From The Fruitful Cerebrum of a Talented Man
There is much more to Sean Bieri than his public role as avatar for Dr. Sketchy down at the Scarab Club or his generous support and assistance to Hamtramck artists. His own paintings and drawings are masterful works, and they run the gamut from exaggerated humor to colorful pieces nuanced with subtle intensity. The forthcoming exhibit Comics & Illustrations by Sean Bieri will (we suspect) focus chiefly on the former characteristic, but that in itself is an irresistible lure. Plus, the show will give many fans an updated glimpse of Jape, a mini-comic book series by Bieri that will soon see the light of day in published book form. See you at the 5/25 opening reception at the Headspace Gallery inside Dearborn's Green Brain Comics. 13210 Michigan Ave. 313-582-9444.
Cosmic – Real Cosmic, Man!
Was there an ensemble in this area that did NOT lend a talented hand or limb to It Came From Planet B last week at the Emerald Theatre? We duly noted the Weird Sisters, Detroit Fire Guild, Quixotic Productions, Detroit Burlesque and a host of other names dropped into our ear when we saw Motor City Vaudeville Revue last month. If circumstances prevented you from seeing this entertaining collage of three-ring theatrics and Eisenhower-era sci-fi classics, take heart: There are two shows scheduled for 6/1 and 6/2. Be advised, however, that time is ticking away if you seriously want tix. Please retro your rockets to itcamefromplanetb.com for additional info.
Ornithology & Arrows Are Feathered Things
Since we dismissed the doppelganger theory long ago, we're now convinced that there's something in Gwen Joy's DNA (a string of enzymes, perhaps?) that explains her energetic and almost ubiquitous place in the Detroit art scene. Two projects have bookended nicely. First, Birds of a Feather is still nesting beautifully inside the Majestic Cafe. Joy is part of this artistic aerie and she's keeping company with the likes of Suzanne Allen, Glenn "Fuzz" Corey, Sabrina Nelson and Gary Van Gorp. A charming visual theme brought to life by an impressive roster – and we hasten to add that this is the first time we've ever seen a Van Gorp canvas outside of Lawrence Street Gallery. Gwen will also sortie at the Feeling Foxy Art, Music, and Fashion Event taking place at Mother Fletcher's in Ferndale on 5/26. 200 W. 9 Mile.
Now Play That Music By Brian Easdale
The good news is that Ferndale has a new art gallery. The great news is that Service Frontroom turned to Kenny "Karpov the Wrecked Train" Corbin for its first show. Movement Frozen In Time: An Exhibition of Ballet Thru Photography is a marvelous tableau of images that capture the ethereal beauty and disciplined focus that have always been the hallmarks of this artistic expression. More so, these photos are a collective tribute to the Macomb Ballet, a local ensemble that deserves more attention. We certainly intend to supply plenty of that in the months ahead. 477 Marshall.
Thalia In The House!
If you've enjoyed listening to Aricka McCauley on the radio (turn those dials today to WBTI and WSAQ), you'll be happy to learn that the winsome one has decided to polish and sharpen her comedic claws in the company of several of this area's funniest women. You can witness and appreciate the results at the Wonderland Lanes Lounge on 5/26 when the Laugh Riot Dolls raise a wild rumpus. Yes, these are the same damsels you saw at O'Mara's several months ago, which means another round with the likes of Satori Shakoor, Heather Kozlakowski and Germaine Gebhard. Oh, and here's a bonus: Aricka enlisted her sister Tabitha to show up as "a sexy candy cigarette girl." Trust us, guys – Tabby's candy is a lot nicer than a pack of smokes! 9 p.m. at 8265 Richardson in Walled Lake. 248.363.7131.
We May Start Calling It "The Curse of The Inge"
Only three things keep us from our appointed rounds and our always anticipated appearance at a gallery reception: a Tigers game (which occasionally means no downtown parking); the Maxwell having a little engine trouble; or a promising come-hither look from a grad student at Gusoline Alley. Nevertheless, we always follow up. Long-Sharp/Curis Modern + Contemporary Fine Art has scored impressively again with John "Crash" Matos: Misdemeanors to Masterpieces. Matos – whose graffiti works started long before such efforts were subsequently relabeled "street art" or "urban expressionism" – now rightly enjoys both belated public recognition and critical acclaim. Thru 7/3. | RDW