Dec. 4-11, 2002

5 THU • LECTURE Robert Atkins — As initiator of 911: the September 11 Project, founder of Visual AIDS, columnist for the Village Voice, and author of Artspeak: A Guide to Contemporary Ideas, Robert Atkins had donned many hats. Lecturing across the globe on hot topics such as homosexuality, AIDS and the cyber-arts, his notable expertise and original brand of thinking have become a sought after commodity, and the University of Michigan is proud to welcome him as part of their Distinguished Visitors Series. On Thursday Dec. 5 at the U-M Art + Architecture Auditorium, Ann Arbor. Call 734-936-2082 for further information. Lecture at 5 p.m., admission is free.

6 FRI • ART Third Annual Holiday Show by epiphany — Local glass artists April Wagner and Jason Ruff, collaboratively known as epiphany, will be hosting their third annual holiday show at their new 4,000-square-foot studio and gallery in Pontiac. The event will include glass-blowing demonstrations, hors d’oeuvres, libations and a friendly and educational atmosphere. Open to the public only twice annually, the epiphany studio encourages enthusiasts and novices to join them in their molten know-how and to experience the beauty of glass-blowing artisanship. Featured for sale this year will be the "Serocco Nest" pieces, which recently won both the Peoples Choice award at the "Our Town" exhibit, sponsored by the Community House in Birmingham and the Best in Show by Ferdinand Hampson of Habatat (cq) Galleries. The studio is at 770 Orchard Lake Road, just east of Telegraph, Pontiac. Call April Wagner for further information at 877-560-4021.

6-7 FRI–SAT • MUSIC Mulgrew Miller Trio — Take the fact that Miller went seven years without a record as a leader as a reflection on the record industry, not on this piano giant who’s played with notables from Betty Carter to Tony Williams. His comeback with his sextet Wingspan, The Sequel (MaxJazz), is everything one wants from a mainstream modernist, including a giddy sense of serious play during solos and an irrepressible swing throughout. He’s performing with just a rhythm section this weekend — bassist Derrick Hodge, definitely a young player to follow, and former Detroit drummer Karriem Riggins who snaps, crackles and pops like a young Roy Haynes. At the Harlequin Café, 8047 Agnes, Detroit; call 313-331-0922.

 

7 SAT • HOLIDAY Noel Night — Midtown Detroit’s University Cultural Center is in the holiday spirit. Offering a communal celebration of Detroit’s diverse holiday traditions, this sundry of events will include horse-drawn carriage rides, sing-a-longs and the IMAX holiday film, Santa vs. The Snowman. A Detroit tradition for 30 years, Noel Night is the perfect way to jumpstart the entire family into the holiday spirit. From pictures with Santa Claus to "A Clear Winter’s Night" Planetary Show, this is the perfect way to celebrate the burgeoning revitalization of the Motor City. These fantastic holiday activities take place in and around Detroit’s Cultural Center (primarily along Ferry and Warren, between Cass Ave and John R.) Call 313-577-5088 for information or visit the website at www.detroitmidtown.com.

 

8 SUN • MUSIC/ISSUES & LEARNING Give Peace a Dance — This modern peace movement’s motto is: "World Peace Through Inner Peace." Taking place on the 22nd anniversary of John Lennon’s passing, this musical event will be an evening of worldbeat expertise. Boasting legendary percussionist Muruga Booker (who has played with such greats as Dave Brubeck, Weather Report and Jerry Garcia) and his Global Village Ceremonial Band, the focus of the event will be to enlighten and encourage love through inner serenity and the joy of dance. Keep the enduring faith in universal harmony alive. At the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-833-9700 for further details.

11 WED • THEATER The Wizard of Oz — L. Frank Baum’s timeless allegory about the famous Dorothy’s adventures never ceases to delight audiences. Local playwright Jeff Duncan has created a very special production of this play for the Wild Swan Theater, and his beautiful rendition of friendship, family and fantasy is sure to delight young and old on their imaginary trip down the yellow brick road. Let the entire family enjoy the good times. But if history has taught us anything … beware of flying primates. At Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor; call 734-995-0530 for tickets.