WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY JULY 28-31
Forth From Its Hinges
EXPOSING ART'S FUTURE
Housed in a large warehouse, Forth From Its Hinges is a yearly showcase of experimental art and music by young, local talent. Expect large-scale installations and unusual performances, thanks to the site's roomy dimensions and the progressive eye of the curators, who want the show to be "free from expectation, free from censorship, free from tradition, and free of charge," in order to explore creation at its most cutting-edge. More than 10 mind-bending artists and musicians are taking part; the opening is Wednesday at 6 p.m. with a film screening at 8 p.m. (admission by donation), the show itself takes place 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, with music nightly at 8 p.m., at 3770 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor; forthfromitshinges.org for info.
FRIDAY JULY 30
Detroit Punk Fest
THREE CHORD SALUTE!
Signings, readings and a photo exhibit combine to celebrate the storied days of Detroit punk. Festivities include an appearance by Tesco Vee, co-founder of seminal punk zine and label Touch and Go, who will discuss and sign copies of the new anthology Touch and Go: The Complete Hardcore Punk Zine '79-'83; readings by local contributors to Punk Rock Saved My Ass, a compilation of writings from fans, musicians, writers and others who experienced punk in the trenches; Nicholas Rombes, author of A Cultural Dictionary of Punk, will sign copies and spin rare punk gems; and the exhibit Damn, It was Fun, Part 2: Photography of Detroit Punk, featuring images of Iggy Pop, the Dead Boys, the New York Dolls and more, will open. The party takes place from 6 to 9 p.m., with signings at 7 p.m., at the Book Beat, 26010 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; 248-968-1190; photos on display through Sept. 12.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY JULY 30-31
Great Lakes Bat Festival
NATURE'S DARK KNIGHTS
This annual event teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about bats, dispelling myths and explaining the ecological value of these oft-misunderstood nocturnal flyers. The fest kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday with a presentation by zoologist Bill Schutt that explores nature's blood-hungry creatures — including vampire bats, live specimens of which will be on hand. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, enjoy educational exhibits, live bat programs, presentations from Great Lakes bat experts and bat-themed children's activities, followed by a barbecue and live music until 8 p.m. Bat Science Night takes place from 8 till 10 p.m. and showcases the technologies researchers use to study bats. At the Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3232; tickets are $5 Friday and $9.50 Saturday; info at batconservation.org.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY JULY 30-AUGUST 1
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show
ARTFUL ENGAGEMENTS
This award-winning, juried fine art show features 250 local, national and international artists selling everything from photography and paintings to jewelry, clothing and sculptures. The fair also includes a youth arts competition (allowing kids in grades K-12 to publicly exhibit their art), children's make-and-take art projects, food from such restaurants as Harbor House and Red Wood Grille, and live music from Zebula Avenue, the Carrington Duet and more. A ticketed preview gala takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, giving art connoisseurs the chance to peruse the work early, as well as partake in complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. The show takes place 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the West Bloomfield Plaza, 6668 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield; visit hotworks.org for tickets and info.
SATURDAY JULY 31
Copa Detroit
KICK THIS!
The Detroit City Futbol League wraps up its inaugural season of inspiring Detroit hood loyalty through rivalry on the soccer field with Copa Detroit, featuring all 11 teams competing for championship bragging rights. If watching Hamtramck duke it out against New Center sounds less than thrilling to you, the picnic-type atmosphere still has lots to offer — taco trucks, a halftime performance by the Detroit Party Marching Band, music by Darling Imperial, Coyote Clean Up, the Juliets and more, and that staple of sporting events everywhere, beer! Proceeds from the event will benefit Think Detroit/PAL, a nonprofit working to develop character in Detroit youth through academic and other programs. The first match starts at noon, the championship game takes place at 6 p.m., at the World Cup field on Belle Isle, Detroit; detroitcityfutbol.com for details.
SATURDAY JULY 31
Phonotropic's Wicked Awesome Barbecued Musical Safari
PARTY TO THE THIRD POWER
The Musical Safari expands into the third dimension for its third annual barbecue blowout, highlighting the 3-D art of funnyman Dan DeMaggio. Free 3-D glasses will enhance his animation and sculptures, while Lettercamp, Bars of Gold, Bear Lake, the Victorious Secrets, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas and the rising Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. — celebrating the release of a debut EP — will provide the aural delights. Free grilled meat (and meat substitutes) available from 7 to 9 p.m. on the patio, and bands from Chicago, Cleveland and Grand Rapids will hold down the Vernors Room. For a very sonic 1-2 punch, head upstairs to the Pike Room for the second Motorcity Special label show, featuring the Beggars, Marco Polio, Wolfbait and more. Their performances will be recorded live for a limited edition vinyl run. Neat! At 7 p.m. at the Crofoot, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-858-9333; $10.
