13 THU • MUSIC Gunter Hampel Trio — Had it been recorded decades later, Hampel’s The 8th of July 1969 would have been hailed as a free-jazz super-session. Instead, it’s a prescient showcase for future icons of the U.S. and Euro free-jazz scenes plus the German-born, New York-based Hampel who seems to constitute a trans-Atlantic scene of his own. Best known for the sprawling editions of his Galaxie Dream Band, for his first Detroit gig ever, the bass clarinetist and vibes player is traveling light with drummer Lou Grassi and clarinet wunderkind Perry Robinson. (But is traveling light in heavy company an oxymoron?) At Detroit Art Space, 101 E. Baltimore (east of Woodward, south of East Grand Boulevard). Call 313-598-4695.
19 WED • MUSIC Lila Downs and Eddie Palmieri — Drawing on classical training and the traditional sounds of Oaxaca, Mexico, Downs’ songs have grappled with migrations and frontiers, literal and metaphoric. While her CDs have garnered critical buzz, the sound track to the movie Freida is taking her to a whole new audience. Meanwhile, pianist Eddie Palmieri fires up the salsa time machine, resurrecting his improbably sublime lineup of the early ’60s: two trombones, flute, piano, bass and volcanic percussion. The Concert of Colors Diversity Festival and Series Latino Celebration is at Ford Center for Performing Arts (Michigan Avenue, just west of Greenfield) in Dearborn.
Call 313-842-7010.
15 SAT • MUSIC Sex Machine CD Release Party — Remember the days of devil locks, the Misfits, Samhain, broken bottles and the Graystone? Remember sneaking out of your bedroom window to see local punk rock/hardcore godheads, the Skraps, open up for the Damned? Well, they are back. (Or some semblance of them, anyway.) Off the ropes and swingin’ like champs, Sex Machine is still in-your-face, deliciously sexy, unabashedly loud rock ’n’ roll. Check ’em out at Small’s (10339 Conant, Hamtramck), with the wild men of Throttlebody. Call 313-873-1117 for details.
15 SAT • ART The Furnace Detroit — There’s something new in town, and it doesn’t require a black tie or a set of ear plugs. To celebrate the release of the first issue of The Furnace, a new Detroit-based literary journal, the Corktown Press presents and evening of eclectic fun. With performances from InsideOut’s Citywide poets, Lisa McCall Dunham Dance Theatre, Urban Folk Collective, the Fozzys and more, this bestowal of Detroit culture is just a sampling of what The Furnace hopes to bring to the forefront of our curious and concerned community. At the Hastings Street Ballroom & Tangent Gallery (715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit) Food and drinks provided by local restaurants and bars. Call 313-870-9002 for further information. All proceeds go toward the printing of this literary journal.
