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Events in May 2022
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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May 1, 2022
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
May 1-31. This Star Wars themed event allows participants to complete a self-timed 4-km run/walk anytime and anywhere during the month. Mailed race packets include a T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker decal. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. Anytime in May. $50. Preregistration required at bit.ly/maythe4thrun2022. info@epicraces.com, 531-8747.
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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
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Senior Showcase: U-M Musical Theater Department.
Graduating musical theater majors preview works they’ll perform in front of agents and casting directors in New York. These shows usually sell out. 4:30 & 7:00 p.m., Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. $32 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and (if available) at the door. 764-2538.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (Fri.–Sun., 11:30 a.m.) follows an adventurous Late Cretaceous dolichorhynchops (a kind of prehistoric marine reptile) as she travels through the ocean, encountering long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (Fri.–Sun., 12:30 & 2:30 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. Natural Selection (Fri.–Sun., 1:30 p.m.) joins Darwin on his voyage with HMS Beagle to the Galápagos Islands where he was inspired to develop his theory of transmutation by natural selection. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
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Annual May Day Celebration: Ann Arbor Morris.
All invited to celebrate this traditional holiday with singing and boisterous traditional English dances. 6:15-7 a.m., U-M Nichols Arboretum (lookout above the main valley near Geddes Rd. gate). Free. a2morris@umich.edu. 717-1569.
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"Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!” an exhibition by Tracey Snelling
Creal Microgallery presents "Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!," a small-scale installation work by Tracey Snelling, echoing several other installations by the artist, that are concurrently on view in Ann Arbor. This installation pulls together pop cultural elements to create a "safe space" filled with tropical sunset wallpaper, movie posters, and Keanu Reeves. Snelling's installations often take on multiple scales at once-- existing in life size and miniature simultaneously. This exhibition conjures a space that is at once comforting and overwhelming, centering and disorienting.
Creal Microgallery is a breadbox-sized exhibition space on Creal Crescent in Ann Arbor, visible from the sidewalk and lit up most nights until 11pm.
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“Weekend Walk for Shorebirds”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
WAS member Matthew Spoor leads a walk through Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area to look for migrating shorebirds, local species, and wildflowers. 8–10 a.m., meet at the main parking lot off Birch Hollow Drive, 3500 Birch Hollow Dr. Free. Washtenawaudubon.org.
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Just Between Friends Sale.
Apr. 28–May 1. Show and sale of maternity items, baby and children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. 4–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), & 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 9 a.m.–noon (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free, but $3 “priority pass” allows you to cut the line if capacity is full and there is a wait. Also, special times for essential workers. Preregistration required at bit.ly/jbfsale2022. sarahgarot@jbfsale.com.
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Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
May 1, 7, 14, 15, 21, & 22. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. May 1 (9 a.m.–noon): Botsford Recreational Preserve, park in the Park and Ride lot on Miller Rd., then meet at the Botsford Recreational Preserve entrance, west on Miller. May 1 (1–4 p.m.): Mary Beth Doyle Park, meet at the corner of Cardinal Ave. and Sharon Dr. May 7 (9 a.m.–noon): Huron Parkway Nature Area, meet at 3470 Woodland Rd., off East Huron River Dr. May 7 (1–4 p.m.): Molin Nature Area, meet at the end of Powell Rd. on Columbia. May 14 (9 a.m.–noon): Fuller Park, meet at the parking lot at the end of Island Dr. May 14 (1–4 p.m.): Argo Nature Area, meet on Longshore Dr. at Amherst Ave. May 15 (1–4 p.m.): Bird Hills Nature Area, meet at the Bird Rd. entrance, west of Huron River Dr. May 21 (9 a.m.–noon): Sunset Brooks Nature Area, meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance to the park. May 21 (1–4 p.m.): Cedar Bend Nature Area, meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Dr. May 22 (9 a.m.–noon): Marshall Nature Area, meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Rd., north of Plymouth Rd. May 22 (1–4 p.m.): Black Pond Woods, meet on Tibbits Ct., off Pontiac Trail. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/a2stewardworkday. 794–6627.
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Interfaith Sunday Service: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center Sunday Talks.
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by a discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. Once a month, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from Jakata Tales, the Indian canon of 547 poems, dated 300 BC-400 AD, that concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The May 1 topic is “Fish,” a tale about the power of prayer and goodness. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
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Ypsilanti Artisan Market.
Market featuring handmade arts and crafts by 40 Ypsilanti-based artisans, live folk music by Eric Moore and Kandace Fredrick, and food vendors. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Free.
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H.A.C. Ultimate.
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
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U-M Softball.
