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January 28, 2023

“Cultural Exchange Rate”: University Musical Society.
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“Cultural Exchange Rate”: University Musical Society.
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Jan. 24–29. Lebanese artist Tania El Khoury shares her family’s memories of life in villages on the border of Lebanon and Syria through this interactive performance art piece in which each ticketholder is invited to peek into various boxes to explore the sounds, images, and textures hidden inside that are built out of recorded interviews with El Khoury’s late grandmother, material from her newly discovered relatives in Mexico City, and family memories of more than a century of border crossings. Timed entry every 90 minutes, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. U-M Stamps Gallery, 210 S. Division. Tickets $25 (students, $12) in advance only at tickets.UMS.org. 764–2538.

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“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
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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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“You on the Moors Now”: Pioneer Theatre Guild.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“You on the Moors Now”: Pioneer Theatre Guild.
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Jan. 27-29. Alex Leydenfrost & Julia Glander direct high school students in Jaclyn Backhaus’s 2019 play, a work of feminist meta-fiction that brings together a quartet of  19th-century literary heroines—Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Louisa May Alcott’s Jo March, and Emily Brontë’s Catherine Earnshaw—who, after rejecting marriage proposals from their respective suitors, turn tradition on its head and speak freely and farcically about love, relationships, social pressures, and the patriarchy. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun), PHS Little Theater, 601 W. Stadium. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10) in advance at bit.ly/phsyouonthemoorsnow & at the door. kelmigianj@aaps.k12.mi.us.

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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Various times. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
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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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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
8:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
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Every Tues. & Sat. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet (formerly Running Fit) locations. Rain or shine. 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty & 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. Free. 769–5016 (Tues.) & 929–9022 (Sat.).

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parkrun USA.
9:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
parkrun USA.
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Every Sat. All invited to join a timed 5-km run/walk. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt Rd. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.US/lillie. lillie@parkrun.com.

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“Dinosaurs!”: WCC Super STEAM Saturday.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Dinosaurs!”: WCC Super STEAM Saturday.
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WCC biology professor David Wooten leads a hands-on session showing students how to observe and measure dinosaur features from life-size 3D printed models. Participants also learn how scientists use anatomical features to unlock the mysteries of dinosaur ecology and evolution. Geared towards middle school students, but everyone welcome. 10 a.m.–noon, WCC Crane Liberal Arts Bldg., rm. LA 210, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wccsteam. Free.

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Rambling Readers Book Club: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Rambling Readers Book Club: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
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Inaugural meeting of a quarterly book club hosted by WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle. Participants discuss a nature-focused book and then hike together. The first book selection is David George Haskell’s The Forest Unseen: A Year’s Watch in Nature. 10 a.m.–noon, Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd. Free, but $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required at ParksOnline.eWashtenaw.org (search Activity #821008).

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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
10:30 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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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Lunar New Year Planetarium Shows: U-M Museum of Natural History/U-M Center for Chinese Studies.
10:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor
Lunar New Year Planetarium Shows: U-M Museum of Natural History/U-M Center for Chinese Studies.
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Jan. 21 & 28 and Feb. 4. Presentation on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, Chinese star mythology, and the achievements of the Chinese government’s Chang’e missions to the moon to set up a semi-permanent robotic research facility. 10:30 a.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Tickets $8. Limited capacity. Masks required. 764–0478.

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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 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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“Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 2: Wonderstar Concert”: Fathom Events.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Pinkfong Sing-Along Movie 2: Wonderstar Concert”: 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.

Jan. 28 & 29: Animated kid-friendly sing-along featuring various characters from this South Korean children's entertainment company including Baby Shark, Hogi, and Poki. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Emagine only).

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Introduction to Karate for Kids
11:00 am - 11:30 am Community ListingCommunity Listing
Introduction to Karate for Kids: Keith Hafner's Karate
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Details: Introduction to Karate! Your kids will learn 3 simple Karate techniques; how to deal with bullies; the importance of physical fitness....and the principles of respect, courage, and focus!

Big fun, FREE, open to 5 - 10 year olds. Free Karate poster & stickers for all who attend.

When: Saturday, January 28th, 11:00 - 11:30

Where: 'Keith Hafner's Karate,' 214 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Admission: FREE!

Sign up at: https://member-site.net/VIP/default.aspx?FE--bJicgh

214 S. Main ,Ann Arbor. https://member-site.net/VIP/default.aspx?FE--bJicgh Free. khafner@provide.net www.karateisgoodforyou.com 734-994-0333.

