N&D Center

Thursday-Saturday • 17-19

Stop Blaming Columbus

MUSIC

It’s about time someone wrote an opera for the layman. Enter Stop Blaming Columbus, a homespun opus by composer Stephen Rush and University of Michigan Art & Design professor Michael Rodemer, the librettist-designer. This modern-day opera will be performed by the U-M Creative Arts Ensemble, with seven soloists and two dancers. We hear it’s an interesting take on an age-old medium. At 8 p.m. at the Video Studio on the first floor of the Duderstadt Center, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-763-1265.

Thursday-SundaY • 17-20

Celtic Celebration

HOLIDAY/MUSIC

Because it falls on a school night, those who like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day might want to go the non-beer-fueled route. It’s a good thing, then, that the Max M. Fisher Music Center offers Ceud Mile Failte (“100,000 welcomes”) to those who’d like to drink in the holiday with music instead of booze. Celtic fiddler Jeremy Kittel and members of University of Michigan’s Quinn School of Irish Dancers will join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the Celtic Celebration. At 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5100.

Friday • 18

Communicable Consumption

ART

In a recent interview with Oakland University’s Campus News, Meadow Brook Art Gallery director Dick Goody says, “The directness of Phaedra Robinson’s art and the familiarity of her images — eyes, mouths, lips, tongues, noses and ears —make it instantly accessible.” Robinson’s latest exhibit, Communicable Consumption, uses painting and sculpture to open the senses and shed new light on America’s traditional notions about the importance of sight, sound and taste. Meadow Brook Art Gallery on the campus of Oakland University, Rochester; 248-370-3005.

Friday-Saturday • 18-19

101up

ART

Simple math would suggest that if one piece of art is great, then 101 pieces are better. It’s pretty well accepted that art en masse is either a great idea or a disaster, depending on the quality of the work. But after the popularity of last year’s exhibition of 101 pieces of art made in 101 days, the quality of the artwork should not be in doubt. The gallery has moved; 101up Gallery is now in the Cass Corridor, and the grand opening will include the artwork of Matt Lewis. This begins a monthly showcase of different artists working in a variety of disciplines. Artist reception from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19. At 4470 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-415-6364. Friday-Sunday • 18-20

Do-It-Yourself Health Fair

COMMUNITY

The poverty that afflicts many Cass Corridor residents doesn’t have to loom large in their search for good health care. The Detroit Health Collective is sponsoring a Do-It-Yourself Health Fair this week, and unlike many other events of this sort, the DHC’s mission is to introduce activist-healers to those in the community who need their help. The conference’s goal is to teach basic skills and alternative healing to all members of society; workshops include transgender health, sex-worker health needs, gardening and health, vaginal self-exams, herbalism and mental health. Cost is $25 and includes entrance to the conference, a dance party and social events, as well as lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Kicks off Friday night at the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation, 3535 Cass Ave., Detroit. For more info call 313-310-3633.

Saturday-Sunday • 19-20

Detroit Kennel Club
Dog Show

FUN FOR ALL

Breeders nationwide are gearing up for a celebration of canine inbreeding this weekend at the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show in Cobo Center. The show promises a slew of preened and prancing purebreds, and events suitable for the whole dog-loving family. More than 2,000 pooches from 150 different breeds have been placed into seven different categories to compete for “Best in Show.” Sporting, non-sporting and working dogs, as well as terriers, hounds and toys, will be judged against their breeds’ physical standards, and the cutest, most charismatic dogs will advance to final rounds. It’s a bone-a fide good time. At 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; 313-877-8777.

Sunday • 20

Carl Cox

MUSIC

He’s considered top brass when it comes to acid house and techno, and when referring to DJ/godhead Carl Cox, there’s really no better way to describe him than “living legend.” The larger-than-life entertainer, a UK native, receives big ups from local techno innovators Kevin Saunderson and Carl Craig, and this week, brings his globetrotting talents to techno’s home base. If you’re a fan of the boogie, get to Bleu, 1540 Woodward Ave., Detroit;
313-222-1900.

Sunday • 20

Sex Workers’ Art
Show Tour

PERFORMANCE ART

The ever-growing cult of puritanical hypocrites in America could never have imagined how successful last year’s Sex Workers’ Art Show Tour was going to be. But if you look at the multibillion- (yes, billion) dollar sex industry, it only makes sense that the titillation and brutal honesty of this medium would fly. This year, the lineup includes Ms. magazine’s Woman of the Year, Nomy Lamm, a Tokyo-based performer; Erochica Bamboo, Miss Exotic World 2003; and other performers from all areas of the sex industry — strippers, prostitutes, film stars, phone-sex operators and models. Have a ball while helping shatter stereotypes. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; 734-668-8480. More info at sexworkersartshow.com.

Monday • 21

Donation Drive-In for Freedom House of Detroit

COMMUNITY

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people flee their native lands in search of a better life in America. Often, to follow their dreams, they give up everything — homes, families, friends and jobs. The Freedom House, a Detroit nonprofit, helps many of these courageous refugees adjust to life in the United States by offering a variety of services, including legal aid, shelter and job training. This week, the Motor City Jaycees and Wayne State’s Alpha Epsilon Phi will host a drive-in benefit for the deserving organization. Much-needed items include detergent, shower slippers, sugar, coffee, toiletries, phone cards and batteries. Collection will take place 6-7 p.m. outside of the Hannan House, 4750 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-1300.