DIME Songwriter, Frank Harrington. Brother Son were supported by DIME Music Industry Studies student, Alex Murphy, with his alternative/indie band, Grainger, who also features DIME student Angelo Coppola on drums.
Brother Son (Photo credit: Daniel Plucinski)
Grainger (Photo credit: Daniel Plucinski)
On Tuesday July 11th, three DIME student artists will be playing sets at Hart Grub & Groove, located at Hart Plaza on the Detroit riverfront. This event is a family friendly series with something for everyone. Dave Green, Siena Liggins and C3, are all appearing on the bill, which starts at 6pm.
Dave Green and Friends
Siena Liggins
On Wednesday, July 12th, student George Wilson, will join Songwriting instructor, Audra Kubat and a host of other songwriters for a Postcards and Protest Songs event at the Ghost Light bar in Hamtramck. Hosted by Kubat, this event has been organized in response to the “10 Actions / 100 Days” campaign that started following the Women’s March on Washington in January.
Audra Kubat
George Wilson
She’s not a student, but our Receptionist, Allye Gaietto is an awesome songwriter. For those of you planning a trip up north this week, she will be playing on Thursday July 13th at Marquette Park in Mackinac Island.
Allye Gaietto
This weekend, the annual Concert of Colors Festival takes place with free events taking place across the city. As in previous years, DIME Board member and legendary artist and Grammy Award winning Producer, Don Was, will be performing with his All Star Revue. This year, Don will also be joined by four of our first year Vocals students: Alivia Combs, Ally Evenson, Danihea Hobson and Devin Woodson. Catch them at the Meijer Main Stage (Orchestra Hall) from 8-10pm on Saturday, July 15!
From left to right: Danihea Hobson, Ally Evenson, Alivia Combs & Devin Woodson
C3, who is signed to local Detroit label, Original 1265 Recordings, rounds off a busy week with a show at the Concert of Colors on Sunday, July 16th. Catch them at 5.30pm on the Wolverine outdoor stage.
Charles Laster III of C3
DIME SESSIONS SUMMER PROGRAM – JUNE 26-30TH
DIME SESSIONS – June 26-30th | Ages: 12-18
We are proud to announce this unique summer program for young musicians that focuses on technical development and performance for GUITARISTS, BASSISTS, SINGERS, AND DRUMMERS – only at DIME Detroit!
Study with some of our top instructors and enjoy prizes and giveaways from our sponsors, MoPop and 89X!
Register before March 31st for the early bird price of $199!
DIME STUDENTS GRADUATE!
On Saturday, June 10th, we celebrated the graduation of our very first cohort of students in the Society Room of historic Detroit music venue, Saint Andrew’s Hall. Before the ceremony, graduating students processed from DIME through the streets of Detroit, alongside faculty and staff. They were welcomed at the doors by their families and guests before heading to the Saint Andrew’s stage for photographs.
Soon-to-be DIME graduates on their way to the ceremony.
The ceremony began with speeches from DIME Detroit’s Managing Director, Sarah Clayman, and President, Kevin Nixon. Kevin noted DIME’s commitment to the recognition of popular music in academia: “We’ve got many mountains to climb to see modern music academically recognized for the brilliance that it delivers. Let’s not wait until we lose heroes like David Bowie and Prince for the world to respect them for the work that they’ve done. Today we have 9 new professionals who will go out into the world and stand shoulder to shoulder with us on that quest.”
DIME’s Head of Education, Dr. Paul Schauert, reminded the graduates: “Make music that has an impact, make music that says something about the world in which we live. Make music that changes our world for the better. If you do this, you will certainly make your mark.” He concluded his speech by acknowledging the significance of DIME’s first graduating class. “You have forever made your mark on this institution, and now it’s time to make your mark on the world.”
