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Events in June 2023
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June 15, 2023
“Learning and Teaching by Gardening”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Every Thurs. All invited to join WCPARC horticulturalist Mary Robinson to learn gardening skills by doing some gardening in the park. Bring a water bottle. Snacks, water, and gloves provided. 9:30–11:30 a.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Rd. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc-vol-2023 (activity #VOL852400). bertrandm@washtenaw.org.
Flower Arranging: Pittsfield Township Senior Center
Pittsfield Township Senior Center (701 W. Ellsworth, 822–2120). Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Check meeting status before coming. bit.ly/pittsfield-senior. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Coffee & Conversation (Mon. 9–10 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 10–11:45 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 10–11:30 a.m.). Book Club (Wed., June 7, 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Investment Club (Wed., June 7 & 21, 2:30 p.m.). Flower Arranging (Thurs. 9:30–11:30 a.m.). Crafting Crew (Fri. 10-11:30 a.m.). Bridge (Fri. 12:30-3:30 p.m., except June 30).
“Breathing New Life Into Old Buildings”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Summer Lecture Series
June 1, 8, & 15. A series of talks by architects from the local design collective Quinn Evans. June 1: Elisabeth Knibbe on “Detroit: From Ruins to Riches.” June 8: “Why Do I Like this Place? Creating Great Urban Spaces,” a talk by Ilene Tyler on the 5 key design elements that demonstrate how a city’s open spaces relate to its buildings. June 15 (via Zoom at bit.ly/ollisummerlecture2023): Carl Elefante on “ZERO Is a Positive Number: Building Greater Good Through Climate Action.” 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $40 (members, $15) for the 6-lecture series. $5 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
“Little Trees, Big Impact: 10th Anniversary Celebration”: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
June 1–30. Month-long celebration of the Matthaei Bonsai Garden’s 10th year, with themed weeks, pop-up pruning demos in the garden, family-friendly activities, and workshops for all levels (June 17 & 18, see website for information). June 17 (1–4 p.m.): Bonsai Expert Demonstrations. Well-known Japanese Satsuki experts Hiroharu Kobayashi and Yoichi Fukudan demonstrate their work with hearty Satsuki azaleas on the Matthaei commons. June 24 (10 a.m.–noon): Basics of Bonsai for Families. Kids ages 7–14 invited with their families to explore the bonsai collection, learn about the art, and practice some simple techniques themselves. Preregistration required. June 25 (12:30–2 p.m.): Bonsai Stories for Families. Kids ages 7–14 invited with their families to write and illustrate stories inspired by the bonsai collection. $8/kid, preregistration required. Various dates and times, U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/little-trees-big-impact-event.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Preschool Storytimes: AADL
Every Mon.–Fri. (different times). Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood & Pittsfield (Thurs. 11 a.m.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
“Sonic Lunch”: Bank of Ann Arbor
Jazz Brunch with Paul Keller Quartet at Venue Restaurant: Venue Resturant
Jazz Brunch with the Paul Keller Quartet THIS Saturday, June 17 from noon till 3 PM at Venue Restaurant, 1919 S. Industrial (at Stadium Boulevard), Ann Arbor MI. Come enjoy great food and drinks in a fresh, cosmopolitan setting while you dig the swinging, fun and entertaining sounds of Keller Jazz outdoor on the patio.
1919 S. Industrial (at Stadium Boulevard) ,Ann Arbor, MI. No cover charge. hello@experience4m.com https://www.experience4m.com/contact/ 734 800-0128.“Wildflower Rangers”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Every Thurs. (except June 22), Apr. 27–June 29, & Sat. June 10. All invited to train to identify and protect ephemeral spring wildflowers and wildflower habitats in various county parks & preserves. June 1: Park Lyndon South (18801 North Territorial Rd., Chelsea). June 8: Parker Mill County Park (4650 Geddes Rd.). June 10: Scio Woods Preserve (4000 Scio Church Rd.). June 15: Miller-Smith Preserve (8560 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter). June 29: Baker Woods Preserve (11914 Trinkle Rd., Dexter). 1–4 p.m., various locations. Preregistration required by emailing Matthew Bertrand at bertrandm@washtenaw.org, or via bit.ly/wildflower-ranger.
