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Events in February 2023
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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February 23, 2023
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
“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.
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).
“Trends in Public Education: Challenges, Potential Solutions and Future Directions”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. Feb. 23–April 6. A series of talks TBA by U-M and visiting scholars. 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.
“Healthy Living”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
“Supporting Native Pollinators in Backyards to Barnyards”: Washtenaw County Conservation District.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. Virtual and in-person talks by visiting scholars. Feb. 23: Hosei University (Japan) modern Japanese literature professor Gregory Khezrnejat on “Border Crossings: Transnational and Exophonic Voices in Contemporary Japanese Literature.” 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.
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.
“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.
"2023 Humanities Afrofutures”: U-M Institute for the Humanities.
Feb. 1, 6, 9, 15, 20, & 23. A month-long series of talks, panel discussions, and film screenings on the past, present, and future of feminist African and Afroamerican studies. Feb. 23 (5 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre): Panel discussion on “Black Feminist Futures” with Duke University feminist studies professor Jennifer Nash, University of Texas English professor Samantha Pinto, and U-M African American literature professor Aida Levy-Hussen. Also, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16, a free screening at the State Theatre of the 2021 Afrofuturist punk musical Neptune Frost (see Films). Various times & locations. Free. 936–3518.
“Forum on Juvenile Justice Reform”: League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County/Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office and 8 Other Sponsors.
The local members of the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform—U-M law professor Kimberly Thomas and Michigan Center for Youth Justice director Jason Smith—present its 32 evidence-based recommendations. 5:30–7 p.m., Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave. Free. justice@lwvwashtenaw.org, bit.ly/juvijusticefeb2023.
Rumaan Alam: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series.
This Bangladesh-born NYC-based novelist reads from and discusses his work. His 2020 thriller, Leave the World Behind, a National Book Award finalist, tells the story of a city slicker family stuck with a mysterious older couple in rural Long Island during a blackout. Followed by a Q&A. Also, tomorrow Alam gives a free talk on “Pleasure” (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.
"Opening Reception: Select Works of James Charles Morris": Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts
Thursday, February 23
Morris is a self-taught Detroit-based multimedia artist whose colorful digital collage-montage works are on exhibit through March 10. This opening reception is hosted by Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts. Free; refreshments. 6 p.m. (Gallery open Mon.–Sun. 8 a.m.–8 p.m.)
(734) 223-3165.
Meet the Artist at the J!: Jewish Community Center
The Jewish Community Center is excited to welcome a series of artwork by a variety of talented visual artists! These beautiful pieces will be on display and for sale in the Amster Gallery. Featured in the next exhibition is the work of Sue Cutler. Sue is a local artist known for her watercolor and oil paintings.
Make sure to join us on Thursday, February 23 here at the J to meet Sue! Artwork is for sale here at the J.
JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. ,Ann Arbor. Free admission. 734-971-0990.“Photographs from Detroit, 1975–2019”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Jim Snidero Quartet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Described in a recent 5-star review in Downbeat Magazine as having “incredible prowess and tender musicality”, New York saxophonist and composer JIM SNIDERO encapsulates what is both unique and compelling about jazz, reflected in over 10 million plays on Spotify. He has been hailed as having a sound “at the highest level among his fellow alto saxophonists of the 21st century” (All About Jazz), and improvisation that is “mind-boggling and, at the same time, hugely enjoyable” (The Guardian).
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.Maureen Dunphy & Alison Swan: Literati Bookstore.
These 2 Michigan writers discuss their new books. Dunphy’s Diving explores the nature of human-arboreal relationships in 16 essays, each named after a species of tree. Swan's poetry collection A Fine Canopy explores how the natural world envelops and encloses us with beauty. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. 585–5567.
“An Evening of Song”: Ann Arbor Public Schools.
This inaugural concert brings together nearly 1,000 middle- and high-school choir students from across the district performing vocal music in a variety of choral combinations. The eclectic program features music from Brazil, Canada, and Ireland, as well as folk songs, spirituals, and musical theater numbers. 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. 994–2189, ext. 2.
Skateboard Art Show & Party: Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark Fundraiser.
Weekly Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Free live trivia every Thursday with Sporcle Live! Two one-hour-long games, every Thursday (7pm & 8pm) with a $15 gift card for first place and a $10 gift card for second place. No limit to group size - come by yourself or with a team! Great tunes, awesome host + lots of seasonal meads, ciders and beers.
Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. Free admission. 734-548-9729.J.B. Ball: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Feb. 23–25. This Tampa-based comic sweetens his edginess with playful, clever charm, bringing out the humor on all sides of topics like mask-wearing, pop stars as role models, and more. 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.
“Beauty and the Beast”: Burns Park Players.
Feb. 23–26. Burns Park elementary school students, parents, and friends perform this 1994 Disney musical, based on the 1991 animated film adaptation of the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. The story concerns an unkind prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. To revert into his true human form, the Beast must learn to love a bright, beautiful young lady who he has imprisoned in his enchanted castle. The score includes the popular songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” 7:30 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Michigan Theater. Tickets $20–$25 (students, $15) in advance at burnsparkplayers.org & at the door. 763–8587.
“Once on This Island”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Feb. 23–Mar. 12. Natalie Kaye Clater directs this local professional theater company in a production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s 1990 Calypso-flavored coming-of-age 1-act pop-rock musical about a rich boy and the peasant girl who rescues him from peril. Adapted from Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
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.
Symphonic Band & Concert Band Concert: EMU Music Department.
EMU music professor J. Nick Smith conducts the Symphonic Band in a program of music inspired by songs, including U-M alum Robert Jager’s “Esprit de Corps,” Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Sea Songs, Carol Barnett’s Tiriana, Frank Ticheli’s setting of “Amazing Grace,” and Katahj Copley’s “Bridges.” Also, grad student Johnathon Bower conducts the Concert Band in a program that includes Douglas Akey’s “Wild Dance,” Clare Grundman’s American Folk Rhapsody No. 2, Jacob de Haan’s “Ammerland,” and Laura Estes’ “Verity March.” 7:30-9 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsilanti. Free. 487–4143.
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]
“The Mousetrap”: P.T.D. Productions.
Wed.–Sun., Feb. 23–March 4. Veronica Long directs local actors in Agatha Christie's intricate 1952 murder mystery thriller about newlyweds who transform their inherited English manor house into an inn. On opening day, amid rumors of a murderer at large, the inn's somewhat questionable guests become snowbound, and after an unexpected discovery begin eyeing each other fearfully. "One of the most skillfully written murder mysteries ever produced," notes the New York Times. Cast includes Mei-Lin Wong, Gavin Allen, Sam Johnson, Jan Romans, Larry Rusinsky, Eƶra Korycinski, Avery Koenig, and Russ Schwartz. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students, seniors, & active military, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483–7345.
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.).
