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Events in June 2022
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June 26, 2022
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Africa (2 & 4 p.m.), including an African crested porcupine, a pancake tortoise, and a ridgeback frog, which is not a snake. Also, an alligator presentation and feeding if weather permits (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.
“Intro to Archery”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Hands-on demos led by WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring for all age 8 & up. Archery equipment provided. No prior experience necessary. 10–11:30 a.m. & 2-3:30 p.m., Staebler Farm County Park, 7734 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #841007); limited to 12 people per time slot). dehringk@washtenaw.org, 971–6337.
Amateur Radio Field Day: ARROW Communications Association.
June 25 & 26. All invited to join (or just watch) this 24-hour national event that helps amateur radio operators prepare for emergencies and develop their skills. A chance to meet experts, ask questions, and even operate the station, under supervision. 2 p.m. Sat.–2 p.m. Sun., Ann Arbor Airport soccer field, W. Ellsworth at Airport Blvd. Free. w8rp.org, arrl.org/field-day, n8sbe@arrl.net, (734) 678–0382.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival.
Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Featuring 5 different films each week available to stream anytime. June 26, noon through July 1, noon (online): “Out of Exile – The Photography of Fred Stein” (Dawn Freer & Peter Stein, 2020). Documentary examining the life of this iconic Jewish photographer famous for his photographs of street scenes of Paris and New York in the 1930s and 40s. “Rose” (Aurélie Saada, 2021). Feel-good comedy drama about a recently widowed Sephardic French grandmother who rediscovers her long ignored aspirations. “Berenshtein” (Roman Shumunov, 2021). Drama about the last surviving member of a group of Jewish partisans who located the Nazi V2 missle development facility as he revisits his wartime memories and grapples with the ensuing dissociation and loss of identity. “Let It Be Morning” (Eran Kolirin, 2021) Lightly satirical drama about a Palestinian man living in Israel who returns to his village to attend his brother’s wedding only to find the road home to Jerusalem blocked by Israeli soldiers. “Shorts II” A collection of short films exploring the topic of family. A Kaddish for Selim (Jane Wells, 2022). Documentary that uses family photos and letters to tell the story of a young Jew in 1912 London who changes his name to join the British army and dies at the battle of Gallipoli. Her Dance (Bar Cohen, 2020). Drama about a trans woman, estranged from her Orthodox Jewish family, who shows up uninvited to her sister’s wedding night Shabbat. No Limits (Uriya Kapach, 2020). Morally complex drama about a pair of Palestinian theives who steal an Israeli woman’s car only to find that her baby is still in the back seat. Pops (Lewis Rose, 2021). Comic drama about the feud that breaks out between a pair of siblings over their late Jewish father’s request to have his ashes sent into space. Winter of '79 (Julia Elihu, 2021). Drama based on true events about a Persian-Jewish mother forced to question her loyalty to her country at the onset of the Iranian revolution. $12 per film; virtual festival pass, $150. Online at Film.jccAnnArbor.org. 971–0990. Various times.
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. Noon & 2 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
Tuning to the open air - Thurston Pond Soundwalk
Meeting location: 42°18'29.0"N 83°42'03.1"W William Stapp Ampitheatre, Thurston Pond Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Duration: approx. 45 minutes walking, followed by a 10-minutes open discussion
Registration: The soundwalk is open and free to anyone but registration is highly recommended to secure a spot in advance. We cannot guarantee that there will be an available spot on the day of the soundwalk.
[rain date: Monday, June 27th 2022, 7:30pm]
About this soundwalk:
Soundwalk is a silent experience open to an individual or collective journey.
Soundwalk will invite you to imagine sounds of the past, present, and future that are heard internally and externally to our ears.
Soundwalk is rooted in deep listening and re-attuning our aural awareness through opening our ears to the activities in the soundscape.
The event will begin and end with soundmaking acts enacted by the performers of Virago; Sofia Carbonara (percussion), Wesley Hornpetrie (cello), BethAnne Kunert (saxophone), and Meg Rohrer (violin/viola). Participants will be invited to join the soundmaking at the final soundmaking act.
The event will conclude with an open dialogue for participants to share their listening experiences.
Accessibility information: Light to moderate walking. The route can be adjusted with advance notice. Please contact the organizer, Akari Komura (akarikomura96@gmail.com), if you have any accessibility concerns or other questions.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every 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. Tales of the Maya Skies (Fri.–Sun., 1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Maya science, examining how Maya scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics that enabled them to predict solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Rescue Reading”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Kids read to adoptable animals to work on reading skills, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. For kids ages 6–11. No adults. HSHV, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $15. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org.
Interfaith Sunday Service: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Please join us for Sunday service via Zoom
“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 June 5 topic is “The Sharabha Antelope,” a tale about tolerance of harm. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
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. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
69th Annual Summer Carnival: Ann Arbor Jaycees.
