Entertainment calendar: Concerts, theater, and more

our picks

BEN FOLDS

at Orchestra Hall at the Max

Pop/rock singer, songwriter and pianist Ben Folds teams up with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a concert that includes his pop hits and a movement from his piano concerto. Folds gained mainstream success in the 1990s with his band Ben Folds Five, which hit with popular single “Brick” in 1997. 7 p.m. Sun. $35-$110. 3711 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 576-5111.

big shows

THURSDAY

The Head and the Heart and Band of Horses with Strumbellas at Fillmore Detroit, rock, 6 p.m. Thurs. $35-$65. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 961-5451.

Our Last Night and Hands Like Houses with the Color Morale and Out Came the Wolves at Crofoot Ballroom, heavy metal, 6 p.m. Thurs. $17. 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac. (248) 858-9333.

The S.O.S. Band and Midnight Star at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, R&B/funk, 8 p.m. Thurs. $40-$50. 2901 Grand River, Detroit. (313) 309-4700.

Dianne Reeves at Orchestra Hall at the Max, jazz, 8 p.m. Thurs. $19-$99. 3711 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 576-5111.

FRIDAY

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at Fillmore Detroit, classic rock, 7 p.m. Fri. $30-$75. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 961-5451.

Twiztmas Party with Twiztid and G-Mo Skee at Crofoot Ballroom, rap, 7 p.m. Fri. $1. 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac. (248) 858-9333.

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Geri Allen at Carr Center, jazz, 7:30 p.m. Fri. $45-$65, $25 students. 311 E. Grand River, Detroit. (313) 965-8430.

Martina McBride at Dow Events Center, country, 7:30 p.m. Fri. $37-$67. 303 Johnson, Saginaw. (989) 759-1330.

R. Kelly at Fox Theatre, R&B, 8 p.m. Fri. $32-$102. 2211 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 471-6611.

Delta Rae with Penny & Sparrow at Magic Bag, pop/folk, 8 p.m. Fri. $25. 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

SATURDAY

Rooney with Romes at the Shelter, rock, 6 p.m. Sat. $18. 431 E. Congress, Detroit. (313) 961-8961.

Jodeci, Silk, Shai and H-Town at Masonic Temple, R&B/pop, 7 p.m. Sat. $65-$200. 500 Temple, Detroit. (313) 638-2724.

Steel Panther with Wilson at Fillmore Detroit, rock/metal, 7 p.m. Sat. $20-$40. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 961-5451.

Mac Miller with the Whooligan and ClockworkDJ at Royal Oak Music Theatre, electronic, 7:30 p.m. Sat. $34 and up. 318 W. Fourth, Royal Oak. (248) 399-2980.

Joel McHale at MGM Grand Detroit Event Center, comedy, 8 p.m. Sat. $59.50-$69.50. 1777 Third, Detroit. (877)888-2121.

SUNDAY

Game Grumps Live at Fillmore Detroit, comedy, 6:30 p.m. Sun. $20-$35. 2115 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 961-5451.

Will Downing’s Soulful Sounds of Christmas featuring Najee at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, jazz, 7:30 p.m. Sun. $35-$50. 2901 Grand River, Detroit. (313) 309-4700.

WEDNESDAY

Pete Yorn at Magic Bag, folk/rock, 8 p.m. Wed. $29.50. 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

Dave Koz at Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, jazz, 8 p.m. Wed. $25-$75. 7096 E. 14 Mile, Warren. (586) 268-3200.

live music

THURSDAY

Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra at Cliff Bell’s, jazz, 7 p.m. Thurs. $10. 2030 Park, Detroit. (313) 961-2543.

Kevin Devine at Loving Touch, indie rock, 7 p.m. Thurs. $15. 22634 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 820-5596.

Tuff at Token Lounge, rock, 7 p.m. Thurs. $15. 28949 Joy, Westland. (734) 513-5030.

A Wilhelm Scream with La Armada, Braidedveins and Young Hunger at Small’s Bar, rock, 8 p.m. Thurs. $13. 10339 Conant, Hamtramck. (313) 873-1117.

THIS WEEKEND

Storm Large “Seven Deadly Sins” with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, classical/pop, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $15-$100. 3711 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 576-5111.

