Friday • 17
The Valentinos
MUSIC
Rock ’n’ roll always looks a little prettier with a side of glam, and the boys of the Valentinos have perfected a juxtaposition of the two that is both tough and lovely. Their snarky punk rock/come-fuck-me ethos makes this Detroit fivesome a piquant combination of everything that makes Detroit the one and only Rock City. See the Valentinos at the Magic Stick (4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit) with Mystery Girls and Gris Gris. Call 313-833-9700 for more information.
Friday-Sunday • 17-19
The Victorian Festival
FUN FOR ALL
If think that the Brontë sisters were the bomb, then you just might be the kind of hopeless romantic who would enjoy downtown Northville’s Victorian Festival. The festival kicks off on Friday and will be closed off to automobiles as townspeople, artists and business owners go back in time and transform their quaint little community into a Victorian village. Replete with period costumes, free carriage rides and a variety of strolling musicians and street entertainment — this family event is a great way to soak in some good old-fashioned fun. Powder your breasts, and get thee to downtown Northville. Call the Northville Chamber of Commerce for 248-349-7640 or visit northville.org for more information.
Saturday • 18
The Cartoon World of Martin Hirchak
ART
Detroit native Martin Hirchak has been creating comic books and painting signs and murals since he was a kid. By 10, Hirchak created his first comic book called “Superbug,” and by the tender age of 15, he started painting signs for business (many of his hand-painted signs still adorn several Eastern Market businesses). Over the years, Hirchak has published cartoons in The Detroit News, The South End and Thwak Magazine — he also did cover art for Ditko Mania, a magazine dedicated to the artist and co-creator of Spiderman, Steve Ditko. His latest exhibit, The Cartoon World of Martin Hirchak will include many of the original works as well as a retrospective of his paintings on wood and canvas. (Comic books will be on display and for sale.) An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Severance Gallery (2714 Riopelle, Detroit). Call 313-832-3744 for more information.
Saturday • 18
Fahrenheit Festival of Fire
FESTIVAL
Traditionally, the term sculpture evokes images of hands-on creation. But this weekend, in Windsor, Ontario, using one’s hands in the name of creation just might be a bad idea. At the Fahrenheit Festival of Fire, art lovers can enjoy a “fire sculpture” — a piece of art that is not limited to the “creation” of an object, but rather, is an installation that focuses on how each unique sculpture burns. The main event takes place from 4 p.m. to midnight and will include an all-you-can-eat barbecue and live music. At 6978 Concession 6 (off County Road/Arner Townline) in Windsor. Visit artcite.ca/fahrenheit for more information. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids under 10. The Fire Fest portion of the event takes place after 8 p.m.
Sunday • 19
Mark Moultrup
MUSIC
Mark Moultrup has tickled the ivories with many notables, including Smokey Robinson, Marcus Belgrave, David Ruffin and Leslie Gore, but what really makes this jazzhead a focus of interest is his onstage enthusiasm and penchant for soundscapes. The musical guru has a unique ability to “recast a popular standard, giving it an entirely new gloss of tender explosions and nuance.” Help Moultrup kick off the Birmingham Jazz Vespers’ fall season at the First Baptist Church (300 Willits, Birmingham); call 248-644-0550 for more information.
Sunday • 19
Detroit Lions vs. Houston Texans
SPORTS
Monday morning quarterbacks everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief — the NFL season is back in full swing! And no one craves a successful pigskin season exactly like Detroit Lions fans. Whether you are a lover of the game or you just need a reason to invite the pals over for some beer and bean dip, check out our boys in Honolulu blue as they take on the Houston Texans. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Ford Field (2000 Brush, Detroit); call 313-262-2000 for ticket information.
Ongoing
I Am A Negro, So What?!
ART
Artist Patrick Todd says that he did not become a black man until he moved to the United States. He explains, “I became black when I realized the amount of strength and sense of pride African-Americans have to muster to hold on and keep living.” Todd, a native of France, was shocked to discover the importance Americans placed on race and, as a result, has put together his latest installation, I am a Negro, So What?! At the Redd Apple Gallery (227 Iron St., Suite 116, Detroit); call 313-567-0712 for more information.
Ongoing
Oktoberfest
FUN FOR ALL
The first Oktoberfest was not really a festival at all, but rather, a public celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen of Bavaria in 1810. Over the last couple centuries, however, the beer-addled festivities have evolved into a ubiquitous celebration that folks of all ethnicities can enjoy. Kick off 2004’s Oktoberfest with live traditional music and beer specials at the Dakota Inn, one of metro Detroit’s most famous Bavarian restaurants. The Dakota Inn is located at 17324 John R in Detroit. Call 313-867-9722 or visit dakota-inn.com for complete band schedule.
Ongoing
Waking the Witch
THEATER
Written by playwright Kate Peckham (director of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit), Waking the Witch is an original story that investigates what it means to be a woman. By tracing the life experiences of five separate female characters, this progressive play not only examines the misogyny behind the term “witch,” it explores the “sacred feminine energy that lives in all of us.” Both X- and Y-chromosomed theater-lovers are welcome. At the Planet Ant Theatre (2357 Caniff, Hamtramck); call 313-365-4948 for more information. Runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Oct. 10.
