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Events in December 2022
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December 8, 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 the songwriting team of U-M alumni 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.
“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.
“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
Dec. 5–23 (all day, online). Three members of the Unicorn Theatre (London)—Afia Abusham, Sapphire Joy, and Juliet Okotie—present classic West African and Caribbean tales using story, song, and dance. A long, long time ago, the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was Anansi—trickster, mischief maker, and master spinner of yarns. Recommended for kids from 3 to 9. Streaming available with registration at ums.org/performance/anansi-the-spider. Free. umsyouth@umich.edu, 647–4010.
“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.
“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
Every Mon.–Wed. & Dec. 8. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Tues. 11 a.m.–noon (Traverwood), Wed. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (Westgate), & Dec. 8, 6–7 p.m. (Pittsfield).
"The Christmas Experience": Ann Arbor Baptist Church
Get in the Christmas spirit and experience the holiday lights with Ann Arbor Baptist Church! All are welcome to drive through their 40,000+ light show featuring lit trees, drive-through tunnel, and decorated building. Enjoy a free Christmas cookie, hot chocolate, or chocolate milk on your way to a mini holiday movie showing on their 16-foot screen. This is a completely free event! For more information, visit aabaptist.church.
2150 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor. Free. info@aabaptist.church. aabaptist.church. (734) 995–5144.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.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Every Mon.–Fri. & Dec. 11. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Dec. 11 1 p.m. (Pittsfield).
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.
“Will Democracy Survive”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. (except Nov. 24), Nov. 3–Dec. 15. Six weekly lectures by prominent political scholars, presenting and explaining the current challenges to democracy both at home and abroad. Nov. 3: “The Four Threats to Democracy: Should We Be Worried.” Talk by Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) government professor Suzanne Mettler. Nov. 10: “The Hollow Parties: American Political Parties at the Precipice.” Talk by Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore) political science professor Daniel Schlozman. Nov. 17: “The Obstacles of Germany's Past Will Not Recede: Germany's Role in Contemporary Europe.” Talk by U-M comparative politics and German studies professor Andrei Markovits. Dec. 1: “Alignment: A Democratic Theory of Election Law.” Talk by Harvard University law professor Nicholas Stephanopoulos. Dec. 8: “Voter Turnout in 2022 and What it Means Going Forward.” Talk by Oakland University political science professor David A. Dulio. Dec. 15: “America Between Illiberal Democracy and Electoral Authoritarianism.” Talk by U-M Emerging Democracies professor Dan Slater. 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $61 (members, $36) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
Mah-jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.
Today:
Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person.
“Little Paws Storytime”: HSHV.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 (10:30–11:30 a.m.). Stories, crafts, finger plays, a tour of the adoptable cat area, and a dog meet and greet. For kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). $5 per child (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv.
“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
Dec. 5, 7, & 8 (10:30–11 a.m., different locations). AADL staff lead children ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, in fun, process-based arts and crafts. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.).
“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.
Holiday Artist Market: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
Every Tues.–Sat., Nov. 25–Dec. 22. Juried show & sale of works in various media and styles by over 50 area artists. Featuring jewelry, functional and decorative ceramics, small and large paintings, prints, fiber art, wood carvings, and more. Also, every Fri. & Sat., artist trunk shows. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. 662–3382.
ABCL-sanctioned Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
$9; members, $8. Preregister at mfulton@a2gov.org or 794–6250. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Lecture Series.
Dec. 1 & 8. Talks by visiting scholars. Dec. 8: University of Chicago Asian languages & cultures professor Michael Bourdaghs discusses the transformation of Chinese-born WWII propaganda idol Ri Koran into the Hollywood actress Shirley Yamaguchi in “Negotiating the Cold War: Yamaguchi Yoshiko in Sacramento, 1950.” Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at events.umich.edu/group/1003. Free. 764–6307.
“Telling: Part 2”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series.
The church’s organist Shin-Ae Chun performs a program of Christmas music from the 20th and 21st centuries, accompanied by a slide show of paintings with commentary (between musical pieces) by UMMA curator Grace Vandervliet. 12:15 p.m., First Baptist Church, 517 E. Washington. Free. fbca2.org, 663–9376.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.
Today:
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–2:30 p.m.) via Zoom.
Afternoon Carillon Concert: U-M Music School.
