Geometric, Gargantuan, and Gorgeous!

There are many reasons why several of the city's most popular shows are one-night-only affairs. Logistics, schedules, security, a clearance from the fire marshal or ATF - you know, the usual things. We suspect that was part of the reason Casey Miller and company kept us posted about Squared Circle Revue: Bible Belt Rising for several months. We're glad they did, and now all systems are go for the 5/4 event down at the Hastings St. Ballroom. What we have this time is slightly different from what SCR gave us last year, but still imbued with joyful anarchy. It appears that Reverend Killfun of a certain denomination called Kreation Kontrol is going to be the master of ceremonies for 2012; that means a boisterous revival-meeting motif will complement all the wrestling, gyrating, spinning, and sizzling sin-sations seen on and off the stage. A complete synopsis would be unfair (and a trifle impossible), so let's merely mention that the cast includes Clowntown, Pogo the One-Legged Wrestler, the Weird Sisters Circus, Hula Hallelujah, and the empress of burlesque we know and love as Roxi DLite. $15 gets you through the door at 715 E. Milwaukee and whoooareyou.com has more info.

The One We Loved Most Was Obviously Inspired By the Moody Blues ... or Palestrina?

Have we given enough attention to Candy Draper lately? Hardly! So let us make amends and share the welcome news that the talented one has FINALLY found time for another solo flight at the Start Gallery. Color of Sound is a two-days-only exhibit starting 5/4, so pencil it in now. As far as what the show is about and what it will focus on, we have Ms. Draper's own words to guide us: "The idea is to show how much music affects movement, color choices and how even lyrics can inspire what goes on the canvas. Music to me–and to everyone, I imagine–is an emotional expression. Close your eyes and you always see a story unfolding." What DID unfold in this painter's mind and heart was transformed into a galaxy of beauty. 206 E. Grand River in Detroit.

The Name of the Show Should Not Be Taken Literally (Except Maybe In West Bloomfield)

Have we showered too much attention on Jef Bourgeau lately? Of course not! So allow us to extend yet another invitation and encourage you to check out Water the Flowers & Shoot the Kids, a collection of new diptychs by Bourgeau in which the accomplished artist tackles Duchamp's assertion that the line between noble art and common art was done away with at some point in the last century. Each work is a twofold vision with differences and similarities linking the respective subjects to a common point of convergence. 5/5 at the Oakland Arts Bldg at 7 N. Saginaw in Pontiac.

We Stopped Watching When They Dropped Marcel From the Show

THAT was about an execrable TV series. THIS is about Friends, another pleasant interlude at Mike Kelly's Funhouse Gallery. A cozy enclosure inside the Russell Industrial Center, the FG has become quite a gathering place for the city's creative element, and each exhibit has afforded us and (we hope) you the chance to become reacquainted or newly acquainted with talented people. The latest showcase is scheduled for 5/5 with works in all manner of media and a roster made up of Laurie Busch, Amy Grambeau, Tony Hendrick, Larry Hyde, Rachel Mundus, Kathy Nicolin, and Jacob Steenholdt. If you get there before we do, PLEASE save us some of the hot salsa, okay? More: funhousedetroit.com.

Viva Couture!

Spanish Fly Detroit: Cinco de Mayo Fashion Show at Bleu Detroit will nicely remind us that a) this town has talent to be reckoned with and b) Detroit women are smokin' hot! The 5/5 runway rendezvous will also have complimentary tequila shots from our amigos at KAH. 1540 Woodward and further info may be found on Facebook.

Badge and Blade of Chivalry

Inside the DIA there's a painting by Julius Gari Melchers called The Fencing Master. It's a larger-than-life portrait made even more impressive by the cool demeanor of its subject - a proud man bearing a sword and bearing with equal pride his mastery of the weapon. Believe it or not, this city was once famous for collegiate fencing and both Wayne State and U of D were recognized nationally for their respective teams. This civic tradition is being kept alive by En Garde! Detroit, the first social entrepreneurial company in the US dedicated to this noble sport. You may have seen their foils and sabers in action during the second annual International Experience back in March, or heard them praised by Crain's Detroit. If you're interested in picking up an epee yourself, check engardedetroit.com and the club's Facebook page. | RDW