Corktown Sounds 2023 Cancellation

Hey there, Corktown Sounds community!

We've got some exciting news to share with you all! As you may have noticed, Corktown Sounds took a little break in 2023, but we're here to let you know that we're gearing up for an incredible comeback in 2024!

First and foremost, we want to give a massive shout-out to all the talented artists, dedicated volunteers, and passionate supporters who have made Corktown Sounds such an unforgettable event in our community. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm have truly made a difference!

To those of you who have been eagerly counting down the days to attend Corktown Sounds 2023, we apologize for any disappointment and frustration this may have caused. We felt it was important to take a step back and regroup, ensuring that when we return, we come back with a bang!

But fear not, music lovers! The spirit of Corktown Sounds remains stronger than ever. Our mission to showcase local talent and foster a vibrant music scene in Corktown is still at the forefront of everything we do. During our time off, we've been working tirelessly behind the scenes, reevaluating our strategies and exploring new and exciting ways to secure funding for future events.

We're thrilled to announce that when Corktown Sounds returns in 2024, it's going to be a truly unforgettable experience. Picture yourself surrounded by incredible music, enjoying the energy and camaraderie of our vibrant community. It's going to be bigger, better, and more magical than ever before!

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your understanding, support, and unwavering love for Corktown Sounds. Your belief in our mission continues to inspire us, and we can't wait to share our plans and updates with you. Make sure to stay connected with us on our website and social media platforms to be the first to know about all the exciting developments.

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for a music-filled extravaganza in 2024! Let's come together, celebrate local talent, and keep the spirit of music alive in our incredible Corktown community!

With hope in our hearts and melodies on our minds,

The Corktown Sounds Team

Corktown Is Grieving

Known affectionately as the Mayor of Corktown; from organizing around City policies and regulations, to neighborhood safety to new development to community celebrations, there was not an event or aspect of life in Corktown that Debra did not have a hand in. So many of us looked to Debra for inspiration and guidance. As we remember her and honor her legacy we will continue to think of her for inspiration and guidance in how we grow our community and take care of our neighbors.

Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, November 26th we celebrated Small Business Saturday by going around the neighborhood and showcasing some of the many small businesses located in our area. We encourage you to shop small and shop local. Shopping small makes a big difference! Let's keep our holiday dollars local and #supportsmallbusinesses.

Pictures by Alejandro Ugalde, Kopalli Media

Corktown restaurants providing free meals to Henry Ford Hospital

A note from our president, Bob Roberts

Picking up food Michigan & Trumbull Pizza To be delivered to Henry Ford Hospital.

For the month of April, the Corktown Business Association, with the assistance of several restaurant members who are still open for business, have been providing daily meals to front line workers at Henry Ford Hospital. 

These meals were made possible by donations from the Ford Motor Company’s Ford Fund, Pattie and Ron Cooley, Oakland Housing, Wayne County Building Trade Alliance and the Detroit Hispanic Growth Corporation.

As of April 21, the CBA has delivered 2,100 meals. 

The funding was slated to end April 20, however, Ford Motor Company’s Ford Fund stepped up and made another sizeable donation so that these businesses can continue daily meal delivery service through the end of the month.

Thank you for these crucial cash donations and the culinary donations of these great Corktown restaurants: Brooklyn Street Local,  Onassis Coney Island, Folk, Michigan & Trumbull Pizza, and McShane’s Irish Pub.  

“I applaud everyone's work and assure you the Corktown Business Association stands ready to assist in any and every way possible,” said Bob Roberts, president of the Corktown Business Association.

“Our purpose on earth is to serve others and that’s what we’re doing. And then you add the gratification of where these meals are going. The doctors, nurses and emergency room folks, I can’t fathom what their daily routine is like.”

— Bob Roberts, president Corktown Business Association

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An Interview with Michigan & Trumbull Pizza

We wanted to share an interview with Michigan & Trumbull Pizza, one of the businesses participating in the Henry Ford Hospital program. We hope this gives some insight into how our Corktown restaurants have been affected and how you can help,

How has your business been affected by coronavirus? 

Owners and Detroit natives Nathan Peck and Kristen Calverley.

Our sales have declined approximately 50%.  We are still doing curbside pick up and third party delivery,  but for the safety of our staff, the safety of the public,  and taking into account labor expenses,  we had to let everyone go.   Consequently, Nate and myself work open to close, with our two children, every day we're open.  Unfortunately,  we opened less than 2 months before all of this transpired,  so we were still very much in the 'start up expense' phase of our brick and mortar,  shutting down, even temporarily, was just not possible.

What has the CBA's response been to support its businesses?  

Being a part of the CBA has been an invaluable resource at this time.  Most notably,  the email thread that continually updates us on developments regarding the shutdown,  financial assistance,  and other programs for small businesses.   But also,  feeling connected and supported by small business owners in a similar situation.   I think ultimately it will also prove to be a great asset for advocating for small businesses at various levels of government.  

How did you become involved in the Ford Fund program?

We were approached by Bob from McShane's to participate.   For us it was not as simple as expressing gratitude to those working the frontlines.  The Ford Fund Program, and other opportunities we've had to give back really gave us some purpose and reenergized us when it was starting to feel like no matter how hard we worked, it wouldn't change the outcome.  We now have a broader perspective of what our role is in all this.   

Where have you seen your community step up to support these or other efforts?    

Aside from the CBA,  several area businesses have ordered from us, checked in on us,  brought us hand sanitizer,  brought ice cream for our kids,  and created campaigns to cross promote us... it's been really remarkable.   

How can supporters of Corktown support the community now?   

