ART
Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW): University of Windsor MFA grads Justin A. Langolis, Henrjeta Mece, and Steven Leyden Cochrane have organized Without, an exhibition of diverse arts. Through June 14
• The Windsor Biennial exhibits recent accomplishments in the field of contemporary art. Through July 5.
• Art for Canada: An Illustrated History is an ongoing exhibition. $3; members free. 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor, Ontario; 519-977-0013; agw.ca.
Art Leaders Gallery: Enlighten your senses with Art in Bloom, featuring a large variety of floral art in the fields of photorealism to Impressionism, with original and limited editions exhibited. 33030 Northwestern Hwy., West Bloomfield; 248-539-0262.
Artspace II: A graduate of the College of Creative Studies, Vidvus Zviedris will present his last exhibition before moving to Berlin. June 2-30. 303 E. Maple, Birmingham; 248-258-1540.
Biddle Gallery: The Third Annual Summer Solstice Show and Block Party brings together more than 100 Michigan artists, live performances by Charlie Slick, and movies projected on outside walls of the gallery. June 21. 2840 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-281-4779; biddlegallery.com.
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC): Susan Goethel Campbell, along with Lynne Avadenka, present an exhibit of drawings and book art. Through July 10.
• Husband and wife Blake and Melinda Novotny highlight the people, culture, and lifestyles of South America in a mix of photography, painting, and collage-style works. Through July 10.
• Click Collective is a private group of young photographers located in metro Detroit, which meet biweekly to create and discuss their projects. Their work will be on view through July 10.
• The Students of Ann Van Leeuwen present a collection of papermaking. Through July 10. 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.
Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID): Ferndale’s self-taught photographer and musician, Patrick Pantano, presents a collection of his works in Head Shots. Pantano is most recognized for his portraits of Detroit-area rock bands, many of whom have appeared in magazines and record covers. Through July 3. 5141 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit; 313-899-2243; thecaid.org.
Cranbrook Art Museum: In 1954, Toshiko Takaezu graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Since then, she has become among the world’s leading ceramic artists. Taking influence from Eastern and Western aesthetics, Takaezu delves into the idea of vessel form and diverse methods of decoration. Toshiko Takaezu features more than 30 pieces that span the entirety of her career, including dedicated works to her former Cranbrook professors, Maija Grotell and Gerhardt Knodel. $10 adults; $4 students and teens; free for members and children under 12. 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 877-462-7262; cranbrookart.edu.
David Klein Gallery: The watercolors of Kim McCarty are exhibited through June 13. 163 Townsend, Birmingham; 248-433-3700; dkgallery.com.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Uniting approximately 100 drawings from the museum’s permanent collection, and arranged thematically, Learning by Line: The Role of Drawing in the Eighteenth Century traces the styles and techniques of the period’s artists. Through June 14.
• In the 1930s, Polish photographer Roman Vishniac was commissioned to chronicle the lives and stories of Jewish communities throughout Poland. In 1996, Jeffery Gusky set out to photograph what remained of Jewish culture throughout those same towns. Of Life and Loss: The Photographs of Roman Vishniac and Jeffrey Gusky brings their work together. Through July 12. Admission: $8 adults; $4 ages 6-17; $6 seniors. Wed., Thur.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tue. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.
Elaine L. Jacob: Time and Place: Art of Detroit’s Cass Corridor from the Wayne State University Collection runs through June 26. On the campus of Wayne State University, 480 W. Hancock, Detroit; 313-993-7813.
Ellen Kayrod Gallery: The Sixth Annual Hannan Spring Open: All Media Group Exhibition displays the works of area artists age 60 and over. 4750 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1300; hannan.org.
555: Thursday’s View offers a new featured artist each week in the First Floor Gallery, 7-10 p.m. Thur. and Fri.; Noon-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 4884 Grand River, Detroit; 555arts.org.
Ford Gallery and University Art Gallery: The Michigan Comics Show showcases the editorial cartoons, gag panels, comic strips, and comic-book art of 50 Michigan artists and writers. Mike Thompson of the Detroit Free Press and Dave Coverly of Speed Bump are just a few to be included. Through June 5. University Art Gallery.
• Graduate Thesis Exhibitions runs through August. Ford Gallery; Eastern Michigan University, 114 Ford Hall, Ypsilanti; 734-487-0465.
