Hidden T easure
Discovered
BACKSTAGE
BROWSING: Seeing stage
stars from Aretha Franklin
to Jerry Seinfeld is a run-
of-the-mill experience
for audiences at Detroit's
historic Fox Theatre, but
seeing what the stars see
has not been — until now.
A new program at the Fox
takes groups of 15 or more
behind the scenes to view
what performers experi-
ence while waiting to do
their shows. Participants also will walk on stage and have a few moments in the
spotlight. The tour, which lasts 45 minutes and can be booked Monday-Friday
on non-event days, explains the building's architectural design and history. There
also will be a glimpse of the signature wall and its significance. Visitors will learn
what literally makes the balcony rock during concerts, find out about theater
mythology and explore the origins of a mysterious lavender scent. The theater,
which has been restored since opening in 1928, is next door to the Hockeytown
Cafe, which offers discounts to tour guests and will show Encore on Woodward,
a short film about the theater narrated by the late and legendary comedian Bob
Hope. $6. (313) 471-6677.
MUSICAL MIX: The annual Concert of Colors, a free festival that celebrates
diversity, has grown to four days for its 15th year and includes Golem, a six-piece
Eastern European folk-rock band. The event runs Thursday-Sunday, July 19-22,
at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit and includes indoor and outdoor
performances. Golem, which takes Jewish and Slavic folk songs and presents
them with the beats of today, appears 4-5 p.m. Sunday. The opening day program
features a performance of "Dear Mrs. Parks" by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The 57-minute orchestral piece, with a multi-ethnic choir, is a tribute to the late
Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks and has been composed by Grammy Award—winner
Hannibal Lokumbe. The second annual Community, Culture & Race Forum,
discussing the impact of art on issues of race and community, meets on Friday.
Performance groups, representing cultures reaching from Mexico to Indonesia,
will introduce their special talents on three stages. For a complete schedule, visit
concertofcolors.com .
in Oakland Count
Elegant estate jewelry
and beautiful one-of-a-kind
Pieces can be yours for less
than you would imagine
35700 Woodward Avenue • Between I+ Mile & Lincoln • Birmingham, MI
248.644.8565 •
www.abbottscorp.com
Mention this Ad and
Receive 20% OFF Your
Total Food Bill
WATER POWER: A weekend of racing comes to the Detroit River Friday-
Sunday, July 13-15, when the American Power Boat Association offers its Gold
Cup competition. Speedsters practice throughout the day on Friday, hoping to
meet the qualifying requirements. The actual competition goes Saturday-Sunday
as boaters churn up the water and the interest of fans. The event, which showcas-
es hydroplanes reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour, also displays vintage race
boats recalling contests of the past. Interested spectators can watch for free from
spots along Belle Isle. Those who want closer views pay $10-$200. Food stations
are designed to serve those who enjoy long days at the river. Get a complete list
of events and maps to observer sections at gold-cup.com . (586) 774-0980.
E mail items to Suzanne Chessler at PlatinumPlanner@aol.com .
-
Monday and Tuesday
2528 Union Lake Rd.
south of Willow • Commerce
248-366-3311
New summer hours
Mon -Thurs • 11 -10 - Fri • 11 - 11
Sat • 4 - 11 - Closed Sunday
COMMERCE GRILLE
platinum
•
JULY 2007
• 3 5