Arts and Entertainment

December 2010
21025

ART

Anton Art Center: Wish Upon a Star, and bring one home for $5 from an exhibit of star-themed masterpieces to benefit the center’s programming. Through Jan. 16. • The Christmas Market show runs through Dec. 22, featuring pieces for sale by Michigan artists. 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens; 586-469-8666; theartcenter.org.

Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW): David Merritt “draws” musical connections in his exhibit: Shim Sham Shimmy, taking inspiration from pop music and culture. The exhibit also features sisal rope sculptures and video works. Through Jan 16. • Toronto printmaker Lucie Simons’ serigraphs are on exhibit through Jan. 30. • Shirley Williams’ highly textured atmospheric works suggest depictions of abstract landscapes and horizons.  Her work is on exhibit Dec. 4-Feb. 6. 401 Riverside Dr. W., Windsor, Ontario; 519-977-0013, artgalleryofwindsor.com.

Artspace II: Revisit the Cass Corridor of the late 1960s and early 70s creative outburst with works by artists Gordon Newton, Brenda Goodman, and Bradley Jones. Runs Dec. 1-31. 303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540; artspace2.com.

Biddle Gallery: Made in the Mitten is an ongoing multi-media exhibition of works by more than 100 Michigan artists. 2840 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-281-4779, biddlegallery.com.

Cary Gallery: A group show features works by selected artists in various media, including encaustic, watercolor, and oil. Runs Dec. 1-31. 226 Walnut Blvd., Rochester; 248-651-3656.

Detroit Artists Market: Art for the Holidays transforms Detroit Artists Market from a gallery into a winter market, featuring works by more than 125 local artists. Through Dec. 23. 4719 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-8540, detroitartistsmarket.org.

Detroit Institute of Arts: The dreams of such artists as Dürer, Picasso, and Chagall are projected in the exhibition In Your Dreams: 500 Years of Imaginary Prints. The exhibit features about 120 American and European prints that present a contemporary twist on subjects inspired by the artists’ thoughts. Runs through Jan. 2. • In Fakes, Forgeries, and Mysteries, the DIA examines the authenticity of roughly 50 pieces in its collection. Certain items were found to have been incorrectly attributed to an artist or culture, other pieces are known forgeries with explanations about how the museum reached that conclusion, and others still are mysteries, about which there is no definitive opinion. Tickets are needed for the event, which runs through April 10. • A survey of photographer André Kertész’s career, An Intuitive Eye: André Kertész Photographs 1914-1969 highlights his Parisian photographs of daily life as well as photographs taken in Hungary and New York.  Witness his distinctive combination of photojournalistic compositions and modern, abstract aesthetics. Runs through April 10. • Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus features eight paintings of the artist and his students’ depictions of Jesus’ visage. More than 50 paintings, prints, and drawings examining the religious, historic, and artistic significance of the eight core paintings will also be included. The ticketed exhibit runs until Feb. 12. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900, dia.org.

Detroit Museum of New Art: Created by 11 Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate students, a multi-media art riddle, presented by MONA, represents an opportunity for viewers to receive cash prizes. The first to solve the riddle will receive $1,000, while three other viewers with incorrect-yet-interesting solutions will receive $100. Through Dec. 17. 7 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-210-7560, detroitmona.com.

Eastern Michigan University Art Department: Fabric is the name of the game in New Fibers, a juried show featuring traditional textile approaches to fiber art, as well as more avant-garde approaches that include conceptual and installation art practices. Runs through Dec. 10 in the University Gallery, EMU Student Center. 900 Oakwood, Ypsilanti; 734-487-1268, art.emich.edu.

Flint Institute of Arts: Unbroken Ties: Dialogues of Cuban Art evokes the everyday reality of the Cuban experience from various artists using painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media installations, and photography. Through Jan. 2 in the Hodge Gallery. 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint; 810-234-1695; flintarts.org.

Grosse Pointe Art Center: Holiday Shop runs through Jan 7. 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe; 313-821-1848, grossepointeartcenter.org.

