


Eco-Restoration Workday: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

All invited to help Matthaei staff members remove invasive plants. Dress for outdoor work. Tools provided, or bring your own. Note: Kids age 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult; ages 16-18 must submit a permission form.
9 a.m.-noon, meet at Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free (metered parking). Preregistration required online at mbgna.umich.edu. [map]

"Learn How to Use Your Holiday Gifts": MacTechnics.

Club member Fred Seitz introduces apps that focus on WiFi reception (9 a.m.), and club members show how to use recently released Macintosh computers, tablets, and other gadgets (11 a.m.).
9 a.m.-1 p.m., NEW Center, 1100 N. Main. Free. Contact@MacTechnics.org. [map]

"Speaking the Language of Heaven": Ann Arbor Aglow Lighthouse.

Talk by members of this trans-denominational Christian ministry. Refreshments.
9:30 a.m.-noon, 340 WCC Liberal Arts Bldg., 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. (248) 613-7974. [map]
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, 834B Phoenix Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. $20. 834B Phoenix Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. office@betterlivingfitness.com betterlivingfitness.com [map]

"Winter Dexter Breakfast Ride": Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.

Every Sat. A winter version of this very popular ride, where attendees decide on the destination based on weather conditions. Call ahead to confirm ride. A similar ride takes place at 1 p.m. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks.
Meet at Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St. Free. 347-1259. [map]

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Shops.

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]


Death Café.


All invited to join a frank conversation about death. Hosted by The Dying Year owner Merilynne Rush, Diana Cramer and Rachel Briggs.
For online URL email Merilynne at TheDyingYear@gmail.com. Free.
"The Little Scientist Club": Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

Crafts, science-themed stories, and hands-on activities for young kids, accompanied by a parent. Geared toward kids ages 3-6; older siblings welcome.
Every Tues. (9:30 a.m.) & Sat. (10:30 a.m.), except Dec. 24., Hands-On Museum, 220 E Ann St., $12 regular admission (members & kids under age 2, free). 995-5439.

Measuring Difficult Orchids: Great Lakes Orchids Judging.

Orchid judge Dave Miller explains how flower parts are measured and described in competition. Orchid judging.
11 a.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free admission, metered parking. 647-7600. [map]

Science Forum Demos: U-M Natural History Museum.

Every Sat. & Sun., except Jan. 4 & 5. Short hands-on demos for ages 5 & up. "How to Become a Fossil" (11 a.m.). Participants handle real fossils while learning how they form and how fossil casts are made. "Life: How Do We Find It?" (3 p.m.). Participants learn about what kinds of planets might support life.
Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Free. 764-0478. [map]
Special Storytime: Nicola's Books.

Author Leslie Helakoski and illustrator Heidi Woodward Sheffield read from their brand-new picture book, Are Your Stars Like My Stars? Signing.
11 a.m., Nicola's Books, Westgate shopping center. Free. 662-0600.
U-M Natural History Museum Planetarium.

Every Thurs., Sat., Sun., Jan. 20. & Feb. 18 Three audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages.
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The Sky Tonight (Thurs. 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, & 2:30 p.m.; Jan. 20, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.; Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, & 2:30 p.m.), is an exploration of the current night sky.
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Cosmic Colors (Sat., Sun., & Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m.), details the spectrum of energy we call light. Preceded by a brief star talk.
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Two Small Pieces of Glass (Sat., Sun., & Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.) shows how telescopes big & little, simple & complex, use light to work.
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Various times, U-M Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Tickets $8. 764-0478. [map]

"Art from Around the World": Ann Arbor District Library.

All invited to make your own works of art inspired by well-known examples. Materials provided.
AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. 327-4200. [map]

"The Marie Azary Rock Garden": North American Rock Garden Society.

U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens horticulturist Mike Palmer discusses the history of this Matthaei rock garden and plans for its renovation.
1 p.m., Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. 647-7600. [map]
Open Gym: Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor.


Come join the FLIPS, TWISTS & FUN at Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor during Open Gym every Saturday from 1pm-2:30pm! Cost is $10 for 1.5 hours of uninstructed play time. Must have a signed consent form to participate, provided at the office if you are new to the gym! Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by a parent. Children 18 months or younger are FREE!
(Cash ONLY please if paying less than $14)
Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor, 7240 Jackson Rd. $10. 734-222-1810. cga2@champgymaa.com https:

"Drag Bingo": Ann Arbor District Library.

All invited to join area Drag Queen Jadein Black in a session of Bingo with music & prizes.
AADL Downtown multipurpose rm., 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-4200. [map]
Argentine Tango Practice: Sophia & El Kronox.

Every Sat. Tango dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded at 1 p.m. by a lesson ($10).
2-3 p.m., Phoenix Center, 220 S. Main. $5 (free with lesson). SophiaTango.com, 634-9629. [map]

U-M Wrestling.

