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Events in September 2022
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September 24, 2022
“Ain’t Misbehavin’”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Sept. 15–Oct. 2. Gerry McIntyre directs this local professional theater company in Richard Maltby Jr.’s joyful, high-energy 1978 Broadway musical revue that pays tribute to legendary Harlem Renaissance composer-pianist Fats Waller, master of the stride jazz piano and creator of indelible tunes. Five performers present an evening of Waller’s buoyant, often slyly raunchy songs, with their sophisticated, hook-filled melodies. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
“Harry Potter Weekend”: The Creature Conservancy.
Sept. 23–25. Costumes encouraged. Youths under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Events include two Adult Harry Potter Trivia Nights (Sept. 23, 7–9 p.m. and Sept. 24, 7–9 p.m.) with beer and wine (ages 21+), and a Family Event (Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m.) with a Harry Potter-themed animal presentation for ages 6 & up. Various times, Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $30–35 each event. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org, 929–9324.
“Kids D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Sept. 10 & 24. All age 10+ invited to learn and play the iconic role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. Noon–2 p.m. & 2–4 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Preregistration recommended (6 player cap per 2-hour block). info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Rain Garden and Wet Meadow Planting”: City of Ann Arbor Give 365 Volunteer and Outreach Program.
Sept. 21, 23, 24, & 28. All invited to plant native flowers and weed. Wear long pants, and sturdy closed-toed shoes; bring water; tools and gloves provided. Burns Park (Sept. 21, 10 a.m.–noon). Veterans Memorial Park (Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–noon). Buhr Park Wet Meadow (Sept. 24, 9–11 a.m.). Northside Community Center (Sept. 28, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.). Various times and locations. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/a2loveapark9-22, volunteer@a2gov.org, or 794–6445.
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards.
Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 10–Oct. 30 and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 23–Oct. 28. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm. Wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. An apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available Sat. & Sun. for an extra charge. Cider and donuts available. No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.), Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd. (east of Carpenter), Ypsilanti. Weekend admission: $23.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $17.50 (babies, free) online only at wiards.com. 390–9211.
Karaoke with DJ Nevermind at NOW Studios: Express Your Yes and NOW Studios
WARNING: Karaoke with DJ Nevermind is so much more than karaoke. Past events have included dance numbers, group singalongs, collaborative painting, and lots of shenanigans. Please ask your doctor to confirm that karaoke with DJ Nevermind is good for your soul (the answer will be yes, but we just want to do our due diligence).
The critics have raved! "Karaoke with DJ Nevermind was cheaper than therapy and more effective than church!"
Now YOU too can join in the chaotic fun therapeutic creative madness. Bring something to drink, a fabulous outfit, and a song in your heart. ❤
715 N university ave, underground, ann arbor. https://www.facebook.com/events/888522592110910. free . NOW@expressyouryes.org. expressyouryes.org/sayyesfest. 9103351469.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.
The Sklar Brothers: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Sept. 23 & 24. Fast-paced tag-team stand-up comedy by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar, U-M grads now based in L.A. who rose to fame with their ESPN show Cheap Seats, heckling old sports footage à la Mystery Science Theater 3000. Their material ranges from topical humor to parodies of commercials and other cultural phenomena. 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.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri., Sat., & Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (11:30 a.m.) reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea” that are the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (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 (1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan 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.
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
Sept. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. Sept. 10 (9 a.m.–noon): Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area, corner of Cardinal Ave. and Sharon Dr. Sept. 11 (9 a.m.–noon): Olson Park, entrance on Dhu Varren Rd. just east of Pontiac Tr. Sept. 11 (1–4 p.m.): Sunset Brooks, entrance on Sunset Rd. at the end of Brooks St. Sept. 17 (9 a.m.–noon): Marshall Nature Area, parking lot off Dixboro Rd., north of Plymouth Rd. Sept. 18 (9 a.m.–noon): Dolph Nature Area, trailhead off Parklake Ave., just south of Lakeview Dr. Sept. 18 (1–4 p.m.): Lakewood Nature Area, entrance on Sunnywood Dr. Sept. 24 (9 a.m.–noon): Oakwoods Nature Area, entrance off Dunwoodie. Sept. 25 (1–4 p.m.): Argo Nature Area, Longshore Dr. at Amherst Ave. Various times and locations. Free. Preregistration highly recommended. bit.ly/a2stewardworkday, 794–6627.
