Oct. 22-28, 2003

23 THU • MUSIC David “Fathead” Newman and Marcus Belgrave — Newman made his name with Ray Charles in the ’50s and ’60s and later played with Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole. He’s one tough Texas tenor, but also says plenty on alto sax and flute. And his solid records in recent years show his strengths as soloist, bandleader and man with an ear for the great tune. (How many others keep Duke Pearson’s splendiferous “Cristo Redentor” in their repertoire?) Since his old Ray Charles band buddy Marcus Belgrave is on the gig, expect a rollicking reunion vibe as part of the free Jazz in the Garden series at the Ren Cen. Music rules roughly from 7-9 p.m. in the Wintergarden on the Atwater side of the center. Call 313-567-3126 for more information.

23 THU • ISSUES & LEARNING Glassblowing Class — Does the delicate appearance of a hand-blown bowl or ornament make you wish you could do it yourself? The Ann Arbor Art Center can teach you how to blow glass in a quick a four-day course that they have devised with the busy person’s schedule in mind. In just a matter of hours, students will learn how to manipulate Pyrex glass into beautiful works of art. The Ann Arbor Art Center is at 117 W. Liberty in Ann Arbor. Call 734-994-8004 for class schedules and times. Ongoing

23 THU • MUSIC Fairouz — Poet May Rihani writes, “When a voice reflects all the richness of a culture; when a voice carries with it all the heritage of the past and opens the windows to the paths of the future … hope survives and countries continue to live.” When else could such a sentiment be more meaningful? At a time when war and insecurity ravage the Middle East and successful diplomacy is at an all-time low, music may be one of our last lines of communication. Fairouz — whose singing has elevated her to diva status in her native Lebanon — has spent a lifetime mastering the skill of flawless singing. This show is the embodiment of Arab culture and pride. See her at the Fox Theatre (2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit). Call 313-983-6611 for more information.

23 THU •
THEATER Barefoot In the Park — Neil Simon’s Broadway hit (made famous on the silver screen by Robert Redford and Jane Fonda) features the comic adventures of a newly married couple in New York City. After their honeymoon, Corie and Paul Bratter find out their 6th-floor walkup may not be as quaint as they first anticipated. With leaky skylights, crazy neighbors and an antagonizing mother-in-law, it’s a wonder they make it through. At the Riverside Arts Center (76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti). Call 734-480-9577 for ticket information.

24 FRI • THEATER All’s Well in 804 — This world-premiere comedy production by local playwright Ed Thomas promises to be a side-splitter. Based on the goings-on in room 804 of the fictional New York City hotel, the Ringfield, the six-member cast takes on the hefty task of playing 27 different roles. In several vignettes (spanning a 150-year time frame) the busy cast intertwines unexpected tales of woe and hilarity. See it at Broadway Onstage (21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe). Call 586-771-6333 for ticket information and show times.

25 SAT • HOLIDAY Theatre Bizarre — Let’s face it: This time of the year caters to the macabre in all of us. With the litany of creepy Halloween traditions and spooky motifs, there really is no better time of the year for the kind of off-the-wall hedonism and celebration that Theatre Bizarre offers. Replete with earfuls from some of Detroit’s most eccentric bands (Country Bob and the Blood Farmers, the 3-D Invisibles and Snake-Out), plus an eyeful from performance artist Lucifire (she dances while being suspended from her piercings), this is what you might call a mega-Halloween party. Check it out at 967 W. State (just south of the State Fairgrounds), Detroit. Tickets are $35 presale, available at Noir Leather in Royal Oak, Record Time in Ferndale, Adornment Deluxe in Berkley, Pangea in Ann Arbor or for $40 at the door. Visit www.theatrebizarre.com for more info.