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Events in July 2022
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July 27, 2022
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except July 4. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (12:30 p.m.) reveals the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea,” the world’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (1:30 & 3:30 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 (2:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan 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.
Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H.
July 24-29. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 27, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 28, 6:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 29, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 29, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 29, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth compete in Olympic-style games involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2022. 8 a.m.-evening, Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. 222-3877.
Visual & Applied Arts Camp: Macon Creek
The Summer Arts Camp at Macon Creek is a series of four 1-week intensive youth programs in instrumental music, visual & applied arts, theatre & dance and vocal arts with a curriculum that integrates art, innovation and sustainability. The Visual & Applied Arts Camp (July 25-29) is for students interested in learning to work with textiles, ceramics, painting, writing, and exploring other media. Large group, small group and individual instruction. Guest lectures in exhibiting in galleries & art shows, graphic design, setting up a home studio, creating a portfolio, careers in art. Opportunities to explore the walking paths, pond, expansive fields and creek flowing through Macon Creek’s 215-acre campus. Grades 6-12, all experience levels welcome. Student showcase open to the public on the final day of the session. Apply by April 1, 2022 for the Early Bird Discount. Scholarships are available. Macon Creek
“4 Essential Tech Skills for Older Adults”: Ann Arbor Senior Center Wednesday Workshops.
Skills for using devices confidently and independently; participants’ laptops and phones welcome. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Free. Preregister at bpatton@a2gov.org or 794–6250.
Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday Via Zoom at bit.ly/a2braingame, passcode: 739714. Free. Check meeting status before coming. 794–6250
“Playgroups for Babies”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Wed. (except July 4). For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Tues. 11 a.m.–noon (Traverwood), Wed. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (Westgate).
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.—Fri. (except July 4). Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2—5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate).
Beginner Qigong & Tai Chi: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday & Friday. Gentle stretching both in-person and via Zoom (call 794–6250 for Zoom sign-up), Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. 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. (Fri. & Wed.) & 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.
“Live Trivia”: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
All invited to form (or join) a team of 4 or 5 persons to compete in a 2-round online trivia contest. Questions geared towards ages 55 & up, but all ages welcome. Prizes (pickup only). Online at bit.ly/a2seniortrivia, passcode: 194912. 794–6250.
“Madama Butterfly”: Fathom Events.
Prerecorded broadcast of the 2009 Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini’s classic opera about the relationship between a young Japanese geisha and an American naval officer who marries her with the intention of leaving her. With vivid staging by Anthony Minghella. Ann Arbor 20 only. 1 p.m. $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500).
Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Wednesday. In person, all levels welcome, call if interested. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
Kids Crafts: Ann Arbor District Library.
July 6-8, 12, 13, 17, 20-22, & 25-29. AADL staffers lead hour-long workshops for kids ages 5-10. July 6 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Make a Fairy Doll!” July 7 (1 p.m., Westgate): “Craft-tastic!” Creative crafting using pipe cleaners, pompoms, clothes pins, and more. July 8 (1 p.m., Downtown) & July 20 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Slime Time.” July 12: (2 p.m., Traverwood.): “Origami Paper Wall Hanging.” July 13 (1, 4, & 6:30 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Tie Dye.” Bring a 100% cotton T-shirt or other similarly sized [?cotton?] item. July 17 (noon, Malletts Creek): “Paper Plate Flying Saucers.” July 21 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Pipe Cleaner Ballet Dancers.” July 22 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Caped Crusaders.” Chance to make a one-of-a-kind superhero cape. July 25 (2 p.m., Downtown): “Cabbage Juice Chemistry.” July 26 (2 p.m., Pittsfield): “Domino Days.” July 27 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Knitting Nancies.” Chance to make and use a simple handheld loom. July 28 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Sun Prints.” July 29 (2 p.m., Westgate): “DIY Flashlights!” Free. 327–4200.
The Schmoozery: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Every Wed. Group conversation about aging, generations, and related topics, facilitated by local playwright and oral historian Hank Greenspan, a retired U-M psychology professor. Register online at olli-umich.org/olli-commons. Free. 734-998-9351.
“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. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., 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.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter Huron Metropark with a possible visit to Dexter’s Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. 426-5116.
Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. 5–8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Proof of vaccination required to sit indoors; outdoor seating available. Free, 548–9729.
826michigan Virtual Writing for Wee-bots: 826michigan
Each week, 826michigan writers ages 5-10 meet to play and explore what writing can do. With stories that spark creativity and games that inspire students to write, the Wee-bots work in small groups—and with trusted volunteers—to bring imagination alive for these young writers. All 826michigan events are FREE. Register in advance at our website to receive the Zoom link to join. https://www.826michigan.org/programs/wee-bots/
115 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor. Register on our website . Free . caitlin@826michigan.org. https://www.826michigan.org/programs/wee-bots/.Monthly Meeting: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society.
Chicago-based bonsai artist Jennifer Price on penjing, the ancient Chinese art of creating landscape scenes on a miniature scale. 6:30–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Livestream available, for URL, see bit.ly/june22bonsai. Free; metered parking. AABonsaiSociety@gmail.com.
“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
Reading, via Zoom, by poet Jim Daniels, a Detroit native now based in Pittsburgh. His latest collection, Gun/Shy, uses accessible language, subtlety, and deftness to evoke the emotional weight of aging and making do. Followed by open mic. For guidelines, see cwcircle.poetry.blog/poetry-workshop-guidelines. 7–8:30 p.m. (sign-up for new participants begins at 6:45 p.m.), for URL email cwpoetrycircle@gmail.com. Free. 668–7523.
“Pajama Jam!”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Kids ages 3-8 invited to listen to bedtime stories and songs. Wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. AADL Westgate. Free. 327–4200.
Kerrytown Crafters.
Every Wed. All crocheters, knitters, spinners, weavers, felters, sewers, and other crafters invited to work on their own projects with others. Questions welcome, help available. 7 p.m. or so, for URL join Facebook.com/groups/KTCrafters. Free. 926–8863.
Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
Every Wed. All are invited for a group meditation practice and dharma discussion. 7-8 p.m., 614 Miner St., Enter through back door. Also livestream; for URL see annarborktc.org. Free. 678-7549.
Open Rehearsal: The Arbor Consort.
Every Wed. All singers invited to rehearse with this semi-professional a cappella ensemble that performs Renaissance and Victorian-era music in period dress. The official madrigal group of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd. Free. TheArborConsort.org.
Latin Social Practice Party: The Dance Pavilion.
Every Wed. Latin dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. 9–9:45 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $5. TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
Open Dancing: Swing Ann Arbor.
Every Wed. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 8 p.m. by a lesson. 9–11 p.m., locations TBA at swingannarbor.com/calendar. Mask and proof of vaccination (with booster) required. $5 (free for members and those who attend the lesson). facebook.com/groups/swingannarbor.