Webster Fall Festival: Webster Township Historical Society and the Webster United Church of Christ
This popular outdoor event is back after a two year pause, and offers wholesome country fun for the whole family. The day starts off at 9:30am with a live Antiques Auction by Braun and Helmer Auction Services. This is followed by a full day of activities including hay rides, farm animals, arts and crafts, demonstrations, live music, food and beverages, an old time Base Ball game and more!
This year's festival concludes at 5pm with a special closing ceremony featuring a Spectacular Fire Show, a dedication to John Gardner one of the Festival's co-founders, and a gift-basket raffle ticket drawing.
“Weekend Walk for Birds at Barton Nature Area”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
Club member Matthew Spoor leads a walk to look for migrating waterfowl along Barton Pond and to explore the neighboring woods and savannah for other fall migrants. Binoculars available to use. 8 a.m.–10:30 a.m., meet at the main parking lot along Huron River Drive north of Bird Road, Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. Washtenawaudubon.org.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Every Sat. & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet (formerly Running Fit) locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. & 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. 929–9022 (Sat.) & 769–5016 (Tues.).
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Every Sat. & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet (formerly Running Fit) locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. & 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. 929–9022 (Sat.) & 769–5016 (Tues.).
Fall in Love with Yoga Open House: Common Thread Yoga and Wellness
Community members are invited to the Fall in Love with Yoga Open House, an entire weekend of free yoga classes, hors d’oeurves, drinks, and a taste of the welcoming yoga community. The open house lasts throughout the weekend with free classes and refreshments all day Saturday and Sunday. Guests are welcome to practice yoga or simply tour the new studio, meet the Common Thread staff, and relax in the sunny lounge space.
7341 N. Lilley Rd., Canton. https://www.commonthreadyogaandwellness.com/new-page-2. Free. alice@commonthreadyogaandwellness.com. https://www.commonthreadyogaandwellness.com/. 734-228-5928.parkrun USA.
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed 5-km run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.US/lillie. lillie@parkrun.com.
Annual Webster Fall Festival: Webster Township Historical Society/Webster United Church of Christ.
Popular country fair with hayrides ($2 per adult, $1 per child), iron barrel train rides ($1 per ride), a children’s petting zoo, exhibits of antique cars & farm equipment, and a trained sheep dog demonstration. Also, wool spinning, rope making, wood crafting, tatting, & blacksmithing demos, a one-roomed schoolhouse session, a country craft fair, and an auction (9:30 a.m.) by Braun & Helmer. Also, pulled pork sandwiches & sides for sale (12–4 p.m.), art displays and self-guided history tours, and the Dexter Union and the Chelsea Monitors play an exhibition baseball game using 1860s-era rules (1:30 p.m.). Live music by the versatile old-time quartet the Pearl Street String Band (11 a.m.), Irish ensemble Fiddler Pie (1 p.m.), Ann Arbor Celtic group Foxtree (2:30 p.m.), and the veteran Ann Arbor bluegrass band The RFD Boys (4 p.m.). 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Webster Community Hall, 5484 Webster Church Rd. and Farrell Rd., Dexter. Free admission. 368–0887, websterfallfestival.org.
“Family Nature Adventures: Nature’s Recyclers”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Sept. 24 (10–11:30 a.m.). WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle leads an F.B.I. (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates) investigation, rolling logs and digging holes to learn about nature’s recyclers. Baker Woods Preserve, 11914 Trinkle Rd., Dexter. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #811002). boglee@washtenaw.org.
Free.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.
Free Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids: Keith Hafner's Karate
Ann Arbor Parents: Join us for an exciting, FREE Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids on Saturday, September 24th, from 11:30 to 12:00! Open to 4-8 year olds. Includes age appropriate training in agility and body balance!
Sign up here (It's FREE!): https://member-site.net/VIP/default.aspx?FE--wgMJh
214 S. Main, Ann Arbor. https://member-site.net/VIP/default.aspx?FE--wgMJh. Free!. khafner@provide.net. www.karateisgoodforyou.com. 734-994-0333.“Pokémon Hangout”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Sat. All invited to play the video game Pokémon Go. Noon–3 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Magic: The Gathering Game Play: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri., Sat., Mon., & Wed. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Friday Night Magic rotating draft (Fri. 6–10 p.m.), cost varies. Intro to Magic: The Gathering (Sat. noon–3 p.m.), Free. Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players (Sat. 6–10 p.m.), free. Just Another Modern Monday power cards (Mon., except Sept. 5, 6–9 p.m.), $10. Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game (Wed. 5–8 p.m.), free. Prizes paid in store credit. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
U-M Football vs. Maryland.
