18 super-cool events happening in Detroit this week that you may not have known about

By Metro Times editorial staff on Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 6:08 pm

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Wednesday, 12/14
Home Alone with the DSO
@ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
In 1990 Kevin McCallister woke up on the third floor of his family’s suburban Chicago home and found himself home alone — that is until a pair of bandits broke in and memorable hijinks ensued. The American classic is the highest grossing live-action comedy in the country, and spawned three sequels and launched the career of one Macaulay Culkin (and arguably Rory and Kieran Culkin’s too). Nearly three decades later, the movie is still beloved, thanks to ’90s nostalgia. The film will be shown in high definition on a giant screen, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ original score live.
Starts at 7:30 p.m.; 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org; tickets start $70.

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Wed-Tues, 12/14-20
Beautiful: The Carole King Story
@ Fisher Theatre
Carole King penned earworms like “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and interestingly enough “Where You Lead,” which is better known to millennials as the Gilmore Girls theme song. Now, the singer-songwriter’s prolific career is being honored with a musical that tells the story of her journey. It all begins as King professes to her mother her deep desire to move to New York City to sell her songs and traverses the ups and downs of her professional and personal life. The musical includes her songs such as “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Happy Days Are Here Again,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” and “So Far Away.”
Shows start at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 6:30 p.m. on Sundays with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000; broadwayindetroit.com; tickets start at $44.
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Thursday, 12/15
The Detroit I See
@ Detroit is the New Black
Photographer Steven Reaume experiences Detroit through his camera lens, which often affords him a unique view. This solo exhibition will feature works that embody his vision of Detroit, for better or worse. Rex Bravo and Alexander Schwank will DJ and there will be free snacks provided by Bldg01 and drinks by Tyler Yglesias.
Starts at 6 p.m.; 1426 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-355-2201; detroitisthenewblack.com.
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Thursday, 12/15
William Parker and Patricia Nicholson
@ Trinosophes
William Parker and Patricia Nicholson, the organizers of Vision Festival, will present a new work called “Studies in Freedom.” The piece mixes up music, words and dance “to tell a story of the collective heart yearning for Freedom; it expresses our greatest visions, our desire to attain what is best not only for ourselves, but for all.” according to a press release. “We will use words that escape from our souls to speak of our hearts.” Parker, a double-bassist, is a giant in the contemporary jazz scene. Nicholson, a dancer and choreographer, has been an incredibly strong force in New York City’s artistic community centered on the Lower East Side since 1981, when she directed and helped to organize “A Thousand Cranes Peace Opera,” for the opening of the UN Special Sessions on Disarmament. Don’t sleep on this; art and activism rarely mix this eloquently and forcefully.
Doors at 7:30 p.m.; 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; trinosophes.com; Sliding scale donations start at $12.
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Friday, 12/16
Secret Society of Secret Storytellers: The Wiz!
@ Detroit Film Theatre
George Faison is a pretty remarkable guy. He choreographed The Wiz, a gig that earned him a Tony Award. And by winning that Tony, Faison made history as the first African-American man to take home the award. While The Wiz might be Faison’s most celebrated work, his career is larger than that singular musical. He’s also choreographer movies like Josephine Baker and Cotton Club and worked with Alvin Ailey as a dancer and choreographer. This special evening with feature story time with Faison plus live performance of his work backed by an orchestra.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dft.org; tickets are $50, $40, and $30.
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Friday, 12/16
Darius Syrossian
@ Grasshopper Underground
Busy DJ Darius Syrossian has been mixing some pretty cool beats since the early 2000s, and he seems to never take a break from releasing new material. Brits definitely like their electronica, and Syrossian is one of the best, and most popular DJs on the scene way across the ocean. He’ll make you wish America had remained part of the British Empire. He’s that good. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s got a SoundCloud like pretty much every musician, so go take a listen! His latest release, Do Not Sleep, is something you definitely want to hear if dance music is your thing.
The show starts at 9 p.m.; 22757 Woodward Ave., Detroit; facebook.com/dariussyrossian; Tickets are $10; 18 years and up.
