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Events in March 2023
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March 21, 2023
Mah-jongg: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
“Sensory Story Time”: HSHV.
Mar. 21 (10–11 a.m.): Stories, sensory play, crafts, and a tour of the shelter. Geared to autistic and other neurodivergent kids ages 2–5 (but all children welcome), accompanied by an adult. HSHV. $5 per kid (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
Online Meditation Drop-In: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
“Link Up: The Orchestra Moves”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
March 21 (10:15 a.m.): Youth concert designed for elementary school students to sing, play, and dance along with the orchestra from their seats. Presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. Highlighted by a performance of the opening movement of Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 featuring A2SO Young Artist Competition winner Bhargava R. Kulkarni. Hill Auditorium. Tickets $6/person by Mar. 14 at a2so.com/school-programs/linkup.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Mobilizing for Elections: Patronage and Political Machines in Southeast Asia”: U-M Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies Book Talk.
U-M political science professor Allen Hicken, University of Albany political science professor Meredith Weiss, and Australian National University political science professors Edward Aspinall & Paul Hutchcroft discuss their new book. Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at myumi.ch/5W7Qq. Free. 764–0351.
Noon Lecture Series: U-M Center for Chinese Studies.
Mar. 7, 21, & 28. Talks by visiting scholars. Sandwiches, cookies, & coffee served. Mar. 7: Columbia University urban planning professor Weiping Wu on “China Urbanizing: Impacts and Transitions.” Mar. 21: University of California history professor Michael Nylan discusses a 3rd-century BCE collection of Chinese philosophical writings in “Xunzi and Aristotle on Freedom.” Mar. 28: Indiana University East Asian languages and cultures professor Ethan Michelson on “Decoupling: Gender Injustice in China’s Divorce Courts.” Noon–1 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream, preregister at ii.umich.edu/lrccs. Free. 764–6308.
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.
Euchre: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
"The Battle Over ESG: Profits, Purpose & Politics": U-M Erb Environmental Management Institute
We are excited to host a timely discussion about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) at Ross Business School in March, featuring Elizabeth Doty (Director, Erb Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce); Bennett Freeman (Associate Fellow of Chatham House and former Senior Vice President of Calvert Investments); Vik Khanna (William W. Cook Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School); and moderated by Erb Institute Faculty Director, Tom Lyon.
As the ESG agenda has gained traction and momentum over the last decade, it has attracted inevitable criticism and a backlash—and now even a backlash to the backlash. Not only is ESG investing under attack, but the battle also extends to the future of corporate responsibility and sustainability more broadly — and in turn the respective roles of business and government— with high stakes for both action and inaction. Some issues are technical and methodological, related to ESG metrics and funds. Other issues are more ideological and political, challenging the notion of business purpose, pitting shareholder primacy against stakeholder capitalism, and raising questions about the appropriate role of corporations in the policy arena. This timely event will explore the drivers of this battle over ESG and offer solutions for moving forward.
U-M Ross School of Business - Tauber Colloquium 701 Tappan Avenue ,Ann Arbor. Reservations recommended Free. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-battle-over-esg-profits-purpose-politics-tickets-524953830037“An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us”: Literati Bookstore Cultura Book Club.
“Ink Monoprints”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
BattleTech: Classic: Sylvan Factory.
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. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Cheers to Cheese (& Wine!)”: Zingerman’s Greyline.
A cheese-centric 3-course meal showcasing selections from small artisan cheesemakers, including Comté from Marcel Petite, Manchego 1605, and Pril and Brabander from L’amuse. Optional wine pairings available. 6:30–8 p.m., Greyline, 100 N. Ashley. Tickets $80 ($130 includes wine) in advance only at zingermansdeli.com/events. 230–2300.
“Food Literacy for All”: U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
Every Tues. (except Feb. 28), Jan. 10–Apr. 4. Mostly virtual lecture series (Mar. 14 is in person). Mar. 7: Baltimore-area farmer Aleya Fraser on “Food Sovereignty and Chocolate.” Mar. 14: Ten U-M faculty from various disciplines give 5-minute talks related to food and/or agriculture in “Fast Food for Thought.” In-person location TBA. Mar. 21: Climate Justice Alliance co-executive director Ozawa Bineshi Albert on “Community Food Systems for Climate Justice.” Mar. 28: University of California-Santa Barbara environmental studies professor Liz Carlisle and American bison producer Latrice Tatsey on “Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming.” 6:30–8 p.m., for Zoom URL, preregister at sites.lsa.umich.edu/sustainablefoodsystems/foodliteracyforall. Free.
“Lola at Last”: Literati Bookstore/Ann Arbor District Library.
Colorado novelist J.C. Peterson discusses her new book, a companion to her 2022 Pride and Prejudice–inspired novel Being Mary Bennet, that spins a modern Lydia Bennet's life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and romance. Signing. 6:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 585–5567.
