Culture Calendar

Our carefully curated guide to the month in arts and entertainment

BY RYAN PATRICK HOOPER

MUSIC

An ode to Aretha Franklin with a full orchestra

“The story of Aretha Franklin is the story of America in the second half of the twentieth century.” That’s how the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is pitching its upcoming tribute to the Queen of Soul as

DON’T-MISS EVENTS

Save the dates for comedy shows, film screenings, performances, and more part of its pops series, bringing the best of Broadway, film, television, and the pop world to the Orchestra Hall stage with the assistance of a full orchestra. Singers Tamika Lawrence, Coco Smith, and Blaine Krauss are up to the challenge of bringing Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits to life for Detroit audiences, which are sure to pack the house for this one. Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin opens at Orchestra Hall on Friday, May 26, and runs through Sunday, May 28. For more information and tickets, visit dso.org. ceramics, videos, jewelry, and more. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org

MAY 1 • MUSIC

THEATER

Six gets ready to sing its way into the hearts of Detroiters

The Broadway in Detroit 2023-24 subscription season is kicking off with some major musical gravity. This powerhouse Broadway production lands in Detroit for the first artist Butch Bastard. $40+. Masonic Cathedral Theatre, Detroit; axs.com

MAY 5 • COMEDY time, bringing some heavyweight accolades along with it, including the Tony for best original score last year. Six puts the idea of popsinging divas into a historical context as the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to sing out their heartbreak and try to prove who suffered the most under the hand of the ruthless king. It’s a concept that Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss premiered back in 2017, when they were still students studying at Cambridge University. Their fresh eyes put together something smart, sassy, and full of historical nuggets to entertain even the most jaded lovers of musicals. Six opens at the Fisher Theatre on Tuesday,

MAY 6 • MUSIC

Candlelight Concert: 100

May 23, and runs through Sunday, June 11. For tickets, visit broadwayindetroit.com.

COMEDY Funny ladies take center stage in Hamtramck

Detroit’s comedy scene has grown quite a bit over the years, punching well above its weight class with a bevy of local talent and more showcases to see than ever before (and we’re not just talking about legendary staple Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, which is still a go-to for any fans of stand-up comedy). As in any comedy scene, however, getting diverse voices on stages remains a challenge -— it’s still very much a maledominated medium.

APRIL 22-MAY 28 • ART

COMPILED BY LAUREN

WETHINGTON

86th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition: Detroit Public Schools students in grades K-12 will have an opportunity to present their imaginative works to the DIA’s vast audience at this annual exhibition. The display includes paintings, prints, drawings, photographs,

Father John Misty: This prolific singer-songwriter rose to prominence as drummer and backing vocalist for Seattlebased indie band Fleet Foxes. After leaving the band in 2012, Misty went on to release multiple critically acclaimed solo albums, including 2015’s I Love You, Honeybear. He will support his latest effort, 2022’s Chloe and the Next 20th Century, when he embarks on a North American tour this spring with support from folk

Small Town Murder: On their hit podcast, Small Town Murder, comedians James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman analyze homicidal crimes in small-town America for their many listeners. Although the stories are troubling, the comedians’ witty and comedic perspectives keep audiences entertained and laughing. See them work their magic live on stage when they take their show on the road this month.

$39+. Masonic Cathedral Theatre, Detroit; axs.com

Years of Warner Bros.: Celebrate a century of memorable music from iconic films like The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, The Lord of the Rings, and more at this multisensory experience at Detroit’s Redford Theatre. The Listeso String Quartet will perform the 65-minute program amid the ambient glow of hundreds of candles, creating a uniquely memorable experience for ages 8 and up. $32+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com

MAY 7 • MUSIC

KC and the Sunshine Band: Boasting a back catalog rife with party hits, including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Shake Your Booty,” and “Keep It Comin’ Love,” this legendary disco-funk ensemble is sure to get the audience dancing at Detroit’s Music Hall this month. Led by vocalist and songwriter Harry Wayne Casey, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide over the course of its nearly 50-year career. $64+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; musichall.org

The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is taking a stab at changing that. It’s a celebration of marginalized voices across a spectrum of genders and from every medium — you’ll see improv, podcasts, and stand-up and have the chance to attend workshops over the two-day festival. Proceeds from the festival help support nonprofits like Ruth Ellis Center, which provides support for queer youth and young adults of color, and the Detroit Creativity Project, which helps put performing arts and improv classes into Detroit Public Schools. Detroit Women of Comedy Festival happens across two days (May 19-20) at the Planet Ant Theatre in Hamtramck. For tickets and additional details, visit planetant.com.

