DJ Shadow
With the release of his 1996 studio debut, Endtroducing…, this California-based DJ and producer established himself as an innovator in instrumental hip-hop and electronic music by composing an album entirely of vinyl samples. Since then, he’s dabbled in countless genres, collaborated with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, and released six more full-length albums. He’ll promote his latest work — 2023’s Action Adventure — when he makes a Detroit stop this month. Feb. 1. $29.50+. Majestic Theatre, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; majesticdetroit.com.
Dancing with the Stars Live
Join Emmy Award-winning entertainer Julianne Hough and a smattering of the beloved television show’s most talented dancers — including Brandon Armstrong, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, and Britt Stewart — for this dazzling night of high-energy fun. Expect to see reenactments of fan-favorite performances from the show’s 32nd season, along with all-new numbers and plenty of surprises. Feb. 1. $49.50+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Plymouth Ice Festival
Now in its 42nd year, the Plymouth Ice Festival features more than 70 stunning ice sculpture displays scattered throughout the city’s charming downtown district. Each piece starts out as a 350-pound block of ice before being shaped, sculpted, and perfected into a jaw-dropping work of art by a talented local sculptor. Displays will remain standing after the weekend concludes, weather permitting. Feb. 2-4. No cost. Downtown Plymouth; plymouthicefestival.com.
Tim Allen
The actor, comedian, and Birmingham Seaholm and Western Michigan University alum will make a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre for a night of stand-up this month. After rising to fame playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, Tim Allen starred in a number of popular family movies, including The Santa Clause and the Toy Story franchise. Allen’s comedy draws heavily from his own lived experiences as a dad, husband, and self-proclaimed everyman. Feb. 3. $70+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Angkor Complex
In the four-year period between 1975 and 1979, roughly a quarter of Cambodia’s population died of disease, wounds, and malnutrition under the brutal rule of the communist Khmer Rouge regime. This exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art will display more than 80 works that aim to illustrate the changes in the country’s visual culture in the face of inconceivable upheaval. Featured artists include Amy Lee Sanford, Sopheap Pich, Pete Pin, Maline Yim, and Ouk Chim Vichet. Feb. 3-July 28. No cost. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; umma.umich.edu.
Playboi Carti
The Georgia-based rapper first broke through in 2017 with his singles “Magnolia” and “Wokeup- likethis.” Known for eschewing typical lyrical structure in favor of flow and atmosphere, Carti’s sound is characterized by frenetic energy and high-pitched vocals with unclear pronunciations. In addition to collaborations with some of the biggest stars in hip- hop, including Solange and Tyler, the Creator, Carti has released two studio albums. Feb. 8. $49.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Ryan Hamilton
Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Five Comics to Watch” in 2012, this Idaho-born funnyman is known for a clean brand of observational comedy that skewers everything from dating to skydiving to his own physical appearance. He’s made hilarious appearances on a gamut of late-night shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show. Feb. 10. $24.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com.
A Little More Alive
Follow the story of two estranged brothers who reunite following their mother’s funeral at the Michigan premiere of this folk-pop musical by Nick Blaemire. When their collective memories are challenged by a stunning revelation, the brothers uncover a lifetime of secrets and ponder the gray area between right and wrong. Feb. 14-March 10. $37. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester; mbtheatre.com.
Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience
Witness the acclaimed late country star in a live show setting when this unique touring experience arrives at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. While video footage of Cash plays on a projector screen above the stage, live musicians and singers will accompany him in real time to showcase some of the singer’s most iconic performances. Fans will hear the legend’s biggest hits, including “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with some of his most memorable interviews and anecdotes. Feb. 16. $50+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
From Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell comes this musical spin on the beloved 1990 rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set to a toe-tapping original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and co-composer Jim Vallance, the production is sure to dazzle both new and old fans of the hit film. Feb. 20-25. $40+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
Irish American dancer Michael Flatley first brought traditional Celtic dance to the masses when he starred in the hit show Riverdance nearly 30 years ago. After parting ways with Riverdance producers in 1995, Flatley established his own show, Lord of the Dance, in 1996. Since then, the show has been witnessed by more than 60 million fans, making it one of the most successful touring endeavors in entertainment history. Expect new staging, fresh costumes, and cutting-edge technology at the latest incarnation of this classic production. Feb. 23. $59+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
On Your Feet
The heartwarming story of acclaimed Latin pop duo Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to life in this vibrant, Tony Award-nominated musical. Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, the production features classic Gloria Estefan hits like “Get on Your Feet” and “Conga,” along with a new original song written by Estefan and her daughter, Emily. Critics have roundly praised the show’s boisterous energy, feel-good message, and crowd-pleasing recipe. Feb. 23-24. $30+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Shen Yun
Experience 5,000 years of China’s rich cultural heritage through stunning dance, vibrant set pieces, and enchanting music when this acclaimed performing arts company brings its latest production to the Detroit Opera House. Witness ancient legends, majestic dynasties, and heroic battlefields as stories of courage and spirituality aim to inspire and uplift. Feb. 23-27. $90+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; shenyun.com.
Jon Batiste
Singer, songwriter, bandleader, television personality, and multi-instrumentalist Batiste became a household name when he appeared nightly as the bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 until 2022. The wickedly talented Juilliard grad boasts five Grammy Awards from 11 nominations, including a prestigious Album of the Year victory for his 2021 release, We Are. He’ll play selections from his latest LP, 2023’s World Music Radio, when he embarks on a North American tour this winter. Feb. 26. $53+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; livenation.com.
This story is from the February 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. Read more in our digital edition.
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