7 FRI • ART Charles Alexander: "Spokes From a Cosmic Wheel" — "I start with a geometric shape, a humorous or serious doodle, a fluid symbol fished from my subconscious … and I proceed from there." Unusual and expressive, the multimedia works of Charles Alexander hail straight from the imagination. Colorful brush strokes, seemingly bizarre diagrams of thoughts — these pieces are a glimpse into another dimension. Alexander is a Spirit of Detroit awardee, as he has raised more than $60,000 for human rights, AIDS and lesbian/ gay causes and organizations. At the Scarab Club (217 Farnsworth, Detroit). Call 313-831-1250 for further details. Artist Reception 7-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through March 31.
7 FRI • MUSIC The Reunion Show — Showcasing some of the most thoughtful pop music to come out in a long while, Victory Records’ the Reunion Show expresses a musical maturity that is lacking in much of today’s burnt-match young rock acts. Clearly influenced by the likes of Elvis Costello, the Foo Fighters and the Pixies, songs such as "On a Scale From One to Awesome (You’re Pretty Great)" and "Alligator Love Trap" point to a promising future. This all-ages show is at the Shelter (431 E. Congress, Detroit), with Voodoo Glow Skulls. Call 313-961-MELT for more information.
7-8 FRI-SAT • MUSIC Craig Taborn Quartet — Word of Craig Taborn’s homecoming gig reminded us of a certain Detroit bandleader who once made hiring Taborn sound like dating the hot, new girl in the high school: "So-and-so asked me for his number, but I said, no way, man, he’s my piano player!" It’s little surprise that Taborn has gone on to great things: working with the most successful jazz band from Detroit in decades (the mid-’90s James Carter Quartet) and from there to work with Tim Berne, Roscoe Mitchell, Susie Ibarra, Carl Craig’s Innerzone Orchestra and pianist-producer Matthew Shipp. On board this weekend are Spencer Barefield, guitar; Djallo Djakate Keita, drums; and Rodney Whitaker, bass. At the Harlequin Café, 8047 Van Dyke, in Detroit’s Indian Village. Call 313-331-0922.
8 SAT • MUSIC "Little Ghetto Boy: A Song and Dance Tribute to Donny Hathaway" — Singer, songwriter and arranger Don Hathaway is an icon of soul. His soulful duets with Roberta Flack alone should guarantee continuing praise of the kind he’s getting this week. In honor of his far-too-brief life and career, a talented lineup of singers (including Thornetta Davis, Armond Johnson, Renee King Jackson and many more) are paying tribute in song and dance. At the Millennium Center (15600 J.L. Hudson Drive, Southfield.) Call 248-557-4338 for further information.
11 TUE • MUSIC Steve Jarosz — Having traveled the world in search of the musical holy grail, Steve Jarosz has made his way back to the Motor City. Former leader of Blue Voodoo and guitarist for the Twistin’ Tarantulas, Jarosz’s evolution into a jazz guitarist is nothing short of brilliant. From standards to blues to sampled loop improv, the showmanship and contagious energy from his performances makes for a high-fevered evening. At Gizzmo’s (3225 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte). Call 734-284-3459. Ongoing.
