Friday • 17
Rock the Catwalk
FASHION/MUSIC
Isn’t there a call for an old-fashioned runway show every now and then — especially when a charity is involved? Join stars from the scatologically brilliant American Pie movies (including Mena Suvari and Seann William Scott) as they “Rock the Catwalk” to the sounds of local entertainers Shipwreck Union and the Brothers Groove. Featured designers include Moda, Betsey Johnson, Cache and more. At the Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth, Royal Oak; 248-399-2980. Proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Friday • 17
Blair & the Urban Folk Collective
MUSIC/POETRY
Uncompromising in its mission and skilled in its craft, Blair & the Urban Folk Collective deliver some of the city’s most thoughtful and potent music. Led by nationally known slam poet Blair, the collective fuses folk, hip hop, gospel, rock and jazz with socially conscious lyrics. Make no mistake, they are always an inspiration and an earful. At the Motor City Brewing Works, 470 W. Canfield, Detroit; 313-832-2700.
Tuesday • 17
Nancy Byrum: All Things Great and Small
ART
As part of its mission to feature affordable artwork during the Christmas season, the River’s Edge Gallery in Wyandotte welcomes local artist Nancy Byrum. An Allen Park native, Byrum began painting images of animals as a hobby but became so adept that her paintings are often mistaken for photographs. Pieces by Byrum and others are available on the cheap at 3024 Biddle, Wyandotte; 734-246-9880. Exhibit ends Friday, Dec. 31.
Friday-Sunday • 17-19
The Nutcracker’s Nuts
THEATER
For the fourth holiday season in a row, Broadway Onstage Live Theatre presents the wacky holiday comedy The Nutcracker’s Nuts. The play, set at Simon’s Rest Home in northern Michigan, centers around a cast of colorful characters who are responsible for providing the nursing home’s Christmas show that year. When the star of the production, an elderly piano teacher by the name of Minnie Winchester, suggests that the geriatric residents try something new — like The Nutcracker ballet — mayhem and hilarity ensue. Shows at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, at 21517 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe; 586-771-6333;
Sunday • 19
Loretta Lucas
MUSIC
Coquettish yet dolorous, and with a ragtag appeal, singer-songwriter Loretta Lucas shines like a sunbeam in the smoky rock 'n' roll-heavy music scene. While so many roots-folk singers fall victim to the dreaded curse of sentimentality, Lucas is never embarrassing; she draws the listener in for the ride. And what a ride. Her songs are original in tone and in style, and her Siouxee Sioux-worthy vocal quivers breathe life into a sometimes dul genre. At the Garden Bowl, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Sunday • 19
Muruga’s Global Village Ceremonial Band
MUSIC
If you’re playing the musical version of six degrees of separation, Muruga’s Global Village Ceremonial Band is a mother lode of connections. Drummer Muruga Booker has worked with folks from Jerry Garcia to George Clinton. His jam partners for this outing include Jim McCarty (rock and blues scenes) and Peter Madcat Ruth (folk and blues scenes). As special guest, there’s Perry Robinson, a critically acclaimed if too-little-known jazz clarinetist whose past playing partners range from the Fugs to Gunter Hampel to Dave Brubeck. And you get extra connection opportunities since Perry’s late dad, Earl, is the composer of such ditties as “Joe Hill” — no, it’s not an anonymous folk anthem — and Three Dog Night’s hit “Black and White.” For this event, Booker promises a “full-on jazz event,” including belly dancer Rani Isis. Sublingual to open. At the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555.
Monday • 20
hanukkah Party
HOLIDAY
Jewish lore tells us that on each night of Hanukkah, the menorah is lit to commemorate a miracle that occurred after the Jews proclaimed victory over the Syrian armies in 165 B.C. When the Jews came to rededicate the temple, which had been desecrated by enemy forces, they found only one small flask of oil with which to light the menorah. And though the flask only contained enough oil for one day, the lamp burned for eight days straight. In memory of this miracle, Jewish sages appointed these eight days for annual thanksgiving and for lighting candles. Local believers are encouraged to celebrate this miracle, with festivities commencing at 1 p.m. at the Jimmy Prentis Morris Building, 15110 W. 10 Mile Rd., Oak Park; 248-967-4030.
Tuesday-Wednesday • 21-22
“We Believe” Christmas Theatre & Dinner
HOLIDAY
Even good old Chuck Dickens would be proud of the yuletide gaiety that the folks over at the Holly Hotel are spreading this year. The beautiful Victorian restaurant/hotel has dedicated all of December to seasonal events that include daily Afternoon Victorian Teas and a dinner theater celebration fit for a king. Join the cast and crew of the Theatre of the Arts Productions as they ring in the Christmas season with an interactive holiday dinner show that includes sing-alongs and a decadent Victorian-style feast. At 110 Battle Alley, Holly; 248-634-5208. Tickets are $50 per person, $20 for children under 12.
Ongoing
Pedro Orsini’s Parade of Penniless Players
THEATER
For their 15th original comedy show, the Planet Ant Theatre presents — Pedro Orsini’s Parade of Penniless Players. This production spotlights the knee-jerk skills of local improv actors who have fused the renaissance Italian comedy style of commedia dell’arte with modern improv techniques, live music and hilarious slapstick. At the Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck; 313-365-4948. Runs until Sunday, Jan. 9.
Ongoing
Home: Paintings of Two Cities by Neil Plotkin
ART
Artist Neil Plotkin calls both Detroit and the Big Apple his hometowns. He’s returned to the Motor City to exhibit paintings that compare and contrast the two cities. The richly detailed scenes, many of them large-scale panoramas, show us the disparate beauties that can be found in both. Until Saturday, Jan. 15, at P.F. Galleries, 213 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-989-8889.
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