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Events in May 2025
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April 24, 2025
“My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 3–May 25. Susan Angelo directs the premiere of local actor-playwright Paul Stroili’s comedy about the widow of a history buff who tries to bring to fruition her late husband’s dream of a full-scale reenactment of the 1835 boundary dispute sometimes called the Michigan-Ohio War. She calls on her Wolverine daughter and Buckeye son to help. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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“Spring Migration Thursdays at the Arb”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society)
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Mar. 27–May 29. All invited to join a leaderless walk through the arboretum to observe migrating birds making their way north. Binoculars provided if needed. 8–10 a.m., U-M Nichols Arboretum, meet at the Dow Prairie entrance at Riverview Dr. Free. washtenawaudubon.org.
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Computer Help: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Observer Editor
Senior Activities: Pittsfield Township Community Center. 701 W. Ellsworth. Free. Preregistration required for all events at (734) 822–2120 or recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.
Computer Help (Thurs. 9–11:45 a.m.) with Jack Spence.
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Artist’s Open Studio: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Activities: Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin, a2gov.org/senior. Weekly activities. Preregistration required for some events by emailing mfulton@a2gov.org, bpatton@a2gov.org, or calling (734) 794–6250.
Artist’s Open Studio (Thurs. 9:30–11 a.m.). $2; members, free.
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Flower Arrangers: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Observer Editor
Senior Activities: Pittsfield Township Community Center. 701 W. Ellsworth. Free. Preregistration required for all events at (734) 822–2120 or recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.
Flower Arrangers (Thurs. 9:30-11 a.m.), $20 first and $10 subsequent sessions.
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“Cavanaugh Lake Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. (734) 717–9583.
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Chinese Mah-jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Observer Editor
Activities: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program. (2401 Plymouth Rd.). Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events. For Zoom links see calendar at tinyurl.com/a2-turner-cal. (734) 998–9353, michmed.org/tswp, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Chinese Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon in person).
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“Little Paws Toddler Time”: HSHV
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Stories, crafts, fingerplays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. HSHV. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar (limited space), humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
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. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Tues.–Sun.), U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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Preschool Storytimes: AADL
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. (different times): Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver).
Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m.)
Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.)
Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.)
Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m.)
Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
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ACBL-Sanctioned Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Activities: Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin, a2gov.org/senior. Weekly activities. Preregistration required for some events by emailing mfulton@a2gov.org, bpatton@a2gov.org, or calling (734) 794–6250.
ACBL-Sanctioned Bridge (Thurs. noon–3:30 p.m.). $9; members, $8.
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“Division Street Pipes”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. U-M organ majors and faculty perform music TBA on the church’s Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ. 12:15 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. standrewsaa.org, (734) 663–0518.
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Senior Talks & Events: Pittsfield Township Senior Center
Observer Editor
701 W. Ellsworth. Free. Preregistration required at (734) 822–2120 or recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.
Apr. 3 (11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): “Aging Resources,” with St. Croix Hospice.
Apr. 11 (noon–1 p.m.): “Pittsfield Township Historical Society” with society president Elizabeth Heller.
Apr. 23 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Navigating Tomorrow: Fearless Approaches,” about planning for long-term care.
Apr. 24 (12:30–2:30 p.m.): “Spring Euchre Tournament,” with prizes for winners, lone players, and last place.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $8 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
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Men’s Group: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Observer Editor
Senior Activities: Pittsfield Township Community Center. 701 W. Ellsworth. Free. Preregistration required for all events at (734) 822–2120 or recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.
Men’s Group (Thurs. 2–4 p.m.) discussion group.
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“Third Annual Shared Memories: The Armenian Experience Through Objects and Stories”: U-M Center for Armenian Studies
Observer Editor
Community show-and-tell. All invited to bring an object or tell a story representative of Armenian identity or experience. Spectators welcome. Refreshments. 3–5 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/um-armenian-stories-2025. [5x] [24 Thurs.]
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"Wise Guys: Conversations for Men": U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Observer Editor
Activities: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program. (2401 Plymouth Rd.). Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events. For Zoom links see calendar at tinyurl.com/a2-turner-cal. (734) 998–9353, michmed.org/tswp, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 3–4 p.m. via Zoom).
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“Generative AI and Sexual Harms”: U-M Institute for Data & AI in Society
Observer Editor
Generative AI has made it easy to fabricate and distribute sexual content using the face of a person without that person’s consent. U-M information professor Sarita Schoenebeck discusses possible regulatory and technological means to address such violations. 6–7:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Rm. north-central, 100 Washtenaw Ave. Free, but preregistration required at midas.umich.edu/news-events/events, midas-contact@umich.edu.
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“Hera”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Book Club
Observer Editor
All invited to join a discussion of Jennifer Saint’s 2024 book that reimagines the Greek goddess, traditionally portrayed as a jealous wife, wicked stepmother, and instrument of the patriarchy, as a compassionate, strategic, and ambitious queen. Light refreshments. 6–7 p.m., Kelsey Museum, rm. 125, 434 S. State. Preregistration required; see bit.ly/kelseybookclubfeb. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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“Pom Pomtastic”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids grade K & up invited to learn how to make pom-poms. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., AHA, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. info@allhandsactive.org.
