ART
Ann Arbor Art Center: Presented in collaboration with the Ann Arbor Film Festival, Intermission features films, new media, and film-inspired works by Michigan artists. Opening reception 6 p.m.-8 p.m., March 5. 117 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-994-8004; annarborartcenter.org.
Artcite: Karen Grenier presents a solo mixed-media installation, Propos Decousus. Grenier creates textile works from scraps of fabric, labels, and tags that have been removed from clothing. Through March 13. 109 University W., Windsor; 519-977-6564; artcite.ca.
ArtSpace II: Works by Robert Rauschenberg are on display March 2-31. The show includes large-scale works from the Stoned Moon and Hoarfrost series. 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.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Government Support for the Arts: WPA Prints from the 1930s is a collection of nearly 100 prints created under the Federal Art Project to provide economic relief to Americans during the Great Depression. Through March 21. • Featuring more than 50 black-and-white photographs, Detroit Experiences: Robert Frank Photographs, 1955 showcases rare and never-before-seen works by Swiss photographer Robert Frank. March 3-July 4. 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.
Ellen Kayrod Gallery: A selection of murals painted by Dennis Orlowski are on display through March 12. The exhibit includes the complete King Arthur series and works from Heroes and Heroines. 4750 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1300; hannan.org.
Gallery Project: Mind runs through March 31. 215 S. Fourth, Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012; thegalleryproject.com.
Grosse Pointe Art Center: Urban Edge runs through March 6. Green Show begins March 19. 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe; 313-821-1848; grossepointeartcenter.org.
Kresge Art Museum: Hananiah Harari’s Birth of Venus provides the focus for American Modernism, 1920s-1940s. The exhibition explores the founding and historic significance of the American Abstract Artists organization. Through March 14. • The MSU graduate school presents the Department of Art and Art History Master of Fine Arts exhibition, beginning March 20. Michigan State University, East Lansing; 517-353-9834; artmuseum.msu.edu.
MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit): The wordy exhibit For the blind man in the dark room looking for the black cat that isn’t there explores how artists use speculation to understand the world around them. 4454 Woodward, Detroit; 313-832-6622; mocadetroit.org.
Oakland University Art Gallery: The Art of the Artist’s Book runs through April 4. 208 Wilson Hall on campus of Oakland University, Rochester; 248-370-2100; oakland.edu/ouag.
River’s Edge Gallery: 34 Secrets showcases self-portrayals of all featured artists through various forms, including sculpture and multimedia. Through March 12. 3024 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-246-9880; artattheedge.com.
Sherry Washington Gallery: Abstract Visions features paintings and sculptures by husband and wife Russell and Nancy Thayer. Beginning March 6. 1274 Library, Detroit; 313-961-4500; sherrywashingtongallery.com.
Susanne Hilberry Gallery: Works by mixed-media artist John Corbin are on display beginning March 6. 700 Livernois, Ferndale; 248-541-4700; susannehilberrygallery.com.
WSG Gallery: WSG & Family runs through April 4. A reception to meet the artists will be held March 12 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 306 S. Main; Ann Arbor; 734-761-2287; wsg-art.com.
CLASSICAL
Brunch with Bach: Former member of the Atlanta Chamber Players and a founding member of the Oberon String Quartet, Laura Roelofs, will perform a program of American and American-inspired music along with pianist Rob Conway. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. March 14. $35 includes brunch and concert; $15 concert only. Both prices include museum admission. In the Kresge Court of the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-4005, tickets.dia.org.
Chamber Music at the Scarab Club: Harpists Patricia Terry Ross and Maurice Draughn perform selections from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in a program titled Harps and Strings. The world premiere of Trio for Harp, Violin and Cello by Gilles Silvestrini and String Quartet in F Minor by Hungarian composer Leo Weiner will also be performed by violinists Andrew Wu and Velda Kelly, violist James Greer, and cellist Nadine Deleury. 7 p.m. March 7. $10-$20. Denk Chapman Hall on the campus of Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit; 313-927-1538; scarabclub.org/chambermusic.
