10 WED • ART “Retrofit” — Michigan sculptor Sharon Cue has explored “aspects of concrete poetry, painting, engraving, ritual and meditation” in her work. With an Art Noveau-meets-mad scientist look, Que’s works are often referred to as “unique.” At the Meadow Brook Art Gallery (208 Wilson Hall, on the campus of Oakland University). Call 248-370-3005 for more information. Runs through Sunday, Oct. 5.
11 THU • MUSIC/FUN FOR ALL Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-Phonics Barbecue — For the first time ever, DJ Del Villarreal will broadcast his rockabilly/Western swing radio program, “Triple R Ranch Show,” on WSDS-AM 1480 from a remote location. In addition to toasting one of rockabilly’s finest six-string players with a live performance and interview, Villereal will be toasting the buns — hot dog buns, that is. Join some pompadoured pals at Rubber Soul Records (115 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti); Carl Bradychok also performs. The barbecue starts at 6 p.m.; the show runs 7-10 p.m. Call 734-483-8834 for further lowdown. Rock-a-doodle-do!
12 FRI • ISSUES & LEARNING An Evening with Alf Bicknell — Did you ever wonder what it was like to hang out with the Beatles? What if you had been a travel companion and pal to the Fab Four? Tour manager and assistant to the Beatles from 1963-66, Alf Bicknell knows exactly what it was like. (You can learn all about it in his 1996 video-and-book combos, Alf Bicknell’s Beatles Tales and Alf Bicknell’s Beatles Diary.) He will be visiting Detroit to take part in the YMCA’s Writer’s Voice interview/discussion about the Beatles and their seismic influence on pop culture. It’s hosted by WDET-FM 101.9’s Willy Wilson who’ll be joined by poet Edward Sanders (friend of John Lennon’s) and John Sinclair. At the Scarab Club (217 Farnsworth, Detroit) at 7 p.m. Call 313-831-1250 for more information.
12-13 FRI-SAT • FILM Metrop-olis — In 1926, when Fritz Lang made this solemn silent film about a future world where the populace has become divided into two starkly different classes, he could have never known the impact it would have on subsequent films — or that it would be classed among the most innovative films ever. Vividly expressionistic, this black-and-white tale examines the dangers of an industrialized way of life and its impact on humanity. Accompanied by pipe organist John Lauter. At the Redford Theater (17360 Lahser, Detroit). Call 313-383-0133 for show times.
14 SUN • MUSIC The Reigning Sound — Songwriter Greg Cartwright simply does not get the credit he deserves. Sure, he’s been revered by indie music wonks the world over for his garage-punk prowess a la the Complusive Gamblers and the Oblivians, but if the world at large only knew how this guy’s latest outfit, the Reigning Sound, slays a song, there would be an instant shift in his record sales. Says Steven Van Zandt of “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” radio program, “Reigning Sound is one of our favorite bands.”
See them at the Magic Stick (4120 Woodward, Detroit) with the Fondas. Call 313-833-9700 for more information.
14 SUN • COMMUNITY Kerrytown District BookFest — French philosopher, Joseph Joubert once said, “The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.” But the joy of reading — be it an old book or a new book — is something to celebrate. The bookfest includes nearly a dozen booksellers and demonstrations on crafts from calligraphy to papermaking to book binding. Meanwhile, local authors will read from the latest Harry Potter book and their own work. At the Ann Arbor Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market (315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor). Call 734-764-3166 for details.
