Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in April 2023
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
April 20, 2023
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
Every Sat., Mon., Tues., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join an advanced or beginner group run (Sat.), a 5k mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Mon., Tues., & Thurs.), AARC Downtown (Sat. & Tues.), 209 S. Ashley; AARC Traver Village (Mon.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Colonnade (Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. Annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
“Human Migration Through the Ages”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Lecture Series
Every Thurs. Apr. 13–May 18. A series of talks by U-M and visiting scholars. Apr. 13: University of Toronto history professor Donna Gabaccia on “Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives in the Study of Human Mobility.” Apr. 20: MSU archaeology professor Kurt Rademaker on “The Trail of Early South Americans in the Andes.” Apr. 27: U-M (Dearborn) Arab history professor Sally Howell on “A Century of Middle Eastern Migration to Michigan: Displacement, Disruption and Dynamism.” May 4: MSU anthropology professor Andrea Louie on “History, Immigrant Experiences, and Contemporary Issues.” May 11: Georgetown University Institute for the Study of International Migration director Elizabeth Ferris on “Climate Change as a Driver of Migration: What We Know and Don’t Know.” May 18: Princeton University economics professor Leah Boustan on “Streets of Gold: America’s Untold Story of Immigrant Success.” 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.
Rock Companies - Legends Rosewood Village - Career Fair!: Rock Companies
Come grow with us! Find you next career opportunity with Rock Companies!
6325 Conifer Drive, Pittsfield Township, MI 48197 ,Pittsfield Township. Free. katelynwhite@rockcompanies.com 248607460.U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia for native Spanish speakers (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) in person.
“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Preschool Storytimes: AADL
“Exchange Party”: International Neighbors
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) 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.
Ikebana International
All invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Floral materials provided, bring your own container and tools. 1–2:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $20. Space limited; preregistration required at a2ikebana@gmail.com. Metered parking. More info at ikebanaannarbor.org.
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia for native Spanish speakers (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) in person.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Apr. 1, 4, 20, & 29 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. Also, demonstrations of lead typesetting (Apr. 1) and cotton prints (Apr. 4). 2–4 p.m. (Apr. 1 & 29) and 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Apr. 4 & 20), AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd. or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia for native Spanish speakers (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) in person.
Mapping the Beauty and Fragility of Our Planet: University of Michigan Library
Join us in person to explore the past, present, and future of the Earth’s landscapes. Discover maps from the University of Michigan Library's Clark Library Collection that illustrate our environment and the many challenges it faces. This Third Thursday Open House will feature University of Michigan student projects from GIS, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, and more!
Clark Library, 2nd Floor Hatcher Library, 913 S. University Ave. ,Ann Arbor. Free. tutter@umich.edu https://www.lib.umich.edu/ 734-647-0646.Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can
Every Sun. & Thurs. 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: Apr. 2: Show and sale of selected artworks from the collection of the recently deceased & beloved local arts patron Barbara Kramer with live music by local musicians TBA. Apr. 6: Silent auction of selected works from gallery and other local artists. Apr. 9: Live music by local musicians TBA, and announcement of silent auctions winners. Apr. 13: Show and sale of found material art by mosaic artist Morrine Maltzman and jeweler Carolyn Tjon Burnstein. Apr. 16: What next? All invited to a meeting to discuss possible futures for the gallery. Apr. 20: Art-making demonstrations by some of the gallery’s new artists. Apr. 23. Artwork from and discussion with high school artists TBA from Ann Arbor public schools. Apr. 30: Free hands-on session using found materials to create art led by mosaic artist Morrine Maltzman. Bring your own materials or purchase materials at the gallery. 4–5 p.m. (Thurs.) & noon–2 p.m. (Sun.), A Makeshift Gallery, 407 E. Liberty. Free admission. Cheryldawdy.com, cldawdy@gmail.com.
Just Between Friends Sale
Apr. 20–23. Show and sale of used maternity items, baby and children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 6 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 5–9 p.m. (Thurs.; preregistration required), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Fri.), 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. & 6–8 p.m. (Sat.), & 9 a.m.–noon (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free, but a $3–$25 “priority pass” allows you early bird access. To preregister see bit.ly/aajbf2023
“D&D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
“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. Mask recommended. Online participation available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Use Those Spring Greens!”: The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor (formerly St. Joe’s)
Josef Deas Trio: Blue LLama Jazz Club
JOSEF DEAS is an American musician living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Saxophonist Marcus Elliot says, “Josef is just one of those vital connectors—everybody who’s played jazz in SE Michigan knows him.”
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“Making a Muni: Can We Build It Here?”: Ann Arbor Public Power
“The One”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati
Massachusetts-based writer Julia Argy, a U-M alum, discusses (via Zoom) her debut novel, a brilliant send-up of our cultural mythology around romance that’s about a young woman recruited as a last-minute contestant for a popular reality dating show. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-04. Free. 585–5567.
