Dude York and PAWS with Copneconic, and Prude Boys at The Underground at DIME March 30

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Dude York and PAWS with Copneconic, and Prude Boys at The Underground at DIME

7pm – $12 ADV / $14 DOS – *All Ages*
http://smarturl.it/DudeYork_Paws_Det

Website: www.thecrofoot.com
Tumblr: www.thecrofoot.tumblr.com
Instagram: @thecrofoot #thecrofoot
Twitter: @thecrofoot #thecrofoot

Tickets available at the Crofoot Box Office, www.ticketweb.com & by Phone: (866) 468-3401. Tickets are also available fee-free with cash at UHF Records in Royal Oak MI

 

DIME Summer Sessions! | June 26th-30th

DIME SESSIONS – June 26-30th | Ages: 12-18

DIME SESSIONS 2017 DRAFT2

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!

Click here to register now!

 

DIME Detroit: An easy decision when you want the best for your child

DIME Detroit: An easy decision when you want the best for your child

The question for Steven Showers was hard: What could he do to make sure his son, Jimmy Showers, an aspiring guitar player, had a chance to live the life he wanted?

The answer was easy: DIME Detroit was the only option to give Jimmy an opportunity to build a career in the music industry.

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Steve Showers, father of soon-to-be graduate, Jimmy Showers.

“As parents, we all want the best for our kids, but what are going to do to make sure they have the tools to be successful?” Steven asked before Jimmy’s 2017 graduation from DIME Detroit. “You have to live your life with urgency, try to live your dream and not go around asking ‘what if?’

“We knew the guy could play. We saw the spark. We saw the passion. We wanted to be able to say we put him in the right place to succeed in a long and sustainable career. DIME gave us that.”

Steven admits there was some uncertainty with DIME Detroit in 2014 because it was a Detroit startup and Jimmy would be part of the school’s first graduating class. Whatever it lacked in pedigree it made up for with buzz and substance from its founders, who had successfully started a similar program in the UK.

Showers researched the administrators and the instructors. He talked with them and came away with the same promise and enthusiasm for the future.

Learn more about our programs… CLICK HERE

“What sold us was the quality of the staff and the fact that they come from the industry,” Steven said. “They harness talent and teach students exactly what they’re going to do and what they’re going to encounter in the music profession. Other colleges aren’t doing that. This is career development. Now I get to say ‘that’s my kid.’ My son has a career in music.”

That’s the satisfaction that Lea Wiercioch is experiencing as well.

She sent her daughter, Ali, to DIME Detroit after the young songwriter and folk singer spent a year being unhappy at a theater performance school in New York. The situation at DIME Detroit has been the polar opposite. Ali knew within hours of a summer course that the family had found the right spot.

“They are so invested in each other and to every individual student,” Lea said of Ali’s experience with music professionals who serve as institute instructors. “They’re not going to tell you’re a star, but they are going to give you the tools to grow and be the best you can be. They’ll teach you at every step and cover all the bases.

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Ali Wiercioch performing with students at the “Louder than Love” event at the Detroit YMCA.

“I’ve been blown away.”

Lea had another takeaway as she had the benefit of watching Ali develop friends for a lifetime at late-night jam sessions. The Wiercioch home often served as a gathering place for Ali and her fellow musicians to play their instruments, sing and laugh together at all hours of the night.

“It was actually a really cool part of the experience,” she said. “You could hear and see them forming relationships with each other. They love to be together, and then you saw the change in their talent and ability. They progressed so far so fast because of what they were learning.”

Parting words from a DIME Original…

The past 3 Years have flown by. I am proud to say that being a part of DIME has been the most rewarding step in my career.

To my team – Our office dynamic is one like I’ve never experienced before. We truly have the “dream team”. I have laughed, cried, stressed and celebrated. I have shared moments with you all that I can’t imagine I ever could have in any other workplace. Elise, Sabrina, Jess, Karl, Drew, Neal, Natalie, Allye, Paul and Deanna… and our fam at DIME Online, DIME Denver and Original 1265… thank you for everything.

Kevin and Sarah – My “bosses” and mentors. When I first saw the DIME pop-up shop on Woodward, I knew I would do whatever it took to work there. You saw my determination and desire to make a positive change in the city, and gave me a shot. And a blanket to keep me warm (aka stop me from shaking from nerves during my interview). Thank you for 3 years worth of unforgettable memories.

To my seniors – Everyone of you has come so far. This is your chance to make an impression and get your foot in the door to the music industry. Don’t slow down. This is the beginning of the rest of your life.

Kiara – You are absolutely beautiful inside and out, and I cannot thank you enough for the love that you’ve shown me. You have worked your (expletive) off, networked to no end, and can still somehow manage to sing like Adele. You deserve every good thing that comes to you (which will be plentiful). Please don’t ever stop.

Edgar – You are one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met. Please don’t think that it goes unnoticed. We see you putting in the hours at work to pay your own tuition, and still volunteering to be a stage hand and sell tickets at the Underground shows. Keep it up and it will take you far in this industry.

