Kung Fu masters from China to perform at the Masonic Temple Theater

A performance during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The "2011 Chinese Kungfu Gala," presented April 16 at the Masonic Temple Theatre by Onelink International and Confucius Institute at Wayne State University, is a golden opportunity to see China's most amazing Kung fu masters.

"We are really excited about this," said Jennifer Guan, general manager of Onelink International, a service company that promotes US-China business, culture and education exchanges and collaborations.



Remember the Beijing Olympics?



Were you in awe during the opening ceremonies? Among the amazing dancers and athletes who performed during the show was a troupe of Kung fu masters from China's prestigious martial arts school, Sonshan Shaolin Wushu Vocational College.

"Twenty-nine of them are coming," Guan said. "They are really good. They perform all over the world."

Fans of mixed martial arts will especially be pleased by the Chinese Kungfu masters, but Guan said the event is family oriented and will include a special performance of music, performed by musicians using traditional Chinese instruments.

"The kids will like it because of the martial arts, but also because there is audience participation. The musicians will show the kids how the instruments work. I'm sure the children will love it."

The show also is sponsored by the Headquarters of Confucius Institute, a group at WSU that promotes Chinese language and culture in southeastern Michigan, and the Education Department of Henan Province, China.

"It is my passion and dream to bring Chinese culture to the U.S. and especially Detroit," Guan said. "This is what I am doing."

 500 Temple Ave, Detroit.

Tickets are $18 and available online at Onelink International The Masonic Temple Theater is located at

Daytripping

What else can a family do? Check out our listing of things to do in the Metro Detroit area:

Women's luncheon

The Crocker House Musuem will present a luncheon featuring the Petticoat Ladies farewell performance of "The First Ladies," plus a wonderful lunch at 11:30 a.m., April 2, at First Presbyterian Church, 168 Cass Avenue, Mount Clemens. Tickets: $40 non-members; $30 Macomb County Historical Society members. For reservations call the museum, (586) 465-2488.

Classical brunch

The Community House "Spring Concert" featuring pianist Kathryn Goodson, collaborative pianist-coach at the University of Michigan School of music and mezzo soprano Leah Dexter of the Michigan Opera Theatre, March 27. Brunch begins at noon followed by performances at 1 p.m. Tickets: $50 VIP, $25 (includes brunch), $10 concert only. Call for reservations, (248) 644-5832.

Cancer fundraiser

Pasta dinner to benefit cancer patients Bob and Joyce Jeffers of Fraser served 2-5:30 p.m. March 27 at Fern Hill Country Club on Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children, includes pasta, salad, dessert, soft drinks and coffee; event also features raffles, bake sale, door prizes. Tickets: at the door or in advance by calling (586) 783-5234 or emailing jeffersbenefitdinner@yahoo.com. Event sponsored by Christian Lighthouse Church in Mount Clemens. 

Romeo Theatre

Romeo Theatre Company at Romeo High School presents "Beauty and the Beast," 2 and 7 p.m. March 26 and 2 p.m. March 27, at the high school, 11091 W. 32 Mile Road. Reserved-seat tickets $10, Show TIckets or (586) 281-1154.

South Lake play

South Lake High School Drama Club presents "Footloose: The Musical," 7 p.m. March 26 in the school auditorium, 21900 Nine Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Tickets, $10 adults, $7 senior citizens, $5 children and students, available at door. Call (586) 435-1400.

'Cinderella' at Lakeview

MEA/NEA Local 1, Lakeview and Lakeview Public Schools present "Cinderella (Enchanted Edition)," 7:30 p.m. March 26, at Lakeview High School's Schaublin Auditorium, 21100 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Tickets, $12 adults, $9 students/seniors, $8 all matinee seats; proceeds to Student K-12 Enrichment Scholarship Program. For tickets, (586) 771-2587 or pvandellen@scslakeview-k12.com, or at the door.



The 'rockin' moms of the Candy Band.

 Kids concert!

"Lettuce Rock" presented by the Royal Oak Farmer's Market, March 26 as a fundraiser for the fabulous Royal Oak Community Farm will feature an amazing lineup of bands including the Candy Band.

Charity basketball

Utica Community Schools take on Troy School District in Relay for Life Charity Basketball Game, 7 p.m. March 31 at Troy High School. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, free 6 and younger. Proceeds go to American Cancer Society. Refreshments available.

Mom 2 Mom sale

Sequoyah Elementary School PTO Mom 2 Mom sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 26 at the school, 18500 24 Mile Road, Macomb Township. Admission $1, strollers allowed, refreshments available.

Richmond Theatre

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Richmond Community Theatre, 8 p.m. March 26, April 1-2, 8-9, and 2 p.m. March 27 and April 3, at the theater, 69619 Parker St. at Churchill. Portion of proceeds go to Lois Wagner Memorial Library in Richmond. For tickets, (586) 727-9518.

Yard, pool, spa show

Annual Novi Backyard, Pool & Spa Show, at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River between Novi and Beck roads, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. March 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 27. Admission $8, ages 6-14 $4, free for those younger; fee for parking. Information: Novi Pool Show or (800) 328-6550.

Children's Chorus

Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus performs "The Maker of Illusions," 2:30 p.m. March 26, at Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit. Tickets $15 children, $30 adults; call (313) 237-7464 or Detroit Opera House

Magenta Giraffe

"Last of the Boys" by Magenta Giraffe Theatre, 8 p.m. March 26, March 31, April 1-2, and 4 p.m. April 2, at the theater, 1515 Broadway, Detroit. Visit Magenta Giraffe Theatre

Bob Saget

Warren art display

Artist of the month Nancy Curnow displays watercolors, acrylics and prints through April, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday on first floor of Warren City Hall, 12 Mile and Van Dyke.

Comedy Festival

Fourth Annual Garden Fresh Laugh Detroit Comedy Festival, March 27-28, 31 and April 2 at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, lineup includes David Alan Grier, Auggie Smith, Brian McKim/Traci Skene, Karen Rontowski, Lynne Koplitz, and Bob Saget (April 2). For tickets, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle or (248) 542-9900.

Cookie Gala

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Cookie Gala, 6-8:30 p.m. March 30, at Atheneum Suite Hotel in Detroit, features local chefs competing by creating desserts and appetizers using Girl Scouts cookies. Tickets, $75 each or $130 for two until March 23, $100 each or $170 per pair after that date; visit www.gssem.org. 

Classical guitar

Free performance by classical guitarist Peter Fletcher, 2 p.m. March 27, at Clinton Macomb Public Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road. Features selections from Fletcher's 2008 CD "Music of the Baroque," and works by Bach and Ravel. Details: (586) 226-5020 or Clinton Macomb Library



Children's Film Festival

MJR Digital Cinemas Free Spring Children's Film Festival: March 26-27, "Yogi Bear," and April 2-3, "Megamind." All films rated PG. Participating theaters include MJR Marketplace Sterling Heights Digital Cinema 20, 35400 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; MJR Partridge Creek Digital Cinema 14, 17400 Hall Road, Clinton Township; MJR Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16, 50675 Gratiot, Chesterfield Township. Free admission ages 12 and younger, parents $1; tickets first-come, first-served basis; no advance purchases. For times



"Yogi Bear" showing as part of MJR's Spring Children's Film Festival.



Toastmasters' club

Toastmasters Speak Easy Club of Shelby meets 10-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Saturdays monthly at Shelby Community Center, 51670 Van Dyke, north of 23 Mile Road. Call (586) 623-9987 or (586) 531-1289.

