While out and about someone asked me why I would want to cover Soup at Spaulding for the Detroiter.  The Detroiter is supposed to be about art, so how does a ‘potluck’ fit in with that? With all due respect, Soup at Spaulding is not a potluck at all, which you would see if you come down for yourself. Art is not just something on a wall or a sculpture.  Art can be seen in the way we live our lives, what we eat, wear, who we spend our time with and how. Soup has as much to do with art as any gathering of creative people does.

So, here’s how it works: People pay five dollars at the door for soup, salad, bread, and a ‘voting stone’. Presenters pitch their projects and the people vote for the project they want their five dollars to go to. This is a great way for community members to make sure their money goes back to the community. Since it’s inception in August, Soup at Spaulding has funded creative projects in the community from the building of a rocket stove in the neighboring Spirit Farm, to the creation of an addition to the abandoned house Art neighborhood in northern Hamtramck. Of course, if you present and win, you must report back to Soup to let the people know you accomplished your goals.

This November at Soup has been interesting. John Koller of Friends of Spaulding Court announced that the electrical inspectors gave Spaulding Court the thumbs up. There are visible results of the benefits of Soup, as seen in the case of Blair Nosam, whose project was the first to be funded by Soup, as she is successfully selling her Suddenly Sauer pickled products. Kate Devlin continues to sell the famous duck eggs and vegetables from Spirit Farm.

This month has hosted groups of over 50, so Soup at Spaulding is growing. For the first Soup of the month Gregg Newsom presented to get curtains for the church gym, so the yoga classes don’t freeze up. I was the second presenter (by surprise.) John Koller fished us up from the audience to present our plan to do food justice murals at the church. The vote came down to the curtains for yoga class. Even though our project didn’t ‘win’ it wass really great to be able to let people know what project we were working on. Who knows what kind of resources may pop up afterwards?

At the second week of Soup at Spaulding the stage was populated by John Koller and…John Koller, for two different projects. The first option was a straw bike garage to be built behind Spaulding Court, and the second was to fund extra materials costs for Soup. The materials won, which made the Soup Queen, Hannah Lewis’ day. She will now have an easier time preparing and serving soups like her delicious pumpkin cranberry every week!

Is it the swankiest gala event of the year? Absolutely. Is the hands-down most see-and-be-seen scene in Detroit? You bet. Is the crowd full of the area’s hottest and brightest young professionals all dressed to impress? Without a doubt. Does the plethora of food and alcohol make the $105 ticket price totally worth the money? No question. But all these things seem to have, over the years, become the defining factor of this event, and attendees have lost sight of what it’s really about: BravoBravo! is a benefit for the Opera House and the Michigan Opera Theatre, paying for the continued restoration and maintenance of this historic building as well as supporting the MOT’s artistic and educational programs.

Since its inception, BravoBravo! has raised more than $833,000 and continuously attracts sold-out crowds with some of the biggest names in young metro Detroit, drawing in the very people who will soon come to run the city and preserve the historic and artistic endeavors such as Opera House and MOT with their own patronage, sponsorship, and fundraising. This event is vital to expose these young jet-setters to the Opera House and its programs, creating a culture of awareness and respect which will ideally last long after the last cocktails are consumed.

This year’s theme of fashion is glossier than ever, with a flashy website and photography to go along with it. The fashion theme will be carried throughout the complex, with separate rooms dedicated to Detroit, Miami, London, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Milan. The usual formula of several dozen of the best restaurants in Detroit will be used, and there will also be a showcase of some of Detroit’s top music talent, including Will Sessions Funk Big Band with Monica Blaire, techno from Kevin Saunderson and Paxahau resident DJs, jazz-pop singer Ben Sharkey, and progressive indie rockers Silverghost. As far as showcasing some of the finest talent in Detroit and exemplifying all of the things that make this city great, BravoBravo! has finally nailed it with a music lineup that is Detroit-centric for this first time in its history. (Also, don’t miss the auto-tune karaoke in the Tokyo room, presented by the Metro Times.)

