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Events in February 2023
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February 9, 2023
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
“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.
"Emily": State Theatre.
Opens Feb. 9: (Frances O’Connor, 2022). Fantasy biopic about the English Victorian novelist & poet Emily Brontë, played by Emma Mackey, focused on a fictitious romantic relationship with a young curate. 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.
"Lourdes": Fathom Events.
Feb. 8 & 9: “Lourdes” (Thierry Demaizière & Alban Teurlai, 2021). Documentary about a tiny French mountain village that became a pilgrimage destination after 1858—when a 14-year-old peasant girl claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in a remote grotto—and today welcomes over 6 million annual visitors. French, subtitles. 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.
Ann Arbor Bicycle Film Festival: State Theatre.
Feb. 9: Two 90-minute screenings of a variety of bike-related Oscar-nominated and independent short films TBA from around the world. Hosted by the Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw County (bikewashtenaw.org). 7 & 9 p.m., $18 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
BFA Theater Design & Production Portfolion Exhibition: School of Music, Theater and Dance
Take a peek behind the scenes of the plays, musicals, and operas at the University of Michigan. Explore the work of The Theater and Drama Department’s undergraduate Stage Managers, Designers, and Technicians.
2281 Bonisteel Blvd ,Ann Arbor. N/A Free. gallery-support@umich.edu https://www.dc.umich.edu/2023/01/28/bfa-theater-design-and-production-portfolio-exhibition/ 7347630606.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. 9: U-M physical chemistry grad Laurel Harmon, vice-president of government relations for LanzaTech, a resource recycling consulting firm, on “Microbial Recycling: Opportunities for Sustainable Plastics.” 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.
“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
“New Translations from Yiddish”: U-M Judaic Studies Department.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Lecture Series.
Every Thurs. Virtual and in-person talks by visiting scholars. Feb. 9 (via Zoom): University of Melbourne (Australia) Japanese studies professor Claire Maree on “Queer Legacies: Whither the ‘LGBT Boom’ in Japan?” 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.
“Grow Your Own Ultimate Flower Garden”: Ann Arbor Farm & Garden.
Presentation by master gardener Jenny Rose Carey, a former Temple University horticulture professor who wrote The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Guide. Carey also discusses and signs copies of the book at 7 p.m. today at Schuler’s (formerly Nicola’s) in Westgate. 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.), Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave., Livestream available. $15 (members free). Preregister by Feb. 1 at bit.ly/A2FGJennyRoseCarey.
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.
“Intro to Archery”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
“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. 9 (5:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium): Film production designer Hannah Beachler, whose work includes Black Panther and Moonlight, joins U-M Afroamerican and African studies professor Scott Poulson-Bryant to discuss her life and work. Various times & locations. Free. 936–3518.
EVENT CANCELLED: Experiment|Experience: Campus Art Museums in the 21st Century: University of Michigan Museum Studies Program
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
What sets university and college art museums apart from other art institutions? What is the responsibility of art in shaping our institutional and political futures in higher ed and beyond? With their engaged audiences and potential for dialogue across diverse fields of knowledge, university museums can play a distinct societal role. In this panel discussion, three museum directors will consider these questions by presenting initiatives and exhibition projects that have challenged the status quo of art museums – on and off campus.
Martha Schwartz: U-M School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
This world-renowned landscape architect discusses her work, which emphasizes the importance of the urban landscape in combating climate change through the design of large-scale master plans, mixed-use developments, and urban regeneration projects, as well as civic plazas, parks, institutional landscapes, and gardens. 5:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. 936–0671.
“Bad Art Night”: Ann Arbor District Library.
“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.
"Unorthodox Podcast Live": Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Join us for the most fun you'll have doing a mitzvah this year! With a live podcast recording of Unorthodox ("the universe's leading Jewish podcast"), plus raffle, refreshments and faces from every corner of the Ann Arbor area Jewish community, you won't want to miss this amazing night!
Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building 4800 E Huron River Dr. ,Ann Arbor. Visit JewishAnnArbor.org $54 in-person or virtual; $36 for first time at a Main Event. info@jewishannarbor.org jewishannarbor.org 734-773-3533.Ron Brooks Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
An Ann Arbor native, RON BROOKS has recorded albums on Mercury Records, working with iconic producer Quincy Jones, as well as Blue Note Records and Strata Records with the Detroit-based Contemporary Jazz Quintet.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Restaurant Week Menu+Show at opentable.com $35. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
“Speaking Bones”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Acclaimed science fiction and fantasy writer Ken Liu joins fellow science fiction writer Tochi Onyebuchi to discuss (via Zoom) the 4th and final installment of his Dandelion Dynasty fantasy series about the emergence of a new nation in the aftermath of the fall of a corrupt empire. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-02. Free. 585–5567. [4x]
"Cure": State Theatre.
Feb. 9: (Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 1997). A string of shocking, seemingly unmotivated murders—each committed by a different person yet bearing the same grisly hallmarks—leads a detective into a labyrinthine investigation. Japanese, subtitles. 7:15 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.
Mary Santora: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Feb. 9–11. Cleveland-based stand-up comic with a conversational, easily relatable style who delivers jokes about dating, junk food habits, and Midwest working class life. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 ($13 Thurs.) reserved seating in advance at aacomedy.com before 5 p.m. the night of the show; $20 ($15 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Main Event”: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor Fundraiser.
Live podcast recording of Unorthodox, “the universe’s leading Jewish podcast” with hosts Mark Oppenheimer, Stephanie Butnick, and Liel Leibovitz, authors of The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. Preceded by a raffle and refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a book signing at 9 p.m. 7:30–9:30 p.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Also via livestream. $54 ($36 for students and first-time attendees) by Feb. 2 at JewishAnnArbor.org, Info@JewishAnnArbor.org, 773–3535.
“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.
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.).
