A group of Metro Detroit artists is channeling the spirit of Bruce Springsteen.

The local musicians are performing together at Darkness on the Edge of Corktown, a Springsteen-themed benefit show that’s taking place January 10 at Detroit’s Lager House.

The show benefits Motor City Mitten Mission, a St. Clair Shores nonprofit that supports the homeless.

“After the success of our 2025 show—raising nearly $5,000—there were so many artists from Southeast Michigan who asked to be part of it if we held it again,” said Mike Ward, a folk singer-songwriter who’s organizing the show with his wife Angie Ward and singer-songwriter Nick Juno. “So it was a no-brainer.”

In its third edition, Darkness on the Edge of Corktown will feature more than 30 singer-songwriters performing songs from Springsteen’s catalog. The show takes its name from the 1978 Springsteen album, Darkness on the Edge of Town.

It will also serve as a collection site for donating winter clothing, food supplies, and other essential items for those in need.

Show attendees can donate any of the following items—hoodies, sweatshirts, shoes, boots, T-shirts, winter gloves and hats, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, bottled water, beef jerky, crackers, soup cups, utensils, and more—and receive a discounted entry fee of $5 that night.

“Last year, we had no idea how much we could raise,” said Ward, who first hosted the event in 2022. “We honestly thought if we brought in $700 to $1,000, plus donated items, it would be a success in addition to the awareness for the Mission. We sold out and had to turn people away, and ended up bringing in $4,700, plus filled a few vans with donated items.”

People can also make monetary donations at the show or through Motor City Mitten Mission’s website. All donations and proceeds from the show will go to the nonprofit.

To learn more, I spoke with Ward ahead of the show.

Q: How are preparations going for Darkness on the Edge of Corktown?

A: Everything is going as planned. All 30-plus artists are working on the songs they selected. Posters are printed and being distributed. Nick Juno, Angie, and I have been hitting the socials hard, and each artist is asked to share and reshare to build momentum. Jeff Milo of MI Local on WDET-FM has given us plugs and is a big supporter, as is Jennifer St. James of Sonic Coast. We are still hoping for a few shout-outs from the local TV stations.

Q: What work still needs to be completed before the show?

A: A lot will happen on the day of the show, from a setup and organizational level. We soundcheck upfront with acoustic guitar sets and mics and have it ready for each artist to simply plug in and play. Angie is our stage wrangler to make sure each artist knows when to be ready, tuned, and [prepared to go] on stage on time. 

Q: What have you learned while working on the previous two editions of the event?

A: We learned a ton from the first show to the second show, which allowed us to have more musicians participate. Also, having Nick, Angie, and me as a trio of organizers helped the show go smoothly. The exceptions were that people on the bar side could not hear or see the acts. And so there were some frustrations there. This year, we will have the full sound on the bar side, and the big video screen will show the acts. This will help people see and hear the show better. We plan to set up as many chairs as we can on the stage side for seating.

Q: This year’s event features a talented lineup of singer-songwriters. What can you tell us about the lineup?

A: The lineup is really fantastic. [There are] so many returners, like John Freeman; Downtown Judy Brown; Alison Lewis; Don “Doops” Duprie; Ryan Dillaha; Patrick Deneau; Mike Galbraith; Courtney Hurley; Dave Toennies; Mark Jewett; Steve Taylor; Dave Boutette and Kristi Davis; Jo Serrapere; Katelyn Burkhart, the booker/manager from Lager House; Matt Fredericks; Emily Rose; Audra Kubat; and Jackamo.

Then we have added some new names, [including] Kora Feder, Chris Buhalis, Ed Dupas, Caroline Barlow, Kennedy Greenrod, Greater Alexander, John D. Lamb, Emma Guzman, Jonathon Ferris, and Bill Arnold.

Q: What are some of the Springsteen songs that will be performed at the show?

A: I am pretty excited about everyone’s song selections. Picking a couple, like “Backstreets” performed by Dave Toennies; “Growing Up” performed by John D. Lamb; or “Highway Patrolman,” performed by Emily Rose, really stand out. There are a couple of repeats from last year, including Dave Boutette and Kristi Davis doing “Thunder Road.” The show will be end-to-end stellar.

Another addition for 2026 will be having P.J. Ryder of P.J.’s Lager House introducing the evening and some of the acts throughout the night! He came in 2025 and told Nick and me that he really wanted to be a part of this.

Q: How did you learn about Motor City Mitten Mission?

A: When I released “No Way to Live” in 2020, we researched nonprofits that assist the area’s people in need and the homeless population. We began following the Mitten Mission guided by the tireless Gail Marlow. Her team is on the streets of the metro area 24/7/365, assisting in whatever way is needed.

Q: What does the future look like for Darkness on the Edge of Corktown?

A: I think we will assess after the 2026 event to see if it makes sense to keep it going or if it needs to morph into something else.

Darkness on the Edge of Corktown is January 10 at Lager House, 1254 Michigan Avenue, Detroit. The show is a benefit for Motor City Mitten Mission. Admission is $5 with a donation or $10 without a donation. Doors open at 7 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. For tickets, visit Lager House’s website.