Nearly $900,000 Later, GRiZ Is Still Wrapping Gifts for Detroits Young Musicians

Santa keeps a list of the naughty and the nice, but GRiZ keeps a running tally of the $895,900 his holiday tradition has raised for Detroit’s young artists.This December, he plans to make it grow by bringing back his ’12 Days of GRiZMAS’ initiative, a sequence of community events raising money to put instruments and lessons in the hands of the city’s schoolchildren.

“’12 Days of GRiZMAS’ was born to celebrate music, the city of Detroit, its incredible history as a music town, and the spirit of giving,” GRiZ said in a statement.“I truly believe change starts with us, working together.

Even the smallest acts of generosity can snowball into a massive positive impact.” The tradition began back in 2014, when GRiZ, a Detroit native, decided that the season of giving could use some electronic music.The series has since collected more than $895,900 for music education and the proceeds benefit Seven Mile, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers free instruction to students during the school year and over the summer through Mission:City, Detroit Community Schools and the Brightmoor Arts Academy.

The festivities open December 8 with the GRiZMAS Workshop, a pop-up store at 719 Griswold where every dollar spent goes to the cause.The shop keeps daily hours from noon to 6pm through December 20.

Local performers take the microphone on December 9 before Phil Simpson leads a ‘Color Jam’ the next day.A screening-style celebration called The Nightmare Before GRiZMAS follows on December 11, proving that Jack Skellington’s Pumpkin King energy fits comfortably under a Christmas tree.

Dodgeball, yoga, ice skating and a Red Wings game fill out the middle of the week before a roller disco ugly sweater party on the 16th.GRiZ will then host a live jam December 17 and two concerts at the Masonic Temple the next two nights to close out the run.

Caffeine addicts who prefer to give from the couch can buy a limited-edition roast developed in collaboration...