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Events in June 2022
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June 3, 2022
“Eiffel”: Michigan Theater.
Opens June 3. French historical fiction very loosely based on the biography of Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel tower, here cast as a hopeless romantic. Subtitles. 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.
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.
Ice Cream Socials: Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Socials with carnival games and treats at Bach elementary (5:30 p.m.), Pittsfield elementary (5:30 p.m.), Haisley elementary (6 p.m.), and Eberwhite elementary (6 p.m.). Free admission; small charge for food & games.
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.
'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.
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club.
June 3–5. Competitive equine ballet by skilled horses and riders, highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Waterloo Hunt Club, Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free admission. (908) 326–1155, 426–2088.
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter for coffee or Breakfast. 9 a.m., sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. a2dan@sbcglobal.net.
“Bonsai in Bloom”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
June 3 & 4. Exhibition of blooming Satsuki azalea from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland) anthropology professor Melvyn Goldstein, a bonsai expert and collector. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop a St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. 10 a.m., sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. aabts.org.
“In Search of Hamzeh Carr”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Flash Talk.
Kelsey curator Terry Wilfong gives a short virtual talk on the career of the mysterious Egyptian artist who made facsimiles of colorful murals discovered by a U-M archaeological team in 1925. Q&A. Noon–12:30 p.m., for URL see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey. Free. KelseyMuse@umich.edu.
Care for the Caregivers - an FWW Conversation
Join the Foundations of Wellness for Women for our June 3 Conversation: Care for the Caregivers.
Do you or someone in your family regularly provide care for your young children or your grandchildren? Do you (or they) regularly act as a caregiver to aging, disabled, or chronically ill family members? Both?
In many families, women are the primary caregivers for the family. But who is taking care of the caregivers?
Caring for a loved one is a compassionate and loving thing to do, yet it can become stressful at times. Sometimes the caregiver "gives her all" to the situation over a long period of time, and her own health suffers for lack of self-care.
Our guest facilitator, Melody Vachal of Arise Cares, will lead a discussion about strategies and tools to help prioritize self-care routines for caregivers to help prevent stress and burnout. Whether you are a caregiver or are being cared for by a caregiver yourself, please join us and share your stories. We will all learn together.
$18, on zoom.
Learn more and register at the link below.
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 URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Via Zoom. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary. No partner needed. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. Call 998-9353 if interested, info.tswp@umich.edu.
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.
“First Friday at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm.
The petting farm is open late tonight with a food truck by Picasso Barbeque, kids activities, and music by Indie Rock Royalty, a local quartet containing members of the Parsnips and One Dangerous Mind that plays an eclectic mix of covers and originals. 5–8 p.m., Domino’s Petting Farm, 3001 Earhart Rd. (north off Plymouth). $6 regular admission (kids age 23 months & under, free). 998–0182. info@pettingfarm.com.
“Mayfly at Play”: Leslie Science & Nature Center Fundraiser.
All age 18 & up invited to listen to inspirational stories and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and adult beverages. Also, attendees can help create elements for the new LSNC nature playscape. Proceeds support construction of the playscape. 6–8:30 p.m, LSNC, 1831 Traver Rd. $150 (group of 8 or less, $1000). Preregistration required at bit.ly/mayflyatplay. natureplay@lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.
Ypsilanti Pride Events: Boylesque.
June 3 & 4. Live performances to celebrate gay pride month. Tonight’s program begins with an All Ages Drag Show (6 p.m.) and concludes with an 18+ Drag Show & Pride Party (10:30 p.m.). Also, live music by Eli Stevik (7:30 p.m.) of the Ypsilanti- and Berlin-based free-form electronica “folk” band Soft Milk (7:30 p.m.), the stylistically versatile Detroit singer-songwriter & guitarist Carmel Liburdi, who blends ragtime, jazz, punk, blues, and world music (8 p.m.), and the Ypsilanti-based acoustic indie pop-rock trio Wake Up Jamie (9 p.m.). 6 p.m.–midnight, Tap Room, 201 Michigan Ave. Free, with a $5 suggested donation. For updated schedule of events, see facebook.com/boylesque.michigan.
“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.
First Friday Shabbat: Ann Arbor Jewish Cultural Society.
All invited to a brief livestreamed Shabbat observance with secular readings, candle lighting, wine rituals, challah, and Yahrzeit observance to remember loved ones. 6:30–7:30 p.m., for URL preregister at JewishCulturalSociety.org/shabbat. Free; donations accepted. 975–9872.
“First Fridays: Open Hours for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy.
All age 18 & up invited to meet animals native to Eurasia, including an African crested porcupine, a pancake tortoise, and a ridgeback frog. Also, the chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including macaws, muntjacs, and more. 7–8:30 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $10 in advance at TheCreatureConservancy.org, $11 at the door. 929–9324.
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.
Kevin Johnson, Kirby, and Annie Capps: On the Tracks Songwriter Showcase.
Northern Michigan singer-songwriter Kevin Johnson, who pens contemplative folk songs, and Kirby, who sings original folk songs and accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica, join local veteran singer-songwriter Annie Capps. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson, Chelsea. $15 suggested donation. Preregister at bit.ly/june3tracks. Info: call Annie Capps at 330–5226.
The Katie Stanley Band: Ann Arbor Summer Festival Live Here Now.
Outdoor performance by this country, rock, and folk trio led by Flint-based singer-guitarist Stanley. Part of a series of concerts with limited attendance in public parks and spaces throughout town. 7 p.m., Recreation Park, 1117 S. Congress, Ypsilanti. Preregistration required at a2sf.org/live-here-now. Free. 994–5999.
Keith Ruff: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
June 3 & 4. This Detroit-area comic is known for his crisp, clever, slightly twisted topical commentary and his high-spirited, often whimsical performing style. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (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.
“Jazz Meets Judaica, with a Taste of Funk”: The Jeff Haas Quintet (Kerrytown Concert House).
This ensemble led by the acclaimed Michigan-based composer-pianist Haas presents an evening of Haas’s original blend of jazz, funk, and Middle Eastern music. In the words of legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, “In combining these great musical traditions, [Haas] has created a soulful music that transcends ethnic barriers.” With trumpeter Anthony Stanco, saxophonist Marcus Elliot, bassist Marion Hayden, and drummer Tariq Gardner. 8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Limited to 60% capacity. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $13–$50 in advance online and at the door. 769–2999.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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. Bottled water & chips provided. 8:30–10:30 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $15. TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