Lawrence Street Gallery: Think Small is just what the name implies, an exhibit of various media works all under a foot long. Runs Dec. 1-23. 22620 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-0394; lawrencestreetgallery.com.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD): Spatial City: An Architecture of Idealism is drawn from French regional contemporary art collections and developed with help from Platform and Cultures-France. Through Dec. 30. 4454 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-6622, mocadetroit.org.

Padzieski Art Gallery: Artistry and Craftsmanship: A Holiday Market runs through Dec. 19. 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-943-3095, DCACarts.org.

Pewabic Pottery: Enjoy works by more than 85 ceramic artists at Earthly Treasures. Through Dec. 30. 10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit; 313-822-0954; pewabic.org.

Re:View Art Gallery: Paintings, sculptures, and mixed media by more than 21 Detroit artists are showcased in Re:Collect 2010. As the exhibit title suggests, this is a chance to collect works by artists whom Re:View represents, plus a few more favorites. Runs Dec. 4-24. 444 W. Willis Units 111 and 112, Detroit; 313-833-9000, reviewcontemporary.com.

River’s Edge Gallery: The photo-realistic nature paintings of Nancy Byrum and the watercolors of Great Lakes artist Leo Kuschel are featured through Jan. 1. 3024 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-246-9880; artattheedge.com.

323 East Gallery: Detroit artist Matt Eaton’s solo exhibition runs through Dec 2. • Snowflakes and Candy Canes showcases handmade goods by artists just in time for the holidays. Runs Dec. 4-31. 323 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 866-756-6538, 323east.com.

UMMA: Simon Dybbroe Møller’s work in UMMA Projects: Simon Dybbroe Møller takes familiar objects and forms and rearranges them into unexpected configurations, changing them into completely different things altogether. Through Jan. 30. • Out of the Ordinary: Selections from the Bohlen Wood Art and Fusfeld Folk Art Collections runs through June 26. • Swiss artist Mai-Thu Perret combines feminist politics with classic modernist abstractions and utopian dreams in her installations. Her exhibit, Mai-Thu Perret: An Ideal for Living, features paintings, sculpture, textiles, and film and showcases works never before seen in North America. Dec. 18- March 13. 525 S. State, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395, umma.umich.edu.

 

CLASSICAL

Chamber Music Society of Detroit: Pianist Simone Dinnerstein plays Bach’s demanding Goldberg Variations as part of the Opus 9 Series. 8 p.m. Dec. 4. $43-$75 ($25 students). Seligman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070, comehearcmsd.org.

Cranbrook Music Guild: The Vancouver-based Borealis String Quartet’s performance features works by Haydn, Beethoven, and contemporary composer Imant Raminsh. 8 p.m. Dec. 7. $30. Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Rd., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-0097, cranbrookmusicguild.org.

Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings: DCWS’ annual holiday show, Holiday Brass, returns with many of the traditional classics and some new favorites. Join in for the holiday sing-along just before the 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 concert at The First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie Blvd., Royal Oak; 248-541-0108, detroitchamberwinds.org. Also catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore Dr., Grosse Pointe; 313-822-5330, detroitchamberwinds.org.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Music Director Leonard Slatkin conducts while French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on the solo duties in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 and the world premiere of Steven Rush’s Tango Symphony are also on tap. 10:45 a.m. Dec. 3., 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4. and 3 p.m. Dec. 5. $19-$70. • Hollywood Pictures features film music and a family reunion, with Slatkin conducting and his brother, cellist Fred Zlotkin (he retained the family name’s original Russian spelling), performing a Korngold concerto premiered by their mother, Eleanor Aller, and featured in the Warner Bros. film Deception. Violinist Kimberly Kaloyanides Kennedy and pianist Sara Davis Buechner also perform pieces that include Rózsa’s Spellbound Concerto and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9., 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 10., 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11. $19-$123. • Bowfire’s Holiday Heart Strings comes to the DSO, meshing a combination of classical, jazz, bluegrass, Celtic, and rock music with some holiday classics. 3 p.m. Dec. 12. $19-$105. • Slatkin conducts the annual DSO tradition Home for the Holidays, which includes holiday favorites, including a visitor from the North Pole. 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 16., 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17., 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 18., and 3 p.m. Dec. 19. $19-$70. • The Canadian Brass salutes the holidays with its signature sound. 8 p.m. Dec. 21. $15-$105.  (Note: At press time, the orchestra was on strike. Scheduled concerts may be cancelled.) Orchestra Hall in the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111, detroitsymphony.org.

