10 Things to Do This Weekend (Sept. 20-22)

The Zoo Brew, a concert by saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a Motown celebration featuring Big Sean, and more
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Branford Marsalis
Branford Marsalis // Photograph courtesy of Eric Ryan Anderson

Fringe Festival

Now in its sixth year, this grassroots festival presents theatrical and multimedia performances in a variety of genres. They include an environmentally conscious fairytale, a musical performance featuring homemade instruments, an installation focusing on Aztec traditions, and more. Sept. 19-22. Carrie Morris Arts Production, 2221 Carpenter Ave., Detroit; detroitfringefest.com


Norm Macdonald

Macdonald – the Canadian comedian whom Chevy Chase described as the best anchor to ever grace the SNL Weekend Update chair — promises to never recycle a bit or a guest, making his stand-up routine one you won’t want to miss. Sept. 20. $35. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Admissions

Featuring actors from Ann Arbor’s professional theater company Theatre Nova, Joshua Harmon’s Admissions follows a successful white couple, whose outwardly progressive, pro-diversity views clash with their aspirations for their son when his dreams of attending an Ivy League college are crushed. The poignant comedy addresses the issues of race, power, and privileges. Sept. 20. $22. Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor; 734-635-8450; theatrenova.org

Zoo Brew

This annual fall favorite event offers attendees a chance to visit all the animals at the Detroit Zoo, while enjoying local beer. More than 130 different brews will be available from various Michigan craft breweries. The event will also feature live music. Sept. 20. $30+. Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, 248-541-5717; detroitzoo.org


Funky Ferndale Art Fair

With more than 120 painters, sculptors, metalworkers, and other artists and vendors, the Funky Ferndale Art Fair offers something for everyone. Sept. 20-22. No cost. Downtown Ferndale, 200 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; funkyferndaleartfair.com

Detroit China Festival

For its second year, the festival celebrates Chinese culture with authentic music food, and more. The entertainment roster features dance performances, live painting, and three hours of music from both local and global performers, including Chinese rap battle event Iron Mic. Sept. 21. $5+. Hart Plaza, Detroit; 734-205-7739; detroitchinatownllc.com

Meleko Mokgosi, Pan-African Pulp

Mokgosi will speak on these themes related to his new University of Michigan Museum of Art commission, including the history of Pan-Africanism and the complexity of blackness. Sept. 21. No cost with museum admission. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395; umma.umich.ed

Branford Marsalis

World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis and his quartet will perform their jazz tunes at Orchestra Hall. Sept. 21. $100+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org


Film Screening: Maliglutit (Searchers)

Inspired by the classic 1956 Western film, The Searchers, this Canadian film — which includes a score by award-winning Inuit singer Tanya Tagaq — follows a man who selflessly crosses the Arctic tundra to save his wife and young daughter. Sept. 22. No cost with museum admission. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764- 0395; umma.umich.edu

Hitsville Honors

Celebrating Motown founder Berry Gordy and 60 years of Motown Sound, the evening will feature performances by The Temptations, Four Tops, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas,  Mary Wilson, Ne-yo, KEM, and Big Sean. Sept. 22. $50+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org


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