4 FRI • ART "Guilty Parties: Art From the Edge" — Taking the "artsy" out of the art, this is a forum for those who may never make it into a bona fide gallery show. From musicians to tattoo artists to students and everyday Joes, these are folks who create unique art, but highbrow it ain’t. Reception will include $1 drafts and free food (9-10 p.m.) and entertainment will feature Roma de Bleu, the Gold Soundz of Eric Weir and (we kid you not) a bagpiper. From Degas-esque landscapes to the utterly bizarre, this exhibit is the anti-show. Check it out at the Lager House (1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit). Call 313-961-4668 for more information. Artists include: Tony Eterno, Gino Fanelli, Jimi Litwalk, Mel Schridde, Jeff Shae and Renee Vincent.
5 SAT • FUN FOR ALL Redford Theater’s 75th Anniversary Extravaganza — Having opened its majestic doors in 1928 (the same year the Academy Awards began), the Redford Theatre is a piece of history. This vintage movie house not only has the distinction of being the only Detroit theater that regularly shows classic movies on the big screen, but it also entertains guests with the classic sounds of the pipe organ. The 75th anniversary events will include a silent film and live music, along with a running narrative about the theater and the folks who’ve kept it alive against the odds. To add to the festive atmosphere of the evening, guests are encouraged to wear vintage fashions. At the Redford Theatre (17360 Lahser, Detroit). Call 313-383-0133 for more information.
5 SAT • ISSUES & LEARNING Amiri Baraka — Speaking on "Arts and Activism: Using the Arts to Agitate for Change," famed poet-activist Amiri Baraka takes the podium (and maybe takes a few questions about his Sept. 11 conspiracy rants about the Israelis). Organized by a coalition of local groups that range from Wayne State’s Africana Studies Department to the ACLU and Operation Get Down, this charity dinner/open-mic jazz and poetry session will benefit PROVE (Post Release Opportunities for Vocational Education), HOPE (Helping Our Prisoners Elevate) and the National Lawyers Guild. At the Plymouth United Church of Christ ( 600 E. Warren, Detroit). Call 313-933-6075 for ticket information. This event is in conjunction with three days of progressive documentaries and talks at various Cultural Center locations.
6 SUN • MUSIC Detroit Composers Collective — If this is an example of where it’s headed, the new Detroit Composers Collective is going to be a real addition to the music scene. The collective’s first season kicks off with a double bill. Guitarist Ryan Mackstaller, whose Nice Day for a Swim was one of 2002’s notable local releases, presents his group JusThis (Dan Bennett, baritone sax; Tim Brown, drums); they’ll debut his "Tom Waits carnival suite" — an homage to the growly one. Saxophonist Andrew Bishop — whose credits range from work with Ray Charles to John Zorn and a piece in the movie Twister — has new music for a nonet. At 2 p.m. at the Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, behind the Detroit Institute of Arts. Call 313-587-3350 for reservations and information.
