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 18, 2023
“Getting Dressed”: University Musical Society Digital Presentation.
Feb. 13–24: Online presentation for kids in grades preK–2. The U.K. dance company Second Hand Dance presents a series of 5 short, lively dance films in which everyday clothing is transformed into a celebration of individuality. With animations and an 80s-inspired soundtrack. Anytime from Feb. 13 until Feb. 24. For URL, go to ums.org/performance/getting-dressed, or preregister to be reminded. Free. 764–2538.
“Neighborhood Nature Day”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All invited to help with a stewardship workday focused on removal of invasive shrubs and vines at one of two locations. 1–4 p.m., County Farm Park, Medford Pavilion, 2230 Platt Rd. or 1–3 p.m., Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free. Preregistration required by emailing bertrandm@washtenaw.org.
"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.
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.
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.
RESCHEDULED: Ann Arbor for Public Power Meet & Greet: Ann Arbor for Public Power
RESCHEDULED; NEW TIME AND DATE TBA.
Meet & Greet coalition members of Ann Arbor for Public Power. Learn about public power, why we need it, and what you can do to help make it a reality. Get an update on the case for Public Power. Join us!
1900 Manchester Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ,Journey of Faith Christian Church. Free. calendar@annarborpublicpower.org annarborpublicpower.org 734-272-5194.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.
“Winter Birding”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring leads a hike in search of visiting and resident birds to observe their winter routines. No experience necessary. Bring binoculars. 8–10 a.m., Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Free. Vehicle entry fee of $6 (nonresidents, $10) required. Preregistration (limited to 12) required by emailing dehringk@washtenaw.org.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Toddler Time
$15 includes one toddler plus an accompanying adult. Children ages 5 and under only. / / Second Toddler (5 and under) $5
Every Friday from 10:00AM - 12:00PM*
Every Saturday from 9:00am-10:00am*
Toddler Time at Launch in Ann Arbor, MI is a great experience for kids 5 and under. Come jump with Mom or Dad without the big kids around! Improves strength and balance while minimizing strain on growing joints. Age-specific time to enjoy the entire park. Great way to socialize children and teach them how to work well with others.
*Excluding holidays and school vacation weeks
*Launch socks required and not included.
ALL Jumpers MUST wear Launch Safety Grip Socks. These socks may be purchased upon arrival for $3 a pair.
“Great Backyard Bird Count”: Hudson Mills Metropark.
Birders of all ability levels and ages are invited to drop in and help Metropark naturalists identify birds at the Hudson Mills feeders during this worldwide backyard bird count weekend. Hot chocolate and a warm fire available. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Hudson Mills Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. Free. Metropark pass or $10 vehicle entry fee required. 426–8211.
53rd Annual Train Show and Sale: Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club.
Feb. 18 & 19. The Midwest’s largest model railroad flea market, with more than 300 tables, draws model railroaders, collectors, and train buffs from all over to display, trade, and sell model railroad equipment and memorabilia. Also, a kids’ zone, displays of model train operating layouts, clinics by model railroad club members, and a raffle. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple, Saline. $6 (scouts in uniform, free; kids age 10 & under, free with a paid adult). 426–0829.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
“Birding Basics”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring shows how to identify birds based on habitat, markings, and sounds, and more. Binoculars provided. Intended for those new to birding. 1–3 p.m., Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Free. Vehicle entry fee of $6 (nonresidents, $10) required. Preregistration (limited to 12) required by emailing dehringk@washtenaw.org.
“Diorama-rama”: AADL Malletts Creek.
“The Great Migration: Reflections of the Past in Anticipation of the Future”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Shop Tour: Maker Works.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
Open Hours: All Hands Active.
“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.
“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.
“A Love that Lasts Gala Concert”: Vocal Arts Ensemble Fundraiser.
Benjamin Cohen directs this 24-voice local chamber choir that is celebrating 30 years of music-making in a Gala Fundraiser exploring all aspects of love, with works from Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, Stevie Wonder, Irving Berlin, Lennon & McCartney, and more. Appetizers, desserts, cash bar. Online silent auction starting Feb. 1 at bit.ly/vae-auction. Feb. 18, 5:30–8 p.m., Michigan Union Anderson Rm. Tickets $100 only in advance at vocalartsannarbor.org. vocalartsannarbor@gmail.com, 665–7823.
“Improv Jam”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Civic Improv.
Feb. 18 & 25. All invited to perform improv (sign-up on arrival), or just to watch. No experience necessary. Followed (8–9:30 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.
