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Events in August 2022
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August 12, 2022
“Mack & Rita”: Michigan Theater.
Opens Aug. 12: (Katie Aselton, 2022). Comedy about a 30-year-old homebody magically transformed into her free-spirited 70-year old future self. Diane Keaton, Elizabeth Lail.
Various times. 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.
“Summering”: Michigan Theater.
Opens Aug. 12: (James Ponsoldt, 2022). Nostalgic coming-of-age drama about four girls in the summer before starting middle school. Lake Bell.
Various times. 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.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily. 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.
Vocal 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 Vocal Arts Camp (August 8-12) is for students interested in vocal technique and performance in choral, cabaret and musical theatre styles. Choir, small group and individual coaching. Guest lectures in vocal health, songwriting, harmonization & arranging, movement & choreography for singers and careers in music. Grades 6-12, intermediate to advanced players. Not suitable for beginners. 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
“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.
“US-12 Heritage Trail Sale”: Saline Area Historical Society Fundraiser.
Aug. 12 & 13. Yard sale that’s part of a string of sales along the road between Detroit and New Buffalo. Rentschler Farm gift shop also open. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Free admission. 944-0442.
“Annual Dexter Daze”: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Aug. 12 & 13. Festivities in Monument Park include arts-&-crafts booths (Fri. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.), live music (4–10 p.m.), a social tent (11 a.m.–11 p.m.), a bounce zone (11 a.m.–6 p.m.), juggling (noon–5 p.m.), and interactive games (11 a.m.–6 p.m.). Also, merchant sidewalk sales, a raffle, and yard sales around town. Today: a family concert by local singer-songwriter Kevin Devine (11 a.m.), kids entertainer and yo-yo champion Zeemo (1 p.m.), old country tunes by the local band the Claim Jumpers (4 p.m.), and a country music set from Nashville-based Dexter-bred singer-songwriter KayLyn Pace (8 p.m.). 10 a.m.–11 p.m., downtown Dexter. Free admission. 426–0887.
“Clague School Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northfield Twp. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon. Free. aabts.org.
City Park Walks: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Friday. Weekly guided 1-mile walk at a different city park each week. Preregister at mfulton@a2gov.org or 794–6250. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Giant Gaming: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
All invited to play Giant Jenga and other large games, led by Ann Arbor District Library staff. Games provided. 10 a.m.–noon, Main & Liberty intersection. bit.ly/A2SSts-community.
“Lunch and Learn”: Temple Beth Emeth.
Every Fri. All invited to bring lunch and join TBE Rabbi Josh Whinston outside under a big tent for an informal discussion about religion. Noon, TBE, 2309 Packard. 665-4744.
77th Manchester Community Fair.
Aug. 9–13. Carnival midway rides and games (beginning Aug. 10), concessions, tractor pulls, livestock shows, live music, and more. Rides & games open at 3 p.m. (Wed.-Fri.) & 1 p.m. (Sat.); on Friday, “Toddler Time” rides (1-3 p.m.) suitable for age 7 & under. Also, an opening parade (Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m.), an International Demolition Derby (Aug. 10, 7 p.m.), Drag Races (Aug 11, 7 p.m.), a Rodeo (Aug 12, 7 p.m.), Side by Side and Pit Bike Races (Aug 13, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see ManchesterFair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 2–10 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), noon–10 p.m. (Fri.), & 9 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sat.), Alumni Memorial Field, E. Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: $7 (kids age 5 & under, free; fair pass, $30). Sat. before 3 p.m., $5. Wristbands for rides, price TBA. 428–8429 (fair week only), ManchesterFair@yahoo.com.
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. (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.
(Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) 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 Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri., Tues.), 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.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Fri. (except Aug. 1): Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library. 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). Free. 327–4200.
Bandemer Park Work Day: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
All invited to pick up trash, clear invasive species, and help city staffers with other minor beautification projects. Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and a mask if not vaccinated; bring water; tools and gloves provided. 3–5 p.m., Bandemer Park (off Lakeshore Dr. off N. Main). Free. sreynolds@a2gov.org.
Block Party on Maynard: New York Pizza Depot
25th anniversary celebration includes live entertainment: a kids show by Twist & Shout the clown (4:30–5:30 p.m.), a jazz trio Act III (6–8 p.m.), and big rock, blues, and soul cover band Naked Ace (8:30–10:30 p.m.). For sale are all-you-can-eat food, beer, and wine wristbands. 4–11 p.m., blocked off street in front of the restaurant, 605 E. William. Free admission, food and drink wristbands $20 ($5 under 12 years old, $10 12-20). Newyorkpizza-annarbor.com.
Saline Summerfest.
