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Events in April 2022
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April 7, 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
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“Free College Week”: WCC.
Apr. 4–8. Presentations by WCC instructors on automobile technology, broadcasting, entrepreneurship, computer technology, cooking, performing arts, financial planning, sustainability, and other topics. Various times, online at wccnet.edu/events/free-college-week.php. Free. fcw@wccnet.edu.
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'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
March 13 - April 13. Creal Microgallery presents ‘Snails and the Infinite,' an exhibition of small sculptures by Portland, Maine artist Robin Carlson. These sculptures depict a playful grouping of snails sporting a range of surreal alternatives to traditional shells.
Carlson describes ‘play’ as being one of the primary motivators in her artistic process. “My world, the things I am passionate about and what matters to me at the end of the day, is a place where ‘play’ is taken seriously and everything is a puzzle. Problem solving becomes silly and fun.” The results are indeed silly and fun— snail shells made of sushi, or ice cream sundaes, or gruesomely dislodged eyeballs. They harken back to gift shop miniatures, to emojis, and in some instances to comics and gross-out toys of the 80s and 90s. Carlson says she’s been making toys since she was around 6-7 years old, and has always enjoyed collecting things. Over time she has grown to enjoy creating her own toy collections, exploring variations on a theme. By working from a constant starting point— in this case the snail— she enjoys exploring the infinite possibilities for play.
So, why snails? Carlson says they remind her of the “deep realities of life. When I concentrate on the smallness of the world, the bugs beneath our feet, the flowers popping up in spring, a broken egg on the sidewalk, I remember to be appreciative of nature and all that is small. Within the form of the humble snail is infinity.” Carlson also sees snails as a great example of the universal law of duality: soft and hard, malleable and fragile, fleeting and ancient. The shell is structural, defined and geometric. But a snail’s body is amorphous, ever-changing and organic. It is almost ironic then, that the shell becomes the shapeshifting canvas. Like a hermit crab making a tin can its new home, Carlson swaps in birthday cake or spaghetti and meatballs in place of a snail shell. She encourages viewers to look more closely and pay attention. Carlson’s work invites viewers to use their imaginations and remain open to the unexpected.
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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.
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“Music in Detroit and Michigan: The Legend Continues”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
WSU jazz studies professor Vincent Chandler on “Jazz in Post-WWII Detroit: The Performers and their Contributions.”For URL preregister at olli-umich.org. $60 for the 6-lecture series ($35 for members). $10 per lecture for members. Memberships are $25 a year. 998-9351.
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Chinese Mah Jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Thursday. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
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Master Rain Gardener Class: Washtenaw County Water Resources
Design your own rain garden step-by-step during class. Become the neighborhood expert! Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/friothrou/event/842122/We teach you *everything* we know about rain gardens. That includes lessons learned from more than 800 rain gardens built by homeowners just like you! Learn what works and what doesn’t.The class will be Zoom for the lectures, Zoom one-on-one feedback with the instructors, Facebook (or an alternate forum) for discussion/homework. Outdoor field trips.Five lunchtime classes: Thursdays March 3, 10, 17, 24, & April 7, 10:00-12:00. REQUIREMENTS: Participants must attend all five classes & plant or adopt a rain garden to earn their Master Rain Gardener certificate and t-shirt.COVID-19 POLICY: No requirements for virtual sessions. For the outdoor tour ONLY, all participants must follow the Covid-19 policies established by tour hosts.COST: Standard Course Enrollment $89.00. Scholarships available.Registration ends Feb 28Online with in-person visits to people’s outdoor rain gardens
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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.
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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
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“From Last Emperor to Last Prophet: The Emergence of the Doctrine of the Finality of Prophecy”: U-M Global Islamic Studies Center.
Virtual talk by Cornell University Near Eastern studies professor David Stephan Powers on Christian and Islamic theological narratives of late antiquity. For URL preregister at bit.ly/umiisslecture. Free. 615-9958.
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“The Oresteia of Aeschylus”: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U-M (50+)
This study group will be online. “The Oresteia” is Aeschylus’ greatest work, and perhaps the most visceral Greek tragedy. Using the Robert Fagles (Penguin Classics) translation, we’ll read aloud and discuss the concepts of male/female relations, of sin, and of justice explored in this trilogy. Marilyn Scott leads this study group will meet Thursdays April 7 through April 28.Pre-registration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the study group will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the first session.Online
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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.
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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.
