Night & Day

Wednesday • 19
Detroit Blues Legends
MUSIC

Taking your kids to a boozy blues bar is considered bad form, but where else is a kid going to learn about mojo hands, wang-dang doodles and going down to the crossroads? Here's a suggestion: Bring Junior to the Southfield Public Library for Detroit Blues Legends, a showcase of such local blues talents as guitar man Johnnie Bassett, diva Odessa Harris, drummer R.J. Spangler and keyboardist Duncan McMillan. 8 p.m. at 26300 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; 248-796-4224 or visit www.sfldlib.org. $3 cash donation suggested.

Wednesday • 19
Rap City Showcase
MUSIC

Two fatal shootings on the city's rap scene will cast their shadows for a long time. But the music goes on. Wednesday's Rap City Showcase features a handful of D-town's baddest old-schoolers and "hear me now" greenhorns. You'll see Raw Collection and Bigg Verb, the Rising Sunz, Abrasive Methods, Crazy L, Leaf Erickson, Pony Boy, Truly, Smoke Club and M4H at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700.

Friday-Sunday • 21-23
Michigan Modernism Exposition
ART

The Detroit Area Art Deco Society has yet another celebration of 20th century design. Modernism enthusiasts can enjoy a sneak peak at this year's Modernism Exposition at the gala pre-party on Friday, April 21; or on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, with the rest of the collectors. More than 80 exhibitors are scheduled to sell. At the Southfield Civic Center, 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; 248-354-1000.

Saturday • 22
The Missing Princess
THEATER

Come meet Princess Sinta, the King of Birds, the White Monkey, the Golden Deer and the Demon King at this week's PuppetART show, The Missing Princess. Featuring acclaimed Javanese puppeteer Sigit Adji Sabdo Soegito, this ancient Indonesian story will be told using shadow puppets and an orchestra of chimes and gongs. 2 p.m., 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-961-7777.

Saturday • 22
Appalachian Waltz trio
MUSIC

Six years ago, cellist Yo-Yo Ma tilted the classical audience's attention to Appalachia with Appalachia Journey. This week, the Appalachian Waltz Trio does something similar in terms of uniting classical technique with a love for Americana. Violinist Mark O'Connor, a veteran of the Yo-Yo Ma Journey project, teams up here with violist Carol Cook and cellist Natalie Haas. They play fiddle tunes, original compositions and caprices. Their influences might be simple, but their sound is anything but. 8 p.m. at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp; 586-286-2141.

Saturday • 22
ElectrOrganism: Roulette
MUSIC

Though it's usually home to blues and jazz, Bert's in Eastern Market expands its musical menu with an all-night electronic music showcase. The legendary dive welcomes trance-tech from Sonic Disturbance (10 p.m.), Prime Recording's C.J. Hahn (10:45 p.m.), electro-pop from Craig Gonzales (12:15 a.m.), trip-hop from Ghoulie (1 a.m.), Trent Abbe (1:45 a.m.), minimal techno-house from Module 8 (3:25 a.m.) and techno from Paulus Hook (4 a.m.). Bert's Marketplace, 2727 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-2030.

Sunday • 23
Thollem mcdonas
MUSIC

Indie-folk dabbler and avant-garde jazz experimenter Thollem McDonas brings genre-defying piano to Detroit. We've yet to hear his latest album, but the burly Irishman's effort has been compared to the works of Erik Satie, Bela Bartok and John Cage. Doors 7:30 p.m., performance at 8 p.m., at the Bohemian National Home, 3009 Tillman St., Detroit; 313-737-6606.

Monday • 24
Stranded at the Corner
FILM

Director Gary Glaser remains one of the most influential Detroit-specific documentarians of our time. His impressive CV includes locally produced docs such as Borderline: The Story of 8 Mile, The Hudson's Building and Train Station all of which put Motor City political issues into sharp focus. This week, he premieres his latest work, Stranded at the Corner, at the Gem Theatre. The documentary takes a look at the past, present and future of the now-defunct Tiger Stadium in Corktown. (Dislosure: This film was funded by Peter C. Riley, an outspoken proponent of the stadium's preservation.) At the Gem Theatre, 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800. There will also be a DVD/book signing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 29 at Thomas Video, 122 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-280-2833.

Monday • 24
Project/Object featuring Ike Willis
MUSIC

It began as a Frank Zappa birthday tribute, but Project/Object has turned veneration into something of a career. Years ago, members of Project/Object befriended Ike Willis, vocalist on the Zappa classic Joe's Garage, and, eventually, after hearing a live tape, he agreed to join them for a few shows. Five years later he still tours with the group. Willis says, "There were so many Zappa tributes, I was flattered, but this one had something special, they were able to re-create the fun and excitement we had on stage with Frank. I wanted to be a part of that again." 8 p.m., Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3030.

Ongoing
Grupo Escobar
MUSIC

It's a hip-swinger's dream night out, with Grupo Escobar, a Cuban-influenced salsa group led by singer and guitar- and cuatro-player Steve Jarosz. The septet plays Arsenio Rodriguez conjunto-era tunes as well timba and songo styles for dancers. At the New Salsa Club, 4114 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-841-0100. Every Wednesday.