1) A Day In Paradeland
The crew over at the Parade Company have been in a frenzy creating the floats, costumes, and props for the annual parade. After you watch the parade on Thursday, you can go to the Parade Company to see the floats up close and personal. If you have little dudes, bring them to this. Tickets are $6 at the door. Entertainment featured by AM 910 Radio Disney.
Saturday, Nov. 30. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Parade Co., 9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A, Detroit. $6.
2) Motor City Funk Night
The Day after Thanksgiving (as usual, the last friday of the month), the Motor City Funk Night takes over the Majestic Theatre with liver performances by John Arnold and Jeremy Ellis, plus DJ sets from Frank Raines, Dez, Phat Kat, and Rec (aka Chedda Bob). Beware though – going to this thing and not dancing is more than a little odd. We've tried it.
Friday, Nov. 29. 10 p.m.
Majestic Theatre, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. $5-$10.
Local boys Corktown Popes say, they "are not a boy band, not a pop band, not a Celtic band, not a rock band." They are, in fact, a blend of all of those things (except, maybe, a boy band). Nick Pivot and his Western Outfit also play.Friday, Nov. 29. 6:30 p.m.3) Corktown Popes
Callahan's, 2105 South Blvd., Auburn Hills. $12.
4) The Smiths United
You'd think one Morrisey in the world would be enough. Love him or hate him, the former Smiths man is outspoken and obnoxious. Whether the singer with this tribute band, the Smiths United, is the same way remains to be seen but, by all accounts, he does a great job of impersonating the man's stage presence. As if that weren't enough, we also get a Siouxsie & the Banshees tribute called Playground Twist, as well as a Jesus & mary Chain tribute called Psycho Honey. So if grown men impersonating youth-aghast is your bag, get to the Bag. It could be good for a laugh. Then again...
Saturday, Nov. 30. 8 p.m.
Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. $10.
5) Ice Skating at Campus Martius
Campus Martius opened their ice rink last week. Come skate while admiring the 60-foot Christmas tree; skating is $7 ($6 for those of you under 12), skate rental is $3.
800 Woodward Ave, Detroit.
6) Lupe Fiasco at the Royal Oak Music Theater
Come see why Kanye was a big fan years ago. With special guests Stalley, The Boy Illinois, Dee-1, and Ro Spit.
Sunday, Dec. 01. 7:30 p.m.
318 W. Fourth Street Royal Oak. $35.
7) Mike Epps
Epps is so sharp, smart, and savvy that he could be a motivational speaker if he wasn't so raunchy. Epps disspenses one hilarious but painfully true observation after another. His edge has been compared to Richard Pryor with a hint of Chris Rock bombast. None y'alls is safe – especially those too serious for their own good.
Sunday, Dec. 01. 7:30 p.m.
2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. $26-$125.
8) American Promise
In 1999, filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michéle Stephenson enrolled their son Idris at the Dalton School in Manhattan, one of the city's most elite private schools; the institution has a commitment to cultivating a diverse student body. The filmmakers turned the camera on their own family to film the experience of their 5-year old son, and his best friend and classmate Seun. The documentary captures the stories of both boys from the first day of kindergarten through their 2012 high school graduation. Over those 12 years, we see the boys and their families struggle with stereotypes and identity. Special Jury Prize awarded at Sundance Film Festival.Sunday,
Dec. 01. 4:30 p.m.
5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. $7.50.
9) Uncle Kracker
Kid Rock's boy is all grown up and, like his old mentor, has managed to make a relatively smooth glide between hip-hop and country. Dunno what it is about those Macomb boys, but at some point in their 30s they seemingly want to mash Garth Brooks with L.L. Cool J. Hey, don't knock them – they're doing perfectly OK; and Kracker has a pretty big show to prove it. Old Dominion, Doop & The Inside Outlaws and Matt Austin also play.
Friday, Nov. 29. 7 p.m.
Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. $9.95.
10) Book Launch Party for Max and Eli Sussman's new book: The Best Cookbook Ever
Celebrate the release of local boys the Sussman brothers' new cookbook. Sample food (made using recipes from the The Best Cookbook Ever, naturally) and enjoy refreshments while listening to the music of DJ M Medow. Plus, you can pick up some of Signal-Return's holiday gifts featured in MT's Gift Guide.
Saturday, November 30. 8-10 pm
Signal-Return Press, 1345 Division, Detroit. Free.
