ART
Anton Art Center
Works by Peter Crow are in the Petitpren Community Gallery. Through Dec. 22.
125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens; 586-469-8666.
Art Center
• The 64th Annual Michigan Water Color Society’s Traveling Exhibition features 78 works from 69 Michigan artists. Focus on Maine includes photography from Bob Paup that captures the transition from summer to fall. Both exhibitions run through Dec. 4.
• Original Watercolors on Paper by Scott Hartley highlights the artist’s use of the medium to create both vibrant and subtle landscapes. Through Dec. 30.
117 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-994-8004 x 101.
Artcite
The annual Christmas fundraiser Doin’ the Louvre features artwork under $100 from several area artists. Dec. 2-23.
109 University Ave. W., Windsor; 519-977-6564.
Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW)
• Joseph Hubbard: You Don’t Know What You Are Seeing (Romancing the Gallery) makes art out of contradictions like comedy and tragedy. Through Dec. 31.
• The 2011 AGW Biennial features the work of 33 artists, showcasing a range of ideas and contemporary themes. Through Dec. 31.
401 Riverside Dr. W., Windsor, Ontario; 519-977-0013.
Artspace II
Large-scale figurative paintings depicting classical myths and surreal themes by artist Robert Schefman are on display Dec. 1-31.
303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540.
Biddle Gallery
Made in the Mitten is the gallery’s ongoing exhibition of works by more than 100 Michigan artists.
2840 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-281-4779.
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC)
The BBAC turns into an artistic holiday shop featuring objects made from a variety of media. Dec. 2-17.
1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham; 248-644-0866.
Cranbrook Art Museum
No Object Is an Island: New Dialogues with the Cranbrook Collection is the first exhibit to open in the newly renovated and expanded museum. The show features work from 50 leading contemporary artists and designers, as well as objects from the museum’s permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century artwork. Through March 25. Admission: $8 adults; $6 seniors; $4 full-time students. Children under 12 free.
39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3320.
David Klein Gallery
New work from photographer Liz Cohen, head of the photography department at Cranbrook, is on display through Dec. 17.
163 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-433-3700.
Detroit Institute of Arts
• Once Upon a Time: Prints and Drawings that Tell Stories includes artwork from familiar series, portfolios, and books. Dec. 21-June 24.
• Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus focuses on works by the Dutch master and his students depicting Jesus and events described in the Bible. Through Feb. 12.
• Gift of a Lifetime: The James Pearson Duffy Collection showcases the varied collection of drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs from one of Detroit’s most unconventional and respected collectors. Through March 18.
• Detroit Revealed: Photographs 2000-2010 features more than 50 photographs by contemporary artists who shed light on the Motor City through their camera lens. Through April 8.
Admission: $8 adults; $6 seniors; $4 youth 6-17; under 5 free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; Closed Mon.-Tue.
5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900.
Detroit Zoo
Penguins: A Photographic Expedition includes 120 photographs of 12 penguin species by artist and photographer J.J. L’Heureux. Through Dec. 31. Admission: $12 adults; $8 youth 2-14; $10 seniors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-541-5717.
Elaine L. Jacob Gallery
Oh Canada! Beyond Trees and Water runs through Dec. 16.
480 W. Hancock, Detroit; 313-993-7813.
Flint Institute of Arts
• Karel Appel: The Expression of Color features vibrant prints and sculptures. Appel was a founding member of the now disbanded CoBrA, a group of European artists who formed in Paris in 1948. Through Dec. 4.
• Marylyn Dintenfass: Autobiography and Other Anecdotes brings the artist’s abstract, automotive-themed artwork to paper. Dec. 10-Feb. 12.
• Art of Collecting includes paintings, drawings, original prints, and sculptures. The show is both an exhibit and an auction. Through Jan. 8.
• Captured in Glass: Historic and Contemporary Paperweights is the decorative arts gallery’s inaugural exhibition. Through June 10.
Admission: $7 adults; $5 seniors; under 12 free. 12-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri.; 12-9 p.m. Thurs.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
1120 E. Kearsley, Flint; 810-234-1695.
Grosse Pointe Art Center
The Holiday Shop runs through Jan. 7.
16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe; 313-821-1848.
