Things to Do

A program by Members of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan

Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra - BBSO
The Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra (BBSO) is offering a chance to see three concerts for the price of two! The BBSO is the professional orchestra of the Birmingham and Bloomfield communities and is committed to bringing quality music to area residents. Coming BBSO performances include: Make a Joyful Noise, Water Music, Expressive Italiano, and Grande Finale. To take advantage of this deal, please call the BBSO offices at (248) 352-2276 and use the special promotion code, Holiday Guide.

Cantata Academy Chorale
"Magnificent Magnificat,” Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Celebrate a classical Christmas with Cantata Academy Chorale and the Grosse Pointe Symphony! Bach's Magnificat and more holiday favorites will be presented in a joint concert at the beautiful St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for children and $30 for families.

Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings - DCWS
Music lovers will love to join Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings for three concerts with the DCWS Flex-Pack subscription option. Choose from any of the remaining Friday night Nightnotes series and from of our remaining DCWS concerts: Love Your Brass, Shining Star, and Voice of the Baroque. Prices are $60 regular, $50 seniors (60+) and $20 for students (25 and under). That’s $20 or less for each performance! For more information, please visit online.

Detroit Children’s Choir
Detroit Children's Choir's Touring Choir will be appearing in the following concerts and venues in the month of December: Saturday, December 3rd, St. Dunstan's Theatre Holiday Concert at Christ Church Cranbrook; Saturday, December 3rd, 7 -Noel Night at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Monday, December 5, Christmas in Cape Breton with guest artist, Natalie MacMaster on Orchestra Hall Stage, Friday & Saturday, December 16/17 - 30 minute prelude music for Community Chorus of Detroit’s performance of Handel's 'Messiah’ at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Detroit Opera House
Filled with beauty, energy and love, the DOH hosts “BalletMet Columbus: The Nutcracker”, Nov. 25-27, 2011. The festive sights and sounds of BalletMet Columbus' production of The Nutcracker will delight audiences of any age, with Tchaikovsky's glorious score performed by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. Special family matinees feature box lunches, live reindeer, photos with Santa, and a special opportunity to meet dancers on stage in the Sugar Plum Parade. Tickets range from $29-76, and are available in person at the Detroit Opera House ticket office (1526 Broadway, Detroit, 48226), by phone at (313) 237-SING or online.

Detroit Public Library
With each $50 (or above) membership, the Detroit Public Library Friends Foundation offers two free tickets to the 68th annual E. Azalia Hackley Concert, Feb. 22, 2012, at 7 p.m. in The Friends Auditorium of the Main Library. The program features “In the Tradition,” a nine-piece orchestra performing a stimulating mix of African rhythms, jazz and funk. Tickets, when purchased alone, are $15 each. Join online call The Friends Office at (313) 481-1357.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra - DSO
This holiday season, give your friends and family the gift of music with tickets to the DSO’s brand new Neighborhood Concert Series or an all-access student pass, Soundcard, for just $25! You’ve heard the phrases “shop local” and “eat local” but now you can listen local when the DSO comes to your neighborhood as part of the brand new Neighborhood Concert Series during the 2011 – 2012 season. With 24 concerts in six different metro Detroit neighborhoods you are sure to find a performance at a location that’s convenient to you. Tickets are just $25 each or attend all four concerts in your neighborhood for just $75! One price. Endless possibilities with Soundcard. The new DSO program for students of all ages. Buy a Soundcard for just $25 and attend concerts at Orchestra Hall all season long.

Eisenhower Dance Ensemble - EDE
Detroit’s premier contemporary dance company, the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble offers a special deal on two of their three remaining performances. You pick the two performances you most want to see, and they’ll give you a great deal on ticket prices. Coming performances include: December Dances, NewDANCEfest X, and Red, Hot & Blue. This season sampler is available at $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $20 for students. For more information, please visit online.

Grosse Pointe Theatre
The remarkable worlds created on the stage will be appreciated by those receiving tickets to the Grosse Pointe Theatre. GPT presents a Special Holiday Offer with its Triple Play Package. Enjoy the coming three productions of the season: “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Moonlight and Magnolias” and “Hairspray” for only $50. The offer represents a savings of 25 percent. For more information, please visit online.

Heidelberg Project
For youngsters who love creating and reading, here’s a unique gift from Heidelberg Project. The HP's new children's book tells the story of a young Tyree Guyton and his grandfather who encouraged him to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist. Cost $16 ($19 on the website, which includes $3 for shipping and handling).

