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Events in December 2022
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December 4, 2022
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by U-M alumni songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
“Christmas at the Mansion”: Dexter Area Historical Society.
Dec. 2–4, 10, 17, & 28. Seasonal events at lavishly decorated Gordon Hall, the 19th-century mansion built by Dexter founder Judge Samuel Dexter. Dec. 2: A fundraiser (6:30 p.m.) for the museum featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres, spirits, and desserts and a look at the Christmas Vintage Collection, Milt Campbell’s huge assemblage of Department 56 collectible holiday houses, buildings, and figures that were once traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season. Dec. 3: Santa (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) is on hand to talk with kids, who also can make their own gingerbread house to take home. Dec. 4: Christmas Tea (1 & 4 p.m.), a light lunch with tea sandwiches and desserts. Also, the museum hosts an open house ($5 per adult) to view the Christmas Vintage Collection, 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 10, 17, & 28. Various, Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. $75 on Fri., $5 on Sat., $30 on Sun.; reservations required for Fri. and Sun. by calling 395–4106.
“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 23. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of actor-playwright (and Purple Rose founder) Jeff Daniels’ comedy about America’s fastest growing sport. Four below-average players try to overcome their own limitations to achieve greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles. Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Caitlin Cavannaugh. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $34–$52 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Dec. 3) through Dec. 17. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for age 5+. “Cow Eye Dissection” (11 a.m.) explores the parts of the eye and how they work together. “Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale” (3 p.m.) explores the amazing evolutionary histories of whales and other creatures. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“The Dark Crystal”: Fathom Events
Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.
Dec. 4 & 7. (Jim Henson & Frank Oz, 1982). Groundbreaking animatronic fantasy about an elf-like creature who embarks on a journey to repair millennium-old damage done to his world. Ann Arbor 20 only. 3 & 7 p.m.
Chamber Music Recital: U-M Music School.
Dec. 4–6, 8, & 9 (different locations). U-M student chamber ensembles perform works TBA. 5:30 & 8 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg. McIntosh Theatre (Sun., Thurs., & Fri.), 1100 Baits & 8 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium (Mon. & Tues.), 1226 Murfin. Free. 764–0583.
Santa: Briarwood Mall.
Daily Nov. 23–Dec. 24 (Mon.–Sat. noon–8 p.m. & Sun. noon–6 p.m.). All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. Dec. 11 is “Pet Photo Night” (6–8 p.m.) for 4-legged, leashed, friendly pets that weigh less than 60 lbs. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 4, 9–10:30 a.m. Note: Santa takes breaks 3–4 p.m. Briarwood Von Maur court. Appointments encouraged at simon.com/santa. 769–9610.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except Dec. 3, 23–26, 31, Jan. 1. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (11:30 a.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history, meeting long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles and fish, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Mars: One Thousand One (1:30 p.m.) tells the story of what humans might face with the first manned journey to Mars. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Annual Dr. Porter Synchronized Skating Classic”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
Dec. 2–4. The nation’s largest synchronized skating competition, featuring over 200 teams of all levels from across the U.S. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Fri.), 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), & 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. 1-day pass: $15 (students & seniors, $10). Weekend pass: $25. 213–6768.
Sensory Friendly Santa Experience at Briarwood Mall: Briarwood Mall
Santa arrives at Briarwood Mall on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be available until Christmas Eve. Make Santa reservations online today at whereissanta.com/mall/0143
Caring Santa, a private, sensory-controlled photo experience for children with special needs, will occur Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Von Maur Court before the mall opens to the public. Make Caring Santa reservations today at briarwoodmallcaringsantaphoto2022.splashthat.com/
For more information about holiday events at Briarwood mall, visit www.simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall/news-and-events
100 Briarwood Cir Ann Arbor, MI 48108, Free. https://briarwoodmallcaringsantaphoto2022.splashthat.com/.“Christmas on the Farm”: Waterloo Farm Museum.
Dec. 3 & 4. This German immigrant pioneer homestead comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a rural 1880s Michigan Christmas as costumed guides lead tours of the 2-story brick farmhouse, 1840s log house, and outbuildings (with a blacksmith at work at the forge). Also, lace and other fiber craft demonstrations, sales of holiday greens and baked goods, and a “Christmas Market” with handcrafted gifts. Reading of The Night Before Christmas on Sun. only at an afternoon time TBA. Carolers and live music. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Waterloo Farm Museum, 13493 Waterloo-Munith Rd., Grass Lake. $5 admission (seniors, $4; kids ages 5–12, $2; age 4 & under & members, free). (517) 596–2254.
“Homegrown at the Cobblestone & Country Christmas”: Cobblestone Farm Association.
Re-creation of a mid-19th-century Christmas, with period decorations, cooking on the woodstove, kids activities, and live holiday music. Sale of fine art and handmade crafts from local artists and crafters. Costumed interpreters provide tours of the restored 1844 Ticknor-Campbell farmhouse and its grounds. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard (next to Buhr Park). $2 (discounts available for seniors & kids).
10th Annual Holiday Sale: Huron Valley Woodturners.
Dec. 3 & 4. Ten local woodturners show and sell their bowls, pens, vases, ornaments, as well as paintings and notecards. Also, demos. Coffee & cookies. Partial proceeds benefit the Webster Historical Society and the Virtual Dialysis Support Center. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Crossroads Community Center, 5501 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. Free admission. eperry@umich.edu.
Alex Belhaj’s Crescent City Quartet: North Star Lounge.
Dec. 4 & 11. Local ensemble led by guitarist Belhaj that plays a range of New Orleans jazz styles, from struts, stomps, cakewalks, and rags to pop tunes, marches, and classical favorites. 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. $35 includes brunch. Reservations recommended. Nstarlounge.com.
Ann Arbor Holiday Art Fair.
Dec. 3 & 4. Over 75 artists offer everything from jewelry, paintings, and ceramics to hand-knit clothing and leather goods. Also, some 20 local authors sell signed copies of their books, and specialty food vendors offer a variety of homemade hot sauces, jams, sweets, and more. Concessions. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Admission $5 (kids age 12 & under, free). 429–3145.
Weekly Rehearsal: Women’s Chamber Chorus.
Every Mon., Sept. 12–Dec. 12. All invited to join this independent 30-member local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Ben Gaughran directs; Joshua Marzan accompanies. Concert on Dec. 16 (see listing). 10–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw. Free to visitors ($125 per semester for those who join). womenschamberchorus.com, 665–9271.
Winter Sale: Ann Arbor Potters Guild.
Dec. 3 & 4. Popular annual sale held in a heated tent outdoors. Large selection of functional and decorative ceramics by local artists. Includes a kids’ area with gifts priced for kid-sized budgets. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Potters Guild Studio, 201 Hill. Free admission. 663–4970.
Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market.
Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 4, 11, 17, & 18. Sale of works in various media and styles by over 40 Ypsilanti-based artisans. Featuring jewelry, ceramics, prints, fiber art, wood crafts, and more. Food available for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Free admission & parking.
Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market.
Nov. 26 & 27, Dec. 4, 11, 17, & 18. Sale of works in various media and styles by over 40 Ypsilanti-based artisans. Featuring jewelry, ceramics, prints, fiber art, wood crafts, and more. Food from Casablanca Moroccan Restaurant available for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Free admission & parking.
“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center Sunday Talks.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by a discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun., (except Dec. 3) through Dec. 23. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
Pet Photos with Santa: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
All invited to bring pets to meet Santa. Bring cats in carriers and dogs on leashes. All proceeds go to HSHV. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Huron Pet Supply, 5060 Jackson, $10 (digital) & $15 (4x6 print). 661–3575.
Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
H.A.C. Ultimate.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
Every Sunday, except Dec. 25. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation ($20/family). lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. through Dec. 18. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and a shire horse (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper talk with a Burmese python (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and a shire horse. Also, a zookeeper talk with a Burmese python (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including sloths, muntjacs, and more. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
“Drawing for Kids | Snowy Starry Night.”: AADL Downtown.
Dec. 4 (1–2 p.m.). Ann Arbor Art Center instructors show kids ages 5-12 how to draw a snowy, starry nighttime scene using layered colors and vibrant lines to create a sense of movement.
Fifth Avenue Press Book Release Reception: Ann Arbor District Library.
Five local writers discuss their new books (available for purchase) released by the AADL publishing imprint. Signings. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
German Christmas Open House: Kempf House Museum.
Dec. 4 & 11. Guided tours of this restored 19th-century Greek Revival home, which is decked out with a traditional tree (featuring antique glass ornaments) and decorations and exhibits reflecting a typical early-20th-century German American celebration of Christmas. Music, Christmas cookies. 1–4 p.m., Kempf House, 312 S. Division. Free, but donations welcome. 994–4898.
Guided Walks: Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Dec. 4, 7, & 11. All ages invited (children must be accompanied by an adult) to join walks exploring the natural wonder of the grounds as the seasons change. Each walk has a different theme: “Winter Wonders: Noticing Winter’s Stark Beauty” (Dec. 4), “Long Winter Nights” (Dec. 7), & “Winter Wonders: Winter Solstice” (Dec. 11). Closed-toed shoes required. Arrival 15 minutes before start time recommended; canceled in the event of severe weather. 1–2 p.m. (Dec. 4 & 11) & 5:30–6 p.m. (Dec. 7), Matthaei front steps, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. 647–7600.
“DNA: No Tree! No Response! Need More!”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.
Livestream talk by experienced family history researcher Suz Bates on how to organize and use Ancestry DNA test results. Followed at 3:15 p.m. by a talk by club members Nancy Howard and Janet Tarolli on “Recipes and Reminiscing.” 1:30 p.m., on Zoom. Preregistration required; for URL email info@WashtenawGenealogy.org by Dec. 1. Free.
“The Shop Around the Corner”: Michigan Theater.
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org. Different times.
Dec. 4. (Ernst Lubitsch, 1940). Romantic comedy about 2 rival employees in a Budapest gift shop who don’t realize they are romantic pen pals. James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan. FREE. 1:30 p.m.
“First Snow”: Penny Seats Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun. (except Dec. 10 & 17), Dec. 2–18. Amanda Buchalter directs the premiere of veteran local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier’s comic play about a man who returns to his hometown for a Christmas party after having disappeared for 10 years. Amidst spiked eggnog, snowstorms, and power outages, his old high school friends demand answers. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. $15 (seniors 60+ $12). pennyseats.org, 926–5346.
“Kerry Tales: Light a Candle with Mother Goose”: Kerrytown Shops.
Dec. 4 (2 p.m.): 30-minute family-oriented program of rhymes, riddles, and stories with local storyteller Trudy Bulkley as Mother Goose. Note new location. Outside Spun, 410 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 769–3115.
“Peter and the Starcatcher”: EMU Theatre Department.
Dec. 2–4 & Dec. 9–11. EMU theater professor Meriah Sage directs EMU students in Rick Elice’s 2009 Tony Award-winning musical. Adapted from Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson’s 2004 novel which gives a backstory to Peter Pan, the narrative follows the nautical adventures of pirates, spies, island natives, crocodiles, and three orphan boys. Aimed at theatergoers age 10 & up. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), EMU Legacy Theater, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., Ford St. (off Lowell from Huron River Dr.), Ypsilanti. Tickets $7–$18 in advance at emich.ludus.com & at the door. 487–2282.
“Spring Awakening”: U-M In the Round Productions.
Dec. 2–4. Jack Rosenberg directs this new U-M student ensemble in its debut production, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony-winning 2007 rock musical. A brutally honest depiction of teen angst, rebellion, and budding sexual passion, it’s adapted from Frank Wedekind’s 1891 drama about a group of German adolescents whose sexual awakening is warped and thwarted by bourgeois adult society. One of the seminal works of modern theater, Wedekind’s play was banned as pornographic and not produced in full until the 1960s. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat & Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $10 (students, $6) at the Michigan League Box Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. 763–8587.
144th Annual Handel’s Messiah: University Choral Union (University Musical Society).
Dec. 3 & 4. Scott Hanoian directs the 175-voice Choral Union and members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in Handel’s beloved oratorio. The soloists, all established professionals with national or international reputations, are soprano Sherezade Panthaki, tenor Miles Mykkanen, countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, and bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca. The Choral Union Messiah, featuring a thunderous sing-along of the “Hallelujah” Chorus, has been an Ann Arbor tradition ever since organist (and U-M president) Henry Frieze led an impromptu community chorus in the spring of 1879, a performance that led to the formation of both the Choral Union and the UMS. On Saturday only, the concert is preceded at 6:30 p.m. in the lower lobby by “The Society for Disobedient Listeners,” an “anti-lecture” presented by Chicago-based music writer and violist Doyle Armbrust that explores the background of the evening’s program. 8 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Hill Auditorium. Tickets $17–$43 (students, $12–$20) in advance at tickets.ums.org, at Michigan League, by phone, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
Ann Arbor TubaChristmas.
George Thompson conducts this annual outdoor performance, now in its 23rd year, of holiday carols on tubas, euphoniums, sousaphones, and baritone horns. One of many outdoor concerts held this month across the nation and in Canada in memory of TubaChristmas founder Harvey Phillips. Musicians ($10) invited to bring an instrument and a music stand (with clothespins) to join around 40 players in the performance. Registration (9:30 a.m.) and rehearsal (10 a.m.-noon) at the EMU Alexander Music Bldg., East Circle Dr., Ypsilanti. Bring a sack lunch, dress for the weather. Music books ($16) & TubaChristmas hats ($15) available. 2–3 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free to spectators. slowtoreply@gmail.com, 395–9544.
Father Gabriel Richard High School Drama Program.
Dec. 1, 2, & 4. Elizabeth Champion directs high schoolers in a student-written Christmas mystery drama (title TBA) which puts the audience in the midst of a Christmas Eve party where murder is afoot, accompanying detectives through a series of interrogations to compile clues and catch the culprit. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), FGRHS Auditorium. Tickets $5 at the door only. echampion@fgrhs.org.
U-M Women’s Basketball vs. Northwestern.
U-M also plays home games this month vs. Toledo (Dec. 8, 7 p.m.), and Appalachian State (Dec. 17, noon). 2 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 reserved seating & $6 general admission in advance at mGOblue/tickets. 764–0247.
“Drawing for Adults | Exploring Oil Pastels: Wintery Windows”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Ann Arbor Art Center instructors show participants how to layer oil pastels to draw a realistic window with snow falling softly around it. 3–5 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
Chanukah Bazaar: Women of Temple Beth Emeth
Everything you need for a beautiful and meaningful Chanukah from Ann Arbor's only Judaica shop. Women of Temple Beth Emeth Gift Shop (inside Temple Beth Emeth building), 2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Contact: Ava Adler avadee2@yahoo.com.
2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor. n/a. avadee2@yahoo.com.Chanukah Bazaar: Women of Temple Beth Emeth
Everything you need for a beautiful and meaningful Chanukah from Ann Arbor's only Judaica shop. Women of Temple Beth Emeth Gift Shop (inside Temple Beth Emeth building), 2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Contact: Ava Adler avadee2@yahoo.com.
2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor. n/a. avadee2@yahoo.com.Sounds of the Season: Dexter Community Band.
Bill Gourley directs this 85-member volunteer ensemble in a program of holiday music featuring Leroy Anderson’s popular “A Christmas Festival,” Steve Reisteter’s “The Eighth Candle Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah,” and a beautiful arrangement of Bach’s “Ave Maria.” A quartet of local vocalists—Kristin Hoffman-Peavler, Jeni McFarland, John McLaughlin, and Frank Dougherty—joins the band in renditions of Irving Berlin Christmas songs and traditional carols. 3 p.m., Dexter Center for the Performing Arts, Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker, Dexter. Free. 426–2734.
“I Heard the Bells”: Fathom Events.
Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.
Dec. 1-4: (Joshua Enck, 2022). Drama chronicling Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s composition of the beloved Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).
“The Complete Organ Works of J.S. Bach”: U-M Music School.
Part of a series of 18 concerts in which U-M organ professor James Kibbie performs all of Bach’s 281 surviving organ works. Preceded at 3:40 p.m. by a brief introduction. Program: Fugue in C Minor, Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, Aria in F Major, chorales for Christmas from the Orgelbüchlein, Canonic Variations on “Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her,” Canzona in D Minor, and other Advent and Christmas chorales. 4 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg. Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, 1100 Baits. For livestream see smtd.umich.edu. Free. 615–3204.
