2 WED • LITERATURE Jim Harrison — Native Michigander Jim Harrison is one of contemporary literature’s most beautiful writers, known for his reverence for nature and love of the great outdoors. Harrison’s latest opus, True North, is sure to please. It’s the story of the scion of a wealthy and rapacious timber family (very bad dad, very drunken mom) and his firecracker of a sister who, at 14, takes up with the son of their Finnish-Native American gardener and scandalizes the clan. Of course, that’s just the beginning. Harrison will be signing copies and reading from his new book at Shaman Drum Bookshop (311 S. State, Ann Arbor) at 7:30 p.m. Call 734-662-7407 for further information.
5 SAT • FUN FOR ALL Barter Bizarre —In the true spirit of brotherly and sisterly love, event organizer Trish Denton has put together a swap meet of the most generous variety. If you are a vintage/resale clothes junkie (or if you just want to get rid of some old duds), bring your used, homemade and otherwise unwanted clothes to downtown Detroit for a day of garment trading and donation. Bring as many items as you want, but remember, there is no selling, trade only. All leftover clothes will be given to the Salvation Army. At the PURE Design Lab (156 W. Congress, Detroit); call Trish Denton at 313-884-5990; a $3 donation is appreciated.
5 SAT • ART Painting Big — Some of the most beautiful paintings of all time are sprawling masterpieces. Can you even imagine the Sistine Chapel without the brilliant cloak that came from Michelangelo’s brush? Because the folks at the University of Michigan Museum of Art in Ann Arbor appreciate this concept, they have set up Painting Big, an interactive art exhibit that encourages visitors to contribute to a connecting large-scale picture — who knows what beauty will result? Make your mark at UMMA (525 S. State St., Ann Arbor); call 734-764-0395 for further information. Ends June 27.
5 SAT • MUSIC Hemigod — Even after an image change, the Sampson effect never bothered Hemigod’s lead singer, Tim Authier. Though the sinewy lead singer may have chopped off his cascading blond locks in lieu of a shorter do, he still has the pipes of a man on fire. Enjoy the rocket-fueled stage show of D-town’s favorite cock-rockers, Hemigod, at Alvin’s (5756 Cass Ave., Detroit) with My Machine, Peter Torque and Stepchild; call 313-831-4577 for further information.
6 SUN • ISSUES & LEARNING Juneteenth @ Marygrove College —Although the rumors of freedom circulated through Texas at the end of the Civil War, emancipation of Texas’ last slaves didn’t happen until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston on June 19, 1865 — more than two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Called Juneteenth, it’s commemorated today in more than 200 cities with celebrations of the arts and education. Marygrove began the hosting its own version of the party six years ago with a day of poetry, storytelling, dancing, food and music. The event will be from 2-5 p.m. in the Madame Cadillac Building’s main dining room on the college campus (8425 W. McNichols, Detroit). It is free and open to the public.
8 TUE • MUSIC/FITNESS Punk Fitness — Feel free to smirk; we did, but this is not a joke. Maybe a little beer gut hanging over a spiked leather belt is a sure sign of a lifelong rock ’n’ roller, but if you ask Julie Hecker — certified trainer, admitted old-school punk, and ringleader of the Punk Fitness exercise program — she’ll tell you that a little cardio never hurt anyone. If you have been avoiding the gym because you just can’t stand the J-Lo and disco music that they pipe through the speakers, then look no further — musical respite is here. Punk Fitness is a low-impact workout set to the sounds of bands like the Clash, the Sex Pistol and Sham 69. Did we mention that this is not a joke? Put down the PBR, fatty, and get some exercise at Small’s (10339 Conant, Hamtramck); call 313-873-1117 for further information. Select workout songs from 8-8:20 p.m.; exercise begins at 8:30 p.m.
8 TUE • ISSUES & LEARNING “A Night to Remember” — Want to wow the wife? Is hubby hungry? Then learn how to cook a five-star meal at home in a matter of hours. Students will learn how to make a three-course meal that consists of mixed greens with pears, blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, mushroom stuffed chicken breast in Marsala sauce with creamy polenta and vegetable sauté and cinnamon apples in a phyllo purse. Don’t worry — you can do this! At the Birmingham Community House (380 S. Bates St., Birmingham); 7:30-9:30 p.m. Call 248-644-5832 or visit www.communityhouse.com to register. Classes are $29 per session.
