Wednesday • 8
THTX
MUSIC
This likable, totally trippy prog-rock outfit likes to give audiences an earful. The group — 23-Hour Technicolor Xcorcism (or, for those who find themselves tongue-tied, THTX) — is another brainchild of much-admired local music wonk Matthew Smith. The ubiquitous frontman founded such celebrated local bands as the Volebeats and Outrageous Cherry, but really lets loose with THTX, with help from bandmates Ralph Valdez and Kerry Gluckman. At Detroit Art Space (101 E. Baltimore, Detroit;313-664-0445) with Larval, Cat Time and Indoor Park.
Friday • 10
Bulldog
MUSIC
It’s hard to say exactly why songwriter-musician Kenny Tudrick tugs at the heartstrings, but there’s something inherently beautiful about a man whose music comes from honest places. Born from the ashes of a time when the music drove the music biz and not the other way around, Tudrick’s band Bulldog dishes country-rock tunes reminiscent of the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Band, and delivers them with the kind of heartache and temper that only the honky-tonk masters could muster. Backed by a praiseworthy lineup of players — Eddie Harsch (the Black Crowes), Ben Force (Moods for Moderns) and Pete Ballard on pedal steel — this ensemble is always worth a long listen. At the Magic Stick (4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700) with the Sights and the Ambitious Brothers.
Friday • 10
Ortheia Barnes
MUSIC
Remember the old disco and soul hits “Never Gonna Make It Without Your Love” and “Every Little Bit”? How about “Waiting for Joey to Come Home”? If not, the two ladies behind those tunes, former partners Ortheia Barnes Kennerly and Millie Scott, will be sure to remind you when they perform together for the first time in more than 10 years this week. The Reunion, the Jazz ’n It Up benefit concert, also features Brian Alexander and will take place Dec. 10 at Renaissance Unity, 11200 E. 11 Mile Rd., in Warren. Proceeds will go the SpiritLove Ministries and Ravendale Community for the Blankets Full of Love for the Homeless project. Tickets are $40 — or $50 for those who wish to attend a special reception at 7 p.m.; 313-821-3612.
Friday-Sunday • 10-19
Anne of Green Gables
THEATER
Revisit a much-loved classic, Anne of Green Gables, at the Bonstelle Theatre in Detroit. This Joseph Robinette dramatization of the popular L.M. Montgomery story series takes the lovable Anne Shirley on an adventure through the town of Green Gables that will touch the hearts and lighten the moods of even the coldest fish. Bring the whole family. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., 3424 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-577-2960.
Saturday • 11
Stirling’s Two-Day Birthday Party
MUSIC/PARTY
He’s impossible to miss in a crowd. Not only is the super-tall, super-lanky promoter Stirling Silver a permanent fixture in the D-town music biz, he is one of the most loyal supporters of folks on their way up. Celebrating his birthday with a two-day bash, Stirling has invited All Night Push, Danny Dollrod and the Sights to perform on Saturday, Dec. 11. On Sunday, Dec. 12 there will be a repeat performance from the Sights and Dollrod along with the Hard Lessons and 19-year old songwriting lass Molly-Jean. At Jacoby’s, 624 Brush, Detroit; 313-962-7067. Free parking Sunday.
Saturday • 11
The Tough & Lovely
MUSIC
Having recently spent a few weeks on a road trip through the Northeast, we here at Night & Day know the importance of good driving music. Serendipitously, a copy of the Tough & Lovely’s latest release, Born of the Stars, made its way into our CD player and we can testify that the “repeat” button was hit more than once. From soul stomp to gee-rage, the T&L have a Detroit Cobras-like appeal and have even penned a song called “The Ooh La La” — an impressive ode to the long-lost tradition of dance songs. At the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3030) with the Dirtbombs and the Greenhornes.
Saturday • 11
Season’s Readings: One Million Books for One Million Children
COMMUNITY
The U.S. Department of Education reports that 61 percent of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for children; that’s why programs such as Season’s Reading: One Million Books for One Million Children are an essential part of the cure for illiteracy. If you’d like to help out, you can stop by the Barnes & Noble in Rochester Hills on Saturday, Dec. 11. Customers will be asked to add a children’s book to their purchase and the store will donate it to the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Head Start program. At 2800 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills; 248-853-9855.
Sunday • 12
Poetic Blockade
MUSIC/POETRY
It’s appropriate that the venue is a bit of a dive, because the boozy, after-hours vibe is just the inspiration local artists will need for this collaborative effort. In its 10th year, Poetic Blockade, an evening of spoken word and music, is the perfect opportunity for area musicians and spoken word poets to blend their skills in a groove-speak forum. Featured musicians include Jeff Jablonski — a Nick Drake-inspired guitar player — and Julie Marcos. Poets are asked to perform with the accompaniment of jamming musicians — the creative possibilities are endless. At Club F.T., 26061 Gratiot Ave., Roseville; 586-772-6750.
Sunday • 12
Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock
HOLIDAY
Kids these days aren’t as gullible as they used to be. Television, video games and the Internet have pretty much taken care of that. So if your kid is a mini-hipster — a bit too cool to visit old man Christmas in the mall — then why not bring him or her to the Hard Rock Cafe for Breakfast with Santa? Jolly St. Nick will join families at the rock ’n’ roll restaurant for a buffet-style breakfast and photo ops. At 45 Monroe St., Detroit; 313-964-7625 (reservations required).
Ongoing
Shahida Nurullah
MUSIC
More than three years ago, a Metro Times cover story told of singer Shahida Nurullah’s struggle to reclaim her life and career after a near-fatal hit-and-run accident. Her inspiring comeback has continued apace, including festival performances, regular club gigs and now The Ruby and the Pearl, a silk-smooth CD of American and Brazilian tunes, some classics, others as little known (yet deserving of our ears) as the title track from the Nat King Cole repertoire. As former Detroiter Geoffrey Jacques points out in the liner notes, Nurullah “knows how to go deep into the soul of these songs for effects you’ve forgotten were there.” Of late, she’s back at La Dolce Vita, site of a previous, extended engagement, with the eloquent Tad Weed at the piano. Every Wednesday at 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-865-0331.
Send comments to [email protected]