44th Annual Boar’s Head Festival: Concordia University.
Dec. 2–4. Elegantly elaborate medieval English pageant celebrating Christ’s birth with a blend of religious pageantry and secular pomp. Maggie Rhodes directs a large cast of Concordia students, faculty, and staff as Beefeaters, hunters, jesters, and other court characters, as well as traditional Christmas shepherds and Magi. With musical narration, congregational singing, and a full orchestra. This hugely popular event sells out in advance every year. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.), Concordia University Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 4090 Geddes at Earhart. Tickets $10–$16 in advance at the Kreft Center Box Office and online at cuaa.edu/KreftArts-Tickets. 995–7537.
Craft & Drink with SCRAP Creative Reuse - Holiday Edition: Bløm Meadworks
We had so much for the first time, SCRAP is coming back! Join Ann Arbor’s SCRAP for reuse crafting! Drop in anytime from 4-6pm, pay what you can, and dive into an afternoon of crafting.
SCRAP brings tons of supplies and you’re welcome to get creative. This month, they’ll bring materials focused on: card + tag making, collage, holiday decor, holiday gift wrapping materials.
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110, Ann Arbor. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/dec-scrap-craft. $7-$15 (pay what you can, in advance or at the door) . hello@drinkblom.com. https://www.drinkblom.com/. 734-548-9729.P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
PORK presents their second MUSICAL FILM NIGHT, featuring GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933. We'll watch this classic music-packed film from the Jazz Age, and then PORK will play all of the music from the film, live! *note earlier start time* 10-piece early big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. For listening or dancing.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor. cash at the door. $10. cdsmith68@gmail.com. https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz . 248-446-0403.“To Leslie”: Michigan Theater.
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org. Different times.
Dec. 4. (Michael Morris, 2022). Drama about a single mother who wins the lottery, burns bridges while spending her winnings, and finds herself left to face the consequences with little help. Andrea Riseborough, Allison Janney, Marc Maron. 5:00 p.m.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check bit.ly/annarborgo.
Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or call 717–1569 in advance to confirm location.
“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Sun., except Dec. 25. An evening of playing popular board games online. You help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”: Saline Area Players.
Dec. 1–4. Debra Nichols directs local actors in North Carolina playwright Jamie Gorski’s recent heartwarming play based on the famous 1897 newspaper editorial answering an 8-year-old’s question. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), The 5th Corner, 211 Willis Rd., Saline. $10 in advance & at the door (3 and under free). Venue has some stairs; masks recommended. SalineAreaPlayers.org. 730–1055.
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M.
Dec. 4 & 18. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including fox-trots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 5 p.m. by a beginner and at 6 by an intermediate/advanced lesson. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union ballroom. Mask encouraged. $5. ballroomdance.club/schedule.
Organ Recital: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Performing on the church’s new Opus 25 organ, U-M organ professor Jeremy David Tarrant, organist for St. Paul Cathedral in Detroit, plays works TBA by Lübeck, Scarlatti, Bach, Brahms, Bennett, Schumann and Fleury. 7 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. standrewsaa.org, 663–0518.
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop.
Every Sun. (except Dec. 25). Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony Concerts: EMU Music Department.
J. Nick Smith and Mary K. Schneider direct these music student ensembles in a joint concert of mostly 21st-century music. The Symphonic Band’s program includes Shelley Hanson’s 2005 Albanian Dance, Michael Colgrass’s 2007 Mysterious Village, Donald Grantham’s 2014 Sol y Sombra, and John Zdechlik’s 1872 Chorale and Shaker Dance. Highlights of the Wind Symphony program include Jennifer Higdon’s 2012 Mysterium, Ottorino Respighi’s 1924 masterwork “Pines of Appian Way,” Johannes Hanssens’ popular 1904 “Valdres March,” and selections from Joel Love’s 2019 Solace: A Lyric Concerto featuring EMU student Rimas Stapusaitis on alto saxophone. 7:30 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsilanti. Free. 487–4143.
