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Events in June 2022
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June 2, 2022
Æpex Fest 2022: Æpex Contemporary Performance.
June 1–4. This Ypsilanti-based nonprofit devoted to promoting underperformed music presents a celebration of 20th-and 21st-century music featuring 4 days of performances in and around Depot Town. June 1 (10 a.m.–8 p.m., Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St.): “Around Hear.” Sound tour of Embracing Our Differences art exhibit. June 1 (4 p.m., 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross St): Spencer Arias. Long-form ambient improvisation by this electronic musician, a WMU lecturer. June 1 (8 p.m., Ziggy’s, 206 W. Michigan Ave.): Opening Party. Kent State University percussion instructor Cameron Leach is joined by veteran local jazz pianist Michael Malis. June 2 (7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Washington): “New Art Songs by Black Women Composers.” Recital of contemporary art songs by mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson, who has performed with the Michigan Opera Theatre and the DSO. June 3 (7 p.m., Ypsi Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl.): “Festival Showcase.” Æpex music director Kevin Fitzgerald conducts an ensemble of professional area musicians featuring percussionist Cameron Leach and mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson in a program highlighted by the world premiere of Ypsilanti-based composer Garrett Shumann’s percussion concerto, This Could Be Madness. Also, works by contemporary composers Augusta Read Thomas and Tyson Davis. June 4 (10 a.m., Riverside Park & Depot Town): “Electronic Music Field Day.” Performers include Spencer Arias, WSU music technology professor Joo Won Park, and others TBA. Various times and locations in Ypsilanti. June 2 & June 3 concerts: $35 each, $60 for both. All June 1 and 4 events free. Preregistration encouraged at aepexcontemporary.org/festival.
'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.
Mah-Jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Thurs. 10 a.m.-noon. Turner Senior Center, 2401 Plymouth. Free. 998–9353.
“Sonic Lunch”: Bank of Ann Arbor.
Musical entertainment by local and area performers. Today: Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers. Energetic and lyrical Lansing pop-funk and soul quartet led by singer-songwriter Hertler. Opener: Ann Arbor-based R&B and soul singer Rachel Mazer. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. soniclunch.com, 662–1600.
“Sonic Lunch”: Bank of Ann Arbor.
Musical entertainment by local and area performers. Today: Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers. Energetic and lyrical Lansing pop-funk and soul quartet led by singer-songwriter Hertler. Opener: Ann Arbor-based R&B and soul singer Rachel Mazer. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. soniclunch.com, 662–1600.
A Course in Miracles Study Group: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
A study of A Course in Miracles via Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
“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.
U-M Clements Library Tour.
June 2 & 23. 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. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
Huron Hills Lapidary & Mineral Society.
Potluck picnic (bring a dish to pass and something to cook on the grill) and a silent auction of minerals, rocks, and related items. 5:30 p.m., Esch home, 227 Barton Shore Dr. Free admission. 665–5574.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: U-M Residential College/Nichols Arboretum.
June 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, & 23–26. U-M Residential College drama lecturer Kate Mendeloff directs students and local actors in an alfresco production that wafts from spot to spot within the Arb to create the different scenes of Shakespeare’s comedy of fairies, magic spells, domestic intrigue, and misplaced affections. The RC’s annual Shakespeare in the Arb productions have become a hugely popular local summer tradition. Director Mendeloff takes special care to make the shifting Arb environments an active force in the performance. Bring a blanket or portable chair to sit on. Pick up tickets 5–6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Peony Garden entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. $25 in advance only. Tickets go on sale May 23 (May 16 for Matthaei-Nichols members) at mutotix.umich.edu and are held at will call, Nichols Arboretum Visitor Center, 1610 Washington Hts. 998–9540.
“Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights”: Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
Every Thurs., June 2–Jul. 28. Concurrent musical entertainment on 9 stages in downtown Chelsea, as well as magicians, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, sidewalk chalk, and other activities for kids. Also, food vendors. Tonight: Country-pop by Detroit-bred singer-songwriter Kari Holmes, The Blues Top Blues Band, classic country, western swing, and boogie-woogie by the veteran Cadillac Cowboys, the electric acoustic folk trio Ellis & M.E., singer-songwriter Joanna Sterling, and the versatile 15-piece jazz, pop, and rock band The Big Band Theory. 6:30–8:30 p.m., downtown Chelsea. Free. chelseamich.com/sstn, 474–9178.
"Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights"
Welcome to Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights in Chelsea, Michigan!
Returns in 2022 on Thursdays from June 2 - July 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights performances are held in Chelsea, Michigan throughout the summer from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Arts, Entertainment, & Musical acts are performed at various and separate stages throughout historical downtown Chelsea. Every week brings something new, is family friendly, and free!
Kids will enjoy acts like magicians, circus acts, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, the 'How to Chalk' themed art stage and much more. While music enthusiasts will experience many genres of music all in one night - bluegrass, americana, folk, rock, celtic, blues, jazz, country and everything in between.
“Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko”: Fathom Events.
