A Digital Camera By Any Other ... Something
There's this rule about A. Owen Layne which we always try to follow around here–and one which (interestingly enough) always reminds us of the opening paragraph to Lolita. We'll go into that some other time. For the present, let's be among the first to herald the good news that Layne will be the focal point of The Emerging Artist Showcase at the Scarab Club on 4/19. We call this good news for two reasons. First, Layne is a consummate craftsman with the camera, as anyone who has seen his works at DAMNED and the Dirty Show can readily attest. Second, Layne is long overdue to be recognized for his ability to tackle matters beyond the erotic and the sardonically humorous. His is an intuitive eye (a sine qua non for any discerning photographer) and he also possesses a gift for modeling a scene so that it aligns not only with accepted and expected rules of composition, but takes the viewer to a welcome and sometimes unexpected vantage point of appreciation. THIS is the A. Owen Layne you will be encountering: same guy, same wicked sense of humor, but with a few extra surprises thrown in for good measure. We got it all on the dotted line. 6 to 10 p.m. at 217 Farnsworth. Note: Dr. Sketchy will be making his rounds that same evening.

Beat to the Barr Show
Last year we invited you to 323 East to see Lyric, a group show curated by Glenn L. Barr. Well, it's time for the second chorus and Lyric 2 will have its scheduled overture on 4/21 with Mr. Barr once again conducting the full ensemble. And once again it will be a collective homage to vinyl epiphanies from a roster of talent drawn from "lowbrow, pop surrealism, graffiti, and illustration." The only rule laid down was that each work be no larger than the 12" x 12" dimensions of the classic LP jacket cover, and that each finished piece have some link to a song, a group or a word that ties in with the vanished world of 33 1/3. Among those who answered the audition call: John Dunivant, Chet Zar, Ron Zakrin, Dan Armand, Mark Heggie, Michael Segal, William Wray, Martha Rich, Matt Eaton and Mark Dancey. Thru 5/16 at 323 E. 4th in Royal Oak. Bonus: Bill Dollar will be the featured origami wizard.

Rust Never Sleeps
You helped out the Pink Fund last week by going out to the Magic Stick; now you can stroll over to Ferndale's Rust Belt on 4/20 and assist Vista Maria. Rusty Babes Girls Night Out will also give you the chance to learn about the Arts Academy In the Woods, Krazy for Cookies, Jerry Shirts and those comely chicks who have us Chive Talkin night and day. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m..

April Is Matriculating Out All Over
Last week we praised the CCS alumni show in Detroit and also forwarded an invitation from the Russell. Now we have the chance to praise and invite again, but with one fixed location in mind. The Cranbrook Academy of Art will mark its 2012 Graduate Degree Exhibition this month and will also host an OPEN (STUDIOS) Community Day from 2 to 5 p.m. on 4/22. This exhibit is one of the most eagerly anticipated showcases of the year, and with nearly 80 MFA candidates, it's a marvelous preview of what the future offers. Especially recommended are photographic works by Matt Glass, Will Connally and Trisha Holt. Admission: $15. More: cranbrook.edu.

"It's Called Rubberneckin', Baby ..."
Many of you took our advice and marched over to Corktown Studios before or after this year's St. Paddy's Day parade. Those who didn't may now acquaint themselves with the place on 4/21. That's when Lisa Poszywak will solo with Gawker Accident, a nice assembly of new works from this young artist who is making a unique contribution to the city's art scene and also to the revitalization of one of its most cherished neighborhoods. 6 to 9 p.m. 2707 14th St.

Theatrical Imperative
George Bernard Shaw instinctively knew that his plays (brothels, Anglo-Irish relations, proper pronunciation, etc.) would prove timely to any audience in any given age; and Major Barbara is an excellent example, what with its focus on munitions-making and fuzzy moral altruism. In this 1905 work, we meet Andrew Undershaft, a man whose entire fortune was built on society's politically-sanctioned penchant for bloodshed. Estranged from his family for years, Andy now catches up with his daughter, an idealistic Salvation Army officer. Their reunion prompts an ethical battle of wits. Is money from bombs sanctified when it becomes charity? Babs, naturally, has her doubts. Will she change her mind? Will she compromise her principles? Will she run off with Sky Masterson? Sorry, that's a different play. The one we're talking about here is at the Hilberry till 5/5. 4743 Cass Avenue.

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