Wednesday • 16
Vincent York’s Jazzistry
MUSIC/ISSUES & LEARNING
Looking to improve your jazz aptitude? Join saxophonist and aficionado Vincent York for a multimedia educational experience that’ll help you toot your own horn. York’s one-night class includes a lesson in jazz terminology, an overview of the music’s roots as well as live performances. Free, no registration required. 6-8:30 p.m. at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd., Southfield; 248-796-4224.
Wednesday • 16
Mary’s Songs of Celebration with Jose Feliciano
MUSIC/HOLIDAY
Mary’s Song’s of Celebration event at the Max promises the Christmas spirit with an emphasis on the spirit. Join Mother Assumpta Long OP & the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist choir in celebrating “Mary’s Songs of Celebration,” featuring special guest Jose (“Light My Fire”) Feliciano. The event is a fund-raiser for the Sisters of Mary Foundation, dedicated to preservation of the Catholic faith. At the Max M. Fisher, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5100.
Friday • 18
Party in the Park
HOLIDAY/FUN FOR ALL
Give the “most wonderful time of the year” an official Motown kick-off at this week’s Party in the Park at Campus Martius Park. The holiday blowout will include performances by the DSO Brass Ensemble, Paul King and the Rhythm Society Orchestra, saxophonist Alto Reed and guitarist Drew Abbott (veterans of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band), Karen Newman, LaShell Griffin and others. That’s not to mention the lighting of the new downtown hub’s towering Christmas tree, and the reopening of the Campus Martius skating rink. There will be carriage rides, carolers, games and food — sounds like a great new tradition. From 5 p.m. to midnight at Campus Martius Park, Woodward Avenue between Fort Street and Michigan Avenue, Detroit. Visit CampusMartiusPark.org for more information.
Friday • 18
Walk the Line
FILM
You’ve probably heard the hoopla on Walk the Line, the new film about the storied “Ring of Fire” lives of legendary country stars Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash. But what you might not know is local husband and wife team Dan and Tracee Miller have roles in it. Dan plays the part of Cash’s longtime guitar player, Luther Perkins, and Tracee has a small part as Perkins’ wife. While the modest Dan (who also fronts brooding alt-country outfit, Blanche) says, “I do a fine job of hanging around in the background of a lot of scenes,” we here at Night & Day are mighty proud. Walk the Line opens Friday. Visit walkthelinethemovie.com for additional info.
Friday • 18
Paintings
ART
On the heels of last month’s Drawings exhibit, the Susanne Hilberry Gallery moves on to — naturally — Paintings. The eight featured painters are Clinton Snyder, Holly Coulis, David Deutch, Anna Schachte, Billy Sullivan, Ellen Phelan, Josh Smith and Ryan McLaughlin. Opening reception is 6-8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at 700 Livernois St., Ferndale; 248-541-4700. Ends Jan. 14.
Friday-Saturday • 18-19
Slask Ballet
DANCE
The National Ballet of Poland, also known as Slask (pronounced “Schlonsk”), brings traditional dance to the Midwest this week. With jubilant arrangements, masterful choreography and dazzling costuming, Slask showcases the rich culture of the Polish people. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at the Capitol Theatre (121 University Ave. W., Windsor; 519-253-7729), and 3 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, at Warren Woods Auditorium (13400 E. 12 Mile Rd., Warren; 800-585-3737).
Friday • 18
Phil Ranelin
MUSIC
Trombonist Phil Ranelin has been back to Motown in recent years to reunite with his old music buddies from Tribe, the band-collective-record label that’s become a modest phenomenon through reissues here and abroad. This time, the longtime Californian is coming back home with his own band, which moves the emphasis from his ’60s and ’70s to his musical evolution since. Prefuse 73, Slicker, Morgan Geist, El P, Micha Acher, Telefon Tel Aviv and others reconfigured his music for Hefty Records’ Phil Ranelin Remixes disc. Here’s Ranelin unmediated. 6:30 and 8 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts, free with museum admission.
Friday-Saturday • 18-19
Barbara Morrison
MUSIC
Ypsilanti-born singer Barbara Morrison got her big break singing with R&B pioneer Johnny Otis. Her profile in recent years, though, has been raised by discs like Live at the Dakota, which features her along with saxophonist Houston Person and pianist Junior Mance. She can do a serious smolder (“At Last”), righteous-babe scolding (“I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water”) and effervescent romance (“All of Me”) — and hit all the notes in between. The comparisons to earlier singers are obvious — the late Etta Jones, in particular — and critic Zan Stewart has a good case when he bestows upon her the crown once worn by Dinah (Queen of the Blues) Washington. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300.
Friday-Saturday • 18-19
Paddy and Greg Skwira
ART/HOLIDAY
Why spend a ton of dough on handmade pottery when you can get beautiful works for a song? This event has been a Night & Day favorite for many years, but we’ve decided to let you in on our find: every year, mother-and-son potters, Paddy and Greg Skwira have a two-day pottery sale — and the gettins’ are beyond good. The Skwira’s make everything from whimsical oddments to spectacular pieces of fine art, and it’s all on the cheap. Makes great gifts! 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2013 Roseland, Royal Oak; 248-547-5449.
Saturday • 19
Fiddles n’ Riddles: Fun with the string family
MUSIC
That Baby Mozart DVD’s got nothing on the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s new musical series, Peanut Butter ’n’ Jam. This week’s event, “Fiddles n’ Riddles: Fun with the String Family” will give your little one — or whatever little one you borrow for the event — a chance to see classical music up-close and personal. The concert will showcase 30 minutes of lively music, followed by a Q&A session. Spark your child’s interest in classical music at the Fred C. Israel Auditorium located in the Windsor Public Library-Central Library, 850 Ouellette Ave., Windsor. Call the Windsor Symphony Orchestra at 519-252-6579 for tickets.
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