SATURDAY JULY 31
St. Albertus Fest
POLETOWN GET-DOWN
Detroit's first Polish-Catholic church, now a national and local historical site, hosts its sixth annual fundraising fest featuring music, crafts and pierogies, of course! The outdoor lineup includes I, Crime, Computer Perfection, Katie Grace, Gretchen Wolff and the St. Clair Shores School of Rock; at 4 p.m., the National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish Choir performs inside the church itself. New this year is a craft and artists' market featuring locally produced goods; church tours, a beer tent and Polish cuisine are also on the agenda. From 1 to 11:30 p.m. at St. Albertus, 4231 St. Aubin St., Detroit; stalbertus.org; $5.
SATURDAY JULY 31
Jakob Kolding
SPACE EXPLORATION
Berlin-based Danish artist Jakob Kolding investigates urban spaces and the often wide schism between how they are conceptualized by urban planners and architects and how they are used by the people who inhabit them. His collages on paper, which can be intricate in detail or broad and suggestive, combine stark images of buildings and cityscapes with images reflecting the counter-cultures that have organically developed in them. His works often highlight the people — break dancers, DJs, skateboarders, soccer players — who humanize, utilize and come to define the buildings, lots, streets and parks that have been mapped out for them. This is Kolding's first solo exhibit in North America; it opens Saturday and displays through Oct. 24, at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-763-UMMA; umma.umich.edu.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY JULY 31-AUGUST 1
Wheelhouse Bike Tours
WHEELED HISTORY
Detroit's Riverfront bike shop offers a variety of tours throughout the summer, from explorations of neighborhoods such as Del Ray and Boston Edison to themed tours exploring architecture, art galleries and urban agriculture. This weekend, Wheelhouse offers two tours that explore the Motor City's transportation history. On Saturday, bicyclists can pedal through the city's cycling past, visiting the site of both Detroit Wheelmen clubhouses, the Belle Isle bicycle pavilion, the home of Ford's "quadricycle" and other bike-related locales. Sunday, Henry Ford's July 30 birthday is commemorated with a ride that visits the Model T Plant, the Ford House in Boston-Edison, the Highland Park Ford Plant and more. Tours take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Wheelhouse Detroit, 1340 E. Atwater St., Detroit; 313-656-BIKE; wheelhousedetroit.com; $25, $35 with bike rental; advance registration recommended.
SUNDAY AUGUST 1
University District Home & Garden Tour
ARCHITECTURAL DIGESTION
Five homes and two gardens will be open to the public for the University District Home & Garden Tour, which showcases the neighborhood adjacent to the University of Detroit. Most of the district's homes were built in the '20s and '30s, displaying the quality craftsmanship and fine architectural details that were the hallmarks of that era. Along with oohing and aahing over the eclectic style and beauty of the homes, visitors can visit the new Gloryland Community Garden and the recently renovated North American headquarters of the Vatican's Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions. The tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the welcome center and ticket booth are located on Birchcrest Ave. north of McNichols Rd., Detroit; $15 advance, $18 day of; visit udcatour.com.
TUESDAY AUGUST 3
The National
THE MAJESTY OF TODAY
In the arresting baritone of singer Matt Berninger, life's quotidian concerns and everyday defeats take on grandiose overtones. Songs alternatively brooding and majestic express a familiar and nameless anxiety while still sounding reassuring, and, boy, that ain't easy to do. And that is, perhaps, the very reason the Brooklyn-based quintet has enjoyed a steadily increasing acclaim since its 2001 debut. The band's fifth and most recent, High Violet, continues the trend. At the Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; $25; all ages; with the Antlers.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes
REJOICE IN THE RACKET
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros was born out of lead singer Alex Ebert's personal rebirth — he quit the drugs, turned his gaze inward and fell in love with singer Jade Castrinos (who now sings in the band). The result is a 10-member collective making a joyous, open-hearted and eclectic noise — and, yes, band reviews often brandish the word "hippie." A lot. But don't let that term turn you off! For the best example of the irresistible pull of their cacophonous bliss, check out the song "Home" from their debut, Up From Below. You'll hit repeat. At 8 p.m. at the Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-858-9333; $15 advance.
