19 THU • MUSIC Fra Fra Sound — The ultimate proof that jazz is a universal language is it’s proliferation of dialects, one of which this band has been developing for two decades. Based in the Netherlands and drawing on the sounds of Suriname (formerly Dutch Guyana) and other regions around the Caribbean and Africa, Fra Fra Sound is making its Detroit debut. At SereNgeti East, 5555 Conner Ave., Detroit, two blocks south of I-94, in Samaritan Center; call 313-922-2787.
20 FRI • MUSIC Jack Earls’ "surprise" 70th Birthday Party — Sun Records’ lo-fi wild man is getting older … but you’d never know it. Dig out the pomade, pal, and put on a pair of dancing shoes; local favorites Bones Maki and the Sun Dodgers plan to host the birthday party of the season. The entire Earls family and many special guests invite you to join in a celebration of the life and career of one of rockabilly’s finest at Third Street Saloon 701 W. Forest, Detroit; call 313-831-3434 for more information.
19 THU • COMEDY Aphrodite of the Accordion: Judy Tenuta — Guttural objector and wacky pontificator, self-proclaimed love goddess Judy Tenuta has made her way to Ann Arbor! Appearing three times and three times only (also on Sep. 20 and 21), America’s renaissance wench has all of the charm of Chaucer’s Wife of Bath juxtaposed with the ethereal beauty of Helen of Troy. Do yourself a favor, though, and stay out of her line of vision — nobody is safe. This is only a warning. At Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase 314 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor; call 734-996-9080.
21 SAT • MUSIC Anouar Brahem Trio — Nearly impossible to classify, the Anouar Brahem Trio’s first major tour brings its universal sounds to the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Service’s (ACCESS) Fann Wa Tarrab. Courtesy of the foreign sounds of the oud, bendir and the darbouka, Fann Wa Tarrab (meaning art and music in Arabic), will showcase Tunisian genius and the world-renowned lute of Anouar Brahem. Come celebrate world unity with an evening of unique Eastern, Western and jazz collaborations and let the spirit of the event speak for itself. At the Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn; call 313-271-1620 for tickets.
22 SUN • THEATER Barefoot in the Park — Commencing its 75th season with Neil Simon, the Players Guild of Dearborn proudly presents Barefoot in the Park. Popularized cinematically in the late ’60s by the ineffably cool duo of Redford and Fonda, this classic tale of two newlyweds and their ensuing matrimonial foibles, is as charming as it is funny. You’ll wince empathetically and laugh wildly. At the Players Guild of Dearborn 21730 Madison., Dearborn; call 313-561-TKTS.