The Fair Lane Music Guild: Light the candles and get out the roses — romantic works by Zemlinsky, Schumann, and Bruch are showcased in the American debut tour of the Schumann Trio Köln. The trio brings together Korean pianist Yoo Soon Lee, Detroit’s own cellist Erik Asgeirsson, and German clarinetist Nicolai Pfeffer. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. $15 ($14 senior/ $9 student). Henry Ford Estate-Fair Lane, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn; 313-593-5330,umd.umich.edu/fair_lane_music_guild.

University Musical Society: The Grammy Award- winning UMS Choral Union and Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra return with Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Jerry Blackstone. All four soloists have Michigan ties, three of the four being U-M alumni, and the fourth a Michigan native currently living in Kalamazoo. 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 2 p.m. Dec. 5. $10-$32. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538, ums.org.

 

Dance

Detroit Music Hall: Paying tribute to the cultural legacy of Poland, Mazowsze performance troupe whirl, leap, stamp, and glide in their artistic depictions of Polish folklore. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 4. $30-$50. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-887-8500, musichall.org.

 

Events

First Friday Art Walk: Kick the weekend off with a night of art, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres in downtown Northville. On the first Friday of each month, select art galleries are open late, and guests can shop and enjoy art demonstrations. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Downtown Northville; downtownnorthville.com.

Wayne Country Lightfest: Get into the holiday spirit with a drive through the longest holiday light display in the Midwest. Four miles of lights are on display at this annual show. Visitors should enter off Merriman Road between Ann Arbor Trial and Warren Avenue. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. Through Dec. 31. $5 per car. 734-261-1990.

Big Bright Light Show: This downtown Rochester event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever. Attracting more than 1 million visitors yearly, the show features most of the city’s downtown stores decorated with more than 1 million lights, along East and West Fourth Street. There will also be lighted displays on Walnut from Third to University, a Dazzling Tree of Lights at the Depot Plaza, and The Snowflake Spectacular on the Western Knitting Mill on Walter Street. Through Jan. 2. Downtown Rochester; downtownrochesstermi.com.

Noel Night: The 38th annual Noel Night offers free admission to more than 45 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The event also includes a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, and family craft activities. 5 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Free. In and around Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center institutions, between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis, Detroit; 313-577-5088.

Holiday Craft Extravaganza: The weekend promises one-of-a-kind gifts, fine jewelry, gourmet treats, holiday décor, and more than 300 crafters under one roof. Shop for pottery, paintings, textiles, and more. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dec. 4. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Dec. 5. $5 per car. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; holidaycraftextravaganza.com. 

Annual Holiday Dinner Dance: The Moondusters Ballroom Dance Club hosts the 10th annual family-style dinner dance. Singer and actor Louis Mushro will perform and DJ Jimmy Barrios will sing and play the latest hits. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. Dec. 5. $32-$33. Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft, Livonia; 248-968-5197. 

Kevin Hart: This month, comedian Hart brings his “Laugh at My Pain” tour to Detroit.  Last year, he premiered his comedy special I’m a Grown Little Man on Comedy Central and has appeared in the Hollywood remake of Death at a Funeral, Fool’s Gold, and The 40 Year Old Virgin. Recent film credits include Scary Movie 4 and In the Mix. 8 p.m. Dec. 11. $35.50-$55.50. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-471-6611.

Downtown Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival: Enjoy ice sculptures, as well as musicians, reindeer, Santa, food, and more. Dec. 11. Downtown Ferndale, downtownferndale.com.

