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