6 Things to Do This Weekend (Nov. 20-22)

Enchanting holiday displays and live music promise a lively weekend, despite the reinstated lockdown order.
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Light Up Beacon Park
Light Up Beacon Park photo courtesy of Beacon Park Foundation

Still Life

From acclaimed director Jia Zhang-ke, Still Life is a documentary-fiction hybrid that follows the people of a declining Chinese town, left behind in the country’s frantic pursuit of modernization. The poignant and visually stunning result will tug as much at your aesthetic sensibilities as it does your heartstrings. $10. Nov. 6-26. Online showing; dia.org

Following You, Gerald Collins
Following You photo courtesy of Playground Detroit

Following You

Unlike most art, the work of multidisciplinary artist Gerald Collins employs non-tangible media, such as light, sound, and color. Specific to Playground Detroit gallery, his new installation, Following You, combines these elements to immerse the viewer in a unique art experience. By appointment only. No cost. Nov. 12-21. Playground Detroit; 1435 Farmer St., Detroit; playgrounddetroit.com

Light Up Beacon Park

Beacon Park has transformed for the season. This weekend marks the debut of Downtown Detroit’s interactive holiday light installation, complete with candy arches, a gingerbread house, a giant mug of hot cocoa, and other sweet-themed displays. Its outdoor orientation and 125,000 twinkling LED lights make Light Up Beacon Park a safe and scenic weekend destination. No cost. Nov. 20-Jan. 10. Beacon Park, 1901 Grand River Ave. Detroit; empoweringmichigan.com

Jazz Composer Fabian Almazan
Fabian Almazan photo courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Fabian Almazon and DSO String Quartet

Since his childhood as an impoverished Cuban refugee, Fabian Almazan has become an accomplished jazz composer and member of the famed Terence Blanchard Quintet. The pianist will join with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra String Quartet this weekend to perform a live rendition of “Alcanza.” One of Almazan’s original compositions, the fast-paced, multi-movement piece incorporates elements of contemporary classical chamber music and Caribbean flair. $9. Nov. 21. Live streaming; dso.org 

Vibes with the Tribes

Emerging and established indigenous American artists will come together to perform various styles of music at Michigan’s first Native American music festival. In addition to concerts by musicians such as Stuart James, The Tribal Junkie, and DJ Tribal Touch, attendees will enjoy an on-site art gallery and merchandise vendors. Food, bonfires, and the outdoor atmosphere will evoke the feeling of a traditional pow wow, as free masks and heated tents keep guests safe and comfortable. $12+. Nov. 21. 3733 McKinley Street, Detroit; weareculturecreators.com

Jeff Daniels

As part of The Ark’s Online and Unplugged series, Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and singer/song-writer Jeff Daniels will live-stream an intimate performance full of original songs and personal stories from his long and storied career. This rare insider experience will even feature an audience Q&A after the show. $20. Nov. 21. Live streaming; theark.org