Signature Events
Third Thursdays @ The Wright - February
Every month, you can enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and light refreshments at The Wright’s Third Thursdays mixer!
Third Thursdays at The Wright include access to our latest special exhibitions. These events are free and open to the public.
More about the February Guests
Ben Will
Ben Will is an artist who uses poetry, musical performance, and storytelling to guide audiences into creative moments of self-discovery where they feel worthy of their joy. A native to Detroit, MI., Ben’s empathetically invigorating performance style has been seen on local and international stages for a variety of audiences, including a recent cultural ambassador partnership with the US Embassy in Belgium and opening for New York Times bestselling author Rupi Kaur. He is also the 2022 Motown Mic Spoken Word Artist of the Year and a 2022 Poetry Foundation Equity in Verse recipient. He also serves as the founding executive director of Motor City Sings a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that utilizes musical performance to remove stigma from the topics of mental health and suicide prevention within the Black/African American community of Detroit. Ben recently performed as Mr. Franklin, Christope, and Mr. Venus in the 2023 production of Passing Strange at The Detroit Public Theatre. Outside of his art and activism, Ben is also the single father of a disgruntled domestic shorthair cat: Sir Brixton Black Lives Matter Alexander Cattington Williams Theee First.
Larry Callahan & Selected of God (Featured Musical Talent)
Larry Callahan & Selected of God, also known as the "Detroit Choir" from Verizon's How Sweet the Sound competition and the iconic Chrysler 200 Superbowl XLV commercial featuring Eminem, have become a beacon of musical inspiration and hope. Under the leadership of Pastor Larry Callahan, this 22-member choir transcends the conventional boundaries of gospel music, delivering performances that resonate deeply with audiences across the United States and Canada. Their work, celebrated for its powerful vocal delivery and uplifting messages, spans from prestigious stages like The Detroit Music Awards to impactful events such as The Special Olympics and America's Thanksgiving Parade. The choir's journey into the spotlight was further illuminated by their participation in the 2018 All-Star Tribute to Aretha Franklin at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater. Their discography, highlighted by the release of "The Evolution II" under Sing2Praise Records, showcases a blend of contemporary gospel and soul-stirring melodies, produced by Grammy Award-winning Asaph Ward and newcomer Stephen Anderson-Day.
Mic Phelps (Featured Poet)
Mic Phelps is a 4x Detroit National Poetry Slam member, a 1x Midwest Rustbelt Poetry Slam Champion, 2018 Motown Mic Spoken Word Artist of The Year, hip hop producer, artist, songwriter, and actor. However, most importantly his proudest accomplishment is being a father.
Betty-Alexandria Pride (Special Guest Vocalist)
Musician Betty-Alexandria Pride is the pianist/vocalist for up-and-coming group Eminent Vibrations. She plays several instruments, teaches, and accompanies. After learning music theory from her late father Elder Larry J. Pride, she began classical lessons at Marygrove College. Betty then went on to attend performing arts schools in Detroit, MI. She began honing in her talents to become a well-rounded musician, serving as a musician for her church from the age of 7. The culmination of experiences, humility and discipline led to Pride's acceptance into Claflin University with a Music degree. From 2012 to 2016, she began her matriculation. Over the years, she has won various awards and shared the stage with many of the greats. Such awards include the 1st place prize in the NAACP ACTSO competition nationally for Music Composition (2011). Currently, Pride can be found at Baker's Keyboard Lounge performing with the band Eminent Vibrations. Earning certification in music education, Betty- Alexandria aims to spread her gift and love for music with others.
Upcoming Third Thursdays:
- March 21, 2024: Hosted and curated by LaShaun Phoenix Moore, a Detroit-based vocalist, spoken word artist, activist, and culture creator whose interdisciplinary work is infused with her love for the City of Detroit, Hip-Hop, God, social justice and her Black momma.
- April 18, 2024: A Tribute to Marcus Belgrave
- May 16, 2024: The Music of Black Liberation