CHUCK BENNETT

Society Confidential: 7/11 Birthday Bash a hot time

Chuck Bennett
Special to The Detroit News
Former boxer Tommy "Hitman" Hearns at the 7/11 party celebrating June Ridley, right.

7/11 Birthday Bash a hot time

As sure as it’s hot in July, friends of retired Highland Park Council President June Ridley can depend on her hosting her annual 7/11 Birthday Bash in the exotic backyard of her comfortable Highland Park home. About 100 guests gathered from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, 7/11, to enjoy perfectly fried catfish by a man in the alley (yes, frying fish in the alley), a buffet of Ethiopian delights set up by the garage, and the best house music ever, mastered by The Queen of House, DJ Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale. And if the bang of Stacey’s faultlessly curated house music wasn’t enough, she was accompanied by a violinist, a percussionist and a flautist. Among the guests were former boxing champ Tommy Hearns; celebrity photographer Monica Morgan; radio personality Sam Riddle; radio news reporter Vickie Thomas and retired judge Wendy Baxter.

Ice Cube at Metro Detroit Youth Day

Ice Cube melts the hearts of Detroiters

Rapper, actor and entrepreneur Ice Cube is spreading love all over Detroit this week. In town for his BIG3 Basketball game, he’s appeared on Fox 2 News, WDIV-TV and WXYZ-TV, and he made a surprise showing at Chene Park on Wednesday night, taking the mic to promote Saturday’s basketball game at Little Caesars Arena. Also, on Wednesday, he made an appearance in front of 42,000 kids at Edward Deeb’s Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle. When he heard what youth day was all about, reportedly, he wanted to be part of it because he has a strong love for Detroit and its people. "I love Detroit,” he said. “They always embrace me. It feels like a second home.”

Armond Harris, left, with Regina Gaines at Wine in the Garden

Enjoy Wine in the Garden Tuesdays

House of Pure Vin owner Regina Gaines celebrated her birthday Tuesday by turning up the regular Tuesday “Wine in the Garden” series that she co-hosts with Central Kitchen + Bar. About 300 people came to the cozy outdoor space known as Cadillac Square Beer Garden. Music was provided by Emmett Burkes, with food from Cortina Local. Guests included Tommey Walker from Detroit vs. Everybody, Jim Jenkins from Jenkins Construction, Jabs Gym owner Armond Harris, singer Maurissa Rose, First Independence Bank Chairman Kenneth Kelly, and Pilates queen Lisa Mills. Wine in the Garden is open to the public every Tuesday throughout the summer from 5-10 p.m. at 60 Cadillac Square. 

Chuck Bennett is the creator of TheSocialMetro.com and hosts “Chuck’s World” from 4-5 p.m. Saturdays on 910AM Superstation.