Ali – Watching you grow over the past few years has been amazingly entertaining. You’ve gone from a theater performer to a beautiful artist who can take on any genre when you hit the stage. I will always be one of your biggest fans. I can’t wait to see what happens after graduation!

Austin – Old reliable – our lone bass player. Thank you for always stepping up and jumping in on performances (and looking like the coolest kid in school even when the pressure was on).

Steve – I will never forget the day you came into the pop up shop with your mom and grandmother. They were so proud watching you audition for your future. They still are, sending us videos of you gigging on The Vans Warped Tour. Be proud of yourself. I am.

Ryan – Silent but deadly. You can play the guitar like it’s nobody’s business, and even though you have metal in your heart, you’ve stepped up countless times to play every genre possible and kept an open mind. I look forward to your Christmas songs every year and will be the first to purchase the full album.

Jimmy – You have a desire to learn that I admire so much. You are so humble, and do everything in your power to push your band mates and your own career forward. Anyone would be lucky to work with you, whether it be in social media, marketing or music.

Devin – Your songs (and mind) are truly one of a kind. You make me want to dance, and I can’t wait to see your name in lights, headlining EDM festivals across the country. Use your music to influence a positive change in the world, and nothing will be able to stop you.

Ian – You have an eye and ear for talent… Not to mention your amazing songwriting ability and the skills to play almost any instrument. You will do amazing work in sync, A&R, or wherever this path may lead you.

Jack – My big little brother. Thank you for creating some of my favorite music. I love watching you and the boys perform, whether it’s headlining at The Shelter or being the best wedding band I could have ever asked for. Keep pushing the band forward, and you will be the next Mumford & Sons. I will always have your back.

To all of our students and faculty – thank you for creating an inspiring place for me to work. Coming into your classes and just watching you perform truly was the best part of my day. You are such talented, wonderful people, and I hope you can see the positive impact you are making on Detroit and the music industry.

To the parents – thank you for taking a chance on us. We know that it can be emotional and nerve wracking sending your child to a brand new, non-traditional, school. But I can promise that this team will do everything in their power to help them succeed in their classes and in their future careers. Thank you for supporting your kids on this crazy journey, and for coming to all of our Student Performances. I loved being able to catch up in The Underground.

You all should be so proud of yourselves because I certainly am. I am proud to know you and consider you my friends.

Even though I won’t be in the office, you will still see me around. You can count on me being there for all of the fun stuff… Our parties, concerts, and graduation, where I will be crying like a baby in the back of the room, watching as the first graduating class walks across stage.

Thanks for the memories… I’m off to full-time mom life.Brittany Morris Team Administrator

Love always,
Britt

#WeAreFamily #WeAreDIME

DIME Masterclass: Kern Brantley MARCH 3RD

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DIME invites you to a Masterclass with Kern Brantley

Serving as musical director for over 2,000 live shows, Kern is DIME artist in residence and has toured with Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy and many more!

Friday March 3rd
1PM-3PM
Open to the public
$5 For Guest/Free For Students
The Underground at DIME

5 pieces of advice to parents of DIME students

5 pieces of advice to parents of DIME students

Lea Wiercioch and Steven Showers once stood in the position that parents of prospective students at the Detroit Institute of Music Education now do, wondering what to expect from the one-of-a-kind specialty college.

As parents of students who will be part of DIME’s first graduating class, they recently reflected on their experience to give others perspective.

Here are five highlights they think you should know:Screen Shot 2017-02-20 at 4.06.29 PM

Trust the instructors: Lea’s daughter, Alison, is a folk music vocalist and songwriter, but early in her studies at DIME, her instructor had her singing tunes from Motown legend Stevie Wonder’s catalog. The purpose? Expose Alison to another genre and extend her ability to perform and improvise.

“You have to trust what they’re doing,” Lea said. “I admit wondering ‘Why Stevie Wonder?’ Everything is done for a reason and it helped her immensely.”

Embrace Detroit: The city’s resurgence is real, especially in the heart of downtown where DIME Detroit is located. There is energy and opportunity, according to Steven, the father of guitar student, Jimmy Showers. The elder Showers has lived in New York City and Chicago and says they have nothing on Michigan’s largest city.

“Watching what’s happening here and what’s available is incredible,” he said. “Detroit today is exciting. There are people everywhere. You can do anything. It’s a great, safe place to be. Come down and check out the music venues, the public spaces, the restaurants. There is a reason DIME works in Detroit and why Detroit works for DIME.”

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Prepare for late-night jam sessions: Students, well after classes have ended for the day, often hang out with each other at their parents’ homes. They tend to play their instruments, sing and laugh together at all hours of the night. It was a comfort to Lea.

“It was actually a really cool part of the experience,” she said. “You could hear and see them forming relationships with each other. They love to be together, and then you saw the change in their talent and ability. They progressed so far so fast because of what they were learning.”

