A Guide to Bands Playing The Whitney Garden Parties this Summer
Story by Allison Kay Bannister
Summer is upon us, and, as Midtown begins to burst with color, so comes the return of the weekly Garden Parties at The Whitney—Detroit’s iconic historic estate. In its 34th year, the annual event features some of the city’s hottest musical acts and runs Thursday nights from June 1st through August 31st. Who’s on this season? Here’s a rundown:
The Orbitsuns: June 1
Self-described as “low down and dirty outlaw country,” this hardworking quintet blends and bends genres to produce a sound that’s as honky-tonk as it is punk rock. The band features frontman Vinnie Dombroski—also known as the vocalist for 90’s alt-rock band Sponge—as well as Jimmy Paluzzi on drums, Bob Hecker on bass, Jeremy “Leroy” Bilitz on guitar, and Liz Fornal on vocals. See what they’ve got cookin’ at orbitsuns.com.
The Whiskey Charmers: June 8
Led by Carrie Shepard and Lawrence Daversa, this Detroit-based country noir/Americana band is currently touring to promote their fourth album “On The Run” while also working on their fifth, which is expected to release at the end of 2023. Past albums have won Detroit Music Awards, and three of their songs can be heard in the video game “Detroit: Become Human”.
Hear their sound at thewhiskeycharmers.com.
The Firewalkers: June 15
Vintage soul meets popcorn R&B for this Detroit band who made their debut in 2019 at the city’s annual Erotic Poetry & Music Festival. Fronted by singer Laura Mendoza, the band is a who’s who of local musicians, including David James on guitar, Rudy Varner on upright bass, Loney Charles on drums, and Johnny Evans on sax. They specialize in pre-Motown sounds of the late fifties and early sixties. Give them a spin at thefirewalkersdetroit.com.
Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils: June 22
Singer Jennifer Westwood and guitarist Dylan Dunbar are the heart of this roots rock and roll/honky-tonk soul band, whose influences include gospel—where Jennifer got her start—as well as Stax, Texas blues, and Muscle Shoals-era artists. They’re also Detroit Music Awards winners in the categories of writing, performance, and musicianship. They perform both as a duo and with a full band, and they tour extensively. See where they’re headed next at jenniferwestwood.com.
The Blueflowers: June 29
The labels Americana and Alt-Indie only begin to describe the moody, ethereal, genre-pushing sound of this Detroit-based band. Born of a collaboration between singer/lyricist Kate Hinote and guitarist/producer Tony Hamera, the band has evolved since its inception in 2009 and over their five full-length albums that have been released since. They’re comprised of Hinote and Hamera; longtime core members Jim Faulkner on drums, David Johnson on guitar, and Erin Williams on keys and backing vocals; and new member Bryan Talaski on bass guitar. Hinote is also responsible for booking the acts at the Whitney Garden Parties, so be sure to give an extra round of applause after their sets. Find out more at katehinote.com/blueflowers.
The Hackwells: July 6
If a band whose music is defined as “Sun's Memphis, Tootsie's Nashville, and a dash of 70's AM Radio, all delivered with a little Detroit swagger” doesn’t catch your attention, what would? Mixing Americana with alt-country, the group includes Brian McCarty on vocals and guitar, Jeff Schott on vocals and bass, Larry Everhart on vocals and harmonica, and John Dobat on vocals, guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Take them for a test-listen at thehackwells.com.
Tosha Owens and the Stable Dudes: July 13
Detroit-born and -raised, Owens belts out a mix of blues, rock, funk, and R&B with a style that’s been compared to artists ranging from Etta James to Gladys Knight to Chaka Khan to Janis Joplin. Yet, she maintains an identity all her own. Gritty, funky, and bluesy, Owens not only performs live, she’s also a recording session vocalist who can be heard on many tracks of local and national artists. Listen to a sampling on toshaowensmusic.com.
Strange Heart: July 20
A little rock, a little pop, and a lot of raw emotion. Through their diverse sound, Strange Heart, led by songwriter and vocalist Josh Clemens and joined by Mike Schneider on bass, Bobby Jankowski on drums, and Mike Leslie on guitar, captures the heart and soul of Detroit. They’ve made a name for themselves in the local music scene since forming in 2017, and recently released their sophomore album. See what they’re all about at strangeheartmusic.com.
Carolyn Striho Group: July 27
Whether at the piano or on guitar, this Detroit songwriter, singer, and musician has an expressive style that combines art rock, folk, and soul, with a bit of classical and cabaret mixed in. She’s earned 11 Detroit Music Awards and a Billboard Award and has performed across the globe. Striho also just released a collection of her poetry and lyrics titled “Detroit (Maiden Energy)” and is working on a new album. Get the latest at carolynstriho.com.
Olivia Dear: August 3
Recognized for her captivating and celestial voice, Olivia Millerschin—now known on stage as Olivia Dear—delivers audiences a blend of modern pop and folk songwriting. She’s an award-winning Detroit artist who tours the U.S. and beyond regularly, averaging 150-plus shows a year, from intimate settings to large venues. She’s currently focusing on new music, her new name, and new statement. Read all about her at oliviadear.com.
Billy Brandt and The Sugarees: August 10
Legendary Detroit-area singer-songwriter, Billy Brandt, whose rootsy music spans folk, rock, psychedelic, country, and Celtic genres, is joined by his rock outfit, The Sugarees, for this event. An award-winning artist who’s known for his collaborations, Brandt, along with his crew, will perform a mix of familiar favorites and tunes that are new to discover—all with an Americana flair. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Allison Laakko & Sean Blackman French Jazz Quartet: August 17
This quartet is led by Allison Laakko on vocals and Sean Blackman on guitar. They’ll be performing French jazz classics that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a small café in Paris. Their repertoire includes standards by Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Charles Aznavour, Francoise Hardy, Georges Brassens, and more.
One Ton Trolley: August 24
A four-piece band from Clarkston, One Ton Trolley features Bill Arnold on guitars and vocals, Chris Brown on bass, Jon Johnson on drums, and Anthony Zack on guitars and Vocals. Described as “roots rock from the Rustbelt,” it’s a sound infused with folk, rock, country, blues, and bluegrass. Their music has a humble, honest vibe that appeals to people from all walks. Get familiar with them at onetontrolley.com.
The High Strung: August 31
Finishing the season strong are the power pop/garage rock band The High Strung, whose hit “The Luck You Got” you might recognize as the theme to Showtime’s “Shameless.” Leading the group are Josh Malerman, a best-selling author, and songwriter Mark Owen, and they’re backed by Stephen Palmer on guitar, Chad Stocker on bass, and Derek Berk on drums. Their album “Address Unknown” is out now. Read more about them on thehighstrungmusic.com.
Now, on to details you need to know if you plan to go.
The Whitney Gardens open at 5:00 p.m. Each band will play two sets; one from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and the other from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Get them, as well as more details, here. VIP Reserved Patio table tickets are $15 and are available for parties of 2,4, or 6. Individual tickets for standing and mingling on the deck are $5 each. Food and beverages can be purchased for an additional cost.