(Ayumu Watanabe, 2022) Anime comedy drama about a mother and daughter living aboard a boat in a fishing town. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500). $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events.
“Shari”: Michigan Theater.
(Nao Yoshigai, 2021). Experimental film in which a mysterious red creature appears in Hokkaido, Japan. With the short earthearthearth. Screened at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in March. FREE for AAFF and Michigan Theater Gold Card members. Michigan Theater. Mask and 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.
“Smokey and the Bandit.”: Fathom Events.
(Hal Needham, 1977). Action comedy classic about a man hired to run a tractor trailer full of beer over county lines with a pesky sheriff in hot pursuit. Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason. 7 p.m. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500). $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events.
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
Annual Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti.
June 2-4. Three days of screenings at the Riverside Arts Center, showcasing local creators and filmmakers from around the world. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Mask required. $8 in advance ($10 at the door). iffypsi.com.
June 2. “Michigan-Made.” Short films made in Michigan. Followed by Q&A with filmmakers. 7 p.m.
“Hamtramck, USA.” Feature documentary explores the city’s multicultural transformation. 9 p.m.
June 3. “London International Animation Festival: Traveling Tour.” 10 short animated films, a “best of” the 2021 LIAF. 7 p.m.
“The Underground Picnic.” Short live action and animated films and videos from queer and femme filmakers. 9 p.m.
June 4. “Stars in Our Eyes.” Short films about inner explorations and outer migrations. 7 p.m.
“Acoustic Convergence.” Short films that explore terrestrial and celestial worlds with evocative sound design, unusual storytelling, and non-traditional media. 9 p.m.
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.
Integrated Pest Management: Project Grow.
Royer Held discusses (via Zoom) how to protect gardens from pests without resorting to pesticides. Topics include plant and soil health, crop rotation and companion planting, garden hygiene, and beneficial organisms. He covers pest outbreak prevention and how to get along with rabbits, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and groundhogs. 7–9 p.m. $15. Preregister at bit.ly/integratedpest.
Mood Lifters Mental Wellness Group for Young Adults
18 – 30-year-old Michigan residents of Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Stockbridge & Grass Lake are invited to join this Young Adult group. Mood Lifters is a15-week program of one hour, peer-led, mental wellness meetings. This online group is geared toward the challenges specific to young adults & include learning & using science-based strategies to improve mood & decrease depression and anxiety. Thanks to a generous donation through St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital, Mood Lifters will pilot this on-line program with a group in the hospital’s service area for a minimal cost of $25 per person.
Thursday Night Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
Every Thurs., June 2–Aug. 25. Local musicians perform throughout the Main Street area. Tonight: jazz pianist Jesse Clayton (Main St. & William St. stage), DJ Rockwood (Washington St. & Main St. stage), the renowned touring student fiddle ensemble Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (Fourth Ave. between Washington St. & Liberty St. stage), the Huron Valley Harmonizers barbershop chorus (strolling the Main Street Area), and The Glen Leven Band (Main St. & Liberty St. stage), a quartet whose eclectic repertoire ranges from traditional Irish music to rockabilly, bluegrass, novelty songs, and roots-rock originals. Alcoholic beverages may be carried in designated containers within district boundaries. Portable food available from local restaurants. Rain cancels. 7–9 p.m., Main Street area, Free. mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
“Sheriff’s Warrant”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
June 2–5 & 9–12. Trevor Maher directs local actors in Ann Arborite Catherine Zudak’s dark comedy based on the Robin Hood legend. The play refocuses the story on the Sheriff of Nottingham, who suffers with a demanding new boss, a faithless wife, and of course, the activities of Robin Hood. When his boss offers him a devil’s bargain, the sheriff jumps at the chance to strike it rich. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.) and 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), A2CT Studio, 322 W. Ann St. Tickets $15 in advance at a2ct.org/tickets, by phone, & at the door. 971-2228.
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. On June 9, in honor of A2Zero week, the questions are about sustainability. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. 665–2968.
“Relativity”: Theatre Nova.
Every Thurs.–Sun., May 20–June 12. Carla Milarch directs prolific contemporary playwright Mark St. Germain’s speculative 2017 historical comedy about Einstein’s missing daughter and a visiting reporter curious about his family history. The comic play, described in a Broadway World review as “seriously entertaining,” explores the old question of whether a great man must also be a good one. Featuring Anne Damman, Ellen Finch, and Phil Powers. 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.
“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.
German Conversation.
Every Thurs. & Tues. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the A2 Stammtisch (8 p.m. Thurs.) and the German Speakers Round Table (7:30 p.m. Tues.). Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com (Thurs.) & 812–6375 (Tues.).
“A Trip to the Moon”: U-M Detroit Observatory Movie Night.
(George Melies, 1902). Screening of this influential black & white silent sci-fi film based on novels by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Followed by a talk by U-M film professor Matthew Solomon, select presentations related to lunar astronomy, and (weather permitting) the chance to look at the night sky through the Observatory’s telescopes. 8:30–11 p.m. U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Preregistration required at bit.ly/dojunemovienight.
