Mahogany Jones—internationally acclaimed inspirational hip hop artist, cultural ambassador, and proud Detroiter—delivers a powerful live performance celebrating the reinstallation of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ African American Art collection. 

This special event honors the legacy of Black artistry through a genre-blending experience of hip hop, soul, jazz, and spoken word, brought to life by a full ensemble of top-tier musicians and performers.

Violinist Miranda Cuckson, who teaches at the Mannes School of Music at The New School, is as comfortable with Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber’s 17th-century solo sonatas as she is with Georg Friedrich Haas’s prismatic, microtonal Violin Concerto No. 2—written for her in 2017. 

Blair McMillen, a professor at Bard College, has also explored a wide range of repertoire, from William Bolcom’s lyrical Graceful Ghost to Annie Gosfield’s wildly inventive Brooklyn, October 5, 1941, a work for piano and tennis balls. Together, Cuckson and McMillen have performed and recorded several modern American masterpieces, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of taste and technique.

For this performance, the duo will present works by Sergei Prokofiev, Ludwig van Beethoven, Lili Boulanger, Ross Lee Finney, and Eleanor Alberga.

Travel across the varied and beautiful regions of Mexico with Ballet Folklórico de Detroit—a Detroit-based community group of passionate dancers dedicated to preserving Mexican culture and traditions through dance. With each unique style of dress, music, and footwork, their performances aim to delight audiences and spark appreciation and respect for Mexican heritage. For families of all ages. (60 min.)

This program is free with museum admission. Capacity is limited—seating begins 30 minutes before the performance.

After the performance, don’t miss the 13th installment of Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, on view from September 27 to November 2, 2025. Free with museum admission.

Thomas X, an accomplished Native hip-hop artist from the Red Lake Nation in northern Minnesota, has embarked on a remarkable career journey. Beginning as part of Rez Rap Records, he has grown into a formidable solo artist, captivating audiences with his distinctive style and powerful lyrics.

Beyond music, Thomas X is deeply committed to his community. He serves on the Red Lake School Board and as Executive Director of the Red Lake Boys & Girls Club, underscoring his dedication to the well-being and development of local youth.

Thomas X’s impact extends far beyond the stage. He is a powerful example of how art, education, and community engagement can come together to create meaningful change. Through his music, leadership, and unwavering commitment to young people, Thomas X continues to uplift and inspire both his community and a global audience.

Presented with American Sign Language interpretation

Gwen Laster’s New Muse 4tet performs music inspired by African mythology, social justice, current events, and the African Diaspora lexicon. 

The quartet is the creation of Guggenheim Fellow, award-winning violinist, and conceptual composer Gwen Laster. 

She is joined by Jerome Fellow violist Melanie Dyer, cellist Teddy Rankin Parker, and drummer Andrew Drury.

Join us for an unforgettable performance by Thomas X, an acclaimed Ojibwe hip-hop artist and community leader from the Red Lake Nation in Northern Minnesota. Known for his powerful lyrics and unique style, Thomas X blends music with meaningful messages that resonate with all ages.

Through his music, commitment to our youth, and leadership, he inspires and uplifts both his local community and a global audience. Accompanied by hand drum singer Brendan Strong and DJ AO, you won’t want to miss this inspiring event!

In the DIA’s RIvera Court. Capacity is limited; seating begins half an hour before the performance starts.

While at the museum be sure to check out the DIA’s free special exhibition Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation running September 28, 2025 - April 5, 2026.

Presented with American Sign Language interpretation

Carlos y Charlos are two Los Angeles County-born multi-instrumentalists, Juan Carlos Reynoso (banjo sexto) and Charles De Castro (diatonic accordion), who initially came together to play the songs they love from their Norteño idols, like Los Alegres de Terán and Carlos y José, to Texas accordion legends such as Santiago Jimenez Sr. and Narciso Martinez. 

The addition of bassist Patrick Morrison solidifies the band’s current sound. Their blend of traditional polkas, waltzes, and classic Norteño repertoire keeps the party going while staying true to the roots of Norteño and Mexican music.

Strange Beautiful Music 18: Night Two

Now in its 18th year, Strange Beautiful Music returns to the iconic Rivera Court for an evening of adventurous sound. Vocalist Alex Koi and cellist Kirin McElwain open the night with an intimate, exploratory set blending acoustic and electronic textures. The evening concludes with New Music Detroit performing works by Molly Joyce, Rui Penha, Pierre-Yves Macé, Lei Liang, and Keiko Devaux — a program curated by NMD creative director Justin Snyder specifically for the acoustics and atmosphere of this historic space.

This concert is part of a three-day festival, with Day 1 at The Motown Mansion and Day 3 at the Cadieux Stage. Visit newmusicdetroit.com for more details.

Bring the family (along with blankets and lawn chairs) for an afternoon of dance on the DIA’s lawn. Featuring performances by local, national, and international talent curated for family audiences, Summer Stage promises to be a festival highlight for all ages.

Saturday will include a College Fair from 2:30–4:00 p.m. for aspiring dancers interested in pursuing dance careers after high school. Dancers from these colleges will also perform during the show.

Sunday will feature family-friendly outdoor activities to get everyone moving!

Dance City Festival (DCF) is an annual community building event that celebrates dance in its various forms and disciplines. Now in its thirteenth year in Detroit, and first year in Chicago and New York, DCF-Detroit includes performances, master classes, and networking opportunities all held in the vibrant city of Detroit at the festival’s central venue, Detroit Institute of Arts. Our mission is to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking Detroit, the greater US, and the world!

On the DIA’s Woodward Plaza

For full festival schedule visit their website.

Sponsored by Dance City Festival and ArtLab J

Dance on Screen provides a space for dance filmmakers to present their work. Presented in the Marvin and Betty Danto Lecture Hall, dance on screen highlights local, national, and international dance films in diverse styles of dance. (90 min.)

Dance City Festival (DCF) is an annual community building event that celebrates dance in its various forms and disciplines. Now in its thirteenth year in Detroit, and first year in Chicago and New York, DCF-Detroit includes performances, master classes, and networking opportunities all held in the vibrant city of Detroit at the festival’s central venue, Detroit Institute of Arts. Our mission is to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking Detroit, the greater US, and the world!

In the DIA’s Lecture Hall. Capacity is limited, seating begins half hour before performance start.

For full festival schedule visit their website.

Sponsored by Dance City Festival and ArtLab J