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Events in May 2022
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May 12, 2022
“ABBA: The Movie”: Michigan Theatre.
(Lasse Hallström, 1977). Mockumentary about a naive radio DJ who pursues an interview with members of the Swedish pop band on their Australian tour. Beloved by ABBA fans, the film features many songs from the group’s fifth studio album. 7 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Sat.) Michigan Theater. 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. Different times.
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
May 1-31. This Star Wars themed event allows participants to complete a self-timed 4-km run/walk anytime and anywhere during the month. Mailed race packets include a T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker decal. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. Anytime in May. $50. Preregistration required at bit.ly/maythe4thrun2022. info@epicraces.com, 531-8747.
"Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!” an exhibition by Tracey Snelling
Creal Microgallery presents "Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!," a small-scale installation work by Tracey Snelling, echoing several other installations by the artist, that are concurrently on view in Ann Arbor. This installation pulls together pop cultural elements to create a "safe space" filled with tropical sunset wallpaper, movie posters, and Keanu Reeves. Snelling's installations often take on multiple scales at once-- existing in life size and miniature simultaneously. This exhibition conjures a space that is at once comforting and overwhelming, centering and disorienting.
Creal Microgallery is a breadbox-sized exhibition space on Creal Crescent in Ann Arbor, visible from the sidewalk and lit up most nights until 11pm.
Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
“Native Americans of the Great Lakes Region: Past and Present”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
Every Thurs., Apr. 14–May 19. Series of 6 weekly talks (via Zoom) by scholars of Native American history & culture, as well as tribal members. Apr. 14: Ohio State University comparative studies professor John N. Low on “The Indigenous Midwest Prior to European Contact.” Apr. 21: MSU American Indian and indigenous studies professor Susan Sleeper-Smith on “From Encounter to Removal: Indigenous Persistence Strategies in the Western Great Lakes.” Apr. 28: University of Wisconsin American Indian studies professor Margaret Noodin on “Lessons of the Land in Indigenous Languages of the Great Lakes.” May 5: U-M social work professor Sandra Momper on “Historical and Contemporary Issues of American Indians Residing in the Michigan Great Lakes Region: Challenges and Strengths.” May 12: U-M diversity and social transformation professor Stephanie A. Fryberg on “Omission as the Modern Form of Bias Against Indigenous People.” May 19: United Tribes of Michigan executive director Frank Ettawageshik on “Native Americans and the Environment.” 10–11:30 a.m., for URL preregister at olli-umich.org. $60 (members, $35) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Memberships are $25 a year. 998–9351.
“My Unexpected Career as a Television Producer for National Geographic”: First Presbyterian Church Lunch & Learn Series.
A Course in Miracles Study Group: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 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.
“Maryfran Sowers Memorial Symposium”: U-M School of Public Health Center for Midlife Science.
May 12 & 13. Two days of talks honoring the career of late U-M epidemiology professor Siobán Harlow. May 12: “Women’s Lives, Women’s Health Across the Lifespan,” a keynote talk by University of Washington nursing professor emerita Nancy Fugate Woods. Also, short talks by 3 other scholars. Reception follows. May 13: “The Future of Women’s Health.” Panel discussion featuring Harlow’s students and trainees, including Hilda Garcia Perez, Alexis Handal, Carrie Karvonen-Gutierrez, Lynda Lisabeth, Richa Mittal, Alain Mukwege, and Lisa Zook. 1:30–4:30 p.m. (May 12), M1020 SPH II, & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (May 13), 1655 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights. Livestream available. Free. preregistration required at bit.ly/sowers2022.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 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.
“Climate Change: Adapt? Mitigate? What Do We Do & How?”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
Talks (via Zoom) by U-M School for Environment and Sustainability dean Jonathan Overpeck, National Wildlife Federation forestry specialist and U-M ecology professor Edith Juno, and City Sustainability and Innovations manager Missy Stults. Q & A follows. 6–8 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/a2climatechange. Free.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other odd item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. Livestream also available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. 6–8 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. Mask required. info@AllHandsActive.org.