Chamber Music Society of Detroit: Actor Alan Alda and violinist Arnold Steinhardt engage in a discussion of Bach’s Chaconne, from the Partita No. 2 in D Minor, including the performance issues described in Steinhardt’s book, Violin Dreams. A Celebration of the Bach Chaconne will include a performance of the entire Partita by Steinhardt. 8 p.m. March 20. $100. • Cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Dénes Várjon perform Barber’s Cello Sonata, Schumann’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Dohnányi’s Cello Sonata, and Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G major. 8 p.m. March 27. $25-$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 Chamber Winds & Strings: The family of Burton D. Jones and the family of Carroll V. Williams present Poetry in Music with John Guinn. 3 p.m. March 7. Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38651 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 248-647-2380. • British poet Edith Sitwell’s words will be accompanied by William Walton’s music. 3 p.m. March 14. Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, 211 Moross, Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-886-2363. • DSO bassoonist Victoria King and pianist Janice Park present a recital. 8:30 p.m. March 26. $10-$20. Hagopian World of Rugs, 850 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham; 248-644-2040; detroitchamberwinds.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: The UMS Choral Union takes the stage with narration by Christopher Plummer as they present Shakespeare’s Henry V with William Walton’s music. Sir Neville Marriner is at the helm. March 4 and 6. $19-$123. • Marriner conducts “By Royal Appointment,” an all-British program featuring Vaughan Williams’ Wasps Overture, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. 10:45 a.m. March 5. $19-$65. • In celebration of Sir James Galway’s 70th birthday, Leonard Slatkin conducts a program featuring Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Barber’s Symphony No. 1, and Corigliano’s Pied Piper Fantasy, with Galway playing the flute. March 11-13. $19-$123. • Christian Zacharias conducts and plays piano. The program includes Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo, and Finale, C.P.E Bach’s Concerto in D Minor, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4. March 26 and 28. $19-$65. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111; detroitsymphony.com.
University Musical Society: As part of their annual visit, the Takács Quartet returns with Beethoven’s String Quartet in B-flat Major and String Quartet in F Major, as well as Psathas’ A Cool Wind. 8 p.m. March 15. $22-$46. Rackham Auditorium. • The San Francisco Symphony and music director Michael Tilson Thomas take on a new work by Victor Kissine commissioned by SFS in 2009, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Ravel’s Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, and Liszt’s Symphonic Poem No. 2: Tasso — Lament and Triumph. Christian Tetzlaff takes on the solo duties in the Tchaikovsky concerto. 8 p.m. March 19. $10-$75. Hill Auditorium. • The San Francisco Symphony and UMS Choral Union take part in the 15th Ford Honors Program with Michael Tilson Thomas at the helm. The Ford Honors Program raises funds for UMS education programs and recognizes Ford Motor Company’s support of UMS. Soprano Laura Claycomb and mezzo-soprano Katarina Karnéus perform in Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Resurrection) (1888-94). 8 p.m. March 20. $10-$75. Hill Auditorium. • German violinist Julia Fischer performs two concerts featuring the solo violin works of J.S. Bach. Wednesday’s performance will include Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, and Sonata No. 3 in C Major. Thursday’s performance features Bach’s Partita No. 3 in E Major, Partita No. 1 in B Minor, and Partita No. 2 in D Minor. 8 p.m. March 24-25. $20-$42. Rackham Auditorium; 734-763-3333; ums.org.
DANCE
Detroit Opera House: As part of Michigan Opera Theatre’s dance series, Russia’s vaunted Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre perform The Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky’s enduring story laced with lushly romantic music. The ballet has many peaks, but perhaps the loveliest — and most difficult for the ballerina — is the Rose Adagio. March 26-28. $25-$72. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-237-SING, motopera.org.
FILM
Detroit Film Theatre:
• From the Czech Republic, Shameless tells the story of weatherman Oskar and his ego. Oskar rolls over one day and is repelled by his wife’s nose. He believes he no longer loves her, which puts him on a path of crazy affairs. He tries to control his affairs through the manipulation of his on-air weather predictions. As he tries to elude his own actions, he unexpectedly reveals himself on his ex-wife’s call-in radio show. March 1-7.
• Russian director Alexander Sokurov (Russian Ark) creates a portrait of Japan’s Emperor Hirohito during the end of World War II in The Sun. It shows the fallen leader facing surrender, and for the first time, renouncing his status as a deity to the Japanese population. March 5-14.
• The Horse Boy tracks the journey of a young couple and their autistic son as they search for a cure to the boy’s condition on horseback through Outer Mongolia. The father, a writer and former horse trainer, sought medical care through traditional therapies. They proved unsuccessful. But the boy, Rowan, has an affinity for animals — especially horses. So the family sets off on a path that would change their lives forever. March 6.
