ART
Ann Arbor Art Center: The 2009 Annual All Media Exhibition continues the tradition, since 1922, of featuring diverse entries from Michigan artists. This year’s competition is juried by Detroit artist Mitch Cope. Through Sept. 27. 117 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-994-8004; annarborartcenter.org.
Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW): It’s a madhouse this modern life… assembles Canadian art from the 1980s, a dynamic period for art history and diversity, through Sept. 20
• The Green Corridor at the AGW exhibits materials relating to the multidisciplinary urban redevelopment project of the same name, focused on reviving the NAFTA Trade Corridor in Windsor and stimulating environmental consciousness. Through Sept. 27.
• Art for Canada: An Illustrated History is an ongoing exhibition
• $5; members free, Wednesdays free. 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor, Ontario; 519-977-0013; agw.ca.
Art Leaders Gallery: Feel the Beat: The Art of Music features paintings inspired by music, musicians, and instruments, including works of Emanuel Mattini, Tony Anderson, and Andrew Atroshenko. Sept. 1-30. 33030 Northwestern Hwy., West Bloomfield Township; 248-539-0262, artleaders.com.
Artspace II: Early work of former Cass Corridor artist Brenda Goodman is on display through Sept. 30, featuring her jewel-like oil landscapes, nature watercolors, and mixed-media drawings from the 1970s. 303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540; artspace2.com.
Biddle Gallery: The 14th Annual Climate Controlled Art Fair showcases art of all varieties and home adornments by more than 100 Michigan artists. The exhibit includes handmade pottery, jewelry, clocks, and fashion. Through Sept. 12. 2840 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-281-4779; biddlegallery.com.
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC): Students of Fibers display their work through Sept. 11.
• The Alter Exhibit, plus work by the Birmingham Society of Women Painters and Lauren Moyer, opens Sept. 11, accompanied by a reception that evening.
• A show of student art from Independent Figure Drawing and Jewelry classes opens Sept. 18.
1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham; 248-644-0866; bbartcenter.org.
Community Arts: 2009 WSU Visual Arts Education Exhibition. Opens June 10. 150 Community Arts Building, Detroit; 313-577-2423.
David Klein Gallery: The Summer Group Show presents contemporary and postwar American art, Aug 1-29. Through July 25. 163 Townsend, Birmingham; 248-433-3700; dkgallery.com.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Action < > Reaction: Video Installations examines the evolution of the video format as art over four decades, highlighting five thought-provoking videos from around the world. Through Jan. 3.
• Photography — The First 100 Years: A Survey from the DIA’s Collection includes photographs from roughly the early 1840s to 1940 by both European and American photographers, documenting the aesthetic evolution of the medium. Sept. 2-Jan. 3. Admission: $8 adults; $6 seniors; $4 ages 6-17; children and members free. Wed.-Thur.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tue. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.
Detroit Zoo: Last April, students from the College of Creative Studies submitted designs to be reproduced as the official Detroit Zoo poster. Crystal Mielcarek of Harrison Township, awarded Best in Show, will have her poster on display, along with 54 other student submissions, at the Zoo’s Ford Education Center. Zoo admission is $11 for adults 15-61, $9 for seniors 62 and over and active military, and $7 for children 2-14. Members and children under 2 free. Through Sept. 7. 8450 W 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-398-0900; detroitzoo.org.
Ellen Kayrod Gallery: The Art of Aging Biennial runs through Oct. 9. 4750 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1300; hannan.org.
Flint Institute of Arts: Vintage Rock and Roll Posters features silk-screened originals of concert posters for musicians like Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead, while Graphic Beauty: Contemporary Rock and Roll Posters exhibits intense, present-day “gig posters”. Both open Sept. 26. 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint; 810-234-1695; flintarts.org.
Gallery Project: Contemporary India runs through Sept. 20. 215 S. Fourth, Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012; thegalleryproject.com.
G.R. N’Namdi Gallery: The N’Namdi Collection features seminal works of African-American art, opening Sept. 13. 1435 Randolph, Detroit; 313-831-8700, grnnamdi.com.
Lawrence Street Gallery: Ceramics, sculpture, and photography by Mariko Brenner are up Sept. 2-26. 22620 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-0394; lawrencestreetgallery.com.
Oakland University Art Gallery: Writing an Image: Chinese Literati opens Sept. 12. 208 Wilson Hall on the Oakland University campus, Rochester; 248-
370-2100, oakland.edu/ouag.