Tickets for this year’s BravoBravo! are $95 through May, $105 in June. You can purchase your tickets online at www.MichiganOpera.org but hurry—this event will sell out. Come in your finest suits and dresses, hair and makeup perfectly prepped for your close-up on the red carpet, enjoy great local food and music, and remember: at the end of the night, it has all been for a good cause, for the preservation of our city’s arts, culture and history. For all those who support it, bravo to you.

Enjoy a romantic spring evening including a visual arts exhibition featuring works from local and national artists, light food and refreshments, dancing, and live music by Sylvia Inwood and the Woodtones and the Cupcake DJ Collective on the outdoor patio under cantina lights in view of the Ambassador Bridge.

Tickets for this event are $20 per person or $30 per couple. All proceeds benefit 555 Gallery and Studios in its endeavor to provide programming at its new location in Southwest Detroit.

The purchase of each ticket will also entitle patrons to 555 membership. Buena Vista Nights will take place the first Saturday of every month, from May through September.

To purchase tickets contact:
Erin Moran Martinez
555 Development Director
313.894.4202 or 734.255.9477
erin@555arts.org

3041 W. Vernor Detroit 48216

(left to right): Yana Levovna, Leah Darany, Jessalyn Brooks, Anne Marie Damman,
Jaye Stellini, Kirsten Knisel. Photo by Charles Nowak

In celebration of the 77th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company of Detroit joins forces with Kuhnhenn Brewing Company of Warren to present a raucous Jazz Age night of food, drinks and entertainment at Cliff Bell’s on April 24, 2010, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Admission is $75, or $140 per couple, and includes free-flowing Kuhnhenn brews (13 different beers to choose from!), gourmet hor d’oeuvres, live music, an energetic floorshow and improvisational bits throughout the evening. Tickets priced at only $35 are available and include entry, entertainment and two beer tokens. Patrons must dress in 1920s garb and be prepared to dance, drink and speak easy! Cliff Bell’s is located at 2080 Park Ave., Detroit, MI 48226. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.kbrewery.com or by calling Kuhnhenn Brewing Company at 586-979-8361.

The evening’s entertainment will features 100% local talent. The floorshow, coordinated and choreographed by MGT Artistic Director Frannie Shepherd-Bates, includes Jessalyn Brooks, Anne Marie Damman, Leah Darany, Kirsten Knisely, Yana Levovna and Jaye Stellini. Jazz singer Bethany Caldarona will perform with musicians Dave Dionese, Michael Fiedler, John Garland, Alex Hill and David Woitulewicz. Improvisational performances directed by MGT Educational Director Lisa Melinn will feature Dyan Bailey, Dawn Bartley, Dave Davies, Alan Fox, Matt Gannaway, Lisa Melinn, Peter Werthman and Ken Wood.

For additional information on Speakeasy Night, contact Julie Kuhnhenn or visit www.kbrewery.com.

Colin Hubbell

The Colin Hubbell Fund is the first of its kind to promote the renewal of Detroit through financial support of small businesses and entrepreneurs, will be holding its 2nd Annual Colin Hubbell Memorial Fundraiser at the Majestic Café’s Magic Stick and Garden Bowl on Sunday, March 28, from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

The fundraising event will include an auction, live music from local musicians, bowling, and a sandwiches and salad buffet. A cash bar will be available.

“We awarded several small business grants in 2009 and supported a couple of neighborhood initiatives, including a large sponsorship for Midtown’s Noel Night,” said Trish Hubbell, administrator for the Colin Hubbell Fund program.

“I feel gratified in being able to carry on my late husband’s passion to seed opportunity and growth in Detroit. We have two grantees from 2009 who have come back this year as sponsors for the fundraiser. I think that’s a hopeful sign that we are making a small difference in Detroit!”

