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Not to Mention the Thesaurus
Every superlative in the dictionary has been used at least twice to describe the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (yes, we checked), so let’s simply move on to the welcome news that their 50th Anniversary Tour is making a stop at the Detroit Opera House starting February 12. That means you can enjoy acclaimed works like Festa Barocca, Treading, Suite Otis and everyone’s favorite: Revelations. Also, a special film highlighting the struggles and achievements of half-a-century will be screened on opening night. For tickets and additional info: motopera.org.

The Perception of Which Pleases
The true artist sees the world in a two-fold manner. There is the simple optical experience, of course — that miracle we too often take for granted. Then there is the re-imagining and the deeper investigation of what is seen, a subtle search for subtexts that are subsequently interpreted on canvas. Cedric Tai possesses this two-fold gift and the manifold revelations that arise from his patient perusal are worth seeing now at HATCH/Cafe 1923. New Landscapes will remain in view until February 28. 2287 Holbrook in Hamtramck. And will someone PLEASE buy these people a phone!

Curiouser and Curiouser
We try to temper our enthusiasm around here with the usual professional aloofness, but the items we caught a glimpse of at the WSG Gallery in Ann Arbor literally blew us away. Portraits from Through the Looking Glass is Dee Ann Seguila’s take on the fascination we all have (or should have) for the color and landscape of daydreams. It is a compelling and bewitching exhibit — a grown-up child’s own personal masquerade party where everyone is invited. You can RSVP 'til March 29 and there will be an artist’s reception on February 21. The exhibit will also feature works by Geoff Merrill, Jane Coates and other WSG artists. 306 S. Main or call 734.761.2287.

The Satori Syllabus
We don’t know what herbs Russell Taylor takes on a regular basis, but we sure as hell want some of ‘em! Back from wowing the hard-to-please Ivy Leaguers at Yale, he’s already penciled in a busy schedule for the rest of the month. So if you’re a Satori Circus fan, listen up. February 13 and 14 will find him at Bert’s Warehouse for the Tenth Annual Dirty Show; February 15 will see him joining Torch With a Twist at Cliff Bell’s for that troupe’s Second Anniversary Stupid Cupid gala; and on February 28, he’ll be participating in the 22nd Erotic Poetry and Music Festival at Corktown Tavern. If you want to know what he’ll be doing in March, go to myspace.com/satori_circus.

Speaking of Stupid Cupid
If V-Day is or has been just one more black eye on your social calendar or romantic life, take heart — there are plenty of artists out there who feel your pain. I Hate Lucy is described by organizer Derek Ecker as a show for “everyone and anyone who has experienced the rollercoaster of love — the good, the bad and the frequently ugly.” This one day only event (February 13) will feature sixty pieces of painting, sculpture and photography by Jeff Nolan, Kyle Young, Andrea Kowch, Michelle Oestman, Steve Kade and others. All of it inspired by the rough road the heart takes and an awful lot of it for sale at reasonable prices. Musical solace will be provided by Silent Violet, Geist, Magnanomus and DJ Susana Doncic. Ten bucks at the door and the door is at the Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay Ave. in Detroit. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. More at derekecker.com.

Speaking of Another One-Night Stand ...
And what would V-Day be if we did not acknowledge the simple nuts-and-bolts of sexual identity? Ergo, get thee to the WSU Student Run Gallery and check out The Vagina Show, an exhibit “highlighting artwork that deals with women, women’s issues and the F-word (s).” February 14 at 408 Hancock (south side of Old Main) and the highlights will undoubtedly be breathtaking. “The armies of those I love engirth me ...”  | RDW


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