32 Things to Do in Metro Detroit This February

The Lumineers, ”Jesus Christ Superstar,” and Riverdance’s 25th anniversary show come to town
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February is jam packed with music, art, and comedy events throughout metro Detroit. Folk-rock band The Lumineers plays at Little Caesars Arena, comedian Nikki Glaser performs at Royal Oak Music Theatre, Riverdance takes the stage at the Fox Theatre, Garth Brooks performs his hit country songs at Ford Field, and Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off its run at the Detroit Opera House. Here are 32 things to do in metro Detroit this February.


Erica Rhodes

As an actress, Erica Rhodes has appeared in movies and TV shows such as Plague Town, New Girl, and Modern Family. She also performed on the public radio show A Prairie Home Companion for two decades. As a standup comedian for more than five years now, Rhodes has become best known for her comically high voice and self-deprecating humor. Feb. 1. $18. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com      

Red Sourcebook

The video by artist Ilana Harris-Babou uses imagery from Restoration Hardware catalogs to illustrate discriminatory mortgage lending practices. Feb. 1-29. No cost with museum admission. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint; 810-234-1695; flintarts.org

Jesus Christ Superstar - metro detroit
Jesus Christ Superstar photograph courtesy of Evan Zimmerman

Jesus Christ Superstar

Fusing a biblical narrative with 21st-century pizzazz, the rock opera, originally produced in 1970, follows Judas Iscariot through the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as roughly adapted from the Gospel. The 50th anniversary celebration of Jesus Christ Superstar retains recognizable show tunes by Andrew Lloyd Webber, while also presenting a modernized interpretation featuring contemporary costumes and slang. $34+. Feb. 4–9. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org

Brad Upton

The comedy veteran turns every-day topics like marriage and Thanksgiving with the in-laws into family-friendly hilarity. The one-night-only show will benefit the Salvation Army. Feb. 5.  $33. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

Known for hits like “Tha Crossroads,” the rap group has been serving fast-paced bars and harmonized vocals since the ’90s. Feb. 6. $37+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-309-4700; 313presents.com

Mandy Patinkin - metro detroit
Mandy Patinkin photograph courtesy of Joan Marcus

Mandy Patinkin

The acclaimed multi-hyphenate performer presents Diaries, a concert full of his favorite Broadway tunes and classic American songs, along with some of his own original material. Feb. 6. $55+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-100; broadwayindetroit.com 

Drew Dunn

Drew Dunn’s YouTube content and stand-up sets have rapidly drawn attention to the rising star’s quirky, self-deprecating, millennial point of view. Feb. 6-8. $10+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com 

Sleeping With Sirens

With latest album, How It Feels to be Lost, the Grand Rapids post-hardcore outfit returns to its harder-driving roots after a detour in to poppier musical territory. Feb. 7. $25. The Crofoot, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-858-9333; thecrofoot.com

The Lumineers - metro detroit
The Lumineers photograph courtesy of Danny Clinch

The Lumineers

Following the success of its 2016 album Cleopatra, which debuted at No. 1 on the
Billboard 200 chart and has been certified platinum, folk-rock band The Lumineers is touring in support of its latest album, III. The Lumineers are best known for hit singles “Ophelia” and “Ho Hey,” which embody the band’s signature style, juxtaposing rustic, upbeat melodies with moody lyrics. Feb. 7. $40+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3333; 313presents.com

Nikki Glaser

Fresh off her Netflix special, Bangin’, which debuted last fall, Glaser is taking her shockingly honest and raunchy set on the road for the Bang It Out Tour. Feb. 8. $35+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

This concert-style theater show chronicles the duo’s rise from their start as Tom & Jerry to their peak as an iconic ’60s act. Feb. 8. $25+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

Guests of Honor: Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali

For a limited time, view the works by pioneers of surrealist painting Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali. On loan from other museums, Dali’s “The Transparent Simulacrum of the Feigned Image” and Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait with Monkey” will be displayed. Feb. 8–Sep. 27. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org

Bret Hayden’s Comedy Rumble

A local hit since 2017, the fast-paced comedy contest fbegins with 30 contestants, which judges will narrow to four finalists before choosing a single winner. Feb. 12. $10. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Aries Spears and Tommy Davidson

