Detroit After Dark

A Night at Hazel Perk

Anison Roberts | Apr 30, 2026

Detroit’s music scene is stacked with legendary venues—but some of the most interesting shows are happening in places still flying under the radar. One of those spots is Hazel Perk Coffee House in Hazel Park.

Tucked into a quiet corner of the city, Hazel Perk has been quietly building a reputation as a space where local artists can stretch out and experiment. The room is intimate, the crowd is close, and the energy feels personal in a way larger venues just can’t replicate.

Opening the night was Bobby McDade, a guitarist whose style leans heavily into expressive, blues-driven rock. His original material carries a loose, free-flowing feel, anchored by confident guitar work that occasionally channels the spirit of Frank Marino.

He closed his set with a handful of Jimi Hendrix covers—less about imitation, more about interpretation. If you’re expecting note-for-note recreations, this isn’t that. But if you appreciate strong, individual guitar playing, it works.

Next up was Obelisk Collective, who brought a different energy altogether. Even without a full lineup, the band delivered a layered, ‘60s-inspired rock sound driven by multiple guitars weaving in and out of each other.

Their set leaned heavily on original material, with one standout moment being a bass solo that cut clean through the room and grabbed everyone’s attention. It was loose, slightly psychedelic, and exactly the kind of unpredictability that suits a venue like this.

By the time the night wrapped, Hazel Perk had done what smaller venues do best—turn a simple lineup into something memorable. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just watch bands, you discover them.