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Assembled by the Seraphin Gallery in Philadelphia, Abstract Drawings by Harry Bertoia features expressive pieces dating back to the 1940s. Through Jan. 6.
7400 Bay Valley, Saginaw; 989-964-7125.
Oakland University Art Gallery
Senior Thesis in Studio Art: Exhibition I runs Dec. 2-18.
208 Wilson Hall on the Oakland University campus, Rochester; 248-370-3005.
Paint Creek Center for the Arts
The Holiday Gift Gallery features glass, ceramics, knit wear, toys, and kitchen items from Michigan artists. Through Dec. 31.
407 Pine St., Rochester; 248-651-4110.
Re:View Art Gallery
Re:Collect 2011 is a special end-of-the-year group exhibit that features artwork from various artists. Dec. 3-24.
444 W. Willis, Detroit; 313-833-9000.
River’s Edge Gallery
But I’m Awake Now… highlights the experimental work of three internationally known artists — Patricia Izzo, Birgit Hutteman Holz, and Barbara Melnick Carson. Through Jan. 31.
3024 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-246-9880.
Robert Kidd Gallery
Between Realism and Abstraction is a solo show by transplanted Michigan artist Stephen Duren. Through Dec. 10.
107 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-642-3909.
Scarab Club
• The 99th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, displaying Scarab Club members’ artwork, is up through Dec. 31.
• 5 from Chicago features a mixture of sculpture by five Windy City artists. Through spring.
217 Farnsworth, Detroit; 313-831-1250.
Susanne Hilberry Gallery
Robert Wilbert has been an influential artist and educator in Detroit for more than 35 years. His current work is on display through Dec. 31.
700 Livernois, Ferndale; 248-541-4700.
Sherry Washington Gallery
The paintings of Lenore Gimpert, a graduate of CCS and Wayne State University, emphasize form as opposed to color in the exhibit Super Women: New Paintings. Through Dec. 31.
1274 Library St., Detroit; 313-961-4500.
Toledo Museum of Art
• In the Beginning: King James Bible features the museum’s rare copy of the first-edition King James Bible to commemorate its 400th anniversary. Through Dec. 31.
• The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb contains more than 150 objects from the ancient civilization. Through Jan. 8. Admission: Free for TMA members; $10 adults; $8 seniors; $5 students; Under 6 free.
• Storytelling in Miniature showcases about 140 miniature prints from the Renaissance to modern times. Through March 4.
• Small Worlds highlights the work of five artists who created more than 40 little worlds through relief paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, video, and art installations. Through March 25.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Thur.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 12-6 p.m. Sun.
2445 Monroe St., Toledo; 419-255-8000.
UMMA
• Mike Kelley: Day Is Done features parts two through 32 of Kelley’s ongoing project, Extracurricular Activity Projective Reconstructions. Kelley’s goal is to reach 365 parts, one for each day of the year. Through Dec. 31.
• Face of Our Time includes more than 100 works by photographers Jacob Aue Sobol, Jim Goldberg, Zanele Muholi, Daniel Schwartz, and Richard Misrach. The images examine our world today and the political, social and economic struggles many face. Through Feb. 5.
• Sculptor Mark di Suvero received the National Medal of the Arts from President Barack Obama in March 2011. His exhibit, Tabletops, is exclusive to Ann Arbor and features 15 of di Suvero’s smaller pieces. Through Feb. 26.
525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395.
Wayne State University Art Department Gallery
A faculty exhibition runs through Dec. 2.
150 Art Building, Detroit; 313-993-7813.
CLASSICAL
Brunch with Bach
• Five native Michigan harpists perform the work of the classic 1950s group, the Angelaires, with a mixture of pop and classical numbers. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11.
• Violinist Kyoko Kashiwagi, flutist Yana Staples, and pianist Angelina Pashmikova perform music of Bach and Beethoven. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18.
$15-$35.
5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-4005.
Cantata Academy Chorale
Joe Striplin joins Susan Cantanese in directing the Cantata Academy Chorale and the Grosse Pointe Symphony for their holiday Magnificent Magnificat concert. The show includes a performance of Bach’s Magnificat and other holiday classics. 7 p.m. Dec. 4. $12-$30.
St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton, Grosse Pointe Park; 313-242-7282.
