The Model D Speaker Series is something to talk about tonight. Aside from having a star-studded lineup, they are addressing a very interesting part of Detroit’s past and present– a sustainable “music scene.” From the event listing:

What’s the Detroit sound right now? How has the scene changed over the last decade? What is music’s role in our local economy and cultural tourism? Detroit hosts a lot of big music events — Movement, Blowout, Jazz Fest — but is it sustainable for musicians to perform and live here year-round? How do we build a stronger infrastructure to promote and support local talent?

John Moshier hosts, and everyone from Josh Epstein (half of the Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr brigade seen above) to Piper Carter (5E Gallery) and PJ Ryder (owner of the Lager House) will be chiming in with their thoughts. Should be a pleasant evening. All details:

Tonight, Thursday, Aug. 25
Alley Deck, Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward
Doors @ 5:30pm, program starts at 6pm

Err’body’s always talking about Detroit’s music scene. Here a few tracks from bands that are just getting started in Detroit, currently recording in Detroit, repping Detroit on the west coast and making believers out of the fact that Detroit isn’t just about electronic music and garage rock. Have a listen.

The latest Detroit sensation touring the west coast and getting airtime on KCRW, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr:

Brand-spanking newly signed Madis One to Blank Artists in Detroit with a little samplage of Bjork:

Bjork sample, madis music by MADIS ONE

The Auctioneers, a band not from Detroit (NYC), but currently recording an album here and playing shows around town:

And finally, the most astonishing addition to the lineup, Detroit’s best old-time country western band. These guys do nothing nothing like the new stuff coming out of Nashville; think more like Waylon Jennings, and these guys just kill it. Here’s a Johnny Cash cover they do particularly well, thats also rumored to be the opening track on their new album released October 12 on Bloodshot Records: