Jun 03 Wednesday
Alternative rock band Sponge is an American was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1992 by vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, guitarists Mike Cross and Joey Mazzola, bassist Tim Cross, and drummer Jimmy Paluzzi. Their song “Neenah Menasha” caught the ears of A&R person Pablo Mathiason and the band signed with The Work Group (a Columbia Records subsidiary) in the fall of 1993. The following year, Sponge released the now iconic, Platinum-selling debut album, Rotting Piñata, to global, critical and commercial success.
Rotting Piñata remains a fierce and unforgettable slice of Detroit‑driven alternative rock, and its 30th anniversary highlights just how powerfully it has endured. Powered by Vinnie Dombroski’s raw, elastic vocals and the band’s blend of grunge grit, melodic hooks, and post‑punk swagger, the album delivered two defining ’90s anthems—“Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)”—tracks that dominated radio and MTV and helped propel the record to platinum status. Yet the album’s depth is what cements its legacy: songs like “Neenah Menasha,” “Giants,” and “Rainin’” showcase a band capable of atmosphere, tension, and emotional punch, carving out a sound that stood apart from the Seattle wave while still capturing the era’s urgency.
Three decades later, Rotting Piñata feels remarkably fresh—its riffs still hit hard, its choruses still soar, and its Detroit attitude still cuts through with clarity. It remains not only Sponge’s defining statement but one of the most distinctive and enduring albums of the 90s rock landscape, a record whose impact continues to echo long after its initial explosion.
Jun 04 Thursday
August Wilson’s Pulitzer and Tony-winning masterwork unfolds in 1936 Pittsburgh, where the Charles family struggles over an heirloom piano carved with the faces of their enslaved ancestors. Boy Willie arrives from Mississippi, determined to sell it to claim his future, while his sister Berniece guards the instrument as a sacred altar to their history. As their clash intensifies, the ghosts of the past begin to stir, forcing a reckoning with a legacy they can neither sell nor escape. PSF is proud to present this production directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames (Fat Ham).
Experience the music of KPOP Demon Hunters, BTS, Huntr/x, BLACKPINK, and many more – a high-energy tribute brought to life by live singers and dancers!
Planet KPOP is a unique hybrid spectacle that blends the excitement of a live concert with the immersion of a full dance experience! The choreography pushes the energy sky-high, shaping a visual feast of synchronized movement, iconic formations, and unmistakable KPOP flair.
Iron Comedy Competition is a hilarious contest that presents a true Triathlon of Comedy.
Two comedians showcase their skills in a three-part competition in the following events: stand-up comedy, the one-liner challenge, and a roast battle. The winner is determined by audience applause for the best overall performance, making the show a truly interactive experience. A third comedian is the host/MC.
The show begins with our host welcoming the audience and with a comedic introduction to the evening's event and an explanation of how the competition will unfold. He will then introduce the comedians and run the show.
Jun 05 Friday
Pop punk powerhouses Patent Pending return to the Sherman Theater for a night of high-energy anthems and nonstop fun. Known for their infectious hooks, wild stage presence, and heartfelt connection with fans, the band delivers an experience that’s equal parts party and passion. Don’t miss your chance to sing, jump, and rock out with Patent Pending live!
Explore the depths of Americana one trippy tune at a time with New York’s Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Voted Chronogram Magazine’s “Best Band of 2022” for their rootsy rockin’ psychedelia, the Slambovians’ deep connection with audiences and exciting live shows are legendary. Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett and The Waterboys may flavor the musical mix, but the Slambovians’ musicianship and songwriting stand on its own.
With vocals “soothing and bewitching as a snake oil tonic” the resident shaman of Slambovia, lead singer Joziah Longo, is joined onstage by bandmates Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute) and the brilliant guitar-slinging and mandolin-playing skills of Sharkey McEwen – creating a show that constantly evolves “with a little help from their friends,” — RJ McCarty (keys, bass, sax), Bob Torsello (bass), and Matthew Abourezk (drums).
Woodstock-tinged psychedelia, a hint of southern rock and solid songwriting elevates this version of Americana to new heights. The band’s latest studio release, A Very Unusual Head, is considered to be “their finest work to date.” – Rock’n’Reel Magazine, UK. The Waterboys’ Anthony Thistlethwaite is featured on A Very Unusual Head, as is singer-songwriter Dar Williams, who also covers the Slambovians’ “Sullivan Lane” on her latest album.
Jun 06 Saturday
Drop-in to the Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery on the second floor of the Museum every Saturday and Sunday to make your own art to take home during ArtVentures. Museum educators are on hand to help guide you in creating an artwork inspired by the Museum’s collection. Design your own creation and bring it to life on one of our 3D printers. All ages and abilities welcome! Free.
A stand-up comedian, actor, writer and television host, Scottish native Craig Ferguson made a splash with American audiences as the gleefully maligned English boss Mr. Wick on the hit sitcom, "The Drew Carey Show" (ABC, 1995-2004). But Ferguson found his true voice in front of smaller late-night audiences after replacing Craig Kilborn on "The Late Late Show" (CBS, 2005- ), where his honest, self-effacing style of humor slowly but surely attracted a loyal audience.
Ages 16 and up