The powerhouse U-M team finishes out its home season today with the finale of a 3-game series vs. Minnesota (Apr. 29, 6 p.m., Apr. 30, 4 p.m., & May 1, noon). If its season goes well, it may host an NCAA regional in late May; see
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sun. & Sat. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia (2 & 4 p.m.), including a reindeer, a Burmese python, and a legless lizard, which is not a snake. Also, a zookeeper talk with a surprise animal (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $11 (kids ages 2–12, $9; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance. 929–9324.
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Interfaith Youthful Spirits Class for Young People: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual class for young people via Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
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Rain Garden Plant Swap: Washtenaw County Water Resources.
All invited to bring extra garden plants, labeled with species or common name, to exchange. Also, a garden book giveaway. 1-2:30 p.m., Saline Library, north entrance, 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. drains@washtenaw.org, 222-6860.
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Teacher Appreciation Day: 7 Notes Natural Health
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Day, we invite you to join us for a day to rejuvenate, relax, and restore.Open to all Teachers and others working in education, this offering is brought to you FREE of charge to give back to the community.Yoga + SoundReiki Sessions7 Notes Natural Health
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U-M Softball.
This month’s schedule for the powerhouse U-M team includes a 3-game series Penn State (Apr. 8, 4 p.m., Apr. 9, 2 p.m., & Apr. 10, 1 p.m.), Ohio State (Apr. 22, 6 p.m., Apr. 23, 2 p.m., & Apr. 24, noon), and Minnesota (Apr. 29, 6 p.m., Apr. 30, 4 p.m., & May 1, noon) and a single game vs. MSU (Apr. 6, 6 p.m.) & CMU (Apr. 12, 4 p.m.). Alumni Field, 1255 S. State St. $6–10. mGOblue.com, 764–0247.
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Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
May 1, 7, 14, 15, 21, & 22. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. May 1 (9 a.m.–noon): Botsford Recreational Preserve, park in the Park and Ride lot on Miller Rd., then meet at the Botsford Recreational Preserve entrance, west on Miller. May 1 (1–4 p.m.): Mary Beth Doyle Park, meet at the corner of Cardinal Ave. and Sharon Dr. May 7 (9 a.m.–noon): Huron Parkway Nature Area, meet at 3470 Woodland Rd., off East Huron River Dr. May 7 (1–4 p.m.): Molin Nature Area, meet at the end of Powell Rd. on Columbia. May 14 (9 a.m.–noon): Fuller Park, meet at the parking lot at the end of Island Dr. May 14 (1–4 p.m.): Argo Nature Area, meet on Longshore Dr. at Amherst Ave. May 15 (1–4 p.m.): Bird Hills Nature Area, meet at the Bird Rd. entrance, west of Huron River Dr. May 21 (9 a.m.–noon): Sunset Brooks Nature Area, meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance to the park. May 21 (1–4 p.m.): Cedar Bend Nature Area, meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Dr. May 22 (9 a.m.–noon): Marshall Nature Area, meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Rd., north of Plymouth Rd. May 22 (1–4 p.m.): Black Pond Woods, meet on Tibbits Ct., off Pontiac Trail. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/a2stewardworkday. 794–6627.
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“29th Annual Spring Has Sprung at Springhill”: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Superior Township Chapter.
All invited to join a hike of about 1.5 miles to enjoy woodlands and spring wildflowers. Preceded at 1:30 by socializing. Refreshments. No pets. Be prepared for variable weather and muddy trails. 1:30—3:45 p.m., meet at 3345 Berry Rd., ½ mile south of Ford Rd., Superior Twp. Free (donations welcome). 482-5957.
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Spring Art Exhibition
Opening Reception for the Ann Arbor Area Pastelists at Whitepine Studios in Saline. The event is free and will include artists demonstrations and complimentary desserts. The exhibit runs from May 1 - July 17th. Art works can also be viewed at our online gallery.
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“Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic”: Skyline High School Theater.
Apr. 29–May 1. Anne-Marie Roberts directs SHS students in Matt Cox’s 2015 comedic retelling of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books from the perspective of the underachieving “Puffs.” 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), SHS Experimental Theater, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. Tickets $5 in advance only at skylinehstheatre.org/cart. 994–6515.
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“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.
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“The Music Fest Formerly Known as Water Hill.”
After the organizers of the original Water Hill Music Fest decided to end their run, musicians in the neighborhood have organized themselves to maintain the beloved tradition of performing on front porches and in yards and driveways. 611 Hiscock: The Vicissitones (2-3 p.m.) play space-age surf and spy rock ’n’ roll originals & covers with a hint of lounge sleaze. Corndaddy (3-4 p.m), a mainstay of the original Water Hill festival, plays early 70s-style country-rock filtered through the influences of bluegrass, power pop, and British Invasion bombast. 411 Fountain: The Glen Leven Band (5-6:30 p.m.), a local favorite, plays Irish pub rock. Remainder of lineup TBA. 2-6:30 p.m., Water Hill neighborhood north of Miller bounded by Brooks, Sunset, and the train tracks. Free. Facebook.com/MFFWaterHill.
