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Events in May 2025
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May 9, 2025
“Kinder Concerts”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Observer Editor
May 9–11: AASO trombonist Dan Babcock and pianist Melissa Coppola are joined by AASO program manager Jaxon Williams to present a program for kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) that includes storytelling and dancing to live music. Participants also learn about the instruments. AADL Downtown, May 9 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.). Chelsea District Library, May 10 (10:30–11 a.m.), 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. Dexter District Library, May 10 (noon–12:30 p.m.), 3255 Alpine, Dexter. 109 Cultural Exchange, May 10 (2–2:30 & 3–3:30 p.m.), 109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. Ypsilanti District Library—Whittaker, May 11 (2–2:30 & 3–3:30 p.m.), 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. Various times and locations. Free.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (noon) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe. The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Dynamic Earth (2 p.m.) traces a trail of energy from the Sun through the Earth’s atmosphere and into the biosphere. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 in the gift shop. Limited capacity. lsa.umich.edu/ummnh, (734) 764–0478.
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Lane 9 Women’s Running Group
Observer Editor
Every Fri. All men & women invited to join this women-focused running group on a 3-mile loop run. All paces (including run/walking) welcome. 6:45 a.m., meet outside Argus Farm Stop, 1600 Packard. Free, preregistration required by emailing lane9project@gmail.com. lane9project.org.
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“Beginning Birders”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society)
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Club member Gaia Stanley leads a hike through the Arb to observe and identify birds commonly found in town. Binoculars provided, but bring yours if you have them. 9–11 a.m., U-M Arboretum, meet at the Dow Prairie entrance at Riverview Dr. Free. washtenawbna.org.
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“Bloom Fest”: Main Street Area Association
Observer Editor
May 9–11. Samples and deals at various downtown restaurants and shops, with a scavenger hunt–style crawl. See mainstreetannarbor.org/bloomfest for a complete schedule. 9 a.m.–10 p.m., downtown. Free admission.
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Rise & Shine: 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.
Rise & Shine (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.) morning exercise.
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“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Nature Area parking lot, E. Delhi off Huron River Drive. Free. jrodgers@umich.edu.
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Crafting Crew: 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.
Crafting Crew (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.), bring your current project, no instruction given.
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Jewelry Sale: U-M Turner Senior Resource Center
Observer Editor
Vintage and costume jewelry, pre-owned and donated. Proceeds support local geriatric programs. Cash or check only. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 2401 Plymouth Rd., ste. C. Free admission. (734) 998–9353.
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Senior Park Walks: 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.
Senior Park Walks (Fri. 10–11 a.m.). Guided one-mile walks through Ann Arbor parks. $2; members, free. Preregistration required.
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Playgroups for Babies: AADL
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed. & Fri. (different times): Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open playtime. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m., except May 26), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m.), Westgate (Wed. 10:30 a.m.), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m.).
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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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“Goldberg Variations”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series
Observer Editor
The church’s organist Shin-Ae Chun performs J.S. Bach’s baroque masterpiece on harpsichord. Followed by refreshments. Noon. Free. fbca2.org, (734) 663–9376.
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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.), & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofglobal@aol.com.
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Soda Show: Yourist Studio Gallery
Community Listing
Yourist Studio Gallery is celebrating the first birthday of its soda kiln with a display in its gallery of soda-fired pots from the first eight firings of the kiln.
Display hours:
May 7 through 24
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 12:00-6:00 pm
Sundays, 4:00-8:00 pm
The display features pieces made by students, teachers, and community members. The unpredictability of the soda and flame not only made for some beautifully dramatic results, but also some lovely subtle ones
6087 Jackson Road ,Ann Arbor. Free. ysghappenings.gmail.com https://www.youristpottery.com/news/index.html 734-662-4914.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Tai Chi: 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.
Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m. via Zoom).
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“Gladiators: Life in the Arena”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Midday Morsel Drop-In Tour
Observer Editor
Kelsey program coordinator Shannon Ness leads a 30-minute tour of the museum’s new exhibit about Roman gladiators, their careers, the social roles they embraced, and the surprising similarities between ancient and modern sports. 12:30 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard St. entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Coral Reef Tank Visit: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Fri. & Wed. U-M biology professor Jim Bardwell leads a 30-minute tour of his lab’s large coral reef tank featuring many species of coral, anemone, and fish, as well as a reclusive octopus. Age 6 and up. 12:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Same day sign-up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Walking Off the Pounds: 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.
Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m. via Zoom).
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Bridge: 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.
Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m. in person), call if interested.
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Chinese Mah-jongg: 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.
