Arts & Entertainment February '08

February 2008 // Arts & Entertainment Listings

Danny Glover plays a club owner and performer in the film “Honeydripper,” on view Feb. 8-13 at the Detroit Film Theatre.

ART

Cranbrook Art Museum: The U.S. premiere of the retrospective exhibition Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future features work by the architect during his years at Cranbrook. Through March 30. Free to members, seniors, and children; $4-$6 for adults and teens. 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills; 877-462-7262; cranbrookart.edu.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): Julie Mehretu: City Sitings, highlights three elements of the Ethiopian-born artist’s work — citizenship and belonging, mobility, and mapping. The DIA recently received a Joyce Award for the new site-specific commissioned installation in galleries next to Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry frescoes. The exhibition continues through March 30.
• The Best of the Best: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs from the DIA Collection features 100 gems selected from the museum’s 35,000-object graphic arts collection, which ranges from 1500s Europe through today. Through March 30. $8 adults; $4 ages 6-17; $6 seniors. Wed., Thur.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mon.-Tue. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.
Skillman Branch Library: In celebration of the Grand Prix’s return to Detroit, the National Automotive History Collection and AutoWeek magazine present an exhibit of Detroit Grand Prix photographs. Postcards from Detroit: Remembering Formula 1 in the Motor City is curated from the photographic collection of Roger Hart, managing editor of AutoWeek. Through April 19. Free. 121 Gratiot, Detroit; 313-628-2851; detroitpubliclibrary.org.
University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) Off Site: Between 1978 and 1983, photographer Inge Morath and her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, visited China three times. The country’s Cultural Revolution was still fresh in the population’s mind, and there was an ongoing struggle of new traditions in conflict with ancient ones. A new nation was growing up through the dust of an old one. Inge Morath and Arthur Miller: China features Morath’s photographs of a changing society, accompanied by excerpts from their journals, which reflect empathy for the culture and the people of China during this era. Through March 23. Free. 1301 S. University, Ann Arbor; 734-763-8662. umma.umich.edu.
Zeitgeist: AZUTUNARASHAREDO, featuring the work of Mary Laredo Herbeck, Azucena Nava-Moreno, and Kathleen Rashid, is titled for an agglomeration of the artists’ names. The exhibition runs indefinitely. 2661 Michigan, Detroit; 313-965-9192; zeitgeistdetroit.org.

CLASSICAL

Brunch with Bach: The Harlem Quartet, composed of first-place laureates of the Sphinx Competition, perform. 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24. $30 for concert and brunch; $10 stairwell seating for concert only. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.
Chamber Music Society: Violinist Augustin Hadelich is accompanied by pianist Robert Kulek in works by Mozart, Brahms, Schnittke and Bright Sheng. 8 p.m. Feb. 9. $25-$75. Seligman Performing Arts Center, Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills; 248-855-6070; comehearcmsd.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: In a dance-themed program, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs the Piano Concerto in G, with Gilbert Varga on the podium. Other pieces include works by Debussy, Kodaly, and Bartok. Feb 1-2. $22.50-$126.50.
• Ann Hampton Callaway joins Erich Kunzel and the DSO for a weekend of Valentine’s Day concerts. Feb. 14-17. $22.50-$108.50. • Celebrate the lives and works of African-Americans in classical music with Classical Roots. Feb. 21-23. $22.50-$126.50.
• The symphonic form came easily to young Schubert until he studied Beethoven intensively. That brought on a creative block that finally ended triumphantly with Schubert’s own great Ninth Symphony. Feb. 29-March 2. $22.50-$126.50. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward, Detroit; 313-576-5111; detroitsymphony.com.
Detroit Symphony Civic Symphony Orchestra: The DSO’s Civic Orchestra teams up with the Detroit Festival Chorus to perform Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a story of wine, women, and love and based on 13th-century Latin, German, and French poems. Feb. 21. $12-$30. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-2141; macombcenter.com.