Jan. 5: Oregon State. 4 p.m.
Jan. 10: MSU. 7 p.m.
Jan. 17: Maryland. 7 p.m.,
Jan. 19: Minnesota. 2 p.m., Crisler Center
Cliff Keen Arena (unless noted), Hoover at S. Street. $6 at mGOblue.com

"Roadsigns": Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Every Wed.-Sun., Jan. 16-Mar. 14. Guy Sanville directs the world premiere of Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels' new play, a lyrical drama about a young poet who, as he embarks on his own life's journey, encounters a rich gallery of characters on the margins of life who are each following a dream, or hoping to bump into one. Cast: David Bendena, Tom Whalen, Richard McWilliams, Rusty Mewha, Ruth Crawford, K. Edmonds, Kristin Shields, and Caitlin Cavanaugh.
8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed. & Sat. & Nov. 29), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $32 (Wed.), $28 (Thurs.), $42 (Fri. eve.), $43 (weekend matinees), $46 (Sat. eve.) in advance (beginning Dec. 9) at purplerosetheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433-7673. [map]
"63 Up": Michigan Theater.

(Michael Apted, 2019). Documentary exploring the lives of Brits from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
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.
"Mini Collage Buttons': SCRAP Creative Reuse.


Dig through our bins of donated materials to create mini-collages on pin-back buttons! Decorate them, draw on them, and wear your Creative Reuse creations home! Event runs from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Start the New Year off with creative activities at your local Creative Reuse Center - SCRAP A2!
All ages are welcome!
SCRAP Creative Reuse, 4567 Washtenaw Ave. $7. 734 800 4137. info@scrapbox.org SCRAPA2.org [map]
"Icebreakers ^2": Pointless Brewery & Theatre.

Every Sat. All invited to play low-key parlor games.
4-7 p.m., Pointless, 3014 Packard. Free admission (buy your own beer). (989) 455-4484. [map]
"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.
"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.
"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.
36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Ball: National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.

Dinner followed by dancing to music spun by a DJ. Evening attire. Also, a keynote address by Detroit radio personality John Mason. Proceeds benefit a NANBPW scholarship fund.
7 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 3600 Plymouth Rd. Tickets $65 in advance at aaNANBPWc.org. 355-2099. [map]
Spring Festival Gala: U-M Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Celebration of the Year of the Rat with live performances of traditional Chinese singing and dancing and modern performances by U-M student groups TBA.
7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets TBA. umichcssaboard@gmail.com. [map]
"Emergence: 68th Annual Faculty and Guest Artist Choreography Concert": EMU Dance Department.

Jan. 17-19EMU dance majors perform a mixed repertoire of contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop works choreographed by EMU dance professor Sherry Jerome-Wilkinson and several guest artists, including EMU Dance lecturer Molly Paberzs, Detroit Dance Collective co-founder Barbara Selinger, Next Step Dance (FL) artistic director William Crowley, Alexandria Davis Dance Company (FL) owner Alexandria Davis, and WMU dance professor David Curwen.
EMU Quirk Theater, 124 Quirk Hall, Ypsilanti. Tickets $10 (students, $8) in advance at EMUtix.com and at the door. 487-2282. [map]

"Metamorphoses": U-M Residential College Drama Concentration/U-M RC Players.

Riley Russell & Sammi Doll direct a cast of 10 fellow RC students in Mary Zimmerman's Tony-winning 2001 drama, a contemporary medley of a dozen myths, each with a lesson to teach, adapted from the Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphoses. Including such familiar stories as King Midas, Narcissus, and Orpheus & Eurydice.
https:
Keene Theatre, East Quad, 701 East University. Free (suggested donation, $5). 647-4354. [map]

"One-Act Festival": U-M Basement Arts.

Jan. 17 & 18 (different programs). U-M students perform a collection of one-act plays, some student-written. Tonight: Shel Silverstein's One Tennis Shoe, Amy Beth Arkaway's Rage Amongst Ourselves, and current U-M student Matthew Harmon's Exhibits in the Zoo.
7 p.m. & 11 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin. Free. facebook.com
"Trivia with Cats": Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center.

All 18 & older invited to play trivia and cuddle with adoptable cats. Drinks & popcorn. Admission includes 2 beer and wine tickets (age 21 & over only). Bring your own nonalcoholic beverages, if you wish.
7:30 p.m., Tiny Lions, 5245 Jackson Rd. (ste. A1). $15. Preregistration available at tinylions.org
3rd Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Grange.

Rick Szumski calls to music by Nutshell. No partner needed; beginners welcome. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a lesson.
7:30-10:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Pay what you can; $10 suggested. 476-4650. [map]
Andy Hendrickson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.