Forum: This student-run gallery offers an opening every week of the Cranbrook Academy of Art’s academic year. Graduate students present work to their peers and the community from 5-9 on Friday nights. Free. On the Cranbrook campus, New Studios Building, 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 877-462-7262; cranbrookart.edu.
Gallery Project: Race runs through July 5. 215 S. Fourth, Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012; thegalleryproject.com.
Lawrence Street: Laura Whitsides Host presents paintings and monotypes. Opens June 3. 22620 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-0394.
Lemberg: Short Stories is artist James Stephens’ one-man show of paintings. Through June 6. 23241 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-591-6623; lemberggallery.com.
Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA): The works of artist Amy Sacksteder are up through June 13.
• PCCA presents Student and Faculty Show. Through June 13.
• An exhibition by artist Ian Weber opens June 26.
• Cast Objects Invitational opens June 26. 407 Pine St.; 248-651-4110; pccart.org.
Sherrus: Best Friends Forever A-Z is a permanent display of animal character paintings by Michigan acrylic artist and gallery owner Sherri R. Mewha. 133 W. Main St., Suite 210, Northville; 248-380-0470; sherrusgallery.com.
Sherry Washington Gallery: Russell and Nancy Thayer, a husband and wife hailing from Saginaw, mesh their original works in Our World: Painting and Sculptures. Russell, the sculptor of the two, takes influence from art history, a subject he has taught for many years. Nancy uses her paintings for metaphysical expressions of environment and atmosphere. Through July 4. 1274 Library, Detroit; 313-961-4500; sherrywashingtongallery.com.
UMMA Off/Site: UMMA Projects: Walead Beshty focuses on global contemporary art production through monumentally scaled photograms and tattered Fed-Ex boxes. Through June 14. Free. 1301 S. University, Ann Arbor; 734-763-8662; umma.umich.edu.
CLASSICAL
Brunch With Bach: Pianist James Tocco, artistic director of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, joins other musicians, highlighting the works of Felix Mendelssohn. 11 a.m. June 14. $35 includes brunch; $15 concert only. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Accompanying the DSO in its season finale, Grammy Award-winner soprano Measha Brueggergosman lends her rich instrument to Strauss’ Four Last Songs. Haydn’s Symphony No. 49, (La Passione), and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra are also on the program. Peter Oundjian conducts. June 4-6.
• Pianist Peng Peng tackles Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on this program, conducted by Leonard Slatkin, are Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 (Haffner), the world premiere of Cindy McTee’s Lebenbom Commission, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite. June 3-6. $19-$123, Orchestra Hall in the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111; detroitsymphony.com.
Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival: Nearly 17 concerts will be offered between June 6-21 at several venues throughout metro Detroit and Ann Arbor for the 16th annual event. As usual, the festival will feature a contemporary composer-in-residence. This year it’s Stephen Hartke, whose works will be interspersed throughout the festival, including one devoted exclusively to his music on June 15 at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills. But the festival also looks back to the Romantic era, specifically the music of Felix Mendelssohn, who was born 200 years ago. Performers include pianists James Tocco and Jeremy Denk, violinists Yehonatan Berick and Detroit-born sisters Ana and Ida Kavafian; cellists Paul Katz, Debra Fayroian, Robert deMaine, and Yehuda Hanani; violist Kim Kashkashian; as well as the ensembles Eighth Blackbird and the Biava Quartet. The first concert spotlights Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture for Piano, Four Hands; Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in C Minor; Preludes from The Well-Tempered Clavier for Cello and Piano by Bach/Moscheles; and Sextet No. 1 in E-flat by Eduard Franck. 8 p.m. June 6 at the Seligman Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills. Repeated at 2 p.m. June 7 at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church. Check the Web site for a complete roster of concerts, performers, ticket prices, and venues. 248-559-2097; greatlakeschambermusic.org.
DANCE
Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy: The Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy concludes its approximately 50 nine-month classes in an Annual Concert. June 6. Call for tickets. New Center One Building, 3031 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 350, Detroit; 313-872-7200.
EVENTS
Garden Walk 2009: The Franklin Branch of the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association is hosting its 23rd annual walk. The gardens vary from small and intimate to grand European-style estates. The afternoon features a salad luncheon buffet, artists working in the gardens, and a market with garden-related goods. New this year is a walking and driving portion of the tour. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. June 10. $10-$12. Franklin Village Gazebo, west side of Franklin Road, between 13 and 14 Mile roads; 248-851-0055.
