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Community Corner

Weekend Planner: Winter Dance Party

Whether it's on ice, in the library or the high school, dance away the winter blues at these weekend events.

Feel like movin' and groovin' this weekend? Well, you are in luck because there's plenty of great events to keep your feet tapping.

Let's count them down:

  • When: 8:15 p.m.-10:05 p.m. Fridays
  • Where:
  • Cost: $10 admission fee. Skate rental is $4
  • Why go: SK8 Jamz is all ages skating fun with a live DJ. Admission is $10
  • What else: Visit the arena's website for more information. "Like" John Lindell Ice Arena on Facebook for free admission.

  • When: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost:The Friends Auditorium will be filled with a wee bit o’Scotland as bagpipes, a few dance steps, Scottish stories and entertaining facts are presented by Piper Kim Johnson. Johnson will share a brief history of the bagpipes and other interesting Scottish history and folklore. All ages are welcome to hear the music and participate in a simple kilt swinging Highland dance! Practice your brogue, buckle your kilt, don your tam or wrap yourself in your finest tartan shawl, and come enjoy an hour in the Highlands!
  • What else: Registration is requested. Limit 100. Fill out the form here or call the Adult Reference Desk at 248-246-3727 to sign up for the free program.

  • When: 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost:$10. No guest passes
  • Why go: The winter formal will benefit Common Ground Sanctuary. Common Ground is a nonprofit located in Bloomfield Hills that provides a lifeline for individuals and families in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, people trying to cope with critical situations and runaway and homeless youth.


  • When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost: Admission is $20
  • Day one: The 18th annual Anti-Freeze Blues Festival, benefiting the Detroit Blues Society, kicks off with a very special homecoming from James Montgomery. Besides fronting his own band, James has been the band leader for Johnny Winter for many years. James has also played with a who’s who of top notch bluesmen (and women) including: B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman and Laverne Baker. Backing James for the show will be Jim McCarty and Friends. Be sure to get here early as Laith Al-Saadi, Pazman’s Super Session (featuring Jeanne & The Dreams) & The Difficulties round out the evening.  
  • Day two: The second night of the festival features Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. The Reverend and his band will be digging out tunes from their latest CD, Peyton On Patton, which is a tribute to the legendary blues guitarist Charlie Patton. Thornetta Davis (Detroit's own blues diva), Johnnie Bassett and The Rattlesnake Shake (a Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac tribute) kick off the show. Proceeds also benefit the Detroit Blues Society.

  • When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost: Free
  • Why go: Brooke Mallon introduces Nia, a dynamic blend of dance arts (Jazz dance), martial arts (Tai Chi), and healing arts (Yoga) at the Rust Belt Market this weekend. Mallon teaches Nia at Body and Mind Fitness in Ferndale. Join Valencia Hamilton at 3 p.m., as she steps up the tempo with Zumba. At 6 p.m., Buford Gene Collins, also known as Mistalocks, gets couples dancing with Chicago Style Steppin'.
  • What else: Get more info about Nia and Zumba at www.bandmfitness.com and check out Chicago Style Steppin' at mistalocks.com.

Check out more weekend-things-to-do options in our Events guide.

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