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Last Updated:
Feb 2nd, 2010 - 13:42:13 |
It’s only a few hours before the inevitable anti-climax of another year ending and another one sputtering to life like a frozen car battery, so this column (which you have our permission to peruse after a full recovery from New Year's Eve debauchery) will be filled with certain observations about the present and future art scene in our metropolis and environs ....
We Are, Could Be, Might Be ...
... The Hollywood of the Midwest. That’s right. If one thing and one thing only has us truly excited these days, it’s the simple fact that (literally overnight) filmmakers have fallen in love with the celluloid possibilities of this city. And why not? You want post-apocalyptic ruins? Here. Elegant buildings whispering beauty and wealth? Here. The best and most well-preserved cars outside of Havana? Here. An art critic who wouldn’t say no to a walk-on or a cameo in ... anyway, it’s here and then some. Something else that’s “here” is the forthcoming Detroit Independent Film Festival, an expansive and ambitious project in March that will reveal in no uncertain terms how much energy is on tap behind these scenes. Did we also happen to mention that an awful lot of overdue “urban renewal” takes place when a film crew needs to blow up something? More: detroitindiefest.com.
Those Worth a Listen
Many an art event in this town has been enlivened, enhanced and rescued from the soporific effluvia of pontificating art critics (no names) by musical ensembles who have lent a welcome pinch of energy to the proceedings. We want to name two — and we also want to see these bands get more attention in the next 365 days. Gino Fanelli’s Red Hot Sugar Daddies provide sweet music and old school oomph every time. Providing an equal amount of gusto (albeit in a different vein — or voltage?) is 7 Million Jigawatts. For all you’ve done in 2009 — thanks!
Jerry Vile and Michael Savage — Separated at Birth?
By the way, the less polemical Mr. V would like you to know that Dirty Show XI is on track for V-Day 2010 — but they could still use a few more art submissions. Any and all artists possessing both talent and imaginative libidos, check dirtyshow.org.
The Ladies Will Be Soooooo Happy to Hear That
Still on that fast track to becoming the next punk rock version of Bill Kennedy, our favorite thespian Jimmy Doom recently achieved the intriguing professional status “SAG-eligible.”
And Be Grateful Your Flight is Delayed
Believe it or not, many a barista in this town possesses a talent outside the robotic duties of steaming up the milk and serving up the lattes. So the next time you see a copy of Metropolitan, enjoy The Cynic Next Door. That is, enjoy a diverting cartoon strip created by a certain Julianna Counts — who evidently learned an existential joke or two while waiting on a certain hack writer in Royal Oak with an insatiable caffeine habit. Julianna’s current and previous forays into the depths of Diogenes are yours at themetropolitandetroit.com.
Everybody Hates Chris ... No, Wait
The Woods Gallery also deserves a number of kudos for all it did in 2009. It also deserves a visit from you on January 4 when the walls will be devoted (finally!) to the very talented Chris Girard. A guardian of the public book shelves, a talented member of Cinecyde, and one of the select few who have made the rock poster a genuine expression of graphic art in recent years, Girard will be showcased throughout January at the WG in HW — that is, Huntington Woods. Or to be more precise: 26415 Scotia.
The Next Voice You Hear
In keeping with this column’s earnest desire to promote the cultural ethos of the Motor City, may we direct your ears (this time) to Ask the Professor. A marvelous and enlightening quiz show featuring the best and the brightest at University of Detroit Mercy, it can be heard on various radio stations here or (if you’re so inclined) on podcast. The panel occasionally invites erudite guests ... with faux British accents ... who know jack about gingerbread, alas. Go to udmercy.edu. | RDW
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