Orion Art Center: The Lake Orion Photography Show celebrates the local community by featuring photographs taken in and around Lake Orion. Sept 1-30. 115 S. Anderson, Lake Orion; 248-693-4986, orionartcenter.org.
Padzieski Art Gallery: A one-person exhibit featuring the work of Adnan Charara opens Sept. 24. Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan, Dearborn; 313-943-2190, DCACarts.org.
Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA): In the Main Gallery, Scavenger Invitational features artists from all over the state who work with collage, assemblage, and found objects. • Valerie Mann of Saline presents Cycles and Seasons, an exhibition featuring selections from her Alphabet and Fortunes installations. The artist was influenced by her agrarian upbringing, and her work is concerned with life cycles, growing seasons, and rites of passage. Both exhibits run through Sept. 19. 407 Pine, Rochester; 248-651-4110; pccart.org.
Re: View Contemporary Gallery: The work of Detroit-based sculptor Kate Silvio is on display through Sept. 19. 444 W. Willis, Unit 111, Detroit; 313-833-9000; reviewcontemporary.com.
Sherry Washington Gallery: iDeas and iCons exhibits the work of David Driskell, David Fludd, M. Saffell Gardner, Lenore Gimpert, Richard Lewis, Nora Mendoza, Chun Hui Pak, Gilda Snow-den, Shirley Woodson, Jocelyn Rainey, and Mark Schwing. Through Sept. 12. • The work of realist painter Richard Lewis, an alumnus of Cass Technical High School and the College for Creative Studies, opens Sept. 26., along with Portraits of Now! . 1274 Library, Detroit; 313-961-4500; sherrywashingtongallery.com.
Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery: To kick off its yearlong 25th anniversary celebration, the gallery displays Ron Scarborough, Jackie Wilson, and Stan Boyer: 1900-1920 Post-Slavery Life, Self Portraits, and the Chronology of Struggle. Opens Sept. 12. 33 E. Adams, Detroit; 313-963-7575; swordsintoplowsharesdetroit.com.
UMMA: UMMA Projects: Lisa Anne Auerbach through Oct. 11. • (Un)Natural History: The Museum Unveiled features photographs of Richard Barnes, examining the role of the natural history museum in society’s understanding of itself through the acts of collecting, preserving, and displaying objects of value. Opens Sept. 12. 525 S. State, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395; umma.umich.edu.
CLASSICAL
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra: Russian violinist Ilya Kaler will join the orchestra in its Beethoven Festival. Under conductor Arie Lipsky, the A2SO performs Symphony No. 4, Violin Concerto, and Coriolan Overture. 8 p.m. Sept. 12. $10-$47. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-
8397; a2so.com.
Chamber Music Society of Detroit: The internationally acclaimed American String Quartet performs with cellist Lynn Harrell in works by Haydn and Schubert, as well as the String Quartet No. 2 in F Major by Prokofiev. 8 p.m. Sept. 12. $43-$75. Seligman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Detroit Country Day School. 22305 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070; comehearcmsd.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: The DSO and Leonard Slatkin begin the 2009-2010 season with guest violinist Midori, in Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, and also perform Dvorak’s Carnival Overture and Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Sept. 11 and 12. • The DSO shares the stage with Grammy-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, playing Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre. Slatkin also leads the forces in Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony and in Alla Borzova’s To the New World. Sept. 24-27. $19-$123. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111; detroitsymphony.com.
Oakland University: Assistant Professor of Music Yin Zhen, performs selections by J.S. Bach, Allemeier, and Rachmaninov with guest artist Miranora Frisch. 8 p.m. Sept. 12. Free. Varner Recital Hall, O-U campus, Rochester Hills; 248-370-2030.
University Musical Society: Playing at the 2009 presidential inauguration and receiving the prestigious National Medal for the Arts, violinist Itzhak Perlman has had a whirlwind year. Managing to fit a UMS performance into his busy schedule, Perlman performs with pianist Rohan De Silva in a recital at 4 p.m. Sept. 13. $10-$80. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University, Ann Arbor; 734-763-3333; ums.org.
EVENTS
Ferndale Film Festival: In its first year, the fest transforms Ferndale over Labor Day weekend into a veritable outdoor screening room in an effort to promote Michigan’s budding film industry. Several screens and drive-in theaters will line the streets, along with film training workshops, stunt and makeup exhibitions, and a free children’s film festival. Sept. 3-7 Downtown Ferndale; ferndalefilmfestival.org.
