On My Playlist

Downtown Event

Detroit Spring

Home & Garden Show is like Comic-Con for the HGTV crowd

As with the boat and RV shows, such huge events at downtown Detroit’s Huntington Place offer the ultimate window-shopping experience, and this one is ideal for anyone who is heavily invested in home-improvement projects, or just absolutely obsessed with HGTV (guilty as charged). Attendees can expect big-time displays, appearances from big-time personalities (Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, the co-hosts of HGTV’s hit series Bargain Block, among them), and an array of industry professionals showing their wares. Even if you aren’t ready to tackle a home-improvement project of your own just yet, you’ll get plenty of ideas; think about it like walking through a giant Pinterest board. Plus, it’s a surprisingly fun way to spend a weekend (March 18 and 19) in downtown Detroit. For more details, visit YourHomeShows.com

Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host of Culture Shift on 101.9 WDET, Detroit’s NPR station (weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.).

Local electronic music icon Theo Parrish brings Detroit together for his latest project success with her breakthrough hit “A Thousand Miles” in 2002. The track charted in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and the album from which it was plucked — Be Not Nobody — later went platinum. Carlton has since released five more studio albums, including 2020’s Love Is an Art. $30. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org features a blend of comedy and drama that was truly ahead of its time when it debuted in 1738. Experience this opulent production from director Tazewell Thompson, featuring dynamic countertenor Key’mon Murrah as Xerxes and internationally renowned soprano Lauren Snouffer as Romilda. $29+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

Last year, Detroit electronic music stalwart Theo Parrish put out a DJ-Kicks mix (basically a mixtape of his own music, plus that of his favorite artists), and it’s a de-facto showcase for the abundance of talent characterizing our current music scene. From the excellent kickoff track by saxophonist and composer De’Sean Jones and singer Ideeyah (“Pressure”) to Jon Dixon’s gorgeous progressive house number (“Wind Drifts”), each track feels like its own world existing in harmony within this multi-disc galaxy from Parrish. It’s certainly worth a listen. Not only will you discover new players in the local music game (it is titled Detroit Forward after all), but you’re also sure to enjoy a barrage of “Wow, I love this — who is it?” when you make it the background track for your next dinner party. Available to stream wherever you listen to music. Detroit Forward can be purchased in digital and vinyl formats via Bandcamp.

MARCH 14 • THEATER

Michelle Azar. Witty, fascinating, and funny, the production offers a chance for audiences to get acquainted with an American icon and the tribulations that shaped her professional life. $49+. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; michigantheater.org and ’80s drum-machine beats. $45+. The Fillmore, Detroit; livenation.com

MARCH 20-APRIL 1 • ART

Northville Student Art

Exhibitions: Northville Art House will feature two student displays this month: the Northville High School Student International Baccalaureate Art Exhibition, featuring pieces created by more than 30 students enrolled in the school’s IB visual arts program, and the Northville Public Schools Student Visual Art Exhibition, which recognizes young local artists in grades six through 12. No cost. Northville Art House, Northville; northvillearthouse.org

MARCH 21 • MUSIC

Keshi: This singer, songwriter, record producer, and multiinstrumentalist is known for his distinctive falsetto vocals and richly textured instrumentals. Hear his unique fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative musical styles as he supports his debut studio album, Gabriel, which premiered last year. $24.75+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 26 • MUSIC

Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd fans will enjoy faithful live renditions of the iconic classic rock band’s most beloved tracks, thanks to this England-based tribute band. Dubbed the “World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show,” the production will feature highlights from Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, and more, along with dazzling multimedia and laser light shows. $34.50+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 4-12

• THEATER

Xerxes: This classic, fast-paced opera by George Frideric Handel

All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: This new play by Tony Awardwinning playwright Rupert Holmes — who also penned and sang “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” — follows the storied career of the late Supreme Court justice, played by actress

MARCH 14-19 • THEATER

The Book of Mormon: This hilarious musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone won a whopping nine Tony Awards upon its Broadway debut in 2011. These include Best Musical and Best Original Score. It follows the comedic misadventures of a pair of Mormon missionaries as they attempt to spread “the good word” to the uninterested inhabitants of a rural Ugandan village. $40+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 16 • MUSIC

Ari Lennox: Grammy Awardnominated R&B singer Ari Lennox will be supporting her 2022 album Age/Sex/Location when she embarks on a North American tour this month. Her neo-soul single “Pressure,” which landed her on Billboard’s Hot 100 list in 2021, draws inspiration from Motown harmonies

MARCH 22 • MUSIC

Wizkid: Widely regarded as one of the most influential African artists of all time, Nigerian-born Afrobeat singer-songwriter Wizkid claims more Spotify streams than any other Nigerian artist in history. His fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego, was released to warm critical reception in November. $39+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MARCH 23 • FILM

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: Enjoy a screening of one of Studio Ghibli’s (Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service) most renowned films at Ann Arbor’s State Theatre. The movie tells the story of a ninthcentury orphan girl found in a stalk of bamboo by a bamboo cutter and his wife. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, five suitors compete for her affection. It will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. $8.50+. State Theatre, Ann Arbor; michigantheater.org

MARCH 28-APRIL 2

THEATER

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Chicago: After nearly 50 years, Chicago remains one of Broadway’s most beloved and acclaimed musicals. Touting six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and one Grammy Award, the show was also made into an Academy Award-winning hit film in 2002. Experience all the catchy songs and jaw-dropping choreography when this production arrives at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. $30+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MARCH 31 • MUSIC

Jill Scott: Following COVIDrelated cancellations in 2020, the three-time Grammy Awardwinning R&B artist is setting off on a belated celebration tour for the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking 2000 debut record, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. Hear the album in its entirety, including standout tracks like “Gettin’ in the Way” and “A Long Walk,” when Scott performs at the Fox Theatre this month. $49.75+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Camp Walden offers a traditional camp experience with sporting activities and overnight trips to Lake Michigan.