Event tickets are $20 per adult and $10 for children, 16 and under. For tickets, more information or to become an event sponsor, visit www.detroitmidtown.com or contact Trish Hubbell at 313.729.6109.

In conjunction with this event, there will also be a specially organized bean bag toss (cornhole) tournament on Sunday, March 28, from noon – 6:00 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre. The cost is $30 per team and includes a lunch buffet and a cash bar; all proceeds go to benefit the Colin Hubbell Fund. Space is limited, to reserve a spot email brian@issuemediagroup.com.

In 2009, the 1st Annual Colin Hubbell Fundraiser raised $30,000 and the Colin Hubbell Fund awarded grants to Good Girls Go to Paris Creperie, Leopold’s Bookstore, North Cass Community Garden, Luella Hannan Foundation, the Hub of Detroit, Mariners Inn, Detroit Cathedral Bookshop and Morningside Community Mural Project.

About the Colin Hubbell Fund

Established in 2008 and managed by Trish Hubbell and the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA), the Colin Hubbell Fund provides seed money and marketing, financing, business resource and networking advice to grow and expand the small business community in Midtown Detroit. The grant program allows small businesses as well as non-profit community organizations to build stronger neighborhoods and more sustainable communities. It was founded to carry on the legacy of Colin Hubbell, a developer with several projects including 55 W. Canfield Lofts and Art Center Town Homes in the Cultural Center area. Hubbell passed away on August 21, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.detroitmidtown.com, and click on the Colin Hubbell Fund link.

60 Second Crush

On the Rocks Detroit will host a weekend of official Autorama After-Parties at Detroit’s Hard Rock Café (45 Monroe St.) on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. to celebrate Autorama – a fantastic display of muscle cars and hot rods from past and present, held at Cobo Hall that same weekend.  Tickets for each party are $10 and are available by calling the Hard Rock Café at 313-964-2683 via email: detroit_sales@hardrock.com, or at the door.  All ages are welcome to attend.

The Hard Rock Café will also provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the parties – picking up at Cobo Hall and the Book Cadillac (Autorama’s official hotel).

On Friday night, Brighton, Michigan custom car builders Mobsteel will be the VIP sponsors, playing host to the nights’ festivities.  While open to the public, guests of Mobsteel will include representatives of such companies as Pirelli Tires,

Dynamat, Magnaflow and Webb Automotive Art along with many of MobSteel’s celebrity clients. Friday night party-goers will also be treated to live performances by Kid Rock protégé and Atlantic Recording Artist Ty Stone and award-winning alt-country band The Orbitsuns (featuring Vinnie from Sponge).

On Saturday night attendees will enjoy performances by veteran Detroit Blues-rockers The Reefermen, and straight up knock -em down Rock & Roll by The Shram Band and 60 Second Crush.
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Both nights will feature a custom auto display in the beautiful Compuware atrium courtesy of Mobsteel.  Some of the hot rides on display will include a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible owned by Pure Records CEO Joe Safina, Ty Stone’s pimped out “Ty Roc,” and a 2010 450 HP Ford Taurus SHO, customized by Mobsteel.

The Orbitsuns

In addition to the hot live music and cars, a charity raffle with many cool automotive-related prizes from Pirelli Tires, Dynamat and more  – plus music memorabilia courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe, will raise funds to benefit Musicians on Call. Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization formed in 1999, brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.  Musicians On Call uses live and recorded music to promote and complement the healing process for patients, families and caregivers.  Funds raised from both nights will go directly towards creating a Musicians on Call program at Detroit’s Children Hospital.

Don’t miss what’s sure to be the hottest weekend of cool cars and live music at Detroit’s Hard Rock Café!