Pleasant Ridge Home and Garden Tour: Enjoy a tour filled with a variety of architectural styles and gardens in Pleasant Ridge, the second smallest incorporated city in Michigan. Vintage cars will also be on display at this annual event. Pleasant Ridge was also recently named one of the best neighborhoods nationwide to buy an old house in This Old House Magazine (July/August 2008). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13. Tickets are $15 and available the day of the event. Historical Museum, located behind City Hall, 23925 Woodward, Pleasant Ridge; pleasantridgehistory.com.
Capuchin Souper Summer Celebration: This annual free fundraiser, hosted by Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, has the reputation for being the largest of its kind. This year’s theme, “Motown Nights,” includes fireworks, with the stadium being transformed into Hitsville USA, and Motown impersonators roaming the park. Cash bars will be located throughout the venue, as well as food stations. Entertainment includes bands such as Anthony Birchet and Ain’t Nothin’ But a House Party, the Stubbs Sisters, and more. Raffle tickets are $1 and prizes include watches by Rolex, Cartier, Tag Heuer, and jewelry from Roberto Coin, David Yurman, and Mikimoto. June 13. Must be 21; dressy springtime attire required. Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward, Detroit; 313-886-4600.
River Days: Returning for its third year, the festival will be scaled back but still include the Parade of Lights, Diamond Jack River Tours, and Ultimate Air Dogs, as well as entertainment, carnival rides, games, crafts, food, and more. June 19-21. Detroit’s riverfront, downtown Detroit; riverdays.com.
International Gem and Jewelry Show: Known to some as the largest exhibition of gems, minerals, and jewelry in the world, the show offers bargains one couldn’t find in a department store. Free jewelry cleaning is available as well. June 26. $8. Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi; intergem.com.
Women Moving Forward and Reaching Back Brunch: Hosted by Braylon Edwards, player for the Cleveland Browns, and his mother, Malesa Plater, this event is intended to honor women who have made a difference in the areas of health, education, and philanthropy. This year’s honorees include Carol Goss, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation, Danialle Karmanos, founder of Work It Out!, and Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, surgeon general for the State of Michigan. More than 200 guests are expected with keynote speaker Dr. Ian Smith of the 50 Million Pound Challenge and VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club. June 27. $125 Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 248-514-9620.
Art in the Sun: The Northville Art In the Sun weekend offers a variety of art with more than 100-juried artists present in a Victorian atmosphere. The event also offers special sales by downtown merchants and entertainment. June 27-28. Downtown Northville; northville.org.
FILM
Detroit Science Center IMAX: 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.
• The scariest thing about the deep sea is that no one has any idea what’s going on down there. In Deep Sea, you’ll get a glimpse into some of the most unique, dangerous, and colorful creatures, and their habitats.
• Animalopolis is a journey into a more lighthearted, dancing, somersaulting, fanciful animal kingdom than the one that exists in reality. The film shows you creatures such as cheetahs, bears, crabs, and lions — with no threat of getting maimed. All through June. $7.25-$12.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400; detroitsciencecenter.org
The Redford Theatre: In 1986, the late Jim Henson directed Labyrinth. It was the story of a young girl who wished her baby brother away to the Goblin King (played by David Bowie). She then sees her folly and sets out to rescue him through a land of fantasy and monsters. It was scary and fascinating and odd — and David Bowie wore tights throughout the movie. June 12-13.
• How terrific would it be if your nanny had magical powers? Well, that’s Mary Poppins. This super nanny comes in to help the distressed Banks kids and teaches them how to appreciate life. The film mixes in song, dance, and animation. Spoiler alert: She flies off at the end of the movie with an umbrella and all is right in the world. June 26-27. All films $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.
Penn Theatre: Michael J. Fox lends his voice to a tiny mouse adopted from an orphanage by human parents. Yeah, sounds messed up. But Stuart Little is a family film and stars that cute, blond-headed boy from Jerry Maguire. Though when Stuart gets back to the house, there’s a cat that’s none too happy about the mouse and tries to “off” the cute little rodent. June 18.
• Harold Hill has a scam. He says he’ll train a boy’s marching band, for a fee, but when you pay that fee, having no real musical ability himself, he skips town with the money. So he gets out at River City with this in mind. But the scam goes awry when he falls for a librarian. The Music Man is a comedy and a musical and a treat — if you like comedic musicals, that is. June 25. All films $3. 760 Penniman, Plymouth; 734-453-0870; penntheatre.com.
