Wednesday • 16
Re-Energize America Town Hall Meeting
Issues and Learning
We're warming globally, but the solutions start locally, some activists are emphasizing. Former CIA chief R. James Woolsey and the Michigan Environmental Council's Lana Pollack are part of a panel exploring global warming and related issues from oil dependency to instability in the Middle East — with an emphasis on what's to be done in Michigan. 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 24159 Goddard Road (just west of Telegraph Road), Taylor. For more information, see reenergizeamerica.org.
Thursday • 17
Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me
TRANSMISSIONS
While it's normally a weekend delight for listeners of WUOM-FM and WDET-FM, the current events quiz show Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me arrives in the flesh this week. Hosts Peter Sagal and Carl Kasell will be in Ann Arbor on Thursday to record this weekend's episode at the Michigan Theater, so brush up on the day's haps and participate in a game show that doesn't require making an ass of yourself to win. Tickets were still available at press time at $25-$30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-668-8163. Tickets for a post-show VIP reception are $250.
Friday • 18
A Side of Slaw
ART
His works are ubiquitous around these parts, and considering how esoteric and period-specific painter Slaw's themes are, you'd think he'd be getting boring by now. But the '50s and '60s lounge-and-tiki culture-obsessed Slaw still manages to update the references with a contemporary political stroke. Also showing is Slaw's studio mate, VATO, whose roadside hotel-themed photography installation is a perfect complement to the Slaw's hedonistic themes. Opening reception is 6-10 p.m. at River's Edge Gallery, 3024 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-246-9880. Sidenote: Displayed upstairs at the Patricia Izzo Photography Studio is Fe-Male, four photographers take on the, ahem, broad theme.
Friday & Saturday • 18 &19
Choices
THEATER
Windsor Feminist Theatre presents Choices, a series of original one-act plays by local and international artists. In four acts — The Female Warrior by Christina Starr, Dancin' Shoes by Kimberly Kelsey, Lucky Smoke by Laura Roald and Jessica Rose's Secretary! — this production aims to explore how modern women's self-perceptions shape opportunities for personal growth and happiness. At 8 p.m. at Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre, 3277 Sandwich St., Windsor; 519-255-7600. Tickets are $10-$12.
Friday-Sunday • 18-20
Downtown Hoedown
MUSIC
The Downtown Hoedown creates the greatest urban juxtapositions of the year. We defy readers to find another weekend of the year where that many people are wearing cowboy hats and conchos in Hart Plaza. Music Row bad man Tracy Lawrence headlines, and Josh Gracin, Little Big Town and others will also do their twang-slinging best to scoot boots. At Hart Plaza, at the foot of Woodward Avenue at Jefferson. Please note: On Saturday, May 19, there will be a Downtown Hoedown after party at Bert's Warehouse Theater, 2739 Russell, Detroit; 313-393-3233. Sean Patrick McGraw, Hide From Cleo, Yankeeville and others will perform.
Saturday • 19
Idlewild Interlude
Music
This Idlewild reference isn't to the imaginary black community of the Outkast flick, but to western Michigan's decades-ago black resort and to the jazz fests that have revisited its legacy in recent years. A day of activities starts at noon with a documentary about the real Idlewild, followed by youth group performances, classic jazz films and highlights from past Idlewild Jazz Fests. Those free offerings are followed by a $25 performance by saxophonist Eric Alexander with pianist Kenn Cox at 8 p.m. Cliff Bell's, 2030 Park, Detroit; 313-961-6422. Also see idlewildjazzfest.com.
Saturday • 19
Science Café
ISSUES & LEARNING
Joe Schwarcz is director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society, which is dedicated to demystifying science for the public. For his visit this week, he'll share some food science know-how. At 1 p.m., the good doctor will be at Barnes & Noble (6800 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 248-626-6804) to discuss the confusion regarding so-called "miracle foods" as well as to explore the dangers of ingredients like aspartame, MSG, etc. At 6 p.m., he'll be at the Traffic Jam & Snug (511 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-831-9470) for a presentation called "Hey! There are Cockroaches in my Chocolate Ice Cream." Yummy. Both events are free to the public.
Saturday • 19
The Duhks
MUSIC
The folk music cocktail gets infused with funk flavors this week when Winnipeg's the Duhks hit A2. Their brand of acoustic music is amplified by ultra-soulful singing and tinges of everything from Latin music, traditional Irish, soul, funk and zydeco. When their Bela Fleck-produced album, Your Daughters and Your Sons, came out in 2005, it nabbed a handful of industry nods. Their latest release, Migrations, is rumored to be loved by the likes of Dolly Parton and Doc Watson. At the Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor; 734-763-8587. Tickets are $15.
Saturday & Sunday • 19 & 20
Creative eXchange Promo Bike Tour Fund-raiser
FUNDRAISER
Ahh, Woodbridge. It's an eclectic Detroit neighborhood speckled with burnt-out houses, artist communes and urban farming. The Center for Creative Exchange (CCX) fits right in as "an artist residency program" that fosters "holistic and green-conscious creative exchange." To raise funds for the CCX, founder Phaedra Robinson has organized a two-day bike trip to Ann Arbor, where you can dedicate your sweat and cash for the "grassroots" cause. Lunch and water bottles will be provided during the trip, which is about 40 miles each way. Ann Arbor artist BuCon has offered a place to crash for registered bikers who make the trek. Meet on Saturday at the CCX, 1763 W. Warren, Detroit, and on Sunday at Burns Park, Ann Arbor; departure time is 10 a.m. on both days. To sponsor a biker or sign up for the ride, visit centerforcreativexchange.org or call 313-962-4603. Suggested registration fee is $10 per biker.
Sunday • 20
Flower Day at Eastern Market
FUN FOR ALL
Local horticulturists and farmers will have spectacular deals on annuals and perennials — such good deals, in fact, that there's virtually no excuse not to do some planting. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at Eastern Market, Russell Street and Gratiot, Detroit. Visit detroiteasternmarket.com for more info.
Sunday • 20
Professor Griff
ISSUES & LEARNING/MUSIC
As part of the memorably militant rap outfit Public Enemy, Professor Griff has endured the gamut of celebrity: Once revered, once vilified, the story behind Griff is still somewhat of a mystery. This week, the Minister of Information himself comes to Detroit to discuss the viability of hip hop. The lecture, Is Hip Hop Dead?, is hosted by Amari "King Wise" at the Artist Village, 17340 Lahser, Detroit. For information, call Khalid at 313-645-4197. Versiz; Supa Emcee; Sparrow and 2007 Detroit Poetry Slam Team, Invincible, to perform.
Sunday • 20
Guantanamo and the Threat to the Rule of Law
ISSUES & LEARNING
Attorney Bill Goodman will discuss his recent human rights legal work, which was the subject of a Metro Times cover story earlier this year. The lecture will examine the legalities surrounding the Bush administration's use of Sept. 11 as pretext to create a virtual penal colony for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay. Workmen's Circle, 26341 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park.; 248-545-0985.
Monday • 21
Bright Eyes
MUSIC
Expect swoons from a cherry-lipped, bespectacled crowd — 'cause an evening of (forgivable) indie pretense lies ahead. Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst, known for his crackle-voiced politicking and onstage wine-swilling, takes the stage along with haunting, evocative bluegrass performer Gillian Welch and Brooklyn folk ensemble Oakley Hall. Get your acoustic on at 8 p.m. in the Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth Street, Royal Oak, 248-399-2980.
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