The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre | Detroit MI
Rain, Rhythm & Recovery!
Let me tell you something about Wednesday, June 18, 2025—it started off heavy.
This date will always carry weight for me. It’s the anniversary of losing my Daddy. So naturally, the day came with emotions tucked in my suitcase before I even hit the road.
But this wasn’t going to be a sit-around-and-sulk kind of day. Nope. I had a date with the music, and what better way to soothe my soul than with a night of jazz at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit—right along the river, under the stars (or so I hoped). Headliner? My brother Najee, doing what he does best. And the support? The legendary Pieces of a Dream, always smooth, always fire.
Now let me break this trip down, because…whew chile…this day felt like I had entered the Twilight Zone.
First up: The Drive
The weather all day was doing its best switchin up and playing with our hopes. The forecast was basically a game of roulette: “Will it storm? Will it not? Place your bets!” Me and my concert bestie were trying to speak dry skies into existence the whole ride. And for the most part? The sky was behaving. We were like, “YES! We might just be good!” Little did we know…
Second: The Hotel Maze
Now look. We’ve been to Detroit countless times. Stayed at the same hotel every summer like clockwork. So why this time did it feel like we were driving in circles like we were in some kind of “choose your own wrong turn” video game? My GPS was acting brand new. I missed exits. I got off the freeway only to get back on again like a confused tourist. It took me so long, I was waiting for a Detroit local to roll their window down and say, “Ma’am, you lost?” 😂 I was DONE, anxiety was at 1000!
We finally made it but not before we grabbed food first (because priorities). Meanwhile, the sky was still undecided—but we stayed hopeful. Barely had enough time to throw on concert cute and get to the venue!
Third: The Uber, the Drinks, and the Vanishing Server
We weren’t about to deal with parking or driving post-show, after all it took to get there, I did not want to drive another block, so we caught an Uber to The Aretha. And listen, after the travel struggles of the day? We deserved a lil’ drinky-drink too. We ordered the venue’s infamous “Blue Drink”—nobody knows what’s in it, but everybody swears by it. It’s NOT for the weak…trust me! But it’s oh so good, especially on a hot/humid summer evening of music.
Concert Bestie pays with her card, the server disappears to swipe it…and disappears is the keyword here. Sis was gone so long I almost filed a missing persons report. I’m talking over 30 minutes—we straight up forgot what she looked like! I was ready to check the stage thinking maybe she decided to join the band.
FINALLY…she reappears with our drinks and apologizes for the time it took. I took one sip and was like, “Yup. Worth the mystery and the wait.”
The Show (Part One): Pieces of a Dream Brings the Heat
When I say Pieces of a Dream showed up and showed OUT? Bay-bee. James Lloyd on keys—killing it as usual. Chris Harmon on drums? Sharp. Tony Watson Jr. on sax? Chef’s kiss. And those background vocalists? They didn’t just sing—they sang. They had the crowd moving, vibing, and ready.
Then…BOOM. Mother Nature Hits “Play” on Her Own Set
Just before Najee was about to hit the stage—CRACK! A full-blown thunderstorm rolled in like it had tickets too!!
Lights went out, heavy winds, and no visibility. Water started pouring into the venue. You couldn’t even see past the river. It was giving “Noah’s Ark” realness real quick. But let me tell you—Detroit jazz lovers don’t scare easy. Most of us stayed calm, sheltered under the covered seats, just waiting it out.
Thirty-five suspenseful minutes later… the skies calmed. The crew brought the gear back out. And then…
Enter Najee: The Comeback Set
He walked out, sax in hand, and the crowd? ERUPTED. Like a breath we’d all been holding.
His set was soulful, vibrant, healing—everything I needed. The melodies danced through the chilled air, and even though the set ended earlier than planned, it was enough. The music saved the night.
And to top it all off? I got to see my brother backstage for a quick hello before he had to leave. Perfect ending.
The Wrap-Up
After all the twists, delays, detours, storms, drinks-that-almost-weren’t and multiplied, and the emotional start to the day…this night delivered in every way I needed it to.
I didn’t have time to sit in sadness. I was too busy laughing, listening, dodging rain, and letting the music do what it does best—heal.
A night was definitely had.
Note to self: Life will try to derail your peace sometimes, but if you just hang on, wait out the storms (literally and figuratively), and let the music play…you’ll find your way back to okay.