• The German film North Face is the story of a 1936 competition conceived by Nazi propagandists to push a team of German Alpinists to climb the Eiger, the most dangerous face in the Alps. March 12-14.
• For years, Nigeria, home to 125 million people, didn’t even have theaters. These days, its film industry is the third largest in the world. Since 1992, the country has seen an explosion in locally made features on video. As many as 20 a week are made and distributed on DVD across the country. Nollywood Babylon, a play on “Bollywood” and “Hollywood,” is a film about the everyday life of Nigerians who have become addicted to these types of films, called “quickies.” March 13.
• The Red Riding Trilogy tracks the progress in the hunt for the “Yorkshire Ripper,” a serial killer who terrorized England in the 1970s and ‘80s. The three films, all written by one screenwriter but with various directors, deal with a different year in the search for the killer. All three films can stand alone, but viewing the three in sequence provides a memorable experience of film noir in modern cinema. March 19-28.
• The Last Laugh comes from Germany’s “golden age” of silent filmmaking. F.W. Murnau’s 1924 film is the story of a proud, uniformed doorman at the Berlin Hotel. He’s demoted to washroom attendant, and the shame is so great that he hides his new job from his family, stealing back his old uniform and wearing it to his daughter’s wedding. March 20.
• Another installment of the DFT’s World Opera in Cinema: Otello (that’s the way it’s spelled in Italian), Verdi’s last tragic opera. Like Shakespeare’s play Othello, it’s a shattering psychological drama. Riccardo Muti conducts. March 25-27.
All tickets $6.50-$7.50. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org/dft.
The Redford Theatre: Groucho, Chico, and Harpo Marx star in the 1937 film A Day At the Races, the story of veterinarian Hugo Z. Hackenbush (Groucho) who is illegally employed as a medical director of the Standish Sanitarium. The film’s plot is to save the sanitarium from developers while the developers try to expose Hackenbush as a fraud. March 5-6. • Two Buster Keaton films Cops and The Balloonatic will have a live score performed by Lance Luce. The films, released in 1922 and ‘23 respectively, follow the shenanigans of the great silent comedic actor. March 13-14. • Rio Bravo, starring John Wayne and Dean Martin, and directed by Howard Hawks, is an American Western classic. Sheriff John T. Chance (Wayne) arrests a murderer who comes from a family of privilege. As the brother of the jailed man tries to break him out, Chance’s only chance is Dude, the town drunk (Martin). The three must hold back the hired guns until the marshal arrives. March 26-27. • All films $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.
Detroit Science Center IMAX: The Alps is a journey up the Eiger North Face. It’s a story of the Alps, the people who live there, and those who climb the massive mountain.
• We don’t have time machines, but we have archeologists. In Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs, follow researchers as they piece together the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. Scientists take you on a journey through the ancient pharaohs’ culture, religion, medicine, and everyday life.
• Arabia 3D pulls back the shade on a unique culture. This IMAX experience is a journey through the Arabic culture, history, environment, and faith of its people. The film follows a 22-year-old Arabian filmmaking student as he returns home from school to make a film about his native culture. All through March. $7.25-$12.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400; detroitsciencecenter.org.
EVENTS
Artist Market: Leon & Lulu host the third annual Artists’ Market, where guests have the chance to meet and buy from local artists and craftspeople. Items include wall art, jewelry, home accessories, fiber art, and more. Entertainment and “roller-rink fare” will be provided. Free. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Feb. 28. 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. March 2. Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, leonandlulu.com/artistsmarket.
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. March 5. Downtown Northville; downtownnorthville.com.
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles: This production showcases the astoundingly successful career of the Fab Four. It’s a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience that shows historical footage and television commercials from the 1960s. The show boats a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatle-mania favorites. 7 p.m. March 7. $30-$75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 800-745-3000.
Spring Boating Expo: The 18th annual spring boat show arrives with more than 100 exhibitors with displays of boats, trailers, and boating accessories. March 11-14. $5. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; 734-261-0123.
Pool & Spa Show: Swimming pools, spas, grilling, patio landscape, outdoor entertaining, and more. March 26-28. $4-$8. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; 800-328-6550.
