ROX-TV takes a closer look at the Michigan Squeeze Station and likes what it sees.

Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. We always enjoy seeing returning readers and our door is open to first timers as well. If you’ve been reading along over the last year, I think it is clear to see that ROX-TV is a big supporter of underground music, the indie scene, the arts, and local venues that make it all possible. We also dig on other things but you get the general idea.

Tonight I will be talking about a dope spot called the Michigan Squeeze Station (located at 6716 Michigan Avenue in Detroit). I have written about them in the past and even paid a visit when DJ Carlito and Cruisin The Barrio attended a special event there. It has always been a warm and welcoming place to be sure. As many of you know, the Chicano Fest 2021 had picked the Michigan Squeeze Station to host the party and they accepted. I’m glad they did.

The Chicano Fest was going to host a variety of vendors, artists, and performers at the Squeeze Station and I was counting down the days for the party to kick off. My homie HEXXX and his lady were flying into Detroit for the event and numerous other acts from Southwest Detroit had signed on as well.

With all the pieces in place, there was really nothing left to do but launch the ship and see where the sails took us. As is customary in the underground, artists that the Cruisin The Barrio show takes interest in are often invited to the studio on Five Mile for a few laughs, some smoke and drink, and finally an on air interview. This invite is sometimes elusive and to receive one means a few things: First off, it means that whatever type of music you are creating is fire. Secondly, it indicates that the artist is really showing something that sets them apart from the crowd.

With HEXXX flying in, the red carpet was rolled out and an invite was extended. This was fine for me, but I knew it was going to be a long weekend, with rapid fire engagements. The interview would be on Friday, and the show at the Squeeze Station taking place at noon the next day (early for late night owls like myself).

When Saturday rolled around, it found me in a somewhat semi-conscious state, after having went to bed somewhere around 6 or 7am. Sleep is hard to come by when life is moving fast. You can try and slow down if you want, but it will probably result in something getting missed.

Covering the underground and industry can be taxing on the body at times, but you either learn how to press on or get run over. I drifted into the shower, with about four hours of “real sleep” under my birthday suit. I was hoping to be revived that Saturday morning-ish with a blast of cold water but I was doubtful of the effectiveness.

I was right to doubt the shower because I still felt half dead, but the show must go on and the Squeeze Station was waiting for us. Sometimes in life, the intentions can be there but the body just doesn’t respond correctly. In this case the only real thing effected was our arrival time. We wanted to get there at noon, but the universe would only allow a later arrival.

Michigan Squeeze Station:

I’m ashamed to say the hour of our arrival, because it was a bit later than I had promised the gang but after working with me for the last year or so, I think everyone understood that sometimes it takes a minute to fire up the dragon. We arrived in the neighborhood after a drive in from the 810. I really enjoy coming to Southwest Detroit for a variety of different reasons. I enjoy spending time in Southwest because of the rich history of the area, the wonderful people that make up the communities, and the fact that family and traditions are celebrated.

As I turned onto Martin Street from Michigan Avenue we passed Telway Hamburgers (founded in the 1940’s and sits at 6820 Michigan Avenue). I haven’t hit that spot yet because time is never on my side, but I will do a review on the place when things slow down a bit. You hear that Telway Hamburgers….I’m coming for you. But this day was dedicated to the Squeeze Station and the Chicano Fest, so on with show.

I parked the car on Martin Street just north of Moyes Street, in front of a branch of the Detroit Library system. The spot was alive and moving, with Chicano Fest and the Squeeze Station just a short distance away on foot. The neighborhood was full of movement, with people living their lives, enjoying the weekend, and of course on the move. We made our way down to Moyes Street and turned left at a sign in the street declaring “The Chicano Fest”. We were in the right place and among friends.

Moyes Street was blocked off just past Martin and various vendors had set up down both sides of the street. There was a giant bounce house for the kids, tables to sit and eat at, and lots to take in and absorb. I promised myself some beef tacos as soon as we let everyone know we had arrived and settled into the scene.

We made our way to the DJ  area and spoke with fellow Los Drifter, DJ Carlito. The Rude Boy was also on hand, speaking with attendees of the Chicano Fest. The street and the Squeeze Station were hopping and I couldn’t wait to get down the walkway to see what was available for purchase.

 

Inside the Station:

Once all the formalities were out of the way, I headed into the actual Squeeze Station for a closer inspection. The place was busy, with people everywhere. The smell of glorious food was in the air and I noticed everyone seemed to have one of those “infused” drinks in their hands. The Squeeze Station specializes in “infused and friendly” items and the menu said everything you needed to know.

I spoke with a very nice woman behind the counter and asked her if it was alright for me to take a couple of pictures for the article. She was very nice and said that would be fine. A couple infused drinks were ordered and the day could really begin.

I really enjoyed being in the Squeeze Station because of the vibrant colors and positive energy the place seems to give off. There was lots to look at and loads of fresh art on the walls. I spent several minutes eye balling the joint and trying to capture the essence, to write about later. There was good music playing in the background and for a minute, felt like I was blasted in time, to a place where all things cool reside. I could have sat in there all day, just digging on the scene and speaking with the friendly staff and customers.

I noticed a large box on the counter which read “free socks” and was either collecting them for the needy or a place where the needy could get a pair. I forgot to ask specifically as my mind was drifting about the room. But I know that it was for a good cause regardless. Another thing I really liked about the place, beyond the amazing staff and cool environment, was that the infused drinks came with a special touch. A little leaf was put in every one and I thought the touch was dope.

If I didn’t live in the 810 (far drive) I would be hanging at the Squeeze Station on the regular and I encourage anyone in the area or not, to stop by and support this great business. Upon heading out to the “courtyard” area beyond the back door, I stopped to look at the mural art on the walls, as well as the vendors who had set up shop.

The back lot, which opened up onto Moyes Street was cozy and inviting. There was corn on the cob, roasting on the grill and the sweet smell of Marijuana in the air.

The music outside was bumping by sounds from DJ Carlito, playing traditional Chicano jams along with the Cruisin The Barrio’s favorite cruising oldies, funk, and all shit that is dope.

Attendees of the fest were walking along, enjoying the Squeeze Station and taking in the sights and sounds. There were beers in brown bags, blunts in hand, and plates of dynamite food behind every smile. I felt extremely at ease and decided to hit the street vendors for some eats.

The Squeeze Station had set up tables in the street and I spent a good deal of time floating around, from the actual Squeeze Station, to the courtyard scene, to the street, and back again. The party was slotted to go all day and the people were there having a great time.

The day and evening was a perfect vibe of frequency and the fast approaching Autumn Equinox. The Harvest Moon was approaching and the weather was finally starting to cooperate with my expectations. It was warm during the day, but as the sun set in the west, the winds picked up and the street lights came alive.

I spent a lot of time wandering between the different areas, and when it got dark out, found myself with a brown bag and a chair in the street light. Down on Martin, one of the residents had started a large bon fire, which could be seen from a few blocks away. Sirens wailed in the distance, and traffic inched along Michigan Avenue. The Chicano Fest had been a great success and the Squeeze Station offered the perfect location for the festivities. I can not wait till next year and like I said earlier, I encourage anyone who digs a cool scene, to drift down to the Squeeze Station for some service down right.

Signing Off,

Mike Shepard

ROX-TV Head Writer

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