DANCE

Detroit Opera House: Celebrate the start of Black History Month with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre as the troupe performs classic as well as contemporary pieces. Jan. 31-Feb. 3. $20-$70. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-961-3500; motopera.org.
Power Center: Igor Stravinsky’s music serves as the basis for innovative University Dance Company choreographers in Stravinsky Revisited. Through Feb. 3. $18-$24. 121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor; 734-764-0583; music.umich.edu.
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts: Enjoy some Latin heat when the Argentine dance company Estampas Portenas comes to the Macomb Center. The troupe of five couples will perform “Tango Fire,” a two-part show combining contemporary and traditional tango dancing. “The Milonga” will seem like a scene from a Latin nightclub, while “The Show” will be a tamer tango performance. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-2141; macombcenter.com.

EVENTS

BLAST!: In 2001, this performance received a Tony for “Best Special Theatrical Event” and an Emmy for “Best Choreography.” In this show, 35 performers come together in a one-of-a-kind display of dance, music, percussion, and pure athleticism. It has been described as bridging the musical genres of classical, blues, jazz, rock, and techno-pop and has received rave reviews as a show that gets audiences on their feet. Feb. 16. $38-58. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-2141; macombcenter.com.
Artrageous: Enjoy a night of fashion and good food at the Fanclub Arts Foundation Fashion Awards annual Artrageous. The event features Detroit models and fashion designers as they compete for the awards in the categories of best designer and model. Three Michigan wineries will be on hand, as well as food from area restaurants. The evening also includes a fashion show and live music. Feb. 9. $100-$125. The Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-584-4150.
Elmo Makes Music: Elmo and his friends are coming to town for a night of music and fun. Watch as the new music teacher, Jenny, discovers all of her instruments are missing, and the Muppets come to her rescue and discover sounds and instruments they never knew existed. Through Feb.10. $12-$32. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 248-433-1515.
Freestyle Motocross: This winter, one of the leading freestyle motorcycle tours in the world comes to the Palace. Watch as the athletes perform aerial acrobatics while clearing 70-foot gaps and more. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9. $10-$35. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship, Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
Longhorn World Championship Rodeo: For the 20th consecutive year, “Year of the Longhorns” returns to the Palace and brings 200 professional cowboys and cowgirls to the event. On Friday night, the rodeo features women’s bull riding for the first time. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 8 p.m. Feb.15. $15-$30. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship, Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour: Come see your favorite high-school crew as they take to the ice for a special musical performance. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28. 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship, Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.