MUSEUMS
Arab American National Museum: A Yemeni Community: Photographs from the 1970s by Milton Rogovin reconnects the past community of Lackawanna, N.Y., where a small community of immigrants from Yemen lived until the city’s steel plants closed. Through Aug. 16.
• 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: 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: 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 at the From Haven to Home: Jewish Life in America exhibit. See how Jewish immigrants sought refuge from persecution abroad and how they settled in America.
• Through memorabilia and photographs, Detroit Chinatown: Works in Progress tells the story of the people who lived and worked in Detroit’s old Chinatown, which was originally on Third Street, on the western fringe of downtown. In the early 1960s, it relocated to Cass Avenue. Through July 5.
• 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, including Augustus Woodward, Jimmy Hoffa, and Coleman Young.
• 100 Years Ago allows visitors to relate to past Detroiters through different forms of media that capture daily life in 1909.
• Fabulous 5 adds “Detroit’s Entertainment Venues” to its showcase of local pop culture. • Detroit’s Classic TV Personalities honors seven Detroit TV figures, such as John Kelly, Bill Kennedy, and Soupy Sales. Artifacts, as well as footage from their broadcasts, are on display. 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 — some pieced together with unexpected household items. 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, with recorded narration by Liam Neeson, 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. Wilkonson Immigrant Ship Collection . Free. There’s also the International Café on the lower level. 111 E. Kirby, Detroit; 313-
871-8600;imd.org.
MUSIC
Coldplay: Chris Martin has the voice of an angel. Well, OK, that can’t be proved, but if an angel had a voice, it’d probably sound like Chris Martin. He’s the lead man in the UK alternative rock, radio-friendly band Coldplay. Their latest album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, was nominated for several Grammys this year and even took home a few wins. 7:30 p.m. June 2. $35-$97.50. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100.
Meat Puppets: If you don’t know the Meat Puppets but are a fan of the music made famous by Nirvana, you may remember the brothers Kirkwood — founding members of the Puppets — as guest musicians on Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged show. They were the guys with the long red hair. 8 p.m. June 4. $13. The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Yanni: Like Cher or Madonna, Yanni is just one name — yet you know who he is. He’s that wiry guy from Greece who composes those ambient, New Agey songs that go alongside images of swimming whales and diving seagulls. His newest album, Yanni Voices, dropped at the end of March. 8 p.m. June 5. $25-$95. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Keith Urban: Urban won his first award in 1977 as Best Solo Act from the County Music Awards of Australia. From that point on, he really hasn’t stopped. Trivia: He’s from New Zealand and his middle name is Lionel. 7:30 p.m. June 6. $20-$80. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100.
Crosby, Stills and Nash: After several decades, CSN is still together, and David Crosby still has that droopy mustache. Along with a number of other artists and groups, CSN’s activist folk music of the ‘60s helped define not only the music of that era, but the era itself. And that feeling of activism, freedom, and growin’ your hair out long hasn’t left them or their music. 8 p.m. June 6. $21-$76. Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 248-377-0100.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited: More than 20 years after Creedence Clearwater Revival disbanded, bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford got together for a few tunes and they ended up back in the band — sort of. The rockers picked up where the revival left off with their brand of Southern/swamp rock. 7:30 p.m. June 12. $7-$31.50. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Rd, Clarkston; 248-377-0100.
Boz Scaggs: His name is Boz, which is pretty sweet. His mama didn’t name him Boz, of course. He’s William Royce Scaggs to her. But to everyone else, you better believe it’s Boz. Enough about the name. Scaggs is a blue-eyed soul, bluesy, rock-driven guitarist who has dropped several top 20 hits on American ears (American ‘cause we’re talking United States charts). He’s released albums in five different decades. That’s 50 years of music, folks. 8 p.m. June 17. $54.50-$59.50. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River, Detroit; 313-237-7711.
Tower of Power: Cedar Point has a ride that will either shoot you straight up a tower at high speed or will take you to the top of another tower and drop you straight down. It’s called the Power Tower, which is different than the Tower of Power. The latter is a 10-member horn-based soul group from Oakland, Calif. But does it beat out the Cedar Point ride? Depends whom you ask, really. 7:30 p.m. June 18. $29.50-$75. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8397.