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. Sept. 4. Downtown Northville; downtownnorthville.com.
Detroit International Jazz Festival: Blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B are all in one place as the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. The event, subtitled, “Keepin’ Up with the Joneses” gives a special nod to the area’s Jones Brothers (Thad, Elvin, and Hank) and features Hank Jones, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, the Clayton Brothers Quintet and more. Sept. 4-7. Downtown Detroit; detroitjazzfest.com.
Michigan State Fair: Midway games, parades, rides, animals, entertainment, are hallmarks of the annual fair, which is also the nation’s oldest. Through Sept. 7. $5-$10. Corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward, Detroit; michigan.gov/mistatefair.
Motown in the Courtyard: This summer, enjoy Motown favorites every Thursday in an outdoor garden setting, complete with food, drinks, and free musical entertainment. Each week, the local entertainment varies and reservations aren’t required. Through Sept. 17 (excluding Sept. 3). The Ritz-Carlton, 300 Town Center Dr., Dearborn; 313-441-2100.
Northville Victorian Festival: Travel back to a simpler time as the Victorian era takes over downtown Northville for a weekend. Enjoy the history, art, and romance of the time as the festival includes a traditional parade, costumes, storytellers, magicians, musical entertainment, and more. Sept. 18-20. Downtown Northville; northville.org.
AIDS Walk Detroit: The 5K fundraising walk to combat HIV/AIDS, now in its 19th year, again will be held in Royal Oak. The walk begins at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, at the corner of 11 Mile Road and Troy in downtown Royal Oak. Registration at 8 a.m.; the Walk begins about 10 a.m. Sept. 20; 248-
399-WALK. To register online or for more info, go to aidswalkdetroit.org.
American Sewing Expo: Sewers of all skill levels have a good reason to ready their needles as the nation’s largest independent consumer sewing show rolls back into town for its 16th year. The weekend event features the latest developments and inspirations for sewing, quilting, home décor, and needle and fiber arts, and presents opportunities for skill development with seminars and hands-on classes. There will also be Project Runway-style sewing challenges and competitions. Sept. 25-27. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; 248-889-3111; americansewingexpo.com.
Michigan Renaissance Festival: Dancers, jousting, actors dressed in period costumes, food, and other attractions bring the era of Henry VIII alive. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Through Oct. 4. $9.95 children; $16.95 students and seniors; $18.95 adults. 12500 Dixie Hwy., Holly; 800-601-4848, michrenfest.com.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Dinner: The DSO begins its new season with a lavish dinner followed by a concert. The event is hosted by the Volunteer Council and includes wine, hors d’oeuvres in the Max M. Fisher Music Center Atrium, followed by dinner catered by Opus One in the Music Box. Guests will also have the option of purchasing a ticket to the evening’s concert that will feature violinist Midori. 6 p.m. Sept. 12. $135 for dinner only; $185 for dinner and concert. 313-576-5154, detroitsymphony.com.
FILM
Detroit Science Center IMAX: James Tiberius Kirk is back, sort of. He’s younger, though. So is Spock. And so are Scottie and the doctor. In this year’s blockbuster, Star Trek, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise goes back to the beginning.
• From the deep, northern waters of Lake Superior to the eastern edges of Lake Ontario, Mysteries of the Great Lakes takes the viewer on a spin through some of most beautiful shorelines and scenery the nation offers. And you’ll stay dry.
• Animalopolis is a journey into a more lighthearted, dancing, somersaulting, fanciful animal kingdom than the one that exists in reality. But that’s OK, because this IMAX flick is fun for the whole family. The film shows a variety of animals, including cheetahs, bears, crabs, and lions — with no threat of getting maimed.
• Some of us just don’t have the resources or the nerve to climb the Alps. So, a decent alternative might be The Alps, a journey up the Eiger North Face. It’s a story of the mountains, the people who live there, and those who climb the massive Alps. All through September. $7.25-$12.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400; detroitsciencecenter.org
The Redford Theatre: Tony Wendice, an ex-tennis pro, wants his wife dead for her money (and because she had an affair the year before). Wendice gives an old college buddy a call and blackmails him into strangling her. Things go awry, but Wendice finds a way to use it to his advantage. The 1954 Hitchcock film Dial M for Murder stars Grace Kelly and Ray Milland. Sept. 11-12.
• Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 film, The Great Dictator, is a satire on Nazi Germany. Dictator of Tomania Adenoid Hynkel wants to rule the world and is planning on invading Osterlich. Hynkel, however, resembles a Jewish barber and former soldier. The Barber, in an attempt to flee Dictator Hynkel’s ruthless grip on Jews, is captured by Tomanian soldiers and is mistaken for Dictator Hynkel. As the Tomanian army is about to roll through Osterlich, the Barber has an opportunity to speak to all of Osterlich and all of Tomania listening on the radio. The Great Dictator was Chaplin’s first “talkie” and biggest commercial success. Sept. 25-26. All films $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.
MUSEUMS
Arab American National Museum: 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: Legends of the Music: The Photography of Leni Sinclair runs through October.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Cougar II is a two-door red coupe that is the only one as its kind. It was built in 1963 as a prototype of the Ford Motor Co. Opens Sept. 26. Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Snack Food Superstars is an exhibit featuring Better Made Snack Food Co., Germack Pistachio Co., Sanders Confectionery, Stroh’s Products, and Vernor’s Ginger Ale. Each company is a household name, been around for generations, and all locally produced. Opens Sept. 26.
• Detroit Trivia includes more than 300 years of Detroit facts divided into four categories. Questions are based on difficulty and include historic images, artifacts, and more. Opens Sept. 26.
• Belle Isle: Soul of the City, Lighting the Way for Better Urban Living is an exhibit focusing on better urban living through a healthier citizenry.
• An exhibit featuring more than 200 reproductions of American Judaic treasures from the Library of Congress and other loans from important institutions are on display in From Haven to Home: Jewish Life in America.
• Detroit Artist’s Showcase displays the paintings of Robert Hopkin (1832-1909), whose work has graced Ste. Anne’s Church and the original Detroit Opera House.
• Automotive Showplace celebrates the Model T centennial by displaying a “Tin Lizzie” from 1911.
• Hero or Villain: Metro Detroit’s Legacy of Leadership examines the controversial lives of 16 public figures from the area’s past 300 years.
• 100 Years Ago allows visitors to relate to past Detroiters through different forms of media that capture daily life in 1909.
• Detroit’s Classic TV Personalities honors seven notable Detroit TV figures, such as Bill Bonds, John Kelly, Bill Kennedy, and Soupy Sales.
• The newest acquisitions to the museum’s collection include a pair of skates worn during the Detroit Red Wings 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Championship season, a dress made from film canisters that was worn to the 1993 Fash Bash by Louise Hodgson, and more. General admission $4-$6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Detroit Science Center: Star Trek: The Exhibition is an interactive exhibit that allows fans the opportunity to explore the Star Trek universe through attractions, sets, costumes, and props from five TV series and 10 feature films. Highlights include a full-scale recreation of the Transporter Room from Star Trek: The Next Generation, a chance to ride through a Star Trek adventure in a full-motion flight simulator, and more. Through Sept. 7. $14.95-$18.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; detroitsciencecenter.org.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Committed to the Deep: Exploring Underwater Treasures is an exhibit that explores the changes that have taken place in the last century beneath the surface of the Great Lakes. On display will be shipwrecks that divers have explored and the artifacts that have been salvaged.
• L is for Lighthouse is an exhibit that explores lighthouses, lenses, locations, lives of their keepers, and more. 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 much more. On display indefinitely.
• Dinosaur Tours are offered at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
• Planetarium Shows are generally presented at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. weekdays; call for weekend dates.
• The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather, an animated adventure about weather, plays at 12:30 weekdays.
• Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity explains the formation of the early universe. At 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Admission to the museum is free, but suggested donation is $6. Planetarium price is $4.75. University of Michigan Campus, 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0478; lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum.
Henry Ford: Rock Stars’ Cars & Guitars 2 is a follow-up exhibit from Stars’ Cars & Guitars that took place in 2007. The exhibit marries music and machines, and offers a selection of hot rides and rare guitars.
• 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 honors this great invention by featuring 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 historical buildings are here; visit notable attractions such as the birthplace of Henry Ford, Noah Webster’s home, and the home of Robert Frost. $14-$20. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001; thehenryford.org.
International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit: Three permanent exhibits are on display: The Ethel Averbach Dolls of the World, the Flags of the World, and the Mr. and Mrs. Larry S. Wilkinson Immigrant Ship Collection. Free. There’s also the International Café on the lower level. 111 E. Kirby, Detroit; 313-871-8600; imd.org.