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“The Mystery of…”: Huron High School Players.
Apr. 29-May 1. Claire Federhofer directs Huron students in Huron senior Ari Yaffe-Inoue’s comic murder mystery driven by audience choices throughout the show. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.), HHS Ingram Theater, 2727 Fuller. Mask required. Tickets $8 (students, staff, & seniors, $6; livestream, $6) in advance at huronplayers.weebly.com/links & at the door. 994-2040.
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“Tuck Everlasting”: Father Gabriel Richard High School Drama Club.
Apr. 28-May 1. Elizabeth Champion directs this student theater ensemble in a production of Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen’s 2014 musical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt’s 1975 novel about a family that has learned the secret of immortality and tries to persuade a young neighbor that living forever may not be such a good thing. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Whitmore Lake High School, 7430 Whitmore Lake Rd. Tickets $10 (kids, $5; families, $30). echampion@fgrhs.org.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream & Collected Works: Ballet Chelsea
Join Ballet Chelsea for A Midsummer Night's Dream & Collected Works. Beginning with A Midsummer Night's Dream, where love is in the air and comedy is afoot in the enchanted forest, and closing with a collection of works by Artistic Director Wendi DuBois, Artistic Faculty Aja Brandmeier, Alumni Michael Erikson and Hannah Klinkman, and Guest Choreographer Peter Sparling, Ballet Chelsea's spring show is sure to delight.
Tickets are available for purchase, $25 each.
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Game Playtesting: Michigame Design Lab.
May 1, 15, & 29. All invited to try out new games from local board and card game designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m. Bløm Meadworks, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Proof of vaccination required to sit indoors; outdoor seating available. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. 548–9729.
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“All Peoples Planet Parade”: All Peoples Planet Parade and Action Network.
Family-friendly sidewalk parade, a concert of acoustic originals and folk favorites by Mary Fithian & Friends, and a speaker TBA to “celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet and call for action to protect her.” Attendees encouraged to make a sign, wear a costume, or bring a “sidewalk float.” 2:30–4:30 p.m., meet at Sculpture Plaza, N. Fourth Ave. at Catherine. Free. Mask requested. Info: Megan Sims at megansims600@gmail.com & 417–7020.
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“Music Tells Stories”: Yspilanti Pipe Organ Festival.
Grammy-nominated local keyboardist Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra premieres a series of her “Collaborative Investigative Compositions” which blend organ music with documentary film to explore a variety of topics including the war in Ukraine, missing young women in Venezuela, and gender violence in Mexico. The program concludes with 3 commissioned works for organ, including Ruiter-Feenstra’s Rays of Hope, Navajo composer Connor Chee’s Hózhó (Life Balance), and African American composer B.E. (Brittney) Boykin’s As God Imagines. 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church Ypsilanti, 300 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti. Free. 579-0380.
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“Star Wars: A New Hope”: Bløm Meadworks.
(George Lucas, 1977). The film that started the blockbuster sci-fi space opera film series with the hero journey of a young Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness.
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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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“Sign o’ the Times”: Michigan Theatre.
(Prince & Albert Magnoli, 1987). Concert documentary of a performance by the revered, riveting, and wildly talented funk-rock musician Prince, newly remastered for its 35th anniversary. 6 p.m. (Sun.) & 7:30 p.m. (Tues. & Thurs.). Michigan Theater. Proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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 MichTheater.org. Different times.
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Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6-8 p.m., outdoors at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit Street. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or check annarbormorris.org in advance to confirm. 717-1569.
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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Sun. An evening of playing popular board games online. You help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
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Cello Students of Nathaniel Pierce: Northside Community Church.
Performance by students of local cellist Pierce, the co-education director at the Innsbrook Institute, a summer music academy in Innsbrook (MO). Program includes cello works by Grieg, Faure, Shastokovich, Prokofiev, Barber, Respighi, Bloch, Bocherini, Popper, Rachmaninoff, culminating with a performance by students & alumni of the first movement of Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasilieras no. 1. Piano accompanists are Cole Anderson, Taylor Flowers, John Etsell, Yangwei Situ, and Elena Tsa. 7 p.m., Northside Community Church, 929 Barton Dr. Free. NorthsideCommunityA2@gmail.com.
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“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.
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“The UnClub'': The Theater Shop.
Every Sun. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 8 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St. #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
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