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Events in March 2023
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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March 4, 2023
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Mar. 19). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (11 a.m.) features a re-creation of an experiment from the Mars Viking Landers expedition to show how scientists search for life on other planets. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (3 p.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain”: Fathom Events.
Mar. 4 & 5: (Campbell Bryer & Sean V. Jeffrey, 2022). The latest installment of the Thomas the Tank Engine animated series about anthropomorphic train engines who set off to figure out the secrets of an old mine. 1 p.m. (both theaters) & 3 p.m. (Emagine only). 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.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri.–Sun. 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. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet.
Trumpeter Swans at Gallup Park: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
Toddler Time
$15 includes one toddler plus an accompanying adult. Children ages 5 and under only. / / Second Toddler (5 and under) $5
Every Friday from 10:00AM - 12:00PM*
Every Saturday from 9:00am-10:00am*
Toddler Time at Launch in Ann Arbor, MI is a great experience for kids 5 and under. Come jump with Mom or Dad without the big kids around! Improves strength and balance while minimizing strain on growing joints. Age-specific time to enjoy the entire park. Great way to socialize children and teach them how to work well with others.
*Excluding holidays and school vacation weeks
*Launch socks required and not included.
ALL Jumpers MUST wear Launch Safety Grip Socks. These socks may be purchased upon arrival for $3 a pair.
“Journey to the Sugarbush”: Hudson Mills Metropark.
Every Sat. & Sun., Mar. 4–19. Maple tree tapping and a visit to the evaporator to see sap being made into syrup. Program takes place primarily outdoors. Followed by a picnic pancake breakfast (preorder only). $6 (family meal $26). Hourly 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Hudson Mills activity center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. $5 (kids, $3, children under 2, free), preregistration required at bit.ly/hudsonmillsmar2023 by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entry fee required. 426–8211.
“Seeds to Seedlings”: Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
March 4 (10 a.m.–noon): Kids ages 5–12 invited to learn about the life cycle of plants from flower to fruit to seed. Participants may choose seeds from a selection of flowers, herbs, and veggies to pot, take home, and watch grow. U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $8; metered parking. Preregistration required at bit.ly/matthaeiyouth.
“Spring Fireside Storytime”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Mar. 4 (10–11:30 a.m.): All ages 3-8, with their families, welcome to join WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance for a campfire with stories, apple juice, and popcorn followed by crafting and a short nature hike. Independence Lake County Park Disc Golf Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $10 per household (up to 4 people). $6 vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required (capacity limited) at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. Registration #IL461311.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids: Keith Hafner's Karate
Ann Arbor Parents: Join us for an exciting, FREE Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids on Saturday, March 4th, from 11:30 to 12:00! Open to 4-8 year olds. Includes age appropriate training in agility and body balance!
214 S. Main ,Ann Arbor. Preregister at member-site.net/VIP/default.aspx?FE--bJPPwb Free. khafner@provide.net www.karateisgoodforyou.com 734-994-0333.
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.
Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can.
Every Thurs. & Sun. A different lineup of activities each time, from readings, concerts, and show & sale of artworks to informal jam sessions and other impromptu events. This month’s highlights: Mar. 12: Informal jam session. Mar. 16: Cigar Box Guitar and Panjo Jam led by Mike Mouradian using his hand-made 3-string electric cigar box guitars, his banjos made from pans, along with dulcimer and ukulele played by gallery artists TBA. Mar. 19: Staged reading of well-known local playwright Jay Stielstra’s newest play, O’ Say Can You See, a look into the convoluted characters, politics and intrigue leading up to the Civil War. Mar 30: Live auction of selected artworks from the collection of the recently deceased & beloved local arts patron Barbara Kramer. 4–5 p.m. (Thurs.) & noon–2 p.m. (Sun.), A Makeshift Gallery, 407 E. Liberty. Free admission. Cheryldawdy.com, cldawdy@gmail.com.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Australia, including the dingo, bearded dragon, and side-necked turtle (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper display of a carpet python (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including a reindeer, bald eagle, macaws, and more. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Mar. 19) and Mar. 27–31. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & noon (Mar. 27–31), U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
“Crafternoon with Clever Creations by Amy”: Booksweet.
Mar. 4 (2 p.m.): Local artist Amy Balzer-Pemberton shows kids age 6 & up, accompanied by an adult, how to make a cupcake house, lollies, and colorful candies out of polymer clay. All supplies provided. Booksweet, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines. $25/per child in advance only at bit.ly/booksweetcrafternoon. 369–4345.
“Read and Look”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
%stMar. 4 (2–3 p.m.): Kelsey staff read Elizabeth Nicholson’s Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties, a twist on Aesop’s fable The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse that’s about 2 kittens from ancient Egypt who take an unexpected journey to Rome. Followed by the chance for kids ages 4–7 (accompanied by an adult) to explore the museum’s collection to find items pictured in the book. Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. 764–9304.
“Wine, Women & Song XXI: Coming of Age”: Kerrytown Concert House.
Mar. 3 & 4. This popular annual show celebrates its 21-year run with musical numbers about the common themes of each new stage of life, hopes and dreams, new beginnings, doses of reality, and gaining wisdom. Vocalists: Laurie Atwood, Linda Beaupré, Sue Booth, Shelley MacMillan, Gayle Martin, January Provenzola, Deanna Relyea, Emily Rogers-Driskill, Monica Swartout-Bebow, and Kathy Waugh. With pianist Tyler Driskill and percussionist Jon Brown, 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sat.), KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $29–$80 in advance at KerrytownConcertHouse.com and at the door. 769–2999.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library.
