The Quicken Loans Community Fund will host its second annual Detroit Out Loud festival on Aug. 22 and 23. The free weekend festival, which aims to celebrate what makes Detroit unique through art, music, and family-friendly activities, will be a hybrid event this year — featuring virtual performances while also encouraging attendees to get out in their community.
“Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are transitioningDetroitOutLoudto a digital platform with the goal of creating an amazing, uplifting, virtual fun day forDetroiters and their families,” says Jasmin DeForrest, director of Community Sponsorships for the Quicken Loans Community Fund. “…DetroitOutLoudis a chance for anyone, regardless of where they call home, to represent their love forDetroitOutLoudand show what the city means to them while practicing safe social distancing measures.”
Detroit emcee Kevin Irwin will host the two-day festival, which will feature virtual performances by Inner City, an electronic music group founded by techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson; singer-songwriter Charity; Ballet Folklórico de Detroit, a traditional Mexican dance group; singer-songwriter Raye Williams, and Grammy-winning soul singer Dwele.
Baking lessons with April Anderson, owner of Good Cakes and Bakes; a poetry reading by jessica Care moore; gardening tips with Malik Yakini, executive director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network; and a painting presentation by visual artist Phil Simpson are also on the lineup.
And, to combat what event officials call “virtual content fatigue,” Detroit Out Loud will also suggest safe outdoor activities for families. These activities, which the festival is referring to as “Go Time” events, include sidewalk chalk art, kite-flying, and ballroom hustle dancing. Detroit Out Loud is also hosting a free evening at the Saturday Night Drive-In at Dearborn’s Ford Wyoming Drive-In Theater.
“COVID-19 has made life incredibly stressful for everyone,” DeForrest says. “We want to encourage Detroiters to appreciate and show love for their city while maintaining safe social distancing practices. We are Detroiters. We are in this together.”
For more information and to register, visit .
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