



"Proving Up": U-M Opera Theatre.

U-M opera lecturer Abbigail Cote directs U-M students in the acclaimed NYC-based composer Missy Mazzoli and her librettist Royce Vavrek's atmospheric 2018 chamber opera based on Karen Russell's short story. It's about an American family struggling to meet the overwhelming challenges of homesteading during the westward movement of settlers in the late 19th-century. A small chamber orchestra conducted by U-M voice professor Kirk Severtson accompanies. Prerecorded in November in the Power Center.
Online at YouTube.com (search "umich smtd"), available until Jan. 16, 2021. Free.
Weekly Meeting: The U-M Club of Ann Arbor.

Every Mon. All invited to talk sports with other enthusiasts, and listen to featured U-M sports coaches recap the season. Also, a Weber's catered lunch available ($10.75; seniors, $10.25).
Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. $5 for nonmembers, up to 2 weeks; free for members ($60 annual membership dues). 239-3428. [map]

"Baby Playgroups": Ann Arbor District Library.

Every Mon-Thurs. Hour-long program for kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings, please.
Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Downtown)
Tues. 10 a.m. (Malletts Creek)
Wed. 11 a.m. (Pittsfield)
Thurs. 2 p.m. (Westgate) & 6:30 p.m. (Malletts Creek).
Every Mon.-Fri., various locations (see listings for details). Free. 327-4200.

Oracle Pro Tennis Series.


Jan. 6-12. Over 60 matches of professional mens singles and doubles in competition for a $54,000 prize, in Ann Arbor for the first time. Final rounds on Jan. 11 & 12.
Complete schedule available at tnTennisSeries.com. U-M Varsity Tennis Center, 2250 S. State St. Free. (440) 840-4072. [map]

Writing Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.

Seniors invited to read and discuss their poetry, essays, fiction, and reminiscences.
2401 Plymouth. Free. 998-9353. [map]
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker": State Theater.

The final battle commences between the surviving Resistance forces and the Order.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
"Parasite: Color": State Theater.

(Bong Joon-ho, 2019). Satirical black comedy thriller. Korean, subtitles.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
"Knives Out": Michigan Theater.

(Rian Johnson, 2019). Drama about the investigation of the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family. Chris Evans & Daniel Craig.
Tickets: $10.50 (children under 12, students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8; weekdays before 6 p.m., $7.50). michtheater.org, 668-TIME.
"A Hidden Life": Michigan Theater.

(Terrence Malick, 2020). Drama about an Austrian farmer who faces the threat of execution for refusing to fight for the Nazis during World War II.
Tickets: $10.50 (children under 12, students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8; weekdays before 6 p.m., $7.50). michtheater.org, 668-TIME.
"Jojo Rabbit": State Theater.

(Taika Waititi, 2019). Audacious anti-hate satire about a young boy in Hitler's army who finds out his mother's hiding a Jewish girl between the walls of their home. Scarlett Johansson.
State Theatre. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME. Town: Ann Arbor.
Full Body Fit: Better Living Fitness.

Small-Group Personal Training. A full body strength training, cardio and flexibility routine with customization to your fitness level
Better Living Fitness Center, 2960 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. $20. (734) 747-0123. betterlivingfitness.com [map]
Euchre: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $2 (members, free). 794-6250. [map]

Life Beyond Cancer: Survivorship Group: Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.

Designed for people who have completed their primary treatment for cancer, this group will address transitioning to life after treatment and finding the "new normal."
Monthly, First Monday of the month, 6 - 7:30 pm
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, 2010 HOGBACK RD STE 3. Free. 734-975-2500. info@cancersupportannarbor.org https:

"The Depositions: New and Selected Essays on Being and Ceasing to Be": Literati Bookstore.

Nationally renowned poet and essayist Thomas Lynch, a Milford funeral director, reads from this book of new & old essays on fatherhood, Irish heritage, funeral rites, and the loss of friends, poets, neighbors, and beloved pets. Signing.
7 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. 585-5567. [map]

"Upsizing Life by Downsizing Stuff": Lifetree Café.

All invited to join a conversation led by St. Paul Lutheran Church members.
7-8 p.m., 500 W. Liberty. Free. 665-7912. [map]
"Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along": Michigan Theater.

(Bryan Singer, 2018). Biopic about Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury. On-screen lyrics.
Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St.). [map]

History of Books & Printing Reading Group: Motte & Bailey, Booksellers.

All invited to discuss Carlos Ruiz Zafón's bestselling 2001 novel The Shadow of the Wind, a mystery about a boy who finds a book by an author who seems to have disappeared.
7:30-9 p.m., Motte & Bailey, 212 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 669-0451. [map]
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.

Jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand & friends. All dances taught; beginners welcome.
7:30-9:30 p.m., the Barn at Gretchen's House V, 2625 Traver. $5. 395-7782, 274-0773. [map]
Albert Lee: The Ark.


A veteran English electric guitar virtuoso whom Eric Clapton calls "the greatest guitarist in the world," Lee is a master of just about every style of Anglo-American vernacular music, but he is best known for his influence on country guitarists, both from his stints in the bands of Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and the Everly Brothers and from his own "Country Boy," which helped redefine country guitar.
8 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $235 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office & theark.org, and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS. [map]
Argentine Tango Practice: Tangolab.

Tango dancing to music spun by a DJ. No partner necessary. Preceded by lessons ($10) for beginners (6:30 p.m.) & intermediate/advanced dancers (7:30 p.m.)
8:30-11:30 p.m., Pittsfield Union Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $5. 819-1292. [map]
Opera on Tap.

Local singers perform arias and art songs to the theme of "Ice Queens of Opera."
8:30-10 p.m. (seating begins at 6:30 p.m.), Sidetrack Bar & Grill, 56 E. Cross, Ypsilanti. Free (buy your own food & drink), donations accepted. Reservations required (call between 10 a.m. & 8 p.m.). 483-5230. [map]
Canceled and Postponed Events:
Canceled: Social Mah-Jongg: Ann Arbor Senior Center.

Every Mon. All seniors invited to play this intricate game resembling gin rummy and poker that's played with colorful tiles instead of cards.
Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $2 (members, free). 794-6250. [map]
Canceled: Pub Quiz: Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub.

Every Mon. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne throws out questions for anyone to answer at this popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team (up to 6 people) or join one. Prizes.
Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee. 665-2968. [map]
Nightspots Listings:
Ravens Club: Justin Walter's Poe Boys
Traditional jazz stomps, shuffles, and 1920s-1930s show tunes by this local ensemble led by trumpeter & cornetist Justin Walter. With saxophonist-clarinetist Chris Tabaczynski, guitarist-banjoist Erik McIntyre, and sousaphonist Chris Smith.
Zal Gaz Grotto: Paul Keller Orchestra
Award-winning 15-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D'Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest student ensemble.

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