Open Hours: All Hands Active.
“Get SCRAPpy!”: AADL.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance.
Mar. 4 & 18. Jam sessions open to all interested musicians to work on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance musician skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and The Waltz Books if you have them. 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Union Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask required; check latest Covid policy at aactmad.org. Free. 709–8748.
Bockbierfest: Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein.
This annual spring festival features a German dinner followed by dancing to German music by Tommy Schober & the Sorgenbrecher Band, with raucously noisy Bavarian folk dancing by the Toledo-based Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler Gruppe. 6–11 p.m., Plumbers & Pipefitters Hall (UA Local 190), 7920 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Tickets $40 (includes dinner & beverages). Preregistration required by Mar. 1: email mark_macarthur@yahoo.com or text 474–7017.
Gayelynn McKinney & McKinfolk
GRAMMY-nominated musician GAYELYNN MCKINNEY is one of the most accomplished drummers in Detroit. The daughter of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, Harold McKinney, Gayelynn McKinney has played for renowned international music artists like Aretha Franklin, Freda Payne, Chaka Khan, Benny Golson, Roy Hargrave, Larry Coryell, Marcus Belgrave, Ralphe Armstrong, Roy Ayers, and Geri Allen.
734-372-3200.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.
“Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce 1080 Bruxelles”: Michigan Theater.
Mar. 4 & 7: (Chantal Akerman, 1975). Slice-of-life drama about a widowed Belgian housewife distinguished by its restrained pace, long takes, and static shots. In a 2022 critics’ poll published by Sight & Sound, it was named the greatest film of all time, the first film directed by a woman to top the list. 7 p.m. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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.
“Persian Purim Pageant”: Temple Beth Emeth.
All adults invited to dress up and mingle in Persian costumes as characters from the book of Esther. Also, a chance to solve a Purim-themed riddle and taste traditional Purim feast triangular-shaped foods such as kreplach and hamantaschen pastries. Babysitting available for children age 3 & up ($15 per child). 7–9 p.m., TBE, 2309 Packard. Preregistration required at templebethemeth.org. Free. 665-4774.
Paxton/Spangler Band: North Star Lounge
On any given night the the Paxton/Spangler Band performs great song by Fats Waller, Hoagie Carmichael, Leonard Cohen, Hank Williams, Earl King, Danny Barker, Duke Ellington, The Stylistics, Roy Ayers, Leon Russell, Jimmy Cliff, Nat King Cole and of course, Louis Jordan. They have first-hand experience backing New Orleans greats like Johnny Adams and Earl King. RJ was pianist/singer Eddie Bo's bandleader up North for many years. And of course they have performed together and separately in New Orleans.
| Ticketed Show | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM Seating | Get Tickets |
North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. $20 in advance at nstarlounge.com/tickets/p/spanglerpaxton & (if available) at the door.. nstarlounge.comRan Barnaclo: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Mar. 2, 3, & 4. Cincinnati comic known for his masterfully descriptive storytelling, crowd work, and improvised riffs. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 (Thurs., $13) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $20 (Thurs., $15) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Lee’s Grand Tiki”: Neighborhood Theatre Group.
Mar. 3–5. Meg McNamee directs a staged reading of local playwright Greg Pizzino’s new comedy about a man who borrows $20,000 from a former criminal associate to save his family’s tiki bar. The associate has his own ideas for the place. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), The Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. $5 suggested donation at the door. NTGypsi.org.
“Wine, Women, & Song XXI: Coming of Age”: Kerrytown Concert House.
Mar. 4 & 10. Popular annual show, with local female vocalists TBA presenting musical numbers about friendship, irreverence, fun, and dressing up. Piano accompanist is R. MacKenzie Lewis. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $29–$80 in advance online and (if available) at the door. 769–2999.
1st Saturday Contra: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
Mae Wilson calls to live music by Debbie Jackson, Susie Lorand, and Josh Burdick. All dances taught; no partner needed. Bring clean shoes. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a beginner’s introduction. 7:30–10:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask required. Pay what you can ($10 suggested). aactmad.org, 274–0773.
Comedy Night: Bløm Meadworks.
“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.
“Treetown Comedy Festival”: The Blind Pig.
See 2 Thursday. Tonight: Sam Tallent, a quick-witted observational humorist with a flair for improvisation whom the Denver Post dubbed “the absurd voice of a surreal generation.” Fellow comic Doug Stanhope calls Tallent’s acclaimed debut novel Running the Light “the best fictional representation of comedy in any medium ever.” Followed at 10 p.m. by the Dirty Pig Comedy Show, with several top area comics performing their filthiest jokes. (The Dirty Pig show is included in the $20 ticket price, but you can attend this show only for $5 at the door). 8 p.m.–1 a.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.).
Late Night: Nick Collins Quartet
NICK COLLINS performs regularly around the Detroit area with musicians such as Daniel Bennett, Andrew Bishop, Jeff Pedraz, Randy Napoleon, Rick Roe, Jimmy Smith, James Hughes, and Corey Kendrick. Nick has played at jazz venues such as Smalls (NYC), Cliff Bell’s (Detroit), The Blue LLama, and the late Firefly and Bird of Paradise (Ann Arbor) clubs.
734-372-3200.
