19 ways to entertain yourself in metro Detroit this week.

Feb 9, 2017 at 1:00 am
Thursday, 2/16
SonReal
@ The Shelter
There’s a lot of rap and hip-hop coming out of Canada, and SonReal is an example of the nation’s most determined up-and-comers. He built up a loyal fan base thanks to the wonders of the internet, and SonReal released his first mixtape in 2011. After the release of 2012’s Words I Said, he signed with Black Box Recordings, and was nominated for two Juno Awards, which are basically Canadian Grammys. As the supporting act for Jon Bellion in Detroit, he’s met a lot of praise, and if you were impressed with him then, you’ll certainly be into seeing him headline.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; 431 E. Congress St., Detroit; saintandrewsdetroit.com; Tickets are $13.
click to enlarge Naked Magicians to perform at the Fillmore.
Naked Magicians to perform at the Fillmore.
Thursday, 2/16
Naked Magicians
@ the Fillmore
Because we live in an age of across-the-board objectification and sexualization of the human body there is now a thing called Naked Magicians. Two Australian guys perform sleight of hand, yank rabbits from hats, and pull off grand illusions all while in the nude. While some folks will surely, uhm, get off on such a thing, we have our reservations about this whole scheme. Although, we have been wondering where they’re hiding those things that typically go up a magician’s sleeve. Wash your hands, that’s all we’re saying.
Doors open at 7 p.m.; 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; thefillmoredetroit.com; 313-961-5451; tickets start at $22.50.
click to enlarge Chargaux will perform for the DSO's series, Mix @ the Max. Courtesy photo.
Chargaux will perform for the DSO's series, Mix @ the Max. Courtesy photo.
Thursday, 2/16
Mix @ the Max: Chargaux
@ Max M. Fisher Music Center
A photo of Charly and Margaux — the two badass and beautiful women who make up Chargaux — is striking, but when you hear their music you’ll see why people are paying attention to the viola and violin players. Kismet brought the pair together, but a passion for forward-thinking classically inspired music fused their bond. The Huffington Post described their sound as, “bubbling, boiling liquid sounds, somewhere between the brashness of jazz and the mellowness of R&B.” If you’re intrigued you can watch the former buskers perform in the Cube at the Max this Thursday.
Starts at 7 p.m.; 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org; tickets are $15 for general admission and $49 for VIP.
click to enlarge Married but Single Too kicks off its national tour at the Music Hall in Detroit.
Married but Single Too kicks off its national tour at the Music Hall in Detroit.
Thurs-Sun, 2/16-19
Married But Single Too
@ Music Hall
A follow up to Je’Caryous Johnson’s popular Married but Single play, this stage production packs even more star power than the original. LisaRaye McCoy returns as Sharon Wilson, who’s unhappy despite duping her beau into marriage and comedian Bill Bellamy joins the cast as Wilson’s former flame. As you would assume, scandal ensues. Carl Payne, La’Myia Good, and Chante Moore also star in the production. This touring production kicked off at Music Hall, with its first run taking place on Valentine’s Day. You have until Sunday before the show moves on to Brooklyn. N.Y.
Shows at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. on Sunday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday; 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org; 313-887-8500; tickets start at $65.50.

Friday, 2/17
Deeper Dive: Albert Kahn
@ Detroit Center for Design + Technology
Architects, students, and fans of Albert Kahn would be remiss to skip out on this rare opportunity to view early work from the iconic architect. The exhibit will be open until March 10, but this special evening will include a gallery talk at 7:30 p.m. that will put the Victorian roots of the Belle Isle Aquarium and Horticultural Building into context as well as discussing the significance of Kahn’s design. The exhibit itself will feature blueprints from the “lost” Belle Isle Aquarium and Horticultural Building.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; 4219 Woodward Ave., Detroit; belleisleconservancy.org/deeperdive; 313-331-7760; tickets are $40, $20 for students; no tickets will be available at the door.

