The Metro Events Guide: Short films, Detroit-made music and more

This week, we’re highlighting Detroit-made music, cultural celebrations across the city and critically-acclaimed short films.

Plus, a chance to learn pottery over a glass of wine. Read on to learn more.

Detroit-made music

For nearly four decades, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and native Detroiter Kenny Garrett has built a career that has seen him become recognized as one of the most versatile artists in jazz. His new album, ‘Sounds of the Ancestors,’ recalls the sounds of West African music and its roots within the rich jazz, R&B and gospel music of Detroit. He’ll be playing tracks from that album on Friday, Feb. 23 at the DSO’s Orchestra Hall. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $19. For more information, visit the DSO’s website.

Read more: Detroit native Kenny Garrett brings a lifetime of music experiences to DSO

Holy Profane is an alt-rock psychedelic band out of Detroit, and their latest project is called ‘Faithless Elector.’ The group is playing a record release show at the Lager House on Friday, Feb. 23 with special guests Rose St. Germaine, a folk-rock group out of Ferndale, and Dang Quixote, an indie-rock group out of Detroit. Doors open at 8 p.m., music starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $10. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

Then, Rob Zinck & The Collaborators, led by metro Detroit singer-songwriter Rob Zinck, will be playing at Cadieux Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 24. Special guests include Ferndale rock band VELLOWS and Midwestern goth group ThePicassos. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $5. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

Cultural celebrations

This weekend, the Detroit Riverfront is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration at Valade Park, featuring an international food truck rally, traditional dance performances, a parade and more. Festivities kick off on Friday, Feb. 23 and go through Sunday, Feb. 25. For more information, visit their website.

Then, on Sunday, Feb. 25, the Amen-Ra Drummers and Dancers will perform at The Hawk Theatre Black Box, showcasing traditional music and dance from the African diaspora. This performance is part of the Farmington Hills Special Services Department’s Cultural Art Division’s Black History Month concert series. Tickets are $15 online and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

Short films

Starting on Thursday, Feb. 22, the Detroit Film Theatre inside the DIA is presenting a complete program with all of this year’s Oscar-nominated short documentaries. While not as high profile as their feature-length counterparts, these shorts offer an expansive, enlightening exploration of the world. There will be four screenings through Friday, March 8, each roughly three hours long with a 25-minute intermission. General admission is $10.50 and advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information, visit their website.

Then, keep the short films coming at the Motor City Cinema Society with An Evening of Curated Shorts. On Monday, Feb. 26, they’ll be presenting shorts ranging from rarely-seen documentary footage of 1950’s Detroit, to Betty Page, a vintage cartoon. The screening starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5. For more information, visit their website.

Pottery parties

On Friday, Feb. 23, The Hawk is hosting a Sip & Spin Social Night. Participants will practice throwing ceramics on a pottery wheel, make a piece and glaze it, all while sipping on a complimentary beer or wine with friends. After the class, pieces will be fired and ready for pickup in two to three weeks. This workshop is open to artists 21+ of all skill levels. The event goes from 6-9 p.m. and tickets are $85, with a $10 discount for Farmington Hills residents. For more information, visit their website.