The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a remarkable place. Somehow they manage to appeal to everyone. Friday nights are a good example. The museum stays open until 10 p.m. and hosts activities as diverse as drop-in chess tables set up in the Farnsworth lobby, live music in the Diego Rivera Court, drawing in the galleries, art-making workshops for children, plus world-class exhibits in the galleries.

Last night (Friday) my friend Pat and I heard the Vijay Iyer Trio perform two sets of exceptional experimental jazz compositions. Apparently Vijay Iyer was described in The Village Voice as "the most commanding pianist and composer to emerge in recent years." I can see why.

On my way into the museum I passed about twenty tables with mostly young chess players engrossed in their games. But as you can see in this photo, everyone was welcome to sit down and play. In another area there were adult artists seated at tables filled with materials for children who wanted to make artist's trading cards.

When I got to the second floor I had to make my way around adults and teens drawing at portfolios set up in the galleries. By the time Vijay Iyer on piano, Stephan Crump on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums were introduced in the Diego Rivera Court, there must have been a couple hundred people in the audience.

And how much do people pay to enjoy these activities? It is all included in the price of admission and if you are a DIA member like Pat and I, everything is free. For an additional $7 you can attend the Detroit Film Theatre that presents foreign, classic and independent films.

Yes, Detroit may be hurting economically but it is still a wonderful place to live.