June 19-25, 2002

19 WED • MUSIC — Soviet. It’s starting to seem like the parade of New-, no- and post-wave electropop "collectives" might never stop. This week’s notable knob-twiddlers are Soviet, a quintet of keytar-loving ElectroClashers (cq all) that has become something of the toast of the town in its Brooklyn home. See the band at the Buddah Lounge, 21633 W. Eight Mile Road, Detroit; call 313-535-4664 for details.

20 THU • FUN FOR ALL — Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. Quidam (pronounced key-dam) is Cirque du Soleil’s most recent magical mystery tour, a production of acrobatic artistry and extravagant design that has left audiences breathless around the world. The delightful surrealism of Quidam will enchant fans of all ages during its three-week stay in metro Detroit; read more on page 26. In the parking lot at the Palace (2 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; call 800-678-5440 for information).

20 THU • MUSIC — Ray Brown. The huge, warm sound of Ray Brown’s masterful bass playing is one of the most distinctive sounds in the last half-century of jazz. When he comes through town with Larry Fuller on piano and Kareem Riggins on drums for a three-night stand (June 20–22) at the Bird of Paradise (312 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; call 734-662-8310) it’s a must for jazzheads.

21 FRI • FUN FOR ALL — Jazz Friday at the DIA. If seeing Ray Brown doesn’t quell your appetite for bass-heavy bop, turn to the small group led by Bob Hurst as a part of the Detroit Institute of Arts inspired Jazz Friday series (recurring the third Friday of every month). The four-time Grammy-winner will be supported by local favorites Marcus Belgrave (trumpet) and Donald Walden (tenor sax). The show is free with admission to the DIA (5200 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-833-7900).

22 SAT • MUSIC — Eleni Mandell. Let the adjectives roll! Touted as a young, female, Small Change-era Tom Waits, Eleni Mandell is any armchair music critic’s wet dream. With her latest, Snakebite, the West Coast singer/songwriter has established herself in a super-kitsch dreamland — bouncing through blue-hair influences that are gloriously sprinkled with touches of ’50s tiki-torch C&W, classic Las Vegas lounge and a kind of post-feminist, cowgirl-on-methadone, AM-radio sexuality that is beyond compare … or something like that. She will perform at the Lager House 1254 Michigan Ave. Detroit; call 313-961-4668 for information.

22 SAT • MUSIC — The Makers. It’s easy to succumb to this spirited bunch with good scarves, killer shags and better record collections; the Makers also happen to be one the best live rock ’n’ roll bands you’re likely to see this summer. Let the endorsements from both Joey Ramone and Billy Childish speak volumes. With support from local darlings the Von Bondies, the show promises more than an earful of rock fury. At the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-833-9700 for information.