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Events in May 2022
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May 22, 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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Garlic Mustard Weed Out Week: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
May 21-29. City-wide home participation event to eradicate this aggressive invasive plant that can quickly crowd out native plant species and decrease biodiversity. The AANAPD invites all to survey and pull this target species in your own yard or City nature areas. Go to a2gov.org/gmwow for information.
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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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Public Power Festival: A2P2
Climate Action! Learn from leaders about how A2 can move away from fossil fuel ppowered electricity. Music: Mustard's Retreat; Ralph McKee Blues Band. Food Trucks. Free MI native plants. Climate action books for children. $20 suggested donation. 5-9 p.m., Burns Park Shelter.
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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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'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.
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“Weekend Walk for Birds at Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
WAS member Matthew Spoor leads a walk to search for migrating warblers and other birds as they make their final push north. Also, a chance to hear the songs of local breeding birds. 8–10:30 a.m., 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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“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.
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Event Derby Horse Show: Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run.
Horses and riders compete in dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country riding at the new Revel Run facility, former location of the Reddeman Farms Golf Course. Refreshments. Pets must be on leash. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Revel Run, 555 S. Dancer Rd., Chelsea. Free. 395-2633.
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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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“Picnic Pops”: Pioneer High School.
An all-day outdoor musical bonanza of performances by local middle and high school bands and orchestras. Carnival games & prizes. Refreshments available. Indoors if raining. Limited seating provided; bring something to sit on if you wish. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., PHS, 601 W. Stadium at S. Main. Mask required indoors. Free admission; small charge for game and food tickets. 996-3210.
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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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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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Bikeapalooza: Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.
New rider clinic, facepainting, chalk art demo by the well-known street artist David Zinn, and cargo bike demos. Refreshments, T-shirt giveaways. Noon–2 p.m., 350 S. Fifth Ave. parking lot at William. Free.
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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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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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“The Polar Bear Soldiers of WWI”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.
Livestream talk by Polar Bear Memorial Association present Mike Grobbel about the 5,000 U.S. Army WWI soldiers, most from Michigan, sent to north Russia to fight the Bolshevik Red Army. Followed at 3:15 p.m. by topical breakout discussions facilitated by club members. 1:30 p.m., for URL email info@WashtenawGenealogy.org. Free.
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“Nature Photography”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
National Park and Great Lakes photographer Thomas Nighswander leads an indoor/outdoor workshop on how to capture great images, focusing on what makes a great photograph, how to see with a creative eye, and how your camera, whether it’s a cellphone or a DSLR, can capture the image you want. 2–3:30 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Space limited; preregistration required. $11 ($16 at the gate) recreation passport required. 475–3170.
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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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“Spring Cleansing Teas”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a hike to learn about the wild plants that can be made into energizing teas. Tea is brewed and shared. 2-4 p.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Rd. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org, 971-6337.
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Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild.
All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–3:30 p.m., for URL preregister at annarborstorytelling.org. Free.
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“Philosophy 101 for Kids”: Booksweet Bookshop.
Discussion for kids and accompanying adults led by U-M philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, author of Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids (2022). 3–4 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration required (capacity limited) at ShopBooksweet.com. Mask & proof of vaccination required. 929–4112.
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“Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Fathom Events.
(Robert Wise, 1979). Directors cut of the first in the series of feature movies based on the iconic TV sci-fi show. Stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley. 3 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.). Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500). Tickets $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events.
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"The Sunday Spin - Live Art, Music, and Food": YORK
The Sunday Spin is YORK's monthly event showcasing local artists, musicians, and food pop ups. This month we're thrilled to announce DJs Batz, Benny Ben, Clay-Doh, Matteo, and Bill Van Loo will rock the Yard from 3-8 p.m., 1928 Packard, while Side Biscuit and Ellen's Fine Goods will feed the masses. We've got Hoots Woodworks as our live artist and Pacific Wax popping up to sell vinyl. Whew! Join us - Sunday Funday is ON.
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“Solo: A Star Wars Story”: Bløm Meadworks.
(Ron Howard, 2018). Prequel to the original series, this film depicts the early life of roguish Han Solo, and was seen as “flawed, but fun” by critics. All ages welcome, but minors encouraged to be accompanied by adult. 4 p.m. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Proof of vaccination required.. 548–9729.
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“What She Ate and Why I Wrote About It: Women, Food, and Biography”: Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor.
James Beard Journalism Award–winning food writer Laura Shapiro discusses her book, What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food that Tells Their Stories. 4–5 p.m., for URL preregister at CulinaryHistoriansAnnArbor.org/program-schedule. Free. a2culinaryhistorians@gmail.com.
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33rd Annual Spring Concert: Measure for Measure.
This popular 90-member men’s chorus performs works TBA. 4-5 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner Rd. Tickets $20 in advance at measure-for-measure.org and at the door. 649-7664.
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Lezread Book Club.
All queer women invited to discuss a book TBA. 4–5 p.m. or so, for URL and book see a2LezRead.tumblr.com. Free. 686–4956.
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Women’s AFC Ann Arbor vs. Kalamazoo FC.
The local women’s semi-pro soccer team plays this United Soccer League Women Midwest rival. The May home schedule also includes a game vs. Indy Eleven (May 28, 7:30 p.m.). 4 p.m., Saline High School Hornet Stadium, 1300 Campus Pkwy, Saline. Tickets $10 (kids, $7) at afcannarbor.com, $12 at the gate. Group discounts available. 408-1627.
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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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“Ann Arbor (Mostly) Acoustic Jam.”
Musicians of all ability levels invited to sing and play anything from classic rock, Motown, and blues to bluegrass, folk, and country. Singers and players of all acoustic instruments (strings, horns, and woodwinds) welcome. Outdoors, weather permitting. 6–8 p.m., Raindance Organic Farm, 2015 E. North Territorial Rd., Whitmore Lake. Mask and vaccination recommended. $5 for participants, spectators free. Preregistration required at a2jammers@gmail.com or bit.ly/annarboracousticjamfacebook.
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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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“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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Gabriel Kahane: Kerrytown Concert House Kaleidoscope.
Pianist and singer-songwriter Kahane has performed with the Kronos Quartet and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and recorded with Brad Mehldau and Rufus Wainwright. Tonight, he celebrates the release of his latest Nonesuch Records release, Magnificent Bird, a collection of songs written during a year of self-imposed exile from the internet and recorded with the help of Andrew Bird, Chris Thile, Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath, and composer Caroline Shaw. Kahane’s music defies genre boundaries, drawing from classical, musical theater, pop, folk, indie and jazz traditions. 8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $13–$60 in advance online and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 769–2999.
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33rd Annual Spring Concert: Measure for Measure.
This popular 90-member men’s chorus performs works TBA. 4-5 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 2065 S. Wagner Rd. Tickets $20 in advance at measure-for-measure.org and at the door. 649-7664.
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