Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in July 2022
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
July 1, 2022
“Elvis”: Michigan Theater.
Opens July 1: (Baz Luhrmann, 2022). Biographical musical drama based on the life of Elvis Presley and his complex relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler, Tom Hanks. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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.
“Lightyear”: State Theatre.
Opens July 1: (Angus MacLane, 2022). Pixar animated sci-fi film in which a marooned astronaut must make his way back to Earth. A sequel to Toy Story (1995). Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & US veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
“Mr. Malcolm’s List”: State Theatre.
Opens July 1: (Emma Holly Jones, 2022). Period comedy of manners in which a young woman in 1800s England gets revenge on a suitor who rejected her. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & US veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival.
Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Featuring 5 different films each week available to stream anytime. June 26, noon through July 1, noon (online): “Out of Exile – The Photography of Fred Stein” (Dawn Freer & Peter Stein, 2020). Documentary examining the life of this iconic Jewish photographer famous for his photographs of street scenes of Paris and New York in the 1930s and 40s. “Rose” (Aurélie Saada, 2021). Feel-good comedy drama about a recently widowed Sephardic French grandmother who rediscovers her long ignored aspirations. “Berenshtein” (Roman Shumunov, 2021). Drama about the last surviving member of a group of Jewish partisans who located the Nazi V2 missle development facility as he revisits his wartime memories and grapples with the ensuing dissociation and loss of identity. “Let It Be Morning” (Eran Kolirin, 2021) Lightly satirical drama about a Palestinian man living in Israel who returns to his village to attend his brother’s wedding only to find the road home to Jerusalem blocked by Israeli soldiers. “Shorts II” A collection of short films exploring the topic of family. A Kaddish for Selim (Jane Wells, 2022). Documentary that uses family photos and letters to tell the story of a young Jew in 1912 London who changes his name to join the British army and dies at the battle of Gallipoli. Her Dance (Bar Cohen, 2020). Drama about a trans woman, estranged from her Orthodox Jewish family, who shows up uninvited to her sister’s wedding night Shabbat. No Limits (Uriya Kapach, 2020). Morally complex drama about a pair of Palestinian theives who steal an Israeli woman’s car only to find that her baby is still in the back seat. Pops (Lewis Rose, 2021). Comic drama about the feud that breaks out between a pair of siblings over their late Jewish father’s request to have his ashes sent into space. Winter of '79 (Julia Elihu, 2021). Drama based on true events about a Persian-Jewish mother forced to question her loyalty to her country at the onset of the Iranian revolution. $12 per film; virtual festival pass, $150. Online at Film.jccAnnArbor.org. 971–0990. Various times.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except July 4. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (12:30 p.m.) reveals the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea,” the world’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (1:30 & 3:30 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. Tales of the Maya Skies (2:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Maya scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics that enabled them to predict solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri., Tues.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 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.
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter for coffee or breakfast. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. a2dan@sbcglobal.net.
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northfield Twp. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. aabts.org.
City Park Walks: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Friday. Weekly guided 1-mile walk at a different city park each week. Preregister at mfulton@a2gov.org or 794–6250. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Sunday Dharma Series: Insight Meditation Ann Arbor
Every first Sunday of the month,10 am–11:30 am. Join Insight Meditation Ann Arbor (IMA2) for our Sunday Dharma Series via Zoom. We will have an invited guest teacher who will guide a meditation, present a Dharma teaching and follow up with Q&A. For more information on teachers, Dharma topics and to retrieve the Zoom link, please visit our website: https://insightmeditationannarbor.org. Free.
Beginner Qigong & Tai Chi: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday & Friday. Gentle stretching both in-person and via Zoom (call 794–6250 for Zoom sign-up), Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Mon., Wed., & Fri. 30 min. online lesson on gentle Tai Chi for older adults. Beginners welcome. 2401 Plymouth Road. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Via Zoom. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary. No partner needed. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. Call 998-9353 if interested, info.tswp@umich.edu.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.—Fri. (except July 4). 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).
“First Friday at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm.
The petting farm is open late tonight with a food truck by Picasso Barbeque, kids activities, and music by Tree Town Ukes, Michigan’s oldest ukulele club, and local Americana singer guitarist Jesse Miller. 5–8 p.m., Domino’s Petting Farm, 3001 Earhart Rd. (north off Plymouth). $6 regular admission (kids age 23 months & under, free). 998–0182. info@pettingfarm.com.
