AMY KAHERL: MY CITY DETROIT
Amy Kaherl is founder of SOUP; the revolutionary initiative that has spread across the globe helping communities crowdfund in real-time for projects and initiatives that benefit their local area. SOUP events are grounded in democracy, sharing, caring and fun and have helped raise thousands of dollars, pounds, euros and more for a range of grass-root groups, charities and projects.
Now SOUPs are popping up in cities all over following the original that started in Detroit, so we asked Amy to be our guide through her city…
What would be your perfect day in Detroit?
There is nothing better than a Detroit summer. My perfect day is a day where the sun is shining, my three best friends and I go have a boozy brunch at Brooklyn Street Local, grab our bathing suits and a couple of beers and head to Belle Isle beach where we lay out in the sun, take a swim, and just relax. When we just get crisp enough we head to a Detroit Tigers (baseball) game where we are all fans. The night would end with a dance party! That would be my perfect day.
What’s the best music venue and why?
There is a new space that just opened up called Marble Bar. They rehabbed an old bank, it is nondescript but feels like a bar that is so Detroit. Old and new interacting together and they have some of my favorite bartenders who have worked in Detroit for awhile always behind the bar. The music is always great from indie bands to dance parties.
The best hidden secret about Detroit?
Oh I can’t share that! It would then be full of people!
What is your favourite bar/s?
I DJ when I am not doing SOUP and I have a monthly at The Old Miami. It’s a special place. The inside is a veteran bar that reminds you of someone’s grandma’s basement and has the most insanely beautiful backyard right in the middle of midtown. It’s my favorite place.
Favourite coffee shop?
I am a sucker for Anthology Coffee inside the co-working space Ponyride. They roast their own and always move through the seasons with different kinds. It’s so so great.
Favourite store?
My buddies, and past SOUP winners, have a shop called City Bird where they sell all things Detroit and have some of the best local made products.
What local bands are doing it for you at the moment?
The dudes from Jr. Jr. are amazing friends and an amazing band they split time between Detroit and LA. I also love Protomartyr, Flint Eastwood, Passalacqua, and Child Bite.
What made you move to Detroit?
I just had graduate from Grad School in Los Angeles and my mom was really sick. I grew up in the suburbs and so I headed home. It was the housing market crash and there weren’t a lot of jobs available so I stayed with my family and started to hang out in the city… we fell in love quite soon enough after that!
Favourite neighbourhood?
I work and hang out a lot in Corktown. It’s close to downtown, has really great restaurants and new energy around there. Lots to do!
Where do you head for a late night drink?
I like UFO Factory, Bronx Bar, or Donovan’s. They all feel like Detroit to me. Dark, windowless, have great music and great people who always hang out in there!
Best takeaway?
Supino’s Pizza is the best pizza in town!
Best place to meet like-minded souls? Other than SOUP 😉
Some great friends have a dance party called Haute to Death. I have met some amazing folks on that dance floor that are still are friends to this day!!
What song, book or movie sums up Detroit for you?
The Dirtbombs cover of “Good Life” from Detroit Techno legend Kevin Saunderson. I think it encompasses the different versions of Detroit all in one jammer!
Find out more about Detroit SOUP here.