Aug. 12 & 13. This downtown festival features live music, a large craft show, kids activities, tricycle races, a soccer tournament, a car show, family movie night, 5K race, dance performances, a teen block party, food, a beer and wine tent, and more. Today: Popular Detroit 70s and 80s classic rock band 50 Amp Fuse (8-11 p.m.). Full schedule available at salinesummerfest.org/schedule. 5-11 p.m. (Fri.) & 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sat.), Henne Field and downtown Saline. Free admission. 604-0051.
“Pets & Pajamas Movie Night”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Aug. 12 (5:30-9 p.m.): “Pets & Pajamas Movie Night”: Humane Society of Huron Valley. Kids ages 5-11 invited to watch an animal-themed movie. Also, crafts and a chance to interact with adoptable pets. Vegetarian dinner and popcorn. Wear pajamas and bring a sleeping bag and pillow. $40 ($20 for up to 2 additional kids). Preregistration required at hshv.org. Call for movie selection or details 661-3575.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games with dungeon master Jeff. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Friday Night Magic”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri. All invited to play Magic: The Gathering in a rotating draft environment. Cost and prizes vary; weekly updates on Facebook. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Say Yes Fest Silent Disco on Main Street in Ann Arbor: Express Your Yes Foundation & CultureVerse
Friends! Picture it: Friday Night. Bustling Main Street in Downtown Ann Arbor... Dining and Cocktails and People Watching and... a Silent Disco? YES! We have 300 headsets provided by our friends at QuietCoyote.com and DJs from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit spinning for your pleasure across three channels and several cosmic planes. Street art, performances, and special surprises await !
Main St, Ann Arbor. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/say-yes-fest-silent-disco-on-main-street-in-ann-arbor-tickets-399055033347. FREE. NOW@expressyouryes.org. expressyouryes.org/sayyesfest. 9103351469.“Summer Sunshine Tea”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a late afternoon hike to examine late summer botany and the different native wildflowers that can be used for tea. 6:30-8 p.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Rd. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org.
“Foraging Basics”: Fjällräven.
Will Forage for Food founder Rachel Mifsud discusses how to hunt for edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms. 7 p.m., Fjällräven, 213 S. Main. Free. 585-5628.
“Matilda: The Musical”: Horizon Performing Arts.
Aug. 11-14. Amanda Williams directs young local actors and singers in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s 1988 Tony Award–winning musical based on a Roald Dahl book about a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis. Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. 7 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Proof of vaccination required. Tickets $16-$18 in advance at horizonperformingarts.org. horizonperformingarts.mi@gmail.com.
Family Book Party: Booksweet Bookshop/Black Men Read.
Aug. 12 (7–8 p.m.): Family Book Party: Booksweet Bookshop/Black Men Read. Kids ages 4–11 welcome, with caregivers, to listen to volunteers read stories of the African diaspora, then do related activities. Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask & proof of vaccination required. Free. Preregistration requested (capacity limited) at ShopBooksweet.com. 929–4112.
“Music of the Night: A Celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Aug. 11-14. (The Aug. 13 performance is sold out.) This local professional theater company performs songs by the popular musical theater composer whose work spans five decades and includes such hit musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Sunset Boulevard. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $48 in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
Alex Price: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Aug. 12 & 13. Indiana native Price’s self-deprecating jokes have earned him opening spots for Kyle Kinane, Brain Posehn, and Hannibal Buress, and appearances at festivals across the country. 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 aacomedy.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“God Kinda Looks Like Tupac”: Theatre Nova.
Every Thurs.–Sun., July 29–Aug. 21. Vincent Ford Jr. directs the premier of U-M playwriting lecturer Emilio Rodriguez’s comic exploration of political correctness, societal expectations, and code-switching. When a black high school student creates an unconventional portrait of God for a student art exhibit, her white and Latina teachers have a variety of reactions, to funny and deep effect. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 48 hours). Tickets $22 in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com & at the door. 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.
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.
“Stargazing and Perseids”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC Naturalist Kelsey Dehring points out “shooting stars” from the Perseid Meteor Shower and the constellations in the summer sky. Bring blankets. Followed by treats beside a fire. If the skies are cloudy, a “creature of the night” hike substitutes. 9 p.m.–midnight, meet at Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake. $5 per household (up to 4 people). $6 vehicle entry fee (noncounty residents $10). Space limited to 50. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (Activity # IL461100-G). shonerj@washtenaw.org, dehringk@washtenaw.org.
Riverside Swings: Swing Ann Arbor.
Aug. 12, 19, & 26. 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., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/event/riverside-swings.
“The Wind Rises”: Michigan Theater.
(Hayao Miyazaki, 2014). Studio Ghibli anime biopic about Jiro Horikoshi, who designed Japanese fighter planes during WWII.
9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sat.). 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.
