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Events in April 2022
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April 12, 2022
“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival).
Mar. 8–Apr. 24. Reprise of the summer production of this interactive performance art piece curated by NYC theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone—the duo behind the Obie-winning company 600 Highwaymen—in which 2 randomly chosen ticket holders meet on opposite ends of a table, separated by a pane of glass, to follow a scripted set of prompts. The questions start out simple (“Have you ever broken a bone?”) and grow progressively more intimate (“Have you ever broken a heart?”) with the aim of encouraging storytelling, triggering imagination, and nurturing empathy. The hour-long encounter ends in a “startling and powerful,” way according to the New York Times reviewer, who also called the piece “a joy,” and “a work of inquisitive humanity and profound gentleness.” Suitable for ages 16 & up. 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 p.m. (Tues.–Sun.), UMMA Irving Stenn Jr. Family Gallery, 525 S. State. Tickets $10 (students, $5). Preregistration required at a2sf.org or by calling 764–2538. Mask required. BoxOffice@a2sf.org
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'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
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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“Sunrise Nature Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle leads a hike to explore the botany and wildlife of early spring. 8:30–10 a.m., Kosch Headwaters Preserve, 8170 Ford Rd., Ypsilanti. Free, preregistration required by emailing boglee@washtenaw.org. 971–6337.
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“Volunteer Ann Arbor”
A chance to learn about interesting new ways to help in the community, or to share volunteer opportunities with others. Free for members. $25 annual membership. For more information and to register, see olli-umich.org or call 998-9351.
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“Public Opinion on Climate Change: An In-Depth Look”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Distinguished Lecture Series.
Talk (via Zoom) by U-M sustainable enterprise professor Andrew Holcim. Third in a series of 5 monthly lectures. 10–11:30 a.m., for URL preregister at olli-umich.org. $55 (members, $30) for the 5-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
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Noon Lecture Series: U-M Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies.
Apr. 5, 12, & 19. Virtual talks by national and global scholars. Apr. 5: Reed College (Portland, OR) Chinese and humanities professor Jing Jiang on “ ‘New People’ Found in Translation: A Dialogue between Chinese and Global Science Fiction.” Apr. 12: Duke Kunshan University (Suzhou, China) media professor Fan Liang on “The Making of ‘Good’ Citizens: Examining the Mechanism of and Public Support for China’s Social Credit System.” Apr. 19: University of Kentucky Chinese studies professor Liang Luo on “Dreams and Memories in the Making of the Ivens Documentary A Tale of the Wind.” Via Zoom; preregister at bit.ly/lrccsnoonlecture.V Free. chinese.studies@umich.edu, 764–6308.
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Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary.2401 Plymouth Road. Free. 998-9353, info.tswp@umich.edu.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs. & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thus.). If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person.
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Euchre: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation
Euchre is back in March!Pre-Registration Required.Masks are required.No shared snacks, bring your own drink.Stay at home if you or other members are home are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus. Notify the office if you become ill for any reason. Pittsfield Township Community Center Community Area
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Pathfinders Series: U-M Music School.
Prerecorded online interview with WNYC Radiolab creator Jad Abumrad. Hosted by U-M EXCEL Lab lecturer Matthew Dear, a world-renowned electronic music DJ & producer. 1–2 p.m., for URL preregister at myumi.ch/84rWk. Free. 764–0594.
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“Borders, Homeland Security, & Bridges”: U-M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies/Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice Latin America Caucus Speaker Series.
Virtual talk by Tucson-based independent journalist Todd Miller. 4–5 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/icpjtoddmiller Free. 763–0553.
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“Kelmscott at the Special Collections Research Center”: U-M Library.
U-M Library conservation and book repair head Marieka Kaye presents (via Zoom) the library’s collection of British Arts & Craft Movement spearhead William Morris’s Kelmscott Press books—late 19th-century manuscripts, featuring gothic revival details—that are credited with starting the contemporary fine press movement. 4-5 p.m., for URL preregister at umlib.us/kelmscott. Free. 763-2045.
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“U.S.-Canada Climate Public Opinion and Urban Climate Governance”: U-M Ford School North American Colloquium.
U-M political science professor Christopher P. Borick, University of Montreal political science professor Erick Lachapelle, U-M environmental professor Sara Hughes, and MacEwan University political science professor Brenan Boyd present the findings of 2 papers from the 2020-21 North American Colloquium on climate policy. 4–5 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/urbanclimategov. Free.
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U-M Softball.
This month’s schedule for the powerhouse U-M team includes a 3-game series Penn State (Apr. 8, 4 p.m., Apr. 9, 2 p.m., & Apr. 10, 1 p.m.), Ohio State (Apr. 22, 6 p.m., Apr. 23, 2 p.m., & Apr. 24, noon), and Minnesota (Apr. 29, 6 p.m., Apr. 30, 4 p.m., & May 1, noon) and a single game vs. MSU (Apr. 6, 6 p.m.) & CMU (Apr. 12, 4 p.m.). Alumni Field, 1255 S. State St. $6–10. mGOblue.com, 764–0247.
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Mary Barra: U-M Ross Business School Sanger Center Leadership Dialogues.
This General Motors CEO joins U-M management and organizations professor Lindy Greer to discuss her record at GM and her plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles globally by 2025. Followed by a 30-minute catered reception. 4:15-5:15 p.m., Ross Business School Robertson Auditorium, 701 Tappan. Mask required. Preregistration required at bit.ly/umrossmarybarra. Free. rossleaders@umich.edu.
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U-M Clements Library Tour.