“Skating on Mars”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
Ice Cream Social @ the Clements
“Top of the Park”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival
See 9 Friday. Tonight in the Kidzone: chalk drawing with popular local street artist David Zinn (all day), and Storytime (5, 6, & 7 p.m.) with Ann Arbor District Library staff featuring fun songs, stories, puppets, and movement. On the Power Center Lawn: Shua Group & Friends (5:30 p.m.) lead a program of animal movements on the soft grass. In the Annex tent: Dreamspace (5 p.m.), a multisensory collaborative art installation which pairs different Michigan artists with various social justice organizations. On the O&W Grove Stage: slapslap (5 p.m.), a U-M music student percussion and electric bassoon ensemble, and Ahya Simone (6 p.m.), a Detroit singer-harpist whose solo music blends classical harp stylings with R&B vocals. On the Rackham Stage: Sabetye (7 p.m.), the DJ alter ego of Detroit-born artist saylem mississippi celeste performs an experimental blend of sounds to promote sonic healing. Also, Detroit-based R&B singer Supercoolwicked (8:15 p.m.) collaborates with Flint-based visual artist and activist Ash Arder in an audiovisual program exploring the evolution of the Negro spiritual. The music is followed at 10 p.m. by a screening of Wakanda Forever, Dylan Coogler’s 2022 Marvel superhero blockbuster about the princess of a reclusive African nation who gains superhuman abilities and dons the mythical Black Panther costume to defend her country. 5 p.m.–midnight.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
“Japan Week: Bon Odori Dance Festival with the Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group”: Ann Arbor District Library
The local Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group gives a brief performance of Japanese festival and folk music, followed by an interactive Bon Dance celebrating life and community. Participants learn a simple series of moves to be performed standing or seated while dancing along with the musicians. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
“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. Extended hours (5:30–9 p.m.) on June 8 during A2Zero Week. 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.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
Every Thurs., Sat., Mon., & Tues. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5km mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an advanced or beginner group run (Sat.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 6 p.m. (Mon., Tues., & Thurs.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Colonnade (Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; AARC Downtown (Sat. & Tues.), 209 S. Ashley; AARC Traver Village (Mon.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; Free. Annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Much Ado About Nothing”: U-M Residential College/Nichols Arboretum
June 1–4, 8–11, 15–18, & 22–25. Carol Gray, Rob Sulewski, & Graham Atkin direct students and local actors in an alfresco production of Shakespeare’s sharp-tongued comedy that begins in the valley and moves across the Arb to conclude in the peony garden. The high-spirited plot involves 2 pairs of young lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into acknowledging each other, while the other couple’s love is nearly ruined by a deception that, abetted by the paranoia of returning military heroes, leads to trumped-up charges of infidelity. The play is best known for its charged sexual banter and for the penetrating wit and often dark cast of its humor. This year’s production is the first not under the supervision of Shakespeare in the Arb founder Kate Mendeloff, who passed away from cancer this April. Audience members should be prepared for light weather conditions, periods of sitting, standing and walking. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Peony Garden entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. $25 (Matthaei-Nichols members, $20; students, $15) in advance only. Tickets go on sale May 22 (May 15 for members) at mutotix.umich.edu & the Michigan Union Ticket Office and are held at will call at the Arboretum Visitor Center. 998–9540.
“Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights”: Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce
Ralphe Armstrong Trio: Blue LLama Jazz Club
By the time Detroit bassist Ralphe Armstrong was just 20 years old, his touring and recording accomplishments were beyond what the average musician strives a lifetime to achieve. Son of legendary visual artists musician, composer, poet, storyteller Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, Ralphe came from a musical family. While still in his teens, he was hired by John McLaughlin to perform in the Mahavishnu Orchestra. He has since toured and recorded with Frank Zappa, Jean-Luc Ponty, Carlos Santana, Geri Allen, Lenny White, Herbie Hancock and more.
