Friday • 4
Acid Mothers Temple
MUSIC
Their latest release, Crystal Rainbow Pyramid Under the Stars, features female vocalist Kitagawa Hao — and it's a sea change. But just because the Japanese psychedelic band Acid Mothers Temple reined it in on its most recent release doesn't mean they've stopped blowing minds. It's yet another ultra-ambient foray into the expanses of the mind and universe. Dig them at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700. With Mammatus and Odd Clouds.
Friday-Saturday • 4-5
Eons
MUSIC
We've pimped Eons before in these pages, but the Virginia-Detroit foursome is such a vital stimulant for a sleepy scene that we're compelled to pimp again. So shut up. Look, those who dig contemporary rock 'n' roll should check out the band who killed (twice) at this year's Blowout and used the momentum to kick their intelligent shoegaze-meets-Brit pop into overdrive. With a singer whose vocal cords have the pliability of an effects machine and a backing band whose musical chops recall Eno and Emmit Rhodes, the melodiousness and indie-rock attraction is hard to resist. They play Friday, May 4, at the Lager House (1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668) with Zoos of Berlin and Heroes & Villains and Saturday, May 5, at Northern Lights Lounge (660 E. Baltimore St., Detroit; 313-873-1739) with the Gore Gore Girls.
Friday-Saturday • 4-5
Donald Walden All-Stars
MUSIC
We've seen Detroit saxophonist Donald Walden perform with great bands over the years, but it's not knocking them to say this is a dream aggregation. Steve Nelson of Dave Holland's bands is on vibes; former Detroiter Bob Hurst — an alum of the Marsalis circles and a leader in his own right — is on bass; the phenomenal area drummer Randy Gelispie is also a constant in the group. Jazz elder statesman Barry Harris mans the piano chair. Friday night at 7 and 9 p.m. at Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor. Mulgrew Miller — riding high with his captivating live releases on MaxJazz — has the keys Saturday for 8 and 10 p.m. shows at Cliff Bell's in Detroit. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-769-2999; Cliff Bell's, 2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543.
Friday-Saturday • 4-5
Wallace Roney
MUSIC
Trumpeter Wallace Roney used to play with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, which led to his 1991 appearance with Miles Davis at his final performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. When Davis died later that year, Roney toured in tribute to the icon with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and others. That grew into the recording of A Tribute to Miles, which ultimately snagged them all a Grammy. He's playing at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois, Detroit; 313-345-6300.
Saturday • 5
Free Comic Book Day
LITERATURE/FUN FOR ALL
Newcomers are often surprised to discover how un-nerdy comic book culture really is. In some ways one of the last vestiges of unmasked social commentary and counterculturalism, comic book fans' interest in fantasy is often equaled by their greater hope for life in the real world. Take a look at Green Brain Comics' Free Comic Book Day. Starts at 10 a.m. at 13210 Michigan Ave.; 313-582-9444. Please note: Renowned comic creator Scott McCloud, author of Understanding Comics, will be on hand from 1 to 5 p.m., along with Marty Hirchak, creator of Pop Art Funnies. Live music from Bileebob, DJ Konspiracy and Detroit Techno Militia's T. Linder. Upstairs, Stormy Records will be giving away free sampler CDs, posters and stickers, and in the evening will host a free listening party for the new Björk CD Volta.
Saturday • 5
Personal Abstraction
ART
Curator-artist Gilda Snowden understands the notion of abstraction is as subjective as human beings themselves. Her latest exhibit at the Zeitgeist Gallery in Detroit is dubbed, appropriately, Personal Abstraction, and is a multimedia look at four different artists' takes on the theme. Artists include Snowden, M. Saffell Gardner, Alvaro Jurado (work pictured) and Jocelyn Rainey. Opening reception is 7 p.m.-midnight at 2661 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-965-9192. Exhibit ends June 16.
Saturday • 5
Cranbrook Art Auction
ART
It's a luxury to adorn one's home with fine art, but at the Cranbrook Art Auction, it's possible to augment one's collection by spending what you deem appropriate. This year's Cranbrook Art Auction features works created within the Academy's MFA program, including pieces from all 10 departments — painting, sculpture, ceramics, print media, fibers, metals, photography, 2D, 3D and architecture. One of the most interesting pieces available this year is John Paananen's Tipi, a modern take on the mobile abode, with a concrete fireplace, Pergo floors and a 16-foot vaulted ceiling with an operable skylight. At the Cranbrook Academy of Art, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3300.
Saturday • 5
Cinco de Mayo
HOLIDAY
There's no better place in the area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than, of course, Mexicantown. The annual parade starts at noon at Patton Park and marches two and a half miles up Vernor Highway to Clark Park (Lafayette and Clark), where festivities continue until 8 p.m. Several events will also be taking place at local businesses, including Cinco de Mayo Workshops at the Matrix Theatre (2730 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-967-0999), where participants can make their own Nichos (open-box art), and the Microbusiness Fair and Fiesta, which will have health workshops, live music and shopping at the Mexicantown International Welcome Center (2826 Bagley Ave., Detroit; 313-967-9898).
Sunday • 6
Cut-A-Thon
COMMUNITY
Tame your unruly locks this weekend at Delia's Salon in Ann Arbor, where professional hairstylists are donating their services in support of the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Donations can be made by cash or check and 100 percent of proceeds go to the hospital. Waxing and paraffin treatments are also available. Refreshments and raffle included. No appointment necessary from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 299 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-997-0884.
Ongoing
Playing God
ARTS
