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Events in February 2023
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February 5, 2023
“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.
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 Carnival”: Chelsea American Legion Post 31.
Feb. 3–5. Three days of cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter fun (weather permitting) at Cavanaugh Lake. Also, a euchre tournament (age 18 & older only; $10; prizes) on Fri. 7 p.m., dancing to a live band, BoVine on Sat. 8–11 p.m., the competitive ice fishing derby (weather permitting; adults, $10; kids, $2) on Sat. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. with awards at 5 p.m. Food available. 4–11 p.m. (Fri.), 8 a.m.–11 p.m. (Sat.), & 8 a.m.–noon (Sun.), American Legion Hall, 1700 Ridge Rd., Chelsea. Free admission. 475–1964.
“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.
“PlayLab”: Ann Arbor Art Center.
All kids ages 3-8, accompanied by an adult, invited to tour the interactive Energy Transfer exhibit and together make a block sculpture that will remain in the gallery throughout the exhibition. 10:30-noon, A2AC, 115 W. Liberty. Free. Preregistration required (space is limited) at annarborartcenter.org/energy-transfer/ or by calling 994–8004.
“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.
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
“The Buzz on Sweet Foods”: U-M Museum of Natural History Family Day.
“Historic Earhart Manor Tour”: Concordia University Ann Arbor Guild.
Docent-led tour of this 1935 French-style country manor, currently home to Concordia administration, built by former local gasoline baron Harry Earhart. 1 p.m., Concordia University Earhart Manor, 4090 Geddes Rd. Mask optional unless currently recommended by the health department. $10; preregistration required. ConcordiaGuild@cuaa.edu, 995–7509.
“Nature Walk at Black Pond Woods”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
U-M Men’s Basketball vs. Ohio State.
“My Neighbor Totoro”: Michigan Theater.
Feb. 5: (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988). Classic Studio Ghibli anime tale about 2 girls who move to the Japanese countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. Japanese, dubbed into English. 1:30 p.m. FREE for kids age 12 & under., 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.
“Chicago: Teen Edition”: Huron High School Players.
Jan. 27–29 & Feb. 3–5. Huron students perform a stage adaptation of this 1975 musical, a satire on corruption in the criminal justice system and the “celebrity criminal” set in 1920s Chicago. Music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, whose style is strongly identified with the show. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), HHS Ingram Theater, 2727 Fuller. Tickets $15 (students, staff, & seniors, $10) in advance at huronplayers.weebly.com & at the door. 994–2097.
“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.
“Remembering Wholeness: Darshan with The Mother”: Deep Spring Center.
“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.
“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.
“Winter Orienteering”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
Outdoor enthusiast Meg Gower teaches how to use a compass to navigate the woods. Suitable for all ages and skill levels. Compasses provided or bring your own. 2–4 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Preregistration required by calling 475–3170; space limited. $12 Michigan recreation passport ($17 at the gate) required.
“Your Sexts Are Shit: Older Better Letters”: University Musical Society.
Feb. 4 & 5. U.K.-based performance artist Rachel Mars celebrates erotic missives in her new solo piece. Inspired by a serendipitous encounter with James Joyce’s raunchy letters to Nora Barnacle, Mars compares salacious letters from the past to modern sexts, serving up meditations on topics ranging from the body and the love letter to the lost art of letter writing. The end result is a filthy, funny, and intimate show that balances “humor with bittersweet fierce intelligence,” Fringe Review. 8 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 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.
Informational Meeting: Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
“The Only Man in Town”: Dexter Area Historical Society.
Playwright and local attorney Jason Eyster discusses his new musical, premiering in June 2023, about the relationship between Chelsea leading citizens Harmon Holmes and manufacturer Frank Porter Glazier, who served as Michigan state treasurer until an embezzlement conviction landed him in Jackson State Prison in 1908. Refreshments. Preceded at 2 p.m. by a short society meeting. 2:30 p.m., Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness, Dexter. dexterhistory.org, 426–2519.
“Cheese 201: Gouda”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
A chance to learn about the history and production methods of this popular Dutch washed–curd cheese. Also, tastings of 6 sample cheeses that range from young & supple to aged & flaky. 3–4:30 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit Street. $30 Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. 663–3354.
“Tall Ship in the Arctic”: Women’s Caucus for Art Michigan Chapter.
Local artist Leslie Sobel, who completed an artist’s residency aboard the Antigua, sailing for 17 days in the Svalbard Archipelago during polar dusk and night. The chapter meeting starts at 2 p.m., followed by the talk. 3–4 p.m., Ypsilanti District Library community rm., 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. Free. christinasears8@gmail.com.
“The Complete Organ Works of J.S. Bach”: U-M Music School.
Part of a series of 18 concerts in which U-M organ professor James Kibbie performs all of Bach’s 281 surviving organ works. Program: The Fugue in G Major, Passiontide chorales from the Orgelbüchlein, chorales from the Kirnberger & Leipzig Collections, as well as Trios in C & G Minor, and individual chorales not a part of any collection. 4 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg. Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, 1100 Baits. For livestream see smtd.umich.edu. Free. 615–3204.
%st“Such a Fun Age”: Ann Arbor District Library Washtenaw Reads Author Event.
P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings Anniversary Celebration: Zal Gaz Grotto
Celebration of P.O.R.K.'s 22nd anniversary with this local 10-piece early big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in music of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. For listening or dancing. Full bar available.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. cash at the door $10. cdsmith68@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.Ann Arbor Go Club.
Ann Arbor Morris.
“Full Moon Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Naturalist Shawn Severance and Washtenaw Audubon Society member Matthew Spoor lead a hike in the light of a full moon to call for owls, learn the indigenous names of constellations, and experience nature after dark. Hike ends with s’mores around a campfire. Dress for the weather. 6:30–7:30 p.m., Park Lyndon North, 18801 North Territorial Rd., Chelsea. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org.
Organ Recital: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
On the church’s new Opus 25 organ, St. Andrew’s music director Deborah Friauff performs Trois Danses, the magnum opus of Jehan Alain (1911-1940), a young composer influenced by Debussy who was killed fighting in WWII. Also, works composed to honor Alain’s memory. With U-M flute professor Amy Porter accompanying. 7 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. standrewsaa.org, 663–0518.
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop.
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]