Come check us out… SCHEDULE A TOUR

Step back to let them soar: The music industry is demanding. It’s unforgiving. It’s hard. And so is the instruction and guidance offered at DIME. But it’s also for the best, both Steven and Lea said. The professional musicians offer honest constructive criticism that sometimes requires a thick skin for students and parents.

“You have to let it go as a parent,” Lea said. “It’s for the best because every step is about learning, and ultimately, it’s not going to be easy. At some point in a career, there will be hurdles, rejection or heartache, but they’re prepared for it and know how to keep pushing forward.”

Enjoy the ride: Their personal and professional trajectories hit rocket speed during their time in the program. Attend the live performances. Be active in their education.

Screen Shot 2017-02-20 at 4.06.16 PM“It’s an adventure and you have laid the groundwork for your child to succeed,” Steven said. “Everything they’ve done, it’s not just to find a job. It’s taking that passion and talent to a rewarding career. My son has a future in the music industry and that’s exciting. It’s what he wanted and DIME has gotten him there.”

Open House: March 18th

open house

It’s time again for DIME’s Open House!

With classes taught by music industry pros, masterclasses from major-label artists, and a creative and inspiring learning environment, DIME Detroit is a music institute like no other. Meet DIME Detroit instructors, staff, and students! Check out our facilities and see live performances on all 3 DIME stages. Learn about our degree programs in partnership with MSU Denver and get all the information about classes starting in Fall 2017!

Join us for an OPEN JAM in the Live Performance Workshop room from 1-2:30pm – First come, first served for current DIME students and those considering attending in Fall 2017 or Fall 2018!

Click here for more information or to register!
Or, feel free to contact us at 313-223-1600 or at info@dime-detroit.com

Taming the DIME audition nerves: “Success lies outside of your comfort zone”

Taming the DIME audition nerves: “Success lies outside of your comfort zone”

Steven Showers saw the nerves in his son, Jimmy Showers, before his guitar audition for administrators at DIME Detroit.

Since then, Steven has watched Jimmy get excited before putting on incredible performances for a crowd of more than 1,000 people.

It was part of the learning process and something most students will encounter, Jimmy said. He beat back his audition nerves by using a piece of advice given to him by a friend, who told him: “Success lies outside of your comfort zone.”

Jimmy, who considered himself shy before the audition, embraced the opportunity to build a foundation.

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“I just took the risk and took the chance,” said Jimmy, who is set to graduate from DIME in May. “I believed in myself and that’s what I would tell other students who are interested in going to DIME.

“Go ahead and do it because you’re never going to know if you don’t.”

Unlike Jimmy, Ali Wiercioch, a vocal student who had performed in community theater and choirs growing up, wasn’t intimidated as she approached her DIME audition.

That doesn’t mean it went off without a hitch.

Ali recalls being warmly greeted by Elise McCoy, the school’s Head of Recruitment and Admissions. She first interviewed Ali, then asked her to demonstrate musical skill including sight reading music, at the time, a weakness of Wiercioch’s.

“I did my best and worked through it,” Ali said. “Elise made me feel comfortable that I could be myself, so while I knew it could have gone better, I also knew that it wasn’t the end of the world.”

Ali and Jimmy know that the audition format can produce anxiety, particularly because performers understand the benefit of getting into DIME’s program that will build sustained, successful careers in the music industry.

Jimmy reminds musicians they don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to be passionate. That desire will help them shine.

As Jimmy learned and has since repeated: “Success lies outside of your comfort zone.”

Come check us out… SCHEDULE A TOUR

Detroit Laugh City Presents: Dwayne Kennedy in The Underground @ DIME

Get your tickets here!
Detroit Laugh City, producers of outstanding comedy events, proudly brings national touring comedian, writer, and actor, Dwayne Kennedy!

About Dwayne: DWAYNE KENNEDY is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer whose TV writing credits include The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), The Orlando Jones Show (FX), and the critically acclaimed FX/FXX original series, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.

His debut stand-up comedy EP, OH NO, ITS DWAYNE KENNEDY! is available now at Bandcamp, with a variable price point plan (Black Folks = $9, White Folks = It Depends).

Dwayne got his start in comedy in his native Chicago at Zanies Comedy Club, and has since evolved into one of the funniest and most thought-provoking comedians of our time. His satirical diversions and piercing perspective on social and world issues showcase a comedic genius heralded by the likes of Chris Rock and Marc Maron.

Described as a world-class stand-up by The Village Voice, Dwayne continues to challenge the norm and connect with audiences through his keen, incisive wit. Winner of the 2002 US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, Dwaynes stand-up has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Premium Blend, Comedy Central Presents, and Talkin’ Dirty after Dark.

Dwaynes acting credits include roles on Seinfeld, Martin, Amen, 227 and in the feature film How High. Hes also had the distinction of appearing as a correspondent on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, where one of his popular segments was named the The Most Intentionally Funny Video of the Day at Nerdist.

Joining Dwayne is local favorites, comedians Tom McCarthy & Tonya Murray!

Tickets are only $15 at the door – but when they’re gone, they’re gone – SO GET YOURS NOW!