Handel’s “Messiah” with Fort Street Chorale and Chamber Orchestra at Fort Street Presbyterian Church, classical, 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $20. 631 W. Fort, Detroit. (313) 961-4533.

Handel’s “Messiah” at Hill Auditorium, classical, 8 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. $12 and up. 825 N. University, Ann Arbor. (734) 764-2538.

FRIDAY

Narco Debut, Mover Shaker, Andy and the Pandys and more at Majestic Cafe, pop/rock, 7 p.m. Fri. $5. 4120 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 833-9700.

Blindshot, Nowadays, Due North, 10/90, PT’s Revenge and Fires in Japan at Loving Touch, punk/rock, 7 p.m. Fri. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Partial proceeds benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank. 22634 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 820-5506.

March of the Ant, Bogart, the Suburban Soul Surfers and AllDay MonDay at PJ’s Lager House, rock, 8 p.m. Fri. $5. 1254 Michigan, Detroit. (313) 961-4668.

Pink Talking Fish at Magic Bag, rock, 8 p.m. Thurs. $15. 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 544-1991.

The Orbitsuns CD release show at Sabby’s Lounge, alt-country, 8 p.m. doors, 11 p.m. show. No cover. 25010 Harper, St. Clair Shores. (586) 771-5121.

Cosmic Light Shapes vinyl release party with 3ft at UFO Factory, psych/rock, 9 p.m. Fri. $10. 2110 Trumbull, Detroit. ufofactory.com.

Carolyn Striho Group at Stray Cat Lounge, pop/rock, 9:30 p.m. Fri. No Cover. 40813 Garfield, Clinton Township. (586) 741-8544.

Cam at Coyote Joe’s, country, 7 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show. $10 in advance, $15 t the door. 49440 Ryan, Shelby Township. (586) 254-4666.

SATURDAY

Tiny Moving Parts with Microwave and A Will Away at Loving Touch, rock, 7 p.m. Sat. $13. 22634 Woodward, Ferndale. (248) 820-5596.

Cavani String Quartet with Celino Romero at Seligman Performing Arts Center, classical, 8 p.m. Sat. $32-$64, $16-$32 students. 22305 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills. (248) 855-6070.

Sheila Landis and Rick Matle at Chapman House, jazz, 8:30 p.m. Sat. No cover. 311 Walnut, Rochester. (248) 759-4406.

Terry Lee Goffee - Tribute to Johnny Cash at Saint Andrew’s Hall, country, 9 p.m. Sat. $12. 431 E. Congress, Detroit. (313) 961-8961.

Sonny Fodera at Magic Stick, electronic, 9:30 p.m. Sat. $10-$15. 4120 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 833-9700.

Ernie Krivda Quartet at Cliff Bell’s, jazz, 9:30 p.m. Sat. $10. 2030 Park, Detroit. (313) 961-2543.

stage/comedy

THIS WEEK

Farmington Hills Youth Theatre performs “The Music Man” at Costick Center, 7 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. and 1 and 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 28600 W. 11 Mile, Farmington Hills. (248) 473-1848.

Theatre Nova Ensemble presents “Sugar Plum Panto” at Yellow Barn, 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. (through Dec. 23). $20 suggested donation. 410 W. Huron, Ann Arbor. (734) 635-8450.

Matt McClowry at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 8 p.m. Thurs. and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $9-$12 in advance, $11-$14 at the door. 212 S. Fourth, Ann Arbor. (734) 996-9080.

“Dot” at Detroit Public Theatre at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 and 7 p.m. Sun. and 7 p.m. Wed. (through Dec. 11). $35, $30 seniors, $20 younger than 35. 3711 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 576-5111.

Tony Deyo at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Sat. $10-$18. 310 S. Troy, Royal Oak. (248) 542-9900.

“The Realization of Emily Linder” at Detroit Repertory Theatre, 8:30 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 3 and 8:30 p.m. Sat. and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. (through Dec. 23). $17 in advance, $20 day of. 13130 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. (313) 868-1347.

“A Christmas Carol” at Bonstelle Theatre, 7 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. and 2 p.m. Wed. $10-$30.