“Meet the Maker: Dinner with Boonville Barn Collective”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
California farmer Krissy Scommegna joins Zingerman’s deli event coordinator Tessie Ives-Wilson to discuss (via Zoom) her small scale, sustainably produced dried peppers. Includes an optional heat-at-home dinner that features dishes inspired by the Collective’s products. 6:30-7:30 p.m., for URL preregister at ZingermansDeli.com/events. Tickets $15; heat-at-home dinners, $40/each available for pickup or delivery ($10). delievents@zingermans.com, 663–3354.
“Voting Down-Ballot Elections”: Washtenaw Regional Organizing Coalition.
Panel discussion, via Zoom, on the outsized impact of down-ballot elections on the daily life of communities through issues like taxes, voting rights, schools, and judges. With Washtenaw County Clerk elections director Ed Golembiewski and Superior Township deputy clerk Sarah Collier. 6:30–8 p.m. Free. For URL, see werocmi.org.
"What Can I Do: Ecosocialism": The Green New Deal/Ann Arbor Public Power
Climate change is an existential threat to humankind. The remedy is collective action. Join the Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America to discuss what works, what doesn't work, and what you can do today to create a livable tomorrow. Learn more about the Green New Deal and Ann Arbor Public Power. Snacks and onsite child care provided. Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, N Maple Entrance. Free. Please RSVP at hvdsapoliticaled@gmail.com anytime.
“Country of Origin”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Austin-based short fiction writer Dalia Azim discusses (via Zoom) her debut novel, an immigrant story about a 17-year-old, living during the political revolutions of 1950s Egypt, who decides to flee to America with a young soldier she hardly knows—an act that has far-reaching consequences on both sides of the ocean. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2022-05. Free. 585–5567.
“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
“The Harbingers of Things to Come”: Fathom Events.
(2022). Politically charged documentary featuring the Messianic Jewish minister and author Jonathan Cahn, who argues that there is a hidden biblical meaning behind all manner of current events. 7 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only). Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500). Tickets $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events.
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, 1001 Green Rd. Mask (when not playing a wind instrument) and vaccination required. Free. detroitirishmusic.org.
“Billy Joel Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
May 12–15. An ensemble of musicians performs hits by the New York piano man pop star, featuring “New York State of Mind,” “Piano Man,” “She’s Got a Way,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Vaccination or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours required. Tickets $40 (+$3.80 fee) in advance at theEncoreTheatre.org & at the door. 268–6200.
“From Now On: Spring Concert”: Ypsilanti Community Choir.
Ariel Toews-Ricotta conducts the choir in a program of choral favorites, international folk songs, and show tunes such as “Winter’s on the Wing,” “Now On,” “Arirang,” “Homeward Bound,” and “How Can I Keep from Singing?”. 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, 300 North Washington, Ypsilanti. Mask required. Free, but donations accepted. 481-9285.
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.) and the Stammtisch (Thurs.). 7:30 p.m., Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. 812–6375 (Tues.) & heerdeolind@yahoo.com (Thurs.).
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 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.
"Rumors": PTD Productions.
May 12-15 & 18-21. Liz Greaves-Hoxsie directs local actors in Neil Simon's farce about a fancy New York dinner party that collapses into confused panic. Invited to a deputy mayor's 10th anniversary, the first couple finds the food uncooked, the host shot, and the hostess gone. Afraid of scandal, the two try to hide it from the next couple, who in turn hide it from the next, until all four couples are caught up in a fast-paced, hilarious melee of misunderstanding. Cast: Karrie Waarala, Karl Sikkenga, Wendy Ascione-Juska, Gary Lehman, Daniel Dye, Laura Bird, Adam Weakley, Veronica Long, Eric Thornburg, and Pascal Casamier. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Wed. & Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $18 (Students & Seniors, $12) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483-7345.
The Moth Michigan GrandSLAM: Michigan Radio.
All-star storytelling showdown featuring the last 10 winners of the Ann Arbor StorySLAMs, the monthly open mic storytelling competitions sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization that also produces a weekly public radio show. 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.), The Ark, 316 S. Main. $30 in advance (beginning May 1) at themoth.org and at the door. 761-1451.