FILM

Detroit Science Center IMAX: Travel back in time and under the sea with Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure. This National Geographic film combines computer-generated animation with real-life paleontological digs to explore what inhabited Earth’s oceans in the Cretaceous period. Through April 30. All shows $10.95-$11.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400; detroitsciencecenter.org/theaters/imax.htm.
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts: As part of the Travelogues series, Worlds of the Maya explores ancient cities and landscapes of Belize and Guatemala. There, in isolated villages, lie the secrets of Mayan culture, language, and folklore. Feb. 24. $10-$12. 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-2141; macomb.edu/macombcenter.
Detroit Film Theatre: Based on a graphic novel, Persepolis is a French animated film that tells the story of the author’s life as a young woman. The film takes place mostly in Iran both before and after the Islamic Revolution and details her rebellion. Persepolis has been honored at many film festivals, including New York, Toronto, and Cannes. Showing on weekends through Feb. 3. $5-$7.50
• War/Dance, a documentary, takes place in war-ravaged Uganda. It tells the story of three children who live in a displaced persons camp far from home. When they are invited to the nation’s capital to compete in an annual music and dance festival, they finally learn what triumph is. The film won the Best Documentary Directing Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Feb. 7-9.
• Danny Glover stars as a nearly broke lounge owner in Honeydripper, an independent film. He risks everything to stage a one-night extravaganza that he thinks will save the club. The film takes place in Alabama in the 1950s. Feb 8-13.
• They haven’t been announced as of press time, but the DFT will present the short films that have been nominated for Oscars in the live-action and animated categories. Feb. 14-17.
• The cinema world lost an important person last year when director Ousmane Sembene died at 84. A four-day tribute, called Remembering Ousmane Sembene, will include three feature films and one short, all of which he directed. Feb. 21-24.
• Explore adolescence and sweet humor in Billy the Kid, the story of an emotionally scarred 15-year-old boy growing up in a small town in Maine and experiencing first love. Feb. 28-March 1.
• When an opera fan pirates a recording of his dream woman, the never-recorded opera star Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez (in her only film role), he finds himself the target of a mob honcho’s hit squad. Feb. 29-March 2. 5200 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org/dft.
Redford Theatre: In Tarzan and His Mate, the sequel to Tarzan the Ape Man, Harry Holt heads back to Africa for another ivory expedition and persuades Jane to return to London with him. Though Jane is impressed with the presents Holt brings her, it’s not enough to make her leave. Meanwhile, Tarzan, while trying to stop the elephant burial grounds from being looted, takes a bullet from Holt’s companion that almost kills him. It’s up to Tarzan to become healthy again in time to save Jane and the others. Feb. 1-2.
• In Meet Me in St. Louis, Judy Garland plays 17-year-old Esther Smith, one of four daughters of the well-off Smith family. Esther falls in love with John, the new boy next door, but she has little time to catch his attention before her father starts a new job in New York, taking his family with him. Feb. 15-16.
• Roger Moore is back as James Bond in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me. This time, Bond must locate a missing Navy submarine holding 16 nuclear warheads before the people who have stolen it launch the missiles. Like every Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me combines action, adventure and, of course, love — this time with the beautiful Russian secret agent Anya Amasova. Feb. 29-March 1. All films $4. 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com.

