Thursday • 4
The Mammals
MUSIC
You'd think the grandson of folk music icon Pete Seeger — the same dude who threatened to axe the PA when Bob Dylan went electric at 1965's Newport Folk Festival — might have a conventional outlook on roots music. But he doesn't. Tao Rodriguez-Seeger's band, the Mammals, has a forward-thinking outlook on bluegrass music that's more interesting than groups like Nickel Creek and more down-home than the usual rock 'n' roll fare: It's equal parts indie, bluegrass, jazz and protest music. At the Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-763-8587.
Thursday, Saturday & Sunday • 4, 6 & 7
Used Book Sale
SHOPPING
So you'd like to stock up on summer reading material but you just don't have the cabbage? The way we see it, you've got solutions: 1) adopt the Abbie Hoffman-style dogma and steal what you need, or 2) consider less-illegal option two: Get yourself to the Southfield Public Library Used Book Sale. The library's in-house used bookstore will feature collectibles such as Wings from the Wind, a collection of more than 60 poems from Heywood, Longfellow, Emerson, Browning, Wordsworth, Shakespeare and others, and Complete Beatles Recording Sessions; The Official Story of the Abbey Road Years, 1962-1970, as well as other books, sheet music, cassettes, DVDs, CDs and more. At 26300 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; 248-796-4200.
Friday • 5
Mamapalooza
MUSIC
Procreatin' rockers Detroit Women, the Mydols and the Candy Band extend their musical arms this weekend for Mamapalooza 2006, a celebration of music, motherhood and do-gooding. The concert will raise money for the new downtown Detroit Boll Family YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign, a youth scholarship program. Every dollar raised for the campaign goes to underwrite the cost of membership, programs and summer day camp, including residential camp, for local Detroit individuals and families in need. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980.
Friday • 5
Jazz Fish Fry
MUSIC/COMMUNITY
What's not to love? With the jazz, you get consciousness-altering entertainment; and with the fish, you get all those Omega-3 fatty acids the doctor keeps telling you are so good for your health. It's the weekly Jazz Fish Fry at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit, and there's little reason not to partake. This week, for a paltry five bucks, you can enjoy the sultry sounds of vocalist Shahida Nurullah while filling your belly. From 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 600 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-831-2460.
Friday • 5
Art by Design
ART
Masa Watanabe's latest exhibit at the Sherrus Gallery in Northville is a cool display of the artist's signature use of bold color and clean lines. The pieces combine the classicism of Asian fine art and levity of American Modernism and outsider art. Opening reception is 6-9 p.m. at 109 N. Center St., Northville; 248-380-0470. Exhibit ends May 31.
Saturday • 6
Dance of Life/Cell Sensation
ART/FUNDRAISER
For years, Mary Laredo Herbeck has offered us art that has meaning beyond itself. As a sculptor, a Flamenco dancer, a teacher and curator at the Hannan House's Ellen Kayrod Gallery, she has buoyed the Detroit art scene with her unique vision of worlds both near and far — transforming ordinary gallery-going weekends into rituals. Now it's our turn to support her as she receives treatment for breast cancer at an alternative cancer hospital in Mexico. To raise funds, the creative community has banded together for Dance of Life/Cell Sensation. The two-day event features an art auction with work donated by 32 artists, as well as music, dance and spoken word by Immigrant Suns, La Chispa y Compania, poet Lolita Hernandez and others. 6 p.m. to midnight Saturdays, May 6 and 13, at Zeitgeist Gallery, 2661 Michigan Ave.; call Vito Valdez at 313-963-6096 or visit zeitgeistdetroit.org. Donations can be made to Mary Herbeck Health Fund, 1485 18th St., Detroit, MI 48216.
Saturday • 6
Mario Frangoulis
MUSIC
He was a superstar in Greece long before Americans caught on, and damn if he hasn't already snagged the horny housewife seal of approval. Greek operatic pop sensation Mario Frangoulis' good looks and silky tenor din make him an adult contemporary force to be reckoned with — watch out Josh Groban, the middle class is about to get crazy on this Adonis' sweet Greek ass. 8 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-961-3500. Tickets are $43-$203.
Saturday • 6
My Bedbugs
FUN FOR ALL
You know a children's show has hit the mother lode when it franchises into a live tour. Gooby, Toofy and Woozy — known to parents and those who still pee in their pants as PBS sensations "My Bedbugs," — hit the Motor City this week for an onstage adventure that's sure to delight. With the help of their friend and educator, a vacuum cleaner named J. Edgar, the Bedbugs will learn to solve problems by using music and their imaginations. Noon at the City Theatre (formerly Second City), 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-965-2222.
Monday • 8
Karl Blau
MUSIC
We admit it: The seemingly bottomless sea of indie rock offerings can be daunting to a music critic. It's almost always listenable, replete with a likable shoegazer modesty and "I had a crush on a guy just like him sophomore year" familiarity. But with indie dude Karl Blau, it's the unfamiliarity and sometimes incongruent songcrafting that makes him so goddamn appealing. His regular gig is that of guitar player for underground wunder frau Laura Viers, but his solo show is truly worth a listen. At Slows, 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-962-9828. With local picker Nick Shillace.
Tuesday • 9
Ice Cube
MUSIC
Ice Cube's brutal, cocky street poetry was a hallmark of NWA, and his hot streak continued with such early, classic solo albums as 1990's Amerikkka's Most Wanted and its follow-up Death Certificate. But it's a decade later, and Cube has switched into acting, with high-profile projects like Barbershop and the recent reality series Black.White. Or has he? Slated to drop June 6, Laugh Now, Cry Later is the emcee's first new material in six years, and features production from heavyweights like Scott Storch, Lil' Jon and Swizz Beats. And while he's definitely older and wiser, Cube's been promising a blend of both consciousness and aggression on the new record. Best of all, his return to the mic is accompanied by a tour, which brings him to St. Andy's Hall. With its bruising intimacy, the club could be the perfect venue for the return of Don Mega. St Andrew's Hall, 431 E. Congress, Detroit; 313-961-6358.
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