Bedrock’s ‘Monroe Street Midway’ and Nick Speed Bring Notable Artists and Entrepreneurs to Detroit for Inspiring Conversation Series

July 12, 2022


July 12, 2022 [DETROIT] — Bedrock has partnered with radio host, filmmaker, and Detroit native, Nick Speed, to host a series of live artist panel discussions at Monroe Street Midway. Starting July 14th, Speed will welcome Detroit artists and entrepreneurs to the Midway stage to share how hard work and perseverance has led them to achieve local influence and recognition.

“Detroit has so many successful people who have powerful and inspirational stories that the entire world needs to hear! It is very important for the next generation of Detroiters to hear from the successful people who made it from the same place they’re from,” Nick Speed said. “The artists will show the world what it took to make their dreams become reality and that they can do it too.”

Speed is an advocate of spreading Detroit heritage and culture. Detroit’s artist and entrepreneur communities continue to flourish, and Bedrock is committed to creating platforms for these individuals to have open dialogue.

“The Monroe Street Midway is one of Detroit’s most exciting immersive experiences and the addition of Nick Speed and his artist panel discussions will only increase the depth and intrigue of the activation,” said Nadia Sesay, Chief Community Growth and Development Officer at Bedrock. “Nick is the perfect person to be leading conversations with some of Detroit’s most notable artists and entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation of makers and doers in the city.”

The discussions will take place on the Midway Stage at Monroe Street Midway throughout the summer, in front of live audiences. Questions from the audience are welcome.

Times and participating artists and entrepreneurs include:

  • July 14th | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

    • John Mason - Public Address Announcer

  • August 11th | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

    • Jessica Care Moore – American Poet

  • September 1st | 6:00 – 8:00 PM  

    • Sheefy McFly – Artist and Rapper

The panel discussions are free and open to the public. Learn more about Monroe Street Midway here.

About the Artists

John Mason is the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons' basketball games at Little Caesars Arena. He is best known for his 18-year run as the host of “Mason in the Morning” show that aired on WJLB, and for his colorful introductions. Mason is also credited with coining the popular chant "Deeeeee-troit basketball!”

Jessica Care Moore is an internationally renowned poet, playwright, performance artist and producer. She is CEO of Moore Black Press, executive producer of [[BLACK WOMEN ROCK!]], and founder of the literacy-driven [[jess Care moore Foundation]].

Sheefy McFly is an artist, rapper, producer and DJ from Detroit. Sheefy is a prolific artist and performer who has released over 20 albums including "Murals" and "Edward Elektro", the latter was his first vinyl on Moodymann's Black Mahogani label. He attended Detroit School of Arts and the College of Creative Studies.  

About Nick Speed

Appearing on Eminem’s satellite radio station Shade45 many times as a DJ, Nick Speed has also had his own radio series on Red Bull Radio interviewing some of Detroit’s best talent. Starting in radio at just 4 years old in Washington D.C. at WPFW, Speed recently had a radio show locally on the Radio One station Hot 107.5 called Hot In The Streets (HITS). As a Co-Curator for the Detroit Institute of Arts exhibition ‘D-Cyphered’, Speed was given the opportunity to interview one of his biggest inspirations, George Clinton. As a music producer Speed has worked with a who’s who list of artists including 50 Cent, Juan Atkins, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Big Sean, Moodymann and Danny Brown among others. Speed is currently working on his first feature film and a documentary on his father, the legendary Bill Speed, with his family business The Speed Brand. On April 21, 2022, Speed released a new digital & vinyl music album called 'Coney Island' with entrepreneur / artist Ro Spit. Metro Times recently spoke very highly about the project and it is almost entirely sold out on vinyl! The cover art was illustrated exclusively by Sheefy McFly.

About Bedrock

Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city-building strategies, reaching far beyond the boundaries of bricks and mortar. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $5.6 billion to acquiring and developing more than 100 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, including landmark developments at the Hudson’s Site, the Book Tower restoration, City Modern and the May Company Building. Bedrock’s portfolio totals more than 22 million square feet of office, retail and residential space within new construction and adaptive reuse projects.

For more information on Bedrock’s projects, visit bedrockdetroit.com or engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Click here to view a complete timeline of Bedrock and the Rock Family of Companies’ engagement within the Detroit community.