10 Things to Do This Weekend (January 5-7)

Kick off 2018 at these concerts, art exhibits, and performances
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Comedian Jay Stevens performs at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle January 4-6 // photograph courtesy of Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit: Containing references from the likes of Richard Pryor and Don Quixote, the Ben Hall: Slow An Alarm Until It’s A Tone exhibition features prints, posters, videos, and paintings that explore how sound influences and inspires thought. Through Jan. 7. Free with museum admission. 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-6622; mocadetroit.org

Orchestra Hall: Premiered by the New York Philharmonic, Ring Without Words is coming to Orchestra Hall. Conducted by James Gaffigan, the performance includes Wagner’s four operatic installments of “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” Jan. 6-7. $15+. 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Jay Stevens has been a professional comedian for over 15 years, performing at venues ranging from churches to comedy clubs and cruise ships. Jan. 4-6. $10+. 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Novi Bridal Expo: This two-day event is your one-stop shop for all things wedding. Get ideas for everything from invitations to flowers and tuxedos to entertainment while enjoying fashion shows, exhibitor booths, and prizes. Jan. 6-7. $10. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; 248-348-5600; novibridalexpo.com

Detroit Film Theatre: Alexandra Dean’s documentary Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story tells the story of a secret communication system during World War II. The breakthrough in technology set the scene for WiFi and GPS as we know it today. Jan. 6-7, 13. $9.50. 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org

Main Art Theatre: The Room, a 2003 film about love and betrayal, stars writer and director Tommy Wiseau. The film, known for its poor reviews among critics, poses the age-old question: “Can you really trust anyone?” Jan. 5-6. $7. 118 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-542-5198; landmarktheatres.com

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Hands-On Holidays is a 13-day celebration of imaginative learning. Visitors are invited to experience science experiments, watch performances, and create their own projects to take home. Through Jan. 7. Free with museum admission. 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor; 734-995-5439; aahom.org

Detroit Music Festival: More than a dozen local bands are expected to perform at this two-stage, indoor festival. Jan. 6. $15. St. Andrews Hall and The Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com

The Yellow Room Gang: Eight Michigan songwriters will perform as The Yellow Room Gang this month. The group includes “One Shining Moment” composer David Barret and southeastern Michigan folk musician Matt Watroba. Jan. 6. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1800; theark.org

Underground Hip Hop Awards: The fourth annual event, to be held this month, will celebrate Detroit’s hip hop artists. Previous winners include IceWear Vezoo and Neisha Neshae, who won the titles for 2017 Best Male Hip-Hop/Rap Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop/Rap Artist, respectively. Jan 7. $20+. St. Andrews Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; 313-961-8961; saintandrewsdetroit.com