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Events in January 2023
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January 22, 2023
“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
Jan. 17 and every Wed.–Sun., Jan. 18–Feb. 5. Film and theater director Robin Frohardt’s public art installation and immersive film screening uses humor and a critical lens to question our culture of consumption and convenience, with a focus on the effects of single-use plastic addiction. Shelves are stocked with thousands of original sculptures of everyday goods—produce and meat, dry goods and toiletries—all made from discarded single-use plastics. Several times a day, the “store” is transformed into a film screen that uses puppetry, shadowplay, and handmade sets to tell a darkly comedic story of how what we value least may become our most lasting cultural legacy. The Plastic Bag Store premiered in Times Square in 2020 and has toured across the U.S. 8 p.m. (Tues.), 6 & 8 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.); 2, 4, 6, & 8 p.m. (Sat.); & 2, 5, & 7 p.m. (Sun.), location TBA at tickets.ums.org. Mask required if Washtenaw County is in the CDC’s high-risk category. Tickets $30 (students $12) in advance at tickets.ums.org, at the Michigan League box office, & by phone, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
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Alex Anest’s Organ Trio: North Star Lounge.
Ensemble led by veteran local jazz guitarist Anest. 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. $35 includes brunch. Reservations recommended. Nstarlounge.com.
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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun., except Jan. 1. 30-minute tour of the museum exhibits and galleries, including Evolution: Life Through Time and artist Jim Cogswell’s Unseen Worlds installation. Also, an introduction to some current U-M biological sciences research projects. Noon & 2 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
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Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Every Thurs. & Sun., except Jan. 1. Humane Society education reps introduce all ages to the basics of hatha-style yoga, which integrates breath with movement. Also, interact with adoptable cats. Dress prepared to work out. Suitable for age 12 & up, all 16 & under must be accompanied by adult. 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Thurs.) & 8:30–9:30 a.m. (Sun.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
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“Weekend Walk for Birds at Matthaei Botanical Gardens”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
Club member Matthew Spoor leads a hike through this top winter birding hotspot to search for everything from bluebirds to buteos along Fleming Creek. 9–11:30 a.m., meet at the steps to the conservatory, Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. Washtenawaudubon.org.
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“Rescue Reading”: HSHV.
Every Sun., except Jan. 1 (10–11:30 a.m.): Kids invited to read to adoptable animals to work on their reading skills, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. For kids ages 6–11. No adults. HSHV. $15. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
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“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center Sunday Talks.
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by a discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. Once a month, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from Jakata Tales, the Indian canon of 547 poems, dated 300 BC–400 AD, that concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The Jan. 15 topic is “The Hermit,” a tale about the generosity of teaching. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun., except Jan. 1. 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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H.A.C. Ultimate.
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
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“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
Every Sun., except Jan. 1. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation ($20/family). lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun., except Jan. 1. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to South America, including the sloth, macaw, and tegu (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper talk with a red-footed tortoise (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and more. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
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“Dancing Babies”: AADL Downtown.
Jan. 7 (10:30–11:15 a.m.) & 22 (1–1:45 p.m.): Infants ages 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) invited for a program of music and movement. AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., 327-4200, aadl.org.
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Sand Art: AADL Traverwood.
Kids ages 5–10 invited to make sand art by pouring and layering different colored sand on adhesive templates. 1–2 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. 327-4200, aadl.org.
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“Stratford Fest: Henry VIII": Michigan Theater.
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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.
Jan. 22: Broadcast of a taped performance of the Stratford (Ontario) Festival’s 2019 production of one of Shakespeare’s oddest plays. The Toronto Star reviewer said at the time that Jonathan Gold played Henry VIII as a rock star. 1:30 p.m.
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“What Can a Land Abstract Tell You?”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.
Livestream talk by Ionia County Genealogical Society president Lori Piercefield Fox, followed at 3:15 p.m. by a talk by genealogy writer & lecturer Lisa A. Alzo on “Navigating Naturalization Records.” 1:30 p.m., for URL email info@WashtenawGenealogy.org by Jan. 19. Free.
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“How Do Birds Fly?”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
Michigan Avian Experience (Brooklyn, MI) representatives display live raptors and discuss how flight adaptations such as feathers, wing shapes, and body shapes work for survival in the wild. 2–3 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Preregistration required; space limited. $12 Michigan recreation passport ($17 at the gate) required. 475–3170.
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“Winter Wander”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring leads a hike to enjoy the spectacular winter forests and fields. 2–4 p.m., Draper Houston Meadows Preserve, 569 Mooreville Rd., Milan. Free. Preregistration required by emailing dehringk@washtenaw.org (capacity limited to 12).
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"Cocktail Class: Coffee Break": Tammy's Tastings
Coffee and cocktails are two great tastes that go great together! There are after-dinner coffee drinks spiked with sweet liqueur. Or everybody’s favorite, the White Russian, whether with old-school Kahlua or one of the host of modern craft coffee liqueurs. And one of the few enduring classic cocktails to come out of the 1990’s, the Espresso Martini! Learn all about these and more as we explore ways to combine coffee and cocktails.
Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts). The Last Word is closed during the class, so no food service is available. The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the 2 hour class.
301 W Huron St ,Ann Arbor. https://www.tammystastings.com/events/coffee-break-5/ $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com tammystastings.com 7342763215.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild.
All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd floor meeting room. Mask requested. Livestream available; for URL preregister at annarborstorytelling.org. Free.
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Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
Jan. 3, 7, 17, & 22 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Jan. 3 & 17) & 2–4 p.m. (Jan. 7 & 22), AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
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“Stairway to Heaven: A Tribute to Classic Rock”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Jan. 19-22. Members of this local professional musical theater company, with a band led by composer-pianist R. MacKenzie Lewis, perform songs by rock bands of the 1960s and 70s, including hits by The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen, The Who, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $48 in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
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"Cocktail Class: Yo-Ho-Ho": Tammy's Tastings
And a bottle of rum! In this class you’ll learn all about why this was a favorite beverage of pirates and sailors as you taste a variety of rum styles. Then you’ll mix up cocktails that explore rum’s versatility – it’s not just for fruity tropical drinks (although we will mix a couple of those)!
Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts). The Last Word is closed during the class, so no food service is available. The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the 2 hour class.
301 W Huron St ,Ann Arbor. https://www.tammystastings.com/events/yo-ho-ho-3/ $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com tammystastings.com 7342763215.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun., except Jan. 1. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check bit.ly/annarborgo.
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Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun., except Jan. 1. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or call 717–1569 in advance to confirm location.
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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Sun. An evening of playing popular board games online. You help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop.
Every Sun., except Jan. 1. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
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