Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in February 2023
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
February 11, 2023
“Salt: Dispersed”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
Jan. 17–Feb. 13. Online presentation of this very personal monologue by performance artist Selina Thompson which premiered at the 2017 Edinburgh festival. At once dramatic, sad, and comic, it’s about a journey she made by cargo ship to retrace the triangular route of the transatlantic slave trade. Salt is Thompson’s response to being both British and a descendant of a people enslaved by the British. Anytime from Jan. 17 until Feb. 13. For URL, go to ums.org/performance/salt-dispersed, or preregister to be reminded. Free. 764–2538.
Chocolate Extravaganza: shopchelseamich
Join the #shopchelseamich merchants on february 11th for the Chelsea Chocolate Extravaganza event
,Chelsea. doris@dandbmarketing.com 313-510-8950.Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. 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. 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. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri.–Sun. & Feb. 20. 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. 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. Also, at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 11, Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Ice Fishing Derby”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All invited to catch northern pike, bluegill, and crappie in this annual fishing derby, with adult and kid divisions. Prizes. Bring your own fishing license, bait, & equipment. No alcohol, ATVs, or snowmobiles. Lunch provided. Weather permitting. 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $20 (ages 12 & under, $15), plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. Registration # IL431300.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Huron Gun Collectors.
Feb. 11 & 12. About 100 dealers and collectors offer guns, knives, ammunition, and other hunting equipment for sale, including antiques and collectibles. Concessions. Youth ages 17 & under must be accompanied by an adult. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Admission $5 (members, $3; kids age 12 & under, free). (517) 546–4710.
“BIPOC Bird Walk at Parker Mill Park/Forest Nature Area”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
Club member Victor Chen leads a walk for people from BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) communities—and allies—to look for waterfowl and winter birds. Binoculars available to use. Be prepared for icy ground. 9:30–11:30 a.m., meet at the Parker Mill parking lot, 4650 Geddes Rd. Free. Washtenawaudubon.org.
“Annual Chocolate Extravaganza”: Chelsea Businesses.
Popular annual event during which more than 30 different businesses throughout Chelsea offer free chocolate tastings, chocolate-making demonstrations, sales of chocolate treats, a drawing for prizes, and family-oriented activities like a penguin egg hunt. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., downtown Chelsea. Free admission. shopchelseamich.com, 510–8950.
“Dinosaur Discovery Day”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
“Music in the Black Church Conference”: The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale.
Presentations, choral readings and performances, and workshops on the history and future of music in the Black church. Presenters include Morehouse College professor Uzee Brown, Emory University professor James Abbington, U-M professor emeritus Willis Patterson, reverend Portia Davis-Mann, and minister and organist Lamar Willis. Followed by a concert on Feb. 12. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 608 E. William. Free. Preregistration requested at ourownthing.org.
"Biodynamic Fruit Tree Care": Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Hands-on practice with biodynamic fruit tree care and pruning, including application of tree paste for healing and fertility. Drawing down cosmic influences into the earthly domain, biodynamic practices recognize the ever-changing processes of life and work rhythmically to balance the needs of the immediate year with the needs of those to come.
10am to noon formal program; please bring hands pruners, loppers and pruning saws if you have them
Noon to 2 pm informal extended practice and time for Q&A.
Community Farm of Ann Arbor, 1525 S.Fletcher Rd ,Chelsea. FREE. kbrown@steinerschool.org SteinerSchool.org 734-995-4141.Annual Winter Fiber Fair: Spinner’s Flock.
Sale of Michigan-grown fibers from sheep, alpaca, angora goats, llamas, and angora rabbits for spinning, felting, and handspun yarns. Also, supplies for spinning, weaving, knitting, and felting. Members offer demos throughout the day. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St., Chelsea. Free admission. SpinnersFlock.com, 769–1657.
“Energy Resources Through the Ages: Supply, Demand, and Energy Justice”: U-M Physics Department Saturday Morning Physics.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players: The Ark.
Family concert by this acclaimed ensemble led by Roberts, a Minneapolis indie rock singer-songwriter turned Montessori preschool teacher. The band’s latest CD, Space Cadet, takes listeners on an interstellar journey with feel-good songs rooted in themes of inclusion, acceptance, and self-discovery. 11 a.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $15 (kids, $12) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) and TheArk.org, & at the door. 761-1451.
tIce Carving Festival: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All invited to watch ice carvers create sculptures using a variety of techniques TBA (possibly flamethrowers & chainsaws). Also, refreshments, a scavenger hunt, door prizes, fire pits, photo opportunities with Eddie the Yeti (if you can find him). Noon–4 p.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt. Free. 971–6337.
