Detroit Redefined
Watch A YouTube Recording Of This Webinar At The Bottom Of This Page
BACKGROUND
Beginning with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1918, Detroit’s rich musical history has spanned a century. Gospel. Blues. Jazz. Motown. R&B/Soul. Rock. Pop. Punk. Hip hop.
Today, however, the musical world is surprised that Detroit still hangs its hat on history when the new sound of Detroit — the electronic dance music genre called Techno — has claimed the international spotlight.
On Sep. 20, 2023, we talked Techno and more. We explored how Detroit’s cultural economy and its dynamic, young artists can once again reshape the city’s future.
We heard from four leaders in Detroit’s nighttime economy. Their vision for the next century includes:
- A balanced Detroit that caters both to newcomers and the dedicated residents who never left.
- Collaboration with city officials for seamless event planning and business openings.
- A diverse entertainment hub offering great music and fun things to do around the clock.
- A robust 24-hour economy that prioritizes and nurtures the city’s vibrant creative community.
- A city that invests and promotes its creative culture as a pillar for economic growth and tourism.
Nighttime culture can reshape a city’s future as evident in this web panel from 24HourNation.
Watch. Listen. Get energized.
PROMOTIONAL SPONSOR
One City Music Group is a music and entertainment label based in Texas. OCMG also provides artist management services.
PANELISTS
Adriel Thornton – Independent Night Ambassador, Detroit Nightlife United
In May 2023, Detroit Nightlife United created the role of Detroit’s first Independent Night Ambassador and assigned the position to Adriel Thornton.
Adriel has more than thirty years as an activist and event promoter in Detroit, the birthplace of Techno as an electronic dance genre. Thornton also performs and hosts events under the name of DJ Adriel Fantastique. In his Independent Night Ambassador role, Adriel Thornton will represent a wide swath of nightlife sectors. These include businesses, venues, artists, musicians, and other stakeholders who collectively contribute to the vibrancy of Detroit’s nightlife.
“People forget that culture is a commodity that is exported and imported. I would try to re-frame what we do here as a viable cultural export,” Thornton has stated. “As far as the kids who are in other cities, I’d tell them to get here as soon as they could. They need to experience the deepness in Detroit, live, and in person!”
Angie Linder – President, Detroit-Berlin Connection
Angie Linder is an advocate of Detroit’s 24-hour economy.
She serves as the president of the Detroit-Berlin Connection. The nonprofit organization is a collaborative, transatlantic effort to bring together creative individuals and communities in the two cities. Its goal is to drive cultural and economic growth in Detroit.
Linder also spearheaded the creation of Detroit Nightlife United, the city’s first independent organization that advocates on behalf of artists, DJs and musicians involved in Detroit’s Night Economy. As part of Detroit Nightlife United’s initiative, she organized the support of over one hundred artists, promoters, venue owners and musicians to appoint Detroit’s first Independent Night Ambassador.
Angie’s dedication to this project demonstrates her commitment to Detroit’s economic diversification and the vibrancy of its cultural scene. She has been a part of the Detroit Electronic Music community for over 25 years and has produced hundreds of underground electronic music events over the years.
Angie Linder is also co-founder of the record label and DJ crew, Detroit Techno Militia.
Adrian Tonon – Former 24-Hour Economy Ambassador, City of Detroit
Adrian Tonon served as the City of Detroit’s first 24-Hour Economy Ambassador (also referred to as “Nighttime Mayor”). As a member of Detroit’s creative community, Mayor Mike Duggan appointed him to lead the City of Detroit’s film, music, and nighttime economy initiatives. In this role, Tonon bridged government and the arts to advocate for a thriving and sustainable creative culture.
Tonon is also co-founder of We Are Culture Creators Productions and Sick Em Records. As a key stakeholder in Detroit’s local music and arts industry, municipal governments from around the world have invited Adrian to speak and educate others about Detroit’s night scene.
In 2022, Adrian Tonon ran unsuccessfully for Congress in the newly drawn 13th District, which covers Detroit, Hamtramck, and the Grosse Pointes. A key objective of his campaign was to create a seat for the creative economy at our policymakers’ table.
Marcus Miller – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Menace Media
Our web panel also includes a rising star whose entire field of vision is what is ahead and what is possible.
Marcus Miller and two other Detroit natives have launched this a “disruptive” digital marketing agency called Menace Media. They collaborate with musical artists and other creative entrepreneurs who wish to polish their brand and expand their online presence with next-generation sensibilities.
The MM team manages to embody the hustle of Detroit with full knowledge that the city’s value to creatives has yet to be tapped.
HOST
Randall White – Founder and Host, 24HourNation
24HourNation’s webinars are hosted by nighttime economy advocate Randall White. A former performing artist and community leader, White worked professionally as a non-profit executive, producer of special events, and political consultant.
He founded and served as the inaugural board president for 24HourDallas, a non-profit organization focused on safety, inclusivity, and vibrancy in Dallas’ nighttime economy.
Launched in May 2022, 24HourNation is a web-based news and information resource that covers the global nighttime economy movement.
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