Chinese Mah-jongg (Fri. 1–3 p.m.).
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. 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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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., except May 26, & 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.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
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Talks: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
1320 Baldwin Ave., a2gov.org/senior. Senior-focused talks. Free. Preregistration required for all talks and meetings by emailing bpatton@a2gov.org or mfulton@a2gov.org, or calling (734) 794–6250.
May 5 (10–11 a.m.): “Ham Radio: Do They Still Do That?” with amateur radio instructor Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, author of the KB6NU.com amateur radio blog.
May 7 (noon–1 p.m.): “Lunch & Learn: Frauds & Scams,” with a free light lunch.
May 8 (1:30–4 p.m.): “Travels with George: Heart of India,” slideshow and talk.
May 9 (1–3 p.m.): “From the Naked Eye to Space Telescopes: A History of Astronomical Discoveries,” with representatives from the U-M LSA astronomy program.
May 13 (2–4 p.m.): “Paper Making with Natural Materials,” with City of Ann Arbor environmental educator Eleva Potter.
May 14 (9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.): “Care Management by Natalie.” Individual consultations with Natalie Adewunmi.
May 16 (10 a.m.–noon): “Balloon Volleyball Match,” a competitive low-impact workout with Skye from University Senior Living.
May 21 (noon–1 p.m.): “Lunch & Learn: Safety in the Home,” with a free light lunch.
May 23 (11 a.m.–noon): “Technology: Essential Computer Skills,” with James Giordani from AsKevin.
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“Let’s Be Friends: Film & Cinema”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to meet with others interested in films. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Multipurpose Rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Pickleball Mixer: Play, Sip & Socialize: Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Community Listing
Kick off summer with an evening of delicious drinks, exciting pickleball matches, additional sports games, and plenty of social fun at the Pickleball Mixer! Whether you’re an experienced Pickleball player or new to the game, this is the perfect way to enjoy Sweetwaters beverages while playing, learning, or just hanging out.
About Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea celebrates real ingredients, global flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere where every cup tells a story. From signature coffees and premium teas, to refreshing cold brews and indulgent treats, each drink is crafted to bring people together over exceptional drinks and warm hospitality. Whether you're here for a moment of calm or a lively conversation, Sweetwaters is your place to Love Your Day.
About Wolverine Pickleball
Wolverine Pickleball is more than just pickleball—it features a self-pour tap wall with 30 drink options, an outdoor space with bocce, beach volleyball, beach tennis, and cornhole. Plus, you'll find fun events like euchre nights, puzzle competitions, crafts, and trivia; making it the perfect place to grab a drink and have a great time with friends—public welcome!
What Your Ticket Includes:
✔ Pickleball Access – Enjoy open court time and friendly games with players of all levels.
✔ Sweetwaters Beverage Sampling – Sample Sweetwaters signature drinks to discover your new favorite!
✔ Sweetwaters Cocktails on Tap – Cocktails available on Wolverine Pickleball’s tap wall.
✔ Additional Activities – Take advantage of Wolverine’s bocce ball, volleyball, and other outdoor games.
✔ Exclusive Swag – Receive limited-edition Sweetwaters & Wolverine Pickleball merch that you won’t find anywhere else!
Max capacity: Open seating – RSVP now for an unforgettable night!
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Venue's Patio Opening Party: Venue by 4m
Community Listing
🎉 Join Us for Our Opening Party on the Patio! 🎉
Come kick off the season with us at our Party on the Patio! We're so excited to open the patio back up with some cozy outdoor vibes perfect for warm Michigan nights.
Mark your calendars:
Date: May 9th
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Venue | 1919 S. Industrial Hwy Ann Arbor
Cost: FREE
What to Expect:
🎶 Live Music by the Amazing Ki5: Get ready to vibe to the music of Ann Arbor's very own Kyler Wilkins who will be bringing energy to the party with his vocal looping!
🍻 Featured Beers by Bell’s Brewery: We’re teaming up with Bell’s Brewery to bring you some incredible brews. A Bell’s rep will be onsite to chat all things beer, hand out some cool swag, and answer any questions you have.
🔥 Cozy Firepits: Warm up by our outdoor firepits while soaking in the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of the night.
🍽️ Happy Hour Menu All Night: We’ll be featuring our happy hour menu throughout the event, so you can enjoy delicious bites and drinks at unbeatable prices!
This is just the start of many cozy Michigan summer nights on the patio, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Whether you’re enjoying the music, sipping a cold beer, or relaxing by the fire, the night is guaranteed to be full of fun, good vibes, and even better company.
