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December 5, 2022

“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
All Day Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
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Dec. 5–23 (all day, online). Three members of the Unicorn Theatre (London)—Afia Abusham, Sapphire Joy, and Juliet Okotie—present classic West African and Caribbean tales using story, song, and dance. A long, long time ago, the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was Anansi—trickster, mischief maker, and master spinner of yarns. Recommended for kids from 3 to 9. Streaming available with registration at ums.org/performance/anansi-the-spider. Free. umsyouth@umich.edu, 647–4010. 

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“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
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Every Mon.–Wed. & Dec. 8. 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), & Dec. 8, 6–7 p.m. (Pittsfield).

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29th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival: State Theatre.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
29th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival: State Theatre.
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Three days of Polish films with subtitles. Tickets $12 (students & seniors, $8; U-M students with ID, free) except as noted. Note that free screenings also require a ticket. Mask required. AnnArborPolishFilmFestival.com. State Theater, various times.

Today:

Nov. 5: Children’s Program. For age 7 & up. Includes a children’s book fair and 2 family-oriented animated shorts: Żubr Pompik/Pompik the Bison  (Szymon Adamski, Maciej Kur, Marzena Nehrebecka, Tessa Moult-Milewska, Agnieszka Sadurska, 2021) is about a curious little bison who lives in a big forest, and Wiking Tappi /Tales of Tappi the Viking (Marian Cholerek, Andrzej Piotr Morawski, Tessa Moult-Milewska, 2021) is about a peaceful, clever Viking. $7. 10 a.m.

Nov. 5: “Detektyw Bruno/Detective Bruno” (10 a.m.) (Magdalena Nieć & Mariusz Palej, 2022). In this feature-length family dramedy, 8-year-old orphan Oscar hires the star of a detective TV show to help him find something left behind by his parents. $7. 10 a.m.

Nov. 5:  Documentary Shorts. Three shorts from 14 to 38 min.: Kulisy/Backstage (Ada Smyk, 2021) is tribute to the craftspeople who labor backstage at the Warsaw National Opera, Na wstrzymanym oddechu/Holding Your Breath (Katarzyna Sikorska, 2021) is a portrait of blind free diver and Paralympic silver medalist Wojtek, and Taka twoja uroda/That’s the Beauty of You (1:35 p.m.) (Katarzyna Górniak, Magda Łucyan, 2021) is a profile of endometriosis and some women who have it. FREE. 1 p.m.

Nov. 5: “Simona” (2:25 p.m.) (Natalia Koryncka-Gruz, 2022). Feature-length documentary about Simona Kossak (1943-2007), a biologist and eco-activist who lived surrounded by wild animals in the Białowieża Forest. FREE. 2:25 p.m.

Nov. 5: Noc za dnia/When the Night Comes” (Katarzyna Sikorska, 2021). Short drama set during WWI about a woman whose injured husband does not recognize her. Followed by a Q&A with the film’s director. FREE. 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 5: “Sonata” (6:30 p.m.) (Bartosz Blaschke, 2021). Feature-length drama about a boy, once diagnosed as autistic, who discovers that his communications troubles are due to hearing loss. An auditory implant opens up the world. $12. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 5:“Czarna owca/Black Sheep” (Aleksandra Pietrzak, 2021). Feature-length comedy about a family with far too many secrets. $12. 9 p.m.

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Chamber Music Recital: U-M Music School.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chamber Music Recital: U-M Music School.
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Dec. 4–6, 8, & 9 (different locations). U-M student chamber ensembles perform works TBA. 5:30 & 8 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg. McIntosh Theatre (Sun., Thurs., & Fri.), 1100 Baits & 8 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium (Mon. & Tues.), 1226 Murfin. Free. 764–0583.

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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Fri., Sat., & Mon.–Wed. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Fri. 6:30–10 p.m.: Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Sat. noon–3 p.m.: Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. 6–10 p.m.: Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Mon. 6:30–10 p.m.: Power Cards, $10. Tues. 6–9 p.m.: MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.

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Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
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Every Mon.–Fri. & Dec. 11. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 25 (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), and Dec. 11 1 p.m. (Pittsfield)

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Santa: Briarwood Mall.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
Santa: Briarwood Mall.
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Daily Nov. 23–Dec. 24 (Mon.–Sat. noon–8 p.m. & Sun. noon–6 p.m.). All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. Dec. 11 is “Pet Photo Night” (6–8 p.m.) for 4-legged, leashed, friendly pets that weigh less than 60 lbs. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 4, 9–10:30 a.m. Note: Santa takes breaks 3–4 p.m. Briarwood Von Maur court. Appointments encouraged at simon.com/santa. 769–9610.

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“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
10:30 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
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Dec. 5, 7, & 8 (10:30–11 a.m., different locations). AADL staff lead children ages 25, accompanied by an adult, in fun, process-based arts and crafts. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.). 

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Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.

Today:

Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon-12:30 p.m.) via Zoom.

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Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.

Today:

Walking Group (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom.

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Euchre: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Euchre: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.

Today:

Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person.

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Afternoon Carillon Concert: U-M Music School.
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Afternoon Carillon Concert: U-M Music School.
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Every Mon.–Fri. Dec. 1–9. A U-M student or faculty carillonist, and occasional guest performers, play Lurie Tower’s prized set of 60 Dutch bells. 1:30–2 p.m., Lurie Tower, 1230 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 764–0583.

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“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Thurs., Fri., Mon., & Tues. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games. 6–8 p.m. (Thurs.), 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), & 5–8 p.m. (Mon. & Tues.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.

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“Parable of the Sower”: Literati Bookstore Eco Book Club.
5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Parable of the Sower”: Literati Bookstore Eco Book Club.
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All invited to join a discussion, led by local poet Allison Swan, of Octavia Butler’s 1993 dystopian novel following the travels of a young woman who starts a new society. 5:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Mask required. Free. Preregistration required at literatibookstore.com. 585–5567.

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Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Dec. 5 & 19. All invited to get basic sewing help with their unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines. Bring your own sewing machine, if you wish. No experience necessary. Also, local sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra shows how to use sergers to create a clean seam (Dec. 5) and crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates making covered cords (Dec. 19). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.

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“Broadway Rising”: Fathom Events.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Broadway Rising”: Fathom Events.
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Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.

Dec. 5. (Amy Rice, 2022). Documentary about the Broadway community and its harrowing journey back to the stage following the Covid-19 shutdown. 7 p.m.

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“Grieve Well During the Holidays”: GrieveWell/Saline District Library.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Grieve Well During the Holidays”: GrieveWell/Saline District Library.
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Dec. 5 & 19. GrieveWell program director Christy Miller leads livestream discussions to help people develop concrete plans for managing grief during the holidays. 7 p.m. (Dec. 5) & 6:30 p.m. (Dec. 19), for URL preregister at GrieveWell.com/calendar. Free. 975–0238.

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“Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon”: Fathom Events.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon”: Fathom Events.
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Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.

 

Dec. 5-7. (Ben Smallbone, 2022). Documentary about the late country singer’s return to the Christian faith of his upbringing following years of addiction. 7 p.m.

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Sarah Kroger: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Advent Concert.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Sarah Kroger: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Advent Concert.
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This smooth-voiced Nashville-based singer-songwriter, a Catholic worship leader, performs her inspirational songs in celebration of the Advent season. 7 p.m., St Francis of Assisi Church, 2250 E. Stadium. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/sarahkrogerstfrancis. Free. 821-2122.

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Opera on Tap.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Opera on Tap.
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Local singers perform arias and art songs. Tonight’s theme: “Deck the Halls With Songs of Divas.” 7:30 p.m. (seating begins at 6 p.m.), Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., Ypsilanti. Free; donations accepted. Buy your own food & drink. Reservations required at bit.ly/operaontapreservations. 487–1555.

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Orchestra Concert: Huron High School.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Orchestra Concert: Huron High School.
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This high school orchestra performs “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from Holst’s The Planets suite, Handel’s Concerto Grosso No. 4, the Berceuse and Finale from Stravinsky’s The Firebird, the Adagietto from Mahler’s 5th Symphony, and “Die Moldau” from Smetana’s Má vlast. 7:30–9 p.m., HHS Meyers Auditorium, 2727 Fuller. Free. 994–2040. 

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Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.
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Dec. 5, 12, & 19. Jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick & friends. All dances taught; beginners welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., call 274–0773 for location. Mask and vaccination required. $5. 

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Comedy Open Mic: The Blind Pig.
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Comedy Open Mic: The Blind Pig.
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Every Mon. (except Dec. 26). Performances by up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. To perform, sign up by sending a message on Instagram, bit.ly/comedyblindpig. Age 21 & up only. 8–9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Free. 996–8555. 

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Concert Band: U-M Music School.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Concert Band: U-M Music School.
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Courtney Snyder conducts this music school wind, brass, and percussion ensemble in “Dance of the Jesters” from Tchaikovsky’s The Snow Maiden, as well as works by 20th-century American composers, including Vincent Persichetti’s playful and dynamic “Masquerade,” Patrick Harlin’s “Rapture,” Percy Grainger’s “Irish Tune from County Derry” and “Shepherd's Hey,” and more. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Livestream available at myumi.ch/HillWatch. Free. 615–3204. 

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