Saturday • 14
Visual Jam Sessions III
MUSIC
In his groundbreaking work, Origin of Species, Charles Darwin wrote, “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively prevailed.” And while the boho types of Detroit’s semi-underground art scene might not have the survival of the fittest on their minds, the Zeitgeist Gallery in Detroit has certainly homed in on the virtues of collective thinking. Enter the third annual Visual Jam Sessions, a collaborative art exercise that will bring together many local artists in an effort to make some unique pieces of work. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. at the Zeitgeist Gallery (2661 Michigan Ave., Detroit) with a drum circle commencing at 9 p.m. Call 313-965-9192 for more information; exhibit will stay up until Sept. 4.
Saturday • 14
Introduction to Fly Fishing
ISSUES & LEARNING
On a good day of fly fishing, the average fisherman would come home with a delicious trout dinner; on a bad day of fly fishing, well, said outdoorsman still spent the day fly fishing. And just in case you ever wanted to try your hand at this serene sport, David Oakley from Trout Unlimited will make his way to metro Detroit to present an overview of the classic pastime. He will discuss and demonstrate fly fishing equipment, safety, conservation and ethics. This presentation is open to all ages and begins at 10 a.m. There will also be a Youth Education class for kids ages 10-14 that will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cost is $5. Grab your rod and go! At the Southfield Public Library (26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield); call 248-796-4224 for more information.
Saturday • 14
Voodoo Organist
MUSIC
Somewhere in the midst of Screamin’ Jay, Nick Cave, the Cramps and Tom Waits sprang a one-man show called The Voodoo Organist. Also known as Scott Wexton, this bizarre musician is a Detroit native who has developed an über-creepy gothic sound that reflects his fascination with the darker side of life. His entertaining stage show would give any old-timey revivalist a run for his money! Wexton’s 2002 release, Exotic Demonic Blues, is an organ- and theremin-heavy homage to all things creepy cool. See him at Bookie’s (1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit); call 313-963-2589 for more information.
Saturday • 14
Noise Camp
MUSIC/ART/FUN FOR ALL
Just in case you’ve never attended NOISE CAMP at the CPOP Gallery, it’s kind of like summer camp on mescaline. Sponsored by the folks over at Time Stereo, this day of unusual fun is one of the coolest events to take place in town each year. Cary Loren, former member of Destroy All Monsters, says, “With NOISE CAMP, performance art and sound are both examined in the open and stripped of all pretensions and safety nets.” Expect odd activities such as the Penguin Toss and the Watermelon Race, and enjoy performances from Terror at the Opera, Jamie Easter, Time Stereo fave Princess Dragonmom and more. At the CPOP Gallery (4160 Woodward Ave., Detroit); call 313-833-9901.
Sunday • 15
Marcus Garvey Unity Day Celebration
COMMUNITY
Dust off that old set of bongos and bring them down to the 11th annual Marcus M. Garvey Unity Day Celebration. This free event features a day of live reggae and worldbeat music, ethnic food, artists, poets, speakers, a drum circle and African drum workshop, African mask-making, craft-making for kids, and many vendors. Garvey, a native of Jamaica born in 1887, founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association to help unify people of African descent across the globe. The event takes place Sunday, Aug. 15, from noon to dusk at Perrien Park (Warren and Chene), Detroit; drum circle begins at sundown. For more information, call 313-526-8284.
SuN - WED • 15-18
Accordion Workshop
FUN FOR ALL
Joke: What’s the definition of a gentleman? Punch line: A man who knows how to play the accordion, but doesn’t. OK, so the accordion has gotten a bad rap over the years. Geez, it’s hard to imagine the odd little instrument without picturing a dweeby little boy in floods and Coke bottle glasses — but the truth is, this particular musical instrument has a rich history and cult-like following across the globe. And if you are one of those people who find the accordion to be kinda groovy, why not attend the three-day workshop at Marygrove College that will address the technical issues associated with playing the instrument. (This workshop will also offer training in classical, jazz and polka styles of accordion playing.) Marygrove College is located at 8425 W. McNichols in Detroit; call 313-927-1372 for more information.
Ongoing
A Medieval Masterpiece from Baghdad: The Ann Arbor Shahnama
ART
A literary classic, the Shahnama, spins the adventurous tales of Persian kings and heroes from the dawn of time up until the Islamic conquests in the mid-seventh century. Composed by a poet in the beginning of the 11th century, this historical work is filled with vivid characters and themes of Persian virtue and honor. The Shahnama has inspired numerous Persian rulers to commission deluxe illustrated manuscripts, utilizing only the most gifted calligraphers and artists. This exhibition features an illustrated Shahnama produced in Baghdad in the 1460s; the paintings exhibited are on view for the first time in 40 years. Opening Saturday, Aug. 14, and running until Dec. 14 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Call
734-764-0395 for more info.
Ongoing
The Future We Were Promised
ART
Arthur Radebaugh’s unique airbrushing technique translated into some of the sleekest, most powerful commercial work ever seen. This illustrator, who lived and worked in the Motor City from the 1930s to 1960s, once described his works as “halfway between science fiction and designs for modern living” — and for any pop culture vulture his works are a must-see. Visit this traveling exhibition at the Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit); call 313-833-4042 for further info. Runs though Oct. 22.