Friends of the Freer House: Art and architecture historian Thomas Brunk lectures on Charles Lang Freer and Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery. Freer, a renowned collector of American, Asian, and Middle Eastern art, was friends with Pewabic co-founder Mary Chase Perry Stratton and accumulated an impressive collection of Pewabic vessels. A lecture and tour of the historic Freer home will follow the talk. 2 p.m. March 28. $10; students $5. Reservations required. 71 E. Ferry, Detroit; 313-872-1790.
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. Connecting Communities is a new multi-media exhibit that lets immigrants tell their own stories. On display are photos, personal objects, and writings. Through March 28. From Mocha to Latte: Coffee, the Arab World and the $4 Cup is an exhibit that explores the effects of coffee on the history of the Arab world, as well as its impact on the rest of the world. $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 and Joe Louis: Hometown Hero run through May. • 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 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 one-of-a-kind two-door red coupe. It was built in 1963 as a prototype of the Ford Motor Co.
• 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.
• Detroit Trivia includes more than 300 years of Detroit facts, divided into four categories. Questions are based on difficulty and include historic images and artifacts.
• Belle Isle: Soul of the City, Lighting the Way for Better Urban Living focuses 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.
• Hero or Villain: Metro Detroit’s Legacy of Leadership examines the controversial lives of 16 public figures from the area’s past 300 years.
• Detroit’s Classic TV Personalities honors seven notable Detroit TV figures, such as Bill Bonds, John Kelly, Bill Kennedy, and Soupy Sales
• Corktown Works! is presented in the Community Gallery and showcases a diverse mix of urban farmers, working artists, entrepreneurs, and others who came to Detroit in the 1840s and adopted the name Corktown for the neighborhood. Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Beloved Sports Coaches features George “Sparky” Anderson, William “Scotty” Bowman, Chuck Daly, Will Robinson, and Dick Vitale. Opens March 13. Detroit Artists Showcase features John Gelsavage (1909-1988), a Detroit painter and illustrator who spent his career capturing the average working American.
General admission $4-$6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Detroit Science Center: Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato 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. Through April 11. 5020 John R, Detroit; detroitsciencecenter.org.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Committed to the Deep: Exploring Underwater Treasures explores the changes that have taken place in the last century beneath the surface of the Great Lakes. On display are shipwrecks that divers have explored, as well as salvaged artifacts. • L is for Lighthouse explores lighthouses, lenses, locations, and lives of their keepers. 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, and zoology and the herbarium. • Archeology! Current Research in the University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology is an ongoing research exhibit examining 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 Saturday. $5. Admission to the museum is free, but suggested donation is $6. Planetarium price is $4.75. 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.
MUSIC
Alkaline Trio with Cursive: Over a dozen years, Alkaline Trio has explored the brooding depths of pop punk. Starting out as a little band from Chicago on a ska-heavy label, they tasted the spoils of mainstream success with an album on Epic Records, only to be blasted by critics for straying too far from their roots. In response, the Trio has ditched its black suit, red tie Satan-worshipping schtick for more prosaic duds, and a back-to-basics sound on the album, This Addiction. Drummer Derek Grant is a local punk-rock icon who has played in Detroit bands The Suicide Machines, Telegraph, and Thoughts of Ionesco. 6:30 p.m. March 2. $20 in advance. $23 at the door. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Howie Day: Day is perhaps known more for a few recent run-ins with the law than his music, which explains the title of his latest album, Sound the Alarm. Then again, if you’ve ever been shopping at a big-box outlet, you’ve probably heard Day’s 2004 breakout hit, “Collide,” with doo-doo-doo’s reminiscent of the Dawson’s Creek theme song. 8 p.m. March 5. $20-$27. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Flogging Molly: Flogging Molly made a name for itself long before bands started adopting monikers like Breaking Benjamin or Saving Abel. But Flogging Molly sounds nothing like those groups. Instead, this seven-piece Los Angeles outfit melds breakneck punk rock with Celtic folk swagger for a boisterous, whiskey-swilling stomp in the tradition of The Pogues. 7 p.m. March 6. $25-$34.95. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
2010 Jewish Community Center Steven Gottlieb Music Festival: Hal Linden kicks off the festival at 8:30 p.m. March 6 with an evening that honors the Tapper family. The festival benefits the arts & culture department of the Jewish Community Center and will feature a wide range of performers, from jazz to a cappella and more. Visit jccdet.org for more info; 248-432-5470.
