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Events in December 2022
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December 6, 2022
“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.
“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).
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.
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri., Sat., & Mon.–Wed. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. 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. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
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.
“Holiday Themed Rock Painting”: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation.
Seniors invited to learn how to paint rocks. Fee includes specialized paints, tools, and instruction. 10–11:30 a.m., Pittsfield Community Center, 701 W. Ellsworth. $7 (Pittsfield residents, $5). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or by calling 822–2120.
Online Meditation Drop-In: 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:
Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom.
“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.
“Redemption, Raids, and Restitution: The ‘Tail’ of Private Ownership in the Early People’s Republic of China”: U-M Center for Chinese Studies Noon Lecture Series.
Talk by University of California history professor Puck Engman. Noon–1 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. 764–6308.
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.
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.
“Una Tertulia”: 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:
“Una Tertulia” (Nov. 1, 3:30–4:30 p.m.) a chance to socialize with other Spanish speakers via Zoom.
“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.
Block Printing Workshop: Ann Arbor District Library.
Adults and teens invited to make prints on blank note cards using carved soft blocks. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–42000
Block Printing Workshop: Ann Arbor District Library.
Adults and teens invited to make prints on blank note cards using carved soft blocks. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–42000
“Ari’s Best of 2022 Tasting”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
Zingerman’s cofounder Ari Weinzweig discusses and offers taste samples of some of his favorite Zingerman’s products. This extremely popular annual event usually sells out. Weinzweig also leads a virtual tasting ($65 includes a take home tasting kit) on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. 6–8:30 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. $70 in advance at zingermansdeli.com and (if available) at the door. 663–3400.
“Folk Song Jam Along'': Ann Arbor District Library.
Lori Fithian and Jean Chorazyczewski lead this family-friendly sing-along. Lyrics and chords are projected so all can play together to a selection from over 350 familiar folk and pop songs. Participants are welcome to bring their own acoustic instruments. 6 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. 327–4200.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Every Sat. & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet (formerly Running Fit) locations. Rain or shine. 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty & 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. Free. 769–5016 (Tues.) & 929–9022 (Sat.).
BattleTech: Classic: Sylvan Factory.
Every Tues. All invited to play this fast-paced tabletop miniatures war game. No experience needed; materials provided. 6–9 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. sylvanfactory.com/event-schedule.
“Tour de Dirt Tuesday Dirt Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Tues. 20- to 35-mile ride along Chelsea-area dirt roads. Lights required. Email for upcoming week’s route. 6:15 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main St., Chelsea. Free. scimitargs@gmail.com.
“Art and Science: A Journey Bridging the Divide”: Ann Arbor District Library Artist Talk.
Talk by local mixed-media artist and U-M environmental science professor Sara Adlerstein. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
“Our Missing Hearts”: Literati Bookstore Cultura Book Club.
All invited to join a discussion of Celeste Ng’s 2022 dystopian novel about a 12-year-old boy trying to track down his missing poet mother in an America where the authorities have banned unpatriotic books. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Mask required. Free. Preregistration required at literatibookstore.com. 585–5567.
Death Café: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
An ICSG facilitator leads a frank conversation (via Zoom) about death. 6:30–8:30 p.m., for URL see InterfaithSpirit.org. Free, but donations appreciated. 327–0270.
“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
Every Tues. All invited to try to capture a virtual flag by solving a computer security problem (or series of problems), ranging from basic computer to some programming. Led by AHA usage members. Beginners welcome. 7 p.m., for URL preregister at meetup.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free, but donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Eat Your Mind: The Radical Life and Work of Kathy Acker”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Toronto-based journalist Jason McBride joins WSU English professor Steven Shaviro to discuss (via Zoom) his new biography of the late pioneering experimental novelist. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2022-12. Free. 585–5567.
“Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon”: 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. 5-7. (Ben Smallbone, 2022). Documentary about the late country singer’s return to the Christian faith of his upbringing following years of addiction. 7 p.m.
“Sufi Chanting, Movement, & Meditations”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
Every Tues. Talk (via Zoom) by Imam Kamau Ayubbi. All ages welcome. 7 p.m., for URL see interfaithspirit.org/events/featured-event. $5–$10 suggested donation. 327–0270.
Ann Arbor Camera Club.
Club members show their digital slides and prints on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “Sand Dunes.” 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty, rear entrance, 2nd fl. Mask and proof of Covid-19 vaccination and booster required. Free. annarborcameraclub.org, a2camclub@gmail.com.
English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
Every Tues., except Dec. 27. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught; no partner or experience needed. Bring flat, clean-soled, nonslip shoes (running shoes okay) and your own water bottle. First-timers are asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Mask, proof of vaccination, and release of liability required. Suggested donation $8 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). aactmad.org/english-country, 665–7704.
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Every Tues. All male and female singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local barbershop harmony chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., Interfaith Center, 704 Airport Blvd. Masks encouraged, vaccination required to join. Free to visitors (annual dues for those who join). bit.ly/hvharmonizers. info@HVharmonizers.org, 796–7467.
Virtual Trivia Night: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Tues. All invited to form teams of 4 or so persons to compete (via Zoom) in a family-friendly 2-round trivia contest featuring questions in a range of fields from entertainment and history to pop culture and geography. Solo competitors are matched up together. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
Voices in Harmony.
Every Tues. Female singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–8:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile Rd., Ypsilanti. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines; proof of vaccination required. Free to visitors ($26 monthly dues for those who join). info@voicesinharmonychorus.org, 765–3611.
“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.).
First Tuesday Lecture: Great Lakes Branch of the Anthroposophical Society in America.
Retired U-M medical professor Douglas Miller discusses (via Zoom) “The Goetheanum,” a massive concrete building in Dornach, Switzerland, designed by Rudolf Steiner to serve as the world center for the anthroposophical movement. 7:30 p.m., for URL email dwight.ebaugh@gmail.com. Free; donations welcome. 276–5294.
“Comedy Experiment”: Beer Grotto.
Every Tues. Stand-up showcase featuring sets by local comics TBA. 8 p.m., The Beer Grotto, 8059 Main, Dexter. Free. bit.ly/comedybeergrotto.
