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Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Every Mon.-Fri. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2-5 (with caregiver). Siblings welcome.
Mon. 11 a.m. (Westgate & Malletts Creek).
Tues. 10 a.m. (Downtown).
Wed. 10 a.m. (Malletts Creek), 11 a.m. (Downtown), 1 & 6 p.m. (Westgate).
Thurs. 7 p.m. (Pittsfield).
Fri. 10 a.m. (Westgate & Pittsfield).
Various locations, every Mon.-Fri. (see listing). Free. 327-4200.
Preschool Storytimes: Chelsea District Library.
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Every Wed., except June 12. Stories for kids ages 3-5 (with caregiver).
10:30-11 a.m., CDL KidSpot, 221 S. Main, Chelsea. Free. 475-8732. [map]
"Little Listeners Storytime": Northfield Township Area Library.
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Join us at Northfield Township Area Library every Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a half-hour of fun stories, silly songs, and age-appropriate hands-on activities. Storytime is designed to promote early literacy. Registration is not required.
Northfield Township Area Library, 125 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake. Free. 734-449-0066. hmccausland@ntal.org www.ntal.org
Storytime: Nicola's.
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Every Wed., except Jan. 1. An experienced storyteller performs for ages 7 & under.
11 a.m., Nicola's Books, Westgate shopping center. Free. 662-0600.
"Baby Playgroups": Ann Arbor District Library.
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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.
Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Every Mon., Wed., & Thurs. All ages invited to play non-sanctioned (Mon.) & ACBL-sanctioned (Wed. & Thurs.) duplicate bridge. Bring a partner. Refreshments.
Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $3 (members, $2). 794-6250. [map]
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.
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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat., except Jan. 1. All invited to play one of 100 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime's numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Local chimemaster Heather O'Neal demonstrates.
Noon-12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30-11 a.m. (Sat.), Kerrytown Market & Shops. Free. 369-3107. [map]
"Community Update on the Treeline Trail": AAUW-Ann Arbor.
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Treeline Conservancy board members Joe O'Neal and Greg Holcombe and City community engagement specialist Heather Seyfarth discuss this proposed urban trail along Allen Creek. Preceded at 11:30 a.m. by lunch ($15, reservations required).
12:30 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. Free. (844) 973-6287. [map]
"Wozzeck": Fathom Events.
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Live broadcast (Jan. 11) & rebroadcast (Jan. 15) of the Metropolitan Opera production of Alban Berg's 1925 opera based on German playwright Georg Büchner's unfinished episodic tragedy about a poverty-stricken barber driven insane by the apparently irremediable injustice of the world. With baritone Peter Mattei and soprano Elza van den Heever. German, supertitles.
Tickets $20-$25. 12:55 p.m. (Sat., Quality 16, Michigan, & Emagine only) and 1 & 6:30 p.m. (Wed., Quality 16 & Ann Arbor 20 only).
Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Every Wed. All seniors invited to play chess. Refreshments.
1-4 p.m., Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Closed Dec. 24-31. Free. 998-9353. [map]
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker": State Theater.
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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.
"Uncut Gems": State Theater.
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(Josh & Benny Safdie, 2019). American crime thriller.
State Theater. Tickets: $10 (students with ID, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8, children under 12, free). statetheatrea2.org, 668-TIME.
"A Hidden Life": Michigan Theater.
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(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.
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(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.
"Media, Information, & the U.S.-Russia Relationship": U-M Ford School Weiser Diplomacy Center.
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Conversation between noted Russian journalist and political scientist Yevgenia Albats and recently retired U.S. diplomat Susan Elliott. U-M international policy professor Melvyn Levitsky moderates.
Weill Hall Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. 998-9351. [map]
"Little Women": Michigan Theater.
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(Greta Gerwing, 2019). Period drama about 4 sisters coming of age in America in the aftermath of the civil war.
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.
"Cunningham": Michigan Theater.
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(Alla Kovgan, 2019). 3-D documentary, drawing on archival footage and live recreations, about renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham.
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.
"Yoga for People Who Don't Do Yoga but Should": A2 Aviary.
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Grr, argh! Stiff joints and tight muscles got you feeling like a zombie? Join us for this gentle, introductory class for absolute beginners! This class is especially for desk bound folks who know they should stretch more, but just aren't finding the motivation to do so on their own. Discover your inner bendiness with poses to increase flexibility, especially in the hips and legs, and spend time cultivating core strength and playing with balance. Perfect to help reduce recovery time and prevent injury, this class is appropriate for all levels. Please register via the Aviary's website, class size is limited. =)
The Ann Arbor Aviary, 2875 Boardwalk Dr, Suite A. $15-$125. contact@a2aviary.com a2aviary.com [map]
"Faces I See: Exhibition by Fenrik Goerlitz": Intermedia Gallery Group.
