N&D Center

Thursday • 31

Byrd’s Boy

THEATER

For the second show of the 2005 season, the Detroit Repertory Theatre presents Byrd’s Boy by Bruce Robinson. The story, which centers around two characters — a homeless man named Byrd, and Birdie, the female security guard who befriends him — is a heartwarming look at friendship in the most unusual of circumstances. Directed by Charlotte Leisinger, Byrd’s Boy stars Detroit Rep favorites Natalie Chillis and B.J. Love. Runs Thursdays through Sundays until May 22 at 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347.

Friday • 1

Fubuki Daiko

MUSIC/ PERFORMANCE ART

Described as Crouching Tiger meets Stomp!, Fubuki Daiko is an amazing hybrid of traditional Japanese drumming and such 20th century musical influences as Arlo Guthie and Led Zeppelin. The group promises jaw-dropping entertainment that is equal parts art, athleticism, dance and rhythm. At 8 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre (121 University Ave. W., Windsor; 519-253-7729).

Friday • 1

April Fool’s Vaudeville Variety Show

MUSIC/ PERFORMANCE ART

The adage goes: “If you are going to do something, do it well.” But when Dan Miller of Blanche — D-town’s favorite ectomorph entertainer — puts together a show, he strives to not only do it well, but also to make it big. This week, the alt-country rocker and band plan
an April Fool’s Day extravaganza that will
feature Detroit TV legend Johnny Ginger as master of ceremonies, Blanche, Joe & Joe (Hamtramck’s Polish Village faves), the Clawsonaires (a 16-member clogging team), old-time magic from the Amazing Ernie, and something organizers are calling “mind-reading and ESP ventriloquism” from Chamblice & Phil. (Editor’s note: Recent rumors about a Blanche breakup are just that, rumors.) At the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale;
248-544-3030).

Friday • 1

Tsunami Bomb

MUSIC

If the goal was to piss off parents, emo-folks Tsunami Bomb could not have picked a more unsettling band name. Sure, the female-led rock outfit has a penchant for the mall punk thing, but when Night & Day stumbled across their heartfelt set at last year’s Warped Tour, we must admit, we were impressed. These Generation Y-ers unabashedly cite bands like Green Day and Bouncing Souls as primary influences, and it seems that no matter how hard we try to fight the forces, the tides of popular American rock ’n’ roll have changed. Doors at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelter (431 E. Congress, Detroit, 313-961-6358). Damone and the F-Ups to open.

Friday-Saturday • 1-2

Key Largo

FILM

If you’ve never seen 1948’s Key Largo, you should know that the John Huston-directed classic is one of the greatest films of all time. The movie features luminaries Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Edward G. Robinson, and offers the kind of white-knuckled entertainment that only a story about gangsters, murder and mayhem can. At the Redford Theatre (17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560).

Saturday • 2

King Sunny Adé

MUSIC

The first artist to get a big Euro-American marketing push in the early ’80s when the term worldbeat was new, King Sunny Adé never became a stateside superstar to match his stature back in Nigeria. Thankfully, he’s created enough of a stir to periodically return here and flaunt what might have been. In his juju music, honey-sweet vocals glide over single-note guitar lines, shimmering chords and swaying percussion polyrhythms. Two things are particularly notable about this tour: He’s sharing the bill with a star of the Nigerian high life style, Prince Obi Osadebe, and promoters are making traditional Nigerian “spraying” part of the show. That means audience members will be encouraged to dance onstage and pat dollar bills on musicians’ sweaty brows. The promoters say dress to impress and bring your wad of moolah. They’re advertising the show as running from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. At the Masonic Temple (500 Temple Ave., Detroit; 313-832-2232).

Saturday • 2

Crossroads Rummage Sale

SHOPPING

If you are anything like us here at Night & Day, then you know the true impetus behind a thorough spring cleaning is simply to make room for new clutter. So why not restock at the Herlong Cathedral School gymnasium’s rummage sale? Proceeds will benefit Crossroads, a nonprofit social service organization that provides a soup kitchen and job placement services to disadvantaged Detroiters. From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (4800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-4438).

Saturday • 2

Eartha Kitt

MUSIC

She’s done it all. Not only has seasoned showbiz veteran Eartha Kitt conquered the television, music and dance worlds, she has managed to come out of it with one of the sexiest pairs of gams to ever grace a stage. This week, the sultry performer takes center stage at the Music Hall for the Performing Arts (filling in for the recently departed Bobby Short), with her own brand of purr-fectly honed showmanship and song. At 8:30 p.m. at 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-7622.

Saturday • 2

Antique Jewelry and Vintage Apparel Show

SHOPPING

Those who understand the difference between fashion and style will appreciate this week’s antique jewelry and vintage apparel show. Offering a wide variety of apparel from the 1940s to the 1970s, as well as a marvelous selection of brooches, necklaces, earrings and other unique baubles, this sale is perfect for the guy and gal who aren’t afraid to be originals. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Birmingham Unitarian Church (38651 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-647-2380).

Sunday • 3

Bobby St. Thomas Benefit

MUSIC

How committed is singer Bobby St, Thomas to boosting this music called jazz? Last month, while still in the hospital in the aftermath of a heart attack, St. Thomas called us repeatedly to make sure we listed a Valentine’s jazz dance he was arranging. Now friends and fans are gathering to give a boost to St. Thomas. Buddy Budson, Ursula Walker, Naima Shamborguer, Shahida Nurullah, Michael Cady, Marcus Belgrave, Vincent Bowens, George Davidson and Robert McCarther are among those set to jam for “Mr. Hello Detroit” (to borrow the title of his trademark tune). Starts at 6 p.m. at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, (20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300).