Bert's in the Marketplace was on full jam last night as literally hundreds of patrons passed through to honor the late Joe Hunter, a pivotal Motown musician who died in his Detroit home last week at 79. Hunter was considered the lead musician in the Funk Brothers, the group that played backup to all of the Motown groups of the sixties and gave the label its signature sound.
The packed house heard the music and singing of at least 20 different session players and singers who played and sang mostly soul and R&B songs of the sixties. Some of the cats did a great job with standards like "Mercy," and "Round Midnight."
While the jam session was going down, the annual Dirty Show was going full force next door at Bert's Marketplace Theatre. The show is a display of erotic, exotic and x-rated art and dance. Some 500 patrons passed through to engage in the titillations. It was my first time at the Dirty Show. Interesting, to say the least. What I liked most is seeing all the people downtown having a good time.
Either the Dirty Show patrons were all from the suburbs, or every white Detroiter attended the show, while the Hunter tribute next door was a mostly black audience. Nevertheless, patrons of both passed back and forth between events throughout the night making for an eclectic blend of nightlifers. A great scene, really. And good for Detroit.
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