Bettye LaVette, Jeff Goldblum and techno Shakespeare: Your weekend in the arts
Entertainment titans, adventurous theater and an after party for one of the biggest events of the year are just a bit of what's available to arts lovers in Detroit this weekend. Learn more below.
Detroit’s queen of old-school R&B
One of the Motor City’s great musical treasures, blues and R&B icon Bettye LaVette, will sing Friday, Aug. 18 at Ann Arbor’s The Ark. The award-winning legend is celebrating last month’s release of her latest album, “LaVette!” NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe said of the record, “at 77, it feels like the soul singer is just getting started.” LaVette always delivers a grooving, emotional rollercoaster of a show, and riding high on her new material, the diva will bring the full storm of her energy to The Ark. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., performance at 8 p.m.
The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-761-1818. www.theark.org. Tickets $35.
Shakespeare with a techno twist
Shakespeare in Detroit’s modern spin on “The Tempest” will play Friday through Sunday in Campus Martius Park with a wild, Detroit-influenced techno twist engineered by director and company founder Sam White. The production employs dancers and the live spinning of DJ Skoob E and includes a 15-minute dance contest intermission with $100 cash going to the winner.
Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.shakespeareindetroit.com. Free admission; bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
Afro Nation festival after party
This weekend’s Afro Nation festival is expected to bring massive crowds to the city; Detroit club Spot Lite is throwing a post-event party Sunday, Aug. 20 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Titled “Girls Love Afrobeat,” the party boasts an all-female lineup providing music from around the African diaspora. Problematic Black Hottie, K. Dirty, and DJ Medusa are on the roster, and complimentary Don Julio cocktails will be provided to early guests.
Spot Lite Detroit, 2905 Beaufait St., Detroit. www.spotlitedetroit.com. $10 cover.
Movie star jazz
Many people don’t know that big-screen actor Jeff Goldblum, who has starred in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, is also an accomplished jazz pianist and singer. He’ll bring those expansive talents and his signature slick wit to the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 19, along with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak. 248-399-2980. www.royaloakmusictheatre.com. Tickets start at $59.50.
Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jeff Goldblum sings jazz: Shows to see in metro Detroit this weekend
