A splendid community anytime, Northville is all the more so this weekend. Art in the Sun takes place this Saturday and Sunday, with more than 100 exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and untold smiles. Stop by, make a purchase, soak in the atmosphere. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s — ideal strolling weather — so bring the family.
It’s “Detroit’s Unrivaled International Arts Festival,” a claim its organizers back up year after year. The 22nd Annual Detroit Festival of the Arts kicks off this Friday, June 6, and will keep tens of thousands of attendees entertained and well-fed through Sunday. Smokin’ tunes from such national acts as Raul Malo (Saturday @ 7:30) and Guy Davis (Sunday @ 3:15) intermingle with potent sounds from Motor City stalwarts that include Thornetta Davis (Saturday @ 5:30) and the Mosaic Singers (Sunday @ 12:30). Check out these profiles. In addition to the performing arts, there will be numerous practitioners of the fine arts with creations on display, so please visit them. Back in my radio days, I was a frequent emcee on various DFA stages, and loved being immersed within the excitement that unfolded at the event. I still try to attend each year. So often, I discover a new musical act or other artist, and I always enjoy the experience. Kids have plenty of fun, too. Come on down to Midtown’s University Cultural Center for this magnificent festival.
I’ve been dealing with a range of emotions. Sadly, my father passed away last Tuesday following a sudden illness and, understandably, I’ve been absent from these pages. The situation was dire, and the medical staff was candid, yet kind, about the likely outcome. However, at times there seemed hope for recovery, and the resultant mood swings could be wrenching. I loved Dad very much, and treasure the time we spent together. My thanks to the many family members and friends who offered their unconditional support to both me and my mother, as well as to my wife and daughter, during this difficult period. The experience has forever changed my perspective.
Kudos to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their “No Child Left Inside” campaign to get kids out of the house this spring and summer, and throughout the year, especially in light of studies that indicate children spend less than 30 minutes per week outside, one-ninth the time current adults spent outside when they were of the same age. On that note, I encourage you to check out GoCityKids, filled with a range of activities for you and your brood, and searchable by major city.