 

FILM

Penn Theatre: In holiday tradition, the Penn screens Frank Capra’s 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life, starring Jimmy Stewart as the frustrated businessman George Bailey, who is visited by an angel who shows him what life in town would be like without him around. Dec. 2-5. $3. • Holiday Inn a 1942 film, features Bing Crosby as a singer and Fred Astaire as a dancer (not surprisingly), both vying for the affections of an up-and-coming performer, played by Marjorie Reynolds. With music by Irving Berlin. Dec. 9. $3. • Robert Zemeckis’ 2004 CGI-laden The Polar Express features the vocal talents of Tom Hanks in myriad roles in this holiday film based on the children’s book. Dec. 17-19. $3. • Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets offer their take on the perennial Christmas classic in the 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol. Featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge. Dec. 23 and 26. $3. 760 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth; 734-453-0870; penntheatre.com

The Redford Theatre: Chevy Chase reprises the role of Clark Griswold in the 1989 film Christmas Vacation, the second sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation. This time around, the Griswold family celebrates the holiday season, but get their plans derailed by bad luck and obnoxious guests. Dec. 3-4. Tickets $4. • The 1954 romantic comedy White Christmas stars Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace, an Army veteran and half of a song-and-dance duo, with Danny Kaye as his partner Phil Davis, and Rosemary Clooney as Betty Haynes, half of a musical duo of her own. When Bob and Phil head up to a Vermont lodge to follow Betty and her sister, they find that their old Army general owns the place, but is also on the verge of bankruptcy. During their efforts to help the general out, romantic mix-ups take place. Dec. 17-18. Tickets $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.

 

MUSEUMS

Arab American National Museum: Hawaii’s Alfred Shaheen: Fabric to Fashion showcases the work of the Lebanese-American engineer responsible for revitalizing Pacific Island/Asian textile traditions. The exhibit features dozens of examples of Shaheen’s  garments and designs, as well as images that shed light on the manufacturing and marketing philosophies. Through March 13. • Arab Civilization: Our Heritage features Arab contributions to the early world. Ongoing in the Community Courtyard. • Coming to America focuses on Arab immigrants and the culture they brought to the United States. Ongoing in Gallery 1. • Living in America exhibits early Arab-American life. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 2. • Making an Impact celebrates the stories of Arab-American athletes, organizations, physicians, labor leaders, and entertainers. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 3. $6 adults; $3 students and seniors. Under 5 free. 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-2266, arabamericanmuseum.org.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: Portrayals of Life and Landscapes: The Art of Frank Kelley Jr. features more than 30 of Kelley’s paintings, which are on display until Dec. 12. • Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment begins its national tour in Detroit and celebrates the 75th anniversary of Harlem’s Apollo Theater. Drawings, historic photographs, film recordings, and artist interviews are on display, as well as artifacts such as Michael Jackson’s fedora and James Brown’s cape and jumpsuit. Through Jan. 2. • Art of the Masters: A Survey of African American Images, 1980-2000 is an exhibit that introduces the work of African- American “Master” artists to the world, such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Alvin Loving, and more. Through Feb. 28. Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge, a series of intricate and colorful works focusing on three areas of African-American culture and history — musicians, dancers, and freedom advocates — is one of the ongoing exhibits in the Main Level Corridor. • A Is for Africa includes 26 interactive stations making up a 3-D “dictionary” designed for children. Ongoing in the Lower Level Corridor. • And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture is an expansive, evolving exhibit that recounts the 3.5-million-year-old odyssey that began in Africa and ends in Detroit. Ongoing in the Core Exhibition Gallery. • Ring of Genealogy, a work designed by local artist Hubert Massey, depicts the struggles of African-Americans in the United States. Ongoing on the Main Level. • Detroit Performs is a photomontage dedicated to those who have gained national and international prominence in the performing arts. Ongoing in the Main Level Corridor. • Target has initiated a program of Free First Sundays at the museum; general admission at other times is $5-$8. 315 E. Warren, Detroit; 313-494-5800, maah-detroit.org.