Chamber Music Society of Detroit
Pieces by Mendelssohn, Liszt, Schumann, and Franck are performed by cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Connie Shih. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. $25-$75.
Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W.13 Mile, Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070.
Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings
Sing along to traditional holiday songs and experience new favorites at the Holiday Brass show. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. and Dec. 18. $10-$35.
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 4800 Woodward, Detroit and First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie, Royal Oak; 248-559-2095.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• Saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins conductor Thomas Wilkins to perform the rare Hot-Sonate of Erwin Schulhoff. Also on the program is Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. Dec. 2-4. $15-$100.
• Matthew Halls conducts British violinist Nicola Benedetti and the DSO in a night of Baroque masterpieces. The performance includes Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and pieces by Handel and Bach. Dec. 8 and 10. $15-$100.
Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111.
Michigan Opera Theatre
A holiday tradition continues with the 10th-anniversary production of Too Hot to Handel at the Detroit Opera House. The Rackham Symphony Choir and the Too Hot Orchestra are featured in this Jazz-Gospel Messiah arranged by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. 3 p.m. Dec. 4. $18-$65.
1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-960-3500.
Music Hall
Experience the big sound of the world’s largest string instrument, the earth harp, at the MASS Ensemble Christmas show. 8 p.m. Dec. 10. $30-$50.
350 Madison, Detroit; 313-887-8501.
University Musical Society
• The Grammy Award-winning UMS Choral Union and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra present their signature holiday presentation of Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 3-4. $10-$36.
• Janine Jansen, a 23-year-old Holland native, makes her UMS debut performing with London’s Philharmonic Orchestra in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5. Conductor Vladmir Jurowski also leads the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. $10-$75.
Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University, Ann Arbor, 734-763-3333.
DANCE
Fox Theatre
With a corps of 40 dancers, larger-than-life puppets created by Russian puppet master Valentin Federov, and the use of Pytor Tchaikovsky’s famous score, Moscow Ballet takes on the Great Russian Nutcracker for their annual performance at the Fox Theatre. 3 p.m. Dec. 11, $28.50-$122.
2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-471-6611. Olympiaentertainment.com.
EVENTS
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 featured at this annual show. Visitors should enter off Merriman Road between Ann Arbor Trial and Warren Avenue. 7-10 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. Through Dec. 31.
$5 per car. 734-261-1990.
The Big, Bright Light Show
Entering its sixth year, this annual event features most of the city’s downtown stores decorated with more than 1.5 million lights, along East and West Fourth Street and extending north to Romeo Road. There will also be lighted displays on Fourth Street from Walnut to Water. The traditional Christmas tree on University will also be transformed into the holiday Dazzling Tree of Lights. Through Jan. 1.
Downtown Rochester; downtownrochesstermi.com.
Birmingham Winter Markt
Enjoy holiday art, decorations, crafts, holiday greens, gifts, home accessories, ice sculptures, live reindeer, as well as traditional German food and drinks (which explains the German spelling of market) on the Community House deck. Dec. 2-4.
Shain Park, downtown Birmingham; enjoybirmingham.com.
Noel Night
The 39th annual Noel Night offers free admission to more than 40 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The event also includes performances by more than 120 area music, theater, and dance groups, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, and family craft activities. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Free.
In and around Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center institutions, between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis, Detroit; 313-420-6000.
Holiday Craft Extravaganza
The weekend promises one-of-a-kind gifts, fine jewelry, gourmet treats, holiday décor, and crafters under one roof. Shop for pottery, paintings, and textiles. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dec. 3. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4 $5 per car.
Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; holidaycraftextravaganza.com.
Downtown Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival
Enjoy ice sculptures, as well as musicians, reindeer, Santa, and food. Dec. 10.
Downtown Ferndale, downtownferndale.com.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
With an international cast of more than 30 costumed artists, this production features gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on wires, snowmen balancing, icemen sculpting, penguins spinning, and more. Dec. 13-18. $20.50-$65.
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; cirqueproductions.com.
