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Events in March 2023
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March 24, 2023
“Melt into Spring English Country Dance Ball”: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance.
Mar. 24 & 25. Two days of folk dancing culminating in a ball Saturday night. Philadelphia caller Joanna Reiner Wilkinson leads dances to live music by Debbie Jackson, Josh Burdick, and Matt McCoy. Tonight: 8–11 p.m. Dancing. Saturday: 1–3:30 p.m. Dance practice (recommended; there is minimal teaching at the ball). 8–11 p.m. Ball with refreshments. Period or dressy attire requested. Various times, Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Masks required. $60 full weekend (Friday only: $15 in advance, $18 at the door; Saturday only: $45 includes dance practice; students half price) in advance at aactmad.org/melt-into-spring. 717–8253.
61st Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Mar. 21–26. The oldest and one of the most prestigious avant-garde film festivals in North America, showcasing new experimental and independent films in a wide range of genres. Also, “Off the Screen” round-table discussions, exhibits, and parties (see aaFilmFest.org for full schedule). Tickets: $150 (buy before Mar. 1, $125; members, students, & seniors, $100) for the entire festival; $85 (buy before Mar. 1, $75) for weekend passes, or $60 (buy before Mar. 1, $60) for an online-only pass in advance at aafilmfest.org. $12 (students, seniors, & members, $8) per screening at the door. All feature films eligible for online viewing are available Mar. 21–29. 995–5356. Michigan Theater (except as noted), various times.
Mar. 24: “The Romare Marquee.” A program of festival juror Amir George’s short films, with commentary on their relationship to the art of Romare Bearden. 1 p.m., State Theatre.
“Dor (Longing).” Jannes Callens’ competition drama depicts an encounter between a Belgian-Romanian man and a group of young shepherds, with pacing that floats between expeditious narration and contemplation. 5 p.m., State Theatre.
“Films in Competition 6.” Program of 35mm and 16mm films that includes the premiere of Philip Hoffman’s Deep 1, and films about pollution, a utopian college, and field journal entries. 5:30 p.m., U-M School of Kinesiology, rm. 2500.
“Celluloid Body.” A program of direct animation and handmade films curated by Diana Sánchez Maciel. 7 p.m., State Theatre.
“Films in Competition 7.” Highlights include Mohammad Gorjestani’s Somewhere Higher and films about a prickly sensory playground, a small yellow house, and the koel cuckoo. 7:30 p.m.
“Huahua’s Dazzling World and Its Myriad Temptations.” Daphne Xu’s competition documentary, about an eccentric, exuberant woman from China’s Xiong’an New Area who earns a living livestreaming herself dancing, singing, and chatting with fans, addresses the broader implications of this strange new world. 9 p.m., State Theatre.
“Films in Competition 8.” Program of animated films that includes Jeremy Rourke’s You’re Not Listening, as well as films about the color blue, the footsteps of a being, and mannequin choreography. 9:30 p.m.
“Weekend” (Jean-Luc Godard, 1967). The surreal tale of a married couple’s bloody road trip was a pioneer of modern cinematic rule-breaking. 11 p.m., State Theatre.
Cultivate Workshop Series
A flourishing life is possible. When you take the time to cultivate the life you want through intentions, your possibilities are limitless. Striving for progress over perfection creates a more meaningful life. Join this workshop series to receive seeds of life worth planting and nurturing. Cultivate a life filled with meaning, purpose, and intention.
Through this workshop series, you’ll:
· Pursue progress over perfection
· Embrace the season you are in
· Set boundaries
· Create realistic intentions
· Grow and flourish where you are planted
The virtual workshop is great for college students, young adults, or any person wanting to experience a positive change in school, work, or relationships.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri.–Sun. 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. 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 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Ann Arbor Major Tournament: American Cornhole Organization.
Mar. 24 & 25. Inaugural tournament welcomes the general public to play this popular bean-bag-tossing lawn game and/or to compete for prize money ($5,000 guaranteed purse). It is also a point-earning tournament for players of all skill levels competing to qualify for the ACO World Championships in July 2023. 8:30 a.m., Fowling Warehouse, 3050 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti. Free admission for spectators (competitors, $30–80). Preregistration for competition required at bit.ly/A2cornhole.
Rise and Shine Exercise: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
Crafting: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
Toddler Time: Launch Trampoline
$15 includes one toddler plus an accompanying adult. Children ages 5 and under only. / / Second Toddler (5 and under) $5
Every Friday from 10:00AM - 12:00PM*
Every Saturday from 9:00am-10:00am*
Toddler Time at Launch in Ann Arbor, MI is a great experience for kids 5 and under. Come jump with Mom or Dad without the big kids around! Improves strength and balance while minimizing strain on growing joints. Age-specific time to enjoy the entire park. Great way to socialize children and teach them how to work well with others.
