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Events in April 2022
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April 21, 2022
“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival).
Mar. 8–Apr. 24. Reprise of the summer production of this interactive performance art piece curated by NYC theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone—the duo behind the Obie-winning company 600 Highwaymen—in which 2 randomly chosen ticket holders meet on opposite ends of a table, separated by a pane of glass, to follow a scripted set of prompts. The questions start out simple (“Have you ever broken a bone?”) and grow progressively more intimate (“Have you ever broken a heart?”) with the aim of encouraging storytelling, triggering imagination, and nurturing empathy. The hour-long encounter ends in a “startling and powerful,” way according to the New York Times reviewer, who also called the piece “a joy,” and “a work of inquisitive humanity and profound gentleness.” Suitable for ages 16 & up. 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 p.m. (Tues.–Sun.), UMMA Irving Stenn Jr. Family Gallery, 525 S. State. Tickets $10 (students, $5). Preregistration required at a2sf.org or by calling 764–2538. Mask required. BoxOffice@a2sf.org
Public Power Around the Country: Campaigns & Exemplary Existing Munis
Roundtable discussion of municipal electric utilities with guest panelists Seth Berry-Maine State Representative ; Ursula Schryver-American Public Power Association; Darren Springer-Burlington VT Electricity. Join in on a lively discussion to envision the future of how renewable energy can support community needs. Sponsored by Ann Arbor for Public Power. Zoom session.
Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
Every Thurs., Mar. 31–May 26. All invited to walk through the Arb to look for resident birds and early migrants. Extra binoculars available. Meet at the Dow Prairie entrance at the east end of the Arb, Riverview Dr. at Riverview Ct. Free. WashtenawAudubon.org.
“Classical Receptions Colloquium”: U-M Classics Department.
Lectures by national and international scholars TBA. Keynote lecture by University of Bristol (UK) classics and comparative literature professor Laura Jansen. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Tisch Hall. Free. cseas@umich.edu.
“Connor Chee’s Sand Paintings”: Ann Arbor Piano Teachers Guild.
EMU piano professor Joel Schoenhals performs Navajo composer Connor Chee’s new work, Sand Paintings, and discusses Chee’s work and its relationship to Navajo life and culture. 10–11 a.m., Kerrytown Concert House. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Free.
“Native Americans of the Great Lakes Region: Past and Present”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
Every Thurs., Apr. 14–May 19. Series of 6 weekly talks (via Zoom) by scholars of Native American history & culture, as well as tribal members. Apr. 14: Ohio State University comparative studies professor John N. Low on “The Indigenous Midwest Prior to European Contact.” Apr. 21: MSU American Indian and indigenous studies professor Susan Sleeper-Smith on “From Encounter to Removal: Indigenous Persistence Strategies in the Western Great Lakes.” Apr. 28: University of Wisconsin American Indian studies professor Margaret Noodin on “Lessons of the Land in Indigenous Languages of the Great Lakes.” May 5: U-M social work professor Sandra Momper on “Historical and Contemporary Issues of American Indians Residing in the Michigan Great Lakes Region: Challenges and Strengths.” May 12: U-M diversity and social transformation professor Stephanie A. Fryberg on “Omission as the Modern Form of Bias Against Indigenous People.” May 19: United Tribes of Michigan executive director Frank Ettawageshik on “Native Americans and the Environment.” 10–11:30 a.m., for URL preregister at olli-umich.org. $60 (members, $35) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Memberships are $25 a year. 998–9351.
Chinese Mah Jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Thursday. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
“Earth Days”: Ann Arbor Community Commons Initiating Committee.
Apr. 21-24 (different programs). Educational, entertaining community-oriented afternoons of activities celebrating the temporarily car-free space, including an interactive art project (the “green brick road to sustainability and survival”) highlighting the work of local organizations, and more. Entertainment includes talks and live music TBA. Food vendors TBA. Drumming and dancing after 6 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.. Noon–6 p.m., Center of the City Commons, Library Lane at Fifth Ave. Free. megiddo@umich.edu, annarborcommunitycommons.org, 761–7967.
Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Every Thurs. ABL sanctioned bridge. Bring a partner, or get paired up when you arrive. Beginners welcome. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. $9 (members, $8). For more information, including URLs for virtual events, email bpatton@a2gov.org or call 794-6250. Masks required.
Mahjong – American: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation
Mahjong is Back in March!Thursdays 12:30-2:30 p.m.Pre-registration requiredMasks Required.No shared snacks, Bring your own drink.Stay at home if you or other members are home are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus.Notify the office if you become ill for any reason. Pittsfield Township Community Center Community Area
“History of Transportation in Ann Arbor”: Daughters of the American Revolution.
Talk by local historian Grace Shackman, author of Ann Arbor in the 19th Century and other books. 1 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. Free, reservations requested at teacherallana@yahoo.com.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs. & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thus.). If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person.
Ikebana International.
All invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Led by instructors TBA. Floral materials provided, bring your own container. 1–2:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Mask and proof of completion of online U-M Covid-19 safety screening (responsiblue.umich.edu) required. $20. Space limited; preregistration required at a2ikebana@gmail.com. mbgna.umich.edu.