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Friday, 12/16
Touch Me!
@ Tangent Gallery
You know how when you go to a traditional art show and there is this ridiculous rule that you have to keep your grimy hands off the displayed works? Well, that rule is out the window at this revolutionary exhibition at Tangent Gallery. There will be marble and wood sculptures by Joshua Kochis, taxidermy by Ashley Shaul, woodwork by David Eppig, synthetic and resin works by Laura Wartel, and 3-D printing by Nick Clark, plus aerial performances by Lauren Macleod, and music by Ma Baker, Boudoir Noir, Act Casual, Chirp, and Day Oshee Martin.
Starts at 8 p.m.; 715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit; tangentgallery.com; 313-873-2955; tickets are $8; 18 and up.
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Friday, 12/16
Surreality: Sheefy McFly Solo Exhibition and Dance Party
@ UFO Factory
Detroit rapper and artist Sheefy McFly’s latest pieces, straight from the Rager Haus, will be unveiled soon, after too long of a wait. McFly, born Tashif Turner, attended the Detroit School of Arts and the College of Creative Studies, so his “dreamlike” pieces are captivating. During the dance party portion, McFly will perform under his electronic alias, Edward Elecktro, so you just know it’s going to be pretty funky.
The event starts at 7 p.m.; 2110 Trumbull Rd., Detroit; ufofactory.com; Tickets are $10, free before 10 p.m.
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Friday, 12/16
Cody Jinks
@ Saint Andrew’s Hall
Cody Jinks isn’t your average Country singer. Starting out in 1997 as the vocalist for thrash metal band Unchecked Aggression, the Texan has definitely changed musical courses. However, he presents a different strain of country music than the mainstream, Toby Keith brand that is oh-so popular on the radio. After making one of his first big hits out of a cover of Merle Haggard’s “The Way I Am” in August, anybody who has heard him know he’s the real deal.
Show starts at 8 p.m.; 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; livenation.com; Tickets are $22.
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Saturday, 12/17
Winter Magic Weekend: Home for the Holidays
@ Campus Martius Park
This weekend is your last chance to enjoy an evening of boozy winter fun in Campus Martius before this series comes to a close. The event features a wine and beer tasting and attendees are asked to don ugly Christmas sweaters, mostly because now, everywhere you go during the holidays ,you’re expected to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Anyway, the whole thing takes place under a heated tent, which is great because the forecast for this evening is 20 degrees with a strong chance of snow showers. Ambiance, amiright? There will also be live entertainment, a selfie station, complimentary coat check, and a keepsake commemorative glass will also add to the merriment and festivities.
Starts at 7 p.m.; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; wintermagicweekends.com; presale tickets are $20; 21 and up.
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Saturday, 12/17
Paula Poundstone
@ Royal Oak Music Theatre
One of the best parts of researching Paula Poundstone in hopes of writing a pithy blurb about her tour stop at Royal Oak Music Theatre is watching the evolution — or lack thereof — of her hair. From a poofy, crimped bob in the ’80s to the more sleek version of the same ’do that she sports these days, Poundstone has been rocking the same coif (and the same signature suit) for most of her career. About the show: Poundstone, who has long integrated herself in politics, will give a performance that’s sure to touch on the 2016 election and other political themes.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 318. W. Fourth St., Detroit; 248-399-2980 romtlive.com; tickets start at $32.
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Saturday, 12/17
Santarchy
@ Irish Gaelic League
First things first: There’s a rule against ugly Christmas sweaters at this annual and much beloved holiday pub crawl, so don’t wear one. You are, however, welcome to don a Santa suit, dress as an elf, pretend to be Mrs. Claus, or wear any other holiday-themed costume for the evening, and don’t expect to board the Santarchy bus without one. We do generally encourage the Santa suit, mostly because it’s fun to watch 100-plus drunk Santas stumble through the streets of Corktown, Midtown, downtown, and Eastern Market. There will be live music by the Rockabilly Devils inside the Gaelic League, plus plenty more surprises.