*Excluding holidays and school vacation weeks
*Launch socks required and not included.
ALL Jumpers MUST wear Launch Safety Grip Socks. These socks may be purchased upon arrival for $3 a pair.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Coffee & Conversation: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
“Born in 1685”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Passover Sale: Women of Temple Beth Emeth.
Mar. 24, 26, & 31. Sale of Seder plates, matzah plates & covers, afikomen bags, haggadot, kitchen wares, Passover-themed toys, holiday-inspired apparel, including masks, Shabbat & Yahrzeit candles, tallit and other ritual items. Noon–7 p.m. (Fri.) & 3–7 p.m. (Sun.), TBE Gift Shop, 2309 Packard. templebethemeth.org.
U-M Center for Southeast Asian Studies Lecture Series.
Mar. 24 & 31. Talks by visiting scholars. Mar. 24: Harvard University Islamic studies professor Teren Sevea discusses stories of Islamic miracle workers in Singapore in “History in Ruins: Keramat and Stories of Singapore Islam.” Mar. 31: Vanderbilt University Asian studies professor Ben Tran discusses the work of contemporary Vietnamese artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen, and how it exposes the way that the effects of aerial bombings continue to affect and harm Vietnamese communities in “Reincarnation and Recursivity as Politics of Atmosphere.” Noon, 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at ii.umich.edu/cseas. Free. 615–4059.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points (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.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Trivia: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
U-M Interdisciplinary Committee on Organizational Studies Speaker Series.
Mar. 10, 17, 24, & 31. Talks by visiting scholars. Mar. 10: University of Arizona management professor Katina Sawyer on “Leader Inclusivity through the Lens of Marginalized Employees: Pathways to Combat Systemic Inequities.” Mar. 17: Northeastern University management professor Jamie Ladge on “Free to Be Me? Evolving Gender Expression and the Dynamic Interplay between Authenticity and the Desire to be Accepted at Work.” Mar. 24: Northern Illinois University organizational psychology professor Lisa Finkelstein on “Nobody Likes You When You’re 23: Our Quest to Understand Age Meta Stereotyping.” Mar. 31: Penn State University organizational psychology professor Alicia Grandey on “Hot Flashes at Work? The Disclosure Dilemma for Menopausal Women.” 1:30–3 p.m., 220 Ross Business School, 701 Tappan. For livestream see events.umich.edu/group/4231. Free. icos.umich.edu.
“The Worlds that Erupt from Books: Latinx Youth Literature in these Times”: U-M English Department Lamstein Children’s Literature Lecture.
Lenten Fish Fry: St. Mary’s Manchester.
Every Fri., Feb. 24–Mar. 31. Drive-thru takeout orders of beer-battered fried cod, french fries, coleslaw, dinner roll, and a cookie. 3:30–7 p.m., St. Mary Parish Center, 108 Madison Street (behind the Marathon gas station, follow the signs for drive-thru), Manchester. $15 (cash or check only). Stmarymanchester.org.
45th Annual Lenten Fish Fry: Old St. Patrick’s Church.
Every Fri., Feb. 24–Mar. 31. Inside dining or takeout orders include fried Alaskan pollock, salad bar, choice of potato or macaroni & cheese, and beverages. Desserts available for an extra charge. The food is worth the wait. 4:30–7 p.m., Old St. Pat’s parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. $15 (discounts for seniors and children). stpatricka2.org, 662–8141.
U-M Center for South Asian Studies Lecture Series.
Mar. 10, 24, & 31. Talks by visiting scholars. Mar. 10: University of Washington Urdu professor Jennifer Dubrow discusses, via Zoom, a 1948 collection of vignettes and poems on the everyday violence of the India-Pakistan partition in “The Prose Poetry of Partition: Saadat Hasan Manto’s Siyah Hashiye (Black Margins) and Formal Experimentation.” Mar. 24: University of Maryland history professor Mircea Raianu discusses “Tata: The Global Corporation That Built Indian Capitalism.” Mar. 31 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.): Pakistan Conference, panel discussions and talks explore “The Country and the City in Pakistan.” 4:30–6 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For URL, go to bit.ly/UM-CSAS-lectures. Free. 764–0448.
“A Physical Education with Casey Johnston”: Ann Arbor District Library.
“Dioramas”: Literati Bookstore.
Hopwood award-winning U-M grad Blair Austin, a former correctional librarian, reads from and discusses his debut novel, a speculative travelog in which a retired scholar in the distant future explores a surreal natural history museum, moving from window to window describing the bizarre scenes in front of him. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Mask required. Free. 585–5567.
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Every Mon.-Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Fri. 6:30–10 p.m.: Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Sat. noon–3 p.m.: Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. 6–10 p.m.: Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Mon. 6:30–10 p.m.: Power Cards, $10. Tues. 6–9 p.m.: MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Dance Mix 2023.”