Friday, 2/17
The Unseen + All Ears
@ Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
If you missed it the first time around, MOCAD is going to do you a favor. They’re once again screening Gus Sutherland’s crucial film on Detroit’s underground hip-hop music scene, The Unseen, but this time they’re making it a double feature. They’ll also be playing Sutherland’s documentary on the West Coast’s hip-hop scene, a film called All Ears. With common themes, the films employ interview with the likes of Slum Village, Proof, Wajeed, J Dilla, Flying Lotus, and more. With the Unseen serving as a prequel of sorts to All Ears, the two make a great pair.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; 4454 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 313.832.6622; mocadetroit.org; tickets are $5 for guests, free for members.
click to enlarge Annie. Courtesy photo.
Annie. Courtesy photo.
Fri-Sat, 2/17-18
Annie
@ Fox Theatre
Do you really need a synopsis of Annie? You know, she’s an orphan with some Ronald McDonald-looking mop of red curls, all mistreated by some mean AF orphanage mistress named Miss Hannigan. Then swoops in the great white hope Daddy Warbucks who adopts her and her mangy dog. Life would be grand, but Miss Hannigan wants that sweet government green she gets for keeping Annie alive in her hideous institution, so she sends her brother and his wife to pretend their Annie’s long-lost parents, which inspires a some song and dance, I’m sure. The show also features a version of Jay Z’s “Hard Knock Life.”
Shows start at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; olympiaentertainment.com; tickets are $30, $45, $55 and $70.

Fri-Sun, 2/17-19
Academy Award nominated short films
@ Detroit Film Theatre
In preparation for the 2017 Academy Awards (Sunday, Feb. 26), the Detroit Film Theatre will screen 10 short films, any of which could take home an award at this year’s ceremony. The films will be separated into two categories — animated shorts and live action shorts — with a 25-minute intermission in between. They range in length from six to 35 minutes. Titles include Borrowed Time, Timecode, Silent Nights, and Pixar’s Piper. Of the 10 films, seven are foreign.
Starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday; 5100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org; tickets are $9.

Saturday, 2/18
GALentine’s Day
@ Jam Handy
GALentine’s Day is a holiday that could have been created by Taylor Swift in her never ending quest to prove she’s feminist. You see, the day is all about women supporting and celebrating other women, plus eating brunch because that’s what women like to do. Of course, unlike Swifty, this event will support Planned Parenthood. Even if you can’t make it, organizers encourage you to make a monetary donation to the family planner organization. There will be an omelette station, turkey sausage links (hooray?), breakfast quiche, vegetable quiche, homestyle grits, homefries, a “fruit display” (edible or no?), assorted pastries, plus juice, water, and coffee.
Runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 2900 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; visit eventbrite.com for more info; tickets are $50; 18 and older only.

Monday, 2/20
Vault of Midnight Game Night
@ Queen’s Bar
Have you tried desperately to institute a weekly board game night but your family is like, “nah”? We have just the thing for you. Comic book store Vault of Midnight, which opened a location in Detroit last year, is hosting a game night at Queen’s Bar and all board game lovers are welcome to nerd out over the tactile pastime. There will be game masters on hand to help you learn new board games. You can purchase tickets at the store’s Detroit location, and space is limited, so you’ll need to get your ticket ahead of time.
Runs from 7-9 p.m.; 35 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2165; vaultofmidnight.com; tickets are $10.

click to enlarge Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Courtesy photo.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Courtesy photo.
Tuesday, 2/21
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
@ Fisher Theatre
This show is all about gender identity, gender bending, and gender fluidity — without taking itself too seriously, of course. Those familiar will already know the musical’s infectious tunes like, the mythologically based “Origin of Love,” “Tear Me Down,” the titular “Angry Inch,” and my personal favorite, “Wig in a Box” as well as the storyline, which follows transgender Hedwig Robinson as she tries to make it big as a rock star while riding the coattails of another successful singer. This traveling show stars Tony and Olivier Award nominee Euan Morton, who is a little burlier than we’re used to in a Hedwig, but we’re willing to give him a shot.
Show starts at 8 p.m.; 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000; broadwayindetroit.com; tickets start at $39.

Friday, 2/17
Mykki Blanco
@ El Club
Mykki Blanco is an androgynous activist and artist whose alternative hip-hop has made some pretty cool waves. He’s a fan of riot grrrl and queercore, and his mixtapes have been fantastic. 2014’s Gay Dog Food featured contributions from the ultimate riot grrrl, Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre). In 2016, Mykki Blanco, whose persona began as a female role for a YouTube video, released his first solo album, which is pretty sweet and really showcases just how much talent he has.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 4114 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; elclubdetroit.com; Tickets are $14.