Every Mon.–Fri. Dec. 1–9. A U-M student or faculty carillonist, and occasional guest performers, play Lurie Tower’s prized set of 60 Dutch bells. 1:30–2 p.m., Lurie Tower, 1230 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 764–0583.
“What Policymakers Need to Know About the Criminal Justice System”: U-M Ford School of Public Policy Towsley Foundation Lecture Series.
10th District Court of Appeals of Ohio judge Laurel Beatty Blunt joins U-M Ford School of Public Policy dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes for this discussion. 4:30–5:30 p.m., 1110 Weill Hall, 735 S. State. Also via Zoom. Preregistration required at bit.ly/policycrim12-8-22. Free.
"What policymakers need to know about the criminal justice system": The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
As a 10th District Court of Appeals Judge for the State of Ohio, Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt will offer her perspective on what policymakers need to know about the criminal justice system.
Judge Beatty Blunt will offer firsthand knowledge about the criminal justice system, focusing on the inner workings of the local and national court systems, as well as the role of a judge as both a policy implementer and policy interpreter. Together, Dean Watkins-Hayes and Judge Beatty Blunt will discuss how social context--including race, gender, poverty, and education--shapes criminal justice pathways and outcomes.
735 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI. This event is free and open to the public.. kateej@umich.edu. https://fordschool.umich.edu/event/2022/what-policymakers-need-know-about-criminal-justice-system.“Laser Engraved Glasses: Maker Works Happy Hour Drop-In”: Ann Arbor Art Center.
All invited to engrave a piece of glass using Made by Brad’s 50-watt CO2 laser engraver. 5–7 p.m., Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty. $15 walk-up only. annarborartcenter.org. mclark@annarborartcenter.org, 926–4123.
Fred Moten: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series.
Reading by this NYC poet, a cultural theorist whose work explores critical social theory, black studies, and performance art. His poems frequently serve as an evocative extension of his scholarly work, allowing multiple influences to engage contemporary social issues in a kind of experimental dialogue, like members of a jazz ensemble. Followed by a Q&A. Also, tomorrow Moten gives a free talk on “The Entanglement of Improvisation and Revision in the Work of Poetic (De)Composition” (10–11 a.m., 3222 Angell Hall). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Livestream available for both programs at tinyurl.com/ZellWriters. Free, but capacity limited. asbates@umich.edu.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
Dec. 3 & 8 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. 2–4 p.m. (Sat.) & 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
“Breweries vs. Frostbite: Ozone House Charity Fowling Tournament”: Fowling Warehouse.
All invited to watch teams of employees from 20 craft breweries compete in a fowling (a football bowling pin game) tournament in support of Ozone House, an agency that serves some 1,400 homeless youth in Washtenaw County. The tournament is also open to the first 12 two-person teams to preregister by showing up at Fowling Warehouse with either donations of new clothing or a receipt of donations to Ozone House made via ozonehouse.org/donate-goods. Slots will fill quickly, so preregister teams early. 6–10 p.m., Fowling Warehouse, 3050 Washtenaw Rd., Ypsilanti. Free, but a $10 donation gets you a beer. 499–3695.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Thurs., Fri., Mon., & Tues. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games. 6–8 p.m. (Thurs.), 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), & 5–8 p.m. (Mon. & Tues.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Full Moon Night Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Naturalist Shawn Severance and Washtenaw Audubon Society member Matthew Spoor lead a hike in the light of a full moon to call for owls, learn the indigenous names of constellations, and experience nature after dark. A campfire with s’mores follows. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you like. 6–7 p.m., LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve, 2252 N. Prospect Rd. (half mile north of Geddes), Superior Twp. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. Mask recommended. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Scoring the Archive”: Ann Arbor District Library.
U-M music students share their original musical compositions inspired by images from the AADL Archives. Part of the current “Scoring the Archive” Exhibit (see Galleries). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
Board Game Night at Venue: Vault of Midnight.
All invited to play popular board games, from easy to advanced. “Game gurus” on hand to answer questions. 6–9 p.m., Venue, 1919 South Industrial Hwy. $5. Preregistration required at bit.ly/venuegame.
“Resurrecting the Jew: Nationalism, Philosemitism, and Poland's Jewish Revival”: Literati Bookstore.
