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December 14, 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. 

“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
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Every Wed.Sun., Sept. 30Dec. 23. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of actor-playwright (and Purple Rose founder) Jeff Daniels’ comedy about America’s fastest growing sport. Four below-average players try to overcome their own limitations to achieve greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles. Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Caitlin Cavannaugh. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $34$52 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.

“Playgroups for Babies”: AADL.
Various times and locations. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“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).

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.

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)

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.

U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
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Daily, except Dec. 5, 12, 19, 23–26, 31, Jan. 1. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (11:30 a.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history, meeting long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles and fish, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. 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. Mars: One Thousand One (1:30 p.m.) tells the story of what humans might face with the first manned journey to Mars. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.

Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
10:00 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
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Via Zoom at bit.ly/a2braingame, passcode: 739714. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free.

“Tiny Tails Storytime”: HSHV.
10:30 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Tiny Tails Storytime”: HSHV.
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Dec. 7, 14, 21, & 28 (10:3011:30 a.m.). Songs, stories, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats. For kids ages 25 (with caregiver). At Tiny Lions. $7 per child (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv.

“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
11:00 am - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
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Every Tues.–Sun., (except Dec. 3) through Dec. 23. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

Holiday Artist Market: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Holiday Artist Market: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
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Every Tues.–Sat., Nov. 25–Dec. 22. Juried show & sale of works in various media and styles by over 50 area artists. Featuring jewelry, functional and decorative ceramics, small and large paintings, prints, fiber art, wood carvings, and more. Also, every Fri. & Sat., artist trunk shows.  11 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. 662–3382.

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
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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. Noon12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:3011 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.

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.

“Respectful Conversations”: Westminster Presbyterian.
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Respectful Conversations”: Westminster Presbyterian.
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Structured, facilitated discussion that asks whether “Jesus Was a Refugee.” Bring your lunch. 12:302:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. westpresa2.org. Free.

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.

“The Hours”: Fathom Events.
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“The Hours”: 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. 10 & 14. Live (Sat.) & pre-recorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera world premiere production of Kevin Puts’ operatic adaptation of Michael Cunningham’s 1998 novel. The story follows 3 women from different generations—Virginia Woolf and 2 women affected by her novel Mrs. Dalloway—as they grapple with inner demons and social identities. Stars Renée Fleming, Kelli O’Hara, and Joyce DiDonato. 12:55 p.m. (Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only).

Chess: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chess: 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:

Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested.

Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
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Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. 5–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free. 548–9729.

Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory.
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Wed. (6–8 p.m.). Kids age 8 & up invited to drop in for casual games of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, King of Tokyo, and more. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

“Unforgettable Dinnerware: Saenger Porcelain”: Ann Arbor District Library/International Museum of Dinnerware Design.
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Unforgettable Dinnerware: Saenger Porcelain”: Ann Arbor District Library/International Museum of Dinnerware Design.
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Porcelain designer Peter Saenger gives a tour (via Zoom) of his eponymous Delaware studio and demonstrates his casting process. 6:30–7:30 p.m., for URL see aadl.org. Free. 327–4200.

Annual Meeting and Celebration: Wild Ones.
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Annual Meeting and Celebration: Wild Ones.
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All invited to celebrate the past year’s gardening accomplishments and plan for the coming year. 6:458:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free. a2wildones@gmail.org.

“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
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All invited to read and discuss (via Zoom) their poetry or short fiction. For guidelines, see cwcircle.poetry.blog/poetry-workshop-guidelines. 7–9 p.m. (sign-up for new participants begins at 6:45 p.m.), for URL email cwpoetrycircle@gmail.com. Free. 668–7523.

Ann Arbor Bridge Club.
7:00 pm - 10:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Bridge Club.
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Every Wed., except Dec. 28. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Bring a partner if you can, or call in advance or arrive 20 minutes early if you can’t. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline east of Maple. (Park in the designated spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. 945–6021.

Channeled Spiritual Talk and Discussion: Deep Spring Center.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Channeled Spiritual Talk and Discussion: Deep Spring Center.
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All invited to share their spiritual and metaphysical questions via Zoom. The evening is led by Aaron, a “being of light” channeled by Barbara Brodsky, who offers a talk on a variety of spiritual practices. Q&A. 7–9 p.m., for Zoom link, see deepspring.org/programs. Free, donations accepted.

Kerrytown Crafters.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Kerrytown Crafters.
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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.

Latin Jazz Wednesday: PanaMO
7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Latin Jazz Wednesday: PanaMO: Blue LLama Jazz Club
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Detroit’s “PANAMO” is a renowned Latin Jazz ensemble led by the Panamanian master, percussionist and composer Obed Succari. Named as a portmanteau of “Panama” and “Motown,” the band performs a repertoire of original music and jazz standards that have been rearranged to reflect a strong Latin flavor.

314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.

Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
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Every Wed. All are invited for a dharma discussion. The program begins with a group meditation. 7–8 p.m., 614 Miner (enter through back door). Mask required. Also livestream; for URL see annarborktc.org. Free. 678–7549.

Mind Matters - Addiction Medications for Relapse Prevention
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Mind Matters - Addiction Medications for Relapse Prevention: University of Michigan Addiction Center
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A free, virtual community education series designed for individuals and families. In this third session of the 4-part series, participants will learn about the various medications that can be used to treat substance use disorders and how they're used as part of a successful program of recovery. Resources on how to obtain help and support will be provided.

,Ann Arbor. Register Here: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202212/mind-matters-addiction-medications-relapse-prevention Free. addictioncenter@med.umich.edu https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202212/mind-matters-addiction-medications-relapse-prevention 517-449-8779.

“Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Heating and Cooling”: Temple Beth Emeth.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Heating and Cooling”: Temple Beth Emeth.
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TBE Brotherhood president Bill Parkus leads a workshop (via Zoom) featuring talks by local renewable energy experts. Second in a series of 7 monthly webinars on ways for individuals to reduce their carbon emissions. 7:30 p.m., for URL preregister at climateherostories.com. Free. info@ClimateHeroStories.com.

“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association.
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Dec. 7 & 14. Lindy hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to music spun by DJs. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low grip shoes. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 810 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Room (2nd Floor). Mask, full vaccination and boosters required. $5 (free for SAA members). Swingannarbor.com.

"Yes Gala"
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
"Yes Gala": express your yes foundation
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YES GALA: A Storybook Cabaret
& multimodal holiday benefit extravaganza!

Join us for a mixed-media collaborative evening of visual artists, live painters, contemporary, classical & jazz musicians, musical theater numbers, drag art, dance, spoken word & poetry, meditation, comedy, DJ sets, and other magical moments expressing the power of creativity to foster healing, connection, and celebration!

YES GALA is a pick-your-price fundraiser for our foundation!
We'll also spotlight several local organizations dealing with mental health, suicide prevention, houselessness, and equitability.

YES is a proper Gala Extravaganza !
This is your chance to come in your most fabulous forms! While there is no dress code, feel free to live your fantasy. Expect surprises! There will be a red carpet!

There will also be a pre-show reception in the grand foyer! This is a chance to meet the cast and network with local organizations and creatives over an open bar of delicious vegan food, cocktails, music, art, and more. To attend this portion of the evening, please purchase pick-your-price tickets that are at the $54 level or higher.

The Michigan Theater - 603 E. Liberty ,ann arbor. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yes-gala-a-storybook-cabaret-tickets-478688278527 pick your price. petals@expressyouryes.org expressyouryes.org 734-274-9142.