Press Photos ©Nicole Wrona|MLS

On Thursday, June 19 I was honored to attend the exclusive media preview for the photography exhibition Detroit- Bruce Weber featured at the Detroit Institute of Arts. In attendance was the famed photographer himself, Bruce Weber. The event was presented by Conde Nast and Vogue. Other notable guests in attendance were the infamous Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of VOGUE magazine, Patti Smith, musician extraordinaire and Grace Coddington, the illustrious creative director of Vogue.

The exhibit features a collection of portraits shot by Weber on numerous visits to Detroit. The images, mostly shot in black and white depict the different faces that represent the city. 

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Happy Thanksgiving from Detroit, Binghamton-style!

Step onto the ferry in Brooklyn or Manhattan, it will transport you to a land filled with the enchanting sights and sounds of Fete Paradiso, an antique Parisian carnival that is stationed on New York's Governor's Island from mid-July until the end of September. 

This is the first time that the rides have left France, ever. The rides themselves were rescued from two private collections in France, then painstakingly restored by a family of artisans who specialize in meticulous workmanship. 

Fete Paradiso is an extravaganza of wonderment for children and adults. The twinkling melodies filled the air with a sound that instantly took the uber-modernized crowd back into another century, while the stunning display of rare amusement rides will have you thinking perhaps you really did take a step into a time machine and landed in another world. 

Experience the carnival like never before through the whirling of the Chaise Volante or while holding on for dear life as you enjoy the unique thrill of the Dragon Carousel as it propels forward, and then backyards, all the while daring you to not fly off. There are also the much more tame, but still awesome sailing ships, gliding to and fro in a flying journey through the sky. A toddler favorite, but older kids will want a chance to ride too.

Taking a spin on the speeding bicycle carousel is a must. There are only two of this type made in the entire world.This unique thrill ride was made in 1897 and is beyond amazing to see in action. A belt rolls the carousel into action while riders pedal furiously around and around. On this ride, everyone laughs. The suave attendant in the iconic black and white striped shirt joins in the fun, intermittently shouting commands in french and singing tunes into a bull horn to keep the peddlers riled up.

If the stunning display of vintage rides were not enough, there is a biergarten- fashioned from a bumper car pavilion from 1900, and food- crafted by Le Gamin, a French bistro in the city. The selections are fit for gourmands who will relish every bite of salad Niçoise or Croque Monsieur. Step right up and get a wand of flavored cotton candy- orange is the best, or taste one of the authentic crepes offered, then sit under the charming chandeliers and watch the rides spin and swirl as the carefree days of summer seem to pass by a little more slowly while on the island.

Games such as the Ball Guzzler will keep everyone entertained, as valiant attempts are made to land a ball into the mouths of celebs from the 1930s. This nostalgic game features likenesses of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and more iconic figures from that era. Get five balls in, and score a drink on the house- for real. 

A children's carousel from the 1930s was transformed into a concert hall, where musicians and performers will entertain and delight the listeners. Soul Clap performed during the Parisian Ball event, while a host of other musicians took to the stage throughout the summer to entice revelers into a melodic daydream of old Parisian street music. 

Much more can be said about this festival, but the absolute best way to experience it, is to check it out for yourself- you will be in awe. 

The Hunters are a raucous band with killer presence. Grimy vocals create the perfect backdrop for brash duets that are sometimes borderline melodic. Their sound screams garage punk. Biting lyrics will rip your eardrums to shreds, while the dynamic Isabel Almeida thrashes around, unleashing the wrath of her inner fury on stage.

The Brooklyn-based band recently signed to Mom + Pop, with their debut album Hands on Fire, dropping on September 24. The first single from the album will be "Seizure."

The current lineup features Derek Watson and Isabel Almeida, both on guitar and vocals, with Odell Nails on drums and John Mikulak playing bass.

The Hunters will be touring with Hunx and His Punx this August, starting in Philly on the 9th and hitting the gritty streets of Detroit on August 21. Check them out to see what injuries they will suffer at the show- yes, they are that hardcore.

Just call her firestarter. Alicia Keys set the stage ablaze as she performed in Detroit at the Joe Louis Arena. The show was a stop on Keys' current Set the World on Fire tour. She didn't need a molotov for the job, her musical talent created enough heat to blow the roof off.

Starting off from behind a curtain, it was pulled back to reveal a silhouette of Keys through a window. The veil was lifted and revealed Ms. Keys dressed to kill in couture. Wearing a shimmering geometric top- reminiscent of the Stereo Negative installation at Dlectricity- paired with black leggings, t-strap pumps, and punctuated by her signature wide-brim fedora, she owned the look from head to toe.

Her moves were seductive and seamless, as she strutted around stage, the lights accentuating her body perfectly with every move she made. Ms. Keys stunning voice filled the arena as she sang a large range of songs, including a massive amount of hits.

The talented songstress took a seat at the grand piano, and played to accompany her songs. Impressive to see, this was a highlight for many in the crowd who came to witness her signature skills at the piano.

Alicia Keys is a multi-talented performer and artist who set the night on fire, extinguishing it as she exited the stage after her final encore that night.

[Served on a plate, cornbread style.]