2023 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti
$12 (unless indicated otherwise) in advance at iffypsi.com and at the door (cash or credit). Four days of screenings showcasing local creators and filmmakers from around the world. Times subject to change; for up-to-date schedule and details, see iffypsi.com. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti, various times.
Apr. 19: “Michigan-ish.” Short films from Michigan on a variety of topics, from personal essays and music videos to science fiction. 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 20: “Sounds from Our Memories.” Mixtape film that incorporates documentary, music video, and visual experimentation. 7 p.m.
Feature Film TBA. 9:15 p.m.
Apr. 21: “Gems Across the Seas.” Short films from around the world, including works from South Africa, Mexico, and Hong Kong. 7 p.m.
“Hauntologies.” Haunted shorts. 9:15 p.m.
Apr. 22: Workshops for kids and adults. 1 p.m. FREE.
“Northwest Film Forum Tour.” Program of kids’ live action and animated shorts from around the world. 1 p.m. $6.
“Radio Campfire: Close-ups.” Audio portraits and stories with projected video for ambiance. 3 p.m. $6.
Unfinished Film: “A Paranormal Periscope.” Screening of raw footage (interviews, etc.) shot at the Michigan Paranormal Convention, followed by a conversation with documentarian Jen Proctor about her unfinished film. 4:30 p.m. $6.
“Best of London International Animation Festival 2022.” Animated shorts. 7 p.m.
“Underground Picnic #2” Experimental tours of psychotropic cinematic vistas. 9 p.m.
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. [2x]
Fathom Events
Fathom Events. 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), various times.
Apr. 1 & 5: “Falstaff” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s comic masterpiece, a brilliantly balanced blend of bawdy humor and lyric beauty. Adapted from Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor, with a few additions from Henry IV, the story finds Shakespeare’s larger-than-life rogue wooing 2 married women for money while his own daughters steal kisses behind his back. The music, one of Verdi’s most bewitching scores, is sung in Italian, with English supertitles. 12:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only).
Apr. 2-4 & 6: “The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli” (Gaetano Morbioli & Paolo Sodi, 2023). Spiritual documentary that follows world-renowned tenor Bocelli and his wife Veronica as they travel through beautiful Italian terrain on horseback to complete parts of the Via Francigena—a historical pilgrimage in which Christians journey to Rome to worship at grand cathedrals and visit revered burial sites of saints and apostles. 4 & 7 p.m.
Apr. 12 & 13: “Beautiful Disaster” (Roger Kumble, 2023). College romance about a clean-cut freshman girl who loses a bet and has to live with a bad-boy brawler for a month. 7 p.m.
Apr. 15 & 19: “Der Rosenkavalier” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Richard Straus’s 1911 comic opera, a send-up of courtly love about an aging princess whose young lover falls for the daughter of a rich aristocrat. Noon. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only).
Apr. 16 & 20: “The Big Lebowski” (Joel & Ethan Coen, 1998). 25th anniversary screening of this beloved comedy starring Jeff Bridges as an L.A. slacker who’s mistaken for a namesake who then commissions him to ransom the latter’s kidnapped trophy wife. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Thurs.).
Apr. 18: “Mirando al Cielo” (Antonio Peláez, 2023). Historical drama about a 14-year-old boy who takes up arms against the Mexican government in the 1920’s Cristero Rebellion. Captured, he is taken to a village where his own godfather is the magistrate who must decide his punishment. Spanish, subtitles. 7 p.m.
Apr. 22 & 24: “Carol Burnett: A Celebration” (Mike Trinklein, 2023). This tribute to the prolific TV comedian, one of the 1st women to host a prime time variety show, features clips, memories, and interviews with Carl Reiner, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, Betty White, Cloris Leachman, Tina Fey, Phyllis Diller, Barbara Eden, Jim Nabors, and more. 2 p.m. (Sat.) and 4 & 7 p.m. (Mon.).
Apr. 23 & 27: “Spirited Away: Live on Stage” Screening of Tony-winning director John Caird’s 2022 stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s dazzling Oscar-winning animated fantasy about a young girl who discovers a secret world of strange spirits and sorcery. Features dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Japanese, subtitles. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Thurs.).
Apr. 29 & May 3: “Champion” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of acclaimed contemporary composer Terence Blanchard’s 2021 opera about a young boxer who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and his older self, still haunted by the ghosts of his past. 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only).
Rick Roe & Ben Turner: North Star Lounge
Rick Roe is a jazz pianist, composer, performer, and educator in the southeastern Michigan music community. He has produced and co-produced twelve recordings with original compositions and jazz classics with some of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world.
Guitarist Ben Turner, a native of South Jersey, was raised musically in Philadelphia where he was mentored by musicians such as Peter Bernstein, Larry McKenna, Terell Stafford, and Tim Warfield. He is currently pursuing a graduate teaching assistantship in jazz studies at Michigan State University under the tutelage of Randy Napoleon and Rodney Whitaker.