MUSEUMS

Arab American National Museum: The Arab world consists of 22 countries — a lot of ground and home to a lot of people. Its people have been making contributions in science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and art since the Pharaohs. The exhibition Arab Civilization: Our Heritage features these Arab contributions to the early world. Ongoing in the Community Courtyard.
• Arab-Americans come from a land that stretches from northern Africa to western Asia. The diversity can be as vast as the land, but they all have a shared sense of history and language, which they brought to America starting about 1880. Coming to America features these immigrants and the culture they brought. Ongoing in Gallery 1.
• Living in America exhibits early Arab-American life and the integral part they played in the early history of the United States. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 2.
• Making an Impact celebrates the stories of Arab-American athletes, organizations, physicians, labor leaders, and entertainers. One featured person is Detroit-born journalist Helen Thomas. Ongoing exhibit in Gallery 3. • Also through April, the museum hosts the Ford Comerica Global Thursdays world music series. Tickets are $10-$12. Call for details. $3-$6. 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-2266; arabamericanmuseum.org.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge, a series of intricate and colorful works that focus on three areas of African-American culture and history — musicians, dancers, and freedom advocates — is one of the ongoing exhibits in the Main Level Corridor.
• A is for Africa includes 26 interactive stations making up a 3-D “dictionary” designed for children. Ongoing in the Lower Level Corridor.
• And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture is an expansive, evolving exhibit that vividly recounts the 3.5-million-year-old odyssey that began in Africa and ends in Detroit. It is periodically revitalized with new imagery and artifacts. Ongoing in the Core Exhibition Gallery.
• Genealogy, a work designed by local artist Hubert Massey, depicts the struggles of African-Americans in the United States. Ongoing on the Main Level.
• Detroit Performs is a photomontage dedicated to those who have gained national and international prominence in the performing arts. Ongoing in the Main Level Corridor.
• Soul Sanctuary: Images of the African American Worship Experience features 75 black-and-white pictures of Jason Miccolo’s travels across the country visiting “mega-churches,” as well as “storefront” churches. Miccolo’s photographs take viewers on a journey through the heart of the African-American multi-denominational worship experience. Through April 6.
• Margaret Burroughs was an artist, poet, social activist, and a 30-year public educator in Chicago. Her works of art, often characterized as “social realism,” capture the essence of Africa and the African diaspora. The exhibit Making Prints, Telling Stories: The Artistry of Margaret Burroughs, brings together a collection of prints by the artist. Through May 18.
• Target has initiated a program of Free First Sundays at the museum; general admission at other times is $5-$8. 315 E. Warren, Detroit; 313-494-5800; maah-detroit.org.
Detroit Historical Museum: In 1929, the new Ambassador Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Book-Cadillac Hotel opened in 1924, and when it did, it was the tallest hotel in the world. The 1928 Fisher Building was commissioned to be the “world’s most beautiful building” by the Fisher brothers. See where this is heading? The exhibit, 1920s: Detroit’s Building Boom, showcases Detroit’s explosive growth during this time, focusing on one of the greatest collections of urban architecture in North America.
• The business of war hasn’t changed much, but maybe the medium of propaganda has. In the 1940s, posters were in, and the Detroit Historical Museum has a collection of more than 80 pieces. Rallying the Homefront! Posters from WW II displays a selection of them, with an explanation of purpose and significance for each poster.
• As men were building Detroit’s landscape of the early 20th century, Amy Lorimer was painting it. The exhibit Detroit Artist Showcase is a mini gallery of paintings by this historic Detroit artist. Lorimer’s modern work, influenced by instructor Samuel Halpert, reflects the character and spirit of Detroit’s golden age.
• In 1905, the Cadillac Motor Car Co. released the Osceola — the first concept car and the first closed-body car made in America. The Detroit Historical Society’s Automotive Showplace offers the chance to view this piece of Detroit’s early automotive ingenuity and history. All above exhibits through August 2008.
• The museum has assembled another installment of its Fabulous 5 of Detroit. This time, it’s Fabulous 5: Detroit’s Sports Legends, and it brings together Joe Louis, Joe Dumars, Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Al Kaline. Visitors will see artifacts and brief accounts of each figure. Through Feb. 24. $4-$6. 5401 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Maritime Marvels showcases a treasury of Great Lakes artifacts from the museum’s collection. Other exhibits have been updated: Bob-Lo: Entertainment Island, and City on the Straits.
All through March 2008. 100 Strand, Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org.
Hall of Nations — International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit: Approximately 35,000 authentic dolls from around the world. Free. There’s also a restaurant on the lower level. 111 E. Kirby, Detroit; 313-871-8600; iimd.org.
Henry Ford: With Liberty and Justice for All explores the struggles that arise when free men and women actually try to be free. This exhibit brings together a collection of national artifacts highlighting four pivotal periods of history, beginning with the American Revolution and ending in the 1960s with the civil-rights movement. Permanent exhibit. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001; thehenryford.org.
Motown Historical Museum: The museum at Hitsville U.S.A. houses Motown’s original recording Studio A, where stars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5 recorded their first hits. $5-$8. 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-875-2264; motownmuseum.com.
New Detroit Science Center: On Nov. 1, 1957, the Mackinac Bridge opened, joining the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, relieving miles of traffic back-ups, and giving the ferryboats that transported nearly 9,000 vehicles per day a rest. The “Mighty Mac” is nearly 300 miles away; however the “Mini Mac” is right here in Detroit. Mini Mac, an 80-foot-long replica of the 26,000-foot-long original, is the center’s largest permanent exhibit, and commemorates the 50th anniversary of Michigan’s beloved bridge.
• The new United States Steel Fun Factory has 39 hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to experience, through computer design, prototypes, and simulations, how the manufacturing process works.
• Another new, permanent exhibit invites visitors to Step into Heart Health. The 12-foot-tall heart has traversable arteries (so don’t wear your clogs!). Ongoing.
General Admission $6.95-$7.95. 5020 John R, Detroit; 313-577-8400; detroitsciencecenter.org.
Selfridge Military Air Museum: Planes are the thing, from the indoor armed forces exhibits to Navy and Air Force planes outside. Tours by appointment. $3. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Hall and Jefferson, Harrison Township; 586-307-5035; selfridgeairmuseum.org.
Sloan Museum at the Flint Cultural Center: Motorcycles have always represented freedom — from Steve McQueen in The Great Escape to Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider. The exhibit Rides and Rebels documents America’s relationship with motorcycles, their historical impact, and the look and lifestyle of the rebels of the road. Through March. 1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint; 810-237-3451; sloanmuseum.com.

