WEDNESDAY • 22
ROCK LOTTERY
A SOUND GAMBLE
In celebration of Earth Day and to benefit the Greening of Detroit, the Magic Stick will host Detroit's first-ever rock lottery. Basically, members from a bunch of local bands, including Silverghost, the Gories, the Dirtbombs, the Fondas and more, were organized — for better or for worse — into 15 random groups and given one week to learn one cover and one original. They'll perform said ditties on two stages at 8 p.m. at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313 833-7665; majesticdetroit.com; $10.
THURSDAY • 23
PURE ACOUSTIC
FOLKIES' FEMININE SIDE
Presented by Pure Detroit, Pure Acoustic pits two bright-eyed notables of the Ann Arbor folk scene — Chris Bathgate and Frontier Ruckus — against each other in an hour-long set of dueling pathos. Whose homespun melodies can evince more nostalgia? Whose earnest voice can ache with the most yearning? Not quite the drama of dueling banjos or pianos, but probably more heartfelt, not to mention more beautiful. The intimate evening kicks off with an opening set by the lovely Sisters Lucas. Admission includes a full espresso bar (hide your disappointment, lushes!) and a gourmet dessert. Seating is limited, so reserve your place by emailing [email protected] or take your chances at the door. At 7 p.m. at the Guardian Building, 500 Griswold St., Detroit; 313-963-4567; $10.
FRIDAY • 24
FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS
HOW NOVEL!
A BBC radio program that became an HBO series, Flight of the Conchords follows the misadventures of wacky New Zealanders Jemaine and Brett as they attempt to find success as a novelty musical duo in New York City. Tracks from the first season — including "Business Time," an ode to desultory married schtupping, and "A Kiss is Not a Contract," which features the memorable line "Just because I'm in a two-man novelty band/Doesn't mean it's all about poontang" — can be found on their eponymous debut LP, released last year. The second season of Flight of the Conchords just wrapped, an accompanying second album is due soon, and the guys are taking to the road to perform their flippant jingles and witty banter in front of real, live people. At 11 a.m. & 8 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-6611; $38.50.
FRIDAY • 24
ZONE RADIO SHOW SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY
TUNE IN AND TURN IT UP
Since 2002, Origix & DC have broadcast underground and unsigned hip-hop artists on The Zone Radio, their show on WHFR, Henry Ford Community College's noncommercial radio station. They're celebrating seven years of bringing music ignored by the mainstream airwaves to the ears of metro Detroiters, as well as nationwide through their website 2raw4fm.com, with performances by winning Detroit rhyme spitters including Quest M.C.O.D.Y., Asylum 7, Lazarus, Rencen and Bash Bros. Doors at 9:30 p.m. at PJ's Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY • 24-25
AMY SACKSTEDER
NATURE'S DESIGN
An associate professor of art at Eastern Michigan University, Amy Sacksteder's work explores how design appropriates nature. Her spare paintings recall current trends in fashion and home decor where leaf charms dangle from gold chains and simple, block-print birds adorn everything from pillows to T-shirts. Sacksteder questions the innocent nature of these images, suggesting that our subconscious attraction to representations of nature suggests something dangerous about our present relationship with it. Her paintings and drawings can be seen through June 13, at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (407 Pine St., Rochester; 248-651-4110) where her exhibit Still opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, with an artist talk on 2 p.m. Saturday, as well as through May 30, at the Museum of New Art (7 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-210- 7560), with an opening at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
SATURDAY • 25
DESIGN FOR LIFE: DENIM
JEANSIN' FOR A CAUSE
One hundred individuals — from artists and musicians to architects and chefs — were given the task of creating, well, uh, creating anything, for Carhartt denim jackets. The resulting sculptures, intricately painted jackets and other fab creations will be on display at the Midwest AIDS Coalition's First Annual Design for Life event. Hosted by Ongina of Ru Paul's Drag Race, the night will also feature tunes from DJ Dethlab and aerial sashaying by the Detroit Flyhouse Performers. At 7 p.m. at Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832- 6622. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling 248-545-1435 ext. 105.
SATURDAY • 25
REVOLUTIONARY DETROIT: A GLOBAL LEGACY
DETROIT VS. THE REDCOATS
This symposium, conducted in conjunction with David Brunsman, professor of history at Wayne State University, explores Detroit's role in America's fight for independence from Great Britain. Brunsman's belief is that the events of the Revolutionary Era had the most significant impact on Detroit's population until the advent of the automotive industry. At the symposium, local historians and WSU students will present research and findings, and Brian Dunnigan, author of A Picturesque Situation, Mackinac Before Photography 1615- 1860, will give a luncheon keynote address. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7934; $20, $15 Historical Society members, $10 students.
SATURDAY • 25
SPRING INTO NATURE 5K RUN/WALK
AN AMBULATORY BENEFIT
Whether you prefer the casual stroll or are working on your five-minute mile, the Fourth Annual Spring into Nature Run is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs around Detroit's island oasis: Belle Isle. Dogs are welcome — special treats and water stops will be provided — and the day will include entertainment, activities, refreshments and free admission to the Belle Isle Zoo, the recipient of all the proceeds from the event. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with the actual run slated for 10 a.m. starting at the Belle Isle Zoo; $25; visit detroitsynergy.org for info.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY • 25-26
COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD
THE BODY EXPOSED
Since her first solo performance in 1978, choreographer and artist Marie Chouinard has unapologetically pushed the boundaries of modern dance and its relation to the body, often in ways that have made the audience gasp (she once pissed in a bucket on stage — this chick don't mess around). Her work continued with the formation of her own company in 1990. The Montreal-based group has performed around the world, earning an international reputation for its bold sensuality and visceral aesthetics. On Saturday the troupe will perform Chouinard's newest work, Orpheus and Eurydice, complete with lithe, androgynous dancers in pasties and gold hot pants; on Sunday, her controversially acclaimed 1993 interpretation of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. At 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Power Center, 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538; ums.org; $18-$42.
TUESDAY • 28
BUDGET-WISE COOKING
EATS ON THE CHEAP
Even if economic times weren't grim, learning how to "budget cook" is a useful skill to have, especially for those who give in too easily to the allure of smartly packaged foie gras and black olive tapenade. Class participants will learn smart ways to shop in bulk, which inexpensive cuts of meat can still pack a punch, and simple, inexpensive recipes. Of course, if you need to save money on food, should you really be shelling out dough for a class? Hey, you gotta spend to save. From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Community House, 380 S. Bates St., Birmingham; call 248-644-5832 to register; $30 plus $6 materials fee.
ONGOING
VISUAL STORYTELLING
STORIED GRAPHICS
Visual Storytelling showcases the works of young up-andcoming illustrators and artists known for both their art and its narrative flow. In other words, we're talking the dudes and chicks behind the comics and graphic novels that you know and love — especially now that it's all socially acceptable! Illustrations, sketchbooks, storyboards, single-page sequences, videos, models and more will be on display. The works cover a broad range of illustration styles from more than 20 artists, including Jeremy Bastian, Guy Davis, Katie Cook, Jon Morris and David Peterson. Through May 24, at the Gallery Project, 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012; thegalleryproject.com.
