Blab Music
WDETs In The Groove Highlights New Music, Danny Elfman Interview and Cassandra Wilson Farewell
On a bright September morning, WDET‑FM 101.9 turned the midday dial into a sonic time capsule. The public‑radio station, owned by Wayne State University, aired its latest episode of In The Groove on September 8, 2026, with host Ryan Patrick Hooper steering listeners through a mix of fresh cuts and reflective moments. The program opened with a pulse‑driving debut from Matthew Dear, a ripple of color from Babe Rainbow, a whisper of intrigue from Blind Yeo, and the groove‑laden rhythms of Ghost Funk Orchestra. It also featured a sit‑down with composer Danny Elfman, who discussed the songs and artists that have shaped his career, and a bittersweet farewell to jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, who passed away earlier that month.
In The Groove is a weekday staple that runs from noon to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The show is dedicated to independent and underground music that rarely finds a place on commercial airwaves. WDET’s signal reaches most of Southeast Michigan and stretches into southwestern Ontario, and listeners can catch the program on‑demand at wdet.org.
The September 8 playlist began with “Booger’s Bounce of Joy” by Karate Boogaloo and moved through a spectrum of styles: Juana Molina’s “Bicho auto,” Babe Rainbow’s “Acid and Honey,” and Matthew Dear’s “New Drug (Original).” Other selections included Jaakko Eino Kalevi’s “Macho,” MUGRE’s “TOY NO,” and the Pixies’ “Something Against You.” The episode also highlighted Blind Yeo’s “Colour Pillow / Kologo,” Ghost Funk Orchestra’s “Ocotillo,” and Butcher Brown featuring Charlie Hunter’s “Espionage.”
In addition to the new releases, Hooper sat down with Danny Elfman to discuss the music that has influenced him over the years. Elfman, best known for his work with Oingo Boingo and for scoring more than a hundred feature films, is scheduled to perform at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on September 9. Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster, and the event is part of a series that also includes upcoming dates in Louisville and Sacramento.
The episode also served as a tribute to Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy‑winning jazz singer who died on September 5, 2026 at the age of 70. Wilson’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from musicians and fans worldwide. The broadcast included a selection of her work, notably “Harvest Moon,” giving listeners a chance to reflect on her legacy. The full episode and its accompanying playlist remain accessible for two weeks after the initial broadcast, with audio available through WDET’s on‑demand service and the playlist listed on the station’s archives page.
By pairing new releases with interviews from established artists and commemorating a recent loss in the music community, In The Groove continues to serve as a vital platform for both emerging and veteran musicians in the Detroit area and beyond. WDET’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of music, expanding local programming, and offering listeners a mix of fresh tracks and thoughtful commentary underscores its role in connecting audiences to the evolving music landscape.
As the station moves forward, WDET plans to maintain its focus on independent music, broaden its local offerings, and keep audiences engaged with fresh content and insightful context. The upcoming Fox Theatre performance by Danny Elfman and the remembrance of Cassandra Wilson are among the highlights that illustrate the station’s enduring relevance in the region’s cultural scene.
In The Groove is a weekday staple that runs from noon to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The show is dedicated to independent and underground music that rarely finds a place on commercial airwaves. WDET’s signal reaches most of Southeast Michigan and stretches into southwestern Ontario, and listeners can catch the program on‑demand at wdet.org.
The September 8 playlist began with “Booger’s Bounce of Joy” by Karate Boogaloo and moved through a spectrum of styles: Juana Molina’s “Bicho auto,” Babe Rainbow’s “Acid and Honey,” and Matthew Dear’s “New Drug (Original).” Other selections included Jaakko Eino Kalevi’s “Macho,” MUGRE’s “TOY NO,” and the Pixies’ “Something Against You.” The episode also highlighted Blind Yeo’s “Colour Pillow / Kologo,” Ghost Funk Orchestra’s “Ocotillo,” and Butcher Brown featuring Charlie Hunter’s “Espionage.”
In addition to the new releases, Hooper sat down with Danny Elfman to discuss the music that has influenced him over the years. Elfman, best known for his work with Oingo Boingo and for scoring more than a hundred feature films, is scheduled to perform at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on September 9. Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster, and the event is part of a series that also includes upcoming dates in Louisville and Sacramento.
The episode also served as a tribute to Cassandra Wilson, the Grammy‑winning jazz singer who died on September 5, 2026 at the age of 70. Wilson’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from musicians and fans worldwide. The broadcast included a selection of her work, notably “Harvest Moon,” giving listeners a chance to reflect on her legacy. The full episode and its accompanying playlist remain accessible for two weeks after the initial broadcast, with audio available through WDET’s on‑demand service and the playlist listed on the station’s archives page.
By pairing new releases with interviews from established artists and commemorating a recent loss in the music community, In The Groove continues to serve as a vital platform for both emerging and veteran musicians in the Detroit area and beyond. WDET’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of music, expanding local programming, and offering listeners a mix of fresh tracks and thoughtful commentary underscores its role in connecting audiences to the evolving music landscape.
As the station moves forward, WDET plans to maintain its focus on independent music, broaden its local offerings, and keep audiences engaged with fresh content and insightful context. The upcoming Fox Theatre performance by Danny Elfman and the remembrance of Cassandra Wilson are among the highlights that illustrate the station’s enduring relevance in the region’s cultural scene.
