Dec. 25-31, 2002

26 THU • ART "Artists of the People: Mexican Prints Through the Twentieth Century" — This small exhibition of 15 prints has been borrowed directly from the University of Michigan’s Museum walls. A small installment of enormously powerful visuals, these starkly beautiful and contemporary works fairly map out the artistic development of the often-ignored richness of Mexican art. With works by artists including Jose Guadalupe Posada, Enrique Chagoya, Jose Luis Cuevas and Davis Alfaro Siqueiros, this is one of U-M’s most unique exhibitions to date. Running through Jan. 19, 2003 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art Twentieth Century Gallery (525 S. State Street, Ann Arbor). Call 734-764-0395 for further information.

26 THU • MUSIC James "Blood" Ulmer — "The greatness of one is not in music. Everyone thinks about the greatness of one. But music don't have one thing. Every one thing has the music." says James "Blood" Ulmer about his complex style. Known for masterful musical prowess, but adhering to no one style, the man called "Blood" covers many bases. From jazz to blues to experimental and funk, Ulmer’s approach to musicianship essentially defines "fusion." As an element of the Jazz Techno Series Part IV, the evening will include performances from Soul Rhythm, DJ I and Quaker Cage. Like Ulmer says: "You're supposed to put everything in one thing. You have to express how you feel about what you're doing some kind of way. Some have one. Some have four!" Be there or be completely unfunky. At Alvin’s (5756 Cass Ave, Detroit). Call 313-831-4577 for more details.

26 THU • MUSIC Detroit Music Awards Blues Showcase — Look out lovah’s. The Motor City Music Foundation will be holding its first holiday blues gash. The evening will include many of the usual suspects and a couple newbies. The revered Thornetta Davis and local faves the Sax Maniacs will be in the house, blowing their own horns for your blues-lovin’ pleasure. Don’t miss this evening of ass-shakin’, foot-stomping good times. Also appearing will be Too Blue Feat, Paul Miles, the Alligators and the Butler Twins. At George & Harry’s Blues Café (22048 Michigan Ave, Dearborn). Call 313-359-2799 for more information.

28 SAT • MUSIC/DJ The Bang! X-Mas Party — You stuffed your face, you drank like a fish and you are considering divorcing your family — now it’s time to work some of that stuff off! The Bang! X-mas Party is the sweatiest evening of pure musical enjoyment possible. Gorgeous women, sexy men and a whole lotta reason to bump and grind — courtesy of soul, ’60s rock, R&B, Motown, hip hop, Hammond groove and more. The only thing more charged than the dancing will be your libido. Come dressed as Santa or Mrs. Claus, and get a special Bang! prize. At the Blind Pig (208 S. First St, Ann Arbor). Call 734-996-8555.

29 SUN • MUSIC Kwanzaa Jazz Concert with Barry Harris — The Black Concerns Working Group of the First Unitarian Universalist Church presents its 16th annual Kwanzaa Jazz Concert. Detroit legend and primo jazz pianist Barry Harris will be serving up a dish of his famous bebop and jazz stylings for the event. Performing in recognition of the Kwanzaa holiday, the evening will bring the cultural message that speaks to the heart of what it means to be an African and a human to the fullest. Experience the celebration and pride at the First Unitarian Universalist Church (4605 Cass, Detroit). Call 313-833-9107.

29 SUN • FOOD Sunday Brunch in Hamtown — Lionel Ritchie isn’t the only guy who loves easy Sunday mornings. Urban Break restaurant has generated an incredible following of brunch-loving, ambiance-needing devotees to their Sunday morning buffets. Heralded as some of the most delicious vegan and omnivore dishes that southeast Michigan has to offer, the comfortable atmosphere and unpretentious vibe make it the perfect spot for everything from hangover healing to friendly socialization. Urban Break is at 10020 Joseph Campau (two blocks south of Caniff,) Hamtramck. Call 313-872-1210 for further details.