Former Mad TV funnyman Aries Spears is linking up with former In Living Color star Tommy Davidson for one gut-busting comedy show at MotorCity Casino Hotel’s intimate venue. Feb. 13. $33+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 313-309-4700; 313presents.com

Il Volo - metro detroit
Il Volo photograph courtesy of Julian Hargreaves

Il Volo

The Italian “popera” trio, known for its hit song “Grande Amore” and its rendition of the classic “O Sole Mio,” is hitting the road in support of its latest album. Feb. 13. $40+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

Trixie Mattel

Drag queen, comedian, and recording artist Trixie Mattel competed in Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race before returning to claim the top spot on Season 3 of the spin-off RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. This month she embarks on her Grown Up tour, which will feature stand-up comedy and live musical performances of songs from her upcoming studio album, Barbara. Feb. 13. $40. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Rocky LaPorte

Former truck driver Rocky LaPorte delivers relatable, blue-collar comedy in his signature Brooklyn accent. Feb. 13-15. $15+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Disney on Ice

Mickey and friends take audiences on a trip to visit everyone’s favorite characters. Stops include London with Mary Poppins, the pride lands with Simba, and Motunui with Moana. Feb. 13-16.  $15+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com

Valentine’s Soul Jam

This smooth R&B concert featuring The Whispers, The Dramatics, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, and Enchantment makes the perfect Valentine’s Day date. Feb. 14. $64+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

The New Colossus - metro detroit
The New Colossus photograph courtesy of Ashley Randall

The New Colossus

Acclaimed actor Tim Robbins is also a screenwriter, director, and producer who often uses his work as a vehicle for social commentary. His latest theatrical endeavor, The New Colossus, is no exception. The play aims to provide perspective on contemporary issues by telling the stories of 12 immigrants from various countries and time periods, all of whom escaped oppressive homelands by journeying to the U.S. Feb. 14-16. $22+. Music Hall,
350 Madison St., Detroit; 313-887-8501; musichall.org

Malandain Ballet Biarritz

The French contemporary dance company will present an emotive performance set to works from Vivaldi, Chopin, Ravel, and other composers. Feb. 15. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org

Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival

The combined comedic powers of this all-star comedy crew, featuring Haha Davis, Karlous Miller, Desi Banks, and Mike Epps are sure to bring down the house. Feb. 15. $64+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

Witness Lab

This art installation and performance series by Roman J. Witt uses mock trials to explore the relationship between performance and law. Feb. 15-May 17. No cost with museum admission. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395; umma.umich.edu

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Featuring songs from the 1971 film, this musical folows a poor boy who gets the chance to explore a wonderland-like sweets factory shrouded in mystery. Feb. 18-March 1. $29+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org

Rachel O’Brien and Kristen Doute

O’Brien, whose stand-up is full of hilarious personal stories, is teaming up with Detroit-native Kristen Doute of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. Feb. 19. $20+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

An Evening With Stone Temple Pilots

 The 31-year-old rock band is performing laid-back shows in honor of its first acoustic album, Perdida. Feb. 21. $45+. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com

Riverdance - metro detroit
Riverdance photograph courtesy of Jack Hartin

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show

Riverdance is known for its Grammy Award-winning soundtrack and elaborate costumes, and choreography. Feb. 21-23. $27+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

Garth Brooks

The multi-platinum country legend’s Ford Field tour date will set an attendance record for the venue. Feb. 22. $95+. Ford Field, 2000 Brush St, Detroit; 313-262-2222; fordfield.com

Hayley Kiyoko

Kiyoko’s 2018 debut album, Expectations, peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. She’s now touring in support of her sophomore album, I’m Too Sensitive for This Shit. Feb. 26. $27+. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com

Ryan Hurd

The rising Kalamazoo country star embarks on a nationwide tour after the release of his most recent EP, Platonic. Feb. 29. $18+. Sound Board at Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com

Glorious Sons

The rock band is touring in support of latest album, A War on Everything, whose single, “Panic Attack,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard mainstream rock chart. Feb. 29. $25+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Gianni Schicchi/Busco’s Ghost

The double feature includes the comedic opera that follows its devilish namesake, who punishes wealthy and recently deceased Florentine Buoso Donati’s greedy family. In the sequel, Busco’s Ghost, Schicchi investigates the mysterious circumstances of Busco’s death. Feb. 29-March 1. $53. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp.; 586-286-2222; michiganopera.org