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Don Was
Enthralled The
Music Box Crowd

February 28, 2025

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Legendary artist and producer, Don Was brought his newly formed band, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble to The Music Box Supper Club for a night of jazz and fun.

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Was recently said that he to go back to Detroit, where he came from, and form a new band of "like-minded individuals."  This stellar lineup includes Oscar winning keyboardist Luis Resto (Eminem, Jay-Z), trombonist Vincent Chandler, trumpeter John Douglas, drummer Jeff Canaday, percussionist Mahindi, guitarist Wayne Gerard and vocalist Steffanie Christi'ann. 

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The audience was treated to some Was (Not Was) tunes like "Hello Operator" a great Hank Williams cover of "I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time," and "Nubian Lady" by Yusef Lateef.

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Throughout the evening, each member of the band, except Was, got to stretch out and play an extended solo to showcase their skills.

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However, the standout performance of the evening came from Steffanie Christi'ann.  When she was on stage, you noticed.  Not only for her striking physical appearance and dance moves, but for her incredible voice.

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Towards the end of the set while play "Wheel Me Out" and "Shakedown Street" the band launched into a nice tribute to Roberta Flack by playing "Killing Me Softly" and having the audience sing the tune.

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The night ended with another great cover tune.  This time it was Curtis Mayfield's turn to get the Pan-Detroit Ensemble treatment of "This Is My Country."

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan

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