Starts at 7 p.m.; 2068 Michigan Ave., Detroit; detroitsantarchy.net; tickets are $20.
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Saturday, 12/17
Motor City Choreography Collective Showcase
@ the Crofoot
Whether you studied dance in school or the most you know of the artform is how to do the Cupid Shuffle, this dance showcase is tailor-made for you. Michigan’s best dancers and choreographers are coming together for another edition of the Motor City Choreography Collective showcase. There will be cutting-edge dance moves, inspiring routines, and tons of good music, plus over 25 performances that span the dance gamut, from jazz to hip-hop to contemporary to tap.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; 248-858-9333; thecrofoot.com; tickets are $13 in advance and $16 at the door.
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Saturday, 12/17
Michael Carbonaro
@ the Fillmore
Carbonaro explains himself pretty simply saying, “Magic got me everything.” In fact, it got him into New York University. During an interview with Conan O’Brien, he said that despite his terrible grades, he gave a monologue and ended with a card trick that secured him a spot in the prestigious university. While he’s been working in television and movies since the late ’90s, you probably know him best for his recent stints on O’Brien’s late night show as well as for his own show, The Carbonaro Effect. This show promises plenty of audience interaction, live magic tricks, video clips, and bizarre special effects.
Doors open at 7 p.m.; 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com; tickets are $35-$45.
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Saturday, 12/17
The Verve Pipe
@ Otus Supply
The Verve Pipe is probably the best band to come out of Michigan State. “Freshman” is definitely their most well-known hit, and with good reason because it’s one of the best sad songs of the late ’90s. The Verve Pipe also garnered international success with “Photograph,” “Hero,” and “Happiness Is.” The alt-rock trio is multiplatinum at this point, and has, in recent years, branched into family music, but still plays “grown-up” music too. It’s a show that you and your kids will have a blast at.
Show starts at 8 p.m.; 345 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; facebook.com/otussupply; Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
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Saturday, 12/17
Cosmic Light Shapes, The Creepos, Old Empire
@ Trixie’s Bar
Psychedelic pop band Cosmic Light Shapes will play with the Creepos and Old Empire this weekend. Blues-y alt-rock quartet, the Creepos, known for their energetic live performances, will also perform. Old Empire, aDetroit rock band that plays across the city pretty frequently will be there, and they’ll definitely be one of the night’s highlights.
Doors at 9 p.m.; 2656 Carpenter St., Hamtramck; trixieshamtramck.com; Tickets are $5.
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Saturday, 12/17
Rebel Kind record release show
@ Lo & Behold!
Rebel Kind, one of our favorite bands, are finally releasing their third album (second as a full band — and they’ve recently become a four-piece). They are all united in Detroit now that singer/songwriter Autumn Wetli returned from Los Angeles earlier this year. Rebel Kind are among the smartest and most fun bands working loosely within the garage-pop framework. This is a release party for their new album, Just For Fools, released on the same day on beloved label Urinal Cake. The album expands the group’s sound, with subtler harmonies and a harder edge here and there. It’s far more upbeat overall. You don’t have to wait a second in order to hear “Everything You Said Was Just a Lie,” which we premiered on our website last week. It’s a ferocious garage-pop gem that’s been a staple of live sets for some time, an instant classic in the ever-necessary “you lied and you cheated, go away now” genre. Isaac Levine DJs, Megan Stockton reads some new work, and AM People also perform.
Doors at 9 p.m.; 10020 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; lo-behold.org; $5.
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Tues-Sat, 12/20-24
A Christmas Story: The Musical
@ Fox Theatre
Every God-fearing American knows the story of Ralphie Parker and his righteous pursuit for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. He’s subjected to constant humiliation (Re: You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!) and even made to wear enormous pink bunny pajamas before he is finally gifted with that blessed gun. Lovers of the classic film will enjoy this reimagining of Jean Shepherd’s writing, which includes music by composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. And yes, the slutty leg lamp does make an appearance in the play.
Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with 2 p.m. matinees Thursday-Saturday; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 800-745-3000; olympiaentertainment.com; tickets are $35-$75.
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