She Will Always Be On The Scene
In our opinion, painter Steven Gamburd has been blessed twice during his life. First, of course, there's his talent – a creative energy we've been privileged to write about over the years. Second, he, like so many other people here and elsewhere, knew and worked with Angelica Busque, the young Detroit artist who succumbed to lupus several months ago. A few months before her death, Busque set out with Gamburd to chronicle the local music and open-mic comedy scene. The quest resulted in dozens of sketches and drawings that the two intended to use for a future show at the Woods Gallery – and we're happy to announce (or remind you) that this show will proceed as planned with an opening reception on 8/30. Art On The Scene: Illustrations and Paintings by Angel Busque and Steven Gamburd marks not only a wonderful collaboration between two gifted people; it is, per their original and mutual intention, a lively record of what's going on right now in the many venues and bars throughout this area – dynamic music, energized theatrics and outrageous hilarity. In addition to the sketches and subsequent paintings, there will also be posters and other graphic art that Gamburd created to promote concerts or pay tribute to numerous musicians and bands over the years. 26415 Scotia in Huntington Woods.

Soon & Yes
The thematic territory covered by Now & Not, the exhibit opening at River's Edge on 9/1, is an expansive one dealing with "the purpose of life" and whether or not society is digressing or progressing. We long ago resigned ourselves to the dubious pleasures that come with entropy, so whether these focused questions are answered or not doesn't concern us. We are, however, delighted that gallery director Jeremy Hansen has found time to not only corral his own works for the show, but also included pieces by Ryan Weiss, Amy Chenier and the late Jim Slack. Hansen has a talent for imbuing subtlety to the lines and colors of his abstracts; each finished work appearing like an unanswered (or unanswerable) question to the viewer. The landscapes made by Weiss have been described as metaphorical and concerned with the collective impact of our presence in this fragile world we share. Chenier is the most philosophical of the four and the one possessing the richest talent for symbolic referencing. Her canvases (including those that extol the brawn of professional sports) may be likened to the musical or literary device of the coda – but one that invites us to furnish that final summation ourselves. Jim Slack is the jewel of this quartet. A Detroit artist whose works have yet to enjoy the critical and public attention they deserve, Slack's quixotic and inspired "world" is always a delight to visit. 734.673.6890.

Huzzah!! And Is There Any Mead Left?
The Michigan Renaissance Festival has been described by us on previous occasions as being either a) an impressive example of DIY art and scholarship devoted to historical reenactment or b) an embarrassing exhibition en masse of arrested development. The truth, of course, lies somewhere betwixt those two descriptions – and for the record, we've attended this "anachronistic Woodstock" faithfully and enthusiastically for ten straight years. The 2012 weekend gatherings have begun and you may select any number of "themes" to make your chosen day of visiting more enjoyable. The one for 9/1 sure promises to be a treasure chest of fun. High Seas Adventure! invites you and others to dress like The Perfect Pirate! or to Press a Wench! or to Pillage a Village! or check out the Knights on Bikes! Yes, they ARE fond of exclamation marks out there in Holly. By the way, here's something to remember: If you bring four non-perishable food items to help Lighthouse of Oakland County, the goodly folk at the Fest will shave $5 off your admission. Now that calls for a real Huzzah! See you at the jousting field! Or wherever the belly-dancers hang out ... More: michrenfest.com

They Say They Have This Tumbling Routine Called The Egg Roll ...
Mon Jin Lau, one of our favorite restaurants, will clear the floors on 8/29 for a Big Top evening. That's right – the Shanghai Circus has been invited once again to give a dash of swerving whimsy to the menu. The list of "entrees" certainly looks impressive. Jugglers, clowns, acrobats, magicians and people who not only eat fire, but glass too! Apparently the night will also be a DJ-pallooza of sorts with Captn20, Tom Keeling, Mike Anthony, Matt Aubrey and Tom T all expected to attend and spin. Reservations ARE required for this soiree at 1515 E. Maple in Troy, so call 248.689.2332 or arrange for the VIP package with 248.877.4847.

Run Silent, Run Deep
Hoping, of course, that John Tenney will not throw a hissy fit after he reads this, we would like to draw your attention now to HoodHype, a podcast program brought to our attention by loyal reader Martin Malota. This show devoted to underground reggae, R&B, hip-hop and soul has already racked up a considerable number of fans – including one fellow serving his country proudly on a submarine. Check it out yourself and let us know what you think. There's transmission info aplenty at hoodhype.com.

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