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Events in February 2023
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February 7, 2023
“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.
“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
Every Mon.–Wed. 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).
“Salt: Dispersed”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
Jan. 17–Feb. 13. Online presentation of this very personal monologue by performance artist Selina Thompson which premiered at the 2017 Edinburgh festival. At once dramatic, sad, and comic, it’s about a journey she made by cargo ship to retrace the triangular route of the transatlantic slave trade. Salt is Thompson’s response to being both British and a descendant of a people enslaved by the British. Anytime from Jan. 17 until Feb. 13. For URL, go to ums.org/performance/salt-dispersed, or preregister to be reminded. Free. 764–2538.
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. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Every Mon.–Fri. 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 & Malletts Creek), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood & Pittsfield), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Tues., Feb. 21, 7-7:30 p.m. (Westgate).
Mah-jongg: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
Every Tues, 9-11 a.m. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 9-11 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 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.
Today:
Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom.
“Sensation Stations”: AADL Pittsfield.
Kids 2 and under, accompanied by an adult, invited to engage their senses by scooping, pouring, shaking, and sorting a variety of materials while exploring colors, shapes, textures, and sounds. 10:30–11:15 a.m., AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley. Free.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun. 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.
BFA Theater Design & Production Portfolion Exhibition: School of Music, Theater and Dance
Take a peek behind the scenes of the plays, musicals, and operas at the University of Michigan. Explore the work of The Theater and Drama Department’s undergraduate Stage Managers, Designers, and Technicians.
2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor. N/A. Free. gallery-support@umich.edu. https://www.dc.umich.edu/2023/01/28/bfa-theater-design-and-production-portfolio-exhibition/. 7347630606.Noon Lecture Series: U-M Center for Chinese Studies.
Feb. 7 & 21 Talks by visiting scholars. Sandwiches, cookies, & coffee served. Feb. 7: Hebrew University Jerusalem Buddhist studies professor Ian MacCormack on “Making a Buddhist State: Productivity as a Political Value in Early Modern Tibet.” Feb. 21: Yale University law professor Taisu Zhang on “The Ideological Foundations of Qing Taxation.” Noon–1 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. 764–6308.
Bridge: 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.
Today:
Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person.
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.
Euchre: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
Every Tues., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 1-3:30 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.
“Mastering Community: The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us from Surviving to Thriving”: U-M Center for Positive Organizations.
Talk (via Zoom) by Georgetown University management professor Christine Porath. 2–3 p.m., for URL preregister at positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/events. Free.
“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.
Today:
“Una Tertulia” (Feb. 7 & 21, 3–5 p.m.) a chance to socialize with other Spanish speakers via Zoom.
“Western Lane”: Literati Bookstore/Book Passage.
London-based short fiction writer Chetna Maroo joins novelist Yiyun Li for an online discussion of her debut novel, an indelible coming-of-age story about an 11-year-old girl who becomes obsessed with playing squash in the wake of her mother’s death. 5 p.m., online at youtube.com/bookpassagetv/live. Free. 585–5567.
American Marketing Association Midwinter Mixer: REGROUP
Join the Detroit chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Detroit) for our Midwinter Mixer in Ann Arbor! Stop by to connect with fellow marketers and learn about AMA Detroit volunteer opportunities and upcoming activities.
Event Details:
This event will be hosted at REGROUP, an advertising agency in the heart of Ann Arbor. Tickets are free for members and $5 for non-members. Pizza, pop and water will be provided.
Thank you to REGROUP for sponsoring AMA Detroit’s Midwinter Mixer!
213 West Liberty Street #100, Ann Arbor. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ama-midwinter-mixer-in-ann-arbor-sponsored-by-regroup-tickets-517119738057. $5 for non-members; free for members. connect@amadetroit.org. www.amadetroit.org.“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 sing and/or play together to a selection from over 350 familiar folk and pop songs. Participants welcome to bring their own acoustic instruments. 6 p.m., AADL Westgate, 2503 Jackson Rd. Free. 327–4200.
“Inside Michigan Hockey”: WTKA (1050 AM)/WXYT (1270 AM).
Feb. 7 & 28. Sportscasters Al Randall and Fred Pletsch host a live radio broadcast from inside the Pretzel Bell with U-M men’s ice hockey coach Brandon Naurato. 6 p.m., Pretzel Bell, 226 S. Main. Seating limited. Free admission, but must order food & drinks to sit. bit.ly/insideMIhockey.
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 locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), 5700 Jackson Rd. & (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. 929–9022 (Sat.) 769–5016 (Tues.).
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. [2x]
Button Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
All invited to have fun turning their drawings or images from old magazines into buttons using AADL button makers. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
“Food Literacy for All”: U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
Every Tues. (except Feb. 28), Jan. 10–Apr. 4. Virtual lecture series. Feb. 7: Pastry chef Vanessa Parish and journalist Sunny Levine, a member of the Queer Food Foundation board of directors, discuss “The Intersections of Queer Food.” Feb. 14: Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance coordinating director Niaz Dorry on “A Revol-Ocean to Take Back Our Ocean and Sea-Based Foods” Feb. 21: Drexel University community health professor Ashley Gripper on “Urban Agriculture’s Impacts on Agency and Wellbeing in Philadelphia.” 6:30–8 p.m., for Zoom URL, preregister at sites.lsa.umich.edu/sustainablefoodsystems/foodliteracyforall. Free.
