Stare into the Abyss at Library Street
Visual artist Jason “REVOK” Williams is inviting you to Stare into the Abyss at the downtown art gallery Library Street Collective. His latest body of work is a hypnotic array of lines, spirographs, and multipiece assemblages that are far from perfect — and that’s the point. His work has consistently explored the idea of human fallibility. The line work from spray paint cans drips on the canvas, a nod to Williams’ roots in graffiti, and the circles aren’t entirely circular. But the final results — often made with his homemade tools — are a layered journey into minimalist artwork done at a high level. Stare into the Abyss is on display at Library Street Collective through Nov. 11. See lscgallery.com for details.
Comedian Patton Oswalt Lands at The Fillmore
Even if you haven’t heard his comedy before, you’ve definitely seen his face (or heard his voice). The prolific character actor Patton Oswalt has been in everything from the NBC cult sitcom Parks and Rec to the movie Ratatouille (he was the voice of the epicurean rodent Remy), but it was in stand-up comedy that Oswalt first made his name, going all the way back to the so-called “alternative” comedy boom of the 1990s. His most recent comedy special, I Love Everything, is now streaming on Netflix. Oswalt’s smart, conscious brand of comedy touches on everything from family life and growing older to pop cultural critiques, promising a night of jokes that won’t disappoint. Oswalt performs at The Fillmore Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 6. Tickets are available at pattonoswalt.com.
The Detroit Film Theatre Brings the Big Screen Back
It’s been a while since the Detroit Film Theatre has welcomed audiences. It went completely virtual during the pandemic starting in March 2020. Some of that virtual programming will remain, but the cool thing is you can finally go back inside this gorgeous theater built in 1927 and enjoy films from around the world on the big screen once again. This month brings Wolfwalkers, a critically acclaimed animated feature based on Irish folklore (screening at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13), and Wife of a Spy, a Hitchcockian thriller from Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (multiple screenings, Nov. 12-14). Because the 1,000-seat theater, located inside the Detroit Institute of Arts, has reduced its capacity to just 30 percent, it will feel like you’ve got the big screen all to yourself. See dia.org/visit/detroit-film-theatre for the full list of films showing at the Detroit Film Theatre in November and beyond.
Detroit’s Zoos of Berlin quietly releases new music
If you’re a fan of the masterful moodiness of Interpol or the giant guitars of indie rockers The War on Drugs, you can find more of what you love a little closer to home via Zoos of Berlin. The four-piece has been making music since 2005, but they tend to release new music on their own accord and with little warning. But while the press releases announcing new music don’t seem to happen anymore, the music itself remains enchanting, featuring smart, catchy pop hooks dressed up as something a bit more avant-garde. Their latest album, Here and There Fading and Riding, is one of the best local records released this year. Standout tracks include “Dream On Lucky Me” and “Swing on the Ocean.” Zoos of Berlin’s music is available for streaming and purchase via Bandcamp at zoosofberlin.bandcamp.com.
Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of CultureShift on 101.9 WDET Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.).
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