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Events in February 2023
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February 12, 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.
"Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Feb. 5 & 11). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (11 a.m.) features a re-creation of an experiment from the Mars Viking Landers expedition to show how scientists search for life on other planets. A Cow Eye Dissection (3 p.m.) explores how vision works in different animals and how to keep our eyes healthy. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun., except Feb. 5 & 11. 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.
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.
“Rescue Reading”: HSHV.
Every Sun. (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.
“Superb Owl Sunday”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Expo: Ann Arbor District Library.
A daylong series of talks, demos, and workshops on knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts. Also, local vendors on hand selling accessories, patterns, books, dyes, fibers of all sorts, and yarn. For full schedule, see aadl.org/aafax. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. aadl.org/aafax. 327–4200.
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.
Kerrytown Stompers: North Star Lounge.
This local ensemble led by drummer Pete Siers performs a range of vintage jazz styles, from struts, cakewalks, and rags to pop tunes, marches, and classical favorites. With vocalist & clarinetist Ray Heitger (founder of the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band), cornetist Dave Kosmyna, guitarist Alex Belhaj, and sousaphonist Chris Tabaczynski. 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. $35 includes vegan brunch. Reservations recommended. Nstarlounge.com.
“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 Feb. 5 topic is “The Pitcher,” a tale about avoiding intoxication. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Sunday Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can.
Every Sun. A different lineup of activities each week, from readings, concerts, and show & sale of artworks to informal jam sessions and other impromptu events. Also, tea & croissants available for a donation. Feb. 5: Silver and gold jewelry, made using the remains of real honeybees by Chris Hippler. Feb. 12: North Country Opera songwriter Jay Stielstra reads from his first novel, Meet Me at the River (2022), a tale of murder and self-discovery set in the UP. Feb. 19: Live Celtic-grounded original music by local ensemble Nutshell. Also, a reading by local poet Sue Budin, whose 2022 collection is False Borders. Feb. 26: A preview of Reconstructed Landscapes, the Chenille Sisters’ Cheryl Dawdy’s book of collage art, poetry, and song lyrics. Also, Dawdy and friends perform some of her songs. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., A Makeshift Gallery, 407 E. Liberty. Free admission. Cheryldawdy.com, cldawdy@gmail.com.
H.A.C. Ultimate.
Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp.
"Wajib": Michigan Theater.
Feb. 12: “Wajib” (Annemarie Jacir, 2017). Palestinian road movie about a man and his estranged son who must travel together to help with a family celebration. Arabic, subtitles. 1:30 p.m. (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.
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.
“Ark Animal Encounters”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
Ark Animal Encounters (Webberville, MI) owner Rebecca Barrett displays her menagerie of live animals, guides hands-on interactions with them, and talks about their lives and characteristics. 2–3 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Preregistration required by calling 475–3170; space limited. $12 ($17 at the gate) recreation passport required. 475–3170.
“Habenarias”: Ann Arbor Orchid Society Monthly Meeting.
Windswept in Time Orchids (Broadview Heights, OH) owner Edgar Stehli discusses habenarias, a genus commonly called rein orchids or bog orchids. Also, a silent auction, an orchid raffle table, and members show-and-tell. Begins with a brief business meeting. 2–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. AnnArborOrchids@aol.com.
“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.
“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 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.
“The Underground Railroad in Michigan”: Saline Area Historical Society.
“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.
“Valentine’s Truffle & Mead”: Bløm Meadworks Makers Series.
Mindo chocolate makers show how chocolate is made, help participants make their own truffles, and discuss pairing them with meads and ciders. Followed by a tasting. 3–4:30 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. $40 includes truffle ingredients and a flight of four meads and ciders. Preregistration required at drinkblom.com/events/2023-makers-series-mindo. 548–9729.
BLØM MAKERS SERIES: Valentine's Truffle & Mead Workshop w/Mindo: Bløm Meadworks
Bring your partner, lover or bestie to make Valentine’s truffles! We’re partnering with Mindo Chocolate to offer a mead and truffle workshop here in the taproom. During the class, you’ll learn how chocolate is made, work with the instructor to create your own truffles, then sit back and enjoy the truffle flight you created with a flight of Bløm meads and ciders!
Ticket includes: materials and instruction, a flight of four meads and ciders, and 10% off to-go products!
