28-31 WED-SAT • THEATER We Are Not Good Girls — Grammy-winner Kate Hart’s musical about the woes of the blues circuit has been receiving standing ovations lately. Struggling with the pressures to live a domestic existence or to keep singing the blues, the women of We Are Not Good Girls use their voices to carry them through a public dilemma. Encouraged by The Preacher of the Delta Blues (played by local bluesman Paul Miles) to leave their “Living of the Blues” and let their spirits feel the healing power of the “Singing the Blues,” this high-powered all-original revue homes in on the ethics and enticements of the music biz. At the Lafayette Grande (1 Lafayette, Pontiac). Please note: We are Not Good Girls will move to Oakland Community College-Orchard Ridge Campus (27055 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills) for evening performances on Thursday, Feb. 5- Saturday, Feb. 7. Call 248-366-0027 for tickets to either performance.
30-31 FRI-SAT • MUSIC Red Holloway — A former member of Brother Jack McDuff’s organ combo and a veteran of sessions by the likes of the Flamingos, B.B. King, James Cotton, Bobby Bland and others, Red Holloway serves up a saxophone sound that has long simmered in the kitchen of blues, rhythm and blues, and general make-’em-holler funkiness. As he puts it, he sings on the alto and punches on the tenor, and you can rest assured he’ll bring both horns for this gig. Hopefully he’ll share with the audience the ribald romantic advice of “Million Dollar Secret” from his latest record, Coast to Coast, on the Fantasy label. (No, we’re not giving it away here.) At Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (20510 Livernois, Detroit), call 313-345-6300 for further information. $5 cover.
1 SUN • THEATER/PERFORMANCE ART The Ramayana — The University of Michigan Gamelan Ensemble will present one of the greatest Asian epics of all time. This masterpiece tells the story of Prince Rama, a man renowned for his wisdom, spirituality and skills as a warrior, who is banished to the forest for 14 years. The performance will include the radiant cast bronze instruments of the Indonesian gamelan orchestra and will be played by 30 musicians and accompanied by 35 dancers in traditional Javanese dance costumes. A gamelan concert is thought of as a social event, so feel free to bring the kids! All ages welcome. At the newly renovated Hill Auditorium (825 N. University, Ann Arbor), call 734-764-8587 for ticket information.
1 SUN • FUN FOR ALL 7th Annual Super Bowl Sunday Football Widows’ Sewing Retreat — Unlike Panthers and Patriots fans, the folks over at Haberman Fabrics are calling Super Bowl Sunday a “win-win” type of day. As a fun alternative for non-sports fans, this old-school event has all the earmarks on a good ol’ sewing circle — only this time, the projects are hip and the proceeds philanthropic. With the sewers’ $25 contribution to HAVEN (a local charity that provides advocacy, education, counseling and shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse), they can sew, visit, laugh and learn. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sewing projects and are invited to enjoy demonstrations on quick and easy projects such as heat therapy bags, dressy tops (pictured at right) and more. Bring your thread and needles to Haberman Fabrics (905 S. Main St., Royal Oak), call 248-541-0010 for further details. Retreat lasts from noon till 5 p.m., light refreshments will be provided.
Ed Note: As mentioned in our Jan. 14 issue, The Detroit Agriculture Network Fall/Winter education series class on grant writing was canceled due to a snowstorm. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28. These classes have been designed to teach city dwellers how to turn their neighborhood’s vacant lots or forgotten open spaces into community gardens or urban farms and will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Greening of Detroit (1418 Michigan Ave., Detroit). To register or for more information call 313-965-8117 ext. 35. $5 admission.
