Wednesday • 29
Ted Nugent
MUSIC
The only thing about Ted Nugent more alpha-male than his proclivity for the hunt is his ability to wield a six-string like both a phallus and a weapon. Lovers of the Motor City Madman should unite at the Palace of Auburn Hills this week for Tarzan-caliber high-powered rock ’n’ roll that folks either love to hate or hate to love. Eeeeeeyoooowwww! At the Palace, 3 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
Wednesday • 29
Cathy Davis and the Soulsearchers’ Holiday Hootenanny
MUSIC
It seems that every coffee shop, old-man bar and greasy music venue in town hosts a weekly jam session these days, but the New Way Bar in Ferndale has maintained a level of credibility when it comes to weekly musicians’ get-togethers. This week, resident blues-hounds Cathy Davis and the Soulsearchers will host a very special holiday hootenanny for singers and pickers of all varieties: All proceeds will go to the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project and Ferndale Youth Assistance Programs. At 23130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-541-9870.
Wednesday-Thursday • 29-30
40th Annual Great Lakes Invitational
SPORTS
It’s time to gas up the Zamboni, because hockey is back at the Joe! All you hockey fans who’ve been hurting for some stick-and-puck action due to the NHL lockout can treat yourselves to what might be your only chance to catch high-stakes hockey in the D this winter. For the 40th year in a row, the Great Lakes Invitational comes to the Motor City: On Dec. 29, the University of Michigan (13-4-1 overall) will take on Michigan Tech (1-14-1 overall) at 4:30 p.m., and MSU will face New Hampshire (11-3-2 overall) at 8 p.m. On Dec. 30, the third-place game is set for 4:30 p.m., followed by the championship game at 8 p.m. At Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Center Dr., Detroit; 313-983-6606.
Thursday • 30
The Denizens
MUSIC
After a spur-of-the-moment reunion at the Bohemian House in Corktown last winter, the Denizens rekindled a few flames in the garage scene. Fast-forward one year: The old-school rockers celebrate the release of their 7” Danger in Disneyland on Young Soul Rebels Records (formerly Italy Records). The band, a little older, but as effusive as ever, will dish its native tongue, pop-punk, to all who will listen. With the Valentinos at the Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668.
Friday • 31
How Tuya Loves Herself
LITERATURE
Author Kenya Harper was so inspired that she wrote her children’s book, How Tuya Loves Herself, in one day. Motivated to put the pen to paper after watching her daughter’s kindergarten class practice yoga and meditation one morning, Harper’s story centers on the concept that “in order to love others, we must love ourselves first.” In this book, the fictional character Tuya discovers the importance of honoring and protecting her body, nurturing her spirit and feeding her mind through holistic means. Celebrate the launch of How Tuya Loves Herself, 3-5 p.m. at the Black Star Community Bookstore, 19410 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-863-2665.
Friday • 31
Family Fun Run & Walk
FUN FOR ALL
Few things are more beautiful in Detroit than a crisp winter day on Belle Isle. That’s a good reason to get a head start on that New Year’s resolution by jogging around the beautiful park in the annual Family Fun Run & Walk. This four-mile jaunt is open to all ages. There will also be a one-mile event for the youngsters: Free T-shirts and snacks will be provided, and children (ages 12 and under) will receive a trophy for participation. Begins at 3:30 p.m. on Belle Isle, located off E. Jefferson at the foot of E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-852-4075.
Friday • 31
Slows BBQ restaurant HOSTS Lee Marvin Computer Arm
MUSIC/HOLIDAY
You haven’t heard of Slows BBQ yet, because, well, it’s not officially open. But based on what we know of the resident chef (known in certain circles as the guy from the esoteric cooking show, Hot Plate) and the owner’s apparent top-shelf taste in music, this joint is sure to be an instant hit. For a $25 donation, Slows invites adventuresome partiers to an impromptu New Year’s Eve gathering at their new digs. Complimentary beer, Champagne and liquor will be provided, as well as a performance by Lee Marvin Computer Arm. At 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; e-mail [email protected] to RSVP. (Yeah, no phone yet.)
Saturday • 1
Benefit for Tim Van Esley and Shwaac
MUSIC/FUNDRAISER
In honor of their friends Tim Van Esley and Scott “Shwaac” Head, who died in a car accident in December, many hometown bands have come together for an evening of celebration and music. See Pub Life, Human Eye, The Valentinos, A.L.D., Terrible Twos, Grayling, Gender, Speedball, Whiskey Diaries, H8 Inc., the Bill Bondsmen and DJ Top Kat at Alvin’s, 5756 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-4577. Proceeds will benefit the Van Esley and Head families.
Sunday • 2
Salute to Vienna
MUSIC
Featuring a cast of more than 75 professional musicians, singers and dancers, including Hungarian soprano Helena Holl, Austrian baritone Georg Lehner and members of the Hungarian National Ballet, the breathtaking recreation of Vienna’s famous Neujahrskonzert (New Year’s Day Concert) returns to Detroit. Led by young maestro Peter Sommerer, this celebratory concert is sure to bring down the haus. At the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5100.
Ongoing
New Classicism
ART
Take a drive and visit the Flatlanders Art Galleries in Blissfield. This quaint Lenawee County showroom will spotlight the exquisite sculpture of Tony Frudakis, associate professor of fine arts at Hillsdale College. Frudakis says, “The sculpture in this exhibit reflects a variety of themes. Not surprisingly, the Greek sculpture of the classical and Hellenistic periods has had a profound influence on my work.” At the Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. US 223, Blissfield; 517-486-2249.
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