27 THU • MUSIC Charlie Hunter Trio — Yet another one of the “Young Lions of the Jazz World,” jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter’s funk/rock/reggae stylings are really somethin’. On his most recent album, Friends Seen and Unseen, Hunter’s unique 8-string guitar style is matched only by the sweet percussion skills of Derek Phillips and the horn/wind (tenor sax, bass clarinet and flute) chops of John Ellis; together they are the Charlie Hunter Trio. Experience the incendiary sounds of this threesome at the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale); call 248-544-3030 for further information.
28 FRI • THEATER The Fantasticks — Adapted from Edmond Rostand’s 1894 play Les Romanesques and first staged at Barnard College back in 1959, it’s no surprise that the clever production The Fantasticks can now call itself the longest-running musical in history. With all the best elements of story development — young love, pain and inter-family feuding — this production is so complete and interesting, that everyone should see this play at least once. Here’s your chance: At the Capitol Theatre in Windsor (121 University Ave. W., Windsor); call 519-253-7729 for ticket information. Runs Fridays through Sundays May 28-June 6.
28 FRI • MUSIC The Business — Cognoscenti call it “street punk,” but folks who love The Business will simply say it’s one of the best live shows ever. One of hardcore punk rock’s last bastions of hope (we’ll forgive that it’s a Clear Channel-sponsored show … this time), these working-class old-schoolers will be knocking skulls and shaking sternums in downtown Detroit. At St. Andrew’s Hall (431 E. Congress, Detroit), with Nekromantix, Horropops and Roger Miret & the Disasters; call 313-961-MELT for ticket info.
30-31 SUN-MON • SHOPPING Grosse Pointe’s Greatest Garage Sale — Still looking for that last piece of Heywood Wakefield furniture or that ever-elusive last addition to your Garbage Pail Kids trading card collection? Then get gaga for garage sales, clean out the grocery getter and get thee to downtown Grosse Pointe. You’ll find everything from furniture to antiques to jewelry and (believe it or not) hot tubs and spas. There will also be an adopt-a-pet booth for those of you who are looking for a new furry friend. At The Village (Kerchaval Avenue between Neff and Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe), call 313-886-7474 for further information; admission is $1 per person.
31 MON • HOLIDAY/ISSUES & LEARNING Memorial Day with Veterans for Peace — Though, for many Americans, Memorial Day is a time for back yard barbecues, community parades and beer drinking, it is actually one of the most important holidays on the American calendar. This Memorial Day, what better way to honor those who have fought than with Veterans for Peace, an organization which includes men and women veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and other conflicts who have come to the conclusion that “our collective experience tells us wars are easy to start and hard to stop and that those hurt are often the innocent. Thus, other means of problem solving are necessary.” This event will include a memorial display for every soldier killed in the current Iraq war. At Frog Island (in the Depot Town Area, Ypsilanti), call 734-487-9058 for further details.
Ongoing • THEATER Serengeti Tales — Developed with children in mind, the original production, Serengeti Tales is a great way to introduce (or reintroduce) kids to African culture. Through folklore, woven together by the Zulu legend “Where Stories Come From,” actors, musicians and singers will bring to life stories of triumph, tolerance and tradition. Original music will be played on traditional African instruments. At Varner Studio (Oakland University campus, Rochester), call 248-370-3013 for ticket information. Runs through June 6.
