28 FRI • MUSIC The Rev. Vince Anderson — Performing music that he describes as "dirty gospel," the Rev. Vince Anderson admits he’s trying "to bring Christianity back to the caves." Having dropped out of the seminary as a young man, Andersen has been ordained by the Universal Life Church (via an ad in Rolling Stone), and according to his bio is now the gospel choir director at the Salvation Army in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is a proverbial earful with frenetic keyboard playing and bloody-raw vocals, sort of Tom Waits circa Rain Dogs meets Randy Newman meets Wilson Pickett. At the Elbow Room (6 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti). Call 734-483-6374 for more information. With Bill Parker & His Motherscratchers and the Doornails.
29 SAT • MUSIC Instant Composers Pool Orchestra — Fun may be one element of jazz in its homeland, but some Dutch bands have turned avant zaniness into a virtual genre. (Something in the dike water?) The moniker Instant Composers Pool Orchestra let’s you know pianist Misha Mengelberg’s ten-piece worships spontaneity, but you have to hear these guys (and gal) to understand how Sousa can sound surreal or how an Ellington-style train riff can be huffed and puffed into a steam blast of laughter. At Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Call 734-769-2999.
29 SAT • BOOK SIGNING Yanni — If you’re like Jack Black’s character in High Fidelity, you spent your college years wearing a Yanni T-shirt while smirking at the pop-driveler on your chest. This is not for you. But for those who find rhapsody in Yanni’s flowing raven locks, thick mustache and world music sounds, his new book In Words might simply be too beautiful for words. In any event, the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies will be hosting a rare book signing for this suave musician at the Royalty House in Warren (8201 E. 13 Mile Road, Warren). Call 586-264-8400 for more information.
30 SUN • ISSUES & LEARNING Iwo Jima Diary — On Feb. 19, 1945, 19-year-old Michigan native Mort Denell stepped off of his ship and onto the island of Iwo Jima. With a journal and machine gun in tow, Denell began to record his war experience. When he returned from the war, the book was tucked away and Denell tried to forget about it. But at the age of 77, he began thinking about it again, and soon after, began illustrating the entries. Likened to Beetle Bailey and the works of R. Crumb, the 300 drawings have now been fashioned into an animated documentary. With the help of his grandson, Tom Coulter and filmmaker, Michael Pfaendtner (cq), the Iwo Jima Diary (which just won the coveted, Best Documentary award at the East Lansing Film Festival) is a harrowing and unique — and timely. At the Royal Oak Elks Club (2401 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak). Call 248-544-3561 for more information. Shows at 2 and 4 p.m.