Apr. 8 & 29. Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection featuring Benjamin West’s iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe, a Revolutionary War-era trunk that once housed British commander-in-chief Thomas Gage's papers, and more. 4:15 p.m. Clements Library, 909 South University. Mask required. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
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“Birthright”: Michigan Theater.
(Oscar Micheaux, 1938). An idealistic young man attempts to establish a school in a rural location, but encounters opposition from both black and white communities. The film also encountered opposition from the black community in 1930s Oakland (CA) on grounds it stereotyped blacks as much as mainstream Hollywood productions. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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.
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“What Plants Do We Want More of?”: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division Stewards’ Circle.
All invited to join a discussion of the native plants—those we love, and those that play important roles in restoration work—we remove invasives to make room for. Followed by a happy hour at Homes Brewery. 5:30–6:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room, 2150 Jackson Rd. Free. StewardshipNetwork.org.
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13th Annual Conservation Banquet: Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited.
Dinner with raffles and silent auctions to raise funds for the chapter’s conservation and educational work throughout the Huron River watershed. 5:30 cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, Barton Hills Country Club. $95 per person, $760 for a table of 8. Reservation required at annarbortu.org. robertschultz@att.net, 973-9788.
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“Ann Arbor Group Runs”: Running Fit.
Every Sat. & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Running Fit locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. & 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. 929–9022 (Sat.) & 769–5016 (Tues.).
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Open Mic: Neutral Zone.
All teens invited to perform anything from music to poetry or hang out. 6-7:30 p.m., Neutral Zone, 210 E. Washington. Mask required. Free. 764-8018.
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“Food Literacy for All”: U-M Sustainable Food Systems Initiative.
Apr. 5, 12, & 19. Apr. 5: Wesleyan University sociology professor Anthony Hatch, author of Blood Sugar: Racial Pharmacology and Food Justice in Black America on “Metabolism Cages for New World Animals, Large and Small.” Apr. 12: U-M faculty members from multiple disciplines TBA present “Fast Food for Thought,” a series of ten 5-minute talks related to food and agriculture. Apr. 19: “Final Class.” Series wrap-up. Preregister at sites.lsa.umich.edu/sustainablefoodsystems/foodliteracyforall. Free.
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“Sufi Chanting, Movement, & Meditations”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
Every Tues. Talk (via Zoom) by Imam Kamau Ayubbi. All ages welcome. For URL see interfaithspirit.org/events/featured-events. $5–10 suggested donation. 327–0270.
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“Capture the Flag”: All Hands Active.
Every Tues. All invited to try to capture a virtual flag by solving a computer security problem (or series of problems), ranging from basic computer usage to some programming. Led by AHA members. Beginners welcome. For URL preregister at meetup.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free, but donations welcome. info@AllHandsActive.org.
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“Increasing Honey Yield”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers.
Veteran Wingo (KY) beekeeper Kent Williams discusses what is necessary to have the highest average production from your colonies. Preceded by a beginners’ Q&A session at 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m., URL at a2b2club.org. A2B2club@gmail.com.
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“Universe!, Vol. 1”: Fantasy and Science Fiction/Theory Reading Group: U-M English Department.
All ages 21 & over invited to discuss (via Zoom) Albert Monteys’ 2021 sci-fi graphic novel. 7–9 p.m., for URL email superman@umich.edu. Free.
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Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Apr. 12 & 26. All musicians invited to bring their acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. 7–9 p.m., Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Mask required. $5 fee to cover building rental. For updates see a2blugrass.com.
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Channeled Spiritual Discussion Group: Deep Spring Discussion Center.
All invited to an online gathering to discuss their metaphysical questions with others with similar interests. The evening is led by Aaron, a “being of light” channeled by Barbara Brodsky, who offers a talk on a variety of spiritual practices. 7–9:00 p.m., for URL, preregister at bit.ly/aaron2022. Free, donations accepted. 477–5848.
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Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Every Tues. All singers invited to join the weekly rehearsals of this local barbershop harmony chorus. All singers, male and female, invited to join as members or visitors. Interfaith Center, 704 Airport Blvd. Free to visitors (annual dues for those who join), info@HVharmonizers.org, 796–7467.
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Pub Sing: Ann Arbor Morris.
Local Morris dancers lead participants in an evening of rousing choruses, drinking songs, sea shanties, and English folk songs. No set program; all welcome to lead any song with a singable, reasonably easy-to-learn chorus. 7–10 p.m., location TBA. Livestream available. For information, email bsagan@msu.edu. Free.
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Voices in Harmony.
Every Tues. Female singers invited to join the weekly virtual rehearsals of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. For URL email Info@VoicesInHarmonyChorus.org. Free to visitors ($26 monthly dues for those who join). 765–3611.
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“Under the Sky We Make: How To Be Human in a Warming World”: Sierra Club Book Club.
All invited to discuss climate scientist Kimberly Nicholas’s 2021 book, which argues that human action can solve the environmental crisis. 7:30–9:30 p.m., online. Preregister at meetup.com/Sierra-Club-Huron-Valley. Free. 971–1157.
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German Conversation.
Every Tues. & Thurs. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the German Speakers Round Table (Tues., 7:30 p.m.) and the Stammtisch (Thurs., 7:30 p.m.). Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. 812–6375 (Tues.) & heerdeolind@yahoo.com (Thurs.).
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“Comedy Experiment”: Beer Grotto.
Every Tues. Stand-up showcase featuring sets by local comics TBA. The Beer Grotto, 8059 Main, Dexter. Free. bit.ly/comedybeergrotto.
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Chamber Music Recital: U-M Music School.
Apr. 10-12, 14, & 16. Music student chamber ensembles in various configurations present new & old music for woodwinds, brass, and piano. 8 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Mask required. Livestream available at myumi.ch/StampsWatch. Free. 615–3204.
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