Mardi Gras Celebration: German School of Ann Arbor
Mardi Gras Celebration of the German School of Ann Arbor
February 11, 2023
Please see the invitation attached and below for details.
Register using this link by Feb 4th
(registration later still possible, just with a slight price increase)
Get ready to laugh, dance, have fun, enjoy many performance and many surprises!
Funny Carnival speeches, dances and games, Adult Costume contest - $ PRIZE
Socialize and make new friends.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BADA623A3FCCF8-faschingsfeier
“Winter Fruits & Vines”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Naturalist Shawn Severance leads a hike to identify the native shrubs and vines with berries that persist in winter and provide a critical food source for wildlife. 1–3 p.m., County Farm Park, field operations building, 2210 Platt Rd. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org.
Victorian Valentine Tea: Kempf House Museum.
Feb. 11 & 12. An elegant traditional tea with a menu that includes both sweets and savories. Period attire encouraged. This popular annual fundraiser usually sells out. 1:30 p.m., Kempf House, 312 S. Division. $40 (members, $30), cash/check only; preregistration required by Feb. 6 by emailing kempfhousemuseum@gmail.com or calling 994–4898. Kempfhousemuseum.org.
“Annual Winter Walkabout”: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy.
All invited for a leisurely 90-minute walk through the 325-acre LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve. No pets. Dress for the weather. In case of inclement weather, the hike is moved to Feb. 12. 2–3:30 p.m., Vreeland Rd., just east of Prospect Rd., across from the Conservancy Farm entrance at 8383 Vreeland Rd., Superior Twp. Free, donations to support the Conservancy welcome. Preregistration requested at info@smlcland.org or 484–6565. Smlcland.org.
Open Hours: All Hands Active.
Saturday Sampler: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
Feb. 11 & 25 Docent-led tours highlighting “Art and Architecture of the Roman Empire” (Feb. 11) and “Something Fishy” (Feb. 25). Also, at 2 p.m. on Feb. 18, a virtual tour of “Tiny Objects with Big Stories” (for URL see bit.ly/marchvirtualsampler). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. 764–9304.
“Human Error”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Feb. 3–Mar. 18. Lynch Travis directs the Michigan premiere of Ohio-based playwright Eric Pfeffinger’s political comedy about a liberal couple trying to start a family whose fertilized embryo is accidentally implanted in the uterus of a small-government-supporting NRA cardholder. Cast: Henrí Franklin, Alex Leydenfrost, Kristin Shields, Kevin Theis, and Meghan VanArsdalen. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat., except Feb. 9), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $21–$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.
“Open Rehearsal”: Northside Community Church.
NCC music director Kathryn Goodson, playing a Steinway D piano and an organ, is joined by local instrumentalists and vocalists TBA to perform pieces in preparation for future concerts. 3 p.m., Northside Community Church, 929 Barton Dr. Free. ncca2.org/events, NorthsideCommunityA2@gmail.com, 576–2355.
“The Language Archive”: Theatre Nova.
Every Fri.–Sun., Feb. 3–26. Carla Milarch directs this Michigan premiere of Julia Cho’s whimsical 2010 romantic comedy about a man obsessed with documenting the dying languages of far-flung cultures even as his own capacity to communicate, along with his marriage, is deteriorating. 2 p.m. (Sun.), 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 3 p.m. (Sat.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask & proof of vaccination required. Tickets $22 ($10 for kids under 17) in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com and (if available) at the door. 635–8450.
“Beauty and the Beast Family Ball”: Stone Chalet.
All kids, accompanied by an adult, invited to this formal dance in the Chalet’s decorated ballroom. Also, waltz lessons, a dance showcase, appetizers and desserts, as well as party favors & treats to take home. Fancy dress encouraged. 5:30–8:30 p.m., Stone Chalet, 1917 Washtenaw. $35 admission for teens and kids 3 & up (adults, $25; kids 2 & under, $5) in advance at stone chalet.com and (if available) at the door. 417–7223.
