N&D Center

Nontombu Tutu

ISSUES & LEANING

The daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nontombi Tutu grew up in the shadow of apartheid, and has made it her life’s work to speak out against racial, gender and economic injustice. This Thursday at Marygrove College, Tutu will address the ways in which peace movements are interweaving in a global fashion. There will also be a screening of Peace by Peace: Women on the Frontlines, a documentary by Patricia Smith Melton that takes an unflinching look at the lives of women in war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Bosina-Herzegovina, as well as American women working towards collective peace. The film begins at 6:30 p.m. and Tutu’s talk will follow. Proceeds will go to the Master of Social Justice Program at Marygrove College, and the Peace x Peace organization. Tickets are $100 in advance or $125 at the door. The College is located at 8425 W. McNichols Rd. in Detroit; call 313-927-1497 for more info.

The Hexum brothers are the latest in a slew of musicians who have stepped up to endorse John Kerry in the imminent election. The brothers, Nick of the funk/punk outfit 311 and singer-songwriter Zack, are cramming their band and crew into a campaign bus and hitting the well-worn trail through swing states to sing in the name of Kerry. The show will feature songs from the sib’s respective projects, as well as covers of hits from artists like the Beatles and Radiohead. The tour will pass through Michigan on Friday at the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale) at 8 p.m. For more information call 248-544-1989 or visit themagicbag.com.

Hardly anyone at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge knew who singer Sue Giles was when she made her Detroit debut last summer with pianist Harry Whitaker — but they sure knew her by the time she finished: She’s a singer to watch: at turns girlishly effervescent and womanly soulful, an artist with a full palette of vocal colors, but also an entertainer who reaches to grab the audience by the lapels and pull. That she has the support of former Detroiter Whitaker is of note, considering his past associations with great singers from Lloyd Price to Roberta Flack, Stephanie Mills to Phyllis Hyman. Don’t miss the return of Giles and Whitaker at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; call 313-345-6300.

Friday-Sunday • 29-31

Halloween is a whole jack-o-lantern of fun for kids — but what do they really learn from it? The New Detroit Science Center solves this minor dilemma with a weekend of spooky and educational activities. The festivities begin on Friday with a family "camp-in," an overnight event that features haunted labs, a family costume contest, a planetarium show, dinner and breakfast. On Halloween, budding scientists in costumes will get a treat, as well as the unique experience of watching a robot carve a pumpkin. Other activities include experiments with dry ice and a bat show. The camp-in begins Friday at 6 p.m. for children 6 and up. Tickets are $35. Call 313-577-8400 to make reservations. Halloween day activities will be from noon to 6 p.m. Visit sciencedetroit.org for more details.

Saturday • 30

There used to be a time when the vampires were actually scary. But over the years, commercial America has watered down the blood suckers’ intimidating rep so much that most of us only associate them with chocolate-flavored cereals or sensational Anne Rice novels. To recapture the horror the Bram Stoker novel originally offered, witness Nosferatu. This 1922 silent film by F.W. Murnau offers the most horrifying version of the Dracula tale ever presented on the screen. This annual event will feature the original organ score, performed live, during the film — it’s sure to produce goose bumps. Nosferatu begins at 9:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor). Costumes are encouraged. Visit michtheater.org for additional information.

Saturday • 30

The backstabbing, double-talking arena of politics doesn’t seem so bad when it’s viewed through the perspective of art. Well, maybe it does, but at least it’s a bit more palatable when presented abstractly. "Reviving the Tree of Liberty" is part one of a two-part political art exhibit that includes paintings, drawings, performances and installations, all with a political twist. Be sure to catch "Puppets Go Political" at 9 p.m., by the unmatched Maurice Greenia Jr. Other participating artists include Diana Alva, DMC and more. At the Zeitgeist Gallery (2661 Michigan Ave., Detroit); artist reception begins at 7 p.m. The show runs through Nov. 13. Call 313-965-9192 for more info.

Saturday • 30

Full disclosure: Okay, we admit it — we here at Night & Day are a little heavy in the politico speak this week, but no worries, folks, … it’s almost over. Whether it is terrorists, God, or President Bush, the end of life as we know it may suddenly be upon us. Be ready; be afraid. The artwork of November Coming Fire is a response to the culture of fear that the media and the current administration have instilled in our society. The exhibit utilizes Halloween, heavy metal and horror films to explore the effects fear has on our nation. Artists Rachel "Gabby" Buckay, Tom Carey, Andrew Casmer, Eric McDade and Aimee Watters are featured. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m. at Alley Culture (the alley between Trumbull Avenue and Lincoln Street). The show runs through Nov. 27. Visit www.cotse.net/users/crop for more info.

Sunday • 31

Forget the oh-so-overdone naughty nurse Halloween outfit you bought at Lover’s Lane – if you’re a true pervert who wants some truly nas-tay treats this Hallow’s Eve, check out the Dirty Show Masquerade. Organizer Jerry Vile gleefully admits this is nothing more than a shameless attempt to capitalize off the Dirty Show — a smutty art show of humble beginnings that has now grown into a sick and twisted monster of its own. But, who cares? Like any Dirty enterprise, there will be dancing, drinking, DJs and lots of good old-fashioned T & A, baby! Those in costume can take part in more than a dozen contests (among them, best furry — if you don’t already know, don’t ask). The raunch unfolds at 8 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Downtown Ramada, 400 Bagley St., Detroit. Tickets are $10 for those in costume, $30 for anyone too pathetic to come up with one. Visit dirtydetroit.com for more info.

Tuesday • 2

Encaustic is an ancient medium involving a blend of pigments, beeswax and heat. Along with a 19th century microscope and a 21st century digital camera, artist Leslie Sobel uses encaustic to create arresting and fascinating art. Sobel’s work emerges from a blend of contradictions. She mixes art and science; outdated technology with state-of-the-art. Her unusual pieces have been exhibited widely in the Midwest and traveled around the world as part of an exhibit on digital work. Her latest effort, New Encaustic Works, features paintings and sculptures. The exhibit runs through Nov. 28, at the Washington Street Gallery, 120 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Call the gallery at 734-761-2287 or visit wsg-art.com for more information. Send comments to [email protected]