I think that the key going forward will be to continue to buy and shop from small businesses.   Even once 'normalcy' resumes,  small businesses will still need the support of people who are able to.   It's going to take awhile for these businesses to bounce back.  

What do you see for the future of the CBA/Corktown community?  

Our experience with the community so far has been that other businesses and members of the community are remarkably  supportive,  generous,  tight knit,  and loyal.  And I think something like this will only amplify those feelings within the community.  

What services do you have going on now? How can people help you? What do you want to promote?   

Currently we are doing curbside pick up and third party delivery.   We are doing family meal packages (two pizzas/ a salad/ a side ~ $35) and a gift card promotion ($10 free for every $25 gift card purchased).   Very soon we will start selling some of our most popular housemade dressings, sauces,  seasonings to go!  

Corktown businesses pivot to produce hand sanitizer

As Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, Corktown businesses are resilient and innovative. Here’s a highlight of how two of our Corktown Business Association members have pivoted their services to produce hand sanitizer for the public and essential workers.

Detroit Bus Company

We've produced north of 14,000 gallons of FDA-approved WHO-formula hand sanitizer so far. We've supplied tons of police departments, fire departments, social service organizations, and the like throughout Detroit. We also have a flow set up where people can purchase a bottle for donation which has resulted in a few hundred gallons being donated.

We're donating all we can to people who can't afford it - and keeping the prices very reasonable for people who can.

We're working to scale our production to drive the price even lower.

Two James Distillery

We saw a huge need for hand sanitizer when the pandemic hit and there was no question about switching gears to start the process of creating hand sanitizer to step-up to help the community. We are proud to be able to say that we have donated to our local police, fire and EMS departments as well as those working the front lines in the surrounding metro Detroit area. Family and community are the pillars of our business and it only made sense to help.

Currently we offer hand sanitizer to the public Wednesday - Saturday from 12p-4p. Currently we offer 8oz for $4 and 16oz for $8. We have a limit of two per person, so we can make sure that hand sanitizer gets into the hands of everyone who might need some. We do not ship, but when you come into our tasting room to purchase, you can also buy bottles and support our business in these times.

If anyone is interested in bulk orders, they can send an email to clerk@twojames.com with "Hand Sanitizer" in the subject line and we will get them the information they need. We appreciate the support from everyone in Corktown and the surrounding community.

Please consider donating to our staff to help them through this difficult time.

Save the Date: Spring into Corktown on Saturday, May 18

Join us for our third annual Spring into Corktown event on Saturday, May 18!

The neighborhood celebration kicks off with the city-wide Motor City Makeover clean up & flower planting, beginning at 10am at Trumbull & Bagley. After noon we invite the community to shop, walk, play, eat and explore Corktown. We will have activity hubs set up throughout the neighborhood including: Kids Zone at Harrison/Michigan, Health and Wellness classes at Dean Savage Park, pop up vendors and shopping at Trumbull & Bagley, and more! 

For clean-up volunteers:

If you're interested in volunteering for the community clean up, SIGN UP HERE!

For businesses:

We are inviting YOU to get involved in the festivities that day. This is a celebration of our unique and growing community and we want neighbors and newcomers to have a great experience engaging with and patronizing Detroit's oldest neighborhood. What makes your business special and how can we promote that on Saturday, May 18th? 

Ideas include, but are definitely not limited to:

- drink & food specials, discounted items, etc.

- outdoor activations, balloons and signage

- pop up vendor collaborations, wine or food tasting, live music, etc.

Be creative! Email kelsey@rootstorisedetroit.com to inquire.

For sponsors:

There are also sponsorship opportunities if you're interested in promoting your business through advertising and media for this event! We are just hoping you will join us in creating a special day for visitors and residents to share and celebrate Corktown's unique history, flourishing small business community, & promising future. 

Email kelsey@rootstorisedetroit.com to inquire.

Detroit PAL's 50th Anniversary Celebration Event Overview

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2019

Time:

• VIP - 5:00pm

• General Admission - 5:30pm-9:00pm

Location: The Corner Ballpark presented by Adient, the site of historic Tiger Stadium

Ticket Prices:

• VIP - $150

• General Admission

○ Adult - $50

○ Child - $25

Title: A Family Field Day Classic: Celebrating Detroit PAL's 50th Anniversary brought to you by Meijer

Honorary Chairs: Martha F. Ford, Holly and Tom Gores, Kelle and Christopher Ilitch, and Rachel and Nikolai Vitti

Event Chairs: Maria Duey and Jennifer Granger

Website: https://detroitpal.org/50th-anniversary-event/

Hashtag: #getinthegame

EVENT MESSAGING:

PAL’s 50th Anniversary event is a celebration of building character in young kids. Since 1969, PAL has served hundreds of thousands of young people through a variety of athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.

Last year alone, each PAL kid spent an average of 65 hours in one or more of PAL’s programs developing the lifelong character building skills of teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance!

In celebration of 50 years of service to PAL children this memorable event is raising funds to provide at least an additional 50,000 hours worth of character building opportunity for the future of young children in our community!

Every $5 donated provides one hour of character building opportunity for PAL’s youth!

#getinthegame!

A FAMILY FIELD DAY CLASSIC EXPERIENCE:

An all-star celebration not to be missed, the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons will come together and take over The Corner Ballpark for an evening of family-friendly fun with on-field games. Classic field day games such as sack races, tug-of-war, and inflatable obstacle courses will also fill the field. Guests will also enjoy entertainment from local musicians and modern takes on classic ballpark fare from Detroit’s top chefs and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening!