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Events in May 2022
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May 20, 2022
“Downton Abbey: A New Era”: Michigan Theatre.
(Simon Curtis, 2022). This historical drama, a sequel to the 2019 film and the popular PBS TV series, follows the characters to the south of France. Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville. 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.
“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.
"Emergency"
(Carey Williams, 2022). Satirical thriller about college students in a tight spot. Based on a 2018 short that won prizes at Sundance and SXSW. 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.
Chris Gethard: The Blind Pig.
All ages admitted. Cerebral, genuinely funny NYC-based actor-comedian, whose strongly improvisational style and penchant for often oddball byplay with his audience reflects the influence of the likes of Howard Stern, Andy Kaufman, and David Letterman. The host of the Earwolf podcast Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, Gethard is also the author of books on NYC ghost stories & urban legends and a collection of biographical stories that’s been featured on This American Life. Tonight’s early show is a taping of his podcast. 7 & 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 & 9 p.m.), The Blind Pig, 208 S. First. $20 in advance at BlindPigMusic.com/calendar, $25 at the door. Masks & proof of Covid vaccination recommended. 996-8555.
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.
'Celebrating the Last Frost,' an exhibition by Avery Williamson
Creal Microgallery presents 'Celebrating the Last Frost,' an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Ypsilanti artist Avery Williamson. This collection of small works celebrates the last frost, an indicator of safe passage to the next season. These pieces explore the colors and textures of May and June-- a season of shedding, blooming, and emerging.
Williamson has worked in a wide range of media, including weavings, photography, collage, painting and drawing, but remaining constant in much of her work is her use of atmospheric color and lively mark-making. With these defining visual elements, her work feels both meditative and improvisational. Her use of color sets a stage or mood, and provides a context for the story to be told through her marks. The marks and lines then skip across the surface, or grow outward from a starting point. Her marks play around the edges of the canvas or are laid down across fields of color. Her images can feel like parts of a whole— just glimpses of a larger story or vignettes of a fuller world. In the works on view, she considers this moment in time, this transition from cold to warm, from dormancy to growth. This moment that Williamson captures is somehow both singular and infinite, and this transition between seasons upon which she reflects is at once unique and eternal.
Bike to Work Day: Washtenaw Bicycling & Walking Coalition/City of Ann Arbor.
All invited to drop by various stations on their bike to work to play quick games and grab free food and beverages. 7-10 a.m., various locations. Details and a map of commuter stations at wbwc.org/bike-to-work-day. Free.
“Springtime Invitational Competition”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
May 19–22. Skaters from beginners to seniors compete in freestyle, ice dance, pairs, and showcase categories. 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.), 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat.), & 9 a.m.–noon (Sun.), Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley. Free. 213-6768.
“The Art and Science of Successful Aging: Cultivating Resilience in Today’s World”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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.
“The Importance of Companion Animals to U.S. Civil War Soldiers”: U-M Clements Library Bookworm.
Albion College history professor Marcy S. Sacks discusses (via Zoom) how pets helped Civil War veterans endure the trauma of war. 10-11 a.m., for URL preregister at myumi.ch/gjgzR. Free. 764-2347.
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.
“Spring Fling Carnival”: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
Seniors and their friends invited to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Also, prizes & refreshments. 1–3 p.m., Pavilion behind the Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd. Free. Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2117.
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.
U-M Baseball.
This month’s home schedule includes a game against Youngstown State (May3, 6 p.m.), a 3-game series vs. Indiana (May 6, 6 p.m., May 7, 2 p.m., and May 8, 1 p.m.) and Rutgers (May 19, 6 p.m., May 20, 2 p.m., May 21, 1 p.m.), a single game vs. MSU (May 17, 6 p.m.), and nonconference games vs. Xavier (May 10, 6 p.m.) and Wright State (May 11, 6 p.m., dollar day), 6 p.m., Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State St. $6 ($8 in advance). mGOblue.com, 764–0247.
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works.
All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand to help and offer advice. Handy people invited to help with repairs. Repairs not guaranteed. 4-6 p.m., Maker Works, 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. 222-4911.
“Art & Animals”: The Creature Conservancy.
Conservancy staffers show off Tulip the kangaroo to ages 21 & up, followed by a hands-on painting session led by local artist Mary Lewison using Tulip as the model. Art supplies provided. BYOB and snacks. 7–10 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $35. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org, 929–9324.
“Finale! 2022”: Huron High School Players.
May 20 & 21. Huron students perform a series of student-written and student-directed skits. 7 p.m., 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.
Heather Black Project: Ann Arbor Summer Festival Live Here Now.
Outdoor performance by this local vintage jazz and blues band. Part of a series of concerts with limited attendance in public parks and spaces throughout town. 7 p.m., South Maple Park, 2655, Liberty. Preregistration recommended at a2sf.org/live-here-now. Free. 994–5999.
The Peace Generator : Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Please join us in creating peace for the planet. Meditate and set intentions. On Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
“Serenity Shabbat”: Jewish Family Services.
All invited to attend this Shabbat observance (via Zoom), hosted by various congregations, that focuses on addiction awareness and the wisdom of Jewish tradition as it relates to the spiritual practice of recovery. 7:30 p.m., for URL see bit.ly/37BJB1d Free. office@bethisrael-aa.org.
Derek Richards: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
May 20 & 21. A Detroit native who now lives in Florida and performs often in Las Vegas, Richards is known for his stream of sarcastic and funny observations about everything from how to get out of a DUI offense to what safety in the NFL really means. He has performed for U.S. troops in more than 15 countries. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $15 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Beethoven & Dvořák”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra music director Andreas Delfs conducts the A2SO in its final concert of the season. A2SO concertmaster Aaron Berofsky is the soloist in performance of Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto, a work treated to largely negative reviews after its 1806 premiere. A successful revival of the piece by Felix Mendelssohn and 12-year-old violin prodigy Joseph Joachim nearly 30 years later brought the work back into the public eye. Also, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6, an early success for the composer known for its fusion of Bohemian melodies with the prevailing Germanic Romantic form. Pre-concert talk with Andreas Delfs at 7 p.m. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Mask and proof of vaccination (or a negative Covid test within 72 hours) required. Tickets $30–$35 in advance at a2so.com & the A2SO office (35 Research Dr., ste. 100), and (if available) at the door. 994–4801.
“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.
"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.
Banned Book Club: Booksweet Bookshop.
Booksweet co-owner Shaun Manning leads a discussion for teens and adults about The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas’s 2017 novel centered on the Black Lives Matter movement that’s been banned by school boards across the U.S. 8–9 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration required (capacity limited) at ShopBooksweet.com. Mask & proof of vaccination required. 929–4112.
Homeward Bound: Kerrytown Concert House Kaleidoscope.
This new local ensemble led by upright composer-bassist Aidan Cafferty presents “Further Exploration: The Music of Nick Drake,” a program of new arrangements of works by this legendary English singer-songwriter that aim to stay true to the spirit of Drake’s work while taking risks and breaking new ground. With vocalist Estar Cohen, percussionist Jonathan Barahal Taylor, pianist Joshua Catania, and guitarist Travis Swanson. 8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $13–$50 in advance online and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 769–2999.
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.
“Evil Dead II”: Michigan Theatre.
(Sam Raimi, 1987). In this sequel to the 1981 horror film The Evil Dead, a couple vacation at a remote cabin in the woods, where they unwittingly raise an army of demons. 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.
