Detroit’s Rock and Roll Circus: A Night of Music, Mayhem, and Magic

Presented by Old Soul Vintage, Detroit’s Rock and Roll Circus drew inspiration from the legendary Rolling Stones film Rock and Roll Circus (1968) — and the homage was nothing short of spectacular. This immersive New Year’s Eve was a sold-out affair, the wide array of colorful vintage regalia, an all-star lineup of bands, and expertly decorated venue helped create a night that felt like stepping into the 1960s dreamscape, perfectly tailored to Detroit.

The evening opened with the Ypsi Clown Darlings, crowned by a light up ‘Circus’ sign that was handmade by Kyle Edmonds and Shelby Say specifically for the event. The room was lined with red and white flowing sheets of fabric, making the patrons feel as if a ringmaster and lion, or even a swinging acrobat, could be presented to them at any moment. Perfectly bookending each spectacle from start to finish, DJ Johnny Athey provided an expertly crafted soundtrack for a second year in a row, setting the tone for the night as several smartly dressed spectators continued flooding in. Shortly after the clowns welcomed the guests, our ears were delighted with the first musical performance of the stacked bill, Hala, whose lively act prepared us for the debauchery to follow.

Navigating through the crowd, absolutely buzzing with New Year’s cheer, I found myself at the very front for Mod Lang, aptly named after a Big Star song. The jangly power pop tunes and catchy lyrics sent the throng of audience members into a frenzy of dancing with reckless abandon — me included. The energy remained high from that point on, only growing with each performance; if not especially for a fan favorite of the night, a super-group consisting of Audrey Davis on rhythm guitar and vocals, Arlo Betley’s expert playing on lead guitar, Arman Bonislawski on bass, Kerrigan Pearce on drums, and Alexander Jarmoluk on keys. Playing one song, and one song only, the group did a fantastic rendition of “Child of the Moon” by The Rolling Stones, dressed head to toe in hand-picked vintage garb. Now perched in the green room for this performance, I watched as the sea of people cheered and hollered for the group, begging for another song.

Whilst the bands played on, the Ypsi Clown Darlings continued their hijinks, creating balloon animals and wreaking good-natured havoc upon audience members waiting in line for the bathroom or at the bar. I was graced with the presence of one of the clowns and knighted with an orange balloon sword that I swung around as I danced until the very end of the night. Already delighted with my balloon creation, the real excitement kicked up a notch when Commonwealth took the stage, each member memorably dressed as Austin Powers. In reality, it had nothing to do with the circus, but I was absolutely thrilled nevertheless and the set was not only funny but incredibly well done.

Following the tradition from last year’s Playboy After Dark, Detroit’s beloved garage psych-pop trio, Shadow Show, rang us into the new year with yet another stellar performance with absolutely no notes. Subsequently, I weaseled my way up to the front once more, counting down the new year with all of my greatest friends at my side. Owner of Old Soul Vintage, Mary Capicchioni, stood alongside her partner in crime, Audrey Davis, their faces glowing as they looked at each other and upon the audience from the stage, a fountain of champagne spewing across the front row. I was then welcomed onto the stage with various other friends of the shop to sing in a group performance of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones played by Mod Lang. I was nestled between Alex Belfie and Ben Taber of the band at center stage, singing my heart out as I looked at the smiling faces of my friends in the front row. It’s moments like these where I find my love for Detroit only amplifying. This city is not only bursting at the seams with spectacular creativity and talent but there are also so many incredible people that surround it. I feel comfort in knowing this isn't the last time this same group of individuals will create something as magical as that moment together.

Spirits still high from the introduction of the new year, 208 took to the stage in their classic bombastic manner, joined with a menagerie of tambourines and conga drums by members of all of the previous bands of the night. The crowd was alive, groups moshing just behind the front row, pure energy radiating from each person on the stage. It felt like the night had peaked over and over again in the span of an hour. It was loud and mean, and there couldn’t be anything more perfect to follow the last performance. I have never seen more sweat in my life, but it was beautiful in the way that freshly washed fruit is. As the chaos of 208’s performance gradually subsided, the lingering echoes of the crowd’s cheers hung in the air, and with them, a palpable sense of anticipation. It was as if the night itself held its breath, knowing there was still one final act poised to shake the very foundation of the venue. Enter Scenthounds—the highly anticipated closing act, ready to leave an indelible mark on the evening. By the time they took the stage, the crowd had begun to thin as the early hours of the morning crept in, but their performance proved to be the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable night. Their sound was fresh and innovative, unlike anything I had ever witnessed before in Detroit.

In the end, Detroit's Rock and Roll Circus proved to be far more than just a New Year’s Eve celebration—it was a vibrant testament to the city’s unyielding creative spirit and the power of community. From the playful antics of the Ypsi Clown Darlings to the electrifying performances that carried the crowd through the night, every detail was crafted with a love for music, style, and pure joy. The evening felt like a living dream, a snapshot of Detroit’s heartbeat as it pulsed with energy, art, and connection. As the final notes from Scenthounds reverberated into the early morning, it was clear that the magic of the event would linger on in the hearts of those who experienced it. The city of Detroit will continue to create, to celebrate, and to inspire—and this night, with all its unexpected moments and unforgettable performances, will remain a shining example of the remarkable community that keeps it alive.