Lauren Wolman

When Trustus Co-Founder Jim Thigpen directed the first Trustus show Luv in 1985, he did not know what to expect for the future of the company. Twenty-seven years later, Trustus Theatre is not only still in existence, but has grown into an institution of professional and provocative entertainment in the Midlands. In his last season as Artistic Director, Thigpen wanted his 'Swan Song' to be the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning August: Osage County - a show that many theatre fans call one of the most breathtaking evenings they have experienced in the last 5 years. August: Osage County opens on the Trustus Main Stage at 8:00pm on Friday, October 21st.

The 6th Street Playhouse premieres its new cabaret series with 'The Cole Porter Songbook.' Enjoy an intimate, de-lovely, swellegant affair when the 6th Street Playhouse opens the songbook of this sophisticated, witty, respected and beloved composer and lyricist.

Lehmann Maupin Gallery presents Home Within Home on view 8 September - 22 October, 2011 at 540 W. 26th Street.

Detroit's Gardgens will kick-off their Canadian tour dates on August 23, 2011 in Hamilton, Ontario in support of their recent self-titled debut album.

Rising Stars series, this year featuring six concerts in the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, bringing the brightest stars of the next generation of professional classical musiciansto Ravinia. All concerts take place in the festival's most intimate performance space, the indoor 450-seat Bennett Gordon Hall, which continues to showcase successful recitals and chamber music concerts during the summer. This season's series features pianist Giles Vonsattel (Oct. 1, 2011); violinist Bella Hristova (Oct. 15, 2011); the Linden String Quartet (Nov. 5, 2011); pianist Daria Rabotkina (Nov. 19, 2011); Musicians from Ravinia's Steans Music Institute (April 7, 2012); and vocal ensemble Calmus (April 28, 2012).

Rehana Lew Mirza's play BARRIERS is about a South Asian family's loss from the 9/11 attacks and the backlash they endure, featuring a cast that includes Pooja Kumar (Miss India USA 1995, 'Flavors') and Sunkrish Bala (ABC-TV's 'Notes from the Underbelly') and directed by Colette Robert. BARRIERS is presented by Desipina & Co. in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy and in celebration of the companies tenth season, at HERE Arts Center (145 6th Avenue, enter on Dominick, 1 block south of Spring Street) in Manhattan.

Yes, Fuse fans: we're continuing with our exploration of breaking down the theater walls and joining you at the bar for karaoke! Along with our friend Mr. Rocky Rhodes, longtime KJ, Godfather of Portland karaoke, and recent theatre patron, we give you Karaoke Night! the Musical. Entry is free, but drinking and tipping are encouraged.