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March 27, 2022

“Gamers for Giving 2022”: Gamers Outreach.
- 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Gamers for Giving 2022”: Gamers Outreach.
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Mar. 26 & 27. Thirty-six-hour online video game marathon, with several tournaments. A benefit for Gamers Outreach, a charity that creates portable video game carts for kids at children’s hospitals. 10 a.m. Sat.-10 p.m. Sun., for URL preregister at gamersforgiving.org. $20-$160 (spectators, free).

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U-M Natural History Museum Planetarium.
All day. Observer EditorObserver Editor
U-M Natural History Museum Planetarium.
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Every Fri.-Sun. Four different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (Fri.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.) explores the impact of an asteroid 66 million years ago, with footage from the first iridium layer found in Gubbio, Italy. Includes a brief star talk. The Sky Tonight (Fri.-Sun., 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky. Suitable for all ages 3-8. Includes a brief star talk. Big Astronomy (Fri.-Sun., 1:30 p.m.) focuses on 3 of the world’s largest observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert. Includes an abbreviated star talk. U-M Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. $8. Masks required. 764-0478.

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'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
8:00 am - 9:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing, Creative WashtenawCreative Washtenaw, FreeFree
'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
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March 13 - April 13. Creal Microgallery presents ‘Snails and the Infinite,' an exhibition of small sculptures by Portland, Maine artist Robin Carlson. These sculptures depict a playful grouping of snails sporting a range of surreal alternatives to traditional shells.

Carlson describes ‘play’ as being one of the primary motivators in her artistic process. “My world, the things I am passionate about and what matters to me at the end of the day, is a place where ‘play’ is taken seriously and everything is a puzzle. Problem solving becomes silly and fun.” The results are indeed silly and fun— snail shells made of sushi, or ice cream sundaes, or gruesomely dislodged eyeballs. They harken back to gift shop miniatures, to emojis, and in some instances to comics and gross-out toys of the 80s and 90s. Carlson says she’s been making toys since she was around 6-7 years old, and has always enjoyed collecting things. Over time she has grown to enjoy creating her own toy collections, exploring variations on a theme. By working from a constant starting point— in this case the snail— she enjoys exploring the infinite possibilities for play.

So, why snails? Carlson says they remind her of the “deep realities of life. When I concentrate on the smallness of the world, the bugs beneath our feet, the flowers popping up in spring, a broken egg on the sidewalk, I remember to be appreciative of nature and all that is small. Within the form of the humble snail is infinity.” Carlson also sees snails as a great example of the universal law of duality: soft and hard, malleable and fragile, fleeting and ancient. The shell is structural, defined and geometric. But a snail’s body is amorphous, ever-changing and organic. It is almost ironic then, that the shell becomes the shapeshifting canvas. Like a hermit crab making a tin can its new home, Carlson swaps in birthday cake or spaghetti and meatballs in place of a snail shell. She encourages viewers to look more closely and pay attention. Carlson’s work invites viewers to use their imaginations and remain open to the unexpected.

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Easter Bunny: Briarwood Mall.
10:00 am - 6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Easter Bunny: Briarwood Mall.
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A chance to take photos (prices TBA) with the Easter Bunny. For up-to-date hours and to reserve an appointment see shopbriarwood.com Free admission. 769-9610.

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FestiFools Community Artmaking. Wonderfool Productions.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
FestiFools Community Artmaking. Wonderfool Productions.
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Every Sunday. All welcome to come make luminaries, costumes, puppets and more to get ready for FestiFools, Ann Arbor’s popular public art parade down State St., on Apr. 3.AADL Warehouse, 265 Parkland Plaza. Mask required. Wonderfoolproductions.org.

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“Annual Dance for Mother Earth Ann Arbor Powwow”: U-M and EMU Native American Student Associations.
10:30 am - 6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Annual Dance for Mother Earth Ann Arbor Powwow”: U-M and EMU Native American Student Associations.
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Mar. 26 & 27. Gathering of Native Americans from throughout the Great Lakes area with social dancing and demonstrations of different styles of Native American dance, including fancy, traditional, grass dress, and jingle dress. Dance contests in a variety of styles, featuring children and adults accompanied by Native American drumming ensembles. Grand entries on Sat. at noon & 7 p.m. and on Sun. at noon only. Display and sale of traditional crafts and food. 10:30 a.m.—10:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 10:30 a.m.—6 p.m. (Sun.), Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. $10 (students/ seniors, $7; kids ages 6-12, $5) per day; $15 (students/seniors, $10; kids, $7) weekend pass; ages 5 & under and U-M students, free; group rates available. Tickets available at the door only. 408-1581. powwow.umich.edu/event-information

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Interfaith Sunday Service: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
10:45 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Interfaith Sunday Service: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
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Please join us for Sunday service via Zoom or in Person. Details at Interfaithspirit.Org. Free, but donations appreciated. Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth

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Sankofa: The Art & Legacy of Jon Onye Lockard
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Sankofa: The Art & Legacy of Jon Onye Lockard
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This exhibit features a collection of Jon Onye Lockard’s work and historical artifacts that speak with an uncommon eloquence, vibrancy and enlightenment. The relevance of his work and life experiences, to today’s world and current events, illuminate his vision even more. Lockard (1/25/1932 – 3/25/2015) was a visionary looking forward with a vast knowledge of the past. Born in Detroit, his career spanned more than a half-century painting, teaching, exhibiting, and lecturing locally, nationally, and internationally. His life exemplified the West African proverb Sankofa – “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten”. There is wisdom in learning from the past and one’s roots, to ensure a strong future ahead.African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County

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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
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Every Sat. & Sun.Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Australia (2 & 4 p.m.), including the kangaroo, dingo and a reptile known as a bearded dragon. Also, a zookeeper talk with a surprise animal (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals.Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $10 (kids ages 2-12, $8; under age 2, free) in advance at TheCreatureConservancy.org; at the door, $11 (kids ages 2-12, $9; under age 2, free). Masks required. 929-9324.

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“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center.
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Mar. 13 & 27. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. 1-4 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. Mask required in indoor spaces. LesliesNC.org, 997-1553.LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. Mask required in indoor spaces. LesliesNC.org, 997-1553.

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60th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival.
1:00 pm - 10:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
60th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival.
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Mar. 22-27. 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). Today: “Experimental Curator: The Sally Dixon Story.” A collection of this Carnegie Museum of Art film program founder’s work, curated by Brigid Maher. 1 p.m. “What We Shared.” Kamila Kuc’s competition film, a documentary in which 7 inhabitants of a de facto state on the Black Sea tell stories of loss and displacement through re-imaginings of dreams and memories of the 1992-93 war in Abkhazia, a region claimed by Georgia. 1:15 p.m. “elephant.” Maria Judice’s competition film, a meditation on Black mobility, terror, and collective mourning. 3:15 p.m. “Dr. Chicago” (George Manupelli, 1968). The first of 4 absurdist avante-garde films made by the late AAFF founder about the fictional Dr. Alvin Chicago, a sex-change surgeon on the run. 3:30 p.m. “Winners 1.” The announcement of the 60th AAFF Award winners and screening of films. 6 p.m. “Winners 2.” Screening of more award-winning films. 8 p.m.Michigan Theater (except as noted). Tickets: $125 (members, students, & seniors, $100) for the entire festival, $75 (members, students, & seniors, $60) for weekend passes, or $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 beginning March 22. 995-5356.

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Winter Nature Walk: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Winter Nature Walk: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
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A city naturalist leads a walk through Dolph Nature Area, which includes forest and shrubland, naturally formed lakes, wetland, and marsh. A great place to spot some interesting native plants and animals. Dress for the weather (layered clothing recommended) and bring water.Meet at the parking lot off Wagner Rd. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/dolphwalk032722. 794-6627.