Richard Shindell: An American expatriate living in Argentina, Shindell employs first-person narrative in his folk songs about World War II, cab drivers, and death row. He’s made a fan out of Joan Baez, who recorded three of Shindell’s songs on her album Gone from Danger. 7:30 p.m. March 7. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
The Black Eyed Peas: In their first North American headlining tour since 2006, the Black Eyed Peas show off their affinity for periods, dubbing the jaunt “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010” after their most recent album The E.N.D. Taboo, Fergie, Will.i.am, and Apl.de.ap (seriously, that’s what they call themselves) promise to deliver their most ambitious production yet — though they haven’t made any commitments to proper punctuation. 7:30 p.m. March 9. $49.50-$82.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
The Avett Brothers: The Avett Brothers might not assault your eardrums like the Peas’ hit Boom Boom Pow, but their disregard for the rules of language is evident on their latest album, the Rick Rubin-produced I and Love and You. Thirteen songs comprise the disc of understated, banjo-laden folk musings, which found its way onto multiple best-of-the-year lists. 7:30 p.m. March 9. $26-$50. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8463.
Joe Henry: The New York Times has called Joe Henry a less phlegmatic Tom Waits, with whom he shares a record label. It’s an apt musical parallel — both men dabble in jazz, blues, interesting percussion, and the darker side of the human psyche. But Henry is more of an accessible everyman than Waits’ eccentric sideshow persona. It shows immediately on the opener to Henry’s latest album for ANTI- Records, 2009’s Blood from Stars , in the less affected Waits-like tune, “The Man I Keep Hid.” 8 p.m. March 12. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Muse with Silversun Pickups: British alt-rockers Muse have faced endless comparisons to British alt-rockers Radiohead, thanks in part to the similarity between Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy’s falsetto-laden singing style and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke’s falsetto-laden singing style. Hmmm … maybe there is something to those comparisons after all. Throw in a little Queen-like bombast and you’ve got Muse. 7 p.m. March 13. $39.50-$49.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Jay-Z with Young Jeezy: What more can really be said about Jay-Z? That he’s a living rap legend? Nah. Save that arrogance for Kanye West. How about that he’s an astute businessman and one of the richest rappers in the world? Nothing special. Russell Simmons showed off his palatial estate to the world on MTV Cribs. But there is one thing that Jay-Z lays claim to that no other man can: her name is Beyoncé. 7 p.m. March 14. $39.50-$99.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Bon Jovi: It’s hard to imagine now almost 30 years after Bon Jovi broke onto the scene with their third album, Slippery When Wet, but at the time, the band was considered “hard rock,” even borderline metal. Like most bands, Jon Bon Jovi & Co. have mellowed over the years, and now share stages with the likes of acoustic heartthrobs Dashboard Confessional, who just so happen to be the opening band. 7:30 p.m. March 17. $157.30-$172.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Our Lady Peace: This Canadian quartet hit the scene in 1997 with the album Clumsy, which spawned the hit singles “Superman’s Dead,” “Clumsy,” and “4 A.M.” Ten years later, lineup changes and tensions caused an extended hiatus and near-breakup. But that’s all in the past; the new millennium brings OLP back to Detroit, where they will play Clumsy in its entirety, and more. 6:30 p.m. March 18. $18.75-$199. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
Alice in Chains: Alice in Chains sprang from the grunge mecca of Seattle back when that spelled stardom. They came up with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but faded into obscurity, thanks in part to lead singer Layne Staley’s substance abuse, which ultimately led to his 2002 death. The band regrouped with new singer William DuVall in 2005 and released a new album, Black Gives Way to Blue, last September. 7 p.m. March 19. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
Puscifer: Maynard James Keenan, a former Kendall College of Art and Design student in Grand Rapids, is best known as the frontman for the alternative post-rock band Tool. But he is much more than that; Keenan is also a restaurateur, standup comedian, and wine-maker. That’s right, the guy from Tool, whose solo outfit’s first album, “V” Is for Vagina, which was followed by “C” Is for (Please insert sophomoric genitalia reference here), is also a wine snob. If you like Puscifer, wait until you try the cabernet. 7 p.m. March 23 & 24. $39.50-$75. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Michael Bublé: Baritone Bublé brings back big band and Ol’ Blue Eyes’ standards, as well as Billboard-busters. The baby-faced balladeer once dated actress Emily Blunt, but the two broke up and Bublé became bound by law to an Argentine actress; an album, Crazy Love, followed, along with this tour of the same name. 8 p.m. March 25. $48-$88. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Taylor Swift: With a special impromptu appearance by Kanye West! No, no. Just kidding. Even if the brash rapper shows up to try to steal the show from the teen crossover sensation, Swift has the chance to go uninterrupted the other night of this two-date stint, which American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler. 7 p.m. March 26-27. $28-$62.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Tegan and Sara: Yet another Canadian outfit, the identical twin duo of Tegan and Sara Quin has released six studio albums, including 2009’s Sainthood. The duo also sport a laundry list of collaborations, cover songs, and artists who have covered their songs, including The White Stripes, who named an EP after Tegan and Sara’s hit, “Walking With a Ghost.” 7 p.m. March 27. $35. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Spoon with Deerhunter: Give credit to this Austin, Texas-based quartet for predicting the rise of the year’s biggest star in the title of their 2007 album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. And though you might not know it, Spoon has also been widely present in pop culture (though not quite as prominently as Ms. Gaga). But their songs have been featured in countless films and television shows. 6 p.m. March 30. $25 in advance. $30 at the door. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
THEATER
Detroit Repertory Theatre: In A Song for Coretta, five fictional African-American women wait outside Ebenezer Baptist Church in the rain to bid farewell to Coretta Scott King. Written by Detroit native Pearl Cleage, the play explores generational differences and the life of the civil-rights leader and widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. $17-$20. Through March 21. 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347; detroitreptheatre.com.
Fisher: Follow young Dr. Frankenstein as he tries to create his famous monster in Young Frankenstein. The new comedy based on the Mel Brooks classic includes moments from the film, as well as several new numbers. Through March 14. 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000.
Gem: Take a trip back to the 1958 Springfield High School prom with The Marvelous Wonderettes, a pop musical that chronicles the lives of four girls with big hopes and dreams. The audience follows Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy to their prom and later to their 10-year reunion, all to the beat of popular songs from the ’50s and ’60s. Through March 28. • Written by comedian Rob Becker, Defending the Caveman takes a humorous look at the differences between men and women. The play explores common themes and scenarios found in most romantic relationships. Through March 28. • The one-man show The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? tells the story of Bobby, a young man trying to answer the age-old question, “What do women want?” After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Bobby receives the advice of five mentors, with all characters in the comedy played by writer Robert Dubac. Through March 28. 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800; gemdetroit.com.
Hilberry: In the comedy The Servant of Two Masters, Truffaldino is not satisfied with the food he earns as a servant and attempts to serve a second master for twice the food. As he struggles to satisfy both masters without being caught, Truffaldino doesn’t realize his employers are looking for each other. Through March 27. • In Good, a 1930s German literature professor and family man writes a novel about his personal life that warrants unwanted attention from the Nazi party. Through May 1. 4743 Cass, Detroit; 313-577-2972; hilberry.com.
Jewish Ensemble Theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank moves to the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center to tell the story of hope and courage in a time of despair. The play depicts the events from the famous diary of a Jewish girl who hid with her family from the Nazis in Holland. March 27-28. $9-15. 15801 Michigan Ave, Dearborn; 313-943-2354; dearbornfordcenter.com.
Meadow Brook: A true-crime paperback writer seeks an interview with a notorious serial killer in Mindgame. As writer Mark Styler attempts to gain access to the asylum where the killer is kept, he soon realizes that nothing is what it seems. Through March 7. • Based on the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, Enchanted April is the tale of two housewives who travel to Italy to escape their gloomy married lives. They share a villa with two Englishwomen and together explore their relationships and their goals. Beginning March 17. • The beloved stories of Dr. Seuss come to life in Seussical the Musical, an adaptation of the Broadway musical tailored to young audiences. The Cat and the Hat plays host to an adventure that includes characters such as Horton the elephant, a Who named JoJo, and one-feathered bird Gertrude McFuzz. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 20. $15. 207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300; mbtheatre.com.
Music Hall: Emily Franklin is a pastor’s daughter and active church member with a shocking secret in Church Girl, a musical about redemption based on true stories. March 24-28. $25. 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-887-8500; musichall.org.
Send information at least nine weeks in advance to: Listings, “Hour Detroit,” 117 W. Third St., Royal Oak, MI 48067. By fax: 248-691-4531. By e-mail: editorial@hourdetroit.com.
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