Noon, Michigan Stadium. Tickets $80–$120 at (866) 296-MTIX and stubhub.com/michigan-football-tickets. 764–0247.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Africa (2 & 4 p.m.), including a Nigerian dwarf goat, a large pixie frog, and a savannah monitor (a medium-sized lizard). Also, a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals and, weather permitting, an alligator presentation and feeding (3 p.m.). 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
“Optical Illusions”: WCC Super STEAM Saturday.
WCC STEM scholars success coach Paola Vega-Torres leads a “virtually hands-on” program (via Zoom) exploring optical illusions and how the brain works. Geared towards middle school students, but all are welcome. 1–2 p.m, for Zoom info, preregister at bit.ly/wccsteam. Free.
Grist Mill Tours: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Sept. 17 & 24. WCPARC naturalists lead tours of an 1870s grist mill, still fully operational. 1–4 p.m., Parker Mill County Park, Geddes Rd. (just east of US-23). Free. 971–6337.
Oktoberfest Celebration: Chelsea State Bank.
Dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by the Fort Wayne-based The Jammin’ Germans. Also, a traditional German dance performance. Beer for sale, free food, prizes. 1–4 p.m., CSB, 1010 S. Main St., Chelsea. Free admission. bit.ly/csb-oktober.
Alex Harding & ORGAN Nation: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Detroit-born baritone saxophonist ALEX HARDING first became active in jazz circles in his youth, studying with established jazz figures Yusef Lateef and Beans Bowles. Harding has toured, performed, and recorded with countless names in both jazz and pop circles, including Donald Byrd, Wynton Marsalis, the Marshall Allen-led Sun Ra Arkestra and David Lee Roth.
314 S. Main St , Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Dinner+Show at opentable.com. $75. hello@bluellamaclub.com. bluellamaclub.com. 734-372-3200.Magic: The Gathering Game Play: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri., Sat., Mon., & Wed. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Friday Night Magic rotating draft (Fri. 6–10 p.m.), cost varies. Intro to Magic: The Gathering (Sat. noon–3 p.m.), Free. Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players (Sat. 6–10 p.m.), free. Just Another Modern Monday power cards (Mon., except Sept. 5, 6–9 p.m.), $10. Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game (Wed. 5–8 p.m.), free. Prizes paid in store credit. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Murder Mystery Dinner Show: The Dinner Detective Ann Arbor.
Sept. 10 & 24. Dinner while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a hilarious murder mystery in which actual audience members may find themselves a prime suspect. 6:30–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti. $65 includes gratuity; preregistration required at TheDinnerDetective.com. (866) 496–0535.
“Meals on Heels: '70s Edition”: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Fundraiser.
Via Zoom. Live music by Detroit- and Burlington (VT)-based gospel-infused funk-rock band Funkwagon. Cocktail mixing demo. Prizes for best 70s outfit and shoes. Silent auction. Participants join in with their own platform shoes and glamorous attire, as well as the beer samples, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktail ingredients included in a kit shipped to their home (someone 21 or older must sign for delivery). 7–9 p.m., for URL preregister at a2tix.com/events/meals-on-heels-70s-edition-5-18-2022. $125. giving@ymow.org.
Banned Book Social: Booksweet Bookshop.
Party games, snacks, iced tea, door prizes, and a letter writing station to support banned books. 7 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Free. Preregistration requested at ShopBooksweet.com. 929–4112.
“Cats and Kids”: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Sept. 24 (7:15–8:45 p.m.). Kids ages 6-11 invited to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens at the Tiny Lions Lounge. Also, crafts and games. Kids only. Tiny Lions, 5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1. $15. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
$15.Comedy Night: Bløm Meadworks.
Stand-up showcase featuring sets by area comic Andrew Yang & others, with jokes about everything from dating to mortality. 7:30–9 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Proof of vaccination required. Reservations required at bit.ly/comedy-blom-aug22. $10 includes a reserved seat and a 12 oz. pour.
