10 WED • THEATER Nutcracker’s Nuts — In 2001, Broadway Onstage brought down the house with this hilarious holiday-themed comedy; it has since become a tradition. Penned by local author Dennis Wickline, the play weaves the tale of the residents of a retirement community in northwestern Michigan who decide to stage The Nutcracker for their annual Christmas pageant — without knowing it’s a ballet. A slew of wacky high jinks ensue. At Broadway Onstage (21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe). Tickets are $15. Call 586-771-633 for ticket information, or visit www.broadwayonstage.com. Runs through Dec. 27.
12 FRI • FUN FOR ALL Stirling’s Birthday Bash — He partied with Iggy. He boozed with Rod Stewart. He once drove Lou Reed to a methadone clinic. Stirling is an institution of Detroit cool, having run successful bar nights and clubs, promoted shows, and managed local talent. This is, after all, the guy who gave Derrick May his first gig. A lanky, gentle giant, Stirling is one of those precious few who is universally embraced and loved in the Detroit music scene. Entertainment provided by DJ Danny Dollrod and Dave Shettler, and the birthday boy himself will sing a couple of T. Rex ditties with the gals of Terror at the Opera. Celebrate at Jacoby’s (Stirling runs the upstairs bar) at 624 Brush St., Detroit. Call 313-962-7067 for more information.
12-14 FRI-SUN • ISSUES &
LEARNING Actor Boot Camp — Have you ever wanted to try your hand at acting? What better place to learn than at the Purple Rose, the theater founded by Chelsea’s contribution to Hollywood, Jeff Daniels. The intensive, three-day workshop teaches the acting technique employed by the Purple Rose Theatre Company. Past participants have described the workshop as “life-changing” and “cathartic” — this is before they went on to Adjective Boot Camp.
The classes are conducted at the Purple Rose Theatre Company rehearsal space
in Chelsea. To sign up, call
734-433-7782 or visit
www.purplerosetheatre.org.
13 SAT • MUSIC Urban Folk Collective-Blair CD Release — A double bill of cutting-edge folk music and politically aware poetry and commentary — check out the release of their latest opus, Jet Black/White Noise. With special guests Tone and Niche, and others. This is a benefit for a local charity, so attendees are encouraged to bring toys, clothes and canned goods for donations. At Xhedos Café (240 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). All ages show, cover is $5. Call 248-399-3946 for more information.
13 SAT • COMMUNITY Holiday Bike Sale — Yeah, yeah, it’s the Motor City, but why not give the environment a break and get some exercise for yourself, by biking instead of driving. What, you don’t have a bike? Then come on down to the Holiday Bike Sale! All proceeds benefit Back Alley Bikes, a community bike shop and resource for the Cass Corridor community (where many residents are avid bicyclists). The sale takes place 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in front of the heavenly yummy Avalon International Breads bakery (422 W. Willis, Detroit). Call Detroit Summer at 313-832-2904 for info.
14 SUN • MUSIC Rockabilly Christmas Ball featuring Johnny Powers and Jack Earls — Two of rockabilly’s greatest living legends, Jack Earls and Johnny Powers, consistently prove that they still got it — and then some. Ann Arbor’s stellar Starlight Drifters and Detroit’s Hi-Q’s provide backing. Proceeds from this rockin’ good time will go to Toys for Tots. At the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward, Ferndale). Doors at 7 p.m., tickets are $12. Call 248-544-3030 for more information.