314 S. Main St. ,Ann Arbor. opentable.com/walk-ins welcome $15 cover. loryn.hawley@bluellamaclub.com https://bluellamaclub.com/event/ralphe-armstrong-trio/ 7343723200.“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
“The Spongebob Musical”: Horizon Performing Arts
June 15–18. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs young local actors and singers in this critically acclaimed musical about a happy-go-lucky sponge who lives in a pineapple on the ocean floor. Based on a Nickelodeon cartoon, it garnered 12 Tony nominations when it opened in 2018. An all-star roster supplied original songs, among them Steven Tyler, the Flaming Lips, John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and Sara Bareilles. Appropriate for all ages. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) and 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), The Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. Tickets: $18/$22 at horizonperformingarts.yapsody.com or at the door.
Piano Bar Thursday: Blue Turbulence Sextet: N/A
Blue Turbulence Sextet is a grouping of many of SE Michigan’s finest musicians formed to showcase new compositions from Mr. B. The North Star Lounge are hosting their very first rehearsal/ performances. We welcome you to come and witness the birth and development of this new project!
$10 Cover.
301 North 5th Avenue ,Ann Arbor. $10. northstarlounge@gmail.comThursday Night Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association)
Every Thurs., June 1–Aug. 31 (except June 22) & Sat., June 17. Local musicians perform throughout the Main St. area. Tonight: big band swing by the Depot Town Big Band, acoustic Americana covers and originals by singer-guitarist Brett Maynard, Brazilian and Cuban music by Félix and Ángel Benkí, and a few performers from the renowned touring student fiddle ensemble Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. Alcoholic beverages may be carried in designated containers within district boundaries. Portable food available from local restaurants. Rain cancels. 7–9 p.m., Main St. area. Free. For specific locations, go to mainstreetannarbor.org.
Thursday Night Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association)
See 1 Thursday. Tonight: late 1930s swing and 1940s R&B by the II-V-I Orchestra, local Americana rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter Adam Plomaritas, local surf guitarist Marco Bruschtein, the Brazilian and Cuban music duo Félix and Ángel Benkí, and a few performers from the renowned touring student fiddle ensemble Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. 7–9 p.m.
Weekly 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.“42nd Street”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 1–25. This local professional theater company performs the 1980 Broadway musical adapted from the 1933 Busby Berkeley film musical about a talented young performer who gets her big break on Broadway. The vintage score, which features lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer and music by Harry Warren, includes such favorites as “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me,” “We’re in the Money,” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.” 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $57.50 (seniors 62 and over $55.50, youth 12 and under $28) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Every Thurs. & Sun. (except June 11). 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.), & 9–10 a.m. (Sun.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“Arabic to English”: Theatre Nova
Every Thurs.-Sun., June 2–25. Sarab Kamoo directs the pandemic-delayed premiere of David Wells’ 2020 drama about a high-stakes immigration case in which an Arab American interpreter, engaged to a White American lawyer, falls in love with her fiancé’s Arab American client. Escalating emotions and her need to choose between the prospect of a storybook American life and her desire to define her own identity complicate the already ticklish task of translation. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $22 in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. Mask strongly recommended. 635–8450.
Eddie Pepitone: The Blind Pig
This master of dark comedy, aka the Bitter Buddha, is a hilarious force of nature on stage, switching between razor-sharp social rage and charismatic self-doubt. His most recent stand-up special, For the Masses, made the New York Times list of the best stand-up specials of 2020. Age 21 & up only. Doors open at 7 p.m. 8–9:30 p.m., The Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. $20 in advance at the 8 Ball Saloon (below the club) & at BlindPigMusic.com/calendar, and at the door. 996–8555.
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. June 13 & 27). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
Renée Elise Goldsberry: Ann Arbor Summer Festival
This Tony Award-winning singer-actress, a Detroit native, fronts a 4-piece band and backup singers in a revue featuring an array of music from jazz standards to pop and R&B classics to familiar show tunes. Best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the original run of the Broadway musical phenomenon Hamilton, in concert Goldsberry showcases both her big, expressive voice and the diverse range of her musical influences, and features numerous stories and anecdotes from her Broadway career. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $45–$117 in advance at a2sf.org & at the door. 764–2538.
