Shrek the Musical
The beloved tale of an antisocial ogre and the journey that softens his heart comes to life onstage in this family-friendly musical by Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, this revised production features all-new choreography and fresh direction by Danny Mefford, along with all the laughs and heartwarming moments that made the 2001 film a smash hit. Aug. 2-4. $50+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Our Places: Plein Air Exhibition
The French term en plein air refers to the method of painting a natural landscape while immersed in that very landscape. For this exhibition at the Northville Art House, artists will display summertime plein air paintings of their favorite outdoor settings. A reception kicks off the exhibit on Friday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m. Aug. 2-23. No cost. Northville Art House, 215 W. Cody St., Northville; northvillearthouse.org.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Browse a diverse display of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and glasswork from local and national artists at this juried art fair on Detroit’s scenic Belle Isle. After shopping, enjoy a snack from one of the many on-site food trucks or cool off with a drink in the beer tent. The fair also features music performances, kids’ activities, and live storytelling. Aug. 3-4. No cost with a state park pass. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com.
John Fogerty
The influential musician and Creedence Clearwater Revival founder will celebrate his 50-year career when his Celebration Tour makes a stop at Pine Knob Music Theatre. Fans can expect to hear selections from Fogerty’s solo catalog as well as some of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s greatest hits — including “Born on the Bayou,” “Green River,” and “Proud Mary.” Fogerty will be backed by sons Shane and Tyler, who will also open the show with a performance by their own band, Hearty Har. Aug. 4. $29.50+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com.
The Queens of R&B Tour
Relive the glory days of ’90s R&B when this talented troupe of female performers shares the Little Caesars Arena stage. Headlined by platinum-selling groups Xscape (“Feels So Good,” “Who Can I Run to?”) and SWV (“Weak,”“Right Here”), the show also features performances by Mýa, Total, and 702. Aug. 9. $49.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival
Fields burst with hundreds of sunflowers during this annual celebration at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. In addition to plentiful photo ops, the fest features an artisan craft market, free classes and activities for kids and adults, DIY sunflower crafts, and live music. For an additional fee, visitors can pick their own sunflowers, wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables. Kids under 2 get in free. Aug. 9-18. $10+. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Led by husband-and-wife duo Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, this Jacksonville, Florida-based 12-piece won a Grammy Award for its 2012 debut album, Revelator. Featuring trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and keyboards, the group has established a reputation for engaging live performances that blend elements of blues, jazz, rock, and country. Aug. 11. $39.50+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com.
Imagine Dragons
After breakout single “Radioactive” dominated Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart in 2012, this dynamic pop-rock band went on to sell more than 74 million albums and 65 million digital songs, with hits like “Demons,” “Thunder,” and “Believer” dominating airwaves worldwide. The Grammy Award winners will celebrate the release of their latest album, Loom, when their world tour arrives at Pine Knob Music Theatre this month. Aug. 12. $139+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com.
Childish Gambino
Rapper, actor, comedian, singer, writer, and director Donald Glover will embark on his first tour
as Childish Gambino in more than six years to promote
his new album Atavista. A rework of his unfinished 2020 album 3.15.20, the new LP is one of two anticipated new releases for the multitalented star — he’s expected to release another new album, Bando Stone in the New World, later this year. Aug. 17. 74.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Lindsey Stirling
After taking audiences by storm as a quarterfinalist on season 5 of America’s Got Talent, this violinist, songwriter, and dancer became a YouTube sensation thanks to her inventive musical covers and visually stunning music videos. Stirling sets each song to jaw-dropping choreography and aerial arts, which she performs while playing — culminating in a truly unique experience for lovers of music, dance, and visual arts. Aug. 20. $29+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com.
Kevin Nealon
Best known for his nine-year run as a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, this stand-up comedian and actor hosts Hiking with Kevin, a YouTube talk show featuring celebrity interviews set on various hiking trails. The funnyman also boasts dozens of television and film appearances, including roles in Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Anger Management. Aug. 22-24. $35+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; comedycastle.com.
Incubus
The California-based rock band will perform its critically acclaimed 2001 album Morning View in its entirety on this upcoming tour. Expect also to hear hits from the band’s other albums, including fan favorites like “Drive” and “Pardon Me.” Progressive rockers Coheed and Cambria will open the show. Aug. 23. $25+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Brighton Street Art Fair
Downtown Brighton’s charming Main Street serves as a scenic backdrop for this new juried art fair. Featuring 100 carefully selected artists, the fair will offer an array of paintings, glasswork, jewelry, fiber work, photography, ceramics, live music, and crafting activities. Aug. 23-25. Cost TBA. Downtown Brighton; theguild.org.
Glass Animals
English indie rockers Glass Animals became a household name when their track “Heat Waves” went viral on TikTok in 2020, claiming the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart for five consecutive weeks. Now, the band will tour in support of its fourth studio album, I Love You So F***ing Much, which dropped in July and features the lead single “Creatures in Heaven.” Rapper and Brockhampton founder Kevin Abstract will serve as support. Aug. 24. $40+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com.
Martin Lawrence
On the heels of the release of his newest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the comedic legend will headline a national stand-up tour for the first time since 2016. Lawrence first broke onto the comedy scene as Maurice Warfield on the ’80s sitcom What’s Happening Now!! His numerous film appearances include starring roles in House Party, Big Momma’s House, and Blue Streak. Aug. 30. $39.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Arts, Beats, and Eats
Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders flock to Royal Oak every Labor Day weekend for this annual celebration of art, food, and music. Expect to see more than 200 bands on the ticket — ranging from local acts to internationally acclaimed artists — along with local and national fine-art displays and dozens of delicious local food options. The fest also offers kid-friendly activities, pop-up vendors, and alcoholic beverages. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. $10+. Downtown Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com.
This story originally appeared in the August 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 Aug. 6.