Silent Mardi Gras Party: Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and Ugly Dog Distillery
A Mardi Gras Silent Disco is on the way! Get your best mask ready, and join us for festive drinks, delicious food, and, of course, beads. This is a fundraiser for the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. The $10 cover includes Whoa Silent Disco and one complimentary drink ticket for a Hurricane Cocktail. Whoa Tacos Food Truck will be outside.
218 South Main Street ,Chelsea. At Door $10. hello@chelseamich.com https://chelseamich.com/events/mardi-gras-party/ 7344751145.The Sean Dobbins All-Star Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
This is a tribute show to Wayne, Trane, and Elvin. A regular at the Blue LLama, SEAN DOBBINS is a highly sought-after jazz sideman and educator whose sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Being the focus of countless news articles, jazz radio programs, and documentaries, Dobbins has performed/toured/recorded with artists, such as Johnny Basset, Joey DeFrancesco, Marcus Belgrave, and David Baker.
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.Murder Mystery Dinner Show: The Dinner Detective Ann Arbor.
Feb. 4 & 18. Dinner while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a hilarious murder mystery in which actual audience members may find themselves a prime suspect. 6:30–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti. $65 includes gratuity; preregistration required at TheDinnerDetective.com. (866) 496–0535.
“Art & Animals”: The Creature Conservancy.
Conservancy staffers show off Harry, a wolf-dog hybrid, followed by a hands-on painting session led by local artist Mary Lewison using Harry as the model. Art supplies provided. BYOB & snacks and beverages. For age 21 & up only. 7–10 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $40. 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.
"Citizen Kane": Michigan Theater.
Feb. 18 & 27: (Orson Welles, 1941). The story of the rise and fall of a dashing, imperious newspaper mogul who finds that no amount of wealth and power can buy him happiness. A perennial nominee as the best film of all time. 7 p.m. (Sat.) & 7:30 p.m. (Mon.). 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.
River Raisin Ragtime Revue: Northside Community Church.
Kelsee Vandervall leads this acclaimed Tecumseh-based 13-piece orchestra in a celebration of Black History Month with music by significant African American composers. The program includes Tom Turpin’s 1897 “Harlem Rag” as well as works by Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, Michigan-based composers Fred Stone and W.R. McKanlass, and others. 7 p.m., Northside Community Church, 929 Barton Drive. $20 suggested donation. ncca2.org/events, NorthsideCommunityA2@gmail.com, 649–7948.
Kira Soltanovich: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Feb. 16–18. A former regular on Oxygen’s comedy reality show Girls Behaving Badly, this hyper-animated Ukraine-born, San Francisco-bred comic specializes in loopy, absurdist autobiographical fictions that deliver lots of social and cultural satire. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 ($15 Thurs.) reserved seating in advance at aacomedy.com before 5 p.m. the night of the show; $22 ($17 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“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.
Grange Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance.
RESCHEDULED: Jesse Blumberg & Martin Katz: Kerrytown Concert House.
RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 29. Baritone Blumberg, a U-M alum, is accompanied by U-M piano professor Katz in a program of art songs by Ivor Gurney, Gabriel Fauré, Florence Price, Hugo Wolf, Art Moore, Francis Poulenc, and Tom Cipullo. 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.
“Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Standing are Induced to Murder”: U-M Theatre Department.
Feb. 16–19. Priscilla Lindsay directs drama majors in American playwright Jen Silverman’s 2020 absurdist and campy exploration of love and violence. The plot subverts the historic illustrations of well-behaved women, jumping between the 17th- and 19th-century in France, England, and Salem (MA) to tell the story of 3 young women driven by patriarchal power to commit murder in a variety of ways. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. $27–$34 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. 764–2538.
“Essence of Michigan” Mardi Gras Ball: U-M Krewe Bleu Club.
“The Importance of Being Earnest”: U-M Musical Theatre Studio.
Feb. 16–19. Vincent Cardinal directs U-M musical theater students as they work on their acting skills in Oscar Wilde’s deliciously irreverent comedy of manners, a late Victorian classic whose strongest attraction is Wilde’s wonderfully etched epigrammatic language. The story concerns a foundling who must establish his bona fides to the satisfaction of his prospective mother-in-law, London’s leading social dragon, who is not about to allow her daughter to marry a nobody. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $23 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door.
“The Love Hangover”: Acoustic Routes.
Annual concert featuring musician couples performing a post-Valentine’s Day array of love songs in all their guises, from romantic love to unrequited love to jealous love to murder ballads. This year’s featured performer is an ensemble led by Olivia Dear, an ethereal-voiced Detroit pop-folk singer-songwriter whose music is known for its blend of clever lyrics with haunting melodies. 8 p.m., Stony Lake Brewing, 447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. $15 in advance at stonylakebrewing.com & at the door. 316–7919.