U-M Judaic studies professor Geneviève Zubrzycki discusses her new book about the growing interest in Poland for all things Jewish including Klezmer music, Jewish-style restaurants, kosher vodka, and festivals of Jewish culture. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Mask required. Free. 585–5567.
“Coppelia”: EMU Music & Dance Department.
EMU dance professor Sherry Wilkinson directs EMU students in her choreography of the 1870 comic ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s doll-come-to-life short story Dear Sandman. Accompanied by a live performance of the Léo Delibes score by the EMU Symphony Orchestra. 7 p.m., Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsilanti. Tickets $10 (seniors & students, $8; children under 13, $7) in advance at emich.ludus.com. Preregistration required. 487–2448.
“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
All invited to join a sing-along of soothing songs that are easy to learn. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport. Also via Zoom; see interfaithspirit.org for URL. Free. 327–0270.
“Smyrna”: 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. 8. (Grigoris Karantinakis, 2022). Historical drama about the 1922 burning of the cosmopolitan Anatolian Greek city of Smyrna by Ottoman Turks. 7 p.m.
“The American North Russia Expeditionary Force in Archangel”: U-M Bentley Historical Library Michigan Archives at the Detroit Observatory.
Bentley lead archivist Olga Virakhovskaya discusses The American military intervention in Archangel, Russia, at the end of WWI. 7 p.m., Detroit Observatory, 1398 Ann. Preregistration required bit.ly/decmichiganarchives. Free. 764–3482.
Djangophonique: Blue LLama Jazz Club
DJANGOPHONIQUE is a virtuosic, instrumentally driven quartet led by guitar player Andrew Brown. A true disciple of the style, Brown has spent countless hours immersing himself in the language of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche, and he’s joined on stage by bandmates that match his skill and passion for the material.
314 S. Main St , Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com. $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com. bluellamaclub.com. 734-372-3200.Piano Bar Thursday: Mr B & Julian Van Slyke: North Star Lounge
Blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun has become one of the premiere purveyors of a vanishing art. Having learned his craft first-hand from the early masters, he is a rare living link to the first generation of blues and boogie pianists.
Julian has worked in almost every situation possible, from Musical Theatre to Drum & Bugle Corps to Jazz to Rock, Blues to R&B and Gospel Julian has played and recorded with top performers from every genre. Julian holds down the drummer’s chair for the the “C” Notes Trio led by Mark Loduca Sr. $10 Cover.
301 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor. northstarloungea2@gmail.com.Poetry Slam: Leon Loft
All invited to perform original spoken word poetry or just watch. Featuring performances by local spoken-word poet Lilly Kujawski, neo-soul singer Where She Creep, and more. Audience members serve as judges; cash prizes for the top 3 poets. 7 p.m., Leon Loft, 715 W. Ellsworth. $5 at the door only. 926-4085.
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Dec. 1, 8, & 15. Performances by up to 12 aspiring area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at etix.com and at the door. 996–9080.
“Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time": 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. 6, 8, & 11. (Mahiro Maeda, Katsuichi Nakayama, & Kazuya Tsurumaki, 2021). Subtitled screenings of this fourth and final installment of the Rebuild of Evangelion sci-fi Japanese anime franchise about competing teams of giant bio-machine pilots. Ann Arbor 20 only. 7:30 p.m. (Tues. & Thurs.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.).
“Opera Scenes and 21st Century One-Acts”: U-M Opera Theatre.
Dec. 8 & 9. U-M voice professor Kathleen Smith Belcher directs U-M students in 2 short operas by contemporary American composers. Tony Solitro’s Triangle, based on a play by Jane Martin, tells the story of a love triangle where one corner is occupied by the Greek love goddess Aphrodite. In composer Aran O’Grady and librettist Kaitlin Sullivan’s Eintänzer, on the eve of his country’s collapse, an unemployed taxi dancer hides in the ruins of his old nightclub while planning an escape, until an unexpected visitor changes his plans. Also, U-M voice professor Kirk Severtson conducts opera scenes featuring music by Rossini, Bizet, and Mozart. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.) & 8 p.m. (Fri.), U-M Moore Bldg. McIntosh Theatre, 1100 Baits. Free. 615–3204.
“The Heart of Robin Hood”: U-M Theatre Department.