MUSIC
Motorhead with Reverend Horton Heat: At first glance, it would seem that Motorhead is an unlikely billing for the MotorCity Casino, despite sharing a word in their titles. But then again, the band that dealt rock ’n’ roll the “Ace of Spades” almost 30 years ago might be a fine pair for all those blackjack high-rollers. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1. $29-$36. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
KRS-One: As an original member of Boogie Down Productions and the founder of the Stop the Violence movement, KRS-One surely deserves the lifetime achievement award he received from BET last year. The hip-hop purist will perform his socially conscious songs, oddly, at a famous, recently re-opened heavy metal venue. 8 p.m. Sep. 4. $20. Blondies Detroit, 2281 W. Fort, Detroit; 313-964-1000.
O.A.R. with Brett Dennen: The name of this gener-rock (as in “generic-rock”) quintet stands for “Of a Revolution.” With songs like “This Town” and “Love and Memories,” this revolution has already been televised, so now experience it live. Just don’t make the mistake of calling them “oar”. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4. $20-$35.50. Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-377-0100.
Tesla: Tesla Motors, run by PayPal wunderkind Elon Musk, makes expensive electric sports cars. Tesla, the band, runs on long hair and pedal-to-the-metal guitar riffage. Tesla’s unhinged approach is best exhibited by the band’s blatant disregard for the King’s English, with song titles like “Ez Come Ez Go” and “2 Late 4 Love”. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5. $15-$37.50. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100.
Steely Dan: Before they were Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen played in a college band with Chevy Chase on drums. Chase never quite made it in the music biz, despite being blessed with perfect pitch. Steely Dan, on the other hand, has won numerous Grammys and worldwide fandom. They’ll be reelin’ in the years as the slot machines down the hall reel in the cash. 8 p.m. Sept. 5. $44.50-$82.50. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
Britney Spears: Britney’s new tour is aptly titled “The Circus” — and not just because it’s the name of her latest album. This just might be the first time in years that you are reading Ms. Spears’ name in print and it’s actually in connection to her music. Unless, of course, you’ve Googled the lyrics to the racy Circus single “If You Seek Amy.” 8 p.m. Sept. 8. $39.50-$128. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
The Cave Singers: Along with their higher-profile neighbors, Fleet Foxes, the Cave Singers are redefining the “Seattle sound” as understated, Arcadian indie-folk. The band, which features Derek Fudesco of Pretty Girls Make Graves, released their second album, Welcome Joy, last month. 8 p.m. Sept. 13. $10. The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Snow Patrol: Snow Patrol just finished a tour opening up for Coldplay. It makes sense that they’d be the opener, considering the bands’ differing levels of popularity. Thematically though, the order is flip-flopped. Maybe things are different in the U.K., but here in Michigan, the snow patrols usually follow the cold. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14. $30-$40. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
Regina Spektor: Spektor’s new album, Far, is full of irony — “No one laughs at God in a hospital” is the opening line of the first single, “Laughing With.” And the Moscow-born redhead plays piano-driven pop songs that have been called “quirky” and “cute.” But make no mistake, the girl has got some serious pipes and she’s not afraid to use them. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15. $29.50-$45. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8397.
Aerosmith with ZZ Top: Two of rock’s biggest bands get back in the saddle again to hit the road. Got a clean shirt and new shoes, but don’t know what you’re going to do? Turn off that XBox and check out these guitar heroes in the flesh. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16. $49.50-$125. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
David Allan Coe: Coe is quite a controversial character. The guy rocks not one, but two Confederate flags on his guitar and allegedly taught Charles Manson how to play one. Say what you will, but Coe is still a legend of country music — not much of a surprise considering how much of his repertoire is steeped in whiskey. 7 p.m. Sept. 18. $25. Clutch Cargo’s, 65 E. Huron, Pontiac; 248-333-2362.
The Dan Band: The Dan Band take classic female-fronted rock songs like “I Am Woman” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and artistically re-contextualize them as bold statements of femininity. OK, try this description: A chubby dude in a backward baseball cap writhes awkwardly on stage while dropping unnecessary expletives throughout overtly girlish karaoke songs. The brainchild of comedian Dan Finnerty, the Dan Band has been featured in the bro-mantic comedies Old School and The Hangover. 8 p.m. Sept. 19. $22 in advance. $25 at the door. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Alice Cooper: At 61, Cooper is old enough to be the grandfather — not just the father — of shock-rock. So hearing him sing the classic teenage anthem “I’m Eighteen” might be a little strange. But strange is what the Detroit native has made a four-decade career out of. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. $9.47-$32. Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-7820.
