18 THU • FUN FOR ALL 30 Who Dared — "How do you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been?" "If you don’t learn from history, you’re doomed to repeat it." Notice neither of these lame-o high school teacher responses to the oft-asked question, "Why do we need to learn about all this history stuff?" include that history can be fun. The Detroit Historical Museum is running its "30 Who Dared: Detroiters Who Made A Difference" exhibit until February 2003. Answers to whimsical I-75 traffic jam ponderings like "Who is Joseph Campau" and serious educational queries about the organizers of the Detroit Underground Railroad can be found within this interesting and important exhibit. The Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5401 Woodward Avenue in Detroit; call 313-833-1805 for more information.
19 FRI. • MUSIC Young Dubliners — The long-in-the-tooth Young Dubliners bring a heady fiddle/guitar/mandolin-driven brew of bittersweet rockist churns and lager-fueled folkish balladry to town for a rare appearance. In support of its latest, the near-brilliant Absolutely — a record rife with the hard-luck lyricism that would give old Buk a run for his dough — the rag-tag team of expats and Irish transplants will no doubt inspire its patented "jig pit," that dance floor hoopla known far and wide to include a cross-section of drunken punks, khaki-wearing yups, Phish-jammers and blue-hairs. Also on the bill is Newfoundland’s underrated Great Big Sea and a cadre of semiunknowns called Seven Nations. Raise a pint and salute! Go to the Royal Oak Theatre, 318 W. Fourth Street, Royal Oak; call 248-544-7949 for more information.
20 SAT • MUSIC Wilco — On the band’s latest release, Yankee Foxtrot Hotel, Wilco's front man and creative force Jeff Tweedy pleads, "What was I thinking when I let go of you?" Reprise Records might be asking itself that very same question after its reportedly amiable split with the chart-topping media darlings. Yankee has proven to be both a commercial and critical success, cementing their fan’s belief that Wilco is one of those rare treasures — a band that doesn’t have to compromise its art for the sake of marketability. Despite several significant changes in Wilco’s lineup — drummer Ken Coomer and lead guitarist Jay Bennett both left in 2001 — Yankee is true to the innovative musical direction Wilco has taken over the years. Set lists from the current tour have included favorites from Wilco’s first two releases A.M. and Being There as well as tunes from Summer Teeth and the Mermaid Avenue sessions. Check out what all the media froth is about at the Royal Oak Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; call 248-544-7949 for more information.
22 MON • MUSIC The Datsuns — Hailing from the decidedly un-rock ’n’ roll land New Zealand, the Datsuns are what you’d call a Rock Band on the Verge. A heavy-metal group for those who didn’t know that they like heavy metal, this four-member band rocks the way rockers should. The band’s influences range from AC/DC to all the hipster indie bands that are all the rage with kids these days. The Datsuns have toured throughout Europe and the United States (in April the band opened a few East Coast shows for The White Stripes); in September, the band is set to release its debut effort on Hell Squad records. Making its first Detroit appearance, the Datsuns will have you movin’ your vintage-Levi-wearin’ ass until the sun comes up — or at least until headliners the Von Bondies mount the stage. Get there early and don’t leave behind your lust-driven rock ’n’ roll spirit. See the Datsuns at the Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; call 313-961-4668 for more info.
23 TUES • ISSUES AND LEARNING NORML Meeting — It has many medical uses. It can be used to make everything from beer to clothing. Although no one has ever overdosed on it, the prohibition of weed remains. These types of issues and more are up for discussion at the monthly meeting of the Macomb County chapter of NORML. Director Charles Frakes will be leading a discussion on the future of the Personal Responsibility Amendment. A Canadian Broadcasting Company pot-umentary, "Reefer Madness II," will be shown at the conclusion of the meeting. NORML invites the public to attend, particularly those who support the reformation of marijuana laws. The meeting will be held in the Macomb County Library’s meeting room, 16480 Hall Road in Clinton Twp., 6:30-8:30 p.m.; call 586-286-6660 for more information.
24 WED • MUSIC Blackman — A true vet of the Detroit music scene, DJ James "Blackman" Harris hosts one of Detroit’s most eclectic and unpredictable evenings. This weekly open forum event takes place at the Detroit Art Space. A revolving list of guest artists, musicians, and poets keeps the music fresh and interesting. Blackman has been known to engage the audience in some of his own experimental scratching; other nights he simply MCs or spins selections from one of Detroit's best record collections. If you are lucky, you might catch Blackman with one of his more formal musical adventures: Soul Clique or Dub Culture. Blackman’s recent participation in the VH1 special "Driven-The Kid Rock Story" may foreshadow future collaboration between these two Detroit legends. Could it start at the Art Space? Seems unlikely but, given the poor quality of Cocky, Rock should be begging for the chance. Rock aside, the Blackman will put together an evening of frolic you won’t soon forget. The Art Space is located at 101. E. Baltimore in Detroit; call 313-598-4695 for more information.