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“Una Tertulia.”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Socializing group for Spanish speakers. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
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"Africa’s Struggle for its Art: History of a Postcolonial Defeat 1965-1985": UMMA
In the wake of postcolonial African independence, African intellectuals and politicians spearheaded a movement to pursue repatriation of artworks stolen during the colonial era and placed in Western museums. Art Historian and curator Bénédicte Savoy brings to light this largely unknown but deeply important history. An expert on restitution and cultural heritage, Savoy reconstructs a story of missed opportunity and defeat that still resonates in today’s repatriation discourse.
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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.
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David Droga: U-M School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
Talk by this noted Australian advertising executive, currently the CEO and creative chairman for Accenture Interactive, a multinational professional services company whose clients include 91 of the Fortune Global 100 companies. Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or Covid test within 72 hours) required. Free. 936–0671.
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Jia Tolentino: U-M English Department.
This New Yorker staff writer (see 6 Wednesday Hopwood Awards listing) reads from Trick Mirror, her 2019 bestselling collection of essays about self-deception, examining everything from scammer culture to reality television. Followed by Q&A. Rackham Amphitheater. Free. 764-6296.
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“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.
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“Cheese 101”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
Zingerman’s cheesemongers lead a tasting (via Zoom) of 7 major styles of cheese: fresh, soft-ripened, pressed curd, cooked curd, milled curd, gouda, and blue. For URL preregister at zingermansdeli.com/events. $45 includes at-home tasting kit (additional kits, $30), available for pickup or delivery ($10). delievents@zingermans.com, 663–3354.
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“‘God Shed His Light on Thee’: American and Jewish Exceptionalism in the Thought of Meir Kahane”: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies Belin Lecture.
Dartmouth College Jewish studies professor Shaul Magid discusses the 29th-century American-born Israeli Orthodox rabbi, writer, and ultra-nationalist politician. Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw. Mask required. Livestream available; preregister at myumi.ch/DJwAG. Free. 764–6307.
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“Ann Arbor Solar Stories”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations/Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
Ann Arborites share (via Zoom) their experience using solar energy. Q&A. For URL preregister at bit.ly/a2energy. Free. jroth@a2gov.org.
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“Auction of Souls”: State Theatre.
(Oscar Apfel, 1919). Drama about the Armenian genocide based on the account of one of its survivors, actress Aurora Mardiganian, who stars in the film. Followed by a discussion between actress-producer Arsinée Khanjian and University of Amsterdam film professor Marie-Aude Baronian about Performing Memory, Khanjian’s performance piece, that draws on the film and the life of Mardiganian. The U-M Center for Armenian Studies Annual Haidostian Distinguished Lecture. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test with in 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
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“High Expectations”: Fathom Events.
(Christopher D. White & Jonathan Southard, 2022). Premiere of this drama about a professional soccer player who is cut by his legendary coach father and takes one last shot at his lifelong dream by trying out for a rival club. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events. Tickets $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500).
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“Take Back the Night”: Take a Stand Against Sexual Violence.
This annual rally against rape features a keynote speech by Drew Dixon, a Brooklyn-based record producer who came forward about her experience of assault and harassment in the music industry in a 2017 New York Times piece. She is the main subject of the 2020 HBO Max documentary On the Record. Also, music and performances by Michigan singer Jayna Schmid, U-M student percussion-and-dance ensemble Groove, and U-M student dance troupe New Movement. Followed by a march through campus and downtown; mask required. The rally is livestreamed at tbtnannarbor.org/rally. U-M Michigan Union Ballroom. Free. tbtnAnnArbor.org.
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“The Sound of Music”: Concordia University Theatre Department.
Apr. 7–10. Concordia theater director Amanda Williams-Contreras directs Concordia students in the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about an exuberant young governess who brings music back to a mourning family as Nazis gain power in 1938 Austria. 7 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Concordia University Kreft Center Black Box Theater, 4090 Geddes. $15 (students and seniors, $10) in advance only at bit.ly/condordiatix. or 995–7537.
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“The Wise Women”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Toronto-based novelist Gina Sorell, a former film actor, discusses (via Zoom) her new book, a witty and wildly enjoyable novel, set in NYC, about 2 struggling adult sisters and their meddling advice columnist mother, who they come to discover, is hiding more than a few problems of her own. For URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2022-04. Free. 585–5567.
