Released on May 15, 2026, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble delivered a tight and powerful NPR Tiny Desk concert, featuring selections from their 2025 album Groove in the Face of Adversity and showcasing Detroit’s rich musical legacy. Lead by bassist Don Was, the 5-song set, Blends originals with a reimagined performance of Grateful Dead classic “The Music Never stopped” and a soulful interpretation of Hank Williams ” I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But Time”.
The Pan-Detroit Ensemble includes long-time collaborators like Blue Note Records artist Dave McMurray on sax and Eminem’s Oscar-winning collaborator, keyboardist Luis Resto. Additional musicians include trombonist Vincent Chandler, trumpeter John Douglas, drummer Jeff Canaday, percussionist Mahindi Masai, guitarist Wayne Gerard, and powerhouse vocalist Steffanie Christi’an.