4 FRI • MUSIC Tama — A musical amalgam, Tama ("to walk" in Bambara) has no edifice, no specialized appeal and no true leader. Through the pooling of individually strong musicians, the band is wholly sensational. Openly jubilant virtuosos, this band of four serves Afropop, ska and jazz as an ethnic entrée of truly original tunes. "Tama is the kind of space where the four of us can come together from different cultures and traditions and express ourselves," says guitarist Sam Mills. Happy and happening, exotic but comforting, let Tama’s love of creation spill onto you; it’s perfect for the entire family. Watch with a smile at the DIA, 5200 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-833-7900.
5 SAT • COMMUNITY First Annual Tour de Troit— How oft dost thine beauty go unnoticed? Camouflaged by bustle, moving cars and apathy, the magnificence of Detroit’s architecture and neighborhoods are frequently the last things to garner attention. In response to regular oversights and anemic admirations, the rich artwork of urban Detroit will debut, bicycle-style, with the first annual Tour de Troit. An expedition into the wonders of Detroit, this casually paced 26-mile two-wheeled tour of the architecture, neighborhoods, eateries and historic sites of our fair city will offer an original look at many forgotten treasures, plus an opportunity to meet fellow riders and enthusiasts. The ride commences at Grand Circus Park at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Take a ride, breath in and see Detroit. Call 313-875-2789 for further information.
6 SUN • ART Dennis Jones—Hey, reckless eyeballers — here's your last chance (at least for now) to check out the paintings and drawings of artist and architect Dennis Jones. His work has a gut-level undertow that won't let you look away, as it permutes through endless variations on the theme of forlorn humanity. Figure upon figure — often childlike, usually grim, always captivating — fill the Cass Cafe walls. One piece in particular, near the front door, is festooned with 39 (yes, that's right) small works that'll have you craning your neck in fascination. The closing reception for this large, gripping show is Saturday, Oct. 5, 7-10 p.m. At the Cass Cafe, 4620 Cass, Detroit; call 313-831-1400.
8 TUE • BALLET Cullberg Ballet: Swan Lake — Imagine, if you will, white swans, bald-headed and barefoot. In place of waiflike floating ballerinas are modern dancers. With the same seamless grace of the classic version, Mats Ek’s Swan Lake is a new voice for an old song, and it sings loudly. Innovative artistically, the controversial Cullberg Ballet can be mystifying at times, but is always titillating. Interpretation changes everything: witness this tragic search for love at The Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor; call 734-763-3333 for tickets.