Friday, 2/17
Greg Brown
@ The Ark
Greg Brown started off at 18 years old singing at the fabled Gerdes Folk City in the Big Apple. Now, 40 years later, Brown has an impressive portfolio when it comes to music, having worked as the ghostwriter for Buck Ram (The Platters) and establishing his own brilliant folk music career. Brown knows just how to milk the intimacy of folk music to enchant audiences.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; theark.org; Tickets are $35.

Friday, 2/17
Naomi Punk and PC Worship
@ UFO Factory
Naomi Punk is one of those bands defying those who say that grunge died with the ’90s, and they’re doing it pretty well. Grunge is one of those genres where it’s easy for young bands trying to do it can come off a little too much like a rehashing of Mudhoney. Naomi Punk, straight from Olympia, keeps their music fresh by consciously making an effort to stay unique. PC Worship is awesome drone-rock that Stereogum has praised, and rightly so.
Doors open at 9 p.m.; 2110 Trumbull St., Detroit; ufofactory.com; Tickets are $10-$12.
click to enlarge Frontier Ruckus. Courtesy photo.
Frontier Ruckus. Courtesy photo.
Saturday, 2/18
Frontier Ruckus
@ The Loving Touch
Frontier Ruckus returns home with their jangly, lo-fi folk music. The band, which formed at Brother Rice High School in 2003, has achieved its fair share of success. Every album, starting with The Orion Songbook in 2008 has been fantastic. Their lyrics are intense, their music is awesome, and, as The A.V. Club proved, they can even make Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” genuinely likable, which is a pretty difficult feat. The band is not pigeonholed by the folk label, so anyone on the fence about going should know that they’re going to hear some pretty eclectic music.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; 28949 Joy Rd., Westland; thetokenlounge.com; Tickets are $14.50.

Saturday, 2/18
Head for the Hills
@ Otus Supply
Everybody loves Head for the Hills, from Bluegrass Today to NPR. They’re versatile for a bluegrass string music, and they keep it accessible to pretty much anyone. Blue Ruin is definitely their best album. It blends traditional bluegrass sounds with progressive, modern acoustic sensibilities. Head for the Hills has been around for quite some time now, and they’ve never found themselves falling into any tropes of the genre or becoming stagnant. They’re easily one of the most forward-thinking bluegrass bands around.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 345 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; otussupply.com; Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Tuesday, 2/21
The Necks
@ Trinosophes
The Necks are probably one of the best bands in the world (we mean, The New York Times thinks so), and definitely the most unique band from Australia. Since the late 1980s the Necks have produced original post-rock-ish type music that holds its own and rewards repeated listening. Their debut album, Sex, consisted of one nonstop track, and that’s what they do best: long tracks with little nuances throughout the piece that keep listeners on their toes. It took some time for North America to buy in, and thankfully we haven’t gone to war with Australia yet so they’ve been allowed in the country. The band is touring behind its 19th studio album, Unfold, which promises to be just as expertly crafted as the rest, blending tradition with experimentation.
Show starts at 8 p.m.; 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; trinosophes.com; Entrance is $15.
click to enlarge John Coltrane Tribute.
John Coltrane Tribute.
Friday, 2/17 - PIC
Tribute to John Coltrane
@ Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
Coltrane. It’s a name that’s introduced many people to jazz. It’s a name that’s inspired many a musician, including those of the Shawn “Thunder” Wallace Quartet. Presented by the new record listening lounge Detroit Griot, “Acknowledgement Vol. 1: A tribute to John Coltrane” is the first step in a concert series dedicated to John Coltrane and Detroit’s long history with jazz as a whole. The Shawn “Thunder” Wallace Quartet is definitely the right choice for the job. He’s had eight marvelous albums, and has been featured on a vast array of networks, including CBS and NBC. Working with Wallace to produce the set list is the man behind the Griot Music Lounge, John Taylor, whose dedication to jazz and to Detroit is notable. Taylor hopes to inspire people to care more about jazz’s history in Detroit, and this concert series in honor of John Coltrane is certainly a decent start.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com;
Tickets are $15.
click to enlarge Prude Boys.
Prude Boys.
Saturday, 2/18
Prude Boys Cass records single party
@ UFO Factory
The Prude Boys (formerly the Lost Boys) are one of our favorite garage-punk bands. They’re celebrating their first vinyl release on the recently rejuvenated Cass label, so you should definitely join in. Double Winter and AM People will perform, while DJ Richie Wolfheil will play records, so there’s no reason to do anything else all evening.
Doors open at 9 p.m.; 2110 Trumbull St., Detroit; ufofactory.com; $8.