“Horse Girls”: U-M Basement Arts.
Mar. 24 & 25. U-M students perform Jenny Rachel Weiner’s 2015 one-act play, a dark comedy about a group of pre-teen equine aficionados who discover that their stable is about to be demolished and their horses sold for meat. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 11 p.m. (Fri.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Studio 1, 1226 Murfin. Free. facebook.com/basementarts.
“New Moon Hike”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
LSNC staff lead a family-friendly hike through Black Pond Woods to enjoy the intense nighttime darkness offered by the new moon and do some science experiments on the trail. Followed by moon-themed stories & poems around an outdoor campfire. 7–8:30 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 (age 2 & under, free). Preregistration required at LeslieSNC.org or 997–1553.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers Ft. Keith Billik & Jason Dennie: North Star Lounge
Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Joining them will be Keith Billik and Jason Dennie. $10 Cover
North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. $10. nstarlounge.comMark Webster Reading Series: U-M English Department.
Open Mic: Booksweet Bookstore.
All teens and adults invited to read 5–10 minutes of their writing. Content warnings appreciated, with a pause to allow people to leave the room if needed. Sign-up in advance at bit.ly/booksweetopenmic, or on arrival. Also, a reading by Isabella J. Mansfield, a local poet and spoken word artist who writes about anxiety, intimacy, and body image both generally and as a woman with a disability. 7 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines. Free. Shopbooksweet.com.
Nate Abshire: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Mar. 23–25. Sardonic Minneapolis comic with sharp & imaginative writing, funny stories, and a laid-back delivery. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 (Thurs., $13) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $20 (Thurs., $15) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Divas: A Celebration of Women and Song”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Mar. 23–26. An ensemble of Encore singers and musicians performs hits by prominent female singers and songwriters, such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Lady Gaga, Sara Bareilles, and Dolly Parton. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $40 (+$3.80 fee) in advance at theEncoreTheatre.org & at the door. Vaccination or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours required. 268–6200.
“Once on This Island”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Feb. 23–Mar. 12. Natalie Kaye Clater directs this local professional theater company in a production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s 1990 calypso-flavored coming-of-age 1-act pop-rock musical about a rich boy and the peasant girl who rescues him from peril. Adapted from Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Main Stage, 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.
“Don Giovanni”: U-M Music School.
Mar. 23–26. U-M voice students and the music student University Symphony Orchestra perform Mozart’s operatic version of the Don Juan story. The action is an absorbing blend of stark tragedy and high comedy, and the music deftly fuses melodies of exquisite beauty with dark rumblings of damnation. Sung in Italian, with English supertitles. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat), and 1 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets $24 & $30 in advance at the Michigan League Box Office, tickets.smtd.umich.edu, and at the door.
“Every Brilliant Thing”: Friends of Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
Mar. 24–Apr. 2. Kat Walsh directs Duncan McMillan’s 2014 one-person play that The Guardian (UK) reviewer Betsy Reed calls “one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression,” adding that “there is something tough being confronted here—the guilt of not being able to make those we love happy—and it is explored with unflinching honesty.” Stars Stebert Davenport. Proceeds benefit the A2CT. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sun.), A2CT, 322 W. Ann St. $15 online at a2ct.org or at the door up to half an hour before each performance.
“The Canterville Ghost”: U-M Residential College Players.
Cody Fry: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
Singer-songwriter & pianist Cody Fry, an American Idol finalist, fuses popular song with large-scale orchestration. His orchestral cover of Lennon & McCartney’s “Eleanor Rigby” earned him a Grammy nomination for “best arrangement, instruments and vocals.” Tonight he performs original works and his arrangements of popular songs, backed by the full Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra under the direction of his father, Gary. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Mask & vaccination recommended. Tickets $55–$70 in advance at a2so.com & by calling 994–4801, and at the door.
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center.
“Blue Velvet”: State Theatre.
Mar. 24: (David Lynch, 1985). Film noir about the sinister underbelly of a seemingly peaceful suburban town. Dennis Hopper, Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Laura Dern. 9:30 p.m. Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Late Night: Wyatt Forhan’s Unity Trio: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Bass Trombonist WYATT FORHAN is an aspiring young musician from St. Louis, MO. He has studied with acclaimed artists such as, Steve Davis, Randy Napoleon, Walter Blanding, Anthony Stanco, Xavier Davis, Diego Rivera, Rodney Whitaker, Randy “Uncle G” Gillespie, Carl Allen, Dave Dickey, James Burton III, Adam Larson, Tim Green, Brandon Lee, Jim Alfredson, and Gerry Pagano.
314 S. Main St. ,Ann Arbor. NO cover or reservations required. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.
