10 FRI • THEATER The Trip — From the same theater that brought us last year’s Jesus Hopped the A Train, this comedy about four old friends is one for the ladies, a “tribute to women,” as director Oliver Pookrum says. Four lifelong girlfriends embark on a road trip-adventure that tests their love and loyalties. It seems that confined spaces can bring out the best (and the beast) in all off us. Presented by the African Renaissance Theater at the Hastings Street Ballroom (715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit). Call 313-870-9002.
10 FRI •
COMMUNITY Uncork Corktown — In just a year, Detroit Synergy has become a prime proponent of urban living. Having organized such goings-on as the Pedestrian Connection (to promote strolling in the Cass Corridor), a Museum of African-American History tour and Project Clean (a Belle Isle cleanup), this group is on a roll. And this week, there’s a pub crawl through the historic streets of Corktown. Participating bars include Nemo’s, Shelley’s Tavern on the Avenue, the Works, Lager House and the Parabox Café. The crawl commences at Nemo’s (1384 Michigan Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. Call 313-567-6225 or visit www.detroitsynergy.org for more information.
11 SAT • MUSIC DSO Gala and Inaugural Concert — In a perfect illustration of the good things that come to those who wait, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra celebrates the opening of its new music and education complex, the Max M. Fisher Music Center. In addition to the introduction to the majestic architecture of the Max’s interior, the evening will include the world premiere of a work by Flint native Jonathan Holland (a finalist in the DSO’s African-American Composer Competition in 1994), Copland’s Symphony No. 3 and the DSO’s principal guest conductor, Itzhak Perlman, as violin soloist. Tickets for the gala reception and dinner are spoken for, but concert-only balcony tickets are still to be had. Of course, Saturday’s is just the beginning of weeks of “inaugural” music, including Smokey Robinson with the DSO on Sunday, Oct. 12. At the Max (3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit). Call 313-576-5100 for further information.
11 SAT • MUSIC DJ Language — It’s easy to contextualize DJ Language as just another young lion from the New York underground. But hearing smooth talk about his seamless blends, impeccable timing and intuitive track selection pales before the experience of being on the floor, feeling him speak in the vernacular of hip hop, soul, electro, R&B, reggae, Afrobeat and house though thousands of watts of power. Presented by the slick masterminds of Instant Vintage for a paltry $5. At Fifth Avenue, downtown Detroit, inside Comerica Park. Call 313-471-2555 for details.
11-12 SAT-SUN •
COMMUNITY Historic Fort Wayne Flea Market — Lovers of garage sales, estate sales, auctions and flea markets are a special breed. Only the truly lowbrow understand the titillation that comes with scoring a pristine vintage dress or a beautiful piece of Haywood Wakefield furniture for less than $50. This is for those who love the history behind a vintage piece of, well, anything. Historic Fort Wayne is at 6325 W. Jefferson, at the foot of Livernois, in Detroit. Call 313-821-7795 for more information.
12 SUN • MUSIC/BENEFIT “Up From the Ashes: The R.J. Spangler Fire Relief Benefit” — During the August electrical blackout, local drummer and manager R.J. Spangler lost his home to a tragic fire. Spangler, who has been credited with resurrecting the careers of such local talents as Johnnie Bassett and Alberta Adams, also lost a lifetime’s worth of collectibles and records. But as reciprocity would have it, many of R.J.’s pals and fellow musicians have put together a benefit to help defray the cost of the damages. At the Magic Bag (22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale), with performances from Johnnie Bassett, Alberta Adams, Joe Weaver, the Sun Messengers, Brothers Groove, Thornetta Davis, the Motor City R&B Pioneers and more. Tickets are a suggested $15 donation at the door. Donations can also be sent to PO Box 1092, Hazel Park, MI, 48030; checks should be made out to R.J. Spangler. Call 248-544-3030 for more information.