Professor Geoff Smith, who is the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of DIME’s validating partner, Falmouth University, was also in attendance to present awards. During his keynote speech, Geoff praised the dedication of the students, and commended Kevin and Sarah’s “amazing lifelong commitment to helping young, creative talent make it’s mark.” He also celebrated DIME’s presence in the city of Detroit. “The institute is already part of the creative wave that’s spreading here, street by street, kickstarting the city’s creative rebirth.” On DIME students joining the Falmouth creative community, he said “Our alumni have built high-profile and rewarding creative careers around the world, and from today, we will be proud to count you amongst this company of our creative, connected, and courageous graduates.”
DIME valedictorian, Kiara Jackson, centered her speech around the theme of fearlessness: “From time to time, I receive messages from students and other Universal college reps asking me about my method or mindset to approaching certain things. The mindset is simple: Be fearless.” She continued, “In this industry you need to go for you want, and be unapologetic.” Kiara also thanked key members of the DIME faculty and staff, before making the highly anticipated announcement that she has accepted a position in New York City with Republic Records. A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Florence + the Machine, among many others.
Institute Manager, Karl Middleton, concluded the ceremony by reminding the graduates that they are, “lifelong members of the DIME creative community. We are committed to supporting your continuing development as artists, performers and industry professionals beyond graduation.” He continued, “It has been our privilege to work with you over the last 3 years, and I look forward to seeing many of you return to DIME in the future as masterclass guests, instructors, and headline performers on The Underground stage.”
We are immensely proud of this group of young musicians, songwriters and entrepreneurs, who were the first students to begin their DIME journey when we opened in Capitol Park, 3 years ago. During their time at DIME, these students have blossomed into accomplished professionals, who are confident, experienced, and well prepared to embark on their careers in the music industry.
We will be in frequent communication with our alumni, and look forward to sharing their successes with the DIME community!
Congratulations Graduates! From top left: Ryan Harrison, Devin Madgy, Ian Griffiths, Steve Radzom. From bottom left: Kiara Jackson, Alison Wiercioch, Jimmy Showers, and Edgar Duenas. (Not pictured: Austin Mokrenski.)
Make Music Detroit 2017 @ DIME, Wednesday June 21st
Make Music Detroit at DIME
June 21, 2017
Free | All Ages | 10am – 8pm
Open Door Drop-In at DIME | 10am – 1pm
DIME staff will be welcoming drop-ins throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to bring demo recordings of their material for feedback, and chat about songwriting, performance, and careers in the music industry. Speak with Elise, DIME’s Head of Recruitment and Admissions, who is a guitarist, songwriter and producer, or Drew Schultz, who has had a varied career working with artists and institutions such as Motown Records, Aretha Franklin, Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, Temptations, Four Tops, Funk Brothers, Dennis Coffey, Melvin Davis, The Dramatics, Martha Reeves, Modern Drummer Magazine, and many more.
Student Performances: 2pm – 5:30pm
Up-and-coming artists and bands will be performing in DIME’s Underground venue, including students from the Detroit School of Arts, Axis Music Academy, and Metro Detroit area high schools.Music Industry, Songwriting & Performance Discussion Panel: 6pm – 8pm
Industry professional discussion panel in DIME’s Underground venue, which will focus on songwriting, performance, and booking/promoting bands and recordings.
- Panelists include:
Melvin Davis – (Drummer/Songwriter/
Mahogany Jones – (Four-time winner of BET’s Freestyle Fridays, United States Cultural Ambassador in 13 Countries)
Audra Kubat – (DIME Songwriting instructor, and independent artist with multiple Detroit Music Awards)
Anthony Retka – (Singer/Songwriter with multiple solo and group albums released, songs placed in Discovery Channel)
Drew Schultz – (Songwriter/Producer/
For more information about Make Music Detroit, please visit their official website:
www.makemusicdetroit.org
Download the the Make Music Day app at Itunes and Google Play for full schedule and lineup
#makemusicdetroit #makemusicday #fetedelamusique #worldmusicday#detroitmusic
DIME for a DIME! Saturday, June 17th!
