September 2024 at the Freighthouse: A Celebration of Local and Global Cultures
After a summer break, it was a joy to return to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse for a three-week residency of performances and events in September. In total, over 1,300 people registered or purchased tickets to attend nine public events at the Freighthouse, and we welcomed every second-grade student in Ypsilanti Public Schools!
This residency was all about celebrating cherished traditions — from the history and footwork of Detroit Jit to the movements and sounds of South America and Eastern Europe. Enjoy this recap of our memorable month:
Week 1
Will you have this dance?
Robins and larks (dance partners to the right and left) gathered ‘round for a lively evening of Contra Dance. Participants promenaded, did the do-si-do, and participated in a variety of traditional folk moves with English and Scottish roots, featuring live music by AACTMAD (Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance).
Contra Dancing at the Freighthouse
Noise can be beautiful
Sonic textures and stunning projections came together in an unforgettable Friday the 13th event showcasing the diverse subgenre of Noise Music. WDET journalist and DJ Liz Warner hosted the packed evening and mixed beats between sets by three Michigan Noise artists: Monster Island, Infinite River, and Dr. Pete Larson. The party continued after the Freighthouse concert with even more noise music at Ziggy’s in downtown Ypsi.
Infinite River performing in ‘Beautiful Noise’
Browse through more photos on our Instagram post:
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Bringing the world to Ypsi
Guitar, violin, oud, percussion, and synthesizer transported listeners to Eastern Europe and beyond in an evening with the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet. The ensemble is a favorite among Detroit Jazz Festival and Concert of Colors attendees, and it was a joy to present them at the Freighthouse for the first time.
Setting up to film a UMS Live Session with Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet
The day after their performance, the quartet returned to the Freighthouse to record and film a digital-exclusive UMS Live Session, which will be available for streaming in the coming months. Sign up for our Digital Presentations and Livestreams email to get a reminder once it’s online!
Week 2
Moving to the music
Hailing from Colombia, the all-female salsa sextet Las Guaracheras performed to a sold-out audience at the Freighthouse as part of their US tour. Their music was filled with so much energy and joy that the audience couldn’t help but get on their feet to dance!
Freighthouse crowd dancing to Las Guaracheras
Always full of surprises
We never know who or what to expect when we host Open Mic nights…and they never disappoint! Our free, fan-favorite event returned, welcoming community members to take the stage and share their talents. Across two and a half hours, more than 20 performers showcased Diabolo juggling, comedy, poetry, guitar, original songs, and more.
Flip through some snapshots of the evening:
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Special thank you to Tyler Rindo, music teacher at Estabrook Elementary School in Ypsilanti, for hosting the evening!
The FreightHouse of Jit
Detroit-based House of Jit brought an explosive performance to the Freighthouse in Michael Manson’s Rhythm of the Feet, which showcased the history and exhilarating footwork of the Detroit dance style.
House of Jit in ‘Rhythm of the Feet’
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The following morning, House of Jit hosted families in a dance party for kids of all ages.
Week 3
From the Crescent City to Ypsi
More than 200 young students — representing every second-grade classroom in Ypsilanti Public Schools — joined special performances by Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards. Ash and crew led a New Orleans-inspired musical adventure that reimagined traditional songs, rhythms, and rhymes handed down by African-American communities for a new generation.
Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards
The next day, Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards welcomed more than 50 families to sing along and get on their feet during two free public performances.
Closing time with Kittel & Co
Finally, GRAMMY-nominated composer Jeremy Kittel and his ensemble blended classical and acoustic roots with Celtic and bluegrass aesthetics, and folk and jazz sensibilities. Kittel & Co brought a spirited concert to the Freighthouse on violin, mandolin, guitar, bass, and hammered dulcimer.
Nic Gareiss dancing alongside Kittel & Co
They were joined by special guest Nic Gareiss, whose percussive dance was beautifully woven into the music.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, and to everyone who joined us for our September residency at the Freighthouse. Sign up for our Ypsilanti Freighthouse interest list and be first to learn about our April 2025 lineup as soon as it’s announced.
The September 2024 Ypsilanti Freighthouse residency was supported by Menakka and Essel Bailey, and Linh and Dug Song.
Family Programming Presenting Sponsor
Promotional Partner
