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Events in May 2022
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May 13, 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.
"The Art Of Charcuterie: Cheese Board Building Class": Zingerman's Creamery
Do you want to build a beautiful mini charcuterie board? Then this is the class for you! Learn to create a beautiful display, where we will show how to cut different cheeses, meats, and accompaniments and how to place them on your board, and you get to take your custom-made masterpiece home! Following this class, plan a wine night with friends to show off your creation. We will assist you in selecting the best wines to go with your selection of cheeses, meat and accompaniments. We will select 2-3 wines for you to sample, if you choose. Must be 21+ to sample wines.
Tickets are $150/person. Buy your ticket through the link below!
Ice Cream Socials: Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Socials with carnival games and treats at Bryant/Pattengill elementary (May 13, 6 p.m.), Burns Park elementary (May 20, 5:30 p.m.), Wines elementary (May 20, 6 p.m.), and Ann Arbor Steam elementary (May 20, time TBA). See AnnArborObserver.com for more details. Free admission; small charge for food & games.
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.
"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.
Rummage Sale: Old St. Patrick’s Church.
May 12 & 13. Sale of adult and children’s clothing, sporting goods, household items, books, and more. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Old St. Patrick’s Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free admission. 662–8141.
“The Art and Science of Successful Aging: Cultivating Resilience in Today’s World”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
U-M Institute for Social Research social environment & health research fellow Jessica Finlay on “Losing the Illusion of Control and Predictability of Life: Experiences of Grief and Coping Among Aging Adults During Covid-19.” Fri. May 20: Ellie Mental Health learning & development director Tamara Statz on “Grief, Coping, and Resilience in Aging: A Discussion.” Preregistration required at bit.ly/turneraging. Free. nrrevier@med.umich.edu, 998–9353.
“Maryfran Sowers Memorial Symposium”: U-M School of Public Health Center for Midlife Science.
May 12 & 13. Two days of talks honoring the career of late U-M epidemiology professor Siobán Harlow. May 12: “Women’s Lives, Women’s Health Across the Lifespan,” a keynote talk by University of Washington nursing professor emerita Nancy Fugate Woods. Also, short talks by 3 other scholars. Reception follows. May 13: “The Future of Women’s Health.” Panel discussion featuring Harlow’s students and trainees, including Hilda Garcia Perez, Alexis Handal, Carrie Karvonen-Gutierrez, Lynda Lisabeth, Richa Mittal, Alain Mukwege, and Lisa Zook. 1:30–4:30 p.m. (May 12), M1020 SPH II, & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (May 13), 1655 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights. Livestream available. Free. preregistration required at bit.ly/sowers2022.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Mon., Wed., & Fri. 30 min. online lesson on gentle Tai Chi for older adults. Beginners welcome.2401 Plymouth Road. For more information and URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Via Zoom. For more information and URL, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary.2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 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.
“Bandemer Park Clean-Up”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI).
All invited to pick up trash, clear invasive species, and help OSI staffers with other minor beautification projects. Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and a mask if not vaccinated; tools and gloves provided. 3–5 p.m., Bandemer Park (off Lakeshore Dr.). Free. sreynolds@a2gov.org.
U-M Clements Library Tour.
May 6 & 13. Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection featuring Benjamin West’s iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe, a Revolutionary War-era trunk that once housed British commander-in-chief Thomas Gage's papers, and more. 4:15 p.m. Clements Library, 909 South University. Mask required. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
“Trumpet, Bassoon, & Keyboards”: Northside Community Church.
Recital by trumpet player Gabrielle Rock and friends, including pianist Kathryn Goodson, organist Lucia Skrobola, and bassoonist Emily O’Donnell. Program TBA. 5:30 p.m., Northside Community Church, 929 Barton Dr. Free. NorthsideCommunityA2@gmail.com.
“Feel Good Fridays”: UMMA.
This monthly program celebrating art, music, and culture features musical and dance performances, workshops, talks, all on a theme, as well as a chance to view art. Refreshments. 7-10 p.m., UMMA, 525 S. State. Mask, proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours), and proof of completion of online U-M Covid safety screening (responsiblue.umich.edu) required. Free. 764-0395.
“Matilda”: Young People’s Theater.
May 13-15. Adrienne Pisoni directs young local actors—the same cast that rehearsed this show before it was waylaid by the pandemic 2 years ago—in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s musical. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, centers on a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading and overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school. Ben Brantley, writing for the New York Times, called the original Broadway production “a sweet and sharp-witted work … which ... turns dark and sodden anxieties into bright and buoyant fantasies.” 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 1 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $15 (age 18 & under and 65 & over, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu, and (if available) at the door. 763-8587.
“This Much I Know to Be True”
(Andrew Dominik, 2022). Philosophical documentary about the charismatic postpunk troubadour Nick Cave’s performance of his band the Bad Seeds’ 2019 album Ghosteen and his collaboration with Warren Ellis. Variety reviewer Jessica Kiang calls the film “floaty, disembodied, hypnotic.” 7 p.m. State 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.