LGBTQ Night: “Intergaylatic Drag”: North Star Lounge
Please join us for this incredible drag show collaboration between Heads Over Heels and Gutter Glitter (two incredible, local drag troupes.)
Two shows 6:30 & 8:00. $5 cover.
North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. $10. nstarlounge.comOpening Celebration, 27th Annual Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners: U-M Prison Creative Arts Project.
This annual exhibit and sale of over 600 art works by incarcerated residents of 25 state correctional facilities (see Galleries) opens with talks by representatives TBA from the U-M, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and artists featured in previous exhibitions, and the project’s co-founder Janie Paul, who discusses her new book, Making Art in Prison. Also, artist talks & workshops throughout the week (for a complete schedule see lsa.umich.edu/pcap) including a keynote talk, March 23 at 7 p.m., by theater artist Kate Rubin on “Canada’s Longest Running Prison Theatre Company.” 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.), U-M North Campus, Duderstadt Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., Free. 995–5356.
“70th Annual Bands in Review”: Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Mar. 7, 18, & 21 (different programs). More than 800 public school students perform in these 3 lively concerts. The Community High School Jazz Combo performs intermezzi during each concert. Today: Performances by the A2STEAM School concert band, Forsythe Middle School band, and the Skyline High School varsity, concert, and symphony bands. Mar. 18: Performances by the Ann Arbor Open at Mack, Tappan, and Slauson middle school bands, and the Pioneer High School varsity, concert, and symphony bands. Mar. 21: Performances by the Clague and Scarlett middle school bands, the Huron High School varsity, concert, and symphony bands. 7 p.m., Skyline High School Auditorium (Mar. 7), 2552 N. Maple Rd.); Pioneer High School Schreiber Auditorium (Mar. 18), 601 W. Stadium; Huron High School Meyers Auditorium (Mar. 21), 2727 Fuller Rd. Tickets $5 (families of 4, $10) in advance from band members & at the door. 996–3210.
“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
Ann Arbor Camera Club.
Mar. 7 & 21 (different programs). Club members show their digital slides (Mar. 7) and prints (Mar. 21) on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “What Is It?.” Also, on Mar. 7, club member Larry Hoxey uses his images of Arizona slot canyons to discuss managing extreme lighting conditions, and on Mar. 21, members apply post-processing edits to each other’s images to discuss editing techniques. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty, rear entrance, 2nd fl. Mask and proof of Covid-19 vaccination and booster required. Free. annarborcameraclub.org.
Ford School forum on the economy: U-M Ford School of Public Policy
This annual forum brings together Ford School economists for a discussion of the current state of the U.S. economy. From inflation to the labor market, faculty experts reflect on the most crucial issues facing the American economy, and the top-of-mind issues for its citizens.
In the 2nd iteration of this annual event, the Ford School's Luke Shaefer will be joined by faculty experts Catherine Hausman, Betsey Stevenson, and Justin Wolfers to discuss economic trends and concerns from the labor market to interest rates and beyond.
Voices in Harmony.
“Moving Michigan Beyond Coal to Clean Energy”: Sierra Club Book Club.
Talk by Mike Berkowitz, Michigan leader of the club’s “Beyond Coal” campaign, which was touted by Politico as one of the most effective efforts in the history of the environmental movement. 7:30–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. Preregistration required at meetup.com/Sierra-Club-Huron-Valley. Also via Zoom. Free. 971–1157.
“New Moon Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All ages invited to join WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance for a hike to enjoy the sights and sounds as dusk descends over the river and prairie, and, if skies allow, to look for spring constellations. A campfire and hot drinks follow. 7:30–9 p.m., Burns-Stokes Preserve, Zeeb Rd. just south of Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required by emailing severances@washtenaw.org.
Open Mic Comedy Night: The Club Above.
The Moth StorySLAM: Michigan Radio.
Open mic storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on the theme of “Clumsy.” Stories are judged by a 3-person team recruited from the audience. Monthly winners compete in a semiannual GrandSLAM. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), The Blind Pig, 208 S. First. Tickets $15 general admission in advance only at TheMoth.org beginning a week before event. patricia@themoth.org.
61st Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival: “Films in Competition 1.”
Mar. 21–26. The oldest and one of the most prestigious avant-garde film festivals in North America, showcasing new experimental and independent films in a wide range of genres. Also, “Off the Screen” round-table discussions, exhibits, and parties (see aaFilmFest.org for full schedule). Tickets: $150 (buy before Mar. 1, $125; members, students, & seniors, $100) for the entire festival; $85 (buy before Mar. 1, $75) for weekend passes, or $60 (buy before Mar. 1, $60) for an online-only pass in advance at aafilmfest.org. $12 (students, seniors, & members, $8) per screening at the door. All feature films eligible for online viewing are available Mar. 21–29. 995–5356. Michigan Theater (except as noted), various times.
The festival begins with this first of 12 screenings of a varying mix of experimental, documentary, narrative, and animated films about a wide array of matters from plant sentience to a minimalist musical. 8:15 p.m.
