One of the most acclaimed oud players in the world today, Al-Haj has received many accolades and awards, including two Grammy nominations. He has recorded and performed with other master musicians of varied backgrounds and styles, including the indie-rock band REM. Al-Haj’s music combines traditional Iraqi style with contemporary influence; he has composed pieces for solo oud, string quartet, symphony and more.

A native of Baghdad, Iraq, Al-Haj began playing the oud at age nine. At the Institute of Music in Baghdad, Al-Haj studied under Salim Abdul Kareem, considered by many to be the greatest oud player ever. In 1991, after the first Gulf War, Al-Haj was forced to leave Iraq due to his activism against the Saddam Hussein regime. He moved to the United States in 2000 as a political refugee and has resided in Albuquerque, N.M. ever since; he became a U.S. citizen in 2008 and currently is a lecturer at the University of New Mexico.

Prior to the concert, Al-Haj will give a public lecture at 6 p.m. Both events are open to the public; admission to the concert is free of charge. His visit is sponsored by SVSU’s Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Visiting Scholars and Academic Development endowment. For more information, contact the SVSU Box Office at 989-964-4261 or the SVSU Department of Music at 989-964-4159.

The contest is open to artists and writers of all ages. If offers first, second and third place awards and honorable mention recognition.

Gateway ('Spiral the Gate') by Ray Katz - July 4th, 2011 at Michigan and Military in Dearborn

Artwork and writings must be inspired by one or more of the 12 MSI sculptures located in the East and West Dearborn areas and on the grounds of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (The Center). Additional information about the sculptures, locations and entry requirements can be found at www.dearborncommunityfund.org or by contacting the Dearborn Community Fund office at 313-943-5478.

Selected artwork and writings will be showcased at the March 28 “Multi-Arts Night” program which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Studio A at The Center located at 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. The program is open to the public at no charge.

The Midwest Sculpture Initiative is a project of the Dearborn Community Fund with support from the East Dearborn and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities. The Dearborn Community Fund provides and promotes financial and volunteer resources in support of arts, recreational and cultural programs that directly impact the community.

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A common jester that will be performing live glassblowing demonstrations at this year’s Mardi Gras Winter Warm-up show.

“This show was definitely developed by our customers’ requests,” comments founding owner Michelle Plucinsky. “Not only did our customers want some new glass products, but they enjoy the educational part of our business so much they are demanding more shows that feature unique techniques and styles of glass. For example, during this event, we are going to highlight all sorts of functional drinking vessels from shot glasses, rocks glasses, to hurricane style goblets. We’ll explain the differences in making the glasses, color patterns in the glass, and how we put the designs in the glass.”

Attendees will get an up close and personal education on glass as well as an intimate look at a thriving art studio and the staff that works there. In order to give the best show for the guests, tickets will be limited. “We’re going to make this a bit of an interactive event by playing off the New Orleans parade/party theme. By limiting our ticket sales, we can give each guest a great experience and make them feel extra special with music, bangles of beads, and creole foods.

As always, customers will have that rare chance to talk with the artists to design and watch as custom drinking glasses are made to order. “I’m always amazed and delighted by what the glassblowers make in this studio, “ comments Jenni Simich, a visitor to the Academy. “I’m addicted to their shows here!! I’ve come to over 6 events and each time I learn something new and want to know more. It’s truly both an educational event and a fun evening out. I highly suggest their shows to everyone!”

Tickets cost $40 and include one hand crafted shot glass made at the Glass Academy, food, beverages and live glassblowing demonstrations. Must be 21 to participate. The show runs February 23rd, from 5-9pm at the Glass Academy in Dearborn.

For more information about the show, “Mardi Gras Winter Warm-up,” visit www.glassacademy.com or call the studio at 313-561-4527. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Michigan Glass, an organization that highlights Michigan glass artists, museums, teaching institutions and collectors. Visit michiganglass.org for more info.

About the Glass Academy
The Glass Academy is a 14,000 square foot working studio used for private and public events that teach educational classes about glass and the traditional artists’ methods in making glass. The studio features, a gallery, dining area, and free secure parking. It is also the corporate office for Furnace Design Studio and the Royal Glassmakers.

Dearborn’s Ford Community & Performing Arts Center will present “The Music of ABBA,” featuring the Swedish group Arrival, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Michael A. Guido Theater, followed by an ABBA Dance Party in the Hubbard Ballroom until 1 a.m.