MUSIC

Special Consensus: The rotating members of this four-piece band have been playing their brand of bluegrass in the Midwest for more than 20 years, throwing together a list of original tunes, traditional pieces, and a number of jams from other genres. Their progressive approach to bluegrass has helped bridge the gap between traditional sounding groups and the more diverse bluegrassians around. 8 p.m. Feb. 1. $15-$22. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
Matchbox Twenty: Nearly 40 million records sold worldwide for this rock group that got its start in the Sunshine State. After three records that went platinum numerous times and a five-year stretch without a release, Matchbox Twenty is back touring again, in support of their fourth album, interestingly named Exile on Mainstream. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2. $49.50-$79.50. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
Hugh Masekela: Born in South Africa, the trumpeter, flugelhornist, and cornetist Hugh Masekela has played with an all-star cast of musicians that include Paul Simon, The Byrds, and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, who is also South African. Masekela’s music centers on jazz and Afrobeat, which is a mixture of jazz and funk fused with African percussion and vocal stylings and made famous by band leader Fela Kuti. 8 p.m. Feb. 2. $27-$47. Music Hall Center, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-962-0243.
Yiddishe Cup: What separates Yiddishe Cup from other klezmer bands? Well, according to them, they’re funny. These northeastern Ohioans are ingrained with the Jewish humor of the ’50s and ’60s and perform a number of parodies that dabble in a wide genre of music — everything from cha-cha to doo-wop to rock. 8 p.m. Feb. 2. $20-$27. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
Kid Rock: He’s back with another record, Rock N Roll Jesus, and another tour. Kid Rock, born in Romeo, Mich., as Bob Ritchie, pulls elements of rapcore, Southern rock, country, and hard rock into a boiling cauldron that erupts into a high-energy, high-intensity live performance. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5. $46.50. Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson, Saginaw; 989-769-1330. • 8 p.m. Feb. 8. $26-$45. Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Dr., Detroit; 313-471-6606.
Eddie Shaw: Since 1957, Eddie Shaw has been fully immersed in the Chicago blues scene, despite his Mississippi Delta roots. Muddy Waters hired him after Shaw sat in with his tenor sax during a gig. He moved to Chicago to work with Waters, but soon found himself down the street working with Waters’ rival, Howlin’ Wolf, and his band the Wolf Gang, which is still Shaw’s current group. 8 p.m. Feb. 7. $15-$22. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
Buckwheat Zydeco: Zydeco music is the child of French dance melodies, elements of Caribbean music, and the blues. As it cemented itself into the growing community of multi-racial, French-speaking Creoles, the music evolved to incorporate a number of other genres — such as waltzes, shuffles, rock ’n’ roll, and hip-hop. Stanley Dural, Jr., was born in 1947. He would eventually become Buckwheat Zydeco. 8 p.m. Feb. 11. $20-$27. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
B.B. King: He turned 82 in September, and there seems to be no quittin’ time for the American blues guitarist, who’s considered one of the greatest blues musicians ever. He has numerous awards and honors that span his entire career. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. $32.50-$65. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit; 313-983-6000.
The Dirtbombs: Mick Collins, front man for the Dirtbombs, has been a staple in the Detroit music since the mid-1980s, while the band itself, formed in 1992, was an integral part of the garage rock revival of the mid-1990s. 8 p.m. Feb. 16. $10-$12. The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit; 313-833-9700.
Spice Girls: After a seven-year hiatus, these Spices — Baby, Posh, Scary, Sporty, and Ginger — have pulled themselves from the rack, dusted off their outfits, and began playing shows again. The Spice Girls are back, for better or for worse, to bring their danceable British-pop to the States again. 8 p.m. Feb. 16. $72-$122. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
