Detroit Proud Playlist: Week of 9/7 - Special "Dally in the Alley" Edition!

Welcome back to the work week, everyone! We're still recovering from our time off, but we hope you all had a hot, fun, American-style Labor Day! Luckily, we're not puddles of mush yet from the heat, so this weekend is looking like an ideal time to head downtown for the 38th Annual Dally in the Alley! For those unfamiliar with this beloved festival, Dally is a volunteer-run, non-profit event that is 100% free and 100% amazing, benefiting the NCCU, North Cass Community Union. Live music, food, local vendors, and a whole lot of Detroit love is what you'll find at this Cass Corridor gathering place. Throngs of Detroiters flock to this sponsorship-free event, so make sure to get there early, stay late, and send summer off with a bang! Dally begins this Saturday, September 12th, from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. If a rain shower happens to be in our forecast, the festival will be moved to Sunday, September 13th. So make sure to keep your eyes to the sky and don't miss this iconic event.

Check out their website, take a look at the great lineup, and get a map of the festival.

For more detailed information and updates visit the Dally in the Alley Facebook page!

Now in order to knock off the dust from another week and get the good vibes flowing, we're bringing you a quick peek at some of the talented artists playing Dally this year. So without further adieu, here is your 38th annual Dally in the Alley playlist!

1-2. Missionary - "Pills" & "Evidence"

Playing on the Alley Stage at 2:00 p.m. is the band Missionary, playing some post-punk, gothic rock tunes that will put you in a reflective and dreamy mood. The lead vocals are sultry and hypnotizing, with fluctuations that complement the sustained guitar riffs and driving drums that are unrelenting throughout every song. These guys (and gal) know how to keep a song tight and professional, but still giving it the airy, room for experimentation. We admire the subtle darkness surrounding their tracks and think you'll find it rather refreshing to just be plain sad for once. We could all use a little emotion in our lives, so don't miss Missionary!

3-4. Coin Laundry - "Sky Is The Limit" & "Missed Connection"

On the Alley Stage at 8:00 p.m., you'll find a raucous, eclectic group, throwing down some thick beats and keeping it soulful as ever. Coin Laundry is a six-piece group that meshes their unique talents and ideas to create something not quite hip/hop, not quite R&B, and not quite electronic. It's a swirled, chill treat that will tickle your musical taste buds. This bunch of artists is a perfect example of collaboration gone perfectly right, and sometimes it's nice to see a stage full of artists bringing a unique and beautifully-crafted sound unlike any other in Detroit right now.

5-6. Jack and the Bear - "Eris" & "Back To Despair"

In the depths of folk rock, you can find Jack and the Bear. A complex and Americana vibe shines through their indie, mountain rock undertones, and it's easy to enjoy their enchanting instrumentation. The vocals are raw and earthy, which makes it easy to sing along and feel like you're a piece of this fun-loving, folk-filled puzzle. They may be making the hike all the way from Ann Arbor, but their roots are obviously here in Detroit, and we can't wait to see what they're bringing to Dally. Jack and the Bear will be performing on the Forest Stage at 12:30 p.m.

7-8. Soul Divide - "Tell The World" & "Hold Back"

Hard-rockin' and soulful, Soul Divide is like the hardcore boy-band of your dreams. They don't leave a stone unturned musically. Their ability to transition from intense guitar solos to an almost reggae vibe is beyond us, but we admire their talent. The vocals are pop-filled and catchy, complementing their already fierce and heavy drums, guitar, and bass ripping through your ears. You'll be bouncing out of your shoes when you hear these guys, so make sure to catch them at the Forest Stage at 3:30 p.m.

9-10. Jungle Fowl - "Better" & "Whipper Snapper"

This duo will make you dance the night away, guaranteed. A singing drummer and a slick-jammin' guitar player are all you need to make fuzzy, blues harmony. The lyrics and vocals make this an intense listening experience, but so catchy you just can't help but jive to it. Their sound is larger than life and so easy to drudge to (we made that up, but it's cool). The sustained guitar fills any void with riffs galore, while the drums are perfectly rhythmic and dramatic. Catch Jungle Fowl on the Garden Stage at 4:15 p.m.

BONUS: 11-12. Grand Junction - "Baby Dynamite" & "Give Me Time"

Throwin' it back—way back to the age of good ole' classic rock is Grand Junction. They may play psychedelic rock, and they may be inspired by the great rock gods before us, but they make a point to put their own modern, funky style into their craft. All the fuzz and all the noise is our favorite part about these guys, especially the vocals and melodies. They bring what's great about the '60s and '70s right to your doorstep, and you can't get much cooler than that. The chord progressions are familiar and nostalgic, while giving you that fresh feeling of something new and up-and-coming. Bring all of your fringe and shag and meet us at the Garden Stage at 6:15 p.m. for this gem.

See you in the alley!