Detroit Historical Museum: VeloCity: Detroit’s Need for Speed showcases the ways in which Detroiters have used their need for speed on land, water, air, and other forms of transportation. • Streets of Old Detroit takes visitors back to the 19th and early 20th centuries through commercial shop settings furnished with artifacts from the 1940s to early 1900s. • Doorway to Freedom showcases Detroit’s role as part of the Underground Railroad, the last American stop for freedom-seeking slaves before boating across the Detroit River to Canada. • Detroit Artists Showcase features John Gelsavage (1909-1988), a Polish-American painter and illustrator from Detroit who spent his career capturing the average working American. • Frontiers to Factories is an exhibit that shows what Detroit was like before the advent of automobiles. See how the area changed from a trading-post settlement to the metropolis with millions of residents and factories. • Meier’s Wonderful Clock is on display, and was built to demonstrate the skills of clockmaker Louis Meier Sr. Weighing 2,500 pounds, the clock stands at 15-feet high and 7-feet wide, and was shown at the Michigan State Fair in 1906 and Chicago World’s Fair in 1934. • Detroit’s Official Symbols is an exhibit that explains in-depth symbols throughout the city, such as the city’s own flag. • Glancy Trains are from the collection of Alfred R. Glancy Jr., co-owner of the Empire State Building. His extensive collection is on display at the museum. Also at the museum: Saying I Do: Metro Detroit Weddings, Fabulous 5: Detroit Historic Retailers, Scripps-Booth “Da Vinci Pop” Cyclecar, Motor City, and WWJ Newsradio 950: 90 Years of Innovation. General admission: $4-$6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805, detroithistorical.org.

Detroit Science Center: Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato makes its world debut in Detroit. The exhibit is a 10,000-square-foot showcase that features 36 never-before-seen mummies. The mummies are on loan from the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato. • The center offers more than 200 hands-on exhibits that include taking a look into space, and science and physical science displays. Exhibits include a rocket laboratory, fitness-and-nutrition station, as well as a heart-health display. New to the center is the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which was formerly located at the Novi Expo Center. Ongoing. $11.95-$13.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; detroitsciencecenter.org.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum: City on the Straits is an exhibit that provides snapshots of the ways the Great Lakes and the Detroit River have influenced the region. Artifacts include wood shipping crates, an iron paddlewheel hub from The Northerner, a Great Lakes depth chart, and more. • Life on a Long Ship: Great Lakes Sailors takes a look into the lives of the people who make a living on the Great Lakes. This exhibit also offers a glimpse into the jobs of other crew members, such as the wheelsmen, mates, porters, and engineers. Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Celebrating 50 Years! focuses on the early years and the people who made the museum possible. 100 Strand, Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-1805, detroithistorical.org.

Exhibit Museum of Natural History: Relics pays tribute to ingenious gadgets, such as a mirrored ball, rotating galaxy projector, video-projector masks, and more. On display indefinitely. • Collecting for Science: Collections, Science, and Scholarships in the U-M Research Museums showcases collections research at the U-M Museum departments of anthropology, paleontology, zoology, and the herbarium. • Archeology! Current Research in the University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology is an ongoing research exhibit that examines the questions that contemporary archeologists ask about the past and the techniques they use to answer them. • Free dinosaur tours at 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Planetarium shows every Sat.-Sun.; planetarium tickets are $5. Admission to the museum is free, but suggested donation is $6. University of Michigan campus, 1109 Geddes, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0478, lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum.

Henry Ford Museum: Heroes of the Sky is a permanent exhibit focusing on adventures in early aviation. • With Liberty and Justice for All highlights four pivotal periods of history, beginning with the American Revolution and ending in the 1960s. Permanent exhibit. • Automobiles in American Life features automotive milestones, including the 15 millionth Model T, as well as the Ford Mustang. Permanent exhibit. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001, thehenryford.org.

Greenfield Village: Nearly 100 historic buildings are here; visit notable attractions such as the birthplace of Henry Ford, Noah Webster’s domicile, and the home of Robert Frost. Open seven days a week. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-$22. This month, enjoy candle-lit paths, live entertainment, costumed presenters, carriage and Model T rides, as well as Santa and live reindeer at Holiday Nights. Dec. 4, 10-11, 17-23, 26-27. 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. $12.75-$17. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001, thehenryford.org.

 

MUSIC

Celtic Thunder: These male troubadours, ranging in age from 16 to 40, perform solo and ensemble Celtic numbers, accompanied by dramatic choreography and lighting. As they say: Where there’s lighting… 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. $37.50-$57.50. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.