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Reception for Fenrik Goerlitz's solo exhibit- Faces I See. Fenrik Goerlitz paints abstract faces that captivate and move viewers. Located in Room 236 of the EMU Student Center. Park in the paid lot of the Student Center, the hourly fee is about a dollar an hour. Light refreshments will be served. Come enjoy art!
EMU Student Center, 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti. Free. fgoerlit@emich.edu [map]
"Tai-Chi Conditioning and Pushing Hands": Sun Shen.
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Pushing Hands is an interactive Tai-Chi training which helps you experience the world in a non-reactive calm way, find freedom and power within yourself, and interact with others without compromising yourself. Classes are held Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please contact Sifu Joseph Wang at info@sunshen.org or (734) 531-8796 for more information.
SUN SHEN, 2466 East Stadium Boulevard. $70/month or $21/drop-in. (734) 531-8796. info@sunshen.org sunshen.org [map]
"Adult Intro to Aerial Arts": A2 Aviary.
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Start your aerial adventure with intro classes! Designed for absolute beginners, each class begins with a heart-pumping warm-up and a brief overview of aerial safety, then we fly the friendly skies of The Ann Arbor Aviary.
We'll introduce you to the flexibility, leverage, and balance used while on the aerial apparatus, as well as how to engage the muscles needed to stay safe in the air. Students will have the opportunity to try both a horizontal apparatus (lyra or trapeze) or a vertical apparatus (sling or silks) in each class. Come ready to sweat, smile, and be supported as you challenge both mind and body! Please sign up via the Aviary's website, class size is limited! =)
The Ann Arbor Aviary, 2875 Boardwalk Dr, Suite A. $25. contact@a2aviary.com a2aviary.com [map]
"One Prayer Class": Sun Shen.
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The One Prayer is a dynamic self-management tool, custom designed for you, that you can take wherever you go and update as you learn and grow. It includes a system of journaling techniques, life organization, and mapping your purpose and trajectory. This course is designed for anyone wanting a greater understanding of themselves, more focus in life, and more satisfaction; itʻs about following your heart and vision in concrete and practical ways. Classes are held Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Contact Samo Joanna Myers at samomyers@sunshen.org or (734) 395-8486 for more information.
SUN SHEN, 2466 East Stadium Boulevard. $75/month. 734-395-8486. samomyers@sunshen.org sunshen.org [map]
Dexter Quartermania: Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.
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A cross between a live auction and a raffle in which participants bid 1-4 quarters on items in order to be eligible to win them in a raffle. Proceeds benefit the St. Louis Center (Chelsea) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first hour is a sale with 20 vendors. Auction begins at 7 p.m. This month's themes are gardening and local farmers markets.
Columbus Hall & Banquet Center, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. Free admission. 426-5558. [map]
Full Body Fit: Better Living Fitness.
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Small-Group Personal Training. A full body strength training, cardio and flexibility routine with customization to your fitness level.
Better Living Fitness Center, 834B Phoenix Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. $20. (734) 747-0123. office@betterlivingfitness.com betterlivingfitness.com [map]
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Every Wed. All invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins promptly at 6 p.m. with a safety & equipment orientation.
6 p.m. sharp, AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327-4200. [map]
Open House: City of Ann Arbor.
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All invited to drop in and input thoughts about the Center of the City Commons, a proposed urban central park.
Ann Arbor Spark, 330 E. Liberty. Free. a2gov.org
Patient and Loved Ones Drop-In Group: Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
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A combined group bringing together people diagnosed with cancer as well as family and friends.
Monthly, Third Wednesday of every month, 6 - 7:30 pm
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, 2010 HOGBACK RD STE 3. Free. 7349752500. info@cancersupportannarbor.org https:
Saline Woodcarvers.
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Every Wed. Carvers of all abilities invited to work on projects, with help from club members. Knives and block-out & rough-cut patterns for sale.
6-8 p.m., Saline Area Senior Center, 7190 N. Maple, Saline. Free. 429-9274. [map]
"Eurythmy Movement Series": Great Lakes Anthroposophy.
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Eurythmy is a contemporary movement practice that brings mindfulness, felt sense and movement together. In this series we will explore themes related to expanding our awareness of space and shared humanity. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Our teacher, Claudia Fontana has been practicing and teaching Eurythmy for over thirty years internationally and locally. The WINTER 2020 SIX WEEK SERIES will take place on Wednesday Evenings 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. starting January 8, 2020 and costs $90 for the series. Please bring non skid, non marking slippers or shoes and wear comfortable clothing.
