Sept. 12-17, 2002

13 • FRI MUSIC Kathleen Battle & William Omar Lateef Butler — Few in classical music have made as many waves as Kathleen Battle. Her life story has all the melodrama of anything Verdi could have penned: she was an elementary school teacher who got a big break and became one of the most famous lyric sopranos in the world, known equally for her stunning talent and icy personality. She will perform with 21-year-old trumpeter William Omar Lateef Butler, a Detroit native and student of both Wynton Marsalis and New York Philharmonic trumpeter Philip Smith. Though Battle’s diva magnetism will definitely be a draw, hearing Butler’s take on Jolivet’s playful and acrobatic concerto will be wonderful. It’s the start of the Detroit Symphony Orchesta’s 2002-2003 season. At Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; call 313-576-5111.

13 • FRI MUSIC American Mars — How about an evening of something special? Refreshingly thoughtful, this melodic gang of five, American Mars, have become a deserved local favorite. As a tour de force in the music scene, and a sure thing for the fans, this band has harnessed the visceral attitude of modern rock and the poetry of the romantic. They’re sure to please. With openers Boxstep and Jetway, at the Magic Bag 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; call 248-544-3030.

13 • FRI ART "It Goes Like This: Instruction Drawings from the Gilbert and Lila Silverman Collection" — The season of art openings is upon us and the Center Galleries’ (301 Frederick Douglass, Detroit; call 313-664-7800) colorful display of instructional drawings from the Gilbert and Silverman Collection should be a treat. Opening reception: Friday, Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m. The show will be on display through Oct. 12.

14 SAT • ART Season Premiere — In celebration of its fifth season, detroit contemporary presents an evening of art, music and sculpture, plus a video installation. The evening will premiere the gallery’s newly reworked sculpture garden and four exciting exhibits. Artists include Jeanne Bieri, Jason Brougham, Free Multi-Media, Inc., Peter Mallo and Teresa L. Petersen. This eclectic evening will also include an open drum circle and musical performances from artists including Edith Head and Sista Otis. Artist reception begins at 6 p.m. Hit detroit contemporary, 5141 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit’ call 313-898-4ART.

14 SAT LITERATURE • Amiri Baraka — Amiri Baraka’s poem "In a Funk World" asks "If Elvis Presley/is King/Who is James Brown,/God?" It’s a microcosm of what Baraka (Leroy Jones) has been doing with his poems for more than 40 years, posing hip, attitude-jammed questions about race, society and relationships. Embraced by fans of both the Beats and the Black Arts Movement, Baraka will be the highlight of the Lit Fest on the Lawn at 4:30 p.m. The Lit Fest is part of the Detroit Festival of the Arts, a three-day extravaganza Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15 in the heart of the Cultural Center (near the corner of Cass and Warren, Detroit.) For more information call 313-577-0588 or log on to www.detroitfestival.com.

17 TUE • MUSIC Fall of Detroit — Birthed from recent media attention on all things Detroit, the "Fall of the Detroit" showcase can be considered the pressure point from which this music vein began. Garage meets rock, married to a minimalist approach, this two-day event (Sept. 17-18) is a who’s who of Motor City rock and roll. The lineup for Tuesday includes: Bogue, Ko and the Knockouts and the Dirtbombs. Wednesday catch the Come Ons, Outrageous Cherry, Saturday Looks Good to Me and Detroit City Council (Tom Potter of Bantam Rooster). At the Lager House 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; call 313-961-4668 for more information.