Wednesday • 13
State of Hip Hop and Politics
MUSIC
Hip-hop artists are becoming more and more vocal about politics; witness the success of Detroit’s second Hip Hop Summit. Now hip-hot artist the Blastmaster KRS-ONE will present a lecture on the state of hip hop and politics, on Wednesday, Oct. 13 (tonight), at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren, Detroit. Special guests include Black Bottom Collective lyricist (and Metro Times staff writer) Khary Kimani Turner and author Geoffrey Q. Devereaux. Tickets are $8 and doors are at 6:30 p.m., with the lecture running 7-9 p.m. For more info call 313-494-5941.
Wednesday-
Saturday • 13-16
WDET FALL FUNDRAISER SHOWCASE
MUSIC
For years now, Sue Static and the folks over at Detroit’s beloved DIY music venue, 313.JAC, have supported WDET for its fall fundraiser. This year, the downtown haunt will offer a four-night package of local musical acts and solo performers that reflects the various styles of music that are often heard on WDET’s freeform radio programs. This year’s highlights include singer-songwriter Billy West (Wednesday at 9 p.m.), groovy hippy rock from the Nerve (Thursday at midnight) and the experimental music of Frank Pahl on Saturday at 10 p.m. At Jacoby’s (624 Brush St., Detroit); call 313-962-7067 for more information. Suggested minimum donation for the showcases is $6.
Friday • 15
Tim Burke
ART
Sculptor Tim Burke has the only working artist studio on Heidelberg Street in Detroit. He works and lives in the center of what is now known as the Heidelberg Project, the awe-inspiring junk art installation-cum-social statement by artist Tyree Guyton. And when you see Burke’s works, you can well imagine how his crazy digs just might inspire the raw art ethos behind his many childlike creations. Attend the opening on Friday at the River’s Edge Gallery (3024 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte) from 7-11 p.m.; call 734-246-9880 for more information. Ends Nov. 19.
Friday • 15
Al Bostic
LITERATURE
Griot: A storyteller in western Africa who perpetuates the oral tradition and history of a village or family. Oakland Community College welcomes griot Al Bostic for Fabulous Fibs, Fables and Folklore — an Afrocentric storytelling program that includes everything from the stories of Anasi the Spider to B’rer Rabbit of the American slave South to Porquoi, several tales of the Afro-Haitian culture. Bostic offers African-American audiences an opportunity to learn about their heritage in a fun and unique way. At Oakland Community College (2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills); call 248-232-4320 for more information; 7:30 p.m. Bring the kids, admission is $15.
Friday • 15
New Pottery by Rick Pruckler
ART
It was a weekend-long ceramics class, taken by an 8-year-old Rick Pruckler, that put in motion the purpose of his life. After earning multiple degrees in ceramics, Pruckler worked for many years at Detroit’s historic Pewabic Pottery, working his way up from tile presser to senior glaze researcher. But it was his desire to experiment with new designs and glazes that led Pruckler to found his own biz, the Whistling Frog Tile Company. Check out his new line of work at the Biddle Gallery (2840 Biddle Ave.) in Wyandotte. Call 734-281-4779 or visit biddlegallery.com for more information.
Friday • 15
40X40
ART
In today’s Botox-overusing, youth-obsessed world, the idea of rejoicing in life after 40 may seem strange, but that joy is exactly what the artwork of the Gem Theatre’s 40X40 exhibit hopes to portray. Featuring self-portraits by 40 local female artists over the age of 40, the installation celebrates being “over the hill” and all of the changes that come with it. The display is presented in conjunction with Menopause the Musical and the Women for Women foundation — a group that provides emotional and financial support for women over the age of 40. At the Gem Theatre (333 Madison Ave., Detroit) through Feb. 15. The opening reception will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. with live entertainment and refreshments. For additional info visit menopausethemusical.com or call 313-963-9800.
Saturday • 16
Sweetest Day Dance
and Dinner
FUN FOR ALL
Did you ever find Sweetest Day just plain annoying? If so, the Sweetest Day Dance and Dinner fundraiser offers a fun way to celebrate this completely consumer-centered holiday. Geared for both couples and singles, the night will feature activities, contests, photos, a buffet and dancing. The event is hosted by the Learning Institute of Family Education, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen relationships between African-American men and women. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The dining and dancing will go down at Bradley Hall (13300 Oak Park Blvd.) in Oak Park from 6-10 p.m. For more info or to purchase advance tickets visit lifefam.org or dial 313-342-0006.
Saturday • 16
Marcel Khalifé
MUSIC
With his haunting melodies and lyrical Arabic poetry, Lebanese musician Marcel Khalifé is at the vanguard of the Arab musical world. Recognized for his groundbreaking achievements expanding the boundaries of traditional Arabic music, Khalifé has gained international renown. Driven by a desire for peace, as well as a love of music, he says that his work “comes together for the sake of humanity.” Khalifé and his Al Mayadine Ensemble will perform as the first concert in the University Musical Society’s Arab World Music Festival. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. at Hill Auditorium (825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor). Tickets are $10-$40, and can be purchased by calling 734-764-2538. Following the performance, there will be a post-party at Oz (210 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). Visit ums.org for further information.
Saturday-Sunday • 16-17
The Teenage Alcoholics CD/Comic Book Release Party
MUSIC/FUN FOR ALL
If you weren’t one of those kids who spent your high school years holed up in your parents’ basement — smoking grass and developing your very own arsenal of original fart jokes — then you were probably one of the folks who beat the aforementioned sect to a pulp. Either way, now that you are all grown-up, you can finally enjoy the fruits of a few goofy teenager’s juvenile musings. Enter the Teenage Alcoholics. Not only does this middle-aged band sing rehashed versions of humorous punk songs they wrote as teenagers, they have been immortalized as characters in the band’s self-published comic book of the same name. The comic book spotlights the antics of the band and their quest for bock beer. Celebrate the release of their double comic book/CD set at the New Way Bar (23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale) with C.I.A. opening. Call 248-541-9870 for more information.
Tuesday • 19
Neil Innes
MUSIC
If you were alive during the 1960s or 1970s, you no doubt came to know and love the sarcastic drollery of the comedy troupe Monty Python; but if Eric Idle, Michael Palin and John Cleese are the only faces you know, let us introduce you to the musical brains behind the hilarious troupe — Neil Innes. Not only was Innes a founding members of the campy Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, he was also in the Beatles-spoof “band” the Ruttles, where he penned most of their lampoony tunes. Enjoy the comedy and music of this unsung comedic hero at the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale); call 248-544-3030 for more information; $25 at the door. Innes puts it best: “Ladies and gentleman, I’ve suffered for my music … now it’s your turn.”
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