Come celebrate with us, and let’s make this the perfect start to the summer season! 🌿
1919 South Industrial Highway ,Ann Arbor. Free. mallory@experience4m.com https://www.experience4m.com/event/59-opening-party-on-the-patio/ 7348000128.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Talk by Nico Lang, an award-winning journalist whose new book documents the lives of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid teens and their families. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Multipurpose Rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Perfectly Paired: Rosé & Cheese”: Zingerman’s Deli
Observer Editor
Zingerman’s deli event coordinator Tessie Ives-Wilson discusses and offers taste samples of cheese paired with rosé wines. 6:30–8 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. $45. Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. (734) 663–3354.
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“What My Father and I Don’t Talk About”: Schuler Books
Observer Editor
NYC-based writer Michele Filgate is joined by U-M creative writing professor Julie Buntin to discuss her new book, a collection of essays by Filgate and 15 other women writers about their complex—and sometimes contentious—relationships with their fathers. 6:30 p.m., Schuler Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. Free; preregistration requested at schulerbooks.com/events-ann-arbor. (734) 662–0600.
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Mon. (6:30 p.m.): Just Another Modern Monday. Powerful cards for experienced players, with prizes. $10. Tues. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Pauper. A fun and fast format for all skill levels. $5. Wed. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander. The most popular form of the game. Free. Wed. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Standard Showdown. Play with competitive tournament rules. $10. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): Friday Night Magic. Cost varies. Sat. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander Pods. For groups of 4 players. Free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. sylvanfactory.com, (734) 929–5877.
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“Alt Rock Pavilion”: Chelsea Area Festivals & Events
Observer Editor
Live music by the mid-Michigan alternative rock band Flowers on the Grave (7 p.m.) and the metal-oriented rock quintet Sometimes Pretty (8:30 p.m.). 7–9:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 304 S. Main, Chelsea. Free. chelseamich.com/events.
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“Apple Blossom Bliss”: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
May 9–11. A weekend of contra dancing to live music and workshops. Tonight: Lisa Greenleaf and Maeve Devlin call to music by the Jig Lords (fiddler Brad Battey and pianist & guitarist Kendall Rogers) and River Road (fiddler Sarah-Hadley Yakir, pianist & accordion player Kristen Planeaux, and guitarist Jesse Ball). Bring clean shoes for dancing. 7–11 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. $120 (weekend pass), $40 (Fri.), $60 (Sat. day), $25 (Sat. eve.), & $30 (Sun.) in advance (encouraged) at aactmad.org/appleblossombliss and at the door. (734) 695–0225. mbean@emich.edu.
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“King Lear”: St. Augustine’s Homeschool Enrichment Program Campion Players
Observer Editor
May 9–11. Henry & Maria Russell direct area homeschooled teens in Shakespeare’s tormenting yet sublime story of an aging king who decides to divide his kingdom among his 3 daughters. It’s one of Western literature’s most wrenching studies of arrogance, blind pride, and filial relationships. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. $10 (families, $40) in advance at the Michigan League box office & at the door. (517) 740–1469.
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“Telling Tales Out of School”: Student Advocacy Center of Michigan Annual Fundraiser
Observer Editor
Storytelling by area high school students and Washtenaw County public defender Delphia Simpson. Also, hip-hop and rap performances by members of community music project Formula734 and a brief performance by EMU’s Applied Theater group. Light refreshments. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 7 p.m., Huron High School, 2727 Fuller. $30 (students with ID, $10) in advance at studentadvocacycenter.org/telling-tales and at the door. peri@studentadvocacycenter.org, (734) 482–0489.
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“The Cup”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
FREE. Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. jewelheart.org. (734) 994–3387.
May 9: “The Cup” (Khyentse Norbu, 1999). Comedy-drama about two football-crazed Tibetan novice monks, refugees in Bhutan, who try to obtain a television for their remote Himalayan monastery to watch the 1998 FIFA World Cup final. Followed by discussion. Tibetan, subtitles. 7 p.m.
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AFC Ann Arbor Women’s Team
Observer Editor
The home opener for this local United Soccer League women’s semi-professional soccer team vs. Union Macomb. This month’s home schedule also includes matches vs. Detroit City FC (May 17, 7 p.m.) and Midwest United FC (May 24, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., Pioneer High School Hollway Field, 601 W. Stadium at Main. $12 online (kids 13 & under, free); $15 at the gate. Group discounts & season tickets available. afcannarbor.com. (734) 408–1627.
