November 29, 2005 GreatStuff Special Edition

Happy Holiday Happenings

The holidays are here and that means there's a whole world of things to do and places to see in Southeast Michigan. Among the world-class events: The Detroit Institute of Arts presents "Camille Claudel & Rodin: Fateful Encounter," a visiting exhibit that includes 120 works by two of the greatest sculptors who ever lived, Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. The New Detroit Science Center is hosting "SPACE: A Journey to Our Future." Presented in collaboration with NASA, it is the largest touring exhibition of space exploration.

You can enjoy these and 23 more institutions during Noel Night on Saturday, Dec. 3. The DIA and Science Center open their doors to visitors with special holiday programs and events. The photo shows the crowd enjoying the tree lighting at Campus Martius Park opposite the new Compuware world headquarters in downtown Detroit. Head west to Dearborn and enjoy The Henry Ford presentation "Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village," a real-life trip through time and many happy holidays.

The Joffrey Ballet, one of the world's premier dance companies, performs "The Nutcracker" accompanied by more than 100 local children and choirs at The Detroit Opera House. Later in December, the DOH will host "Too Hot to Handel," a jazz-gospel-blues take on Handel's "Messiah." The Fox Theatre hosts the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes. At Joe Louis Arena, home of The Detroit Red Wings, the crowds will rock to The Tom Joyner Mistletoe Jam, a star-filled show that also benefits students at historically black colleges. "Country Cares for Hurricane Relief Holiday Concert" stars Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood and plays at The Palace of Auburn Hills, where the Detroit Pistons also hold court. Read a sample of all the great happenings in southeast Michigan below and get more at GreatStuffToDo.com.

	Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter Theirs was a love that was genius. The DIA is the only U.S. venue for a stunning exhibition that brings two great artists together for the first time in America. "Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter" features over 130 masterworks by these two leading sculptors, each considered a legend in their own time. The exhibit also reveals the fascinating personal and artistic relationships between them. The Detroit Institute of Arts. SPACE: A Journey to Our Future Presented in collaboration with NASA, SPACE takes visitors on the voyage through the past, present and future of space exploration. This, the largest touring exhibit on space exploration, uses immersive scenic elements, advanced interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art projection and audio technology to bring the epic story of space exploration to life. The New Detroit Science Center. Noel Night Celebrate our diverse holiday traditions in 25 of the state's premier arts and cultural institutions -- all open free of charge on this special night. Horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, music, dance, stage plays and performances, children's activities, arts and crafts, shopping, Yuletide treats and funs are all part of the evening's festivities. University and Cultural Center, Midtown Detroit. The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker More than 50 of the finest dancers in the world, accompanied by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky's, magical, immortal score. Featuring more than 100 local children, performances by local youth choirs, elaborate scenery, puppets and more. The Detroit Opera House. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village Travel through time to the holidays of long ago, as the historic streets come alive with music performances, strolling costumed presenters and skilled artisan demonstrations, plus ice skating and holiday shopping. Greenfield Village, Dearborn. Tom Joyner Mistletoe Jam Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Faith Evans, Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams and Dennis Edwards & The Temptations Review perform live on stage in this star-studded musical celebration. Part of the proceeds benefit students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Joe Louis Arena, Detroit. Country Cares For Hurricane Relief Holiday Concert Country superstar Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood will light up the stage in a special holiday performance to benefit Habitat for Humanity. The Palace of Auburn Hills. More Special Places & Times.