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110 ,Ann Arbor. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/2023-makers-series-mindo $40. hello@drinkblom.com https://www.drinkblom.com/events 7345489729.Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra.
Adam Riccinto directs this volunteer community orchestra in a program highlighted by performances of Elgar’s Sea Pictures and Bizet’s Carmen Suite no. 2 featuring guest mezzo-soprano Kristin Boggs Clark, an Adrian College voice professor and accomplished recitalist. Also, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the Overture to Glinka’s opera Ruslan and Lyudmila. 3:30–5:30 p.m., Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center, 7425 Willis Rd., Ypsilanti. Tickets $12 (seniors ages 65 & older, students with ID, & kids ages 12 & under, $6; family of 4 & up, $30) in advance at a2tix.com & at the door. 507–1451.
“Music in the Black Church: A Kaleidoscope of Colors”: The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, this popular local choir is joined by the Detroit-based Brazeal Dennard Chorale to perform 20th-century American composer Robert Ray’s jazz-influenced Gospel Mass, as well as a variety of other music from African American Church traditions. 4–5:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 608 E. William. Free. ourownthing.org.
All Skills, All Ages Pinball Tournament: Pinball Pete's
Come enjoy a couple hours of the ultimate retro game, pinball, while socializing at one of the country's longest continuously-operating arcades! There is no entry fee, just bring some change to pay for your games. Never played before? No problem! Other competitors can help you learn as you play.
We play 8 rounds total lasting 1.5 - 3 hours. To join, ask a Pinball Pete's employee to help you find the tournament. The arcade even covers the cost to submit scores to the International Flipper Pinball Association so you can become a ranked pinball players! Total out of pocket cost for games is usually $6 or less.
1214 S University Ave ,Ann Arbor. Free to Enter, about $6 for games during the tournament. aapinball@gmail.com https://www.pinballpetes.org/copy-of-east-lansing-location (734) 213-2502."Cocktail Class: Crazy for Cacao": Tammy's Tastings
Americans buy 58 million pounds of chocolate in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. In this class we’ll explore some of the most delicious ways to drink this seasonal favorite. From creme de cacao to chocolate bitters to milk washing and more, we’ll explore all things chocolate and cocktails. Prepare to be surprised by the range of flavors and styles – this is not your grandmother’s spiked hot cocoa (although we’ll talk about that too!).
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/online-crazy-for-cacao-3/ $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com tammystastings.com 7342763215."Cocktail Class: Crazy for Cacao": Tammy's Tastings
Americans buy 58 million pounds of chocolate in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. In this class we’ll explore some of the most delicious ways to drink this seasonal favorite. From creme de cacao to chocolate bitters to milk washing and more, we’ll explore all things chocolate and cocktails. Prepare to be surprised by the range of flavors and styles – this is not your grandmother’s spiked hot cocoa (although we’ll talk about that too!).
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/online-crazy-for-cacao-3/ $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com tammystastings.com 7342763215."Craft & Drink with SCRAP Creative Reuse": Bløm Meadworks
Ann Arbor’s SCRAP is here on the 2nd Sunday of every month for reuse crafting! Drop in anytime from 5-7pm, pay what you can, and dive into an afternoon of crafting. SCRAP brings tons of supplies and you’re welcome to get creative.
Along with their usual materials, they'll have supplies for reuse valentines & love bug plushies this month!
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110 ,Ann Arbor. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/feb23-scrap-craft $7-$15 (pay what you can, in advance or at the door). hello@drinkblom.com https://www.drinkblom.com/ 7345489729.Craft & Drink: Bløm Meadworks.
Wolverine Jazz Band
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M.
“Ann Arbor (Mostly) Acoustic Jam.”
Singers and players of all ability levels and all acoustic instruments (strings, horns, woodwinds, hand percussion) welcome to this 1-hour open mic followed by an hour of group singing and playing with an emphasis on this month’s theme, “Canadian Songwriters.” 7–9 p.m., Turner Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Mask optional, vaccination strongly recommended. $5 for participants, spectators free. a2jammers@gmail.com; bit.ly/annarboracousticjamfacebook.
Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Every Thurs. & Sun. Humane Society education reps introduce all ages to the basics of hatha-style yoga. 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. [5x] [2 Thurs]
