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Events in October 2022
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October 2, 2022
“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Sept. 15–Oct. 2. Gerry McIntyre directs this local professional theater company in Richard Maltby Jr.’s joyful, high-energy 1978 Broadway musical revue that pays tribute to legendary Harlem Renaissance composer-pianist Fats Waller, master of the stride jazz piano and creator of indelible tunes. Five performers present an evening of Waller’s buoyant, often slyly raunchy songs, with their sophisticated, hook-filled melodies. 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.
“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 17. 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. Daniels’ wife became addicted to the game, which Daniels described in a 2021 interview as “half-court basketball for elderly people.” Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Tom Whalen. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. 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 Oct. 9 & 23). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5+. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (11 a.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. “Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale” (3 p.m.) explores the amazing evolutionary history of whales and other creatures. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Oct. 9 & 23). 30–minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. Noon & 2 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (11:30 a.m.) reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea” that are the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. 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. Tales of the Maya Skies (1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan 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, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 30. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. Oct. 1 (9 a.m.–noon): Buttonbush Nature Area, park entrance at the end of Hickory Point Dr. Oct. 1 (1–4 p.m.): Dhu Varren Nature Area, intersection of Birchwood Dr. and Dhu Varren Rd. Oct. 2 (9 a.m.–noon): Berkshire Creek Nature Area, end of Warwick Rd. off Glenwood, north of Washtenaw Ave. Oct. 2 (1–4 p.m.): Huron Parkway Nature Area, park steward’s house at 3470 Woodland Rd., off East Huron River Dr. Oct. 8 (9 a.m.–noon): Barton Nature Area, Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Dr. Oct. 9 (9 a.m.–noon): Bandemer Nature Area, parking lot at the end of Lake Shore Dr., off Main St. Oct. 15 (9 a.m.–noon): Redbud Nature Area, park entrance at the intersection of Parkwood Ave. and Jeanne St. Oct. 16 (9 a.m.–noon): Folkstone Park, park entrance at the north end of Folkstone Ct. Oct. 22 (9 a.m.–noon): Stapp Nature Area, meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway. Oct. 23 (1–4 p.m.): Bird Hills Nature Area, Newport Rd. Parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Oct. 30 (1–4 p.m.): Kuebler Langford Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Dr., north of Sunset Rd. Various times and locations. Free. Preregistration highly recommended. bit.ly/a2stewardworkday, 794–6627.
“Probility Ann Arbor Marathon”: Epic Races.
26.2-mile, 13.1-mile, 10k, and 5k chip-timed races on circuitous courses through city streets, along the river, and in Gallup Park. The 5k, 10k, and half-marathon events are open to walkers. All courses start outside the old Fingerle Lumber building. Courses closed to vehicular traffic until 1:30 p.m. Awards. Followed by a kids run (see Kids Calendar, p. 000). 8 a.m., S. Fifth Ave.at John St., $55–$290 in advance at EpicRaces.com; price increase after Sept. 30. 585–7101.
“Tea 101”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
Zingerman’s deli tea specialist Jackson Konwinski discusses the history, cultivation, and intricate craft of tea making. Also, the chance to taste 10 distinctive styles of tea along with tea cake and bread. 9–11 a.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. Tickets $35. Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. delievents@zingermans.com, 663–3354.
“U-M Museum of Anthropological Archaeology at 100”: U-M Conference.
Sept. 29–Oct. 2. Talks by scholars from around the world about archaeological theory and practice, the current state of the discipline, and its possible futures. 5:30–8 p.m. (Thurs.), 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.), & 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Rackham Amphitheatre (4th floor), 915 E. Washington. Livestream available. Free. Preregistration required at sites.lsa.umich.edu/ummaa-at-100.
“Rescue Reading”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Every Sun. (10–11:30 a.m.). Kids read to adoptable animals to work on reading skills, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. For kids ages 6–11. No adults. HSHV, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $15. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“West Side Neighborhood Art Hop.”
Oct. 1 & 2. The homes and studios of a number of west-side artists are open for a show and sale of their art and craft items. Featuring over 70 exhibiting artists. Live music at some venues. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.), noon–5 p.m. (Sun.), start at 700 Mt. Pleasant. Free. Venues & map available at westsidearthop.weebly.com, 757–3717.
“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center Sunday Talks.
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by a discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. Once a month, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from Jakata Tales, the Indian canon of 547 poems, dated 300 BC–400 AD, that concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The Oct. 2 topic is “The Prince from the Iron House,” a tale about enthusiasm for morality. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms.
Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 18–Nov. 6. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, yard games. Family Fun Day (Oct. 8) includes live music from the Saline Fiddlers. On Halloween Spooktacular Day (Oct. 30) costumes are encouraged. 5 p.m.–10 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sun.), Nixon Farms, 6175 Daly Rd., Dexter. $12 (ages 5–12, $9; age 4 & under, free). BlastCornMaze.com.
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards.
Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 10–Oct. 30 and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 23–Oct. 28. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm. Wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. On Sat. & Sun. for an extra charge, an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider and donuts available. No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.), Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd. (east of Carpenter), Ypsilanti. Weekend admission: $23.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $17.50 (babies, free) online only at wiards.com. 390–9211.
Mochas & Murals: Ann Arbor Art Center.
Art Center curator Louise Jones and other artists discuss the mural-making process from idea to creation. Coffee and pastries from Zingerman’s. 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., 994–8004.
Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. Halloween Sunday (Oct. 30), trick-or-treating, with costumes encouraged. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
H.A.C. Ultimate.
Every Sun. 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.
“Brunching for a Cause 2022”: Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County.
Benefit brunch and raffle to support the CSSW food pantry, behavioral health services, foster care, and other programs. Noon–3 p.m., Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe. Tickets $200 in advance at csswashtenaw.org. 971–9781.
“Fall for Art Fundraiser 2022”: Riverside Arts Center.
A benefit for this Ypsilanti performance theater, gallery, and studio space features live music by Dames Brown, a female-fronted Detroit funk, soul, and R&B ensemble, along with dance music spun by DJ Mechial White. Also, a catered brunch with mimosas and Bloody Marys and live auction of a bottle of rare “Pappy Van Winkle” bourbon, vacation packages, and other items. Noon–2:30 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $100 in advance at riversidearts.org/ffa22. 480–2787.
“Harvest Time on the Farm”: Rentschler Farm Historic Museum.
Guided tours of this century-old family sheep farm, now a museum, which today features demonstrations of period activities. Kids crafts and other activities, live animals, and live music by the Saline Fiddlers. Also, the Saline Area Players perform A Surprising Day On the Farm (1 & 3:30 p.m.), their 20-minute play about life on a 19th century farmstead. Food available. Wagon rides to the farm provided from the Commons at Sauk Trail shopping center (off Michigan Ave. just west of Industrial). Noon–5 p.m., Rentschler Farm, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. $1 admission (kids, free). 944-0442.
Open Board Gaming: Sylvan Factory.
Every Sun. & Thurs. All invited to play new and old board games. Noon–6 p.m. (Sun.) & noon–4 p.m. (Thurs.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. sylvanfactory.com/event-schedule.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to South America (2 & 4 p.m.), including a two-toed sloth, a three-banded armadillo, a black & white tegu (a large lizard). Also, a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals and, weather permitting, a boa constrictor presentation and feeding (3 p.m.). 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
Tour: Kempf House Museum.
Oct. 2, 9, 16, & 23. Guided tours of this restored 19th-century Greek Revival home, named for the family of German American musicians who occupied it circa 1900. 1–4 p.m., Kempf House, 312 S. Division. Free, donations accepted. 994–4898.
U-M Field Hockey vs. Ball State.
The U-M also has home matches this month against Indiana (Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m.), Iowa (Oct. 16, noon), and Ohio State (Oct. 28, 6 p.m.). 1 p.m., Ocker Field, 1202 S. State. Free. 764–0247.
“Fall Mushroom Hunt”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
Mushroom experts Phil Tedeschi and Kirk Coppernoll lead a search for mushrooms and help participants identify what they have collected and learn whether it’s edible or not. Bring waxed paper and a basket or paper bag. 2–3:30 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Preregistration required by calling 475–3170; space limited to 35. $12 Michigan recreation passport ($17 at the gate) required.
“Kerry Tales: Apple Time with Mother Goose”: Kerrytown Shops.
Oct. 2 (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 Avenue. Free. 769–3115.
“Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow”: U-M Theater Department.
Thurs.–Sun., Sept. 29–Oct. 9. Ryan Dobrin directs U-M theater majors in Halley Feiffer’s 2019 Off-Broadway sendup of Anton Chekhov’s beloved psychological drama Three Sisters. While not deviating from the original story about 3 high-minded young women trapped in a turn-of-the-century Russian provincial village, Feiffer superimposes a modern, Western sensibility and vernacular, transforming the play, with hilariously devastating consequences, into a deftly comedic (and raunchy) exploration of unchecked privilege. Ages 17 and up; contains vulgar language and sexual situations. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $30 (students, $13) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. 764–2538.