Ramona Collins Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Join us for a Pre-Valentine’s Day Weekend celebration at Blue LLama Jazz Club! Sultry, seasoned, witty and cool are words that come to mind when experiencing the engaging performer RAMONA COLLINS whose command of the stage and vast repertoire have helped her establish a solid rapport with club, concert and festival audiences wherever she goes.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Dinner+Show at opentable.com $100. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“Annual Creature Courtship”: The Creature Conservancy.
Feb. 10, 11, & 14. Frank but fun presentation on methods of seduction and reproduction in the animal kingdom. Conservancy staffers also show off some live animals, including a black swan, African crested porcupine, and more. Adults only. 7–9 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $45 includes small bites and alcoholic beverages. Preregistration required at TheCreatureConservancy.org. 929–9324.
“Stick Fly”: EMU Theatre Department.
Feb. 10–12 & 17–19. Fraser High School drama teacher Randy Stewart, an EMU grad, directs EMU drama students in Detroit native Lydia Diamond’s witty 2006 comic drama about a Black family gathering on otherwise all-white Martha’s Vineyard during which adult children, their new love interests, and their parents argue about family secrets, privilege, and race. Suggested for mature audiences. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), EMU Legacy Theatre, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., Ypsilanti. Tickets $7–$18 in advance at emich.ludus.com & at the door. 487–2282.
“The Thin Man”: Michigan Theater.
Feb. 11 & 13: (W. S. Van Dyke, 1934). Suspenseful screwball comedy about husband-and-wife detectives who puzzle out the death of an inventor. Adapted from the Dashiell Hammett novel. Myrna Loy, William Powell, Maureen O’Sullivan. 7 p.m. (Sat.) & 7:30 p.m. (Mon.), $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.
Ajde Aman: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704.
This local music ensemble performs Southeast European folk tunes along with some originals. Features Irish bouzouki player Douglas Lane Allen, cellist Abby Alwin, accordionist Alex Sobolev, percussionist John Driscoll, and vocalist Argyrious Skoullis. Accompanied by Drake Meadow & Nan Nelson doing traditional dance. 7–9 p.m. Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd. Mask requested; livestream available. $10 online at interfaithspirit.org/cafe-704-coffeehouse or at the door. 657–5384.
“Teen Mewvie Night at Tiny Lions”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Youths ages 12–17 invited to watch a movie TBA and interact with adoptable pets. Pop and popcorn included. Bring other snacks, a sleeping bag, and pillow if you like. 7:15–9:30 p.m., Tiny Lions, 5245 Jackson, ste. A1. $20. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
Mary Santora: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Feb. 9–11. Cleveland-based stand-up comic with a conversational, easily relatable style who delivers jokes about dating, junk food habits, and Midwest working class life. 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 aacomedy.com before 5 p.m. the night of the show; $20 ($15 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“FutureStars 2023”: Pioneer High School.
One-night-only version of this very popular talent competition showcasing the talents of AAPS students, with judges and audience response determining the winners. Also, performances by up-and-coming “Rising Stars.” 7:30 p.m., PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium. For ticket price and availability see ptguild.org. 994–2191.
“Moby Dick! The Musical”: Ann Arbor Musical Theater Works.
Thurs.–Sun., Feb. 9–19. Ron Baumanis directs local actors in this high-camp 1990 West End (London) hit about a theatrical adaptation of Melville’s Moby-Dick by an all-girls school staged in a swimming pool to hilarious effect. With a pop-rock score and book by Robert Longden and Hereward Kaye. Adult material; ages 13 years and up only. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sun.), Children’s Creative Center stage, 1600 Pauline St. Tickets $25 at annarbormusicaltheaterworks.com 546–5087.
2nd Saturday Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
Mae Wilson calls to live music by Big Fun. All dances taught; no partner or experience needed. Bring flat, clean-soled, nonslip shoes (running shoes okay) and your own water bottle. New dancer instruction at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Mask required. $10 suggested donation. aactmad.org, 945–1343.
Cajun/Zydeco Night with Pete Siers & Creole du Nord: Kerrytown Concert House Dance Hall Nights Series.
Drummer Pete Siers leads this popular Manchester (MI) ensemble Creole du Nord for a program of New Orleans–style Cajun and Zydeco dance music. Attendees may listen in their seats in the main hall or dance in the cleared side hall. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream also available. Tickets $35–$50 (students $19) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door. Reservations recommended. 769–2999.
