Top Metro Detroit Events for May 2024

Primus, Puscifier, and A Perfect Circle

Three titans of alt-rock and metal will join forces for a North American tour this spring in celebration of the 60th birthday of Maynard James Keenan. The revered singer-songwriter fronts both Puscifier and A Perfect Circle, which, along with Primus, will perform full individual sets on the same bill. Musicians from each band also plan to dabble in each other’s performances, crafting a truly unique live music experience for rock fans new and old. May 2. $49+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston ; 313presents.com .

Annie

One of the most enduring and beloved stage productions of all time, this musical by Tony Award winners Charles Strouse, Thomas Meehan, and Martin Charnin tells the story of an orphaned 11-year-old girl desperate to find her family in Great Depression-era New York City. Directed by Jenn Thompson, the sunny show will charm audiences of all ages with sensationally catchy songs and a touching message about what it really means to have a family. May 3-5. $30+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; 313presents.com .

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Comedians Greg Proops, Ryan Stiles, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will bring the hilarious, unscripted comedy to the Michigan Theater stage this month. The celebrated show — now in its 20th season — is credited with introducing improv comedy to a new generation during its initial run in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Since then, the show has featured various hosts and performers, but two things have remained constant: Everything’s made up, and the points don’t matter. May 8. $55+. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor ; michtheater.org .

Marc Maron

The New Jersey-based comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster cut his teeth on the late-night talk show circuit in the ’90s, famously appearing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien more than 40 times. Since then, he’s hosted shows on Comedy Central and VH1, starred in his own IFC comedy series, and launched WTF with Marc Maron — a podcast he hosts twice weekly. In his stand-up routines, Maron is known for combining earnest self-reflection with nuanced cultural critique, dissecting his own romantic relationships, friendships, and professional experiences along the way. May 11. $49+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak ; royaloakmusictheatre.com .

Art Birmingham

Now in its 43rd year, this annual street fair in downtown Birmingham’s Shain Park invites local and national fine artists to present works in paint, sculpture, metal, photography, glass, and many other mediums. Visitors can also expect to enjoy live music performances, food trucks, and art activities for kids. Last year’s event boasted 150 jury-selected artists and attracted around 80,000 attendees. May 11-12. No cost. Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham ; theguild.org .

The Cunning Little Vixen

Witness the Detroit premiere of this Czech-language opera about a brilliant fox’s mission to outsmart her captors. Talented singers combine with colorful projections and bespoke animations to recall the tale’s humble origins as an early 20th-century comic strip. The result is a playful, immersive, and visually stunning production that will engage adults as well as children older than 6 years. May 11-19. $90+ for the public; $15 for students. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit ; detroitopera.org .

Sean Paul

Packing a catalog of party-ready hits like “Get Busy” and “Temperature,” Jamaican singer and rapper Sean Paul will make a Detroit stop during his upcoming Greatest tour. Hailed as one of the most prolific artists in the dancehall and reggae genres, Paul boasts a Grammy Award-nominated solo discography as well as collaborations with some of pop’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé and Sia. May 14. $64+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; livenation.com .

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The blues songwriter and guitarist will showcase songs from his latest album — last year’s Dirt on My Diamonds — when he brings his band to Detroit’s Music Hall this month. After storming onto the blues scene at only 18 years old in 1995, Shepherd went on to sell more than 2 million albums — including Grammy-nominated Trouble Is… , which holds the record for the longest-running album on the Billboard blues chart. May 17. $50+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit ; musichall.org .

Wanda Sykes

Comedy fans are likely to recognize Sykes from her prolific television career, which includes recurring roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm , The New Adventures of Old Christine , and The Upshaws . The writer, comedian, and actor has also lent her voice to the Ice Age animated film franchise and guest-starred in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Black-ish , both of which landed her an Emmy Award nomination for outstanding guest actress. As a stand-up entertainer, Sykes deftly and hilariously discusses her personal life, politics, and everything in between. May 17. $64+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; livenation.com .

Death of a Driver

An American engineer named Sarah moves to Kenya and befriends Kennedy, her charismatic East African driver, in this new play by Will Snider. As the two work together to transform Kenya’s rural countryside, political adversity drives a wedge between them, forcing Sarah to reckon with the realities of trying to “do good” in a country and culture she doesn’t fully understand. May 17-June 9. $28. Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor ; theatrenova.org .

Motor City Comic Con

Comic book, anime, and pop culture fans gather to meet over 250 comic book creators, writers, and artists along with special celebrity guests like Charlie Hunnam and Cristina Vee. In addition, guests are encouraged to dress in their best cosplay for the cosplay contest, watch anime screenings, sit in on panel talks, and much more. May 19-21. $30-$249 for adults; $10-$20 for kids 12 and under. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi ; motorcitycomicon.com .

Heart

Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, this rock powerhouse released a smattering of smash hits in the ’70s and ’80s, including “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “Alone.” Fans will hear those beloved tracks and more when the band celebrates its storied 50-year career on its upcoming Royal Flush tour, which features support from fellow ’70s rockers Cheap Trick. May 21. $44.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; 313presents.com .

Evil Does Not Exist

The peace and serenity of a rural Japanese village is threatened when it becomes the site of a posh new “glamping” resort in this thought-provoking film by Academy Award-winning director Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Straddling the physical world and the metaphysical one, the film’s haunting and poignant messages promise to stick with viewers long after the movie ends. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles. May 24-26. $8+. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 John R St., Detroit ; dia.org .

Kensington Metropark Art Fair

Browse paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and more as you enjoy the scenic backdrop of Kent Lake at this annual art fair. Expect to see more than 100 juried artists sharing their works, along with a curated selection of food trucks,
local vendors, live music, and hands-on arts and crafts projects. May 25-27. No cost. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford ; kensingtonartfair.com .

Hozier

Irish singer-songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne became a household name when his debut single, “Take Me to Church,” surged to No. 2 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart in 2014. Blending elements of blues, rock, soul, folk, and R&B, Hozier uses his music as a vehicle for his passionate activism. His 2023 album Unreal Unearth was named one of the best albums of the year by Billboard , Esquire , HuffPost , and several other publications. May 31. $49+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston ; 313presents.com .

This story originally appeared in the May 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on May 6.

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