Songs of the Lakes: If you’ve ever wanted to hear songs about the Great Lakes with Brazilian flair, or a Latin beat, or maybe even a shot of Scandinavian influence, then check out Song of the Lakes and their “Great Lakes world music.” They’ve opened up their influences quite a bit since their Grand Traverse Bay beginnings in the 1980s. 8 p.m. Feb. 19. $17.50-$24.50. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
Bon Jovi: Nearly 25 years ago, in Sayreville, N.J., Jon Bon Jovi took his last name and formed a rock band that shredded the charts with records and shredded guitars on stage. They’ve sold almost 120 million records worldwide, nearly 35 million here in America. They’re on tour now with their newest album, Lost Highway. It debuted at No. 1, Bon Jovi’s only album to do so, and has been nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album for this year’s Grammys. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20. $49.50-$132. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 4 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-645-6666.
George Clinton: Frank Lloyd Wright built houses and George Clinton built funk. He was the architect of the highly acclaimed funk groups P-Funk, Parliament, and Funkadelic, and is considered one of funk’s most important artist and biggest innovator. 8 p.m. Feb. 22. $27-$47. Music Hall Center, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-962-0243.
Angels and Airwaves: Former singer/guitarist of Blink 182, Tom DeLonge, heads up his latest endeavor in the form of Angels and Airwaves, an alternative rock band with DeLonge’s distinctive nasally voice. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, Detroit; 313-961-5451.
’70s Soul Jam: If you’re just dying to get back to the ’70s and listen to some of that soul but can’t afford a time machine, check this out. Several artists who made a name for themselves in this genre will gather for a soul reunion. Groups like the Emotions, the Dramatics, and Bloodstone will take the stage. 8 p.m. Feb. 23. $36.50-$72. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; (313) 965-4052.
Isaac Hayes: He’s a Renaissance man people of all ages can recognize. The older folks probably know him from his deep, soulful voice that shot him into stardom as a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter. The youngsters probably recognize his voice from the cartoon South Park, where he was the voice of Chef, the all-knowing, love-making, soul-singing elementary school chef. 8 p.m. Feb. 23. $27-$47. Music Hall Center, 350 Madison, Detroit; 313-962-0243.
Foo Fighters: From the tragic ashes of what could be considered one of America’s most influential bands, Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl gathered the pieces and formed another band, the Foo Fighters. The name of the group comes from a term given to UFOs spotted by pilots during World War II. Grohl is the front man of this outfit, and has had quite a bit of success with their hard-driving style of alternative rock, winning a handful of Grammys and being nominated again this year. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24. $25-$45. Joe Louis Arena, 600 Civic Dr., Detroit; 313-471-6606.
Bill Kirchen: Ann Arbor-born solo-guitarist and former lead guitarist of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, is considered by some to be a guitar god. His acclaimed solo career weaves patterns of country, rock, blues, rockabilly, and honky-tonk through the pickups of a Telecaster. 7:30. Feb. 29. $15-$22. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818.
Lez Zeppelin: Cover bands tend to be 45-year-old dudes trying to relive their youth by playing in some smoky bar to 15 of their closest friends, and a few town drunks. Lez Zeppelin, however, isn’t that band, but an all-girl group covering the songs of, yeah, you guessed it, Led Zeppelin. Check out your favorite Zeppelin tunes, sung by a voice that is just a bit higher than Robert Plant’s. 8 p.m. Feb. 29. $15. Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward, Ferndale; 248-544-3030.

