Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in December 2022
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 25, 2022
|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
December 15, 2022
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by the songwriting team of U-M alumni Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 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.
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by U-M alumni songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 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.
“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
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.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 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.
"Making a Municipal Utility: Pathways, Pitfalls & Possibilities": Ann Arbor for Public Power
Roundtable discussion with speakers:
John Coyle JD
National Expert on Municipalization Campaigns
State Senator Jeff Irwin,
Advisory Board, Ann Arbor for Public Power
State Representative Seth Berry,
Senior Advisor, Our Power Maine
Zoom registration here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gVM5H04GTQ2tF1AJQHeE6Q
Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gVM5H04GTQ2tF1AJQHeE6Q Free. calendar@annarborpublicpower.com annarborpublicpower.org 734-272-5194.Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Santa: Briarwood Mall.
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.
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.
“Senior Naturalist: Winter Solstice”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All age 55 & up invited to join WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle on a brief walk to leave a treat for local wildlife, followed by a bonfire and a chance to share favorite nature moments. Holiday-themed treats and hot drinks. 10 a.m.–noon, Independence Lake County Park beach center pavilion, 3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake. Free, but $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required by emailing boglee@washtenaw.org.
“Will Democracy Survive”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. (except Nov. 24), Nov. 3–Dec. 15. Six weekly lectures by prominent political scholars, presenting and explaining the current challenges to democracy both at home and abroad. Nov. 3: “The Four Threats to Democracy: Should We Be Worried.” Talk by Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) government professor Suzanne Mettler. Nov. 10: “The Hollow Parties: American Political Parties at the Precipice.” Talk by Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore) political science professor Daniel Schlozman. Nov. 17: “The Obstacles of Germany's Past Will Not Recede: Germany's Role in Contemporary Europe.” Talk by U-M comparative politics and German studies professor Andrei Markovits. Dec. 1: “Alignment: A Democratic Theory of Election Law.” Talk by Harvard University law professor Nicholas Stephanopoulos. Dec. 8: “Voter Turnout in 2022 and What it Means Going Forward.” Talk by Oakland University political science professor David A. Dulio. Dec. 15: “America Between Illiberal Democracy and Electoral Authoritarianism.” Talk by U-M Emerging Democracies professor Dan Slater. 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $61 (members, $36) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
“Little Paws Storytime”: HSHV.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Holiday Artist Market: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
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.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 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.
Homemade Treats Exchange: International Neighbors.
Ikebana International.
All invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Led by instructors TBA. Floral materials provided, bring your own container and tools. 1–2:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $20, metered parking. Space limited; preregistration required at a2ikebana@gmail.com. Info at ikebanaannarbor.org.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Artist Reception: Ann Arbor City Club
An Artist Reception featuring the watercolor paintings of local artist, Toni Oliverio, will be held at the Ann Arbor City Club on December 15, 2022. The reception will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be on display at the venue from December 12th, 2022, through January 23rd, 2023.
1830 Washtenaw Ave ,Ann Arbor, MI 48104. free. michelle@annarborcityclub.org annarborcityclub.org 734-662-3279.“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
“Early Childhood Language Development”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Local speech pathologist Mehreen Kakwan discusses language milestones for children ages 1 to 4, issues that could prompt a parent to seek out a specialist for a speech evaluation, and techniques for encouraging receptive and expressive language development. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. 327–4200.
“Intro to 3D Printing”: Ann Arbor District Library.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. Mask recommended. info@AllHandsActive.org.
Code Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
Dec. 15 & 19. Adults and kids ages 10 & up invited to learn basic coding. Dec. 15: A chance to program a powerful Micro:bit mini computer packed with LEDs, sensors, and a radio transmitter. Dec. 19: Introduction to Web Pages offers a chance to learn basic web coding and page layout with HTML and style sheets. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
Piano Bar Thursday: Mr. B & Peter Madcat Ruth: North Star Lounge
Blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun has become one of the premiere purveyors of a vanishing art. Having learned his craft first-hand from the early masters, he is a rare living link to the first generation of blues and boogie pianists.
Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has established an international reputation through his exhilarating, riveting virtuosity on the harmonica. His expertise on this instrument has amazed audiences world-wide. Performance Magazine refers to him as "A harmonica virtuoso who is rapidly approaching legend status."
301 N. Fifth Ave ,Ann Arbor. nstarlounge.comPiano Bar Thursday: Mr. B & Peter Madcat Ruth: North Star Lounge
Blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun has become one of the premiere purveyors of a vanishing art. Having learned his craft first-hand from the early masters, he is a rare living link to the first generation of blues and boogie pianists.
Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has established an international reputation through his exhilarating, riveting virtuosity on the harmonica. His expertise on this instrument has amazed audiences world-wide. Performance Magazine refers to him as "A harmonica virtuoso who is rapidly approaching legend status."
301 N. Fifth Ave ,Ann Arbor. nstarlounge.com“Nanook of the North”: Michigan Theater.
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Mask required. 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. Different times.
Dec. 15. (Robert J. Flaherty, 1922). Famed silent-era docudrama about the struggles of an Inuit man and his family in the Canadian arctic. 7:30 p.m.
“Rest Ye Merry”: Ypsilanti Community Choir.
Alvin Waddles & Friends: Kerrytown Concert House.
A holiday concert by an ensemble led by the celebrated Detroit stride pianist and vocalist Waddles. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream also available. Tickets $29–$50 (students, $19) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door). Reservations recommended. 769–2999.
Comhaltas.
Every Thurs., except Dec. 22 & 29. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7:30–9:30 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. facebook.com/DetroitIMA.
Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub.
“First Snow”: Penny Seats Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun. (except Dec. 10 & 17), Dec. 2–18. Amanda Buchalter directs the premiere of veteran local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier’s comic play about a man who returns to his hometown for a Christmas party after having disappeared for 10 years. Amidst spiked eggnog, snowstorms, and power outages, his old high school friends demand answers. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. $15 (seniors 60+ $12). pennyseats.org, 926–5346.
German Conversation.
Every Thurs., and 2nd & 4th Tues. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the A2 Stammtisch (8 p.m. Thurs.) and the German Speakers Round Table (7:30 p.m. Tues. Dec. 13 & 27). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
Ellie Martin Quartet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
ELLIE MARTIN is a highly respected vocalist, composer, educator, and jazz studies scholar who performs a wide variety of repertoire from Brazilian music, American Songbook, Bebop, as well as her original compositions. Ellie is currently recording her debut solo album Verdant, a collection of original compositions that reflect on the stages of life and how we grow through mindfulness and self-acceptance.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.
