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.
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