The DFT welcomes back Little Bang Theory to perform a new score for Victor Sjostrom’s great silent film The Wind, made in 1928 and starring the incredible Lillian Gish as Letty Mason, a young woman who travels to a barren West Texas town and becomes enmeshed with rival lovers and jealous friends; all the while haunted by the never-ending wind that blows through the town.

Little Bang Theory is the brainchild of Detroit avant-garde music legend Frank Pahl, who with Terry Sarris and Doug Shimmin, form a mini-orchestra of bells, whistles and toy musical instruments that bring to life the timeless art of silent cinema. 
 

Odu Afrobeat Orchestra, led by saxophonist Baba BG, is comprised of Detroit’s best world music artists who deliver nothing short of a spiritual experience with every performance.

Odu is one of 256 divinatory principals In Yoruba spirituality associated with a traditional ancient verse; the term “Afrobeat” refers to the rhythms pioneered by late Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti, who used them as a means of expressing political and social messages through his music. 

Composer/singer Sunitha Anathaswamy studied music in Bangalore and specializes in the vocal art of traditional Kannada Bhavageete and Ghazals, songs based on romantic poetry.

Multi-instrumentalist Xiao Dong Wei became a ‘Master of the Erhu’ (a two-string violin) at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and also plays the pipa (a four-string lute) and guzheng (a 21-string zither).

Both artists settled in metro Detroit and became influential performers, educators, and now collaborators. This joyous performance will fuse music from both their cultures and include guest appearances by their friends and family.
 

On the final day to view the eleventh annual community exhibition Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, you are invited to a discussion with the artists who created the altars on view. Members of the Mexican Consulate will open the program with an exploration into the rich history of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the tradition of Ofrenda altars.

Each participating artist will then give insight into the meaning and inspiration behind their altar, and answer questions. 

For all ages; please note some topics may be difficult for audience members under 10. 

Presented with ASL interpretation.
 

Join artist Preston Singletary for the Native American Art Collection’s Inaugural Lecture, Eagle’s Journey with Raven.

Renowned glass artist Preston Singletary’s unique creativity draw on his Tlingit heritage but with influences of contemporary art. His works are collected by museums around the world, and on display through public commissions around the country.

Learn more about Singletary’s artistic journey and how he connects to Tlingit culture through art and music at this inaugural lecture.

Event is free and open to the public. Reception to follow.

Download the event flyer

Join us Nov. 3 for this exclusive kick-off to the Member Double Discount Days! DIA Members save 20% on shop purchases, including new items recently curated for the holidays. 

Come and enjoy the vendor trunk show while receiving a complimentary gift-wrapping service.

Gift memberships will be available for purchase at a discount.

Not a member? Purchase a membership today to enjoy all the benefits of being a DIA member! 

Blending the warm, rich energy of piano and clarinet, the Australian-born duo CRUX present Finding Home — a new program that is a meditation on questions of voice, place, environment, and landscape.

Multifaceted keyboardist and vocalist Lisa Moore and woodwind virtuoso Lloyd Van’t Hoff perform solos and duos that include works with text, electronic backing tracks, and acoustic chamber instrumentation.

These include world premieres of works by Meadow Bridgham, Steve Reich, Randy Newman, Frederic Rzewski, and Detroit-born composer Harriet Steinke. 
 

The internationally acclaimed Sirius Quartet brings its genre-defying approach to contemporary music to the DIA. These conservatory-trained performer-composers shine with precision, soul and raw energy.

Sirius continues its commitment to innovation with original works by its own members, incorporating popular song forms, extended techniques, gripping improvisations, and contemporary grooves. 

Please come to a live, on-screen event with Pulitzer Prize-winning and international best-selling author Noah Charney and DIA Deputy Director of Art, Education, and Programs Judith Dolkart.

They will be discussing Charney’s latest book, Brushed Aside, a deep and focused look at the history of women in the art world that celebrates great women artists and influencers whose work has been overlooked far too long.

Following the talk, join a DIA docent-led tour of women artists highlighted by Charney.
 

France / 2023|Dir. Frederick Wiseman

Legendary film documentary maker Frederick Wiseman takes us inside the equally legendary La Maison Troisgros, the family-owned Paris restaurant that has held 3 Michelin stars for an unheard-of 55 years.

In his uniquely quiet, observational way, Wiseman goes inside the establishment, getting to know Troisgros family, and the chefs, food suppliers, vineyards, and servers that have built a world where a magical dining experience happens nightly—this time, before our eyes.

In French with English subtitles. (240 min.)