News & Notes - 8/9/23 Woodward Talk

Woodward Avenue construction on hold
OAKLAND COUNTY — Construction on Woodward Avenue will be put on hold during the Dream Cruise festivities. Ferndale’s events will take place Aug. 18-19.

“Construction along Woodward Avenue from 8 Mile to Oakridge Street will completely pause during the cruise this year and all four lanes in both directions of Woodward will be open and accessible,” a news release states.

“Woodward Moves was designed to increase Ferndale’s safety, inclusivity and economic prosperity by making the avenue more accessible to all travelers,” the release states. “The project is nearing completion, and the City of Ferndale team is growing increasingly excited to welcome a new and improved Woodward Avenue later this fall.”

 

Go Comedy! celebrates homecoming
FERNDALE — The Go Comedy! Improv Theater is celebrating 15 years with a special Homecoming Week Aug. 9-13.

According to a press release, Go Comedy! will be welcoming native Detroiters for shows during Homecoming Week. Performers will include Maribeth Monroe, Jamie Moyer, James Quesada, Julia Schroeder and Nicole Pascaretta.

Go Comedy! also announced that it was launching a public capital campaign to ensure “Go Comedy! continues its legacy as a home for Improv Comedy and Improvisers in Metro Detroit. Through several programs, the for-profit theater is turning to the community for additional support during a time when many local and small theater companies are also struggling,” the release states.

“Our community in Ferndale, and throughout metro Detroit has been really terrific in supporting us for nearly 15 years,” Go Comedy co-founder and director Tommy LeRoy said in the release. “Since our return to live audiences, we’ve honestly struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels, so we’re giving our community additional ways to help us continue being a place to laugh, see a show, learn to improvise and have a really great time.”

Programs being offered include the ability to “adopt a seat” in the theater with a sponsorship or memorial tag and silent auctions during Homecoming Week events. For tickets and more information, visit www.gocomedy.net.

 

‘Boogie Woogie Kid’ to perform at library
HUNTINGTON WOODS — The Huntington Woods Public Library will be hosting Matthew Ball for a performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17.

Known as “The Boogie Woogie Kid,” Ball’s skills on the piano have amassed him more than 5 million views on YouTube during his career. He will be performing New Orleans-style tunes, including “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Basin Street Blues” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.”

The library is located at 26415 Scotia Road. For more information, call (248) 543-9720.

 

Sing Out Detroit to hold auditions
ROYAL OAK — Sing Out Detroit will be hosting auditions for its fall season on two days during the month of August.

The auditions will be held 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and Aug. 29 at Royal Oak First, a United Methodist Church, located at 320 W. Seventh St.

“A local, diverse, inclusive chorus that provides a supportive environment for LGBT people and allies is looking for new members to share the joy of musical performance,” a press release states. “Auditions include performing a few, basic musical exercises to test for voice part and range. Ability to read music is not required.”

Rehearsals will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 5 at the church, and the season will end Dec. 17 with a performance at Ferndale High School. For more information, visit singoutde troit.org, email singoutdetroit@gmail.com or call (248) 943-2411.