Dearborn, you like me! You really really like me! (Sally Field, anyone?!) Here we are, on our second date. Thanks for not standing me up. So, it’s March. March into spring, I say … what the heck, enough with the subzero temps, right?! Right. Anyway, this month we are going to talk about something that we all love, something that gets our juices flowing, something that connects us all: music. That’s right, March is about the M-U-S-I-C!

As you may or may not know, I have two degrees in music. “What’s that?” you say. Yes, in fact, it’s true; my very progressive parents invested many one dollar bills into that thing so many of us call an education for me to go to school to sing. And, boy, did they get their money’s worth, ’cause sing I did. Very loudly. Still do. Just ask my roommate. She hates me.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand: music. How many of you watch “American Idol”? Don’t lie, you know you do. Well, I used to be OBSESSED with it. More on that later. BUT, I was trying to find some cool concerts going on in and around the city, when I stumbled along a little-known fact: The Dearborn Symphony Orchestra is in its 43rd season. WHAT?! I didn’t even know this organization existed. Its first season was back in 1961! I was minus-18 years old. Musicians and music educators founded the orchestra to provide a community orchestra for Dearborn, now led by Music Director and Conductor Kypros Markou. I was hoping to get a quote from Maestro Markou, but he wasn’t available before my column’s deadline. Anyway, this super cool organization performed a super cool concert on March 6. The theme was “Tonys and Oscars.” You know, those super fancy awards you win if you’re amazing on Broadway (Tonys) or in the movies (Oscars).

Quick sidebar: did you know that Tonys are named after Antoinette Perry? She was a founder of the American Theater Wing, which presents the annual Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards in her honor for outstanding accomplishments in theater. And as for the Oscars, well the statuette’s nickname of Oscar has unknown origins. The most popular story about the name’s origin involves then Academy librarian and future executive director, Margaret Herrick. The story goes that Herrick, upon seeing the statuette sitting on a table exclaimed, “it looks just like my Uncle Oscar!” The name stuck and it has been called by that name ever since. The official name for the statuette is the Academy Award. JEOPARDY! — HERE WE COME!

I digress. Now, I know what you’re saying, “Mike, why the heck would you waste my time getting me excited about a concert that I already missed? Why you playin’ me like that, man?!” Well, there’s two answers to that question: 1) because that’s how I roll. And 2) this article is being published after the fact. BUT, here’s the lesson learned – now you know that the DSO exists, if you’re interested, stay on top of their upcoming events, and next time you won’t need me at all. If you’d like to learn more about the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, please visit their Web site: www.dearbornsymphony.org.

BUT, wait … we haven’t even talked about the most important part of March Music Madness…MARCH 10, KELLY CLARKSON’S NEW ALBUM DROPS. (“Drops” is a very fancy insider term that means “comes out.”) I, for one, could not be more excited. I am so unashamed of my love for this girl. She’s amazing. Buy her album. I’ve previewed most of the album, and I assure you it’s SO GOOD! OK, I’m done. Nothing I can say can top Kelly.

Below are some questions readers sent to me. As always, write me at MOSMIKE@aol.com and submit one. Peace out homies. Next month, it’s all about theatre! Get ready. To recap: Go see a live concert. Buy Kelly’s album. Write me a question. Bye.

Questions:

Q: Hey. LOVE the article. Can’t wait for next month. I was wondering if you could tell me what else there is to do in this town besides go to the movies. I’m sick of that. —Maha Z, age 27

A: Thanks. Please read above. And check back every month with new and exciting things to do here. If you hear of anything cool, pass it my way, and I’ll post it.

Q: Why are you writing this article? What is your background? — Ali J, age 18

A: Because I can. That’s a great question. I’ll answer it more next month, but I’m assuming you mean my arts background, then here’s the short and skinny: I have a bachelor’s in musical theater, a master’s in musical theater direction, and I’m certified to teach theater/speech to grades 6-12. I’ve directed over 40 major productions. I have worked in theater, film, commercials and music pretty much my whole life. Now, I work with the film industry. And, I don’t like talking about myself, believe it or not!

Q: Did all of your favorites win the Oscars this year? I’m so happy for “Slumdog Millionaire.” I saw it and sobbed! — Rania S, age 25

A: I was pretty pleased with the Oscars. Hugh Jackman did a great job. I loved all the musical numbers. Thought the awards were pretty good. Loved that Kate won, but I kinda wanted Meryl. I loved both “Slumdog” and “The Reader.”

If you haven’t seen the latter, you must. (Only if you’re over 18!)If you have a question, please write to MOSMIKE@aol.com. Include your first name, last initial, and age. Thank-you. 

SOME MUSIC EVENTS FEATURED AT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: 

Sunday, March 8, 4 p.m.
Dearborn Youth Symphony Concert
General Admission $10
Seniors & Students $8 

Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m.
Motor City Brass Band Presents
“Dances of the World”General Admission $17
Seniors & Students $12 

Friday, March 27, 8 p.m.
Idols in Concert Reserved $49-$24

Monday, March 30, 8 p.m.
Vanguard Voices Choral Celebration Reserved
All seats $5