Friday • 3
Master Hypnotist Kevin Lepine
Comedy
Certified hypnotherapist Kevin Lepine has helped people quit smoking, lose weight and break a variety of bad habits, but it’s what he does as an entertainer that makes his unique mind-manipulatin’ skills a thing of popular appeal. Lepine delivers a hilarious evening of uncensored comedy by using audience members as the stars: Under his control, skeptical attendees will do all kinds of amazing and hilarious things. At the Improv Inferno, 309 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-214-7080.
Friday • 3
Human Eye
MUSIC
The onus on punk rock bands these days stems from a serious doubt that the music will ever be done justice again. What separates front man Tim Lampinen and band from the pack is their musical intuition and an appreciation for individuality that puts the damper on artifice. Human Eye, a punk-infused, quasi-new-wave, art-rock outfit came out of the gates in top form and will no doubt soon be recognized as an important part of this town’s music scene. At Small’s (10339 Conant Ave., Hamtramck; 313-873-1117) with the Von Bondies and Terror at the Opera.
Friday-Sunday • 3-5
29th Annual Potters Market
ART
One of the most beautiful things about pottery art is its accessibility. Both affordable and alluring, a piece of pottery can make for a one-of-a-kind gift or an interesting conversation piece. Luckily for us (and just in time for the holiday shopping season), the 29th Annual Potters Market is said to be the largest pottery sale of its kind in the country. This event will feature more than 40,000 items from 137 different potters. Works range from vases, platters, tiles and mugs to sculptures and tile-topped tables. At the UF&CW Union Hall, 876 Horace Brown Dr., Madison Heights; 248-246-2686. Life’s short, buy art.
Saturday • 4
Noel Night
HOLIDAY
From African-style griot storytelling to Scandinavian-style singing, from the dances of the old French-era Detroit to the film Santa vs. the Snowman, the 32nd annual Noel Night in Detroit’s Cultural Center has more than 100 free performances to watch or join. It’s the ultimate holiday sing-along plus an open house for institutions large and small from the Max and the Detroit Institute of Arts to the International Center and the Detroit Artists Market. Officially, the celebration lasts from 5-9:30 p.m., although most venues have special programming earlier. For more information, including parking and shuttle buses, check detroitmidtown.com/noelnight.htm.
Saturday • 4
Tiki Christmas at Chin’s
HOLIDAY
If a Samoan Santa is more your style than a jolly old elf, and a mai tai sounds a bit more appetizing than a cup of gooey eggnog, then Tiki Christmas at Chin’s might be the holiday party alternative for you. Exotic music will be provided by DJ Del Villarreal, and vendors such as Speedcult and the Cat’s Meow will sell a variety of Tiki paraphernalia. Artwork from Jeff Shea, Mattfink and others will be for sale as well. Dinner and tropical cocktails available. At Chin’s, 28205 Plymouth Rd., Livonia; 734-421-1627.
Saturday • 4
Complexions
DANCE
Dancer-author Twyla Tharp once said, “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home,” and modern dance is one of the most expressive examples of this notion. This week, the groundbreaking artists of Complexions bring their own brand of contemporary dance to Detroit. Under the artistic direction of Dwight Rhoden and featuring Desmond Richardson — one of the most lauded danseurs — Complexions uses a venturesome combo of pop music and athletic motion. Hosted by the beefcakey Patrick Swayze (an advisory board member of the company), this night of gamboling will take place at Music Hall, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-7622.
SATURDAY • 4
SABIR MATEEN’S SHAPES, SOUNDS AND TEXTURES ENSEMBLE
MUSIC
He’s an eloquently roaring saxophone player who’s played enough in the subways of New York to qualify as an underground jazz phenomenon in more ways than one. With a range from unbridled fury to chamber-music vulnerability, he’s best known for his work with the group TEST, and records on Eremite and AUM Fidelity. His band includes the masterful trombonist Steve Swell and former Cecil Taylor trumpeter Raphe Malik. Detroit’s Rattling Wall Collective opens with improvised electronica. At Detroit Art Space Gallery, 101 E. Baltimore, Detroit; 313-664-0445.
Sunday • 5
Palmer Woods Holiday Home Tour
COMMUNITY
Now here’s an event for true appreciators of architecture, design and historic preservation: Palmer Woods — one of Detroit’s most beautiful neighborhoods — will present its Annual Holiday Home Tour. This year, there will be an emphasis on the Tudors, including one designed by local architect Wallace Frost. Tickets and maps for the self-guided tour can be purchased in advance for $12 at Pronto in Royal Oak (608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; 248-544-7900) and other locations. Call 313-618-7300 for further tour information.
Tuesday • 7
Mos Def
MUSIC/POETRY
Like his hip-hop mentor and friend Russell Simmons, rapper Mos Def is a man of many talents. His credits as a rap musician include the hit album Black on Both Sides. As an actor, his performances in films such as Monster’s Ball and HBO’s Something the Lord Made have been lauded as breakthrough. He also starred in the Tony-nominated play Topdog/Underdog and hosts the acclaimed HBO series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry. Mos Def will perform at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Ongoing
Forbidden Christmas
THEATER/HOLIDAY
Forbidden Christmas at the Gem Theatre is overflowing with the stuff that evokes involuntary surges of warm fuzziness at this time of the year. The full-on revue — replete with music and dancing numbers — includes a variety of holiday parodies and lampoons of pop culture icons, Broadway, celebrities and much more. At 333 Madison Ave., Detroit; 313-963-9800.
Ongoing
Henry Payne Cartoon Exhibit
ART
Politically charged cartoon art doesn’t have the chutzpah of the days when the newspaper was the main source of news, but thanks to brainy doodlers like Henry Payne, the sardonic medium is alive and well. The Detroit News editorial cartoonist composes five cartoons a week and also writes and draws a column, Payne & Ink, which appears on Monday op-ed page. Many of Payne’s works are on exhibit at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-0866. The exhibit opens Dec. 1 with an artist’s reception on Friday, Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m.
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