I wish I could promise you warmer weather for the Detroit metro area this second weekend of March. We're still shivering and snow-covered, but I can promise you a hot lineup of activities to entertain you this weekend, March 8-10, 2013.
Friday, March 8, 7 p.m.
Prive Deux
237 Joseph Campau, Detroit
Free
Enjoy a live band, DJ Kutz, and dancing at the new Fahrenheit Fridays venue near Atwater Block Brewery. Prive Deux is the second incarnation of Detroit's popular Prive bar and features an urban pub nightclub atmosphere, food, and libations. This is an adults-only event.
Friday, March 8, 10:45 a.m.; Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall
3711 Woodward, Detroit
From $15
The Classical Roots concert celebrates the African American presence in classical music. A companion black-tie fundraiser takes place on Saturday, March 9, to support the DSO's African American music and musician development programs. In 2013, Classical Roots honors the late conductor James dePriest. DSO maestro Leonard Slatkin conducts and is joined by bass-baritone Eric Owens, the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, and Vanguard Voices. The ensemble performs selections from Wagner, Hailstork, and others. Classic Roots Gala tickets start at $95 and include strolling dinner, concert, dessert, and afterglow dancing.
Friday, March 8, noon-10 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cobo Center
1 Washington Blvd., Detroit
$18 adults, $5 ages 6-12, kids 5 and under free
This 61st annual Meguiar's Autorama features a high octane blast of vehicles, accessories, vintage cars, memorabilia, games, activities, toys, simulations, vendors, music, TV personalities, kid stuff, celebrities, race car drivers, demonstrations, food, and more. Special events happen throughout the weekend. Check the website for specifics. Discount tickets are available at O'Reilly Auto Parts locations ($16 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12).
Friday, March 8, 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 4 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
City Theatre
2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Resale tickets start at $115
If you can't get enough of J.K. Rowling, are sick of the Harry Potter schtick, or just love a good parody, "Potted Potter" is for you. Two guys, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, enact a condensed, accelerated mash-up of all seven HP books in a little over an hour. They do characters, costumes, and
voices and throw in audience participation and an abbreviated Quidditch match. Suitable for all ages.
Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
The Heidelberg Project and D:hive
42 Watson and 1253 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Free (donations encouraged)
The Heidelberg Project is an open-air art environment in Detroit's East Side. Artists use everyday, discarded objects create outdoor works. It educates local kids in art, community, and environment. A mission statement from the website explains that kids see "burned-out houses, rubble, debris, crime and decay. Our purpose is to offer them another view, another perspective -- to positively change the environment." This date is the opening reception for emerging artist, Gerard Thierde, to be held at the HP studio gallery at 42 Watson. Thierde's works will be on display at D:hive through April 6.
Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
American Polish Century Club
33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights
$25 (buy nine, get the 10th free)
Irish meets Polish at this pre-St. Patrick's Day event. Celebrate St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, and St. Joseph, patron saint of Poland, with dinner and Celtic and Polish music and dancing. Dinner includes beer, wine, pop, and food. Reservations are advised. Cash bar.
Sunday, March 10, 2 p.m.
Michigan Avenue from Sixth to 14th Street, Corktown, Detroit
Free
The parade is the frosting on the cake for this day-long pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration in Corktown, so plan on spending the day! Start with Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 58 Parsons Ave., Detroit. Head over to the Gaelic League's Irish American Club of Detoit for fun, music, and food after. Then, enjoy ceili music, pipe and drum bands, floats, and dancing at the 55th annual parade. Finish at one of Corktown's pubs or round out the day back at the Gaelic League. You can hang out with them on Saturday, March 9, for a pre-parade event from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., too.
A Michigan native, Marilisa Sachteleben writes about events in her state's most pivotal city of Detroit.