Heart fundraiser

Benefit for the Darmofal family affected by heart disease, starts 3 p.m. March 27 at the Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd., Mount Clemens. Event includes live entertainment by Brass Knuckles, 4 p.m., gifts, games, cash bar, food available, Gift of Life representative onsite to provide information on organ donor program. For details, (586) 468-7746 or www.RecBowl.com

Pizza pie benefit
Festival of Pizza fundraiser for American Cancer Society, 3-6 p.m. March 27 at Chippewa Valley High School, offers tastes of pizzas from local restaurants; beverages available for purchase. Tickets: $10 per person. Visit http://www.festivalofpizza.com/.

Ridgedale auditions

Audtions for Teen Actors of Ridgedale (Players) performances of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Colosseum," 2 p.m. March 26, at the playhouse, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. Performance dates June 24-26. Call (248) 961-1444 or www.ridgedaleplayers.com.

Rochester museum

Exhibit of hand-hooked rugs through June 18 at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, a mile north of downtown Rochester. Romeo-based Great Lakes Rug Hooking Guild demonstrations 1-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, during museum hours. Call (248) 656-4663 or visit www.rochesterhills.org.

UDM Theatre

University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company presents Shakespeare's "The Tempest," weekends starting March 25 through April 10, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit. Adult admission $18, students $9; additional $3 service fee for non-subscribers other than students. Call (313) 993-3270 or visit www.theatre.udmercy.edu.

Euchre and steak

St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Richmond hosting euchre tournament/steak dinner, 6:30 p.m. April 1, at Memphis Youth Center, 34758 Pratt Road. Tickets, $20 per person, include tournament and steak dinner, cash prizes and door prizes. For tickets, (586) 727-9693.

Macomb art

Works of Deborah Orloff and Eric Troftkin in "Puzzles of Expectation" exhibit through April 13, in The Art Gallery at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 90 minutes prior to MCPA weekend events. Free admission and parking. Call (586) 286-2089 or MacombCenter.com/AboutUs/ArtGallery.

Andiamo Theatre

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," March 23-April 10 at Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave. Dinner and show packages available for both. For reservations, (248) 348-4448.

Go Comedy!

Boy band Mellenium through March at Go Comedy! Improve Theater, 261 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. For showtimes and ticket information, (248) 327-0575 or www.gocomedy.net. Also, new improved "Sunday Source" 7 p.m. Sundays.

Music Hall

"Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites," 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 26, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. Tickets: $10 children, $20 adults, family 4-pack $35. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or Music Hall box office.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

Taste of Hope

Taste of Hope annual Auction and Tastefest to benefit Liberty Family Outreach's Summerfest, 6-9 p.m. April 2, Warren City Hall Atrium, on Van Dyke between Martin and 12 Mile roads. Tickets $10 in advance, $20 at the door; minimum age 12 for admission. Free parking in garage. Call (586) 754-2400.

Chrysler Museum

Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight Series and Collector's Curb specialty exhibits throughout the year at Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. For schedule, visit wpchryslermuseum.org. Admission $8 adults, $7 ages 62 and older, $4 ages 6-12.

Holocaust Center

New traveling exhibit "Barsamian: 20 Years-Searing for the Answer," March 27-July 10, explores questions about Armenian genocide through art, at Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. Hours 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; (248) 553-2400 or www.holocaustcenter.org.  Grand opening 7 p.m. March 27 with Ara Sanjian, director of Armenian Research Center at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Ford House

Bird walks, offered by Ford House and Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe, 7:30 a.m. April 16, at the historic home, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Fee $7 per person; participants should bring binoculars, wear layered clothing and waterproof footwear. Reservations required, (313) 884-4222 or Ford House

DIA exhibits

The Detroit Institute of Arts exhibit "Fakes, Forgeries and Mysteries," through April 10, a behind-the-scenes look at how art experts and scientists determine if a work of art of art is genuine, fake or if the evidence is inconclusive. Tickets are $12, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members. Tickets include general museum admission.

Features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this listing

Today's muse

Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells – Elizabeth Taylor

AP Photo

In a 1944 file photo, young actress Elizabeth Taylor is seen during the time that she was filming "National Velvet". The legendary actress died Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in Los Angeles of congestive heart failure at age 79.