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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. 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. 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. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
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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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“LEGO Letterpress”: AADL Downtown.
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“LEGO Letterpress”: AADL Downtown.
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The chance for kids ages 8-10 to build a small design out of LEGOs and then make a print of it using the library’s letterpress presses. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-4200, aadl.org.

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“Snow Survive & Thrive”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation Family Nature Series.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Snow Survive & Thrive”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation Family Nature Series.
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Pre-k kids and their families invited to take a walk with a township naturalist and learn how various creatures survive winter. Dress for weather & wear boots with traction. 1–3 p.m., Lillie Park North Pavilion, 4365 Platt Rd. $12 (Pittsfield residents, $7). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or 822–2120. 

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“Snow Survive & Thrive”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation Family Nature Series.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Snow Survive & Thrive”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation Family Nature Series.
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Pre-k kids and their families invited to take a walk with a township naturalist and learn how various creatures survive winter. Dress for weather & wear boots with traction. 1–3 p.m., Lillie Park North Pavilion, 4365 Platt Rd. $12 (Pittsfield residents, $7). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or 822–2120. 

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“So You Want to Be a Beekeeper?”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“So You Want to Be a Beekeeper?”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers.
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Club member and instructor Dave Pearce discusses (via Zoom) what it takes to get started as a beekeeper, why you might want to, and what to expect. 1–3 p.m., for URL see a2b2club.org. Free.

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"Basic Training For Weight Loss"
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
"Basic Training For Weight Loss": Better Health Market & Cafe'
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Basic Training For Weight Loss
Presented by Lauren Pokryfki
Learn the basics of effective weight loss. Saturday, January 28th, 1:00 pm at the Ann Arbor Better Health Market & Café 3500 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor

You will learn:

How to calculate your body mass index-measure of body fat
How food cravings signal what your body is really asking for
The connection between low serotonin and overeating
Recommended supplements for weight loss
Dietary suggestions for weight loss
Wheatgrass for weight loss

Better Health Market read more

Lauren Pokryfki is the nutrition manager at the Ann Arbor Better Health Store and is a graduate of Trinity School of Natural Health. She is a Certified Traditional Naturopath and a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. Her core focus is on community outreach programs to teach and educate other about the cast tools and therapies that exist in the natural health field

Her core focus is on community outreach programs to teach and educate others about the vast tools and therapies that exist in the natural health fields.

3500 Washtenaw ,Ann Arbor. Register online: https://betterhealthmarket.com/eventmanager/index/details/id/255 Free. info@betterhealth.com https://betterhealthmarket.com 734-975-6613.

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"Little Friend Story World" with the Amys
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
"Little Friend Story World" with the Amys: Unicorn Feed & Supply
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LITTLE FRIEND STORY WORLD with the Amys

Join us on Saturday, January 28th at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for an afternoon of creative magic!

Each child receives an amazingly adorable new friend in the form of a sticker by magical west coast artist, Marika Paz of Marika Paz Illustration. Then, each child will create a little terrarium world for their friend with Ypsilanti fairy garden artist, Amy Balzer-Pemberton of Creative Creations by Amy, and co-write a fairytale rhyme on a manual typewriter about their new friend with Ypsilanti author, Amy Probst of Typewriter Arts.

The fairytale rhyme will be placed in a magnet frame suitable for the fridge to enjoy for years to come! This creative adventure is sure to spark the imagination and leave each participant skipping with delight and wonder!

This workshop is suitable for ages 6 & up & is $55 per child. A grown-up/guardian must be present throughout the duration of the workshop.

110 W Michigan Ave, ,Ypsilanti, MI 48197. https://calendly.com/eastridgeenterprises/little-friend-story-world-a-creative-workshop-with-the-amys?month=2023-01&date=2023-01-28&fbclid=IwAR2U1GIB_9zHIGXmTKd88j-R9C0AunVgQLYNndZXcLHanZZQr5_ewDMPspU $55. marketing@unicornfeedsupply.com unicornfeedsupply.com 7345766306.

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U-M Men’s Gymnastics vs. Ohio State.
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
U-M Men’s Gymnastics vs. Ohio State.
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1 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets (price TBA) in advance at mGOblue.com/tickets and (if available) at the gate. 764–0247.

