Restoration of Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza, Usher’s New Album, Super Group That Never Happened

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The Detroit City Council has finally approved a plan to spend nearly $5.6-million to restore the Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza. I tried to look up in the last time it ran because I don't ever remember that fountain running at any point in my lifetime. It was nice to see the fountain on Belle Isle when that was restored. So, it's always great to see improvements in the city.

The vote to restore the fountain was 8-to-1. Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway voted against it. She said she'd rather see the funds used to restore the Merrill Fountain at Palmer Park. I believe that's in her district, you know what I mean? It's like one or the other, so that's what her reason probably was for voting against it. Regardless, I'm happy to see that. It's an iconic area in the city.

The Lovers & Friends Festival was started by Usher and happens annually in Vegas. This year it's on May 4th and he has an amazing lineup every year, but it's even more amazing this year according to the flyer. I mean, like every artist we play on 105.1 The Bounce, plus some, are supposed to be there. One artist who was listed on the flyer and has called them out is Juvenile. He said he was never sent a deposit and never booked for the festival. Here's what Juvenile posted... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/u9uyoYQJqn4

Last week, Mary J. Blige made similar comments, saying her inclusion on the flyer was an error. But now it looks like she's back on and will be performing. A lot of the comments I saw online were people saying, 'Oh, they're just throwing all these big names on the flyer without actually having contracts to sell the show. And then be like,' Oh, sorry, Juvenile couldn't make it.'' Or they'll send contracts at some point later down the road.

I mean, I used to do that. I used to book shows. It's a lot, especially with that many people. I mean, there's got to be more than 50 people on that show. Tickets are actually sold out for that show, but there is a waiting list in case they do announce a second show, which they usually do. You can check out their website here to see all the acts that are supposed to be there and how to get on that waiting list if you want to go... https://www.loversandfriendsfest.com/

Speaking of Usher, the Super Bowl is less than two weeks away and he's set to perform at halftime. He's also releasing a new album called Coming Home. It's his first new solo album since Hard II Love in 2016. Usher released the track list yesterday on his Instagram, and there's some big names on there with, like Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, Burna Boy, and H.E.R. The new album drops on Friday, February 9th, which is just a couple days before the Super Bowl.

Very smart of him because everybody's going to be talking about him after the halftime show. Every time someone performs, even if they aren't fans, people just go to Spotify to pull up their music. So, you always see like a spike in your stuff after you perform. Why not get a spike for your new music? Usher's "Coming Home" is available for pre-order on his website if you want to check that out... https://ushermusic.lnk.to/COMINGHOME

One last Usher note, he recently sat down with Shannon Sharp on his podcast, Club Shay Shay, and was asked if there were any collabs that he wished he would have done and he dropped a bombshell.

Usher told Sharpe, "Jay-Z, Pharell, Diddy and me was supposed to be a group. I think we all got caught up in the moment. We was talking about it and having a secret meetings about it. We were talking about music and how we're gonna flip and the business end of it. And somehow man, we just got distracted. It never happened. That's the one that I actually wish would have happened."

How would you feel about that? I mean, that's a super group. I just want to see them doing like some Backstreet Boys moves up there. That would have been funny. Here's a clip of Usher talking about that group that never was... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxQDKLCiR1s&pp=ygUUdXNoZXIgc2hhbm5vbiBzaGFycGU%3D

Movement Detroit. There is nothing like it. It is an iconic electronic music festival and is exclusive to Detroit on Memorial Day Weekend. People travel from all over the world to attend every year and has been going on for nearly 25 years. I mean the city has had an influential role in the development of techno as a genre so of course we have to celebrate that!

I feel so incredibly lucky as a music fan to live right here and have been able to attend for many years. Many years of completely losing yourself in the music, making friends, and dancing for hours on end. The music has this infectious energy that grabs hold of you, making you surrender to the beats and putting you in in a musical trance.  Many of the songs do not have lyrics so the beat has got to be supreme and has to move your soul. You can feel it in your bones. I usually dress up each year in a different costume including a unicorn, Superwoman, a butterfly and more. Of course this is optional.

The 2024 initial lineup includes artists like Fatboy Slim, Idris Elba, Kevin Saunderson, Avalon Emerson, and many more. Now, you'll want to get your tickets before they sell out. They also offer payment plans for your convenience.

When choosing a hotel to stay at, it ideally will be within walking distance from the festival. It must have a bathtub or hot tub to soak those tired feet. You will want to book that as early as possible as there is a huge influx of visitor during that time. Not only for the festival, but for the holiday weekend with other events. So, check out 5 great hotels below for you to stay at while visiting Detroit.

Stay in this iconic building in Downtown Detroit along the Detroit Riverfront. The Detroit Marriott at The Renaissance Center is just .3 miles from Hart Plaza and is about a 6-minute walk to Movement Detroit. It is located inside the GM/Renaissance Center at 400 Renaissance Dr W, Detroit, MI 48243.

Parking options include valet parking for a daily rate of $40, and off-site parking at The Beaubien Garage. There are also electric car charging stations. They also have a restaurant on-site, fitness center, gift shop, convenience store and more. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed unless they are service animals. Book your stay here.

If a 4-star luxury hotel option is your thing, you'll want to check out The Detroit Foundation Hotel. This hotel is unique as it opened inside the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters building. It is just .3 miles from Hart Plaza and a 8 minute walk to Movement Detroit. It is located at 250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226

It is a 2022 Conde Naste Traveler Readers' Choice Award Winner and staying here is an experience. The hallways are lined with artwork from city artists. Plus, they have in-room dining or grab a drink and meal at their on-site restaurant/bar The Apparatus Room. Parking options include 24 hour valet at $45 Valet parking is available 24 Hours for $45/vehicle & daily parking is $20/vehicle. This hotel is dog friendly. Book your hotel stay here.

Stay really close to the Movement Detroit Festival with this hotel. The Courtyard Detroit Downtown is just .2 miles a 3-minute walk to Hart Plaza. It is located at 333 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226.

You can enjoy an indoor pool & a hot tub to soak your sore body from dancing all day & night. Plus, a convenience store, IHOP Express & Applebee's restaurant, and fitness center. Parking options include valet with in and out privileges for $41/day. Pets are not allowed at this hotel unless they are service animals. Book your stay here.

The Fort Pontchartrain is a Wyndam Hotel. It's located just .3 miles and a 7-minute walk to Hart Plaza. This is their address 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226.

Enjoy their indoor pool and hot tub. Grab a bite to eat or some coffee at one of their three restaurants & bars.  Parking nearby is $15/day for event parking, $35/night for overnight parking, and valet for $40.  Book your stay here.

This hotel is a little bit further out, but still within walking distance. It is .8 miles and about an 18-minute walk to Hart Plaza. The address is 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226. The Cambria Hotel opened at the former iconic Albert Kahn-designed WWJ radio station.

If you are a foodie, you have got to check this hotel out. They have options ranging from upscale Mediterranean fusion to fast-casual tacos and a 24/7 grab-and-go bodega. They even have an on-site golf simulator at Five Iron Golf. They also offer valet parking and have a fitness center. Book your stay here.