Wednesday • 8
Ted Sirota’s Rebel Souls
MUSIC
Led by its ferocious drummer/leader, Rebel Souls is a hard-jamming jazz group that, musically speaking, has as much to do with Bob Marley and Fela Ransome Kuti as with, say, Charles Mingus; it’s also a group that embraces the political edge of all three. An example of Chicago’s progressive scene at its best, the quintet shares its trombonist (Jeb Bishop) with the Vandermark 5, and its guitarist (Jeff Parker) with Tortoise and Chicago Underground. With special guests the Sublingual Sextet at the Firefly Club (207 S. Ashley, Ann Arbor); call 734-665-9090 or check out fireflyclub.com.
Thursday • 9
Mermaid Art Opening
ART
Who better to understand the whimsy of the mermaid than a woman who has an intimate relationship with the mystical nymph? Artist Gwen Joy is a girl with a mission — not only does this coquettish creature make ends meet as a children’s entertainer (she can be hired as a mermaid or a princess), she has the kind of innocent style and humor that people of all ages can love. Her latest art installation, consisting entirely of artwork inspired by the lore of the mermaid, will be opening at (where else?) a seafood restaurant! Enjoy sea chantey music, a visit from some pretend pirates and artwork by Gwen Joy at Lily’s Seafood (410 S. Washington, Royal Oak) from 6 to 10 p.m. Call 248-591-LILY for further lowdown.
Wednesday-Friday • 8-10
The Mother’s Anger
MUSIC
Just a few months back, the members of the Israeli rock ’n’ roll duo the Mother’s Anger sold everything they owned — cars, houses, everything — and jumped on an airplane to New York City. The jammers, Ilan Shtarkman (aka Jimi Nostalgia) and Dudee Rapaport (aka Stitch), decided to leave the comfort of their home country where they had already achieved major label success due to a lifelong desire to move to the country where rock ’n’ roll was born. “When I was about 14 years old I remember hearing Dark Side of the Moon for the first time,” says singer Jimi (who, while in Israel, used to sing in Hebrew). “We are really happy to be here … Israel is a very crazy, crazy place.” No doubt the boys have been influenced by the American sound — their producer is none other than the MC5’s own Mike Davis, and their sound harks back to everything from the Walkman to Zeppelin. Dig it! You have three chances to catch these guys this week: Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Lager House (1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; call 313-961-4668); Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Elbow Room (6 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti; call 734-483-6374); and Friday, Sept. 10, at the Belmont (10215 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck; call 313-871-1966).
Friday-Thursday • 10-16
THX 1138
FILM
One of the most underrated and rarely seen movies in filmmaker George Lucas’ catalog is a fascinating sci-fi feature called THX 1138. Born as a film-school project in 1968, this short would eventually catch the attention of Francis Ford Coppola, whose production company, American Zoetrope, made it into a full-length feature film in 1971. Starring a then-unknown Robert Duvall, this engrossing “humanity versus technology” tale is a must-see for any Lucas fan. At the State Theatre (233 S. State, Ann Arbor); call 734-761-8667 for more information; visit michtheater.org for show times.
Friday-Saturday • 10-11
Looking Both Ways: Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora
ISSUES & LEARNING
According to Holland Cotter of the New York Times, this traveling exhibit “offers questions about what is Africanness and what is diaspora?” Featuring the work of 12 artists from across the African continent now living in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States, this exhibit was inspired by the increasing globalization of the African diaspora. There will be a special member’s opening on Friday, Sept. 10, with a curator’s talks from Laurie Ann Farrell of New York’s Museum of African Art and on Sept. 11 and 12, the Cranbrook Art Museum will offer two days of film, music and tours that focus on the plight of the modern-day African. At the Cranbrook Art Museum (39221 N. Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills); call 877-462-7262 for more information. Exhibit runs through Nov. 28.
Friday-Sunday • 10-12
Art & Apples Festival
FESTIVAL
Here’s another sign that the season is coming to a close. Sponsored by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, the 39th Annual Art & Apples Festival is a late-summer tradition and, this year, offers a diverse selection of artwork from more than 300 artists, live music from the Sheila Landis Trio, and an expansive food court (which includes a design-your-own-pancake booth at the Apple Café, a gourmet pancake breakfast bar). At Rochester Municipal Park (west of Rochester Road, north of University) in Rochester. Call the festival hotline at 248-651-4100 with questions. Perfect for the whole family.
Saturday • 11
Dally in the Alley
FUN FOR ALL
Each year, happy throngs of rock ’n’ rollers, hippies, politicos and Cass Corridor locals make their way to the grand tradition that is the Dally in the Alley. They scour the streets in search of music, food and vendors and damnit if they don’t always find what they are looking for! Come to this year’s festivities and enjoy a performance from a Dally favorite: the nearly-nekkid Demolition Doll Rods, newbie faves the Hard Lessons, the Muggs, electronic excellence from Ghostly International’s own Ryan Elliot and many, many (did we say many?) more! Visit dallyinthealley.com for complete details. Dally in the Alley takes place on Forest and Hancock streets in between Second and Third streets in the Cass Corridor.
Sunday • 12
Sally Ride Science Festival
FUN FOR ALL
When astronaut Sally Ride first orbited Earth in 1983, it sent an important message to little girls: not only did young women in America realize that they too could be an important part of the male-dominated space program, they were also encouraged to pursue their dreams, no matter how lofty. Since leaving the astronaut corps in 1987, Ride has dedicated herself to extolling the virtues of science and math to young girls in America. This week, with the Sally Ride Science Festival, she will continue to spread the gospel. This year’s festivities will include a speech from Ride herself and something called TOYChallenge 2005 — a fun-fueled toy- and game-design competition created to motivate middle school-age students, especially girls, to use their science, engineering and design skills. At the Pierpont Commons (2101 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor), call 800-561-5161 for info.
Monday • 13
Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
LINE UP TO SIGN UP
Got a little drama queen at home? Maybe the kiddy just has a knack for acting. Either way, why not take the little one in for an audition for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat? The production — which will star pop singer Jon Secada and is slated to hit the stage in early October — is looking for kids ages 8-15 who can sing and dance. Candidates must be less than 5-feet-5-inches tall and will need to bring two headshots and résumés. Musical accompaniment will be provided. At the Fountain Ballroom of the Masonic Temple (500 Temple Ave., Detroit) — registration begins at 3 p.m. Call 313-872-1000 for more information. Break a leg!
