Tia Graham

The community of Brightmoor in the city of Detroit has had its battles. From blight to vacant property, the area needed a lift. The Brightmoor musical series aims to do just that.

Michael Williams is the park manager for the Williams Park Alliance. He spoke with CultureShift’s Tia Graham about this summer’s series and the transformation of the community.

Williams says the Brightmoor musical series has been going since 2019, but it wasn’t an instant hit. After a few weeks of word-of-mouth testimonials from community members, the series was set to return the following year. Williams says it was great to see the residents embracing the show.

“It’s become so popular that we’ve had quite a few requests to make sure it continues this year. The community surrounded him in their arms. They applauded us for cleaning up the area.

This summer’s musical lineup includes Tosha Owens, the ArnellDerek Band and Straight Ahead, an all-female fronted band. Williams says the group has been in the industry for decades.

“They rose to popularity in the late 80s… Their drummer, Galen McKinney, graduated from Highland Park High School. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful group of women playing what are traditionally male roles.

The weekly concert series takes place every Tuesday until September 6 at Etheldra Mae Williams Park in the community of Brightmoor on Burgess between Lyndon and Acacia streets.

Photo courtesy of Michael Williams

Listen: Michael Williams talks about a musical comeback series and its impact on the community.