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“40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.
1:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“40+ Sources for Finding Maiden Names”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.
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Livestream talk by Katherine Willson, a 7th-generation Michigander who lectures frequently on genealogy. Followed at 3:15 p.m. by a talk by former Irish Genealogical Society of Michigan president Abigail Eynon on “Irish Pioneers of Washtenaw County.”For URL email info@WashtenawGenealogy.org. Free.

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“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
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Casaundra Freeman directs this Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu drama—the 1st post-lockdown play to open on Broadway—that brings the big questions of Waiting for Godot into contemporary life. Two young black men meet under a streetlight, talk smack, pass time, and hope for a better life. The New York Times called the play “blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $22 in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com & at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 48 hours). 635-8450.

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“The Ties That Bind: Two One-Act Operas by African-American Composers”: U-M Opera Theater Department.
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“The Ties That Bind: Two One-Act Operas by African-American Composers”: U-M Opera Theater Department.
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Mar. 24-27. Danielle Wright directs an ensemble of U-M voice students, accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra. William Grant Still’s 1963 opera Highway 1, USA is a blend of Romanticism, blues, and musical theater with a libretto by the composer’s wife, Verna Avery. The story centers on the tension between the owner of a gas station, his wife, and a younger brother who comes to live with them after graduating college. Adolphus Hailstork’s contemporary opera Rise for Freedom: The John P. Parker Story incorporates elements of folk song and church music in a dramatic rendering of the life of this former slave who earned enough money to buy his freedom, went on to establish a foundry, and held patents as an inventor, all while working as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets $27-$33 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 764-2538.

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Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild.
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild.
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All are invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring your own to tell.For URL see AnnArborStorytelling.org. Free.

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Tamale Sale: Jewish Family Services/Pilar’s Foundation/Zion Lutheran Church.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Tamale Sale: Jewish Family Services/Pilar’s Foundation/Zion Lutheran Church.
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Fundraising sale of tamales with accompanying meals made by Pilar’s Tamales. Funds support resettlement of Afghan refugees. Music by Jeffrey Thiele inside the building. 3-6 p.m. drive-up pickup, Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Preordering encouraged at pilarsfoundation.org by Sun. Mar. 20 to help with planning. 585-5630 or 929-4161.

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“Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower”: Parable Path A2Ypsi/University Musical Society.
4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower”: Parable Path A2Ypsi/University Musical Society.
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Mar. 25-27. This gospel/blues/funk opera, adapted by Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Bernice Johnson Reagon and her daughter Toshi Reagon from Butler’s dystopian novel, chronicles the spiritual awakening of a young black woman in an America that struggles with violence and inequality. When it debuted in 2018, the New York Times called the opera poignant and cautionary, as well as unrepentantly political, with some splendid songs.8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. $28-$57 (students $12-20) in advance at ums.org. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours) required. 764-2538.

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Benjamin Grosvenor, Piano: University Musical Society.
4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Benjamin Grosvenor, Piano: University Musical Society.
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This 29-year-old piano sensation makes his UMS debut in a recital featuring Cesar Franck’s Prelude, Chorale, and Fugue, Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor, Isaac Albeniz’s Iberia (Book 1), and Ravel’s Jeux d’eau and La valse. Grosvenor first came to prominence at age 11 as a winner of the 2004 BBC Young Musician Competition. A 2021 Guardian review termed his performance technically brilliant but detached. Hill Auditorium. Tickets $12-$61 ($12-$20 students) in advance at ums.org, by phone, and (if available) at the door. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours) required. 764-2538.

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Houston Person: Kerrytown Concert House.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, HybridHybrid
Houston Person: Kerrytown Concert House.
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This 87-year-old South Carolina-bred jazz tenor saxophonist’s strong driving melodies with a dose of soul spring from the lineage of such tenor sax titans as Illinois Jacquet, whom he names a key influence. Tonight, he’s backed by a trio of Michigan veterans: pianist Pat Cronley, bassist Paul Keller, and drummer David Taylor. KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Limited to 60% capacity. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $24-$105 in advance online and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 769-2999.

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