Detroit faces significant challenges, no doubt. But it still is a great city with a rich history and a vibrant, diverse culture. What’s more, there are countless people on almost every level working to revitalize the city and to build a stronger sense of community. I just learned of one of those efforts that is so unique and fun that I had to share it with you.

Have you heard of, or perhaps even encountered, the Detroit Party Marching Band? It’s a “guerrilla” brass band that tends to show up unexpectedly and uninvited, usually to the great delight of the crowd, in all kinds of places — bars, restaurants, parades, festivals and public events of all types. Think Flash Mob Meets Pep Rally, although the band also plays by invitation and even does private parties.

The band is made up of an eclectic group of young people from the Detroit area whose mission is to celebrate music and community. Their sound is loud, joyful and high-energy. Their style is unconventional, engaging and, on occasion, outrageous. Their desire is to make a difference in the City of Detroit, although they play elsewhere and have even appeared in New Orleans (the source of their initial inspiration) and in the Netherlands.

Click here to catch a glimpse of the Detroit Party Marching Band in action. Please keep an eye out for these young folks, and support their efforts if you can!

Photo by Keith Simmons / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0