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“Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (SA2T) Community Grant Program”: City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Forum
Observer Editor
Office of Sustainability & Innovations representatives and SA2T grant recipients discuss the process and the benefits of this program. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 794–6000.
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Bad Decisions Track Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m. Ferry Field, State at Hoover (may meet elsewhere if the weather is bad). Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
Observer Editor
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join an interval-based training run (Tues.), a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Tues.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; & 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com. [2x][1 Tuesday]
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“I Heard Her Call My Name: A Memoir of Transition”: Literati Book Club
Observer Editor
Apr. 24 & 28. All invited to discuss Belgian-born American writer & critic Lucy Sante’s acclaimed brand-new memoir about her gender transition. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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“North Country Opera”: Pilar’s Foundation Fundraiser
Observer Editor
Screening of a filmed version of a 2022 staging of late local songwriter Jay Stielstra’s 1982 musical comedy. The story concerns a young Detroiter in search of himself and some good fishing who finds, loses, and regains the love of a UP barmaid. The score features 14 of Stielstra’s tangy northern-folk-style originals. “The popularity of North Country Opera stemmed from its great songs, terrific singers, a great deal of wit, and a story everyone can relate to,” says Ark founding director Dave Siglin. Proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders and other nonprofits. Preceded by a reception catered by Pilar’s Tamales at 6 p.m. 7 p.m., State Theatre. Tickets $25 (reception & screening, $50) in advance at marquee-arts.org, and (if available) at the door. (734) 668–8397.
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“Ritual Mountain Bike Film Tour”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Apr. 24: “Ritual Mountain Bike Film Tour” (2025). Short films with propulsive music and thrilling footage about wilderness bike adventures around the world. 7 p.m. $25.
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Detroit Irish Music Association Seisiún
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m., Grace Church Lodge, 3100 Glazier Way. Free. contact@detroitirishmusic.org, detroitirishmusic.org.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729.
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David Dyer: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Apr. 24–26. This polished Grand Rapids comic, a contributing writer to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, offers unexpected and occasionally twisted takes on everything from marriage and raising kids to suddenly using his shirt pockets now that he’s in his 50s. Preceded by opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 (Thurs., $16) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“A Celebration of the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments”: U-M Music School.
Observer Editor
Multigenre concert highlighting dozens of unique instruments, including some that have been recently invented being played publicly for the first time. The program features U-M student and faculty performers, including a Gamelan Ensemble, a Chinese Orchestra, ensembles of Renaissance and Baroque instruments, along with music performed on analog and Moog synthesizers and an automatic banjo which is a novelty instrument from the late 19th century similar to a player piano. Also, performances of the newly invented electromagnetic harpsichord and a Ping-Pong table fitted with resonating bars called a xylopong table. 7:30 p.m., U-M Moore Building Hankinson Rehearsal Hall, 1100 Baits, North Campus. Free. (734) 417–3899.
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“Bad Shabbos”: 2025 Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
Observer Editor
2025 Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival. Apr. 21–May 6. Screenings of films from around the world that address the Jewish experience. All films are also available streaming online ($150, all films; $80, 10 films; $50, 5 films). Various times, State Theater except as noted. Most screenings $12 in advance at jccannarbor.org/film-festival and at the door (cash or credit).
Apr. 24: “Bad Shabbos” (Daniel Robbins, 2024). Comedy starring Kyra Sedgwick as the matriarch of an American Jewish family. 7:30 p.m. at Rackham Auditorium.
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“The Importance of Being Earnest”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Thurs.–Sun., Apr. 24–May 4. Vincent J. Cardinal directs this local professional company in Oscar Wilde’s deliciously irreverent comedy of manners, a late Victorian classic whose strongest attraction is Wilde’s wonderfully etched epigrammatic language. The story concerns a foundling who must establish his bona fides to the satisfaction of his prospective mother-in-law, London’s leading social dragon, who is not about to allow her daughter to marry a nobody. Fred Grandy plays the formidable Lady Bracknell. 7:30 p.m. (today, Fri., & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), & 3 p.m. (May 1), Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $43.50–$60.50 (under age 18, $28) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and, if available, at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team of up to 6 people. Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. (734) 665–2968.
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Takács Quartet: University Musical Society
Observer Editor
Founded in Hungary in 1975, this world-renowned Boulder-based ensemble is known for its warmth, eloquence, and discipline, and for the ease with which it masters demanding pieces. Violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, violist Richard O’Neill, and cellist András Fejér are “four of the best string alchemists on the planet,” writes the Chicago Tribune. Tonight, they celebrate the ensemble’s 50th anniversary with a program that includes what is probably Haydn’s best-known work, the String Quartet in C Major, along with Beethoven’s congenial and jokey String Quartet No. 16 in F Major and Britten’s String Quartet No. 2, a rarely performed work that pays homage to Henry Purcell in its majestic final movement. 7:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $40–$67 (students, $15–$20), in advance at ums.org/season, by phone, and (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729.
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