N&D center

The Yarbles

MUSIC

It’s not just the Yarbles’ enthusiasm and moxy that makes these high school-age rock ’n’ rollers a point of interest. The fact that they have been so diligent in their pursuit of steady gigs and participation in the local music scene adds oodles to their cred. The sound is lo-fi space-rock with a tender jam edge and the ethos is rife with the stuff that reminds us why being a teenager was one of the best times in our life. See the cherub-faced rockers at Club Bart (22726 Woodward Ave., Ferndale) with the Nerve. Call 248-548-8746 for more information.

Ann Arborites (who have to contend with the closure of their downtown area for nearly a week each summer) have been known to say of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, "It’s not art and it’s not fair," but we have got to concede that they must be doing something right over there, as this year marks the 45th anniversary of the somewhat factious event. The massive outdoor gallery will feature over 1,200 artists and is projected to have over half a million visitors from all over America. In addition to all the artsy hoopla, festivalgoers will enjoy a variety of interactive activities, crafts and live music — there is something for the whole family. Some highlights include Potters Guild, a community clay co-op, boogie-woogie piano great Mr. B and Celtic fiddler Jeremy Kittle. In downtown Ann Arbor; call 800-888-9487 or visit www.annarbor.org for music schedules and visitor information.

If you have been fortunate enough to see his installation, Dawoud Bey: Detroit Portraits, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, you might find it interesting to hear Bey talk with moderator Mike Smith, senior editor of The New York Times, about his fine art photography, his residency project at Chadsey High School in Detroit and the art world in general. As part of Times Talks: The New York Times Speaker Series at the Detroit Institute of Arts, this event might be a rare opportunity to hear a discussion of the art world. At the DIA (5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit), call 313-833-7900 for more information; 7-8:30 p.m.

Woody Allen’s film about the quirky but beloved character, Annie Hall, and her socially-challenged other half, Alvy Singer was one of those movies that fairly defined New York City living in the 1970s. In fact, the trend-setting flick (how many women scoured their father’s closets in search of vintage ties and bowler hats after witnessing Diane Keaton’s boho style in this film?) won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actress (Keaton) and Best Director (Allen) in 1977. And this weekend, the historic Redford Theatre will be screening the modern-day classic. The Redford Theater is located at 17360 Lahser, Detroit; show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Organ overtures begin 30 minutes before the show. Call 313-383-0133 for more information.

As the old saying goes, history, when not remembered, is destined to repeat itself. And what better way to recall the days of yore than to re-enact them? Members of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company B, will bring the sights and sounds of the Civil War era to Historic Fort Wayne to portray Union garrison and civilian life at the brick and stone-walled fort. Activities will include military drills, infantry firing competitions, artillery demonstrations and special speeches from costumed actors portraying such wartime luminaries as Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. At Historic Fort Wayne, located at 6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. Activities begin at 9 a.m. Call 313-833-1805 for more information.

It’s a relatively small-scale event, but the cause is nothing short of big league. scleroderma, a life-threatening and often progressive autoimmune disease — in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues — is a devastating illness that has no cure. But for Jessica Gonzalez, a young woman who lost her grandmother to the disease two years ago, there is still hope. That is why she has organized Bowl For Glo, a one-day bowl-a-thon/ fundraising event in memory of her grandmother Gloria Juarez-Schebel. At the Skore Lanes (22255 Ecorse Road, Taylor); a donation of $20 will include three games and a chance to win prizes. Call 734-287-4862 for more information.

Two philosophies dominate a neighborhood event such as the Woodbridge Art & Music Festival: first, there is the benevolent desire to raise much-needed funds for the upkeep and preservation of the historical district’s public gardens, and second, there is an obligation to bring some positive attention to this well- known ’hood whose reputation has suffered a couple of bruises over the years. Festival goers can expect the indoor/outdoor fun of a silent auction which will offer the works of local artists Jerome Ferretti and Chris Turner (and many others) and music from the Muggs, Terror at the Opera, Eastern Winds, Braillehouse, Shirley Franklin and the Delta Drive and many more. Typical festival fare — burgers, sausage and beer — will be sold. At the Morrison Art Gallery & Ballroom (1419 W. Alexandrine, Detroit), call 313-928-2965. Begins at 11 a.m.

Take a drive down West Grand Boulevard and you’ll come across Hitsville, U.S.A., the famous recording studio that can tout the birth of the most important music to ever come out of Detroit: Motown. The building, which is now a historical museum has since become apotheosized by modern music lovers (as have many of the groups that made it famous). But amazingly, for one of Motown’s shiniest treasures — The Four Tops — there is no need to worship from afar. The group, who will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary this week, will be taping "From the Heart," a Four Tops 50th Anniversary Concert Special, at the Detroit Opera House. The current members of the Four Tops will be joined by Aretha Franklin, Mary Wilson, New Edition and many other famous R&B stars. At the Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway, Detroit); call 313-961-3500 for more information. Get your tickets now … this one is going to sell out fast!

Artist and Fulbright Fellow, Rathin KANJI has seen the world. The Calcutta, India, native has shown his work from London to Hong Kong. Now he will be bringing his sociopolitically inspired artwork to Ann Arbor for an installation that just might move both your heart and your mind. KANJI uses readymades, found objects, text, and digital and video images to examine the relationship of humans to their urban environments within a global Marker-driven culture. At the Warren Robbins Gallery (2000 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor). Call 734-764-3464 for more information. Runs through August 15.