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Where can you catch hundreds of bands playing in three Metro Detroit cities over the course of four nights? At the 18th Annual Metro Times Blowout, that’s where. Blowout 18 kicks off on Wednesday, April 29 with a launch party at Saint Andrews Hall and the music continues long into the night through Saturday, May 2.
The launch party includes a very special solo show by Andrew W.K., as well as performances by Jamaican Queens, Flint Eastwood, Sapphire Bracelet, Grand Junction and more. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. with Cheerleader, and Andrew W.K. will take the stage at 11:30 p.m.
Pulp Detroit is producing Blowout 18 with the Metro Times, and the company handles all of the booking, creative design and production for the event.
“There isn’t a better way to discover new music in Detroit alongside thousands of rabid music lovers than Blowout. If you love live music, Blowout is your paradise,” Anthony Morrow, owner and CEO of Pulp Detroit, said.
(Metro Times Blowout 2014 photo provided by Adam O’Connor)
Thursday, April 30 is the first official day of Blowout 18 following the launch party, and includes performances by The Black Lips, Trick Trick, Mexican Knives, The HandGrenades, Third Coast Kings and more. Shows start at 8 p.m. at each of the participating venues in Detroit, Hamtramck and Ferndale, such as The Loving Touch, Garden Bowl and Small’s.
“Blowout is unique in many ways. There’s nothing like it in the area with the use of multiple clubs in multiple cities featuring so many diverse types of music and featuring national and local artists,” Morrow said.
Additionally, the vast number of national acts booked this year separates Blowout 18 from those of years past.
If you’re ready for a show on Friday, prepare yourself for acts including Alvvays, Ponyshow, The Kickstand Band, The Ill Itches, The Paper Sound and Ryan Dillaha and the Miracle Men. If you haven’t checked out The Huma Room at HopCat Detroit yet, now is your chance to do so! Four different bands are set to take the stage beginning at 9 p.m., with Allie Marie kicking off the show, followed by The Royal Blackbirds, Horse Cave Trio and The Howling Diablos.
There are also several shows taking place in Hamtramck on Friday night, at venues like Whiskey in the Jar, Seven Brothers, Paycheck’s and the Fowling Warehouse.
(Metro Times Blowout 2014 photo provided by Adam O’Connor)
The weekend will certainly end with a bang on Saturday, when bands including Arkells, Nigel & the Dropout, The Bruised Reed, Jesus Chainsaw Massacre and Nice Hooves take the stage. The WAB, Rust Belt Market and Zeke’s Rock and Roll BBQ are all serving as venues for multiple performances each on Saturday night, so it’s a great chance to check out some tunes and grab a few beers and barbecue while you’re at it.
If you’re interested in attending Metro Times Blowout, purchase an all access wristband for just $20, which will get you into every single show all weekend long, all four nights. All access passes can be purchased online or at participating venues for $20 through Wednesday, April 29. The following day, all access passes increase to $30. If you’re not that much of a partier, or have a commitment problem, one day tickets are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for just $15 a pop.
“There are surprises every year, bands that come out of nowhere that people end up talking about,” Morrow said. “With so much talent involved, the next band up could be a can’t miss.”
While the 18th Annual Metro Times Blowout is open to music lovers ages 18 and up, keep in mind that a few of the venues playing host may have different policies (i.e. 21 and up only). For more information on Blowout 18, including the full performance schedule, visit http://mtblowout.com.