“Top of the Park”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
Every Tues.–Sun., June 10–July 3. This beloved summer tradition returns for the first time since 2019 with live music on 2 stages, followed at 10 p.m. (Sun. & Tues.–Thurs.) by free movies. Also, a KidZone activity tent, “Retreat” fitness and dance activities (5 p.m. on the Power Center lawn), all-age creative activities in The Annex tent, food concessions from area restaurants, beer & wine tastings (Tues. & Wed.), and more. Tonight in the KidZone: Discover the World of STEM (5 p.m.). On the Power Center Lawn: Fitness Activities with SPENGA Ann Arbor (5 p.m.). In the Annex Tent: Laser Dancing with Illuminatus Lasers (7:30 p.m.). On the O&W Grove Stage: Trumpeter Ingrid Racine (5 p.m.) fronts a quintet of fellow local jazz musicians performing modern jazz originals and improvised instrumental hip-hop, followed by an ensemble led by Toledo jazz vocalist Ramona Collins (6 p.m.). On the Rackham Stage: Country-infused Americana by the Southeast Michigan quartet Cold Tone Harvest (7 p.m.), futuristic funk and soul by the Grand Rapids-based Earth Radio (8:30 p.m.), and Sabbatical Bob (10:15 p.m.), an Ypsilanti high-energy instrumental funk ensemble. 5 p.m.–midnight, Ingalls Mall at Washington. Free, but donations accepted. a2sf.org, 994–5999.
Ann Arbor Kirtan.
All invited to try kirtan, an ancient yogic spiritual practice that involves singing and chanting. Accompanied by live music on tabla, harmonium, cello, violin, and finger cymbals. The program ends with silent meditation and homemade chai. 6:30 p.m., Island Park Pavilion B, 1420 Island Dr. Free, but donations accepted. 476-2621.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Every Fri., June 10–Aug. 5. Entertainment in downtown Dexter. Bring a picnic and blanket and relax on the grass. Tonight: acoustic easy listening music by the Life Support Trio. 6:30 p.m., Monument Park gazebo, downtown Dexter. Free. dexterchamber.org. Info@DexterChamber.org.
“First Fridays: Open Hours for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy.
All age 18 & up invited to watch an alligator feeding (weather permitting) at 7:15 p.m., followed by a display of animals native to North America, including a woodchuck, a black rat snake, and a wild turkey. Also, the chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including macaws, muntjacs, and more. 7–9 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $12 in advance at TheCreatureConservancy.org, $13 at the door. 929–9324.
”Language Is Everywhere—and AI Models of Language Are Not Far Behind”: Ann Arbor District Library Friday Night AI.
Virtual panel discussion with U-M linguistics and computer science professor Steven Abney and U-M human-centered computing postdoc Ian Stewart. 7–8 p.m., AADL.TV. Free. 327–4200.
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series
Free Smooth Jazz Concerts every Friday all summer long from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Ford Lake Park 9075 S. Huron River Dr. Ypsilanti MI 48197
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series.
Every Fri., July 1–Sept. 2. Formerly the Ypsilanti Frog Island Jazz Concert series, now in a larger venue at Ford Lake Park, with outdoor performances by national and area jazz standouts. Veteran local jazz guitarist Lawrence opens each night by playing a piece with the featured artist. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Tonight: An ensemble led by acclaimed Detroit smooth jazz saxophonist Randy Scott. 7 p.m., Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti. Free. 635–5446, JohneLaw@sbcglobal.net.
“CatVideoFest”: Michigan Theater.
Compilation of funny and cute online cat videos. A portion of sales goes to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. 7:15 p.m. (Fri.), 4:30 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.). Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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.
“Mamma Mia!”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 16–July 17. This local professional theater company performs the sunny 1999 Catherine Johnson musical about a bride-to-be trying to narrow down a field of three possibilities to find her real father. The all-ABBA score includes the title song, “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $46 (seniors & youth $44) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 15–Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25–51 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.
Social Dance: The Dance Pavilion.
Every Fri. Ballroom dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded from 8–8:30 p.m. by a group lesson. Bottled water & chips provided. 8:30–10:30 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $15. TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
Friday Night Swing: Swing Ann Arbor.
Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 8 p.m. by a lesson. 9–11 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Mask and proof of vaccination with booster (or negative PCR test within 24 hours) required. $5 ($4 students and AACTMAD members). swingannarbor.com/calendar.
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”: Michigan Theater.
(Hayao Miyazaki, 1984). Post-apocalyptic anime fantasy that tells the story of a young princess who becomes embroiled in a struggle with a military state. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sat.). Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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.