Harlem Globetrotters 2012 World Tour
For almost 86 Years, the Globetrotters have been entertaining crowds around the world. The tour has played in more than 120 countries and territories on six continents, and makes a stop in the Motor City this month. This year, the Globetrotters introduce a class of newcomers, which includes the tallest pro basketball player and the shortest Globetrotter ever, and the team’s first female in 19 years. 7 p.m. Dec. 26. $17-$41.50.
The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; harlemglobetrotters.com.
FILM
Penn Theatre
• An angel helps a hopelessly frustrated but compassionate man by showing him what life would be like if he didn’t exist in the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Dec. 1-4. $3.
• Based on the popular children’s book, The Polar Express follows a young boy who boards a magical train headed to the North Pole. Dec. 16-18. $3.
• Starring Will Ferrell, Elf chronicles the adventures of a large man raised as an elf at the North Pole as he tries to find his true identity. Dec. 22-23. $3.
760 Penniman, Plymouth; 734-453-0870.
Redford Theatre
• Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a man claiming to be Santa Claus and the lives he changes along the way. Dec. 2-3. $4.
• An angel comes to the aid of a man by showing him what life would be like if he didn’t exist in It’s a Wonderful Life. Dec. 16-17. $4.
17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560.
State Theater
Cool as Ice is a film about the leader of a motorcycle gang who falls in love with a girl in the Witness Protection Program. Vanilla Ice stars in this Rebel Without a Cause remake. Dec. 3. $9.
233 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-8667.
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.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
• Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts celebrates the history of the company since Arthur Mitchell and the late Karel Shook founded it.
• Perceptions: The Art of Barbara Brown King and Carole Morisseau is the work of two multifaceted women. Through Jan. 8.
• The Chris Webber Collection: Exceptional People During Extraordinary Times, 1755-Present highlights rare artifacts from the personal collection of Chris Webber, native Detroiter, National Association All-Star player, and NBA announcer.
• Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge, a series of 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.
• Ring of Genealogy, a work designed by local artist Hubert Massey, depicts the struggles of African-Americans in the United States.
• Detroit Performs! is a photomontage dedicated to those who have called Detroit home and have gained national or international attention in the performing arts. Ongoing on the Main Level.
$5-$8.
315 E. Warren, Detroit; 313-494-5800.
Detroit Historical Museum
• Streets of Old Detroit takes visitors back to the 19th and early 20th centuries through shop settings furnished with artifacts from the 1840s to early 1900s.
• Doorway to Freedom highlights 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.
• Frontiers to Factories shows what Detroit was like before the advent of automobiles.
• Meier’s Wonderful Clock 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 explains symbols throughout the city, such as the city’s flag.
• Glancy Trains are from the collection of Alfred R. Glancy Jr.
• Also: Saying I Do: Metro Detroit Weddings, Detroit Toy Stories, Motor City, Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Destinations, Janet Anderson, and Lorenzo Cultural Center Exhibit — 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age. New to the museum, 1941 Anderson Detroit Electric, William B. Stout, and Boy Scouts of America — Great Lakes Council.
General admission: $4-$6.
5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805.
Detroit Science Center
• Exhibits include a rocket laboratory, fitness-and-nutrition station, as well as a heart-health display. Also, the center offers the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which was formerly located at the Novi Expo Center. Ongoing.
• Dinosaurs Unearthed is the largest dinosaur exhibition to come to Detroit, and includes 24 animatronic dinosaurs, five full-size skeletons, and nearly 40 fossil replicas and eggs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. $11.95-$19.95. (Note: Because of financial conditions, the Detroit Science Center may be closed, so call first.)
5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
• Bells and Whistles, Flags and Flashes: Lost Languages of the Lakes explores methods used by mariners over the years to communicate with others at sea, and people on shore.
• City on the Straits provides snapshots of the ways the Great Lakes and the Detroit River have influenced the region.
• Gothic Room allows visitors to experience the likes of a gentlemen’s lounge inside the City of Detroit III.
• S.S. William Clay Ford Pilot House is a Great Lakes freighter that was scrapped, but its pilothouse was brought to the museum. Built in 1952, the 646-foot straight-decked vessel was lengthened to 767 feet in 1979. Also: To Scale: Great Lakes Model Ship Builders.
100 Strand, Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-1805.
Exhibit Museum of Natural History
• 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.
• The Invisible World of Mites features a large panel display and video booth featuring research done by U-M biologist Barry O Connor.