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Video Game Tournaments: Ann Arbor District Library.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Video Game Tournaments: Ann Arbor District Library.
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Jan. 28 & 29. Adults and kids ages 8 & up invited to play against each other in rounds of Super Smash Bros. (Jan. 28) and Mario Kart (Jan. 29). Prizes. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.

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“Pokémon Hangout”: Sylvan Factory.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Pokémon Hangout”: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Sat. All invited to play the smartphone game Pokémon Go. 1:30–3 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.

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“Animals of the Kelsey Museum”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler.
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Animals of the Kelsey Museum”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler.
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Docent-led tour of animal-themed artifacts. Also, virtual tours (for URL see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey) on “Ancient Medicine” (Jan. 21, 2 p.m.) and “Tiny Objects, Big Stories” (Jan. 28, 2 p.m.). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. 764–9304.

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Open Hours: All Hands Active.
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Open Hours: All Hands Active.
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Every Sat. All invited to drop in to learn about and use tools, or even just share a project you are working on. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. 2–6 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.

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“Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist”: Fathom Events.
3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist”: 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.

Jan. 26-29: (Kevin Sorbo, 2023). Action sequel about a world left in chaos after millions of people vanish in a rapture-like event. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) and 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).

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“Festival Music of Japan”: Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group (Ann Arbor District Library).

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U-M Women’s Gymnastics vs. Ohio State.
4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
U-M Women’s Gymnastics vs. Ohio State.
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4 p.m., Crisler Center. Ticket prices $1 and up at mGOblue.com/tickets. 764–0247. 

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“Improv Jam”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Civic Improv.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Improv Jam”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Civic Improv.
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Jan. 21 & 28. All invited to perform improv (sign up on arrival), or just to watch. No experience necessary. Followed (89:30 p.m.) by “An Evening of Improv” ($15 at the door only) featuring local and regional guest troupes. 6–7:30 p.m., Civic Theatre, 322 W. Ann. Free. CivicImprov@gmail.com, CivicImprov.org. 

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Audio Birds
6:00 pm - 10:30 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Audio Birds: Blue LLama Jazz Club
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The AUDIO BIRDS are a Detroit-based trio lead by Sean Blackman on Guitar, Larry Fratangelo on drums and James Simonson on bass. Their signature sound comes from mixing world rhythms with pop, jazz, funk and groove.

314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Light Fare+Libations or Dinner+Show at opentable.com $35–85. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.

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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
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Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. 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. 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. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877. 

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“Cats and Kids”: HSHV.
7:15 pm - 8:45 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Cats and Kids”: HSHV.
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All kids ages 6-11 invited to spend time making crafts, playing games, and engaging in other fun activities while interacting with adoptable cats. Popcorn, juice, and craft supplies provided. No adults. 7:15–8:45 p.m., Tiny Lions Center. (ste. A1). $15. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/catsandkids2022. 661–3575.

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Jake Mattera: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
7:15 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Jake Mattera: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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Jan. 26–28. This Philadelphia-based comic is known for his loveable brand of wholesome humor, a mixture of smart, silly, and self-deprecating jokes about marriage, parenthood, and daily life. His 2021 comedy album, A Soft One, is streaming on YouTube. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 ($13 Thurs.) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $20 ($15 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.

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RESCHEDULED for Mar. 3 & 4 - “Wine, Women, & Song XXI: Coming of Age”: Kerrytown Concert House.
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
RESCHEDULED for Mar. 3 & 4 - “Wine, Women, & Song XXI: Coming of Age”: Kerrytown Concert House.
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Originally scheduled for Fri. Jan. 27-Sun., Jan. 29, 2023; rescheduled to Fri. Mar. 3 & Sat. Mar. 4, 2023. Current ticketholders see KerrytownConcertHouse.com  for details on how to get their tickets transferred. Remaining tickets will go on sale once all transfers have been honored.

Popular annual show, with local female vocalists TBA presenting musical numbers about friendship, irreverence, fun, and dressing up. Piano accompanist is R. MacKenzie Lewis. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $29–$80 in advance online and (if available) at the door. 769–2999.

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“Mozart & Friends”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Mozart & Friends”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
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Guest conductor Tong Chen, assistant conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, directs the A2SO and U-M horn professor Adam Unsworth in Mozart’s high-spirited, impish Horn Concerto No. 4. The program also includes Mozart’s popular Symphony No. 29 and Joseph Bologne’s charming and cosmopolitan Symphony No. 2, later used as the overture to his 1780 opera, L’amant Anonime. Bologne, more widely known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges, is perhaps the best-known classical composer of African ancestry. Haydn’s turbulent, propulsive, & colorful Symphony No. 49 rounds out the program. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $25–$90 in advance at a2so.com & the A2SO office (35 Research Dr., ste. 100), and (if available) at the door. 994–4801. 