It’s back! DIME for a Dime brings together music students ages 12-19 to enjoy 25-minute sessions in up to 3 different areas of study. Classes are taught by our industry-professional faculty and provide students with a unique opportunity to understand and explore the modern music industry. Some experience is preferred, but not required.
Please email info@dime-detroit.com to register. Space is limited!
APPLY NOW for Fall 2017 – Pay no application fee!
Apply to one of the MSU Denver at DIME bachelor’s degree programs, and pay no application fee!
1.) Visit MSU Denver’s website to begin your application.2.) Make sure to choose “Music – IDP, Detroit Inst. of Music Ed.” when you are asked what program you’re applying for.
3.) Once you have completed your application, you will be asked to pay a $25 application fee. When prompted, type in the promo code “DIME” to waive the fee!
FUNK CAMP – Aug 7-11th
MSU’s Community Music School and DIME Detroit present FUNK CAMP!
Presented by MSU CMS-Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME), Funk Camp is for students ages 12 to 21 who sing or play guitar, bass, drum set, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or keyboard. Music reading is not necessary, but beneficial.
Students form bands based on age and experience to learn songwriting and popular hits. Camp includes sectionals, band rehearsals, daily jam sessions and visits from special guest artists. Funk Camp takes place August 7-11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Daily lunch included. A final concert will take place at DIME on Friday, August 11 at 3 PM.
To register, please fill out this form and return to Community Music School. Space is limited, register now!
Hip Hop Loves Mom Playlist
By Edward Strong
Hip Hop often gets a bad rap (no pun intended) for it’s lyrics towards women. However there are numerous songs that uplift, celebrate and honor women as a collective. As you are celebrating the important women in your life today…check out some of the most notorious hip hop songs in which the artists honor the loving nature of their Mothers.
Drake- Look What You’ve Done
In this song, Drake depicts the journey he traveled from living with his mother (Sandi) with health issues to providing everything that he feels that she deserves. Drake gives a legitimately touching tribute to his mother, grandmother and uncle on this stand out from the album “Take Care”.
Eminem-Headlights
Eminem, who is often considered the biggest rapper in world, painted his childhood relationship with his mother Debbie in raw emotion in songs like “Cleaning out my closet” but, here in Headlights we see a mature Eminem issue a public apology to his mom, over a John Lennon sampled beat entitled “Mother” . It’s hard not to feel the conviction in Em’s voice from this “Marshall Mathers LP 2” breakout hit.
Kanye West-Hey Mama
The polarizing creative genius creates a diamond of a ballad that was dedicated to his mother Donda West before her untimely death in 2007. West debuted the song from the album “Late Registration” on Oprah with his mother in the audience, and Donda liked it so much it was actually her ringtone!
Jay-Z-Blueprint(Momma Loves Me)
Here, the music mogul Jay-z paints a very vivid picture of his humble childhood beginnings living in Brooklyn, New York. Not only does his mother receive his appreciation in this titled track from “The Blueprint”, his friends and family are highlighted here as they also contributed to his early development and success.
R.Kelly-I Wish
In this tear jerker of a ballad, R. Kelly writes a song that is dedicated to his late mother from the album TP2.com. “I Wish” spent three weeks at number-one on the U.S. R&B chart and peaked at number fourteen on the U.S. pop chart.
Tupac- Dear Momma
We close the playlist with one of the most important hip hop songs of all time… Tupac’s “Dear Momma” from the album “Me against the world” it’s as powerful, as it is honest. Retelling the progression of his mother’s journey and development. Tupac created a song at 23 years old that stood the testament of time. As it was the third hip-hop act ever (after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message”“ and Public Enemy’s album, Fear of a Black Planet) to be placed in the Library of Congress.
Edward Strong serves as DIME Detroit’s Marketing, Events and Guest Manager. Looking to book your next event at DIME? Contact edwardstrong@dime-detroit.com
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