311: Three-eleven, if you’re wondering how to say 311. These boys from the Midwest like to mix rap, rock, funk, and reggae all in one song. Sounds like a bag of trail mix, right? Well, people do love the variety of 311. They like the music so much that nearly all of their albums have made it into the top 15 of the Billboard 200, their singles have saturated the radio playlist, and they’ve have a handful of songs in the top five of Billboard’s Modern Rock chart. Their newest album, Uplifter, comes out June 2. 6:30 p.m. June 19. $29.50-$42.50. Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-7820.
The Detroit Cobras: If there is one thing that’ll bring you out for the Detroit Cobras more so than anything else, it’s this: That girl can sing. Rachel Nagy fronts the Detroit garage rock band and leads the Cobras on vocals in a way that’ll leave you weak in the knees. The Cobras do mostly adaptations of oldies plucked from their personal record collections. 8 p.m. June 20. $12. The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Earth, Wind and Fire & Chicago: Here’s a one-two punch of musically successful powerhouses from Chicago. On one side you have the American R&B group Earth, Wind and Fire, who have boxes full of Grammys and a number of top 10 albums and singles. And on the other side is Chicago, a progressive rock band that blazed up the charts in the early/mid ’70s with four consecutive No. 1 records. 7:30 p.m. June 24. $21.50-$76.50. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100.
New Kids on the Block: What can you say about the New Kids on the Block that hasn’t already been said — both in jest and with a straight face? In the late ’80s and early ’90s, millions of girls fell in love with these boys from Boston, and probably a good number of boys, too. After a 14-year hiatus, these five former heartthrobs decided to give it another go. They’ve been back a year now and their knees seem to be holding up quite well. 7 p.m. June 25. $22-$82. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston; 248-377-0100.
Leon Russell: Keyboardist/singer Russell often dresses all in white. His white beard covers his face, his long white hair covers the rest, and he tops it off with a white cowboy hat. He also plays a mix of country and rock and R&B. He’s released more than 20 albums spanning from 1966 to 2006. That’s a lot of music. 8 p.m. June 26. $25. Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-3030.
Dr. John: Dr. John is as much of a doctor as Hunter S. Thompson was. So, really, he isn’t a doctor. Unless we’re talking about New Orleans blues, R&B, rock music. Then yeah, he’d be a doctor in that, and a good one. He got his start in the ’50s, grew his cultish following and international acclaim over the years. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. June 27. $35. Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-3030.
The Gories: It’s been a while since a Detroit stage has seen the mega-influential garage rockers the Gories. But the wait is over. After a 15-year gap, the Gories are getting back together to a play a night of rock that may rip your face off — figuratively speaking, of course. The lineup of the group boasts acclaimed Detroit musicians Mick Collins from the Dirtbombs and Danny Kroha from the Demolition Doll Rods. 8 p.m. June. 27. $15. The Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
The Offspring: Junior High probably wouldn’t have been the same for a generation of kids if it weren’t for the Offspring and their polished-up angst. The group was a nice bridge from punk rock with an edge to punk rock that made it to the radio. And guess what … these guys never broke up. 7 p.m. June 28. $27-$34.50. Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-7820.
THEATER
The Blackbird Theatre: After Valentine Xavier, clad in a snakeskin jacket and toting a guitar, arrives in a new town, he’s smitten by a local elite’s wife in Orpheus Descending. $10-$20. Through June 20. 1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-332-3848.
Detroit Repertory: Polish-born Holocaust survivor Mr. Isaacson, living in New York City, is overwhelmed by memories from his past when his employer hires a German-born man in Last Days of a Translator. June 2-28. $17-$20. 13103 Woodward, Detroit; 313-577-2972.
Eastern Michigan University: There is only one place where giants, witches, fairies, and the like can all solve their problems. Into the Woods, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, is the hilarious tale of what happens when things don’t end happily ever after. $15. June 4-6. 103 Quirk Building, Ypsilanti; 734-487-1220.
Fisher: Grease, the classic story of poodle skirts, greasers, and high-school love, will have lots of fans dancing in their seats. Starring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. June 9-28. Call for tickets. 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000.
Meadow Brook: Only six months ago, a couple of loony nuns were raising funds to bury their dead sisters in Nunsense. In Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, those same gals are back. Through June 19. Call for ticket prices. 207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300.
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