Rudolf Steiner House, 1923 Geddes Avenue. $90. fontaneum@gmail.com [map]
Early College Alliance Information Session: Early College Alliance.
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The Early College Alliance is hosting an information session for the 2020-2021 school year. All interested parents, students, family, and friends are welcome to attend to learn more about the great educational opportunities the ECA has to offer. Current 8th, 9th or 10th-grade students are eligible to enroll for the 2020-2021 academic year.
EMU Student Center Ballroom A, Eastern Michigan University, 900 Oakwood St., Ypsilanti. Free. 7344874290. jackson@earlycollegealliance.info earlycollegealliance.info [map]
Kerrytown Crafters.
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Every Wed. All crocheters, knitters, cross stitchers, hand quilters, and other handiworkers invite to work on their projects with other crafters. Questions welcome, help available.
6:30-8:30 or so, Sweetwaters in Kerrytown, 407 N. Fifth Ave. Free. Facebook.com
"South Asia Documentary": U-M Center for South Asian Studies.
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Jan. 15, 22, & 29. Screening of documentaries TBA from the 2019 Film South Asia festival.
6:30-8:30 p.m., 555 Hall. Free. 615-4059. [map]
"Parasite": State Theater.
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(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.
"Drummunity!"
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Local drummer & drum teacher Lori Fithian leads a drum circle. Instruments provided, or bring your own. Kids welcome. Preceded at 6:45 p.m. by a brief drum lesson.
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main. Free. 426-7818. [map]
"Yin/Restorative Yoga": Mota Thai Yoga.
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Wednesdays from 7-8pm
In this slower paced class, many of the postures are held for longer periods of time than a typical yoga class. This will allow the muscles to relax and the deep connective tissues to be gently stretched. Class is heated around 80 degrees.
We are located on Huron Street across from the YMCA. You may park in the parking lot across from the studio. We share a parking lot with several businesses, including the Yellow Barn. Look for the #22 blue door with the red buddha.
Your first class is FREE!
Mota Thai Yoga, 416 W. Huron Street, #22, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. $18. info@motathaiyoga.com www.motathaiyoga.com [map]
Ann Arbor Bridge Club.
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Every Wed., except Dec. 25 All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. If you plan to come without a partner, call in advance or arrive 20 minutes early.
7-11 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline east of Maple. (Park on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. http:
Music Jam: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance.
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A session of reels and jigs in various genres, led by the Pittsfield Open Band. All acoustic musicians invited. Bring Judi Morningstar's The Ruffwater Fakebook, Susan Songer's The Portland Collection, and Bill Matthiesen's The Waltz Book if you have them.
7-9 p.m., Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. Free. 355-9752. [map]
Open Meditation Sessions: Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center.
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Jewel Heart Facilitators will provide basic guidance for using the breath as a point of focus in these concentrated meditation sessions.
Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center, 1129 Oak Valley Drive. Free. 734-994-3387. annarbor@jewelheart.org www.jewelheart.org [map]
"AfterHours Book Club": Serendipity Books.
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All invited to discuss books.
Sept. 18: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Kesey's 1962 novel about an iconoclastic free spirit who incites his fellow asylum inmates to rebellion against an iron-willed nurse.
Oct. 6: Michigan true-crime writer and memoirist Mardi Jo Link discusses her work. Q&A.
Nov. 13: Dear America: Notes of An Undocumented Citizen, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas's memoir.
Dec 11: The Library Book, Susan Orlean's exploration of the social and cultural importance of libraries.
Jan. 15: Reading Lolita in Tehran, Azar Nafisi's memoir about a study group she started in 1995 to discuss great works of Western Literature banned by the Iranian government. Feb. 19 & Mar. 11: TBA.
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7-8:30 p.m., Serendipity Books, 113 Middle, Chelsea. Free. 475-7148. [map]
"Downstream from Here: A Big Life in a Small Place": Literati Bookstore.
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Former Time correspondent and U-M journalism professor Charles R. Eisendrath reads from his new collection of essays about his personal and professional experiences and the fleeting moments that shape a person permanently. Signing.
7 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. 585-5567. [map]
"Rainstick Instrument": Ann Arbor District Library.
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Local crafter Dawn Henry demonstrates how to make a musical instrument that reproduces rain sounds using cardboard tubes, beans, rice, toothpicks, nails, fabric, feathers, & more.
AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. Free. 327-4200. [map]
"Weathering With You": State Theater.
