Grapevine: NPR’s Glynn Washington hosts Hamtramck event

NPR’s Glynn Washington hosts Startup Story Night in Hamtramck

National Public Radio personality and Detroit native Glynn Washington will emcee the first Startup Story Night Thursday at Planet Ant Hall in Hamtramck. Five local entrepreneurs were selected out of 55 around the region to share stories about their business challenges and breakthrough moments. Presenters include Bon Bon Bon founder Alex Clark, Louisiana Creole Gumbo owner Joe Spencer, The Natural Market founder Victoria Roby, SISU mouth guard president Jan Akervall, and re-Contour founder Julie Hyde-Edwards. The event is sponsored by the Southeast Michigan Startup and the New Economy Initiative. “Storytelling is such an important part of being an entrepreneur,” NEI director Pam Lewis said in a statement. “We’re really excited to help local entrepreneurs polish their skills with a renowned storyteller like Glynn and give them a platform to share with one another and the public.” Doors open at 6 p.m. The free event starts 7 p.m at 2320 Caniff.

Bob Seger debuts song honoring Glenn Frey

Bob Seger has shared “Glenn Song,” his first new song in more than two years, about the passing of his friend and fellow Detroit rocker Glenn Frey. The track, which is available as a free download at glenn-song.bobseger.com, arrives on the one-year anniversary of the Eagles’ co-founder’s death at the age of 67. “When I think about you I always smile,” Seger sings on the short, sparse two-minute ballad. “There was no one quite like you.” Seger and Frey came up together in Detroit in the 1960s and were friends for 50 years. “I loved him like he was my brother,” Seger, 71, told The Detroit News after Frey’s death. “Glenn Song” is Seger’s first new song since the October 2014 release of “Ride Out,” his 17th studio album.

‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ heads to Netflix

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” will available on Netflix in late 2017. Variety reported Thursday that Seinfeld will offer 24 new episodes exclusively for Netflix (the series was previously available on Sony’s streaming service Crackle). The show has received three Emmy nominations and featured guests such as President Barack Obama, Larry David, Tina Fey and Jon Stewart, who are picked up in a car by Seinfeld and head to a destination for coffee. The deal Seinfeld signed includes two stand-up specials, and the 59 previous episodes will be available on Netflix. “When I first started thinking about ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,’ the entire Netflix business model consisted of mailing out DVDs in envelopes. I love that we are now joining together, both at very different points,” Seinfeld said in a statement.

Also ...

■To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Third Eye Blind is bringing their Summer Gods Tour to DTE Energy Music Theatre July 7. Special guests include the rock band Silversun Pickups. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Jan. 26 at livenation.com.

■Tony-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel announced her 2017 World Tour this week. The 50-plus tour stops kick off in Japan March 29, and the concert will make its way to the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills Aug. 11. Pre-sale tickets for American Express cardholders and select individuals begin Thursday. Tickets will be available to the public 10 a.m. Jan. 27 through Ticketmaster.

Compiled by Stephanie Steinberg

ssteinberg@detroitnews.com

Thursday’s birthdays

Dolly Parton, 71

Paula Deen , 70

Katey Sagal , 63

Jodie Sweetin , 35

Logan Lerman , 25