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7 Notes Book Club: 7 Notes Natural Health
7 Notes Book Club is open to anyone who likes to read and discuss the books they read. The purpose of the 7 Notes Book Club is to meet together with other like-minded people to read books about holistic practices, health, meditation, and spirituality. The group will be facilitated by Rob Meyer-Kukan, LMT, NHE, STCP; but all participants will be given equal voice and have ample opportunity to contribute to the discussion.Please visit the event page on Facebook to learn more about the books we will be reading and sharing throughout the year.7 Notes Natural Health
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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.
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Huron Hills Lapidary & Mineral Society.
Club member Jim Hanson discusses Lake Superior agates. West Side United Methodist Church social hall, 900 S. 7th St. Free. 665–5574.
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Take Back The Night Rally and March: University Students Against Rape / Standing Tough Against Rape Society
Join UofM student organization University Students Against Rape in creating an environment that advocates for and uplifts survivors of sexual violence. The theme of this year’s rally and march is “_____ is healing”, and will highlight various ways that survivors heal from sexual violence. The rally portion will begin with performances by Jayna Schmid, dance groups Groove and New Movement, and addresses from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. We are honored to be joined by record producer and activist Drew Dixon, our keynote speaker. Following the rally, attendees are invited and encouraged to join our student organizers in marching through UofM campus and parts of downtown Ann Arbor and taking back the night. The pre-show for the rally will begin at 6:30pm on April 7, 2022 in the Michigan Union. The rally will begin at 7pm. The event could potentially change locations to the UofM Diag in the case of dangerous case numbers or new indoor restrictions. University of Michigan Union
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U-M Center for Japanese Studies Thursday Lecture Series.
Apr. 7 & 14. Virtual talks by national and global scholars. Apr. 7 (7-8:30 p.m.): Kyoto (Japan) University social psychology professor Yukiko Uchida on “The Japanese Way of Well-Being and the Self: An Examination of Local and Working Communities.” Apr. 14 (Noon–1:30 p.m.): U-M Japanese Studies postdoctoral fellow Linda Galvane on “Literary Toilet Papers of Japan and Beyond.” Various times, for URL preregister at bit.ly/cjsspring2022. Free. umcjs@umich.edu, 764–6307.
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“Murakami By the Sea”: U-M Dance Department.
Apr. 7-10. U-M dance professor Tzveta Kassabova directs drama majors in a series of her dance & theater pieces inspired by the short stories of Haruki Murakami. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin. Mask required. Free. 764–0594.
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“somebody's children”: U-M Theatre Department.
Mar. 31–Apr. 10. U-M theater alum Héctor Flores Komatsu directs U-M drama students in U-M theater professor José Casas’ drama about 5 homeless teens living in a rundown L.A. motel. Told through a series of vignettes, the play paints a picture of the cruel realities in which the most marginalized struggle to survive—all the while doing so in the shadow of Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), and 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.). Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $33 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 764.2538.
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“Spring Good Times Get-Together”: Ann Arbor Ski Club.
The chance to learn about the club’s downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding outings, and other social activities. Followed by dancing to music spun by a DJ. Must be 21 or older. UA Local 190 Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd. $5 (members, free). a2skiclub@gmail.com.
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“The Battle of Roastings!”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Two teams of 4 local and area comics each dish it out in a series of 1-on-1 roast battles. Team 1: Jacob Barr, Ella Horwedel, Erich Laux, and Tanner Oliver. Team 2: Jake Ford, Johnny Mocny, Nick Earl, and Alaina Bamfield. The show begins with brief stand-up sets by each comic, so the others—and the audience—can get to know them. Alcohol is served. 212 S. Fourth Ave. $10 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
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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.).
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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.
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“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
Casaundra Freeman directs this Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu drama—the 1st post-lockdown play to open on Broadway—that brings the big questions of Waiting for Godot into contemporary life. Two young black men meet under a streetlight, talk smack, pass time, and hope for a better life. The New York Times called the play “blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $22 in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com & at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 48 hours). 635-8450.
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“Smiling Cowards Folding Cards”: U-M Dance Department BFA Concert.
Apr. 7-9. U-M dance seniors Lydia Dunn, Stephanie Gennusa, Rowan Janusiak, Mariah Stevens, Kevin Wang, and Sasha Yakovenko perform their solo choreography and lead fellow dance majors in group pieces. Dance Performance Studio, 1000 Baits, North Campus. Mask required. Tickets $10 at the door only. 764–9537.
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“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.
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