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(Makoto Shinkai, 2020). Dubbed (Jan. 15) & subtitled (Jan. 16) animated romantic fantasy about a young city boy who befriends a girl who appears to be able to manipulate the weather.
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.
"BollyWood Fitness Dance Class"
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Kindly RSVP at least 4 hours before the class. First timers can try it for free.
Enjoy a fun-filled dance workout with upbeat Bollywood music. You will enjoy the sweet sweat and leave with a refreshed self.
Drop ins are $15 and package of 5 classes is $65, when paid ahead no carryovers allowed.
ArogyaVeda Yoga Shaala, 2458 N Dixboro Rd. $15. 2487364633. arogya.veda.annarbor@gmail.com [map]
Culinary History Reading Group: Motte & Bailey Booksellers.
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All invited to discuss Port, Rupert Croft-Cooke's 1957 book about port wine.
7:30-9 p.m., Motte & Bailey, 212 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 669-0451. [map]
"Birding Ecuador": Washtenaw Audubon Society.
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WAS member April Campbell discusses this popular bird-rich destination. Preceded at 7:10 p.m. by snacks & socializing.
U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free, metered parking. WashtenawAudubon.org. [map]
"Clue": Michigan Theater.
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(Jonathan Lynn, 1985). Comedy whodunit based on the murder mystery game, with the familiar characters suspiciously eyeing each other in a Victorian mansion.
Michigan Theater. [map]
"Comedy Jamm": Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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Every Wed., except Dec. 18 & 25, and Jan. 1 Performances by up to 12 aspiring area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served.
212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance and at the door. 996-9080. [map]
"What is 'Socialism' & 'Fascism'?": Ann Arbor Area League of Women Voters Brews & Views.
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All invited to join this discussion (set in the context of the 2020 election) led by EMU political science professor Judith Kullberg. Preceded at 7 p.m. by socializing.
Pointless Brewery, 2014 Packard. Free, food & drink for sale. 272-3634. [map]
Poetry Salon: One Pause Poetry.
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Jan. 15, 22, & 29. Members, and interested nonmembers, read and discuss poems on various themes. Followed by collaborative writing games and exercises. Snacks & socializing.
8-10 p.m., Argus Farm Stop greenhouse, 325 W. Liberty. $5 suggested donation. OnePausePoetry.org, 707-1284. [map]
The Small Glories: The Ark.
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New duo from Winnipeg's always vital folk scene. JD Edwards and Cara Luft (formerly of the Wailin' Jennys) offer soaring, anthemic melodies underlaid by combinations of clawhammer banjo, guitar, and harmonica. "Perhaps The Small Glories need to rename themselves," says No Depression in response to their CD Assiniboine & The Red, "the songs on this album are certainly large and wash over us with a powerful beauty that pulls at our hearts."
8 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. $20 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS. [map]
Open Dancing: Swing Ann Arbor.
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Every Wed. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Bring casual or nicer shoes that stay on your feet when you're flying around the room. Preceded at 8 p.m. by a lesson.
9-11 p.m., location TBA on SwingAnnArbor.com. $5 (students & members, $4; free for those who attend the lesson). 945-8428.
"Knives Out": Michigan Theater.
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(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.
"Fantastic Fungi": Michigan Theater.
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(Louis Schwartzberg, 2019). Documentary featuring fungi's capacity to heal, sustain, and regenerate life on Earth.
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.
Nightspots Listings:
Blue Llama: Roe Bickley Kramer Trio
Local trio of bassist Josef Deas, drummer Jesse Kramer, and keyboardist Rick Roe.
Chelsea Alehouse Brewery: Thunderwüde
Bluegrass and related roots music by the Chelsea trio of guitarists Jason Dennie and Tommy Reifel and multi-instrumentalist Wes Fritzemeier.
Detroit St. Filling Station: Andrew Brown's Djangophonique
Vintage jazz in the style of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt's 1930s Parisian swing by a local quartet led by guitarist Andrew Brown. With guitarist Erik McIntyre, clarinetist Tyler Rondo, and bassist Jorian Olk- Szost.
Earle: Jake Reichbart
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Habitat Lounge: Jake Arthur
Local Americana singer-songwriter.
Mash: David Roof
Local blues-rock singer-guitarist.
Old Town: Pete Siers Trio
Local jazz ensemble with pianist Gary Schunk, bassist Jeff Pedraz, and drummer Pete Siers.
Ypsi Alehouse: Pittsfield Open Band
Old-time American and Irish dance tunes. 5-7 p.m.
Zou Zou's Cafe: Open Mike
All acoustic musicians invited.
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