21 FRI • MUSIC Twistin’ Tarantulas CD release party — "Pistol" Pete Midtgard tackled styles from jump jive to punk rock to create an album of spot-on good times. The musical characters on the Tarantula’s new album, El Destroyo, tell a pulp story of woe; check out songs like "Chateau eau de Ghetto" (an homage to Midtgard’s dicey neighborhood), "Key to the Kingdom," (a lament about a battle with the bottle) and the hard-driving title track. What’s more, Midtgard has the chops to pull this concept off. At the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward, Ferndale) with the Orbitsuns. Call 248-544-3030 for more info.
24-26 MON-WED • PERFORMANCE ART Kodo — From a Japanese word that has two meanings — "heartbeat" and "children of the drum" — Kodo is performance art and drumming at their most intense. The sinewy-strong drummers dedicate eight months a year to touring and spend the remainder in intensive physical training and meditation at their colony on Sado Island. At the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor). Call 734-668-8480 for more information.
21 FRI • MUSIC Dead String Brothers at Jacoby’s WDET fundraiser — With their great licks and good hearts, the Dead String Brothers will perform as part of Jacoby’s three-day WDET-FM 101.9 fundraiser. With singer Kurt Marschke’s sweet-as-honey tenor and haunting pedal steel from the Flemishly gorgeous Peter Ballard, this country-Americana combo is as piquant as it is authentic. Whether dishing out the countrified aching of an original or a passionate cover of "Long Black Veil," the Dead String Brothers leave listeners with nothing to fret about. Support public radio and good music at Jacoby’s (624 Brush Street, Detroit). With Bootsey X & the Lovemasters and Nick Pivot’s Cocktail Shake. Call 313-962-7067 for more lineup information.
19 WED • ART Out of the Closet — As part of a Meadow Brook Hall’s latest art series, the previously cloistered is no longer. Opening their doors — all of their doors — after 32 years of tours, the Meadow Brook mansion’s bathrooms, closets, cabinets and even secret vaults and staircases will now be on display. Artist Lorraine Leigh’s exhibit will grant visitors access to previously off-limits areas and provide a fly-on-the-wall take on the lifestyle of the Dodge-Wilson family during Meadow Brook Hall’s heyday. On the campus of Oakland University (2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester). Call 248-370-3140 for further information.