Dec. 8-11. U-M theater professor Geoff Packard directs students in David Farr’s 2011 reimagining of the Robin Hood story, wherein the band of Sherwood Forest outlaws steals from the rich but don’t think to give to the poor until after Maid Marian’s intervention–along with the actions of the wicked Prince John. 7:30 (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $24–$30 (students, $13) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu, the Michigan League Ticket Office, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
Christmas Dance: Ann Arbor Ski Club.
All invited to learn about the club’s ski & snowboarding outings and other social activities. Followed by dancing to live music by Salmagundi, a local horn-powered Motown/Memphis soul tribute band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes. Festive attire encouraged. Must be 21 or older. 7:30–10:30 p.m., UA Local 190 Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd. $5 (members, free). a2skiclub@gmail.com.
Christmas Dance: Ann Arbor Ski Club.
All invited to learn about the club’s ski & snowboarding outings and other social activities. Followed by dancing to live music by Salmagundi, a local horn-powered Motown/Memphis soul tribute band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes. Festive attire encouraged. Must be 21 or older. 7:30–10:30 p.m., UA Local 190 Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd. $5 (members, free). a2skiclub@gmail.com.
Comhaltas.
Every Thurs., except Dec. 22 & 29. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7:30–9:30 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. facebook.com/DetroitIMA.
Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub.
Every Thurs. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne poses the questions at this popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team (up to 6 people). Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. 665–2968.
Sullivan Fortner: Kerrytown Concert House.
This acclaimed New Orleans-bred, New York-based jazz piano virtuoso plays an intimate solo gig ahead of his trio performance at the Blue Llama tomorrow (see Nightspots). 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream also available. Tickets $29-$70 (students, $19; $150 “super fan” tickets include both shows) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door. Reservations recommended. 769–2999.
Winter Concert: Pioneer High School Orchestras.
Jonathan Glawe and Reid Smith direct student orchestra ensembles of various combinations in a program of music by Verdi, Chopin, Florence Price, and Sibelius, as well as works by 20th-century Polish composer Wojciech Kilar and contemporary Michigan-based composer Catherine McMichael. 7:30 p.m. PHS Schreiber Auditorium. Free. 994–2189 ext. 3.
“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.
“Once there was not”: U-M Dance Department MFA Concert.
Dec. 8-10. MFA candidate Leah O’Donnell presents her multimedia dance theater piece, a screening of Blue Burrow, a short film meditation on Lake Huron, 6 dancers, accompanied by a singer, exploring themes of impermanence, contradiction, and purgatory. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), U-M Dance Bldg Performance Studio Theatre, 1000 Baits Drive. Tickets free, at the door only. 763–5460.
“The Pirates of Penzance”: U-M Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
Dec. 8-11. David Andrews directs this accomplished town-and-gown company in Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta about the romance between a young lady and a young man mistakenly apprenticed to an inept band of pirates when he was a boy. The ensuing madcap chaos is peppered with songs like “Poor Wand’ring Ones,” “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General,” and the pirates’ theme song, “With Cat-Like Tread,” better known as “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here.” 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.), 1 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. $30 (seniors, $27; students with ID, $15) in advance at the Michigan League Ticket Office, muto.umich.edu, and at the door. 763–8587.
Ebird & Friends 15th Anniversary Holiday Show: Bank of Ann Arbor
Since its inception in 2007, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. This year’s featured performers are Tunde Olaniran, Emilee Petersmark, Timothy Monger, Chris Dupont and Kylee Phillips. Four performances will happen on December 8th and 9th, with two shows on December 10th at the Ark. Produced by Erin Zindle, the singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist of The Ragbirds, this concert series has become the most warm-hearted way to begin the holiday season.
316 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor. https://mutotix.umich.edu/3570. $35 - $75. publicity@theragbirds.com. http://www.theragbirds.com/holidayshow. 734-358-0741.German Conversation.
Every Thurs., and 2nd & 4th Tues. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the A2 Stammtisch (8 p.m. Thurs.) and the German Speakers Round Table (7:30 p.m. Tues. Dec. 13 & 27). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
Jazz Lab Ensemble & Jazz Ensemble: U-M Music School.
Ellen Rowe & Dennis Wilson direct these jazz student ensembles in a program featuring guest drummer Jeff Hamilton, a California-based musician renowned for his unusually melodic drumming and for the crisp swing & drive of his rhythms. 8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. 615–3204.
