Detroit artists unite to fundraise house built from salvaged materials

Owen Armentrout

Jan. 27, 2025

Merrik DeLuca played drums for all four bands; chimpanzee mask secured to his head the entire time, like a soldier’s helmet in Normandy. Source: Owen Armentrout

On Saturday night a crowd of more than 50 people congregated at the Motor City Street Dance Academy on Detroit’s west side to support a fundraiser hosted by Jonathan Chapdelaine, aiming to finance the construction of a home he calls “The Shanty”, a project he plans to accomplish using only salvaged materials in the city.  

The event aptly dubbed “Salvage Dreams and Party” included performances from several local bands, including Electric Bug, LoudFoxCult, Groves, and Insaneo-Style, each encapsulating varied and unique sub-genres of rock; as well as a number of diverse visual artists who upholstered the walls with striking displays of visceral character that accentuated the vibe in a seemingly holistic manner.  

As you entered the used-to-be liquor store situated on Michigan Ave, you were met with a ticket vendor accepting $10 donations and handing out raffle tickets for the end of the night.  

Merchants lined the back of the venue, tables stacked with band t-shirts and trinkets; custom pieces hung from wire, airbrushed button downs and J-Dilla jerseys hugging the borders of this artisan enclosure.  

Paintings by the artist Clint Hudson, situated inside a makeshift gallery at the back of the room. Source: Owen Armentrout

Past them, cradled inside of an offset miniature gallery lay works from painter Clint Hudson. Stationed upon shelves of vintage soul and jazz records, perched on top of easels and nailed to plywood backings; jutting from the canvas, imagery of human anatomy and inner thoughts permeated the room.  

And tucked away off of stage left, hidden behind a set of black curtains, the scent of chicken and steak wafted through the air as tacos were made to order off of a set of portable burners.  

It’s purely undeniable that the title of “two most rowdy sets” that night would be awarded to LoudFoxCult and Insaneo-Style.  

LoudFoxCult played true to their name as members of the audience danced sporadically, earplugs adorned; the last song culminating in a section of the front row bowing down to the bassist Jackson Ciavattone as their unreleased track “Bodies” echoed over the loudspeaker.  

LoudFoxCult bassist Jackson Ciavattone shredding away as fans offer their bows. Source: Owen Armentrout

Ciavattone said he believed they didn’t play to their best ability; but one wouldn’t have known that simply looking at the patrons. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEtGrlkd8-U

LoudFoxCult bassist Jackson Ciavattone remarks about his playing and the vibe of the crowd. Source: Owen Armentrout

Insaneo-Style being the last band of the night, ended the event in chaotically serendipitous fashion as the entire crowd, aside from vendors and a few stragglers along the back wall, hurled themselves into one another forming a near boundless mosh pit at the feet of the singer.  

Between each song people would rotate in and out to catch their breath, exchanging their spot with one the aforementioned strays for a gasp of fresh air, walking below the canopy of crowd surfers being passed around the room.  

After the show, one of the audience members, Ethan Holmes, was kind enough to share his thoughts on the myriad of culture. 

In the end, the fundraiser generated over $700 in donations and merch sales.  

Art doesn’t just shelter one’s emotions, it helps shelter us, even if it’s little by little, song by song, painting by painting, board by board. 

For more information on the venue visit the Motor City Street Dance Academy website, or if you’d like to check out the progress on “The Shanty” go to Jon Chapdelaine’s Instagram