Wednesday • 29
Minimal Maximum
ART
It's composed of recent works, but the new exhibit at Ann Arbor's Gallery Project, Minimal Maximum, is heavily influenced by the minimalism movement of the 1960s. It re-examines minimalism as it applies to today's globalized society. The featured artists, unlike the original artists of the movement, have maximized the minimal. See what they've come up with at the opening reception, 6-9 p.m., Friday, March 31, at 3 p.m. 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-997-7012. Ends May 7.
Wednesday • 29
Ron Allen and Amas Muhammad
POETRY
Ron Allen to leave town April 1? We figured it was some kind of appropriately abstract, poetic, Zen April Fool's joke at first. But, no, we're assured the Motor City poet-playwright is bound for Los Angeles. For some parting words, he's sharing the bill with upcoming bard Amas Muhammad, a senior at Arts Academy in the Woods in Warren, whose influences include Chuck Palahniuk, Kim Hunter, Sadiq Bey and ... Ron Allen. Free. 8 p.m., Zeitgeist, 2661 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-965-9192.
Thursday • 30
Mozart's Roots: A Cappella Music in Germany
MUSIC
In celebration of Mozart's 250th birthday, the Tallis Scholars celebrate many of the greats who undoubtedly influenced the famous composer. The ensemble will feature several works from German composers, including Praetorius from Hamburg, Hassler from Nuremberg, Schütz of Dresden and, of course, Johann Sebastian Bach. 8 p.m. at St. Francis Church, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538.
Thursday • 30
Yemaya's Belly
THEATER
This coming-of-age play follows a young man, Jesus, who emigrates from his rural farm in the Caribbean to the United States. Along the way, the boy endures terrifying sea storms and cramped travel conditions as well as a series of seemingly mundane, but surprisingly formative events: Tasting a Coke for the first time, for example, is a highlight of the young man's journey. Written by Puerto Rican playwright Quiarda Alegria Hudes, this play explores the rich nuances of Afro-Cuban spirituality. Opens Thursday, March 30, at the Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347. Runs Thursday-Sunday (except Easter) until May 21.
Thursday • 30
Painters Painting: The New York Art Scene 1940-1970
ART
Few art scenes can match what happened in New York in the middle decades of the 20th century. People like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Motherwell, Willem de Kooning and Andy Warhol were at the center of a visual arts scene which ran parallel to strong New York literary and music communities. Emile de Antonio's 1972 documentary film, Painters Painting: The New York Art Scene 1940-1970, takes viewers into the studios of the greats of this period, when abstract expressionism and pop art broke down barriers of the imagination. Screening is at 7 p.m., with $5 suggested donation. At the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-7904.
Friday • 31
Riders in the Sky
MUSIC
For almost 30 years now, the old-time Western music of this foursome has calmed the beast in many a music lover's soul. The concho-clad crooners sing such campfire favorites as "Night Rider's Lament" and "Home on the Range" in simple four-part harmonies that'll convince you that you are sitting in the shadows of the Rockies with nothing but big sky above. 7:30 p.m. at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-286-2141.
Friday • 31
Scott H. Biram
MUSIC
Lovers of the Bloodshot Records stable know that unless a band or artist has a certain grizzled goodness, they are not part of the gang. Scott H. Biram, a troubadour in the sincerest sense of the word, has all the attributes a Bloodshot family member should have — he's a country boy, a metalhead and a punk. He's a tough guy too: This tour-a-holic was hit head-on by a semi a few years ago and was back on the stage — wheelchair and all — within days. With the Legendary Shack Shakers and the Salt Miners at Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-961-4668.
Friday • 31
Dinner with Friends
THEATER
Few things are more bourgeois than a fortysomething divorce drama, but Donald Marguiles' Dinner with Friends is a surprisingly humorous take on the sometimes-deranged manner in which middle-age couples break up or rediscover true love. Opens 8 p.m., Friday, March 31, at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak; 248-541-6430. Runs Thursday-Sunday until April 16.
Saturday-Sunday • 1-2
Sixth Annual Antiques in April Show
SHOPPING
The ground is still frozen, but avid antiquers know no seasonal boundaries. More than 60 vendors from across the United States will exhibit a wealth of olden-but-golden wares. Mind you, this is no dust mite-encumbered flea market: High quality antiques and collectibles from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries will be for sale as well as jewelry, glassware, china, clothing, architectural items, textiles, artwork and Depression glass. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, April 1, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, April 2, at the Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe; 734-384-4207.
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