• Explore Evolution focuses on seven research projects that have made a major contribution to our understating of evolution, and include the growth of HIV, the emergence of a new species, and the genetic ties between humans and chimps.
Admission is free, but suggested donation is $6.
University of Michigan campus, 1109 Geddes, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0478.
Henry Ford Museum
• The Wizard of Oz Children’s Educational Exhibition allows visitors to explore a multi-sensory, cross-disciplinary exploration of the Land of Oz. Through Jan. 8.
• 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.
Holocaust Memorial Center
The nation’s first freestanding Holocaust museum features exhibits that are dedicated to preserving the memory of the atrocities. Learn about World War II, the Jewish culture, religious beliefs, the post-war world, heroic rescues, and more. The museum also houses a multi-lingual library. $5-$8 admission.
28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-553-2400.
Greenfield Village
• Nearly 100 historical buildings are here; visit notable attractions such as the birthplace of Henry Ford, Noah Webster’s domicile, and the home of Robert Frost. Open daily. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $16-$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. 2-3, 9-10, 16-23 and 26-27. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 6:30-10 p.m.
20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001.
MUSIC
Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!
It seems fitting that the front man for the rockabilly revival group, the Stray Cats, would put together a tour in honor of the swingin’ genre. The Japanese leg of Setzer’s international jaunt wrapped up in October, but the Detroit show kicks off the U.S. dates with the other leg. That’s what rockabilly is all about — kickin’ and swingin’.
8 p.m. Dec. 1. $56-$72.70.
Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
Guns N’ Roses
A lot of people laughed when GN’R front man Axl Rose finally decided to release the album Chinese Democracy in 2008, after a ridiculous amount of time (15 years) and money ($13 million) spent on the album. And despite lackluster sales and reviews, it was recently announced that Guns N’ Roses are being considered for induction into the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Who’s laughing now?
8 p.m. Dec. 1. $49.50-$125.
Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds
Formerly known as the Savoy Brown Blues Band, this British blues-rock group was formed by Kim Simmonds, who remains the last original member of the 46-year-old band. NME suggests that it was all the frequent lineup changes that kept widespread fame out of Savoy Brown’s reach.
8 p.m. Dec. 2. $25.
Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-3030.
Shawn Colvin
She may be best remembered for her 1996 single, “Sunny Came Home,” from her fifth studio album, A Few Small Repairs. But since then, Colvin has released another five albums, in genres ranging from rock to contemporary folk. In addition to her music, she recently signed a deal with Harper Collins Publishers to write a memoir that will include many of the personal stories she shares when she performs live.
8 p.m. Dec. 3. $40.
The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800.
Chris Cornell
As the front man for the trailblazing grunge bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, in addition to three albums of solo material, Chris Cornell doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon — even though he’s been going at it since 1984.
8 p.m. Dec. 4. $37.85-$47.85.
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8463.
Celtic Thunder
Ireland-based Celtic Thunder is a singing group composed of male soloists who perform independently and collectively. They have released six albums in just three years. This tour promises themes of “Heritage” and “Christmas.”
7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. $47.85-$76.
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.
En Vogue
Since 1989, this female R&B quartet has released six studio albums, won seven MTV Video Music Awards, and snagged seven Grammy nominations. The original lineup is back together to perform a few select shows through the end of the year. En Vogue’s latest single, “I’ll Cry Later,” was released in September.
8 p.m. Dec. 8. $43.80-$46.90.
Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
Wilco
A lot happened to the Chicago-based alternative rock band over the past decade. They were dropped by their label over an album that ended up being a landmark for the band (2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot), which ended up being released by a subsidiary of the label that dropped them to begin with. Having fulfilled their recording contract three records later, Wilco have come into their own, self-releasing their latest album, The Whole Love, in September.
7 p.m. Dec. 10. $55.
The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
The Verve Pipe
You may remember The Verve Pipe only from their 1997 single, “The Freshmen,” but the East Lansing-based rockers have been going strong for nearly 20 years. In 2009, they released an album specifically for families, aptly titled A Family Album.
8 p.m. Dec. 16. $22.
Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-3030.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
This Christmas-themed progressive rock band is back for its annual winter tour, which founder Paul O’Neill has described as being “as over the top as we can make it.”