1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival with Amer Zahr at Arab American National Museum, 7 and 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $20. 13624 Michigan, Dearborn. (313) 582-2266.

“2.5 Minute Ride” a one-woman show at Matrix Theatre Company, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 3 p.m. Sun. $20, $15 seniors and students. 2730 Bagley, Detroit. (313) 967-0599.

“Legally Blonde the Musical” at Players Guild of Dearborn, 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 2:30 p.m. Sun. (through Dec. 4). $20. 21730 Madison, Dearborn. (313) 561-8587.

“The Christmas Carol” at Meadow Brook Theatre, 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. (through Dec. 23). $21 and up. 207 Wilson, Rochester Hills. (248) 377-3300.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Farmington Players Barn, 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. (through Dec. 18). $16, $14 seniors and students. 32332 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills. (248) 553-2955.

SATURDAY

“The First of His Kind – the Roland W. Hayes Story” at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Sat. $30-$50. 350 Madison, Detroit. (313) 887-8500.

SUNDAY

“Hansel and Gretel” with Grosse Pointe Symphony at St. Clare of Montefalco, 2 p.m. Sun. $15, $12 seniors, free for students. 1401 Whittier, Grosse Pointe Park. gpsymphony.org.

visual arts/film

THIS WEEKEND

“White Christmas” at Redford Theatre, 8 p.m. Fri and 2 and 8 p.m. Sat. $5. 17360 Lahser, Detroit. (313) 537-2560.

TUESDAY

“AM I: Too African to be American, Too American to be African?” film screening with moderator Fatou-Seydi Sarr of ABISA at Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 6 p.m. Tues. Free. 315 E. Warren, Detroit. (313) 494-5800.

etc.

THIS WEEKEND

Novi Equestrian Expo at Suburban Collection Showplace, 2-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $10, $5 children, $5 on Friday only for seniors, $5 parking. 46100 Grand River, Novi. (248) 662-0108.

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, 6:30-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. (through Dec. 30). $26, $23.50 seniors, $19.50 ages 3-11, discounts for members. 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn. (313) 982-6001.

FRIDAY

Krampus Night with variety show, art exhibition, vendors and more at Tangent Gallery and Hastings Street Ballroom, 7 p.m. Fri. $15, $10 with unwrapped toy or three canned food donation. 715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit. krampusnightdetroit.com.

Deeper Dive: Bite of the Amazon with red-bellied piranha at Belle Isle Aquarium, 8-11 p.m. Fri. $40 in advance, $50 at the door, $100 VIP. Belle Isle, Detroit. belleisleconservancy.org/deeperdive.

SATURDAY

Tree-decorating event at the Farmer’s Hand, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Free. 1701 Trumbull, Detroit. (313) 377-8262.

Noel Night featuring free admission and programming at more than 100 museums, venues and shops in Midtown, 5-10 p.m. Sat. Free. noelnight.org

SUNDAY

Special Needs Santa at Laurel Park Mall, 9-11 a.m. Sun. 37700 Six Mile, Livonia. laurelparkplace.com.

holiday shopping events

THIS WEEK

Potters Market at Southfield Pavilion, 6-9 p.m. Thurs. preview sale, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission; $10 for preview sale. 26000 Evergreen, Southfield. (248) 554-5570 or thepottersmarket.com.

Holiday Shop at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-4 p.m. Sun. through Dec. 22. 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham. (248) 644-0866.

Detroit Urban Craft Fair at Masonic Temple, 6-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. $10 Friday (partial proceeds benefit Living Arts), $1 admission Sat.-Sun. 500 Temple, Detroit. (313) 832-7100.

Handmade Glass Holiday Show and Sale at the Glass Academy, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free. 25331 Trowbridge, Dearborn. (313) 561-4527.

Art for the Holidays at Detroit Artists Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. through Dec. 30. Free. 4719 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 832-8540.

COMING UP

Holiday Shopping Expo at Costick Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. 28600 11 Mile, Farmington Hills. (248) 871-2500.

Holiday Party at Brightly Twisted, 5-9 pm. Dec. 15. Free. Bring mittens or hats donation for a hand-dyed Brightly Twisted scarf. 12856 Farmington, Livonia. (248) 310-8579.