Night and Day

Thursday & Saturday • 24 & 26
Paris is Burning
FILM

This surprisingly intimate look at the 1980s Harlem drag queen scene is the sort of film audiences won't soon forget. The 1990 documentary Paris is Burning chronicles the story of the predominantly black and Latino contingent of fashion-forward gay New Yorkers who created, among other trends, "voguing" and drag pageants. The film features footage from many of the group's raucous to-dos, not to mention several heartwarming interviews with participants who found drag culture to be a terrific source of pride and purpose. At the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-668-8480.

Friday • 25
Beat the Donkey
MUSIC

Cyro Baptista's Beat the Donkey is a clanglorious, bang-a-gongious delight. (If the Brazilian and his international pals can make an act out of piling on percussive textures, can't we start a blurb by mashing up a neologism or two?) On the road and in the studio with Sting or Cassandra Wilson or John Zorn or Yo-Yo Ma, Baptista sometimes gets the big solo spot, but more often is on hand to add just-right percussive spice to the musical feast. With his own group, percussive mayhem is the main ingredient, supplied by anything (and seemingly everything) from tap dancers to body slappers, from shop tools to drums from around the world. Free show, 7:30 p.m. at Campus Martius Park, downtown Detroit.

Friday • 25
Rip the Runway Detroit Style
FASHION/FUNDRAISER

He's got entrepreneurial A.D.D., but that doesn't mean P. Diddy's platinum music career, restaurateuring, flat persona and acting are any higher on the diamond-encrusted totem pole than his popular clothing line, SeanJohn. This week, Detroiters can check out the hot new SeanJohn fall line at Rip the Runway Detroit Style, a fashion show and AIDS awareness event. It's hosted by R&B artist Q from 112, with a special intermission performance by the sculpted Tyrese. There will also be free on-site HIV testing, a BET Rap-it-Up gift package giveaway and other educational offerings. At Chene Park, Atwater and Chene, Detroit; 313-393-7128.

Saturday • 26
House of Morpheus Fundraiser
ART/COMMUNITY

Due to the continuing generosity of local patrons and artists, the Detroit Artists Market has survived for 75 years. This season's DAM fund-raiser will take place at the recently completed residence of local architect Constantine Pappas, and won't that be fun? The showplace home is modern and clean, with soaring ceilings and an intimate garden, and is the perfect setting to inspire the philanthropist spirit. Jazz group the Jesse Palter Trio will perform and there will be a silent auction of select pieces of fine art. Pappas' home is located at 4536 Kirkcaldy, Bloomfield Township. Call DAM at 313-832-8540 for more information. Tickets are $75.

Saturday • 26
Middle Eastern Festival
FUN FOR ALL

So much for the everyday animal-adorin' fare, the Middle Eastern Festival at the Detroit Zoo is something new. Events will take place in the plaza east of the Ford Education Center and will be free with zoo admission — there'll be traditional Armenian harp music, arts and crafts, and a community resource area where guests can speak with reps from local Middle Eastern organizations. It's a classy way to celebrate one's rich Middle Eastern heritage or to discover something new about your fellow human. At 8450 W. Ten Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-398-0900.

Saturday • 26
36th Annual Fash Bash
FASHION

Presented by the DIA's Founders Junior Council and Saks Fifth Avenue, the 36th annual Fash Bash will feature the fall clothing collection of designer Elie Tahari. As a special treat, the famed fashion guy will also debut his brand-new men's collection. This year's Bash takes place on the rooftop of General Motors' Beaubien Place parking structure in downtown Detroit — the one overlooking the river. If you fancy yourself a fashionista and are looking to paint the town red, this joint is for you. At Beaubien and Atwater streets, Detroit. Call the Fash Bash hotline at 313-833-6954 for tickets.

Saturday • 26
Energy Choices for a Sustainable Future
ISSUES & LEARNING

If your conscience hasn't gotten the best of you, then your checkbook is certainly feeling the fallout from recent energy-related crises. And it's because of recent headlines and gas prices that interest in the Energy Choices for a Sustainable Future conference is growing. The symposium will bring leaders and educators from around the state who'll offer the latest information on energy conservation for consumers, home and business owners, commuters, students and anyone else interested in energy issues and renewable energy. Key presentations include: Home Energy Audits, Energy-related Pollution and Global Warming, Future of Transportation and Hydrogen Myths and Facts. Admission is $30 and includes all presentations, keynote addresses, exhibits and food. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center, 2375 Indian Lake Rd., Oxford. Call 248-693-1021.

Sunday • 27
Hippie Fest 2006
MUSIC

Even if the Celtic-tatted, neo-hippie dips do take over the festivities, something ought to be said for a coming together of folks like Wavy Gravy, Country Joe McDonald, Mitch Ryder, Rare Earth, Canned Heat and Mountain. It's hard to believe that the Summer of Love was almost four decades ago, but if the feelings of nostalgia linger like so much spliff-whiff — or if you just want hear a fat Leslie West riff — get there. As far as the feted scents of patchouli and bongwater go, you're on your own. At DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston; 248-645-6666.

Ongoing
Think Small: Call For Entries
ART

Head's up, fine artists — the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ann Arbor is accepting entries for Think Small, a juried competition for small works, including two- and three-dimensional art, in any media (jewelry welcome). Works should not be more than 12 inches in any direction, including framing. There is a nonrefundable entry fee of $25 for up to three entries, and the deadline is Thursday, Sept. 28. The exhibit will run Oct. 3-28. A $150 best in show award and first prizes in two- and three-dimensional categories will be given out. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-0394. Call for drop-off times.

Ongoing
Renaissance Festival
FUN FOR ALL

Indian summer approaches and the subtle temperature changes in the air and long daylight shadows tell us one thing: It's time to nerd out. There's no better place to exercise one's dork muscles than at the 2006 Michigan Renaissance Festival. There's medieval fun, fantasy, food and spirits. Plus, dudes who repeatedly call women "wenches." At the Festival Grounds, Holly (Exit 106 off I-75). Visit michrenfest.com for more information.