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December 21, 2022

“Anansi the Spider: Re-Spun”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
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“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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“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Fathom Events.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“It’s a Wonderful Life”: 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. 18 & 21. (Frank Capra, 1946). Sentimental classic about a man who gets a second chance at life on Christmas Eve. James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. 3:30 & 7 p.m.

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“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.

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“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).

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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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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.

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“Holiday Cookie Exchange”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Holiday Cookie Exchange”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
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Seniors invited to bring 3 dozen of their favorite holiday cookies to exchange. Also, participants decorate a gingerbread house to take home. 10 a.m.–noon, Pittsfield Community Center, 701 W. Ellsworth. Free. Preregistration required (with information about cookie type) at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or by calling 822–2120.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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“Winter Solstice Hike”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Winter Solstice Hike”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
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All invited to take a late afternoon hike with a township naturalist at the Lillie Park trail loop and watch the sun set on the shortest day of the year. A bonfire and hot beverages follow. Note: park restrooms are closed until spring. 4:30–5:30 p.m., Pavilion 3, Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt Rd. $12 (Pittsfield residents, $7). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or 822–2120.

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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.

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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. 

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Winter Wreath-Making: Ann Arbor District Library.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Winter Wreath-Making: Ann Arbor District Library.
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A chance to make a winter-themed wreath. Materials provided. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. 327–4200. 

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“A2 Retro Tech Meetup”: All Hands Active.
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“A2 Retro Tech Meetup”: All Hands Active.
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All invited to bring your old tech to show off via Zoom. BBSes, Usenet, Apple II, CP/M, MS-DOS, Amiga, C64—it’s all fair game. 7–9 p.m., for URL see meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free, but donations welcome. info@allhandsactive.org.

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“Blues Christmas”: First Congregational Church.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Blues Christmas”: First Congregational Church.
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Veteran local singer-guitarist Terry Farmer plays classic and folk Christmas tunes in a bluesy style, accompanied by drummer Billy Harrington, Neil Donato and Dale Grisa on piano and organ, bassist Sam Collins, and pedal steel guitarist Mike Harrington. 7 p.m., FCC, 608 E. William. Free; donations accepted. 662–1679.

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"8th Annual (almost) Winter Solstice SING!"
7:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
"8th Annual (almost) Winter Solstice SING!": Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
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Let's come together on the longest night of the year, to sing to the SUN! All are welcome to bring their (masked) voices to sing songs of Peace, Hope, Light and Joy, with song leaders Jean Chorazyczweski, Lori, Eric & Mary Fithian, Alaura Massaro, Linda Teaman and Tom Voiles.

704 Airport Blvd ,Ann Arbor MI 48108. n/a FREE. lorifithian@mac.com https://interfaithspirit.org/events/specialevents/ 734-426-7818.

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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.

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Hot Club Wednesday: Ben Rolston & Friends
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Hot Club Wednesday: Ben Rolston & Friends: North Star Lounge
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Back in town for a night of music with hometown friends, Brooklyn based bassist / composer Ben Rolston is an accomplished and compelling performer in an eclectic range of musical styles. Ben has performed with important musical voices like Marcus Belgrave, Laurence Hobgood (Kurt Elling), Tim Ries (Rolling Stones), Dwight Adams (Stevie Wonder), and Nick Dunston, and at world-class venues like The Newport Jazz Festival, Birdland, The Jazz Gallery, and The Green Mill.

301 N. 5th Ave ,Ann Arbor. nstarlounge.com

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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.

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Latin Jazz Wednesday: Aguanko
7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Latin Jazz Wednesday: Aguanko: Blue LLama Jazz Club
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Conga player and composer Alberto Nacif was born in the isthmus state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s west coast where Cuban derived rhythms were part of everyday music. Nacif and the superlative musicians who make up the sizzling Latin Jazz septet AGUANKO now have a new, all original Latin Jazz recording titled “Pattern Recognition”, produced by Jose “Pepe” Espinosa, and released in July 2018.

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

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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.

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“Winter Solstice Celebration”: Kerrytown Concert House.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Winter Solstice Celebration”: Kerrytown Concert House.
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Local pianist Kathryn Goodson, a U-M music school coach, is joined by other local musicians in performances of music by Brahms, Mozart, Bruch, and others.  With violist John Madison, clarinetist Monica Kaenzig, and mezzo soprano Monica Swartout-Bebow. 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.

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Choir Concert: Huron High School.
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Choir Concert: Huron High School.
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Huron student and alumni choirs, musicians from the Huron High School Orchestra, and extracurricular bluegrass musicians perform South African folk music and works TBA by Purcell, Schubert, Randall Stroope, John Leavitt, and Shawn Kirchner. 7:30–9 p.m., HHS Meyers Auditorium, 2727 Fuller. Free. 994–2040. 

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