$10 Cover.
North Star Lounge 301 North 5th Avenue ,Ann Arbor. $10. northstarlounge@gmail.comWeekly 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.Costaki Economopoulos: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Apr. 20–22. Sharp, insightful, socially relevant comic from Georgia who specializes in political comedy. He has released 4 comedy albums and makes regular appearances on the Bob & Tom Radio Show. He has been referred to by a fellow comedian as a “casually brilliant joke philosopher.” Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $22 (Thurs., $17) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Aloha Party”: Ann Arbor Ski Club General Meeting
“Earth Week: New Moon Hike & Campfire”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
All invited to join WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance in a gentle walk to learn about the surprising diversity of the nocturnal creatures in the park. The hike ends with a campfire and s’mores. 7:30–9 p.m., County Farm Park, Platt Rd. pavilion, 2230 Platt Rd. Free, preregistration required at bit.ly/earthweek2023-wcprc (activity #831009), 971–6337.
“Touch of Blue”: New American Vocal Ensemble (UMMA)
This 17-voice U-M student jazz ensemble (formerly Blue Note Vocal Jazz Ensemble) performs new works by various jazz composers, including Kenyon Duncan, Harry Baker, Karen Jane Ludwig, Jerome Walker, and Harry Castle. The group also includes a pianist, bassinet, & percussionist. 7:30–9 p.m., UMMA, 525 S. State. Free. umma.umich.edu/events. 764–0395.
Acoustic Routes 10th Anniversary Concerts
Apr. 20–22 (different programs). Three nights of shows celebrating 10 years of Acoustic Routes bringing top-notch musical acts to Saline. Tonight: Nicole Boggs & The Reel, a Nashville-based rock trio, fronted by bassist and lead singer Boggs, that blends biting, sarcastic lyrics and ethereal 3-part harmonies with polished rock-and-roll licks and catchy hooks. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.) & 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), Stony Lake Brewing, 447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. $15–$20 in advance at stonylakebrewing.com & at the door. 316–7919.
Jeremy Jordan: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Cabaret performance by this singer-actor best known for his starring role opposite Anna Kendrick in the movie musical The Last Five Years and for his Tony-nominated performance in the 2012 Broadway musical Newsies. Tonight he performs Broadway show tunes. 7:30 p.m., Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $99 (+$3.80 fee) in advance at theEncoreTheatre.org & at the door. 268–6200.
Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Every Sun. (except Apr. 9) & Thurs. 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. 9–10 a.m. (Sun.) & 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“Monsters of the American Cinema”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
Every Thurs.–Sat., Apr. 7–22. Craig Ester directs Christian St. Croix’s award-winning 2021 drama about a gay Black man whose husband dies, leaving him both the owner of a drive-in movie theater and a caregiver to his late husband’s straight, white teenage son. United by their love of classic American monster movies, the 2 have strong bond—until peer pressure and homophobia come between them. Suitable for ages 15 & up (strong language). 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. Tickets $20 (seniors, $18), in advance at PennySeats.org and (if available) at the door. 926–5346.
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., Apr. 11 & 25). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
2023 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti
$12 (unless indicated otherwise) in advance at iffypsi.com and at the door (cash or credit). Four days of screenings showcasing local creators and filmmakers from around the world. Times subject to change; for up-to-date schedule and details, see iffypsi.com. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti, various times.
Apr. 19: “Michigan-ish.” Short films from Michigan on a variety of topics, from personal essays and music videos to science fiction. 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 20: “Sounds from Our Memories.” Mixtape film that incorporates documentary, music video, and visual experimentation. 7 p.m.
Feature Film TBA. 9:15 p.m.
Apr. 21: “Gems Across the Seas.” Short films from around the world, including works from South Africa, Mexico, and Hong Kong. 7 p.m.
“Hauntologies.” Haunted shorts. 9:15 p.m.
Apr. 22: Workshops for kids and adults. 1 p.m. FREE.
“Northwest Film Forum Tour.” Program of kids’ live action and animated shorts from around the world. 1 p.m. $6.
“Radio Campfire: Close-ups.” Audio portraits and stories with projected video for ambiance. 3 p.m. $6.
Unfinished Film: “A Paranormal Periscope.” Screening of raw footage (interviews, etc.) shot at the Michigan Paranormal Convention, followed by a conversation with documentarian Jen Proctor about her unfinished film. 4:30 p.m. $6.
“Best of London International Animation Festival 2022.” Animated shorts. 7 p.m.
“Underground Picnic #2” Experimental tours of psychotropic cinematic vistas. 9 p.m.
Rock Companies - Legends Rosewood Village - Career Fair!: Rock Companies
Come grow with us! Find you next career opportunity with Rock Companies!
6325 Conifer Drive, Pittsfield Township, MI 48197 ,Pittsfield Township. Free. katelynwhite@rockcompanies.com 248607460.