Musical Offerings by a variety of Detroit’s Finest Artists
a soulful concert for your listening pleasure
Rock, R&B, Latin Swing and Funk by the
BILL MEYER GROUP
for your dancing pleasure

Your tax-deductible donation at the door is the price of admission. Proceeds will support Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Corps Acupuncturists Without Borders, and Oxfam. If you want to drink anything more exotic than water, tea or coffee, bring it along. Wine and beer are ok. Same for snacks. Maybe bring a few for your friends. We are minimizing expenses so ALL proceeds can be used for Haitian relief. More information: carolyamasaki@mac.com

Birmingham Unitarian Church
38651 N. Woodward, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304
Lots of room to move and breathe

Wheatpaste>

The Hentchmen and Wheatpaste provide a night of musical entertainment for the benefit of the HUB of Detroit!
Doors at 9pm
Regretfully this show is for people 21 years old and older only.
$5 gets you in with part of the door and bar take going to the HUB of Detroit to fund our services for the community.

Also, there will be HUB t-shirts for sale along with other merchandise needs that you all have. And if you are feeling lucky, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a three speed cruiser built for your riding pleasure by the HUB of Detroit!

The Park Bar, 2040 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

The Friends of the Freer House will host an historical re-creation of the first concert performed at the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. in 1924. Marking the 86th anniversary of the inaugural recitals held at the newly opened Freer Gallery of Art, this concert of classical and contemporary chamber music will be performed by the Scarab Club String Quartet in the intimate setting of the historic Charles Lang Freer House. The concert will benefit the Friends of the Freer House and includes a reception and tour following the performance.

On February 7, 1924, the first in a series of three recitals of chamber music was held at the Freer Gallery of Art. The concerts were sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, founder of the Berkshire Music Festival, to encourage support for the Library of Congress musical manuscript collection. The recitals featured works primarily by 20th century composers of chamber music and winners of the annual Berkshire Prize.

This Feb 7, 2010 concert will feature selections from the original 1924 program including works for string quartet by Joseph Haydn, Leo Weiner, H. Waldo Warner and G. Francesco Malipiero. Each piece will be introduced by one of the musicians with a short history of these award winning composers, their music and the ground breaking concerts held at the Freer Gallery of Art.

The Scarab Club String Quartet, all of whom perform with the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, includes violinist Velda Kelly, violinist Andrew Wu, violist James Greer, and cellist Nadine Deleury.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience beautiful chamber music in the original exhibition gallery of the Freer House. Enjoy an afternoon of music and history and still be home in time for the Superbowl!

Space is Limited (RSVP Required) 313-872-1790 or email: mpsi@wayne.edu

Benefit concert tickets are: $25 general public and $10 for students

$20 for members of The Friends of the Freer House
$50 Patrons. Patron level tickets include reserved seating and parking

For location and parking information please visit mpsi.wayne.edu
Flyer: http://www.mpsi.wayne.edu/freer/scarab_concert.pdf

Charles Lang Freer House
71 East Ferry, Detroit

This winter ecological family fair is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ event. Many exhibitors will be available to answer questions at their organization’s displays. This is an annual co-sponsored event presented by: The Friends of the Detroit River, The Friends of Belle Isle and The City of Detroit Recreation Department.

For additional information contact The Friends of Belle Isle Office at 313-331-7760. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Events held at the Casino Building:
Exhibits, Displays, and Refreshments
Belle Isle Historical Slide Presentation
Environmental Arts and Crafts for Kids
Compact Fluorescent Bulb Collection
Thermometer Exchange

Belle Isle Aquarium will be open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There will be fish in one of the tanks !

Other Fun all around Belle Isle
Dossin Maritime Museum , 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Conservatory, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Belle Isle Nature Zoo , 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Old Belle Isle Boat Club, 12 noon – 4 p.m.

FRIENDS OF THE DETROIT RIVER
2674 W. Jefferson Ave,, Suite LL1
Trenton, MI 48183
(734) 675 – 0141
http://www.detroitriver.org/

THE FRIENDS OF BELLE ISLE
8109 East Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: (313) 331-7760
http://www.fobi.org/index.htm

Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium
P.O. 02416
Detroit, Michigan 48202
http://belleisleaquarium.com/