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 16, 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.
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
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.
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.
Annual Holiday Sale: Kiwanis Center.
“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.
Chanukah Bazaar: Women of Temple Beth Emeth
Everything you need for a beautiful and meaningful Chanukah from Ann Arbor's only Judaica shop. Women of Temple Beth Emeth Gift Shop (inside Temple Beth Emeth building), 2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Contact: Ava Adler avadee2@yahoo.com.
2309 Packard St. ,Ann Arbor. n/a avadee2@yahoo.comChime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
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.
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works.
All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand to help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also: toy adaptations (preregistration required) to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., Maker Works, 3765 Plaza Dr. Mask required. Free. frontdesk@maker-works.com, 222–4911.
U-M Clements Library Tour.
Dec. 16 & 22 (different times). Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection featuring Benjamin West’s iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe, a Revolutionary War-era trunk that once housed British commander-in-chief Thomas Gage’s papers, a new exhibition on 19th-century American expansionist ambitions in Cuba, and more. 4:15 p.m. (Dec. 16) & 11 a.m. (Dec. 22), Clements Library, 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
“Almost Solstice Night Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Half-hour self-guided nature walk through woods along a paved path lit with luminaries and lanterns (unplowed in case of snow). A bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores follows. Dog walkers welcome. Dress for the weather. 6:30–8:30 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $5 per household (up to 4 people). Preregistration required (registration #IL461100) at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. 449–4437 x203.
Allen Dennard Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
ALLEN DENNARD is a trumpeter, composer and bandleader who was born and raised in the city of Detroit. He has worked with several artists from the Detroit Music Factory label, such as Gayelynn Mckinney, De’Sean Jones and Sean Dobbins. Allen's music is a mixture of jazz, contemporary, house, hip hop, and funk.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Light Fare+Libations or Dinner+Show at opentable.com $35–75. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Mike Harrington: North Star Lounge
Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. With a deep repertoire of traditional standards, originals, and unique covers, the Trail Blazers will keep you guessing with unexpected tunes and arrangements every week. Joining them this week is Mike Harrington on Pedal Steel Guitar.
$10 Cover
301 N. Fifth Ave ,Ann Arbor. nstarlounge.comMike Stanley: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Dec. 16 & 17. Chicago-based observational comic, originally from the Detroit area, who is known for delivering coarse, but warm, anecdotes with a snappy energy, and a sharp wit that’s alternately impudent and poetically suggestive. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $16 reserved seating in advance at etix.com and $18 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Boblo Boats: a Detroit Ferry Tale”: 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. 16. (Aaron Schillinger, 2022). Documentary, seven years in the making, about the steamships that delivered passengers to the early amusement park Boblo Island, their connection to civil rights struggles, and those working to restore the boats after years of neglect. Narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves. 7:30 p.m.
“Sugar Plum Panto”: Theatre Nova.
Every Fri.–Sun., Dec. 9–Jan. 1, except Dec. 25. Carla Milarch directs this seasonal holiday Panto comedy that she co-wrote with R. MacKenzie Lewis. Panto is a British pantomime that blends familiar children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville to create a raucous family entertainment. This popular show, an annual tradition, usually sells out. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask & proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25 ($10 for kids under 17) in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com and (if available) at the door. 635–8450.
“The Nutcracker with a Twist”: Randazzo Dance Company.
Dec. 16–18. 53rd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet by this local company of nearly 100 local dancers of all ages. Directed and choreographed by Sara Randazzo, Roya Panahi, and Christine Sampier. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets $15–$25 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. 477–9350.
“Trivia with Cats”: Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center.
All age 18 & older invited to play trivia and cuddle with adoptable cats. Drinks & popcorn. Admission includes 2 beer and wine tickets (ages 21 & over only). Bring your own nonalcoholic beverages, if you wish. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Tiny Lions, 5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1. Also via Zoom. $15 in person ($7.50 via Zoom). Preregistration required at TinyLions.org/Trivia. 661–3575.
Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart & Punch Brothers: University Musical Society.
An exciting acoustic double bill, with the great newgrass revival banjoist Béla Fleck leading his tight quintet in his unique blend of bluegrass, jazz, funk, world beat, and avant-garde electronic music. With fiddler Michael Cleveland, mandolinist Sierra Hull, guitar and dobro player Justin Moses, bassist Mark Schatz, and guitarist Bryan Sutton. The Punch Brothers play a mix of jam-inflected bluegrass, jazz, and classical music. Founded by celebrated mandolinist Chris Thile, its repertoire includes both originals and inventive takes on everyone from Jimmie Rodgers to the White Stripes. With fiddler Gabe Witcher, banjoist Noam Pikelny, guitarist Chris Eldridge, and bassist Paul Kowert. Also, on Dec. 14 (6 p.m., Cahoots, 206 E. Huron), local musicians TBA lead a workshop on American folk music and storytelling entitled “Roots of Red, White, and Bluegrass” ($15, pre-registration required at ums.org/performance/ums-101-bluegrass).
7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Mask required if Washtenaw County is in the CDC’s high-risk category. Tickets $14–$81 (students, $12–$20) at tickets.UMS.org and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
Holiday Concert: “The Still, Silent Night”: Women’s Chamber Chorus.
Ben Gaughran directs this independent 30-member local women’s chorus in an eclectic program that includes works by Schubert, John Rutter, Rollo Dilworth, and Ruth Elaine Schram. Accompanist is Joshua Marzan, who also performs a piano solo. Also, handbell music by the First Presbyterian Church Sanctus Ringers. 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw. $10 (children, free). womenschamberchorus.com, 665–9271.
“Curling Fest”: Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
All invited to join a 4-player team or bring their own for a 1-hour session of curling instruction followed by a short informal scrimmage. This team sport is nicknamed “the roaring game” for the rumbling sound the 44-lb. granite stone makes as it slides across the ice. Pizza, salad, & pop. Spectators welcome. 8–11 p.m., Arctic Coliseum, 501 Coliseum Dr., Chelsea. Tickets $30 per person (buffet & open skate only, $15) in advance at a2tix.com and at the door. 475–1145.
“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.
Holiday Concert: Measure for Measure.
Pioneer High choir director Steven Lorenz leads this popular local men’s chorus in carol arrangements & classical holiday songs. Also, a guest performance by local chamber a capella group Note by Note. 8 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium. $18 (students & seniors, $12) in advance at standrewsaline.org, and $22 (students & seniors, $16) at the door. 649–7664.
“Rare Exports: a Christmas Tale”: State Theatre.
State Theatre. Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Dec. 16. (Jalmari Helander, 2010). Finnish fantasy action horror film about a young boy and his friend who suspect that a mountain drilling project near their home has uncovered the tomb of Santa Claus. Finnish, subtitles. 9:30 p.m.
Latin Late Night: DJ Josef Deas: Blue LLama Jazz Club
A night of music from DJ JOSEF DEAS featuring rare funk, afro-house, house, and techno from Chicago and Detroit. Latin Late Night features our Jibarito menu so that you can enjoy some delicious empanadas while you cap off your Friday!
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. FREE. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.