Usher with Trey Songz: Other than putting out his third consecutive album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and penning the chart-topping hit “OMG,” Usher has also had recent success outside of his own career as an artist. After all, we have him to thank for introducing Justin Bieber into the world. Or his world, if you will. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. $29.50-$99.50. Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Center Dr., Detroit; 313-983-6606.

Minus the Bear: Bear vs. Shark, Panda Bear, Grizzly Bear, Volcano the Bear, Bear in Heaven — those are all actual band names featuring the furry mammals. Minus the Bear has, by far, the most interesting explanation for its moniker out of all the previously mentioned outfits — it’s just too blue to list here. Ask ’em about it live, instead, at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. $18 in advance. $20 at the door. Clutch Cargo’s, 65 E. Huron, Pontiac; 248-333-2362.

Fantasia: Fantasia was born in a New York City movie theater on Nov. 13, 1940, to a father named Walt, a Hollywood film producer. Oh, wait … wrong Wikipedia listing. This Fantasia (last name: Barrino) is, in fact, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer who released her third album, Back to Me, in August. She’s also an American Idol winner, which explains the confusion. See, we thought she was on that Donald Trump reality show, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Dec. 31. Time and price TBA. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.

Air Supply: According to this Aussie band’s website, for a period in the ’80s, Air Supply matched The Beatles’ run of consecutive top five singles. One of those hits was “All Out of Love.” Again, this was the ’80s, and a lot of strange things happened in that decade. There will never be a logical explanation for all that teased hair. 8 p.m. Dec. 10. $50.70-$54.80. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.

Delbert McClinton: McClinton’s career began backing the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Lightnin’ Hopkins, but he charted a Top 40 hit single in the ’80s with “Givin’ It Up for Your Love.” And though he didn’t sing it himself, he penned Emmylou Harris’ No. 1 hit “Two More Bottles of Wine.” There’s a reason he’s been called the king of Texas honky-tonk blues. 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $50. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.

Joe Satriani: Satriani’s name is one that comes up in any educated conversation about the greatest guitarists of all time. And though he’s received a whopping 15 Grammy Award nominations, he’s never won the little golden phonograph. Only R&B star Brian McKnight tops him (16 nominations, zero wins). 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. $35.25-$79.75. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.

Kenny Rogers: Rogers is coming back to the Fox Theatre almost exactly one year since his last appearance there, which makes sense, considering it’s the 29th installment of his annual Christmas & Hits Tour. For one special night every year, Foxtown turns into Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. $38-$75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.

Dashboard Confessional: This isn’t that steamy, voyeuristic TV show that aired on HBO in the mid- ’90s, but with such song titles as “Screaming Infidelities,” the confusion is understandable. Rather, it’s the moniker of Floridian emo heartthrob Chris Carrabba and his band, who have been playing power-pop ballads of heartbreak for 10 years now. In fact, this tour is a 10th anniversary celebration of Carrabba’s first record, Swiss Army Romance, which he will play in its entirety, solo acoustic. 7 p.m. Dec. 17. $25 in advance. $28 at the door. The Crofoot, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; 248-858-9333.

Mayer Hawthorne: “Mayer’s my middle name, Hawthorne’s the street I used to live on,” the former Ann Arborite told Hour Detroit last year. The artist formerly known as Drew Cohen has been enjoying quite a bit of success with his blend of Smokey Robinson-inspired new-school soul songs. If you missed his headlining gig at Arts, Beats & Eats, here’s your chance to catch him indoors. 8 p.m. Dec. 23. $15-$17. The Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Chugging along for nearly 15 years, the TSO has become a Christmas tradition in the Motor City. The group’s founder, Paul O’Neill, who managed and produced bands such as Aerosmith and Scorpions in a previous life, took the overblown guitar shredding of those bands, added a little pyrotechnics, and applied it to the most obvious catalog: Christmas folk tales. Imagine Dream Theater performing “O Holy Night,” and you’ve got a good idea of what to expect. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30. $28-$61. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.

 

THEATER

Bonstelle Theatre: The stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, follows the story of Atticus Finch, a white attorney who defends an innocent black man in Alabama in 1935. The play explores adult irrationality toward race and class from the perspective of Atticus’ daughter, Scout. Runs Dec. 3-12. $15. 3424 Woodward, Detroit; 313-577-2960, bonstelle.com.