Jan. 16-18. NYC-based observational comic known for his wry sense of humor and engaging conversational delivery. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served.
212 S. Fourth Ave. $10 (Thurs.) & $13 (Fri. & Sat.) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $12 (Thurs.) & $15 (Fri. & Sat.) general admission at the door. 996-9080. [map]
"FutureStars 2019": Pioneer High School.

Jan. 17, 18, & 25 (different programs). AAPS high school students sing, dance, rap, and more in this multi-day variety talent show. A panel of judges and the audience determine the winners, who compete in the Jan. 25 finale. All ages welcome. This is a very popular show.
7:30 p.m., PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium at Main. Tickets $15 (students, seniors age 65 & over, $10) in advance at a2tix.com. 994-2120. [map]

"Letters to a Dead Friend About Zen": Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room.

All invited to join a discussion, led by Crazy Wisdom staffer Deb Flint, of Ohio-based writer & Soto Zen priest Brad Warner's 2019 book.
Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main. Free. 665-2757. [map]
9th Annual Fusion Bellydance Showcase: Karma Bellydance.


Karma is an Ann Arbor based bellydance troupe which hosts the Annual Fusion Bellydance Showcase, an event that brings dancers from communities across Michigan to Ann Arbor for an incredible showcase of fusion bellydance. The event culminates in a unique grand finale featuring choreography that the dancers learn just hours before they perform it!
Please join us as we present the 9th Annual Fusion Bellydance Showcase at the beautiful Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in the Michigan League. You may purchase tickets though eventbrite (https:
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in the Michigan League, 911 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. $0-$15. karma.fusionbellydance@gmail.com www.KarmaBellydance.com [map]
Annual Collage Concert: U-M School of Music.

U-M music students perform an hour of nonstop music in a wide range of contrasting styles. Classical, jazz, big band, vocal, and pop ensembles and soloists segue rapidly from one idiom to the next. This is one of the music school's most popular events.
8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $28 & $34 (students with ID, $13), in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu, the Michigan League Ticket Office, and (if available) at the door. 764-2538. [map]
Heywood Banks: The Ark.

Heywood Banks is the stage name of Howell native Stuart Mitchell, a very animated comedian known for his silly musical spoofs, goofy prop humor, and sight gags. Since adopting the nerdy, quietly psychotic Banks persona in the mid-80s, he has risen from regional favorite to national star.
8 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $25 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) and theark.org, and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS. [map]

K Michael Joseph, singer, plays to the Ypsi Alehouse crowd: Ypsi Alehouse.


K Michael Joseph, Ann Arbor award-winning musician, will feature his list of sensual songs, intended to warm up those special memory-making moments in your life in this return engagement to Ypsilanti's most popular Saturday night spot.
~ ~ ~ ~
Michael is a solo artist who specializes in unique, lyrical soundscapes on the subjects of seduction, love's passions; and social justice.
He continues to entertain friends and fans with sultry songs about his favorite topic -- a call to Love -- perfect -- as winter's chill closes in!
The music of K Michael Joseph, as singles and his two albums, "Compel Me" and "Siren" are available on all upload and streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.
Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. Free. (734) 218-3313. MichaelJ@KMichaelJoseph.com www.KMichaelJoseph.com [map]
Planet D: Kerrytown Concert House.


This award-winning Detroit ensemble, a self-styled "space-age swing band" founded by drummer RJ Spangler and trumpeter James O'Donnell, presents "Crescent City Meets Kansas City," a program of vintage swing & jazz music featuring songs by New Orleans singer-songwriter and banjo/guitar player Danny Barker, Kansas City-based jazz composer and electric guitar pioneer Eddie Durham, and Kansas City blues stylist Julia Lee.
8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. $20-$40 (students, $10) in advance at a2tix.com. 769-2999. [map]
"Mozart Birthday Bash": Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

A2SO music director Arie Lipsky conducts the orchestra and guest soloist Itamar Zorman, a renowned Israeli violinist, in a program celebrating Mozart's 263rd birthday. The program includes a collection of choruses from The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, and other Mozart operas , plus his Violin Concerto No. 5 and Symphony No. 29. With local chamber choir Vocal Arts Ensemble and narration by Stephen West.
8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $20-$75 in advance at a2so.com & the A2SO office (35 Research Dr., ste. 100), and (if available) at the door. 994-4801. [map]
"Pointless Improv Shows": Pointless Brewery & Theatre.

Comedic improv by experienced local performers, including the resident League of Pointless Improvisers.
8 & 10 p.m., Pointless, 3014 Packard. Tickets $15 (8 p.m.) & $12 (10 p.m.). (989) 455-4484. [map]
"The Andrew Collins Trio": Stony Lake Brewing Acoustic Routes Concert.

