Students gathered to celebrate Detroit culture during a 313 Day event hosted by WXOU, the student-run radio station at Oakland University, featuring music, dance and food.
Detroit’s 313 Day, celebrated March 13, is an unofficial holiday honoring the Motor City.
The day recognizes the heart, soul and spirit of Detroit and its culture through the city’s world-famous 313 area code, which matches the date, 3/13.
Residents, local businesses and community organizations often mark the occasion with events, music and food that highlight Detroit’s history and pride.
“313 is the area code for Detroit, so that’s why we’re celebrating it today,” Joey Hayes, WXOU events coordinator, said. “It’s really just a Detroit celebration. We have some performers coming out from Detroit, and we want to give everyone a feel for what Detroit music is.”
Throughout the night, three performers took the stage, each bringing a different sound and energy to the celebration.
The lineup featured Cain Bishop, who performs under the stage name King Cain Bishop; Reeka Garth, known as Costa Reeka; and WXOU’s own Joey Hayes, who performs as DJ Jvex.
Each act contributed a unique style, helping showcase a range of music inspired by the culture and sound of Detroit.
Cain Bishop took the stage first and started the night with new and old music of his that was a mix of rap and R&B.
He compared his sound and music to artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Lauryn Hill; like these artists he looks up to, his music carries powerful messages about changing the world and expresses them in the right way.
Hayes invited Bishop to perform as part of an effort to highlight local talent and give Detroit-area artists a platform during the celebration.
“It was an opportunity that DJ Jvex gave to me and I couldn’t turn it down,” Bishop said. “I’m actually a student here too, this semester. I love Oakland. I couldn’t turn this opportunity down.”
Not long after Bishop’s set, Reeka Garth, who performs as Costa Reeka, took the stage. Her high-energy rap performance featured dancers and drew the audience in, encouraging many to get on their feet and dance along.
Closing out the night, Hayes stepped behind the booth as DJ Jvex, playing music as attendees continued dancing and mingling before slowly heading out, bringing the evening to a close.
Between performances, attendees were invited to enjoy food provided by OU Eats. The menu featured classic Detroit favorites, adding another layer of the city’s culture to the celebration.
“What makes Detroit special is the realness and authenticity of its people,” Bishop said. “A lot of faces out there are fake, just trying to fit an image. But in Detroit, people are themselves. I don’t try to be anybody else; I’m in my own lane and I stay there. That’s what sets the city apart.”
The night’s focus on authenticity and Detroit culture carried through each performance, highlighting the city’s influence and diversity.
“Most of us are probably from the Detroit area, so bringing the culture all the way here matters,” attendee Kristian Banks said. “There’s a lot of diversity here, so I feel like bringing all types of music makes people feel seen.”
