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Events in February 2023
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February 2, 2023
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
“Groundhog Day”: Fathom Events.
Feb. 2 & 5: (Harold Ramis, 1993). Comedy fantasy about a cynical, self-centered weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop on Groundhog Day. Bill Murray. 7 p.m. (both days; Sun., Emagine only) & 4 p.m. (Sun.). 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.
“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.
“The Plastic Bag Store”: University Musical Society/U-M Museum of Art/U-M Graham Sustainability Institute.
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, shadow play, 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. 6 & 8 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.); 2, 4, 6, & 8 p.m. (Sat.); & 2, 5, & 7 p.m. (Sun.), 777 Eisenhower Pkwy. 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.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Every Mon.–Fri. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown & Malletts Creek), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood & Pittsfield), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Tues., Feb. 21, 7-7:30 p.m. (Westgate).
“Plastics and the Carbon Age: Environmental and Health Impacts”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. Jan. 12–Feb. 16. Series of weekly lectures by resource recycling experts and U-M faculty on the environmental and health impacts of plastics. Feb. 2: U-M sustainable systems professor Shelie Miller on “Five Misperceptions Surrounding the Environmental Impacts of Single-Use Plastic.” 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $61 (members, $36) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV.
Every Thurs. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. $5 (babies under age 1, free). HSHV. $5 per kid. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. Virtual and in-person talks by visiting scholars. Feb. 2: Noted Oregon-based landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu on “Applying Japanese Garden Principles to Create Healing Spaces.” Noon–1:30 p.m., Rm. 1010 (Feb. 2) & Rm. 110 (Feb. 23) Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For URL preregister at events.umich.edu/group/1003. Free. 764–6307.
“Woodchuck Wander: Homeschool Groundhog Day Program”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
“King Kong at 90”: EMU Art Galleries.
Double feature film showing in conjunction with this EMU exhibition (see Galleries). Also, a gallery tour and light refreshments during intermission. King Kong (Merian Cooper & Ernest Schoedsack, 1933). The classic pre-Code adventure fantasy monster movie starring Fay Wray & Robert Armstrong. 5 p.m. The Son of Kong (Ernest Schoedsack, 1933) Armstong reprises his role—this time with Helen Mack in tow—in this inferior sequel. 7:30 p.m., EMU Student Center Auditorium, 900 Oakwood, Ypsilanti. Free.
Kristina Wong: U-M School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
This L.A.-based performance artist, comedian, and writer discusses her work employing humor to create social change, including her ongoing effort to win elected office, which recently landed her a stint as a subdistrict representative in L.A.’s Koreatown. 5:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. 936–0671.
Lydia Conklin: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series.
Reading and talk by this up-and-coming short fiction writer, a former U-M Zell creative writing visiting professor. Conklin’s 2022 debut, Rainbow Rainbow, is an exuberant, prize-winning collection in which queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming characters seek love and connection in hilarious and heartrending stories that reflect the complexity of our current moment. Also, tomorrow Conklin gives a free talk on “Ten Choices: The Anatomy of a Story” (10–11 a.m., 3222 Angell Hall). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Livestream available for both programs at tinyurl.com/ZellWriters. Free, but capacity limited. asbates@umich.edu.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. Mask recommended. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Full Circle: 3 Years of Pinhole Photography”: Ann Arbor District Library Artist Talk.
“Murder & Mayhem in Washtenaw County”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event.
Bob Sweet Quartet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
A veteran local drummer and an early member of the Sun Messengers, BOB SWEET grew up in Detroit and immersed himself in the city’s jazz, blues, rock, and soul scene. He has played with numerous artists and groups, including Roy Brooks’ Aboriginal Percussion Choir, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Oliver Lake, and Billy Martin.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.Iris Folded Valentines: Ann Arbor District Library.
“Inside The Peculiar Patriot”: U-M Prison Creative Arts Project.
Preview of a production that opens Feb. 8 at the Detroit Public Theatre of Liza Jessie Peterson’s 2017 1-woman show, The Peculiar Patriot, a funny examination of systemic inequality within America’s prison system, inspired by her extensive work in prisons, including Riker’s Island. Also, a screening of Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison, a 2022 documentary that tells the story of how the play was shut down mid-performance at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. The play runs Feb. 8–Mar. 5 at the Detroit Public Theatre. 7–8:30 p.m., RC Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free. 763–0032.
“Keeping Resistance Alive: Chandler Davis and Academic Freedom at Michigan” U-M Bentley Historical Library Making Michigan Series.
Panel discussion on the activism and legacy of Davis, a former U-M mathematics professor, who in 1954 refused to discuss his political dissent when called to testify before the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee. Panelists include U-M Academic Freedom Lecture director Peggie Hollingsworth, U-M American culture professor Alan Wald, and Steve Batterson, author of a forthcoming biography of Davis. 7–9 p.m., Detroit Observatory, 1398 Ann. Preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. Free. 764–3482.
“Solar Stories”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations/Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
Huron Hills Lapidary & Mineral Society.
Ian Lara: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Feb. 2–4. NYC-based comic Lara is a Queens native with natural timing and a wealth of clever insights. His fresh takes on sex 2.0, Groupon travelers, dressing for protests, and more fuel his new HBO special, appearances on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and many other TV appearances. 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 ($20 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Our Carnal Hearts”: University Musical Society.
Feb. 1–4. U.K.-based performance artist Rachel Mars is joined by 4 female singers in her gleefully wicked ode to the humblebrag and the other forms of envy engendered by the competitive spirit of capitalism. “Not just honest... very funny, too, and streaked with regret,” according to The Guardian reviewer. Structured like a church service, this Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit features audience participation and music by Louise Mothersole. 7:30 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri.), & 2 p.m. (Sat.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. Mask required if Washtenaw County is in the CDC’s high-risk category. Tickets $25 (students, $12), in advance at tickets.ums.org, the Michigan League box office, & by phone, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
“Roman Holiday”: State Theatre.
Feb. 2: (William Wyler, 1953). Classic film about a runaway princess who leaves her bubble to have a fling with a reporter. Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn. 7:30 p.m. 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.
“Sleek Disturbances”: U-M Dance Department.
Feb. 2–5. Amy Chavasse directs dance majors in this annual contemporary dance showcase concert featuring choreography by U-M dance professors Fangfei Miao and Jillian Hopper, with guest choreography by NYC Dance Company directors Sidra Bell and Bryn Cohn. The program explores the idea of place, with the dancers inhabiting spaces that fluctuate between the real and imaginary, conjuring an idea of future realms through a range of movement ideas from the nuanced to the explosive. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat), & 2 p.m. (Sun), Power Center. Tickets $27–$33 in advance at smtd.umich.edu/events and at the door. 764–9537.
Comhaltas.
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. facebook.com/DetroitIMA, contact@detroitirishmusic.org.
Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub.
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]
German Conversation.
Every Thurs. and 2nd & 4th Tues. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the A2 Stammtisch (8 p.m. Thurs.) and the German Speakers Round Table (7:30 p.m. Tues., Feb. 7 & 21). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
"Twilight": State Theatre.
Feb. 2: (Catherine Hardwicke, 2008). Romantic fantasy film about a teen who falls in love with a vampire. Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson. 9:30 p.m. 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.
