Ongoing • ART Yoko Ono Exhibit — Driving along Woodward, you might ask yourself, “What is that big blue boxcar doing on the lawn of the DIA with lights and music pouring out?” That, friends, is Yoko Ono’s newest work in her quest for cultural relevance, a sculpture called Freight Train. It’s a German boxcar riddled with bullet holes sitting on rail tracks. The 1999 piece was inspired by a tragic event in 1987, when a locked trailer truck abandoned in the Texas desert became the frightful grave for a group of Mexican immigrants. Ono says her piece is “a work of atonement for the injustice and pain we’ve experienced in this century, expressing resistance, healing and a hope for the next century.” At the DIA (5200 Woodward, Detroit) through spring 2004. Call 313-833-7900.
27 SAT • LITERATURE James Hart III—The 26-year-old Detroit poet and author of The Watchable Book has “mastered the rhythm and tone of poetic language in a dreamlike array of spatial consonance,” says his publisher, poet-playwright Ron Allen. Allen has assembled a dream lineup for a book release party: wordsmiths Allen, Kim Hunter, Ted Pearson and James Hart II (James III’s dad and mentor), plus hip-hop from Subversive, jazz from Cats Pajamas and genre-bending from Larval. At Zeitgeist Theatre and Gallery, 2661 Michigan Ave., at 8 p.m. Admission is a donation to Zeitgeist and Weightless Language Press. Call 313-832-0954.
27 SAT • MUSIC Small’s 4th Anniversary — Small’s bar in Hamtramck has hit its gait. When it opened its doors back in 1999, it was your quintessential beer and shot bar. As time passed, however, bells and whistles popped up. A tiki deck rose in the back lot, velvet Elvises were hung … bartenders got cuter. Nowadays, Small’s has taken the plunge into a bona fide music venue, (one of the best ones in Detroit, frankly). And what better way to celebrate the transition from old man’s bar to rock ’n’ roll roost than with some of the toughest rockers in Detroit? From the ashes of cooler days of yore, Chuck Burns (former Seduce and Speedball), Ron Sakowski (of Laughing Hyenas and Easy Action) and John Speck of Hoarse and the Fags have resurrected a slick little side band dubbed Thee Lucky Stiffs. (Maybe some of you true-bluers remember them?) If you haven’t seen them already, think Sham 69 meets the Stones. Do not miss this show. At Small’s (10339 Conant, Hamtramck) with the Lanternjack, Sissy and My White Mama.
25 THU • MUSIC Alexander Zonjic — The ubiquitous flutist and smooth jazz radio host takes the stage in the new, free, weekly jazz series he’s organizing for Riverfront Shops in the Renaissance Center. On Thursday evenings to come: Avishai Cohen with Jeff Haas and George (Sax) Benson, Oct. 2; Straight Ahead, Oct. 9; Ramsey Lewis Trio, Oct. 16; Marcus Belgrave with David “Fathead” Newman, Oct. 23; Dave McMurray, Oct. 30; Tim Bowman, Nov. 6; Jeff Kashiwa, Nov. 13; and Terrance Blanchard, Nov. 20. Concerts are in the five-story atrium overlooking the waterfront. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., an informal fashion show starts 6, and the music begins at 7. Appetizers, desserts and beverages are available. For information, call 313-885-8228.
28 SUN • MUSIC Sparklehorse — In terms of popularity, Mark Linkous seems to be riddled with the bridesmaid’s curse. With his unmistakably battered falsetto landing squarely between Neil Young and J. Mascis, Linkous has led Sparklehorse to near fame again and again. Even after he globe-trotted as the pet support act for Radiohead’s O.K. Computer tour and earned unmatched critical gush, Linkous seems destined for a career of marginalized cult fame. It’s a shame too, because with 2001’s crystalline It’s a Wonderful Life, Linkous gave the world a set of songs about mechanical animals and fractured idealism that were immensely intimate. Even though his joint venture with R.E.M. at the cavernous Palace doesn’t hope to offer the kind of delicate handling that such songs probably deserve, consider it a chance to be in the company of an overlooked genius. At the Palace of Auburn Hills (3 Championship Drive, Auburn Hills). Call 248-377-0100 for more info.
27 SAT • ART Fahrenheit 2003: Festival of Fire — Last year, about 200 people showed up for the fire sculpture/performance-art event on a farm 25 minutes outside Windsor. This year, 10 artists will create the fire sculptures, musicians and DJs will provide music. “Lonesome Lefty,” will be on hand to perform his brand of classic ’30s and ’40s country tunes. The intricate sculptures are constructed with organic material, mainly straw, with an eye toward burn times. Families are welcome — games and activities for kids are provided. The event is also a big barbecue, with vegetarian options and pork. The barbecue starts at 5 p.m., fires are lit at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 Canadian, $15 including the food, $10 for kids under 7 including food. Cash bar provided. Call Artcite Gallery in downtown Windsor for more info, at 519-977-6564.