“Standards from the American Songbook”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Pianist Matthew Ball, who bills himself as The Motor City Boogie Woogie Kid, performs a family-friendly concert of New Orleans and Swing Era standards including “The Mood,” “Careless Love,” “Basin Street Blues,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and more. 2 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
Cohousing Tours: Touchstone Cohousing
Every Sunday at 2 pm interested folks are invited to tour Ann Arbor's 3 cohousing communities, a unique housing option that blends the practicalities of condominium living with the philosophy of living more sustainably by sharing. Residents contribute some work hours and make decisions for the entire community based on consensus. It's a great place to raise a family or enjoy an active retirement.
560 Little Lake Drive, Scio Township, Ann Arbor. n/a. Free. Tours@annarborcohousing.org. Touchstonecohousing.org. 734-274-9110.Game Playtesting: Michigame Design Lab.
Oct. 2, 16, & 30. All invited to try out new board and card games from local designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m. Bløm Meadworks, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. 548–9729.
Michigan Playwrights Festival: Theatre Nova.
See 1 Saturday. Today: A reading of Meg Richards’ From Mars, Earth Looks Like a Star, about two friends separated by outer space. 2 p.m.
“All Peoples Planet Parade”: All Peoples Planet Parade and Action Network.
Family-friendly sidewalk parade to celebrate the Earth. Live music and performances TBA. Attendees encouraged to make a sign, wear a costume, or bring a “sidewalk float.” 2:30–4:30 p.m., meet at Sculpture Plaza, N. Fourth Ave. at Catherine. Free. Mask requested. Info: Megan Sims at megansims600@gmail.com & 417–7020.
“Opus 25 Dedication”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
U-M grad Aaron Tan, winner of the 2021 Canadian International Organ competition, performs a selection of 10 works spanning the last 3 centuries. Highlights include Bach’s hymn setting “Allein Gott in der Hӧh sei Ehr,” Bizet’s Suite L’Arlésienne No. 2, and contemporary Canadian composer Rachel Laurin’s Poème Symphonique pour Le Temps de L’Avent. An outdoor reception follows. At 10 a.m., the church dedicates its new organ, Opus 25. 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. standrewsaa.org, 663–0518.
U-M Men’s Soccer vs. Indiana.
The team also has home games this month vs. Ohio State (Oct. 11, 7 p.m.), Bradley (Oct. 14, 7 p.m.), and Penn State (Oct. 30, 1 p.m.). 4 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. Tickets $6 & $8 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). 764–0247.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5 p.m. until whenever, Bill’s Beer Garden, 218 S. Ashley St., or Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Check Facebook page bit.ly/annarborgo or email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com before coming. Free.
P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
10-piece early big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in music 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. 5-8pm. $10 cover (cash).
2070 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor. cash at the door. $10. cdsmith68@gmail.com. https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz . 248-446-0403.2022 Annual Dinner and Auction: Salem Area Historical Society.
Multi-course buffet dinner, along with silent and live auctions of fine art, tickets to area attractions, gift cards, sports memorabilia, historical items, gift baskets, and more. All proceeds go to maintain the South Salem Stone School and Dickenson Barn. 6 p.m., Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center Club House, 8768 N. Territorial, Salem Twp. Tickets $50 (members $45) in advance at sahshistory.org. (248) 486–5515.
Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun. 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 Supper Series: Jean Holden: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Smooth, strong, sultry, crystal clear, and definitive phrasing detail the vocal talents of JEAN HOLDEN. Toledo songstress, Holden is an esteemed voice teacher, winner of three Lake Erie West People’s Choice Awards for Best Female Vocalist and was inducted into the Lifetime Achievement Category in March of 2000.
314 S. Main St , Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com. $10. hello@bluellamaclub.com. bluellamaclub.com. 734-372-3200.“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Sun. 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.
Fall Concert: EMU Symphony Orchestra.
This music student ensemble performs the Sibelius’ Karelia Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor. Also, EMU faculty soprano MeeAe Nam is the soloist in a performance of 20th-century French composer Joseph Canteloube’s collection of folk-song settings Chants D'Auvergne. 7:30 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, W. Cross at College Pl., Ypsilanti. Mask required. Free. 487–4143.
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop.
Every Sun. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 8 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
