Events for May 2026
1 May
Preservation of Jazz: Tribute to Great Voices of Detroit ft. Terry Thomas

Chill out with Terry Thomas as we celebrate Detroit’s legendary jazz voices in a night full of smooth vibes and soulful tunes.

2 May
Decent Collective: Spring Break

Levee banks 10pm-11pm

Jitter 9pm-10pm

Park attendant b2b 808sBumpin 8pm -9pm

Thane of earth 7pm - 8pm

??? 6pm - 7pm

3 May
Aretha's Jazz Jam

Aretha's Jazz Cafe's Sunday evening education-themed jam has, for about a decade, served as Detroit’s hub for jazz musicians to learn their craft in a guided, safe, all-ages environment. Created and administered by Music Hall education director, Scott Gwinnell, jamming musicians of all ages are encouraged to use this experience to work on skills like collaboration, communication, improvisation, repertoire building, as well as to network and socialize with other musicians. 

4 May
Incognito & The Brand New Heavies Tribute Returns

Get ready to dance the night away with the incredible tribute bands of Incognito & The Brand New Heavies - it's going to be a night to remem

5 May
Singers In The Round 89 • Songwriter Showcase

Dan Cafferty , Ashton Leah , Release Release, Jonathan Nordstrom 

6 May
Foxxy Gwensdays presents Jason Janas

Motor City Rhythm

An electrifying night of dance, jazz, and Detroit legacy

6 May
Nylon Keies

Nylon Keies is a rising American R&B artist, actress, and model from Detroit, Michigan.

7 May
M&K Entertainment presents Love Songs with EL SHAW

M&K Entertainment presents Love Songs with EL SHAW

8 May
Magenta Moody w/ the Hail Saints and Kira Blue

Get ready to vibe with Magenta Moody, Hail Saints, and Kira Blue live for an unforgettable night!

9 May
ONE GRAND POETRY SLAM #4. IN BLOOM: A Competition for New Voices.

12 incredible poets will compete for $1,000. Due to popular demand we're back with the slam of the Spring!

11 May
Pharoah Sanders Tribute ft Wendell Harrison & Pamela Wise Harrison

Get ready to groove to the soulful sounds of Pharoah Sanders Tribute at Aretha's Jazz Cafe, ft Wendell Harrison & Pamela Wise Harrison!

13 May
Foxxy Gwensday featuring Dr. Toni Booker

An evening of Soul, Jazz, & Elegance...

15 May
DON DYLAN - THE ULTIMATE ‘BOB DYLAN’ EXPERIENCE

"Don Dylan" is the ultimate Bob Dylan tribute of the Midwest. 

16 May
LOVERS AND FRIENDS- SPRING EDITION - LG & FRIENDS

Get ready to mix, mingle, and figure out if we’re lovers or just friends this spring with LG & friends!

17 May
Aretha's Jazz Jam

Aretha's Jazz Cafe's Sunday evening education-themed jam has, for about a decade, served as Detroit’s hub for jazz musicians to learn their craft in a guided, safe, all-ages environment. Created and administered by Music Hall education director, Scott Gwinnell, jamming musicians of all ages are encouraged to use this experience to work on skills like collaboration, communication, improvisation, repertoire building, as well as to network and socialize with other musicians. 

20 May
Real Poems Reading People #5

Featuring Brian Gyamfi, Author of What God in the Kingdom of Bastards (UPITT Press), Denise R. Ervin, beloved Detroit poet and educator, as well as some emerging artists and student poets from the Detroit and surrounding areas.

21 May
Ryan Hawley & Friends

Join Ryan Hawley & Friends for a fun, chill hangout with great vibes and awesome company!

22 May
FLOWERS: a Tribute to Prince (7pm show)

Get ready to groove and celebrate Prince’s iconic hits live and in person for FLOWERS: a Tribute to Prince!

22 May
FLOWERS: a Tribute to Prince (9:30pm show)

Get ready to groove and celebrate Prince’s iconic hits live and in person for FLOWERS: a Tribute to Prince!

24 May
Aretha's Jazz Jam Will Return Next Week May 31

Aretha's Jazz Cafe's Sunday evening education-themed jam has, for about a decade, served as Detroit’s hub for jazz musicians to learn their craft in a guided, safe, all-ages environment. Created and administered by Music Hall education director, Scott Gwinnell, jamming musicians of all ages are encouraged to use this experience to work on skills like collaboration, communication, improvisation, repertoire building, as well as to network and socialize with other musicians. 

29 May
Julianne Ankley

Julianne Ankley solo acoustic for one special night! Tickets are $10 for this intimate seating event.

30 May
THE NIGHT CAP: Live Experience

4 rising Detroit R&B voices. One stage. Soul, storytelling, live music, & late-night energy at The Night Cap...

31 May
Aretha's Jazz Jam

Aretha's Jazz Cafe's Sunday evening education-themed jam has, for about a decade, served as Detroit’s hub for jazz musicians to learn their craft in a guided, safe, all-ages environment. Created and administered by Music Hall education director, Scott Gwinnell, jamming musicians of all ages are encouraged to use this experience to work on skills like collaboration, communication, improvisation, repertoire building, as well as to network and socialize with other musicians. 

Events for May 2026