The Freshmen - Verve Pipe

(Eric and Phil of Freshman Clothing)  

Friends are home, sun is out, summer is here and what better way to spend the first rain-free, over 70-degree day than in Downtown Detroit on the strip on E. Grand River. On this strip you'll find Spectacles, DSE @ Grand, Espresso Jazzy Café, Iklektik, and where I spent my Sunday, Freshman Clothing. Freshman Clothing is the newest store on the strip, true freshmen, and owned by some very fresh men, Eric Lowry and Phil Simpson. Besides being the heads behind this up-and-coming brand, the fellows are really talented painters and decided to display their skills with an art show.
Honestly, it was a great time, very chill —drama free — and just a perfect way to spend one of the first days of summer. Some of everybody came down including Juan Neal (who is off his blogging hiatus), CiCi Ross, J. Fin, Buzz Burrus, Chuck Good, and a lot more.

As for the art? Very cool stuff. I haven't figured if I was disappointed that Eric didn't display any of the custom sneakers he's done or happy that he chose to display something unexpected of him. Though I don't understand why people thought he wasn't a skilled canvas painter, I mean have you seen the things he can do to a pair of shoes?
Anyway, one of the most interesting pieces is probably what I would call Phil's .. "rediscovery" paintings, I will never look at a snail or diving board the same ... ever.
The Freshman fellows are preparing to revamp and restock; unfortunately the store will be closed the rest of this week. It will re-open on Memorial Day, and there's no cooler place to find something to wear to the BBQ's and other happenings. 
If you ever happen to wander into the area, I seriously suggest you swing by and say hello to Eric and Phil, they're rather friendly, talented, and will welcome you with open arms, even if you blast "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" outside the store via a late 90s CD player/radio.

 

A few of Eric's pieces

Some of Phil's stuff

 

Now, do you see what I meant?

Guess Who's Next - Young Scolla

It's no secret that I support the locals, just take one minute to look around this blog and you'll see how much love I have for my favorite known unknowns. I generally don't post about events but this one is different.
The homie Young Scolla is doing an instore at Freshman Clothing this Saturday, it'll be hosted by CiCi Ross, he'll be showing the music video for "Decisions" and copies of his EP "Escaping Reality" will be available for sale.
This is what I love about this instore: Young Scolla? Detroit artist. Freshman Clothing? Detroit business. Everything about this screams Detroit and I'm happy to see it happen.
I guess you would consider this Young Scolla's Detroit send off as he is preparing to head down to Texas next week to perform at this year's SXSW (South by Southwest) festival.
He'll be performing at Urb Magazine's Official Next 100 stage next Thursday along with some other favorites including BJ the Chicago Kid, Dom Kennedy, 88-Keys, Izza Kizza and XXL Freshman Donnis (BTW the last three will be performing at the Crofoot in Pontiac tonight for the Crowd Control Tour with Kidz in the Hall).
This instore is more than supporting a musician and a clothing company, it's about supporting Detroit. I know this is probably a very cliché phrase right now, but everyone involved is making moves not only for themselves but the 313 as well.
So if you have a second on Saturday, swing through, say "what up doe" and Support Detroit.

School Spirit - Kanye West

If only you could understand how much I have learned about the people and things happening in the city of Detroit. One of these is upcoming brand Freshman Clothing. I actually saw the designers Phil and Eric at 3 Days B4 Fame as well as some of their designs. Well, one of my favorite people I have met this year, Juan Neal linked up with the designers for this vid.