“Billy Joel Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
May 12–15. An ensemble of musicians performs hits by the New York piano man pop star, featuring “New York State of Mind,” “Piano Man,” “She’s Got a Way,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Vaccination or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours required. Tickets $40 (+$3.80 fee) in advance at theEncoreTheatre.org & at the door. 268–6200.
“Celebration Spring Concert”: Washtenaw Community Concert Band.
Amy Sierzega directs this popular 50-piece volunteer ensemble in a performance of works chosen to honor the band’s past conductors, including classical pieces, folk tunes, movie themes, and more. 7:30 p.m., Lincoln High School Auditorium, 7425 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Free. wccband.org. wccband@wccband.org, 252-9221.
“Les Misérables”: Pioneer High School Theatre Guild.
May 13-15. Steven Askew directs high school students in Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Herbert Kretzmer’s musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s sweeping epic of 19th-century Parisian life, a large-canvas tale of human fallibility centered on a petty criminal who reinvents himself as a model citizen and becomes a town mayor and then, after another stint in jail, befriends a single mother whom he attempts to rescue from her grim circumstances. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. Ticket price TBA, see Ptguild.org. 994-2191.
“Tron”: Michigan Theatre.
(Steven Lisberger, 1982). Sci-fi action-adventure film in which a computer programmer played by Jeff Bridges is transported into the software of a video game, and attempts to escape. One of the first films to use computer-generated imagery (CGI), for which it was praised. The storyline, however, was criticized as incoherent. 7:30 p.m. 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.
John Heffron: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
May 13 & 14. A South Lyon native and EMU grad who now lives in L.A., Heffron specializes in observations about the indignities and absurdities of life, delivering sharply funny jokes on topics such as marriage performance reviews and unnecessary furniture. He won the 2nd season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has appeared on the Tonight Show, and has a special currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 5 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $30 reserved seating in advance at etix.com and general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“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 Sandbox”: Dreamland Theater.
Apr. 29, May 13 & 27. All invited to tell a story, dance, juggle, put on a puppet show, read a poem, or share another talent at this open mic. Acts must be under 10 minutes. Also, a few vendors welcome to sell crafts. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. Free ($5 donation suggested). Preregistration required by performers at bit.ly/sandboxact and by vendors at bit.ly/sandboxvendor. facebook.com/TheaterDreamland info@dreamlandtheater.com.
"Rumors": PTD Productions.
May 12-15 & 18-21. Liz Greaves-Hoxsie directs local actors in Neil Simon's farce about a fancy New York dinner party that collapses into confused panic. Invited to a deputy mayor's 10th anniversary, the first couple finds the food uncooked, the host shot, and the hostess gone. Afraid of scandal, the two try to hide it from the next couple, who in turn hide it from the next, until all four couples are caught up in a fast-paced, hilarious melee of misunderstanding. Cast: Karrie Waarala, Karl Sikkenga, Wendy Ascione-Juska, Gary Lehman, Daniel Dye, Laura Bird, Adam Weakley, Veronica Long, Eric Thornburg, and Pascal Casamier. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Wed. & Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $18 (Students & Seniors, $12) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483-7345.
Canceled: “Wine, Women, & Song 20th Anniversary Series, Part 3: Luck Be a Lady!”: Kerrytown Concert House.
Vocalists Roxy Diederich, Shelley MacMillan, Gayle E. Martin, Deanna Relyea, Susan Shipman, and Kathy Waugh, with piano accompanist R. MacKenzie Lewis, celebrate the 20-year run of this popular annual show with a program, inspired by Friday the 13th, of topical, sassy, and poignant musical numbers about the mysterious forces that shape our lives. Part of a series, that runs through the summer, of cabaret shows featuring break-out groups from Wine, Women, & Song’s full 12-member cast. 8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $19–$80 in advance online and at the door. 769–2999.
Tom Chapin: Green Wood Coffee House Series (First United Methodist Church).
The younger brother of the late Harry Chapin, Tom Chapin is a veteran folk-style songwriter known for his observant, playful story-songs and emotionally direct ballads. 8 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Tickets $20 in advance at greenwoodcoffeehouse.org and at the door. 665-8558.
Social Dance: The Dance Pavilion.
Every Fri. Ballroom dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded from 8–8:30 p.m. by a group lesson (Fri.). Bottled water & chips provided. 8:30–10:30 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $15 (Fri.). TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
“Tron: Legacy”: Michigan Theatre.
(Joseph Kosinski, 2010). Sci-fi action-adventure film in which Garrett Hedlund plays the son of Jeff Bridges’ 1982 Tron character who is pulled into the same cyberworld. While it received mixed reviews, the film, like its predecessor, has been described as a cult film. Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, Olivia Wilde. 10 p.m. 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.