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

On My Playlist

A reason to Movement this year at Hart Plaza

The arrival of the Movement music festival will take this spot in my column every May until the Earth and the records stop spinning. It’s a force of nature too massive to ignore — a stunning ode to Detroit’s electronic music history, which is one of the city’s greatest cultural exports (and a massive source of cultural tourism, too, attracting over 110,000 patrons across three days). With six stages and over 115 acts, it’s one of the largest editions of the fest, which dates back more than 20 years (if you include a few name changes during that time). And the homegrown talent is once again the main highlight. Living legends who helped pioneer techno and house music in the city, like Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale and Carl Craig, are on the bill, plus the next generation of musicians, including Shigeto, Ladylike, and Ladymonix. National headliners to add to the list of must-see acts include Caribou, Basement Jaxx, and Three 6 Mafia. Movement music festival happens Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at Hart Plaza. Tickets are available via movementfestival.com.

Hear favorite songs from the original Disney feature, along with new music by Tony and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken, when the magical production makes a stop at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre for a five-day run. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $35+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

MAY 12 • MUSIC

2013 hit single “Break Every Chain” topped Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart. Grammy Award-nominated vocalists Tamela Mann and Jekalyn Carr will also perform, along with singer-songwriter Charles Jenkins. $54+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MAY 13 • COMEDY est stand-up special, I’m From the Future, was released in February and can be streamed for free via his website. $42.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com embark on a new journey in this musical stage adaptation of the hit film franchise.

Kids of all ages will be dazzled by catchy songs, colorful costumes, vibrant sets, and opportunities to sing and dance along with the characters. $15+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MAY 19-20 • FILM

Harold Lloyd Celebration with Suzanne Lloyd: The granddaughter of legendary silent film actor Harold Lloyd will be on-site at Detroit’s Redford Theatre for two days of events to celebrate her grandfather’s legacy. Screenings will commemorate the 95th anniversary of two of Lloyd’s best-known films — The Freshman and Speedy — complete with live organ music. On Saturday, the theater will hold a VIP reception featuring a Q&A with Suzanne Lloyd, along with specialty desserts and screenings of rare home movies. $15+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com

MAY 19 • MUSIC

The Mavericks: Hailing from Miami, this eclectic band blends country and Americana music with pop and Latin influences to create a unique, genre-bending sound. The group’s most recent album, 2020’s En Espanol, was recorded entirely in Spanish and emphasized the band’s Latin American roots by incorporating mariachi, salsa, ska, and Afro-Cuban elements.

$39.50+. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor; theark.org

MAY 20 • COMEDY celebration of his 30-plus year career. Hear hits like “Kiss From a Rose,” “Crazy,” and “Killer” when the singer performs his iconic first two records, Seal and Seal II, in their entirety. English newwave act The Buggles will kick off the show. $49+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

MAY 24 • MUSIC

Janet Jackson: The five-time Grammy Award-winning global superstar will make a stop at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on her upcoming Together Again North American tour. Fans will have a chance to hear Jackson’s newest song, “Luv I Luv,” along with charttopping classics like “Control,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “All for You.” Rapper and producer Ludacris will open the show. $72+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

MAY 26-27 • FILM

MAY 9-14 • THEATER

Disney’s Aladdin: The beloved 1992 animated film comes to life in this musical Broadway adaptation directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw.

Mother’s Day Celebration: Presented by Mix 92.3, this night of soulful gospel music is the perfect treat for musicloving moms. The program features Grammy Awardwinning singer-songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose

David Cross: Best known for his roles in acclaimed TV comedies, including Mr. Show, Arrested Development and Modern Family, this Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, director, and writer will perform at Royal Oak Music Theatre as part of an expansive spring tour. Cross’s new-

MAY 13 • THEATER

Madagascar the Musical: Follow Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo as they

Tom Papa: With more than 20 years of stand-up experience under his belt, this New Jersey-based comedian, actor, and radio host is sure to bring the laughs when he stops at Royal Oak Music Theatre this month. His newest special, What a Day!, is streaming on Netflix and features the comedian’s hilarious takes on “post-marriage intimacy, his problematic pet pug, and why men are to blame for most of life’s inconveniences.”

$34.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com

MAY 21 • MUSIC

Seal: The London-based Grammy Award-winning soul and R&B singer will launch a world tour this spring in

Internal Affairs Trilogy: Released in 2002 and 2003, this trilogy of films by Hong Kong-based directors Andrew Lau Wai-keung and Alan Mak served as the source material for Martin Scorsese’s 2006 Academy Award-winning film The Departed. Featuring superstar actors Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Andy Lau Tak-wah, the films utilize Buddhist philosophical motifs to weave tales of self-deception and betrayal in Hong Kong’s criminal underworld. Each film will screen separately. $7.50+. Detroit Film Theatre, Detroit; dia.org

MAY 30 • MUSIC

Ella Mai: This R&B phenom was discovered following her audition for the 11th season of the British reality music competition show The X Factor. Since then, she’s released three EPs and two full-length studio albums, which garnered her a Grammy Award, a BET Award, and three Billboard Music Awards. She’ll support her latest effort, 2022’s Heart on My Sleeve, when she hits the road for a North American tour this spring. $64+. The Fillmore, Detroit; livenation.com

 Belle Isle Nature Center guests can look for bull frogs (left) in the "Detroit River" and become immersed in the world of pollinators (above).

RECREATION