	Too Hot to Handel Celebrate in style with this jazz version of Handel's Messiah. Featuring, Rod Dixon, Victor Trent Cook, Alfreda Burke and the Rackham Symphony Choir. Guest musicians include pianist Alvin Waddles, bassist Marion Hayden and saxophonist George Benson. Detroit Opera House. Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas Celebration With its trademark sound and exhilarating music, Mannheim Steamroller plays favorite selections from six multi-platinum Christmas albums, in an extravagant multi-media event. The Palace of Auburn Hills. A Christmas Carol A thrilling holiday extravaganza tells the story of mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge as three ghosts on Christmas Eve haunt him into his good senses. Charles Dicken's classic tale, adapted for the stage by Charles Nolte, is directed by Terry W. Carpenter. Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester. Radio City Christmas Spectacular The Rockettes return to show off their precision dance moves and share the magic of Christmas in what's become a sensational holiday tradition. The Fox Theatre, Detroit. Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol Old Jacob Marley finds himself facing the Record Keeper in the afterlife and gets offered one chance to save himself from a wretched eternity in chains. Scrooge's old business partner gets 24 hours to change one skinflint's heart in this comedy. The Performance Network, Ann Arbor. Between the Holidays Special The Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra performs a special holiday concert. The program features Young Artist Winner Emily Hudock, Violin. Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills. Christmas With Rutter The Oakland Community Chorus will present its holiday concert. The performance includes a modern take on Rutter's "Magnificat." Under the direction of Frederic DeHaven, an orchestra will accompany the chorus, with soprano Jeanne Bourget as soloist. Later in the program, the audience is invited to join in during the Christmas Carols. Shop & Champagne Organizers say art lovers will not want to miss Shop & Champagne, the annual fund-raising preview party for the 25th annual Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center Holiday Shop. Guests will enjoy a gourmet strolling buffet and live jazz. Find unique art objects created by local, regional and national artists including seasonal Christmas and Hanukkah merchandise. Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center. December Dances The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble presents a family-friendly holiday concert offering the audience a lively mix of dance, humor and song in a holiday performance, titled "December Dances". EDE's holiday concert this year will include four dance works, one of which will be a collaboration with Lake Orion High School Chorale. Lake Orion High School. Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of The Magi's Gold Whatever happened to the Magi's Gold? Well, Sister is coming to town and she is determined to find out. The hilarious and heartwarming spirit of the "Late Night Catechism" series lives on. Century Theatre, Detroit. The LeeVees They're a Hanukkah-related spin-off project featuring Guster's Adam Gardner and Dave Schneider of the Zambonis. The band will make their only Michigan appearance with a special concert. The public also is invited to a VIP meet-and-greet. Adat Shalom Synagogue, Farmington Hills. Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Holiday Tours The elegant style of Eleanor Ford can be seen in the lovely decorations that adorn the House during this festive season. Tour one of America's most magnificent homes, designed by Albert Khan. Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores. Seasonal Rhythms The Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Mixed Chorus and The Kingsmen perform Paul Basler's Missa Kenya in their annual seasonal choral concert. Martin Luther King High School, Detroit. The Lettermen The classic adult pop singers perform holiday tunes along with some of their 60s harmonic hits. Their hits on 18 gold albums include "The Way You Look Tonight" and "This Is the Moment." Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton Township. Christmas Bash with Gary Hoey Master of the hard rock "guitar shredding" Christmas Carol, Gary Hoey brings southeast Michigan a night of freewheeling and playful holiday music. The Magic Bag, Ferndale. I'm Dreaming of a White House Christmas A President's holiday memories are on exhibit. Holiday ornaments, Christmas cards, seasonal photographs and video are on display in the special exhibition chronicling the Ford White House Christmas. Gerald R. Ford Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A Christmas Story The classic holiday film about the original, traditional, one-hundred-percent, red-blooded, two-fisted, all-American Christmas returns to the Redford's big screen. There also will be a special benefit auction. The Historic Redford Theatre, Detroit. Christmas Treasures Concert The Seaway Chorale & Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert. Featured on the program of holiday music are the orchestra performing "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas Festival" and the Chorale singing "Deck the Halls in 7/8," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Rudolf," and more seasonal favorites. Community Auditorium, Flat Rock. The Nutcracker Ballet A holiday tradition filled with music and dance, the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra joins the Plymouth-Canton Ballet Company to present the classic fairy tale - Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Salem High School Auditorium, Canton Township. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild & Swingin' Holiday Party Swing in the holidays with the jazz-blues-and-swing combo that touched off a whole new craze for classic American dance music. The Ark, Ann Arbor. Festival of Trees Dazzling displays and awesome attractions to "jingle your bells." This sparkling celebration benefits Children's Hospital of Michigan with a public display of beautifully designed holiday trees, gingerbread village, handmade wall hangings, wreaths, a festive gift shop, live music, photos with Santa, and fun-filled children's activities. Rock Financial Showplace, Novi. Christmas at the Royal Park The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division Women's Auxiliary and the Detroit Metro Advisory Board present this fundraising event featuring a delicious luncheon and exclusive shopping at the Holly Berry Boutique. The Royal Park Hotel, Rochester. 28th Annual Boar's Head Festival Students, faculty and staff come together to enact medieval Christmas traditions and the story of Christ's birth in this moving musical spectacle - directed by Dr. Laura C. Bird with musical direction by Brian Altevogt. Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Concordia University, Ann Arbor. Smooth Jazz Christmas Concert Join Dave "Santa" Koz and his "elves", pianist David Benoit, singer Patti Austin, and guitarist/singer Jonathan butler for the most anticipated Smooth Jazz V98.7 concert of the season. The Detroit Opera House. Project Hope Holiday Luncheon and Boutique Project The Women's Division for Project HOPE Holiday Luncheon and Boutique event showcases unique gift items for the holidays. The selections include jewelry and accessories, sweaters, decorative seasonal items for the home, children's items, vintage baskets, candles, bath and beauty products, scarves and handbags, to name a few. Orchard Lake Country Club, West Bloomfield Township. The Chrismahanakwanzaa Spectacular Avoid battling the crowds at the mall, Aunt Mary's fruitcake, and the holiday blahs with some good old fashioned laughing. The Chrismashanakwanzaa Spectacular is a variety comedy show which lampoons and lambastes our favorite winter holidays. Improv Inferno, Ann Arbor. Christmas Around the World The acclaimed Rochester Symphony Orchestra joins with three musical choral groups to create an inspiring night of Christmas music and song. St. Andrew Church, Rochester. The Nutcracker's Nuts This comedy is set in a retirement community that performs their boring version of A Christmas Carol every year. After suggestions for something new, the seniors tackle The Nutcracker. Broadway Onstage Live Theatre, Eastpointe. Rock and Roll Christmas Spectacular III The Miracles, Vogues, Shangri-La's, Reflections, and special guest Gene Chandler, perform their number-one hits and holiday favorites. Noel Night at the Cathedral Come one, come all for a variety of fun and exciting activities for Noel Night. To kick-off the evening, there will be "Peace on Earth" themed poetry readings featuring Aurora Harris and poets of Public Arts Workz and the InsideOut Literary Arts Project City-Wide Teen Poets. The Episcopal Church of St. Paul, University and Cultural Center, Midtown Detroit. Music for Christmas The award-winning 80-voice Detroit Concert Choir performs classic, moving spirituals and beautifully arranged carols from around the world. Performances will be held at St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills; Old St Mary's, Greektown, Detroit; and at St. Martin de Porres, Warren. Schoolcraft College Choral Union Holiday Concerts Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Schoolcraft College Choral Union will perform a traditional holiday program at two area churches. The first performance will be at Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit and the second performance will be at Matthew's United Methodist Church in Livonia. A Christmas Carol sing-a-long is planned for both venues. Holiday Brass Indulge in the sweet sounds of your favorite holiday music performed by the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings brass ensemble, as they unite with the voices of two area youth choirs. The first show will be held at Christ Church, Grosse Pointe and will feature Grosse Pointe South High School's Pointe Singers. The second performance will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, spotlighting the choir from Bloomfield Hills' Andover High School. Community Christmas Celebration: Handel's 'Messiah' A string quartet from the renowned Cleveland Institute of Music will be performing with the adult and children's choirs and soloists. The free concert includes selections from Handel's Messiah. First Baptist Church, Gibraltar. Catholic Singles New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Party Enjoy an elegant buffet dinner, beer, wine, DJ music and dancing as you ring in the New Year among other Catholic singles in a positive atmosphere. The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth. Oakland County Parks Nature Centers Get outdoors and discover Michigan's winter magic. There are specialized nature exhibits and educational programs available year-round, plus cross country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing and more. Oakland County Parks Nature Centers. Handel's Messiah (Part 1) The Metropolitan Detroit Chorale and Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah - the Christmas portion, featuring art chosen to reflect each movement of the music. Cornerstone Baptist Church, Roseville. John Berry Christmas Concert The Nashville recording artist brings his family Christmas show to southeast Michigan. One show only. White Auditorium in Lapeer. More Events, Shows & More.

