Back with the groove and the giving spirit, GRiZMAS is officially making its return to Detroit. Earlier this week, GRiZ took to Instagram to announce the comeback of the 12 Days of GRiZMAS for its 10-year anniversary. This marks its first appearance since GRiZ stepped away in 2023. The celebration features community events, fundraising, and unforgettable music – all in support of youth music education in the city.
Born in 2015 as a DIY fundraiser, GRiZMAS has grown into a holiday tradition. In 2022, the festivities raised over $200,000 for the non-profit, Seven Mile.
From DIY Fundraiser to Detroit Tradition
At the core of GRiZMAS is, well GRiZ himself. Grant Kwiecinski was born and raised in Detroit, and grew up soaking in the city’s musical history. From Motown to Dubstep, Detroit helped to shape the way he blends electronic music with funk, soul, and live instrumentation he’s become known for (including his iconic sax).
But GRiZ isn’t just about making killer music—he’s always seen it as a way to connect and give back. As he put it in a Metro Times interview,
“Being able to just give music to people is a very liberating feeling … it takes the idea of music being about money out of the equation.”
Giving people a way to connect through music, and giving back to his local community, has culminated in what is now The 12 Days of GRiZMAS. A nearly two-week-long celebration jam-packed with events that aim to not only bring people together, but to help provide the city’s youth with the same creative opportunities that helped him find success.
100% of all profits received during GRiZMAS will be donated to the Seven Mile nonprofit. This includes event tickets, merchandise sales, and even a coffee blend! Seven Mile offers after-school and summer camp programs in music and creative arts to Detroit’s youth. The funds aim to support Detroit’s next generation of artists. Seven Mile gives kids access to instruments, classes, and creative spaces they may not otherwise have.
The Full Lineup: All 12 Days of GRiZMAS
Day 1 — Dec 9: GRiZMAS Workshop Grand Opening
The GRiZMAS Workshop returns downtown. Here you’ll find exclusive merch, charity activations, a coat and toy drive, and the new GRiZMAS Roast coffee. All proceeds support Seven Mile’s youth music programs.
Day 2 — Dec 10: Color Jam with Tony Whlgn
A community-centered coloring session led by Detroit artist Tony Whlgn. Featuring his artwork and a complimentary cocktail.
Day 3 — Dec 11: Local Mic Night
Local musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers take over Aretha’s Jazz Café for a night celebrating Detroit talent and raising funds for charity.
Day 4 — Dec 12: Mystery Party
The secret GRiZMAS party returns with the location dropped the day of. The event will feature a GRiZ DJ set and special guests.
Day 5 — Dec 13: Charity Dodgeball Tournament
Teams face off in a friendly tournament at Durfee Elementary School while fans cheer from the sidelines, all to support Seven Mile.
Day 6 — Dec 14: Community Yoga
Citizen Yoga hosts restorative sessions inside the historic State Savings Bank. After yoga there will be a guided meditation from GRiZ himself.
Day 7 — Dec 15: Community Ice Skating
A festive night at Campus Martius Park where fans can skate under Detroit’s skyline and iconic Christmas tree.
Day 8 — Dec 16: Live Jam with GRiZ & Friends
An intimate jam-band show at the Majestic Theatre. GRiZ and friends will reinterpret his catalog live on stage.
Day 9 — Dec 17: Roller Disco – Cosmic Cruisin’
A cosmic-themed roller disco night at Bonaventure. Skate rentals are included, DJ Choff will be spinning, and there will be prizes for the best costumes.
Day 10 — Dec 18: The Night(mare) Before GRiZMAS
A spooky, high-energy pre-party full of costumes and chaos leading into the main GRiZMAS concerts.
Day 11 — Dec 19: GRiZMAS Show – Night One
The first of two massive, sold-out nights at the Masonic Temple, celebrating 10 years of GRiZMAS.
Day 12 — Dec 20: GRiZMAS Show – Night Two
The final night of the anniversary celebration, closing out GRiZMAS with a full-scale performance and fan-favorite energy.
New This Year: GRiZMAS Roast Coffee
GRiZ has teamed up with Misfits Coffee Society to launch a special-edition GRiZMAS Roast coffee blend. Keeping with tradition, 100% of all proceeds go directly to Seven Mile.
Exclusive GRiZMAS Merch + Rare Auction Items
Another thing for fans to get excited about is the new GRiZMAS merch line. Some items are online-only, while others are exclusive to the GRiZMAS Workshop Pop-Up in Detroit. A few special pieces can only be snagged at the Masonic Temple concerts. On top of that, a charity auction will feature one-of-a-kind prizes, including a signed GRiZ saxophone, special edition merch, signed prints, and more. Bids can be placed online or in-store, with winners announced on December 21st.
A Decade of Community, Music & Impact.
This December, Detroit will once again come alive with workshops, concerts, art, dancing, skating, and more, carrying forward the message GRiZ started with: Spread love. Spread positivity. Support the kids.
You can donate to the charity effort here.
Keep up with GRiZ by using the links below.