Detroit Opera House: Who uses an umbrella as a parachute? The high-flying nanny Mary Poppins does, and she’s descending into Detroit. The musical, based on the 1964 Disney film about a magical nanny, provides a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience for the whole family. Dec. 16-Jan. 2. $33-$57. 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-961-3500, motopera.org.

Fox Theatre: The classic musical Grease returns. Set in Rydell High in the 1950s, the show features Danny, Sandy, Rizzo, Kenickie, Frenchy and the rest of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. Dec. 3 and 4. Tickets start at $61. • The Tony-winning musical Dream Girls follows a talented trio of female singers known as The Dreams as they make their way to superstardom. It’s based in large part on the stories of famous acts like Motown’s own Supremes. Runs Dec. 21-26. Tickets starting at $56. 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 800-745-3000, olympiaentertainment.com.

Gem Theatre: A holiday-themed sequel to Forever Plaid, the musical show Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings once again follows the ghostly quartet of Frankie, Sparky, Jinx, and Smudge as they return from the afterlife with their own brand of holiday music. Through Dec. 31. $22.50-$32.50 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800, gemtheatre.com.

Hilberry Theatre: Noel Coward’s farcical comedy Hay Fever follows the romantic misadventures of the Bliss family. These self-absorbed folks, who have invited unsuspecting romantic prospects along for the ride, find themselves trapped indoors during a rainy weekend in the countryside. Through Dec. 4. $25-$30. • Based on a story about the American dream gone wrong, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men tells the story of George and Lennie, two traveling ranch hands and friends, whose shared dream of owning a ranch comes under fire because of Lennie’s inability to control himself. Through Feb. 5. $25-$30. • Shakespeare’s Richard III chronicles the story of the disfigured Richard, who uses his brilliance for politics to weave a web of intrigue and danger in his single-minded pursuit of the English throne. Through Feb. 25. $25-$30. 4841 Cass, Detroit; 313-577-2972, hilberry.com.

Jewish Ensemble Theatre: In conjunction with the Ann Arbor-based Performance Network, JET presents Sonia Flew, which follows the story of Sonia, a Cuban immigrant whose son drops out of college and joins the Marines to fight in Afghanistan. Dec. 8-Jan. 2. $32-$41. 6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield; 248-788-2900, jettheatre.org.

Matrix Theatre Company: Puppet Scrooge adds a special Detroit twist to the Dickens classic. Dec. 3-19. $15 general admission, $10 for students with ID and seniors 65 and over, and $8 for children. Matrix Theatre Company; 2730 Bagley, Detroit; 313-967-0599, matrixtheatre.org.

Meadow Brook Theatre: Back again for its 29th year, Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol returns to Meadow Brook. The play tells the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts who haunt him into changing his ways. Through Dec. 23. $24-39. 207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300, mbtheatre.com.

Mosaic Youth Theatre: A holiday show with a distinctly local twist, Woodward Wonderland: A Detroit Holiday Celebration shares holiday stories, songs, and memories. Dec. 11-12. $20 tickets, $12 for students and seniors. 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-6910, mosaicdetroit.org.

Planet Ant Theatre: In the brand-new show Dance Xanax Dance, a former child star travels to the Midwest in search of the blessings of Christmahanakwanzika. The play asks if life is better lived through medication during the holiday season of highs and lows. Through Dec. 23. $15-$20. 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck; 313-365-4948, planetant.com.

Purple Rose Theatre Company: Jeff Daniels’ 13th drama for his theater is titled Best of Friends. It centers on the unfortunate comedic portrayal of two Michigan couples exploring their friendship. Through Dec. 18. $20-$38. 137 Park St., Chelsea; 734-433-7573, purplerosetheatre.org.

Tipping Point Theatre:  A musical comedy about male bonding, Guys on Ice examines the story of a couple of ice-fishing, beer-drinking, Green Bay Packers fans as they try to get their lives in order.  Through Jan. 15. $28-$30, Senior citizens 62 and older receive a $2 discount. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady, Northville; 248-347-0003, tippingpointtheatre.com.