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“The Austria-Naples Connection”: L’Invenzione (Academy of Early Music).
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“The Austria-Naples Connection”: L’Invenzione (Academy of Early Music).
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This quintet of Michigan musicians draws from the rich Baroque and preclassical music of Naples, performing on period instruments. Tonight, they explore a musical dialogue between north and south with works collected by Aloys Thomas Raimund von Harrach, an Austrian viceroy of Naples from 1728 to 1733 who compiled pieces by Neapolitan composers and their counterparts beyond the Alps. The program includes works by Domenico Natale Sarri, Nicola Antonio Giancinto Porpora, Francesco Mancini, Johann Christoph Shultze, and Johann Friedrich Fasch. With recorder player Eloy Cortinez, Baroque violinists Mary Riccardi and Phoebe Gelzer-Govatos, violist Boel Gidholm, Baroque cellist Debra Lonergan, and harpsichordist Julia Brown. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a lecture by the performers. 8 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Tickets on sale starting Dec. 28, price TBA at AcademyOfEarlyMusic.org and at the door. 228–4338.

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46th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival: The Ark.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
46th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival: The Ark.
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A major highlight of the local musical year, with established and rising stars representing a wide spectrum of vernacular musical idioms. This year’s festival kicks off with a show at the Ark on Friday Jan. 27 (see Nightspots listing). Tonight’s Hill Auditorium show is headlined by Ani DiFranco, a veteran New York singer-songwriter known for her intense, pungent, bruisingly intelligent postpunk pop-folk songs featuring an off-the-wall mix of social protest and self-revelation, sung in what Rolling Stone calls “a lovely, elastic voice that can swing from toffee to burlap within a phrase.” She has released several albums on her own label, Righteous Babe Records, which she founded in 1990 at age 19. “It’s easy to see why Ms. DiFranco has such a fervent following while remaining independent of recording companies; she offers a fine balance of realism, hardheadedness, and stubborn optimism,” says New York Times reviewer Jon Pareles. Also appearing: St. Paul & The Broken Bones is an 8-piece horn-fired Southern soul band from Birmingham (AL) whose latest album, The Alien Coast, offers a genre-bending convergence of soul and psychedelia, stoner metal, and funk. “Anyone who might have written [them] off as a mere throwback ought to settle in and marinate in a sound that keeps getting weirder, more inventive, and … more committed than ever to the pleasures of sprightly, joyous funk,” says an NPR critic. Patty Griffin is a highly regarded roots-music singer-songwriter from Maine who employs bluesy alto vocals and an emotively melodic guitar style to present her elegant, deeply poetic songs, which are personal in unexpected ways. San Antonio-bred Latin-folk singer-songwriter Gina Chavez is a 2015 Austin Musician of the Year who sings in English and Spanish and whose passionate, deeply personal songs draw on a diverse array of musical idioms from cumbia and bossa nova to swing and alternative rock. The Oshima Brothers are a rising Maine sibling duo that fuses pop-folk songwriting from one brother with production, engineering, filmmaking, and multi-instrumentalism from the other. Their two albums and many videos were made mostly in their home studio in Maine. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kyshona is a former music therapist known for her soulful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and versatile songwriting that draws on folk, rock, and R&B influences. The Jared Deck Band is led by this young alt-country Americana singer-songwriter from Oklahoma with a working-class point of view whose influences range from Springsteen and John Mellencamp to Alejandro Escovedo and Tom Russell. His song "The American Dream" won first place in a recent annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. Parker Millsap is an acclaimed young singer-songwriter from small-town Oklahoma whose songs blend the fire-and-brimstone energy of his Pentecostal upbringing with a Waitsian figurative bravado and a range of roots music idioms. Emcees are Peter Mulvey, a highly regarded folkie singer-songwriter from Milwaukee who is known for his complex guitar work, expressively playful vocals, and dark, vividly rendered lyrics. He is joined tonight by the Milwaukee-based Sistastrings, a classically trained gospel-flavored R&B sister duo with whom he has recorded a new album on DiFranco’s label. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $45–$250 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (763–TKTS) & theark.org and at the door. 

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