IDLE GOSSIP You probably remember him from the Monty Python movies. Eric Idle, a Cambridge graduate, who performed alongside John Cleese in the school's Footlights revue, is one of the original stars of the hit British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus." He later appeared in several of the group's feature films. These days, Idle exploits the zany, and often bawdy, comedic troupe in his own interpretation of Monty Python. He calls it a rather silly evening of skits and songs, and his act is headed to the Fox Theatre on June 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45, $37.50 and $30. (248) 433-1515. 0 Joni Alitel0 alpearstViyhteseby at Pine K- nob. After all these years, Joni Mitchell still has the rare ability to emote the bare bones of a love song. If you're lucky enough to see her perform, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Pine Knob Music Theatre, you might feel as if you've traveled back in time to a Don your blue and gray and head out to Greenfield Village for the Memorial Day Civil War Remembrance celebration. It's a family affair for Civil War buffs who will revel in the civilian and military re-enactments. From the rigors of the battlefields to the present-day efforts to preserve Michigan's role in the Civil War, visitors will take home the true mean- ing of this holiday celebrating America's heroes. Some of the events scheduled include "Under Siege," a presentation by the mistress of a Trouble in Venice, by Ann Arbor composer Enid Sutherland, makes its world premiere at Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Concert House 8 p.m. Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3. Written for harpsichord and modern grand piano, this work is a musical telling of two historical events: Giacomo Casanova's escape from prison in the Palace of the Doges, Piazza San Marco, in 1756, and the brief takeover of the Campanile by Northern Italian separatists in May 1997. $10-$25. (734) 769-2999. The world's largest free electronic GAIL ZIMMERMAN Arts c Entertainment Editor 1950s-era after-hours club. Mitchell's newest release, Both Sides Now, features old jazz standards like "Stormy Weather" and "Don't Worry `Bout Me," but you won't find her reworking them in a more contemporary style. Rather, Mitchell's throaty voice breathes new life into GOLDEN WALTZ GALA the familiar tunes, while remaining true to their orig- inal intent. Mitchell's performance at Pine Knob will feature songs exclusively from her new CD, produced in collabora- tion with Larry Klein. Included will be such classics as "A Case of You" and "I Prepare to be taken on a wild ride with clever adult humor and some not-so-subtle comments on human behavior. This is the promise of cast member Michelle Mirkin, one of five entertainers who will perform a collection of skits titled "Canker Sores & Go-Go Juice" at Royal Oak's Wunderground Theater. West End Productions presents the evening of comedy, song, dance and bizarre, chaotic encoun- ters, in the spirit of last summer's "Saucy, Bossy & Burlesque." music festival takes place in Detroit's Hart Plaza noon-midnight May 27-29. All festival proceeds benefit the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation and its Be A Partner children's programs. The festival showcases top global artists, including The Roots, Mos Def, Richie Hawtin, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and Juan Atkins. Detroit is the birthplace of electronic dance music, says the festival's artistic director Carl Craig, so it's fitting the city should host such an internationally acclaimed event. Pops Goes Hollywood, featuring Academy Award-winning film and tele- vision composer Jerry Goldsmith, is the Mirkin and fellow West End performer Chuck Simon join Francine Hachem, The "King," Rio and Suzie Taylor for the offbeat show. The Wunderground Theater is located at 110 Main St. in Royal Oak, above Ace Hardware. Show time is 9:03 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 2-24. Tickets are $12.50. (248) 541-1763. Johann Strauss, the legendary Viennese composer and king of the waltz, will be honored Saturday by RISQUE REVUE CIVIL WAR REVISTED MORE BEST BETS ... Susquehanna plantation whose home is occupied by Union troops; an artillery firing demonstration; "Fight for Freedom," highlighting the heroics of Company B 102nd U.S. Colored Troops, comprised of African Americans. Children can participate in typical mid-19th-century recess activi- ties, including graces, hoop rolling, and ball and cup. Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sun. May 28 and Mon. May 29. $8.50- $13.50. Children under 5 and members admitted free. Wish I Were In Love aain. She'll be accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra. Pavilion tickets for the evening with Joni are priced at $75 and $55. There will be no lawn seating. (248) 645-6666 or online at www.ticketmas- ter.com . Andre Rieu and The Johann Strauss Orchestra. The 100 Years of Strauss Gala comes to Meadow Brook Music Festival at 8 p.m. Rieu, the famed Dutch violinist/conductor, also is known as a waltz king. His most recent album, 100 Years of Strauss, is a tribute to the composer who died in 1899. Expect to hear some lively polkas in addi- tion to such recognizable waltzes as "Nonnenchor." Tickets for the Strauss gala are $58.50, pavilion, and $22.50, lawn. Available at The Palace Box Office and Ticketmaster centers. (248) 645-6666 or online at www.ticketmaster.com . Detroit Symphony Orchestra's pops series performance June 1-4. Goldsmith leads his own scores from The Twilight Zone, The Walton, Patton, Air Force One, and Star Trek. 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, June 1; 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 2; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 4. Orchestra Hall, Detroit. Composer and keyboardist Keiko Matsui, a leading contemporary jazz artist, appears at the Southfield Civic Center 7:15 p.m. Friday, June 2, to headline the Smooth Jazzfest weekend. Matsui's performance will feature selec- tions from her new CD Whisper From the Mirror, just released May 16. Ticket price is 515. (248) 645-6666. Oakland University presents Wind in the Willows, a musical based on Kenneth Graham's beloved.children's story. 10 a.m. May 31-June 2, 7 p.m. June 2-3. Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester. $6-$12. (248) 370 3300. The Creative Side of Mark Schlussel opens June 1 and runs through July 1 at Uzelac Gallery in Pontiac. Schlussel, a Birmingham attor- ney and community leader, is also a tal- ented artist. His works of acrylic paint on paper and canvas reflect an "internal competitiveness translated into abstract expressionism. - For Arts and Entertainment related events that you wish to have considered for Out & About, please send the item, with a detailed description of the event. times. dates. place, ticket prices and publishable phone number. FYI: Notice must be received at least three weeks before to: Gail Zimmerman. JN Out & About, The Jewish News, 27676 Franklin Road. Southfield. Ml 48034; fax us at (248) 354-6069; or e-mail to gzimmerman@thejewishnews.com the scheduled event. Photos are appreciated but cannot be returned. All events and dates listed in the Out & About column are subject to change. 5/26 2000 80