Heritage Works
Celebrates the beauty and humanity of African people through music, movement and folklore when Heritage Works presents “Kwanzaa Night: Kuumba! Creativity!” on Friday, Dec. 16 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. It’s a “Youth Cultural Arts Lock In” where participants stay overnight at the Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit. Cost is $20 per person. For reservations, please call (313) 438-2800.

Macomb Center
Make your holiday shopping easy with a gift certificate to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Choose your own amount or purchase Gift Certificates of $25, $50, $75 or $100, good for five years from the date of purchase. Laughter, music, dance, drama, comedy, history and more -- all wrapped up in one perfect gift. Call (586) 286-2222. You can even personalize the Gift Certificate with a brief message. 

Matrix Theatre Company
Children and grown-ups will enjoy a special take on Dicken’s masterpiece when Matrix Theatre Company presents “Puppet Scrooge,” Dec. 2-18, 2011. This annual holiday tradition puts a kid-friendly, Southwest Detroit spin on the classic Christmas tale about a miserable miser transformed by the Spirits of the Season. Performed entirely by Puppets, this show is fun for children and adults alike! Children are welcome to arrive early for a "Make & Take" to create their own puppet. Performance times are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.  Make & Takes will begin approximately one hour before performance times.  All performances will take place at Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley St., Detroit, MI 48216.  Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (65+ with ID), and $5 for children 10 and under.  Make & Take is $5 per child.  For questions or to make reservations, please call the Matrix Theatre Company Box Office at (313) 967-0599 or visit our website. 

Meadow Brook Theatre
Enjoy the spectacular spiritual transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge when Meadow Brook Theatre celebrates the 30th Anniversary of “A Christmas Carol.” Commemorative ornaments and note-cards featuring “A Christmas Carol artwork” will be available for purchase at Meadow Brook Theatre throughout the holiday season, and tickets to the production make a wonderful gift.

Michigan Philharmonic
Here’s a special holiday treat, filled with song, dance, beauty and magic. Michigan Philharmonic and the Plymouth Canton Ballet Company present “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 at Salem Auditorium. Audiences will open a second wonderful present at  “Home for the Holidays,” a special concert at the Penn Theatre in Downtown Plymouth on Thursday, Dec.  15.
 
Michigan Theater
Members of the Ann Arbor showcase enjoy discounts on performances and screenings, including Irving Berlin’s “Sing-a-Long White Christmas” on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. On-screen lyrics, goodie bags, and more holiday fun. Gift givers also will enjoy the Holiday Store, open from 4 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 2 through Christmas Eve. Gifts include Night Out packages, gift certificates, coupon books, Michigan Theater coffee mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, a limited supply of Michigan Theater lithograph prints, all of the “Live at Studio A2” CDs, and the Nancy Margolis photo card.

Michigan Youth Theater
Founded in 1992, Michigan Youth Theater’s  mission is to develop leadership, teamwork, and communications skills in youth ages 12 to 19 through theater production experiences while providing professional quality, classics-based, live theater experiences and education for community schools and audiences of all ages. We offer gift certificates to be used at any future performances.  These could be in any denomination $5 and up.  MYT has staged performances in Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester, Flint, Holly and many places in between! 

Mosaic Youth Theatre
The Michigan Chronicle reports: Mosaic’s holiday show is “… a nostalgic theatrical journey to magical Motor City destinations.” Performances of “Woodward Wonderland: A Detroit Holiday Celebration” by Mosaic Youth Theatre are Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. For reservations and details on this special musical trip through time, please call (313) 833-4005 or visit online. 

Motor City Brass Band - MCBB
Detroit’s Motor City Brass Band offers the opportunity to hear their concerts for the special price of $8 a ticket. Motor City’s combination of brass and percussion instruments brings audience favorites to life like no other musical group in the Detroit area. Upcoming concerts include: Sounds of the Season, Motor City Festival of Bands and Peace Lovin’ Brass. To order, call the MCBB hotline at (248) 788-6618 and use the special promotion code, Holiday 8. 

Music Hall
A gift for someone who loves live performance, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts suggests tickets to its upcoming show, the critically acclaimed musical FELA!, Feb. 14-March 4, 2012. Winner of three 2010 Tony-Awards, FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones. Everybody say: “Yeah Yeah!” Tickets: $30-$100. Call (313) 887-8500. 

Performance Network
Here’s the ticket for those who appreciate the professional stage. The Performance Network is offering 20-percent off Gift Certificates for coming performances. Just mention “Give the Gifts of Art and Culture” and receive the discounts to musicals, dramas and comedies that include: “Ain't Misbehavin', the Fats Waller Musical Show”; “God of Carnage”; “Dead Man's Shoes”; “Red”; “In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play”; and “Burn This.”

