As we hurdle into the last weekend of February, it's clear that Detroit is not about to let anyone succumb to a dull moment, with venues across the Metro area throwing open their doors to a smorgasbord of entertainment, ranging from the melodies of classical roots to the churning engines of hot rods. If you're in the mood for some laughs, head on over to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak where J Chris Newberg will be entertaining audiences with his mix of stand-up and musical comedy, expect a chuckle fest with him featuring in "America's Got Talent" and late-night talk shows, while Nicole Melnyk handles the emcee duties; as The Detroit News notes, shows run from Thursday to Saturday.
Orchestra Hall won't disappoint with their Classical Roots performances, including Kris Johnson, Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery's artistic works, not to mention the special "Lift Every Voice and Sing" rendition—grab your tickets, or stream it free if that's more your thing, courtesy of The Detroit News. But if you're around and it's the purr of engines you're after, the 72nd annual Detroit Autorama at Huntington Place is showcasing a visual feast with 800 hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and a Barbie pink Cadillac in the mix, for everyone's automobile fascination, along with the star power of Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, so says Hour Detroit.
West Michigan isn't lagging behind, either—things kick off with the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit at Meijer Gardens, promising a butterfly bonanza of over 60 species, as WoodTV divulged, and for those feeling the chill, the Grand Rapids Noodle Fest is coming back with a spicy challenge to heat things up. Not to be sidelined, the West Michigan Home and Garden Show at DeVos Place puts on a dazzling display with feature gardens and local business booths, a fitting excursion for those with a penchant for sprucing up their living space.
Calling all whiskey aficionados, the Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest is set at New Vintage Place and ready to serve up a potent mix of over 200 whiskeys, cocktails, bourbons, beers, and wines, prepare to find your new favorite drink with their extensive offerings, meanwhile, the Grand Rapids Griffins are channeling their inner Jedi for Star Wars Night in their game against the Iowa Wild at Van Andel Arena, where hockey meets a galaxy far, far away, hopefully minus the Sith, if WoodTV got the memo right. On a more musical note, WMU is hosting the Western Invitational Jazz Festival, an assembly of high school jazz bands that promises to be as instructive as it is entertaining for the participating young musicians—a fusion of learning and performing that's bound to be as sweet as a saxophone solo under a streetlight..