Recognition of Local Community Service Organizations
The Michigan Freedom Center and HouseN2Home will receive Community Service Awards at the monthly meeting of the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter, DAR . Michigan Freedom Centers provide free welcome lounges at airports for veterans and active military of all branches. HouseN2Home provides furnishings for the homes of individuals and families transitioning from homeless shelters in Washtenaw County. Representatives of these two organizations will be in attendance. The program is free. Reservations recommended. Contact teacherallana@yahoo.com
Scrabble: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Thurs. 2401 Plymouth Road. For more information and URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
“Diaspora, Poetics, and Politics”: U-M English Department Poetry and Poetics Workshop.
University of Wisconsin poetry professor Timothy Yu and University of Chicago creative writing professor Edgar Garcia discuss (via Zoom) Asian and Latinx diasporic politics and thought in contemporary poetry. 4-5:30 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/umdiasporapoetics. Free. 764-6330.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun. & Thurs. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, for location email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com. Free.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other odd item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. Livestream also available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. Mask required. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Someday the Plan of a Town”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Postponed from Mar. 2. Acclaimed poet and lyricist Todd Boss, heralded by Washington Post poetry reviewer Elizabeth Lund as “one of the best poets of his generation,” joins local poet and U-M creative writing professor Linda Gregerson to discuss (via Zoom) his latest collection, a sensual, intellectual, and musical account of his nomadic world travels following the breakup of his marriage. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2022-04. Free. 585–5567.
Comhaltas.
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m. FUMC Green Wood, 1001 Green Rd. Mask (when not playing a wind instrument) and vaccination required. Free. detroitirishmusic.org.
“A MoodSwing Reunion”: University Musical Society.
When celebrated tenor saxophonist-composer Joshua Redman released his 1994 album MoodSwing, he was engaged in a drive to freshen, expand, and renew jazz while holding on to its core musical values. The album was a precocious collection of substantial melodies by 4 hot young musicians who would rapidly establish themselves as creative masters. In this pandemic-interrupted tour, the original group—Redman, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Brian Blade—reunites to perform a program of both new and vintage material that, according to the Chicago Tribune, showcases their “musical breadth, emotional depth, and intellectual savvy.” 7:30 p.m. Hill Auditorium. Mask and proof of vaccination required. $17–$61 (students $12–$20). Preregistration required at ums.org/performance/a-moodswing-reunion or 764–2538.
“A Thousand Faces”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Apr. 21-May 1. Sam Scalamoni directs this local professional theater company in the premiere of the NYC-based husband-and-wife team of Eric Lane and Rachel Devore Fogarty’s 2020 musical about the life of Lon Chaney, a silent film star born to deaf parents who specialized in outsider characters, earning fame as the star of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Music direction by Gary Adler. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $46 (seniors & youth $44) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268-6200.
“A Thousand Faces”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Apr. 21-May 1. Sam Scalamoni directs this local professional theater company in the premiere of the NYC-based husband-and-wife team of Eric Lane and Rachel Devore Fogarty’s 2020 musical about the life of Lon Chaney, a silent film star born to deaf parents who specialized in outsider characters, earning fame as the star of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Music direction by Gary Adler. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $46 (seniors & youth $44) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268-6200.
“Spamalot”: Burns Park Players.
Apr. 21–24. Burns Park elementary students, parents, and friends, directed by Megan Wright-Jones, perform Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s multi-Tony-winning 2005 musical, lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, about the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring show girls, cows, killer rabbits, and French taunters. The score includes the favorite “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Music direction by Eric Lofstrom. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $20-$30 in advance at the Michigan Theater michtheater.org/events & at the door. 763-8587.
“Spamalot”: Burns Park Players.
Apr. 21–24. Burns Park elementary students, parents, and friends, directed by Megan Wright-Jones, perform Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s multi-Tony-winning 2005 musical, lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, about the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring show girls, cows, killer rabbits, and French taunters. The score includes the favorite “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Music direction by Eric Lofstrom. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $20-$30 in advance at the Michigan Theater michtheater.org/events & at the door. 763-8587.
“Spamalot”: Burns Park Players.
Apr. 21–24. Burns Park elementary students, parents, and friends, directed by Megan Wright-Jones, perform Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s multi-Tony-winning 2005 musical, lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, about the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring show girls, cows, killer rabbits, and French taunters. The score includes the favorite “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Music direction by Eric Lofstrom. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $20-$30 in advance at the Michigan Theater michtheater.org/events & at the door. 763-8587.
Dwayne Gill: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
A Detroit native and working police officer, Gill treats topics that range from relationships to the crazy situations he’s encountered in uniform. Fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $20 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
German Conversation.
Every Tues. & Thurs. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the German Speakers Round Table (Tues., 7:30 p.m.) and the Stammtisch (Thurs., 7:30 p.m.). Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. 812–6375 (Tues.) & heerdeolind@yahoo.com (Thurs.).
Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub.
Every Thurs. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne throws out questions for anyone to answer at this popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team (up to 6 people). Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. 665–2968.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
“The Actors”: Penny Seats Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sat., Apr. 7–23. Joe Bailey directs Florida playwright Ronnie Larsen’s comic drama about a man, grief-stricken by the death of his parents, who hires actors to come to his house a few times a week and be his family. Cast: Brandy Joe Plambeck, Maurizio Dominguez, Diane Hill, Jeff Miller, and David Collins. Suitable for ages 15 & up (strong language). 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $15 (seniors, $12), in advance at PennySeats.org and (if available) at the door. 926–5346.
