Calendar of Events
Pop, Rock, Jazz, and Blues
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TuesdayJanuary 2009 |
Fiction Family: Liberty Borders.
Performance by this acoustic rock duo that performs at the Ark tonight (see Nightspots). The duo also sign its brand-new self-titled CD.
Borders, 612 E. Liberty. Free. 668-7652.
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FridayJanuary 2009 |
Janelle Monae: U-M 23rd Annual MLK Symposium.
This popular R&B-rock-afropunk-futuristic-electronic-soul singer takes eclectic to new heights. Monae is "a talented singer and a maniacal performer," according to a Wall Street Journal review of a recent performance. "She careened around the stage, an audacious pixie dressed in fetching '50s garb down to her saddle shoes, and offered a blast of Outkast-like R&B. Suddenly, the bombast ceased, and Ms. Monae, accompanied only by her guitarist, offered a delicate, jazzy reading of [Charlie Chaplin's] 'Smile.'"
Michigan Theater. $15 (U-M students, faculty, & staff; $12) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office and at the door. 763-TKTS.
Tord Gustavsen Trio: University Musical Society.
This jazz trio is led by Norwegian pianist-composer Gustavsen. "If a Zen master were to take up jazz piano, the results might sound something like Gustavsen's work," says BBC reviewer Thomas Barlow of the trio's 2007 CD Being There. "The record's slow-motion lyricism and softly propulsive melodies feel like a lesson in ice-cool mindfulness.î With bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. $25 & $35 in advance at the Michigan League and ums.org, and at the door. To charge by phone, call 764-2538 or (800) 221-1229.
David Mosher: Green Wood Coffee House Series (First United Methodist Church).
Local singer-songwriter and multi-instrumental string virtuoso who plays bluegrass, jazz, folk-rock, and original tunes. He is accompanied by vocalist Theresa Smith. Desserts & coffee available.
FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. $12 (kids 10 & under, 2 for the price of 1) in advance and at the door. 665-8558.
Andrew Kratzat Singers: Canterbury House.
Award-winning local bassist Kratzat leads his ensemble in his own compositions as well as works by Sam Cooke, Bela Fleck, and Abigail Washburn. Members include violinist-mandolinist Brad Phillips, guitarist Tomek Miernowski, and singer-banjoist-dobro player Laurel Premo.
Canterbury House, 721 E. Huron. $10 (students, $5). 764-3162.
"Girls Night with Tracy Mack": ShCabaret and Gallery.
Performances by local blues-rock and folk-rock singer-songwriter Mack and White Raven, the indie rock trio of local high school siblings Amy and Will Bennett and veteran drummer Muruga Booker.
Sh, 325 Braun Ct. $5 cover. 663-0036.
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SaturdayJanuary 2009 |
Dorkestra Concert & Dance Party: Sunward Cohousing.
Performance by this local swing quintet whose music blends jazz, African, funk, and pop influences. Members are clarinetist and percussionist Charles Dayringer, singer-bassoonist Gwynne Jennings, guitarist Dave SmilingSun, bassist Tim Berla, and percussionist Matthew Bell. Dance floor available. Also, performance by the Chelsea-based troupe Nomadic Jewels Tribal Bellydance and other guests. Festive dress encouraged. Bring a snack to share.
Sunward Cohousing, 424 Little Lake Dr. (off Parkland from Jackson between Wagner & Zeeb). Free. 213-5995.
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SundayJanuary 2009 |
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players: The Ark.
Family concert by this acclaimed ensemble led by Roberts, a Minneapolis indie rock singer-songwriter turned Montessori preschool teacher. The band has been a big hit everywhere from Symphony Space in New York to Lollapalooza, and its CD Not Naptime was named by Parents' Choice to its list of the 25 best kids CDs of the past 25 years.
The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $10 in advance at Herb David Guitar Studio, the Michigan Union Ticket Office, & all other Ticketmaster outlets; and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS.
"Ghana Family Cultural Celebration": Ann Arbor District Library.
Kofi Ameyaw performs Ghanaian music on the gyil drum and the aslatua, a percussion instrument made from 2 small gourds. Also, Ghanaian adinkra (decorated cloth) crafts and treats. For families with kids from babies through 5th-graders.
AADL multipurpose room (lower level), 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 327-8301.