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Mary Mack: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
May 9 & 10. Mother’s Day–themed shows from this popular humorist from rural Wisconsin who describes her act as a cross between Gilda Radner and A Prairie Home Companion. A former music teacher and polka bandleader with an endearingly off-kilter stage persona and a singsong voice, she likes to pepper her droll storytelling with mandolin sing-alongs. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $22 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“A Tribute to Joni Mitchell”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
May 8–11. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the highly influential singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, known for their intimate lyrics and sophisticated compositions that draw on pop, jazz, rock, and folk. Rolling Stone named her “one of the greatest songwriters ever.” 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $31.50 in advance at theencoretheatre.org (with $3.50 fee) and at the door (no fee). (734) 268–6200.
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“Steel Magnolias”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
Observer Editor
May 8–11. Lindsey Brown directs local actors in Robert Harling’s loving and beloved 1987 portrait of eccentricity in the small-town South. Set in a home-based beauty parlor in Chinquapin, Louisiana, this comic drama celebrates the strength of 6 humorous and individualistic women who share light moments and pull together when tragedy strikes. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. $25 (seniors, $22; students, $15) at a2ct.ludus.com and (if available) at the door. a2ct.org, (734) 971–2228.
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“The Great American Songbook: The Music of Duke Ellington & Carolyn Leigh”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
U-M musical theater professor and singer-pianist Tyler Driskill is joined by U-M musical theater students for a lecture-demo on the great composer-jazz pianist Ellington, who penned such tunes as “Take the A Train,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “Mood Indigo,” and lyricist Leigh, whose many hits include “Witchcraft” and “Young at Heart.” 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $29–$40 (students, $18–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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“Welcome to Paradise”: PTD Productions
Observer Editor
May 8–11 & 14–17. Laura Bird & Janet Rich direct local actors in NYC playwright Julie Marino’s 2019 comedy about an aging woman on a solo trip to her Caribbean beach house who befriends a young vagabond and offers him a place to stay. When her son and his family show up, her tropical tranquility is upended. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students, seniors, & active military, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. (734) 483–7345.
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“why:eternity”: Ann Arbor Grail Singers
Observer Editor
May 9 & 11 (different locations). Jacob Carroll directs this women’s early-music choir in a program featuring Italian late-Renaissance composer Maddalena Casulana’s book of madrigals published in 1570, among the first by a female composer. Also, works by American David Lang, Italian Renaissance composer Palestrina’s settings of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and the 9th-century Gregorian Reproaches. Accompaniment by viola da gambist Lily Schrantz, theorbo player Brian Kay, and violists Marc Armitano, Jamie Gallupe, and David Webster Hunt III. 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 3430 Dover, Dexter. Tickets $20 (seniors, $15; students, $10) at annarborgrailsingers.org or by cash or check at the door. annarborgrailsingers.org, (415) 662–0631.
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Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Performance by the Hear.Say house team of experienced amateur improvisers Eleven Non-Blondes. 7:30–9 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or $18 (if available) at the door. hello@heardotsay.com.
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“Eclipsed: The Sun, the Moon, and Gladys Atkinson Sweet”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Apr. 11–May 11. Bryana Hall directs the premiere of Detroit playwright D.L. Patrick’s drama about Gladys Atkinson Sweet, who, along with her husband and 9 other African Americans, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the attack on her Detroit home in 1925 by more than 700 white neighbors. A notorious case litigated by Clarence Darrow, the story is told in the play from the perspective of Gladys Sweet. Part of Theatre Nova’s new play development residency. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door, also $5 on Apr. 12) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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“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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 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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“The Stranger in My Breakfast Nook: A 90s Lifetime Original Musical Parody”: Neighborhood Theatre Group
Observer Editor
May 9–11, 16–18. Kylista Geiger and Kristin Anne Danko direct local actors in the premiere of their lighthearted musical spoof about a married couple in 1972 suburbia who suspect that their 23-year-old daughter’s new boyfriend might be their long-lost son—and the daughter’s twin. Reception with cast, crew, and writers to follow on opening night. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), The Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti. $15 (students, $12) at ticketstripe.com/strangerinnook and (if available) at the door. ntgypsi.org.
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%st“Femme Feedback” Comedy Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
A variety of female and trans comics try out new material, with a veteran comic presiding to offer feedback. 8–9:45 p.m. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729.
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Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded by hour-long lessons at 7 and 8 p.m. A “Late Night Blues & Fusion” dance follows. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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“Clue”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. 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. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
May 9 & 22: “Clue” (Jonathan Lynn, 1985). Black comedy mystery set in a secluded New England mansion and based on the board game. Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 8 p.m. (Thurs.).
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