“Hand-Lettered Quotes”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Adults and kids ages 8 & up invited to use the library’s art supplies to hand letter a quote in celebration of Black History Month. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. 327–4200.
“Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion”: Literati Bookstore Cultura Book Club.
All invited to join a discussion of Bushra Rehman’s 2022 coming-of-age novel about a young woman at odds with her Pakistani immigrant family in 1980s Queens (NYC). Also, a virtual discussion (via Zoom) tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. 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; donations appreciated. 327–0270.
“An Evening with 1A Host Jenn White”: Michigan Radio.
Michigan Radio Stateside host April Baer talks with 1A (NPR) host Jenn White, a Detroit native, about her reporting on politics, as well as her interviews with guests in the worlds of art and sports. 7 p.m., Rackham Ampitheatre. Also via livestream. Tickets $10 in advance at bit.ly/MIRadioJennWhite. 764–9210.
“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
Every Tues. All invited to try to solve a computer security problem (or series of problems). Led by AHA members. Beginners welcome. 7 p.m., for URL preregister at meetup.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Chistes (y chisme) con chingonas/Jokes (and Gossip) with Badass Latinas”: U-M Center for World Performance Studies.
A night of Latinx stand-up comedy and storytelling from members of the Chicago troupe Las Locas Comedy, including a set by Gwen La Roka, a Second City vet known for her quirky, real, yet clean takes on issues like body image and sexual identity. La Roka will be starring in her own HBO comedy special later this year. Also, performances by fellow Las Locas members Janice V. Rodriguez, Hilary Jimenez, and Jess Martinez. 7–8:30 p.m., RC Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free. 936–2777.
“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.
“The Harryhausen Collection”: EMU Art Galleries.
Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation manager Connor Heaney discusses this collection of items from the film career and life of master stop-motion artist Ray Harryhausen, who created the special effects for such films as The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958) and Clash of the Titans (1981). Held in conjunction with the King Kong at 90 art exhibit being held at EMU University Art Gallery through Feb. 23 (see Galleries). 7–8 p.m. EMU Student Center Auditorium, 900 Oakwood, Ypsilanti. Free.
Ann Arbor Camera Club.
Feb. 7 & 21 (different programs). On Feb. 7 club members show their digital slides and prints on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “City Lights at Night,” and on Feb. 21, club members Lori Franzen and Tom Egel lead a “Hands-on Macro Experience” (bring camera and tripod). 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. 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 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 weekly rehearsals. 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.
Sophie Labelle: Booksweet Bookshop.
This French Canadian comic artist and writer discusses The Trans Agenda: Official Propaganda for the Radical and Powerful Trans Lobby, her new collection of comic strips about the trans experience, as well as her other works, including her hugely influential webcomic, Assigned Male. Proceeds benefit Stand with Trans, a nonprofit supporting trans youth. 7–8 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines. Tickets $5 in advance at bit.ly/booksweetlabelle and (if available) at the door. Shopbooksweet.com.
Virtual Trivia Night: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Tues. (except Feb. 14). All invited to form teams of 4 or so persons to compete (via Zoom) in a family-friendly 2-round trivia contest. Solo competitors are matched up. 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. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile Rd., Ypsilanti. Free to visitors ($28 monthly dues for those who join). info@voicesinharmonychorus.org, 765–3611. [2x]
“The Categories of Aristotle: A Process of Contraction, Exploring a Path to Expansion”: Great Lakes Branch of the Anthroposophical Society in America.
Local Eurythmy teacher Claudia Fontana discusses how the philosophies of Aristotle and Rudolf Steiner are connected through music, poetry, and movement. 7:30 p.m., Rudolf Steiner House, 1923 Geddes Ave. Free, but donations welcome. dwight.ebaugh@gmail.com, 276–5294.
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., Feb. 7 & 21). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
Joshua Bell: University Musical Society.
This superstar violinist makes his 9th UMS appearance, accompanied this time by pianist Peter Dugan. Program: Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, and César Franck’s Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano. Preceded at 5:30 p.m. by a prelude dinner ($75) in the Michigan League with remarks by a lecturer TBA. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Mask required if Washtenaw County is in the CDC’s high-risk category. Tickets $14–$86 (students $12–$20) in advance at ums.org, the Michigan League, and (if available) at the door. Dinner reservations/tickets: 764–2538.
Open Mic Comedy Night: The Club Above.
Every Tues. Open mic stand-up comedy emceed by local comic Vivian Burgett. All age 18 & up welcome to sign up for 5-minute sets starting at 7 p.m.—or just listen. 7:30–10 p.m., The Club Above (3rd floor in the Heidelberg restaurant), 215 N. Main. Free. 996–8555.