Kings of Leon: The three Followill brothers, who, along with their cousin, make up the Kings of Leon, were born to a Pentecostal minister in Tennessee who went by the name “Leon.” If you’re confused why a band that seemingly just hit the charts is headlining the Palace, it might help to know that the Followills have been selling out stadiums across the U.K. for the past few years. And all it took was a song with “sex” in the title for them to finally make it big at home. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. $46. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Owl City: Owl City is the moniker of a one-man electro-pop outfit from rural Minnesota. The architect of Owl City, Adam Young, began recording songs in his parents’ basement in 2007, which he quietly uploaded to a MySpace page — one that now boasts almost 20 million plays. With indie darlings the Postal Service on indefinite hiatus, Young fills the Technicolor void in the hearts of all the kids craving Nintendo-soundtrack love songs about strawberry avalanches. 6 p.m. Sept. 22. $12. The Eagle Theater, 15 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; 248-858-9333.
The Weakerthans: In 1997, John Samson left the Canadian punk band Propagandhi to pursue a more melodic blend of punk and folk with the Weakerthans, also shedding most of his former band’s leftist preaching. Some have called the Weakerthans “emo,” which makes sense, considering their emasculated handle. But in their 12-year career, Samson & Co. have proved that they are, in fact, stronger than their critics. 8 p.m. Sept. 24. $15. The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Son Volt: Son Volt’s leader, Jay Farrar, can be credited for leading the alt-country movement in the early 1990s with his old band, Uncle Tupelo. While Farrar’s Tupelo band-mate Jeff Tweedy found success with Wilco, Farrar has been quietly amassing a discography of forlorn, homespun country gems. Son Volt blows through the Majestic on the heels of their sixth proper album, American Central Dust. 7 p.m. Sep. 24. $20. The Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Sunny Day Real Estate: When the band split for the first time in 1995, two of Sunny Day Real Estate’s founding members joined Dave Grohl in the budding Foo Fighters. Though the Real Estate re-grouped with a slightly different lineup for two more albums, the band’s original members haven’t played together for more than a decade. It will remain to be seen whether they parlay this reunion into a long-term investment, or if they’re just looking to turn a quick flip. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25. $22.50 in advance. $25 at the door. St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress, Detroit; 313-961-8137.
THEATER
Andiamo Celebrity Showroom: Members from the original Broadway cast of Beatlemania perform favorites from albums such as Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s. 8 p.m. Sept. 11. $25-$40. 7096 E. 14 Mile, Warren; 586-268-3200, andiamoshowroom.com.
The Blackbird Theatre: The classic Alan Ayckbourn comedy How the Other Half Loves involves three couples linked by an affair and brings them together at a dinner party, where chaos ensues. Preview performances start Sept. 26 and 27. Regular performances are from Oct. 3-18. $10-$20. 1600 Pauline, Ann Arbor; 734-332-3848, blackbirdtheatre.org.
Detroit Opera House: The longest-running musical on Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera, drops by. The 1986 Andrew Lloyd Webber show includes 230 costumes, 281 candles, and 250 kilograms of dry ice to achieve its ornate and eerie set. Sept. 8-27. $19.40-$69.50. 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-
961-3500, motopera.org.
Gem Theatre: Rita McKenzie re-creates the Golden Age of Broadway by singing Ethel Merman classics like “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” in the toe-tapping show Ethel Merman’s Broadway .Sept.9-Dec. 31. $25-$39.50. 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800, gemdetroit.com.
Meadow Brook Music Festival: Science fiction and rock music are combined in this bizarre 1970s classic. The Rocky Horror Show takes a young couple lost in the middle of nowhere and pits them against the maniacal “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” Dr. Frank N. Furter. Don’t be surprised if you see audience members cross-dressed as well. Sept. 11-12. $15-$25. 3554 Walton, Rochester Hills; 248-645-6666, palacenet.com.
The Ringwald Theatre: Opening its 2009/2010 season, the Ferndale-based theater group called Who Wants Cake presents the Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning musical Rent. Through Sept. 28. $10-$25. 22742 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-545-5545, whowantscaketheatre.com.
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