6 Things to Do This Weekend (April 30-May 2)

Check out a floral art exhibit at Northville Art House, a performance by jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and an improv show from Go Comedy
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Northville Art House
“Orchids in White” by Shadia Derbyshire is among the artworks on display in Northville Art House’s latest exhibit. // Photograph courtesy of The Northville Art House

In Bloom

Northville Art House’s newest exhibition, In Bloom, features the works of four contemporary woman artists — Denise Cassidy Wood, Sandy Dekker, Maria Latour, and Shadia Derbyshire — each of whom explores the beauty of flowers in her own distinct style. Cassidy Wood uses bright acrylics and focuses on the serenity and the energizing qualities of nature, while Dekker utilizes various artistic media, including fabric, paints, and photography to create beautifully textured quilts. To create her own floral pieces, Latour combines textiles and encaustics. She embeds dyed or stitched fabrics between layers of molten wax. Derbyshire constructs her floral pieces primarily via acrylics and collage. She uses a selection of vibrant colors to paint over found papers that are meticulously torn to create unique patterns and textures. No cost. Through May 22. Northville Arthouse, 215 Cady St., Northville; northvillearthouse.org 

Ona Kirei

Spanish vocalist, composer, and arranger Ona Kirei has earned a number of prestigious accolades, including first place at both the International Talavera Jazz Contest and Spanish national radio station Cadena Ser’s Actúa! music competition. She has performed across Europe including at major festivals, such as the Getxo Jazz Festival, Jazz Ladies, and Heineken Jazzaldia. Now residing in Tampa Bay, Kirei can also be found performing alongside notable area artists like La Lucha and James Suggs. $25. April 30. Virtual event; theark.org 

Ona Kirei
Spanish vocalist, composer, and arranger Ona Kirei performs in a virtual show with The Ark this weekend. // Photograph courtesy of Ona Kirei

Terence Blanchard

Erb Jazz Chair and Oscar-nominated composer Terence Blanchard will give his first live performance in over a year this weekend at Orchestra Hall. Blanchard’s internationally acclaimed band, The E-Collective, will unite with double-Grammy award-winning jazz-classical crossover Turtle Island Quartet to celebrate the legacy of one of his greatest influences, Wayne Shorter. The modal jazz trumpeter gained prominence in the late 1950s while performing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Blanchard will also share with audience members some of his most recent original compositions. $12. April 30. Virtual event; dso.org 

UMS Live Session: Tunde Olaniran 

Flint native Tunde Olaniran — whose sound was described as “exuberant and socially conscious electronic pop from the home of underground resistance” by Rolling Stones following the release of their debut album, Transgressor, in 2015 — has come to be known for their experimental pop and activism. Starting this weekend, you can catch an exclusive set by Olaniran, who is currently a digital artist resident with the University Musical Society, during a virtual event directed by Oren Goldenberg. Olaniran will perform “WDWHI (We Don’t Wanna Hear It),” the first of four singles on their forthcoming full-length album. No cost. April 30-May 10. Virtual event; ums.org 

Terence Blanchard
Catch a live performance by jazz trumpeter and Oscar-nominated composer Terence Blanchard this weekend. // Photograph by Henry Adebonojo

Tacos N’ Tequila Crawl

Detroit’s annual Tacos N’ Tequila bar crawl celebrates Cinco de Mayo with dancing, margaritas, and — of course — lots of tacos. A guest wristband will get you free entry to participating venues — many of which will feature DJs and other live entertainment — as well as the half-time and after-parties. Also included will be a costume contest, access to fun, themed drinks, and food and drink discounts. $25. May 1. The Greek, 535 Monroe St., Detroit; barcrawllive.com 

Virtual Reality Check

Ferndale improv theater Go Comedy’s latest show is all about drama and dysfunctional relationships. A stage show that has been reimagined for digital audiences, Virtual Reality Check follows a group of wealthy acquaintances who are starring in a reality show. No cost. May 1; donations are welcome. Virtual event; app.gopasage.com