3 p.m. Dec. 17. $42.50-$73.20.
Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Alexander Zonjic featuring Men of Grace
Zonjic learned to play the guitar at 9 and was lead guitarist of an R&B band by 15. At 21, he picked up a jazz flute and it took him roughly a year to grasp the basics. Since then, he has released 10 solo albums.
6 p.m. Dec. 17. $25-$75.
The Crofoot, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; 248-858-9333.
Electric Six
This Detroit-based sextet has been combining genres, including synth-pop, glam, and arena rock since 1996, when they were known as The Wildbunch. The prolific band pressed on with the release of its eighth studio album, October’s Heartbeats and Brainwaves.
8 p.m. Dec. 23. $19.
St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress, Detroit; 313-961-8137.
Greensky Bluegrass
In 2000, the five members of Greensky Bluegrass got together in the Kalamazoo area and have been touring ever since. If you’re familiar with the bluegrass genre, you have a general idea of what the band has to offer, although they promise a great party and some rock ’n’ roll thrown in for good measure.
8 p.m. Dec. 30-31. $25.
The Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
THEATER
Bonstelle Theatre
A shipwreck separates twins and leads to mistaken identity, three marriages, and several fights in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Dec. 2-11. $12-$15.
3424 Woodward, Detroit; 313-577-0852.
Based on the book by P.D. Eastman, Go, Dog. Go is a musical to help audiences rediscover their youth.
Dec. 2-11. $7-$15.
103 Quirk Building, Ypsilanti; 734-487-2282.
Gem & Century Theatres
• All Night Strut Holiday Show! is the two-act musical celebration of the 1930s and ’40s with a holiday twist. Through Dec. 31. $39.50-44.50.
• Mary Zentmyer reprises her role as Sister in Sister’s Christmas Catechism: Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. Through Dec. 31. $34.50-$39.50.
333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800.
Hilberry Theatre
When Hollywood comes to an island off the Irish coast, a local boy gets a chance at fame in The Cripple of Inishmaan.
Dec. 2-Feb. 4. $25-$30.
4743 Cass, Detroit; 313-577-2972.
The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company
• Red Diaper Baby explores director Josh Kornbluth’s childhood with parents who were members of the United States Communist Party in New York. Dec. 3-4. $36-$43.
• Tony Award-winning God of Carnage explores an altercation between two 11-year-old boys and their parents’ attempt at a mature solution. Directed by David J. Magidson. Dec. 7-Jan 1. $36-$48.
6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield Township; 248-788-2900.
Meadow Brook
In honor of 30 years of performances, Charles Nolte provides an adaptation and original staging of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Through Dec. 23.
207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300.
Detroit Opera House
Wicked tells the story of two girls meeting in the land of Oz and their transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.
Dec. 7-31. $39-$154.
1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-960-3500.
Performance Network Theatre
Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show gives audiences a glance at the humor of 1930s Harlem in this story of Thomas “Fats” Waller’s rise to fame.
Through Jan. 1. $32-$46.
120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor; 734-663-0681.
Purple Rose
Written by Chelsea native, Purple Rose founder, and Hollywood star Jeff Daniels (Dumb & Dumber, The Squid and the Whale), Escanaba in Da Moonlight is a Yooper comedy fit for anyone who’s from Michigan.
Through Dec. 17. $25-$35.
137 Park St., Chelsea; 734-433-7673.
Planet Ant
Yolanda Fleischer directs The Sunday Punch, a comedy following a man’s persistent feelings of mediocrity and discontent, which he blames on his overbearing father. 9 p.m.
Through Dec. 10. $10.
2357 Caniff, Hamtramck; 313-365-4948.
Tipping Point Theatre
In the Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest, Jack Worthing must deal with two women who have fallen in love with Earnest, the brother he pretends to have.
Through Dec. 18. $28-$30.
361 E. Cady St., Northville; 248-347-0003.
Send information at least nine weeks in advance to:
Listings, Hour Detroit, 117 W. Third St., Royal Oak, MI 48067.
By e-mail: editorial@hourdetroit.
By fax: 248-691-4531.
If you enjoy the monthly content in Hour Detroit, “Like” us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter for more frequent updates.
|
|
|