Arrival, which has exclusive world-wide rights to recreate the ABBA sound and style, will perform all your favorite ABBA tunes, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “Fernando.”

The after-concert dance party will feature a DJ playing top 40 selections, an amazing light show, a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets for both events begin at $60.

Tickets for the concert only are priced at $29-$59, while tickets for the dance party only are priced at $25.

Tickets are available online at www.dearborntheater.com and at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For further information, call the box office at 313-943-2354.

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In the Padzieski Art Gallery – Tea and munchies – Call 313-943-3095 – reservations please

February 15 – Trio of regional Photographers
March 21 – Joseph Bergman
April 18 – Detroit Institute of Arts speaker
May 16 – Aspiring High School artists
June 20 – Detroit Institute of Arts speaker

Pop & Popcorn – 4:30 PM – An opportunity for students to meet with artists- one-on-one – free

In the Padzieski Art Gallery:.

February 15 – Teresa Lousias
May 16 – Aspiring High School artists

A family oriented Sunday afternoon to “Experience the Arts” – An excellent way to find out which areas of the Arts truly interest you and/or your family. 3 to 5 PM – $ 10 each or $ 32 for family of four – per session

February 12 – Photography – How to use your own camera- experienced photographers instructing
March 11 – Brass Instruments – Motor City Brass Band concert
April 15 – “Color Me” – experience all the Arts through color
May 13–“So You Think You Want to be a Writer?” workshop w/ Anne Gautreau
June 10 – Plein Air Art – outdoors – Artist Society of Dearborn

The individual aspiring artist can learn how to frame and mat their work -

Framing Workshop – Monday, January 30 – 6 PM – FCPAC – $ 8- each

Bring your favorite piece of art ( no larger than 12 x 20) – Material fees additional.

Honorees for the 2011 Mayor’s Arts Awards are:

• Frank Padzieski – The Mayor’s Award (in memoriam – Frank died at 103 recently)
• Isabelle Renaud – Artist/Performer Award
• Kurt Doelle – Arts Educator Award
• Leslie Greeneisen – DCAC Bravo Award
• Cynthia Frabutt – Volunteer Award
• University of Michigan (Dearborn) – Patron Award
• Artists Society of Dearborn – Organization Award

The Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, February 8th in the Michael Guido Theatre at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 pm and is free to the public. A reception immediately following the ceremony will be in Studio A, next to the theatre and will also be open to the public.

The Mayor’s Arts Awards were created by Dearborn Community Arts Council (DCAC) and late Mayor, Michael Guido, to honor those members of our community who create, perform, educate and the support the fine and performing arts in the greater Dearborn area.

The Master of Ceremonies for this year’s prestigious event will be Dearborn’s multi-talented Brian Townsend. Among the groups slated to perform during the evening are the Prysm School of the Arts, the Dearborn High Thespians and a film montage of the DHS Film and Video program.

No reservations are required. Any inquires can be directed to the DCAC office; 313-943-3095.

Arrival’s performance in the Michael A. Guido Theater begins at 8 p.m. and includes some of the most upbeat, feel good sounds of the 70’s including classic ABBA hits featured in both the musical and movie “Mama Mia.” You know them all – “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and more! Arrival is the only group sanctioned by ABBA to perform their classic hits.

Immediately following the performance, the season’s Ultimate Dance Party, open to those 21 and over, kicks off at 10 p.m. in The Center’s Hubbard Ballroom. Under a spectacular light display, party goers will groove to more ABBA music and other tunes mixed by two of Detroit’s favorite DJs – Ray G of Detroit and MMK of South Beach. Included in the evening will be other entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar featuring specialty ABBA drinks.

Combination concert/Ultimate Dance Party tickets offer special benefits. VIP tickets are $100 and include premium front section concert seating, an opportunity to meet the performers, Ultimate Dance Party admission, and two drink tickets.

A $60 combination concert and Ultimate Dance Party ticket includes main floor concert seating.

Tickets to only the Ultimate Dance Party are $25. Individual Arrival concert ticket prices vary.

The Center, located at 15801 Michigan at Greenfield, is fully accessible and offers free parking.

The Arrival ABBA Concert and Ultimate Dance Party fundraiser is coordinated by the non-profit Dearborn Community Fund (DCF). The organization provides resources to support arts, cultural and recreational projects that impact the citizens of Dearborn. It is funded entirely through generous contributions from individuals, businesses, sponsors and fundraising activities.

For tickets or more information, call The Center box office at 313-943-2354.