	Holiday Gifts The Gallery Shop offers a great place to shop for holiday gifts. Browse an expanded selection of unique jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber and more created by more than 150 local and regional artists. Ann Arbor Art Center. Annual Holiday Market The Holiday Market features talented local member artists showcasing unique hand crafted gifts such as ceramics, pottery, jewelry, photography, candles, soaps and edible art and stained glass. The premiere shopping extravaganza offers a tranquil purchasing opportunity. Orion Art Center, Lake Orion. Artistry & Craftsmanship It's a holiday art market featuring handmade items created by Michigan artisans including jewelry, glass, toys and crafts gift ideas plus Celtic crafts from O'Brien's Irish Cottage. Padzieski Art Gallery, Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn. Holiday Gift Gallery This annual event features handmade items by over 50 Michigan artists and is the local outlet for Pewabic Pottery. Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Rochester. Holiday Show This holiday event featuring pottery, tile, glass, jewelry, fashion accessories and fin art by nearly 100 Michigan artists. Biddle Gallery, Wyanodotte. More Art & Artistry.

	All the Best to You and Yours! As we can see, there really are a lot of good things happening in southeast Michigan. And, there's a lot more to come. Campus Martius will soon serve as the hub for the 2006 WinterBlast. That cool outdoor festival happens just around the time of Super Bowl XL at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. Those events and more will be subjects for future Special Editions of Great Stuff. Speaking of which: Next week, GreatStuff will publish the 2005 GreatGifts Special Edition. It will feature some of the works and buys available from the arts and cultural institutions in southeast Michigan. You'll find ways to get something for everyone on your list while also helping to support some of the organizations and destinations that make our region a truly cool place to live. Hope you get a chance to enjoy some of the great happenings in southeast Michigan this holiday season. May you and yours all enjoy a happy, prosperous and peace-filled new year.

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