Summer Guide 2012
Summer Highlights
The top picks of events this summer
Justin Rose
Published: June 13, 2012
The Corktown Cinema may not be up and running yet, but that hasn't stopped the former Burton Theatre from planning some cinematic summertime fun. The art house theater is bringing back the old Cinema Barbecue series that presents double features in the great outdoors served up with some lip-smacking eats. Movies will be shown every other Saturday and will feature food from Green Dot Stables, Porktown Sausage and Supino Pizzeria. The series begins with They Live and Parents; other films shown throughout the summer include True Romance, Heathers and The Muppet Movie. The grill starts at 9:30 p.m., flicks roll at dusk at Corktown Cinema, 2051 Rosa Parks, Detroit; 313-473-9238; corktowncinema.com.
Funkapalooza
June 24
The funniest man in funk — or is he the funkiest of funnymen? — ought to feel good about playing the D. After all, after helping out James Brown with hits like "Sex Machine," it was here that Bootsy hooked up with George Clinton and the P-Funk collective, putting his fat0 bass bottom in the mix and later spinning off with his own Rubber Band and solo career (hits like "Bootzilla" and "I'd Rather Be With You"). Collins shares the bill with Cameo. About the latter, only this needs to be said: "Word Up!" At Chene Park, 2600 Atwater, Detroit; 313-393-7128; cheneparkdetroit.com.
Stars & Stripes Fest
Jun 29-July 1
This annual fest features a number of free ways to celebrate America's independence, including BMX demos, carnival rides, kids' activities, Friday night fireworks and four stages rocking with local and national acts all weekend long. Headlining bigwigs include Buckcherry, Eddie Money, Tesla and Skid Row; Critical Bill, Amy Gore & her Valentines, Dirty Americans, Bear Lake, the Muggs, Decibilt and others representin' the Motor City. Stars & Stripes happens in downtown Mount Clemens; starsandstripesfest.com for info
Thunderdrome
June 30
The Thunderdrome brings new, bruising life to the formerly abandoned Dorais Park Velodrome a few times a year. Riders of mopeds, pit bikes, scooters, mini-bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and just about any other two-wheeled contraption put their bones on the line to come out supreme in this rough and ragged racing series. For race spectators, beer, wine and nonalcoholic libations will be available for sale, as well as grub courtesy of area food trucks. After the guts and glory, stick around for an after party featuring bands, booze and other gnarly surprises. Races take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at Dorais Park, Mound Rd. and Outer Dr., Detroit; see thunderdrome.com.
July
All We Are Saying: Bill Frisell Explores the Music of John Lennon featuring Tony Scherr, Greg Leisz and Kenny Wollesen
July 3
Seattle-based guitarist Bill Frisell is one of those string-slingers who can do just about anything, soundtracks for Buster Keaton flicks, Dylan covers, Aretha covers, hyperbaric skronk fests, etc. Following the album of 16 Lennon covers (Beatles-to-solo stuff) released earlier this year, Frisell is touring with bassist Scherr, drummer Wollesen and steel guitarist Leisz. The Montreal Gazette called the disc "stunningly original and sensitive." From what we know of Frisell, we'd expect his group to seriously stretch out live. At the Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-763-8587, theark.org.
Tenacious D
July 6
Gorilla suits, dancing aliens and massive birds are just a few of the oddities you might feast your eyes on at a Tenacious D concert. The comedic duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass has been pulling a fiercely loyal fan base for more than a decade now, and their goal is simple: to rock harder than any other band in the world, and to make you laugh in the process. They're currently on tour in support of their latest disc, Rize of the Fenix — the creative storytelling and ass-kicking rock makes for a stellar listening experience, but Tenacious D is truly an act designed to be experienced live. With the Sights at 7 p.m. at the Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; tickets start at $25.
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