Plymouth Historical Museum
Touch Hollywood and discover Michigan’s special place in a classic family comedy at the Plymouth Historical Museum exhibit: "The Christmas Story" until Dec.  31. Come and see scenes from the movie: Ralphie in bed with his BB gun, Christmas morning, Flick stuck to the pole with his tongue hanging out and more. Plymouth is the original home of the Daisy Manufacturing Company which manufactured rifles and BB guns. PHM displays several original pieces from 1939-1940, as well as play stations for children and a visit with Santa. Hours are 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Plowshares Theatre
Here’s a great way for people to discover how the worlds on the stage will expand the inner worlds of their hearts, mind and spirit. Plowshares Theatre Company’s new program, "Young and Free," is a free membership program for people between the ages of 16 and 29. Members are eligible to purchase show tickets for $10. In addition, members can bring an extra person between 16 and 29 who also pays only $10. Members also get advantages on other ticket deals and special offers. For details, visit online.

Purple Rose Theatre
Pure Michigan hilarity from Jeff Daniels hits the spot for hunters, non-hunters, and those who love them in this comedy at The Purple Rose Theatre. Set on the eve of the opening day of deer season 1989, “Escanaba in da Moonlight” tells the story of Reuben Soady, the only son in a family of U.P. hunters never to bag a buck. “Escanaba in da Moonlight” runs through Dec 31.

Rackham Symphony Choir
Give tickets to “Too Hot To Handel,” Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House. The holiday celebration that's "too hot to miss" celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Motor City. The jazz-gospel 'Messiah' combines decidedly Detroit-inspired styles such as jazz and gospel with Handel's masterpiece. Featuring Rackham Symphony Choir. Tickets range from $18-65, and are available in person at the Detroit Opera House ticket office (1526 Broadway, Detroit, 48226), by phone at (313) 237-SING or online at www.MichiganOpera.org.

Sphinx
A special gift for someone who loves live performance of the highest quality is attending the 2012 Sphinx Competition. The Sphinx 15 Finals Concert, the Annual Sphinx Competition for young African American and Latino string players, will be Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Orchestra Hall of the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Tickets are only $12. For reservations, please call (313) 576-5111 or visit www.detroitsymphony.com. Learn more about the Sphinx Organization online.

Troy Historic Society
Learning how to preserve special moments in time makes a unique gift from the Troy Historical Society. “Preserving Your Family’s Images” on Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 1-4 p.m. will discuss how to protect and preserve one’s cherished family history. With so many format changes, it’s hard to know how to preserve important family information and memories for future generations. What can you do to extend the life of your family pictures, films, videos and DVDs? Join us for a workshop and hand-outs that will help you plan for your family’s multi-media future. Instructor Kim Schroeder teaches photo preservation and restoration at Wayne State University.

The Village Theatre in Cherry Hill
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton will be offering special online coupon code discounts for those looking to give theater tickets to the littlest art-lovers in their lives this Holiday Season! Coming performances (and DISCOUNT Codes) include John Tartaglia's “ImaginOcean - A Glow-in-the-Dark Musical Adventure,” Friday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. (OCEAN to purchase for $12 each); ArtsPower's “Are You My Mother?” Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. (AYMM2 to purchase tickets for $8 each); Kenya Safari Acrobats, Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. (KENAC to purchase tickets for $18 each). Get details and reservations online.

University of Michigan Detroit Center
Everyone is invited to enjoy the free, 2nd Annual Sounds of the Season Concert on Friday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. The concert features holiday music by U-M Dearborn vocalists and musicians, as well as a performance by the Advanced Choir from Southfield-Lathrup High School. RSVPs are required by Nov. 28. For tickets, please call (313) 593-3584 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Learn more about the UMDC and its unique offerings online.

Wayne State University Department of Music
Sponsor someone to become a member of the Wayne State University Department of Music “Friends of Music” for one year. Your special person will receive a membership card that provides free admission for two to on-campus department concerts, and half-price at “Mondays at the Max with WSU” concerts. Your name will be listed in special WSU concert program booklets as a member of “Friends of Music.” Cost is $25 for Membership. For additional information, please visit online or call (313) 577-1795.

Wild Swan Theatre
Wild Swan Theater’s original adaptation of “Little Women” returns to the stage for six performances Thursday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011. Little Women is a beautiful coming of age story that occupies a special place in American literature.  The March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, are growing up in Civil War-era New England. When their beloved mother Marmee must leave them to visit their ailing father at the front, the sisters must face life together. The production is written by Wild Swan’s Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director Hilary Cohen especially for students in grades 3-12. To purchase tickets and for more information, please call (734) 995-0530.

Click here to view full "2011 Give the Gift of Art and Culture" listing.