What to do in Detroit this week: DJ yoga, rock classics on strings and Bowie pierogi

Find the David Bowie-inspired pierogi pop up at Urbanrest Brewing Co. in Ferndale this Thursday. Via Pietrzyk Pierogi/Facebook

Winter is in full swing and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Many of us learned last year, during restaurant shut downs and the height of Covid, that embracing the great outdoors is not so bad as long as you’re dressed for it. I certainly valued my two layers of long johns when I participated in my first Bike the Blizzard event last January – so much so that I signed up for this year’s ride. 

This cycling event has been a vital fundraiser for local nonprofit Back Alley Bikes for 10 years now. The chilly ride is taking place Feb. 13-14, and the organization hopes to raise $30,000. All funds will help to support the community-centered bike shop on Cass Avenue in Midtown, youth cycling programming and their bike education workshops accessible to the community.

Although putting 30+ miles on two wheels in the middle of Michigan winter is not everybody’s idea of a relaxing Saturday morning, my team will be out there with our snow tires and hand warmers for a good cause. If you’re a wild one and think you may be interested in participating, join here! If you are more of a “support the cause from the warmth of my own home” type of person, I totally get it, and encourage you to learn more about Back Alley Bikes and consider donating to my ride! 

There’s still time to commit, but until then, enjoy a new lineup of tiki drinks at Lost River, stretch it out at Spot Lite Detroit and bring the kids out for “Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!” or Winter at Valade! 

Wednesday and Thursday

🎼 This Wednesday, join host Gwenn Foxx at the Aretha Franklin Jazz Cafe for a tribute to the late Sidney Poitier. This event will feature a fabulous lineup of entertainers and is free to the public. Jan. 19, free, info.

🎻 On Wednesday, enjoy the intimate ambience of “Candlelight: Rock Classics on Strings” in the beautiful Masonic Temple bathed in candlelight. A Detroit string quartet will perform classical versions of rock hits including The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Who and more. Jan. 19, $35, info.

🌴 Cold weather got you down? Warm up at Lost River as they launch their new menu this Thursday. Tropical vibes and an abundance of rum is a surefire way to beat the winter blues. Jan. 20, free, info.

🧘🏽‍♀️ This Thursday kicks off a weekly yoga series at Spot Lite Detroit. The Spot Lite on Yoga: Winter Series will be led by Giustina Easton and will feature a live DJ set by TVTM that explores tension between nature and technology, with ambient sounds and moody dance grooves. Jan. 20, $20, info.

🎫 The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Described as an innocent puppet-ruler, Pharaoh Tut was caught in the middle of a political, spiritual and artistic revolution, initiated by his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten. The exhibit “KING TUTANKHAMUN: “Wonderful Things ” from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, vividly brings to life Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Explore the exhibition at the Charles H Wright Museum before it closes in March. Through March 12, $19+, info.

🚎 Transit enthusiasts unite every third Thursday for the Detroit Department of Transportation Monthly Community Input Meeting. The virtual meetings are an open forum about DDOT’s services, fares, routes and much more. The public’s feedback is valuable to help make DDOT a system of choice for everyone. Jan. 20, free, info.

👗 How will shifts in the global economy and consumer behavior in the post-coronavirus world impact fashion in Michigan? This Thursday at TechTown Detroit, the curators of Michigan Fashion Week will discuss the big questions at The State of Michigan Fashion. Hear from industry experts including Aki Choklat, chair and associate professor of fashion design at the College for Creative Studies, Shannon Lazovski, CEO of Detroit Fashion News, and more. Jan. 20, $15, info.

👩🏻‍🎤 What (kind of) rhymes with Bowie and also tastes delicious?! Pierogi, of course. Visit Urbanrest Brewing Co. in Ferndale this Thursday for a David Bowie-inspired pop-up menu. Jan. 20, free, info.

🎭 Beginning this Thursday, Big Bird, Elmo and friends are in town! (No word on whether Rocco will show up.) Delight the kiddos with a day at the theater while “Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!” takes over the Fox through the end of the month. Jan. 20-30, $20+, info.

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This weekend

🎬 This Friday, The Film Lab in Hamtramck kicks off a two-weekend lineup of Nicolas Cage greatest hits. Beginning with the 2018 psychedelic action horror movie “Mandy,” the lineup shows off Cage’s range and includes 1997’s “Face/Off” and 1990’s David Lynch-directed “Wild at Heart.” Jan. 21, $11, info.

💃 British electronic artist Aluna recently went solo after a decade as one half of the critically acclaimed dancefloor duo AlunaGeorge, and she’s striking out with a tour taking her to Deluxx Fluxx this Friday. Avoiding crowds? Her new single “Forget About Me” will turn your cleaning playlist into a dance sesh. Jan. 21, $15, info.

❄️ This Sunday, join the Huron-Clinton MetroParks for Winter Wildlife activities for the whole family at Valade Park. Enjoy hot chocolate, a warm fire and make the best of the winter days. Jan. 23, free, info.

🍕 Attn pizza lovers: learn the ins and outs of making Vera Pizza Napoletana this Sunday at PizzaPlex in Southwest Detroit. The three hour workshop will include a tasting of Campania wines (for those who wish to partake) and some favorite Italian cheeses, a how-to on dough prep, review of pizza ingredient fundamentals and a lesson on making pizza fly before baking in a wood-fired oven. Make new friends, or bring a group. Jan. 23, $10+, info.

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Next week

🎲 ‘Tis the season for table games. Every Tuesday at The Congregation, flex your skills and meet other board gamers. Hosted by Splendiferous Games, the weekly event will feature a rotating repertoire of all types of games and happy hour specials! Jan. 25, free, info.

🎸 Australian rocker Courtney Barnett’s off-stage demeanor is a little low-key – but when she’s performing, she brings serious attitude to her gritty and cheeky songs, even the softer ones. See her live at the Masonic next Tuesday with opener Julia Jacklin. Jan. 25, $36+, info.