First ever “Glow” Project Offers Interactive Art Experience – After Dark in Dearborn

The site for the project is on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Brady in west Dearborn adjacent to the Dearborn Historical Museum, a co-host for the project along with the Dearborn Community Fund.

The idea for the project, described as a “celestial field,” originated with Dearborn resident Paolo Mastrogiacomo, a University of Michigan graduate student in architecture, and his colleague Ariya Kelly. In addition to providing a unique experience, they see the potential for this type of project to provide the community with an opportunity to stop, play and become engaged while calling attention to the west Dearborn downtown and what it has to offer.

Mastrogiacomo and Kelly along with a group of volunteers including designers, artists and people from the community will install the interactive display.

Visitors will be encouraged to walk through the “field” and to move the glow sticks at will resulting in a constantly changing pattern. Three sculptures, part of Dearborn’s Midwest Sculpture Initiative which continues through April, are also featured on the site. The Dearborn Historical Museum will be open to welcome visitors to tour and enjoy light refreshments.

The project team hopes that this temporary interactive creative project will be the first of many and serve to encourage other area artists to develop future projects.

The event is open to the public at no charge. In the event of heavy snow accumulation of more than two and a half feet, the project will be rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 17, at the same location.

Additional information is available by contacting the Dearborn Community Fund at 313-943-5478.

From left: (standing) (Magi) Teria Berry, Kevin Talanges, Spencer Venis, David Nycz, Deanna Dib, Katelyn Harrison, Meredith Brehob, Lauren Wycka, (Amahl) Nathan Booth, Lucas Ramone, Benjamin Timpf; (seated) (Magi) Lily Melekian, Clare Russell, Meara Thierry, Errick Lisk, (Amahl) Brendan Hay, Annelise Folkema, Michael Nelson.

The Edsel Ford High School Performing Arts Department will present both short productions during “An Evening of Unexpected Gifts.” Each of these productions has an appeal for all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart, and are especially appropriate for the holiday season.

From left, back row: (Magi) Kevin Talanges, (Amahl) Michael Nelson, Annelise Folkema. Middle row: (Magi) Meara Thierry, (Amahl) Nathan Booth, Benjamin Timpf, Brendan Hay. (Amahl) Lucas Ramone.

In Jon Jory’s adaptation of “The Gift of the Magi,” the time-honored tradition of the giving of gifts and unforeseen results is explored through the story of newlyweds Della (Meara Thierry) and Jim (Errick Lisk).

In “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” a set of surprise visitors (Lucas Ramon, Nathaniel Booth, Benjamin Timpf and Michael Nelson) bring a starving widow (Annelise Folkema) and her crippled son (DuVall 5TH grader Brendan Hay) a new understanding of the selfless act of giving.

Both productions will be performed by the Performing Arts Students of Edsel Ford High School. Joining them for “Amahl” are students from DuVall, Howe and O.L. Smith Schools, along with Edsel Ford parents and alumni and Dearborn Public Schools music faculty, both onstage and in the orchestra.

Ticket prices are, in advance: $6 students and senior citizens; $8 adults. At the door: $8 students and senior citizens; $10 adults.

Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., Dec. 7-13, and 30 minutes before curtain rises on performance nights, Dec. 14-17. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. each night.

Dearborn Community Chorus will perform The Holly and the Ivy (Rutter), Sure on This Shining Night (Lauridsen), Hodie Christus Natus Est (Poulenc), Winter Cantabile (Eccard) and Winter Sleigh Ride (Henderson). Vanguard Voices will perform Magnificat (Vivaldi, with chamber orchestra), O Nata Lux (Forbes) and Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind (Crandell).

The choirs will combine to sing Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The evening will end with the choirs and audience singing the Hallelujah Chorus by George F. Handel — a perpetual world wide favorite of  young and old,  and popular choice of  mall singing flash mobs.

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He shall reign for ever and ever, King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah, Hallelujah; and He shall reign, and He shall reign, and He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings, forever and ever, and Lord of lords – Hallelujah, Hallelujah, and he shall reign forever and ever.  ~ lyrics from the Hallelujah Chorus ~  Rev. 11:15

Audience members will be treated to pre-concert music in the lobby from 6:15-6:45 p.m., and are invited to a punch and cookies reception immediately following the concert. Reserved tickets, priced at $15, $12, and $8, are available at The Center’s box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (313-943-2354)

Dearborn Community Chorus and Vanguard Voices are both sponsored by the Dearborn Recreation and Parks Department.