Queer Things To Do: Attend a David Sedaris Show, Go to a Different Kind of 'Church,' Meet the Creator of 'A Strange Loop'
Now that your "Barbie" movie meme stash is fully organized and primed for posting, it’s time to turn your attention to all the joyful queer fun waiting for you in Southeast Michigan this April. See David Sedaris in Detroit, stretch your concept of acceptance at one of NOW Studio’s weekly community events, or meet the Detroit-born creator of the highly-acclaimed musical, “A Strange Loop.” Looking for a special night out? Attend a benefit featuring Michigan drag queen superstars in support of Affirmations or experience the ethereal vibe of a Dani Darling show.
1. Catch David Sedaris Live
Renowned gay author and speaker David Sedaris returns to Detroit April 19 for the aptly named “An Evening with David Sedaris.” Whether he’s regaling us with tales about picking up garbage on the side of the road in his adopted hometown in France or evoking visceral responses to stories about his wild interactions with little sister Amy, Sedaris is a master at digging into what it means to be human — flaws, corduroy and denim, and all. The author’s latest works, “Happy-Go-Lucky” and “Carnival of Snackery,” are sure to feature heavily in the talk and Q&A, and procrastinators, rejoice — you can buy a book right on site through Wayne State University and have it signed by the author.
April 19, 7:30 p.m., Fisher Theatre (3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit). Ticket link at davidsedarisontour.com. 2. Good Tunes, Good Vibes with Dani Darling
Looking for a low-key, midweek hang? North Star Lounge and Dani Darling have you covered. The venue’s weekly LGBTQ+ night frequently features Darling, a singer/songwriter, guitarist, producer and bandleader who plays in the layered funk and soul space. The artist draws on influences like Billie Holiday and old Hollywood — and also, dreams and the universe — to create what The Ark called a “whimsical world where time is like an old tune made new.” Darling’s latest EP, “The Future,” earned a Detroit Music Award nomination for best R&B recording.
April 25, 7-10 p.m., North Star Lounge, 301 North 5th Ave., Ann Arbor. More information at nstarlounge.com.3. Support Queers for a Cause
Revel in a dazzling drag performance by some of Michigan’s best known queens, enjoy some laughs and support a good cause all at the same time — who said you weren’t versatile? Queens for a Cause, hosted by Affirmations on April 27, will feature performances by Michigan-based drag performers Emma Sapphire, Kourtney Breeze and Bentley James and a stand-up comedy performance by “the little sister of Detroit comedy” Diana Graham. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will benefit Affirmations.
April 27, 8 p.m., The Crofoot, 1 South Saginaw, Pontiac. Ticket link at thecrofoot.com/events/queens-for-a-cause.4. Attend a Radically Inclusive Event at NOW Studios
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NOW Studios founder Petals Sandcastle describes Wednesday nights at their space in Ann Arbor, officially dubbed “Community Sounds” nights, as “gorgeous community events where people, like clockwork every week, come to jam along with artists, ‘artivists’ and dancers, all in the company of spectators spectating.” Thursday night open mic nights offer a different vibe. “It’s more like non-denominational church — it’s so beautiful,” Sandcastle tells Pride Source. Everyone is welcome, and Sandcastle truly means everyone. Radical acceptance and radical safety are core principles of the space and at the center of each of NOW Studio’s many unique endeavors. Sandcastle adds, "The rabbit hole is waiting! Come play with Dorothy and Alice and all your friends."
NOW Studios, 715 University Ave., Ann Arbor (in the basement). More information at expressyouryes.org.5. Attend a Talk with ‘A Strange Loop’ Creator Michael R. Jackson
Native Detroit playwright, composer and lyricist Michael R. Jackson, a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner best known for his musical “A Strange Loop,” currently on tour in London, will speak at Wayne State April 18 as part of the university’s Urban Perspectives Series. John Corvino, dean of Wayne State’s honors college and a professor of philosophy, will interview Jackson. “We are very excited to be bringing Michael R. Jackson to Wayne State,” said Corvino in a news release, “and especially excited to host him in our new Hilberry Gateway space. His work is groundbreaking, challenging and inspiring — and I’m sure our conversation will be as well."
April 18, 5 p.m., Wayne State University’s Hilberry Gateway, 4715 Cass Ave., Detroit. RSVP at rsvp.wayne.edu/aljup-jackson-2023 or call 313-577-2300.
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