June 22–26. Carnival games and rides. Concessions. 4–8 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.), noon–8 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Pioneer High School parking lot, 601 W. Stadium at S. Main. Wristbands for multiple rides $30 at the door; individual game & ride tickets available; $10 minimum purchase to enter. No entry 1 hour before close. No re-entry or unaccompanied minors. skerbeck.com/events/254, a2jaycees.org, info@a2jaycees.org.
Interfaith Youthful Spirits Class for Young People: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual class for young people via Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
Summer Nature Walk: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division/Ann Arbor District Library.
A city naturalist leads a walk through Bluffs Nature Area, 40 acres of land on a glacially formed ridge above the Huron River and North Main Street. It has a wide variety of native species, and is an important link in the corridor of natural areas around the river that support wildlife. Dress for the weather and bring water. 1–2 p.m., meet at the entrance on Sunset Rd. near Wildt St. Free. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/BluffsWalk062622. 794–6627.
“The Wiz”: Michigan Theater.
(Sidney Lumet, 1978). Musical adventure fantasy that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a black cast and the land of Oz as a dreamy New York City. Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor. 1:30 p.m. (Sun.) & 7:30 p.m. (Tues.). 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.
“Mamma Mia!”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 16–Jul. 17. This local professional theater company performs the sunny 1999 Catherine Johnson musical about a bride-to-be trying to narrow down a field of three possibilities to find her real father. The all-ABBA score includes the title song, “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $46 (seniors & youth $44) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
“Ukraine: The Birth of a Nation”: State Theatre.
(Jerzy Hoffman, 2008). FREE screening of 4 films (about 50 min. each)—2 on June 12 & 2 on June 26—dedicated to the cultural and political history of Ukraine. Followed by discussion. 2 p.m. State Theatre. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
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.
Game Playtesting: Michigame Design Lab.
June 12 & 26. 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.
“How To Become a Fossil”: U-M Natural History Museum Science Forum Demos.
Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo exploring how fossils form, what parts of animals can become fossilized, and many other fossil-related things. For age 5+. 3 p.m., Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“Last of the Red Hot Lovers”: Mind the Gap Theatre Productions.
June 10–12, 17–19, & 24–26. Fran Potasnik directs local actors in Neil Simon’s 1969 comedy about a middle-aged married man who wants to join the sexual revolution before it’s too late. He uses his mother’s empty apartment to attempt three seductions. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.), The 109 Cultural Exchange, 109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. Tickets $20 in advance at bit.ly/redhotlovers2022 and (if available) at the door. 971–2228.
“The Cat Returns”: Fathom Events.
(Hiroyuki Morita, 2002). Dubbed (Sun.) and subtitled (Mon). screenings of this Studio Ghibli anime about a schoolgirl who befriends a cat that turns out to be a magical prince who wants her to marry him and live in the Kingdom of Cats. 3 p.m. (Sun.) and 7 p.m. (Sun. & Mon.). 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.
“Saving Face”: Bløm Meadworks.
(Alice Wu, 2004). Feel-good romantic comedy-drama indie about a young lesbian Chinese American surgeon, her unwed, pregnant mother, and her dancer girlfriend. All ages welcome, but minors encouraged to be accompanied by adult. Proof of vaccination required. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. 548–9729.
“Top of the Park”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
See 10 Friday. Tonight in the Kidzone: Black Men Reading Room with Booksweet Bookstore (5 p.m.). On the Power Center Lawn: Bombay Jam with Miryaya Fit (5 p.m.). In the Annex tent: Bookmark Decoration with the U-M Library (5 p.m.). On the O&W Grove Stage: Classical crossover duo Kuwento Mizik (5 p.m.) and improvisational chamber quartet Virago (6 p.m.). On the Rackham Stage: Kids music by Little Miss Ann (7 p.m.) and Hullabaloo (8:30 p.m.) the veteran 9-piece Ann Arbor collective whose upbeat, energetic music draws on ska, jazz, funk, punk, and Latin influences. The music is followed at 10 p.m. by a screening of the 1985 comedy mystery Clue. 5 p.m.–midnight.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5 p.m. until whenever, Bill’s Beer Garden, 218 S. Ashley St., or Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Check facebook page bit.ly/annarborgo or email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com before coming. Free.
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., Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit Street. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or check annarbormorris.org in advance to confirm. 717–1569.
Turn the Page: The Bob Seger Story”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Musician and photographer Edward Sarkis Balian discusses, with video highlights, his new biography that tracks the career of this Ann Arbor–bred rock legend from his early days on the Detroit music scene to his 2019 final tour. Q&A. 6 p.m., AADL Downtown Multipurpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-4200.
“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.
“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.
“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 local comic and storyteller Mark Sweetman. 8 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St. #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
