In the 1980s, Detroit was a city of contrasts. Known worldwide as the home of Motown, it was also grappling with the decline of its once-thriving auto industry, leading to urban decay and widening economic gaps. 

Amid these challenges, three visionaries – Motor City locals George Baker and Alton Miller, alongside Chicago transplant Chez Damier – established The Music Institute, a Black-owned club in the heart of downtown Detroit. The Music Institute had an indelible impact on dance music history, becoming Detroit’s answer to the legendary house and disco clubs of its era, like New York’s Paradise Garage and Chicago’s Music Box. 

For the first time ever, Damier and Miller are touring together to share the story behind this pivotal club night. At this very special no-seats dance session at City Recital Hall, they’ll reach deep into their encyclopaedic collections to curate a night worthy of their former home. Expect deep disco, sprinkles of techno and a whole lot of soul-lifting house from two masters.  

"The legendary Music Institute in Detroit was a fertile breeding ground for early techno."

– Beatportal

"[Chez Damier is] one of house music’s most intriguing figures."

– Resident Advisor