Two-time winners of the Canadian Folk Music Awards "Instrumental Group of the Year," this Toronto-based string trio led by mandolin virtuoso Collins plays what an R2 Magazine writer calls "raw and grooving bluegrass music [with] the grace and sophistication of a classical string quartet."
8 p.m., Stony Lake Brewing, 447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. $15 at the door only. 316-7919. [map]
"The Music of Great Hollywood Movies": Out Loud Chorus.

Jan 17 & 18. New artistic director Dari DeWeese directs this chorus of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their friends in a program of the popular songs from movies, including "Another Day of Sun" (La La Land), "Dancing Queen" (Mamma Mia), "Skyfall" (James Bond's Skyfall), "Gimme Some Lovin' (The Blues Brothers), & more. With pianists Nicholas Roehler & Michael McElvain, bassist Edie Herrold, and drummer Tamara Perkuhn.
WCC Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River. Tickets $18 (students & seniors, $15; unemployed or age 5 & under, free) in advance at OLConline.org; $15 at the door. 265-0740. [map]

Salmagundi: Bel-Mark Lanes.

Local Motown and Memphis Soul Tribute Band Salmagundi brings their horn-driven dance music to Bel-Mark Lanes Lounge. Celebrating their 50th Anniversary with classic Motown dance music. Features vocalist Sheila Rhodes. Dancing encouraged!
Bel-Mark Lanes, 3530 Jackson Road. Free. 734-994-8433. karldiez@yahoo.com www.facebook.com
"Uncut Gems": State Theater.

(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.
Canceled and Postponed Events:

Canceled: U-M Natural History Museum Tours.

Every Sat. & Sun., except Mar. 22 Thirty-minute guided tours showcasing some of the museum's beloved and new exhibits. "Museum Highlights Tour" (noon & 4 p.m.) shows a mastodon couple, the Majungasaurus, and some of the new research labs. "Wonderful World of Whales Tour" (2 p.m.) shows how whales and dolphins made the transition from land back to water.
Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Free. 764-0478. [map]

Canceled: Lab Chats: U-M Natural History Museum.

Every Sat. & Sun. Short all-ages lecture-demos by museum educators in the museum atriums. "Paleo Prep Lab Chat" (11:30 a.m.) shows the tools and skills needed to prepare and cast fossils for research and display. "Biodiversity Lab Chat" (3:30 p.m.) shows how and why scientists process DNA samples from plants and animals.
11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m., U-M Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Free. 764-0478. [map]
Nightspots Listings:
Ann Arbor Distilling Co.: Monte Pride
Lansing pop-folk singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist.
Bel-Mark Lanes: Salmagundi
Local horn-powered Memphis-style rock 'n' roll band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes. 8:30 p.m.
Blind Pig: Electric Huldra
Local stoner rock trio. Openers: the Ypsilanti psychedelic prog-rock quartet Strange Flavors, the raucous veteran Ypsilanti surf- guitar psychobilly band Las Drogas, and loud, freshly tailored classic rock by the Detroit trio Edison Hollow. $10- $15.
Blue Llama: Ron Brooks Quintet
Bebop-rooted mainstream jazz ensemble led by veteran local bassist Brooks.
Conor O'Neill's: Isaac Ryder
Neo-soul & funk band from Flint, led by Ryder, the stage name of South Haven singer-songwriter Joel Rydecki.
Crazy Wisdom Tea Room: John Churchville
Local tabla player, accompanied by several musician friends, who plays Indian classical, light classical, fusion, and folk music.
Detroit St. Filling Station: Flea Circus
Duo of 2 veteran stars of the local music scene, boogie woogie & blues pianist Mark "Mr. B" Braun and drummer Pete Siers.
Earle: Rick Burgess Trio
Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
Habitat Lounge: 50 Amp Fuse
Popular Detroit 70s and 80s classic rock band.
Mash: Matt Boylan
Covers and originals by this local pop-folk singer-guitarist. 6-9 p.m.
Ypsi Alehouse: K Michael Joseph
Local singer-songwriter whose music is an acoustic blend of electropop, nu jazz, and ambient music. Also, an eclectic mix of covers. 5-7 p.m.
Ypsi Alehouse: The Sociables
Local acoustic alternative rock husband-and-wife duo of Mark and Jennifer Judge Hensel. 8-10 p.m.
Ziggy's: The Rhythm Machines Project
A mix of classic rock, soul, funk, R&B, and jazz fusion by this local sextet. Fronted by vocalists Shannon Lee and Patty O'Connor, with guitarists Kip Godwin and Terry Gordinier, bassist Kim French, and drummer John Marion. 8-10:30 p.m.
Zou Zou's Cafe: The Renegades
Classic rock, Motown, & blues cover band from Gregory.

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