THEATER

Bonstelle: In a scandalous play that pushes people over social limits, The Rimers of Eldritch explores the ideas of social intolerance. It promises to be a night filled with power, sex, and despair. Feb. 22-March 2. $12-$20. 3424 Woodward, Detroit; 313-577-2960; theatre.wayne.edu.
Fisher: Set to the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! is a love story filled with laughs. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie still doesn’t know who is supposed to walk her down the aisle on her big day. To find out, she does the only thing she can think to do: invites all three of her possible fathers to the Greek island where her wedding will be and hopes that the past will become clearer. Feb. 12-24. $26.50-$70.50. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand, Detroit; 313-872-1000; broadwayindetroit.com.
Gem: Women experience The Change and hilarity ensues in Menopause: The Musical. This 90-minute performance combines humor with 25 reworked classic songs from the ’60s and ’70s to cover such issues as hot flashes, mood swings, and eating binges. Feb 13-May 18. $39.50. 333 Madison, Detroit; 313-963-9800; gemtheatre.com.
Hilberry: Biloxi Blues gives a comedic yet introspective look at a young man leaving home for the first time to go to boot camp and, eventually, war. Through March 22.
• Members of Wayne State’s graduate theater perform As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Through April 22.
• In Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, an aging man struggles to keep his career going while trying to win the love of a beautiful woman who is out of his reach. Feb. 22-May 17. $25-$30. 4743 Cass, Detroit; 313-577-2972; theatre.wayne.edu.
Detroit Repertory: The patriarch of the Parker family has plenty to worry about in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men: His daughter is working at a dead-end office job, his sons are selling bootleg whiskey and becoming thieves, and a con artist is taking advantage of the family’s barber shop. The play was written in 1965, and many of the issues it presents are still relevant today. Through March 16. $17-$20. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347; detroitreptheatre.com.
Jewish Ensemble Theatre: This comedy’s staged reading scored big with audience laughs at the theater’s Festival of New Plays. Now, Saying Kaddish with My Sister comes back for a full run. Kaddish explores the world of family in a creative and outrageous way, complete with sibling rivalry and peace-keeping mothers. Through Feb. 17. $25-$39 (discounts available). 6600 W. Maple, Bloomfield; 248-788-2900; jettheatre.org.
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts: Murder, greed, violence, adultery and corruption come together in Chicago. Based on the 1962 play of the same name, this musical tells the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two dancers who will stop at nothing — not even murder — to become famous. But when the women find themselves sitting on Death Row, their only hope is that their fame will keep them alive. Feb 22-23. $45-$55. 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township; 586-286-2141; macomb.edu/macombcenter.
Meadow Brook: In its Michigan premiere, the emotional Tony-winning play The Rabbit Hole examines a family’s grief and their capacity for survival with wit, insight, compassion, and honesty. Through Feb. 3.
• Biloxi Blues gives a comedic yet introspective look at a young man leaving home for the first time to go to boot camp and, eventually, war. Feb. 13-March 9. All shows $22-$38.
Meadow Brook Theatre, 207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University, Rochester; 248-377-3300; mbtheatre.com.
Performance Network: Performing at Carnegie Hall is usually the pinnacle of a long, arduous career. But for Florence Forster Jenkins, a New York socialite, it’s a matter of passion. Souvenir is the true story of a tone-deaf singer who, in real life, sold out Carnegie Hall in three hours due solely to her reputation. Through Feb. 10.
• In Doubt, a charismatic new priest at an old Catholic school is under fire for the suspected molestation of the school’s only African-American student. Debate ensues on stage, leaving the audience to decide whom to believe. Feb 21-April 6. $30-$42. 120 E. Huron, Ann Arbor; 734-663-0681; performancenetwork.org.
Purple Rose: The title of the play In Vino Veritas translates to “in wine, the truth.” Fittingly, this play shows how alcohol brings out the true feelings of those who imbibe. Two couples on Halloween night, combined with a bottle of wine, make for a night of unabashed honesty that may challenge their relationships. Through March 8. $20-38. 137 Park, Chelsea; 734-433-7673; purplerosetheatre.org.
Varner Studio: Set in Yalta in April of 1900, Chekhov in Yalta follows the playwright through his battle with tuberculosis. During his sickness, actors from the Moscow Art Theatre come to cheer him up and hope to take his latest play with them. Through Feb.17. $6-$12. On the campus of Oakland University, 211 Varner Hall, Rochester; 248-370-2030.