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Events in June 2022
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June 4, 2022
Æpex Fest 2022: Æpex Contemporary Performance.
June 1–4. This Ypsilanti-based nonprofit devoted to promoting underperformed music presents a celebration of 20th-and 21st-century music featuring 4 days of performances in and around Depot Town. June 1 (10 a.m.–8 p.m., Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St.): “Around Hear.” Sound tour of Embracing Our Differences art exhibit. June 1 (4 p.m., 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross St): Spencer Arias. Long-form ambient improvisation by this electronic musician, a WMU lecturer. June 1 (8 p.m., Ziggy’s, 206 W. Michigan Ave.): Opening Party. Kent State University percussion instructor Cameron Leach is joined by veteran local jazz pianist Michael Malis. June 2 (7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Washington): “New Art Songs by Black Women Composers.” Recital of contemporary art songs by mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson, who has performed with the Michigan Opera Theatre and the DSO. June 3 (7 p.m., Ypsi Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl.): “Festival Showcase.” Æpex music director Kevin Fitzgerald conducts an ensemble of professional area musicians featuring percussionist Cameron Leach and mezzo-soprano Olivia Johnson in a program highlighted by the world premiere of Ypsilanti-based composer Garrett Shumann’s percussion concerto, This Could Be Madness. Also, works by contemporary composers Augusta Read Thomas and Tyson Davis. June 4 (10 a.m., Riverside Park & Depot Town): “Electronic Music Field Day.” Performers include Spencer Arias, WSU music technology professor Joo Won Park, and others TBA. Various times and locations in Ypsilanti. June 2 & June 3 concerts: $35 each, $60 for both. All June 1 and 4 events free. Preregistration encouraged at aepexcontemporary.org/festival.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Every Sat. & Sun. 30–minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. Noon & 2 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (Fri.–Sun., 11:30 a.m.) follows an adventurous Late Cretaceous dolichorhynchops (a kind of prehistoric marine reptile) as she travels through the ocean, encountering long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (Fri.–Sun., 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Tales of the Maya Skies (Fri.–Sun., 1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Maya science, examining how Maya scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics that enabled them to predict solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 25. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. June 4 (9 a.m.–noon): Buttonbush Nature Area, meet at the park entrance at the end of Hickory Point Dr. June 5 (9 a.m.–noon): Oakridge Nature Area, meet at the southwest corner of the intersection of Glazier Way and Huron Pkwy. June 5 (1–4 p.m.): Ruthven Nature Area, meet at the Gallup boat dock parking lot, at the southeast corner of Huron Pkwy. and Geddes Rd. June 11 (9 a.m.–noon): Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area, meet at the corner of Narrow Gauge Way and Watershed Dr. June 11 (1–4 p.m.): Huron Hills Golf Course Woods, meet on Hunting Valley off Provincial Dr. June 12 (9 a.m.–noon): Brokaw Nature Area, meet at the parking lot off West Huron River Dr., just southeast of Wagner Rd. June 12 (1–4 p.m.): Barton Nature Area, meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Dr. June 18 (9 a.m.–noon): Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area, meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine St. June 18 (1–4 p.m.): Berkshire Creek Nature Area, meet at the end of Warwick Rd. off Glenwood north of Washtenaw Ave. June 25 (9 a.m.–noon): Dolph Bioswale and Natural Area, meet at the trailhead off Parklake Avenue, just south of Lakeview Dr. June 25 (1–4 p.m.): Lakewood Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Sunnywood Dr. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/a2stewardworkday. 794–6627.
'Celebrating the Last Frost,' an exhibition by Avery Williamson
Creal Microgallery presents 'Celebrating the Last Frost,' an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Ypsilanti artist Avery Williamson. This collection of small works celebrates the last frost, an indicator of safe passage to the next season. These pieces explore the colors and textures of May and June-- a season of shedding, blooming, and emerging.
Williamson has worked in a wide range of media, including weavings, photography, collage, painting and drawing, but remaining constant in much of her work is her use of atmospheric color and lively mark-making. With these defining visual elements, her work feels both meditative and improvisational. Her use of color sets a stage or mood, and provides a context for the story to be told through her marks. The marks and lines then skip across the surface, or grow outward from a starting point. Her marks play around the edges of the canvas or are laid down across fields of color. Her images can feel like parts of a whole— just glimpses of a larger story or vignettes of a fuller world. In the works on view, she considers this moment in time, this transition from cold to warm, from dormancy to growth. This moment that Williamson captures is somehow both singular and infinite, and this transition between seasons upon which she reflects is at once unique and eternal.
“Ann Arbor Group Runs”: Fleet Feet.
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.).
"Learn about Zero Waste": Live Zero Waste
Learn what happens to the things you throw away! Get practical tips and resources to move towards zero waste in your home or business. This free event is held online: Sign up at https://livezerowaste.org/ann-arbor/challenge/
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club.
June 3–5. Competitive equine ballet by skilled horses and riders, highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Waterloo Hunt Club, Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free admission. (908) 326–1155, 426–2088.
parkrun USA.
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed 5-km run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt Rd. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.US/lillie. lillie@parkrun.com.
25th Annual African American Downtown Festival.
A celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the development of Ann Arbor, held in what was once the city’s black business district. With sales of food, art, beauty products, and collectibles from local African American businesses, and health & wellness screenings. Live music is headlined by R&B and soul singer Glenn Jones (5:30 p.m.). Also, gospel singer Anthony McKinney (noon), saxophonist Aaron McAfee (2:15 & 6:30 p.m.), hip-hop artist Kenyatta Rashon (3:20 p.m.), and funk, rock, R&B, and soul by Randy Ellison & Friends (4:35). Dance performances include Hustle and Flow line dancing (12:45 & 6:30 p.m.), Det Dance Troupe (2 p.m.), the Diamond Princess Majorette dance team (3:20), and Fraternity vs. Sorority Step (4:05 p.m.). Kids activities include face painting, crafting, painting, balloon animals, giant chess & connect four (noon–5:30 p.m.), a magic show by Twist and Shout the Clown (1:30–2 p.m.), and a 3D art demo (4:30–6:30 p.m.). Full schedule available at a2festival.org. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Ann St. between Main & Fourth Ave., and Fourth Ave. between Ann & Catherine. Free admission. info@a2festival.org, 858–9121.
Native Plant Expo & Marketplace: Washtenaw County Conservation District/Wild Ones.
Show and sale of native plants by many Washtenaw County businesses and nonprofits. Also, sales of seeds and landscaping services. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Hwy., Chelsea. Free admission. washtenawcd.org/npem.html, 302–8715.
Yoga: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
Natasha Schaffer introduces yoga. 9–10 a.m., in front of Fjällräven, 213 Main St. Free. mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
“Judge/Senate Candidate Forum”: Washtenaw County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting.
Meeting, followed by panel discussions with Democratic candidates for the position of judge on the Washtenaw County Trial Court, the 22nd Circuit Court of Michigan (Washtenaw Association for Justice executive director Marla Linderman Richelew and deputy city attorney of Ann Arbor Arianne Slay), and with candidates for the newly created 14th District Michigan State Senate seat (chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners chair Sue Shink, Val Cochran Toops, and former Jackson city council member Kelsey Heck Wood). The 14th District includes part of Ann Arbor, all of Chelsea, and about 80% of Jackson County. Send questions for the candidates to enathans48103@gmail.com by June 2 with subject “WCDP panel questions.” The primary takes place August 2. 9:30 a.m.–noon, via Zoom. Free. For URL see washtenawdems.org/calendar.
“100 Years in Bloom” Cut Flower Show: American Peony Society/U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
June 4 & 5. Display of award-winning peony blooms and floral arrangements. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd.. Free; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“100 Years in Bloom”: Peony Centennial Ann Arbor Garden Walk: Ann Arbor Farm & Garden/Nichols Arboretum.
Self-guided tour of 7 private gardens in Ann Arbor, as well as the peony garden at Nichols Arboretum, which is celebrating its 100th year. The gardens include a fairyland forest of Michigan natives, a terraced hillside wonderland, a fern- and sculpture-filled landscape, an aesthetic potager garden, an evergreen oasis, and more. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. Rain or shine. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., various locations. Tickets & maps $15 ($20 May 30–June 3; under age 12 free) in advance only at mutotix.umich.edu. No walk-up tickets. Annarborfarmandgarden.org.
“Bonsai in Bloom”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
June 3 & 4. Exhibition of blooming Satsuki azalea from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland) anthropology professor Melvyn Goldstein, a bonsai expert and collector. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“Hiking to the Far Corners!”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Popular former WCPARC naturalist Faye Stoner leads an off-trail hike over hilly terrain to explore the geology, botany, and birds of the far western portions of this interesting preserve. 10 a.m.–noon, Sharon Short Hills Preserve, 6700 Hashley Rd., Manchester. Free, preregistration required by emailing fayestoner@charter.net (limited to 12 people), 971–6337.
Annual Spring Sale: Ann Arbor Potters Guild.
June 4 & 5. A very popular annual sale held outdoors under a big tent. Includes a wide variety of functional and decorative ceramics made by more than 30 guild members and a kids table (with lower-priced items). Also (weather permitting), a kids clay area for kids to try making pottery and pottery demos. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Potters Guild parking lot, 201 Hill. Free admission. 663–4970.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
“Artist Pop-Ups”: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
June 4, 11, & 18. Show and sale of works in various media by local artists, who are on hand to discuss their work & answer questions. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Gutman Gallery, 118 N. 4th Ave. Free. elizabeth@theguild.org.
“Mirror on the Wall”: Black & Brown Theatre.
Jun. 4 & 5. This Detroit theater company, founded in 2016 to create more opportunities for theater artists of color, presents its updated version of Snow White (renamed Princess Raven). Directed by University Musical Society program manager Emilio Rodriguez, a U-M theater lecturer who also wrote the script and composed the music. Performed entirely in rhyming couplets, this comedic take forgoes the trope of rescue by a prince to allow the princess to save herself. With U-M grad Sebastian Nagpal, as well as Kiana Douglas, Nate John Mark, and Jazmine Kuyayki Broe. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. (Sat.) and 1 p.m. (Sun.), Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $15 (children 12 & under, $5) in advance at the Michigan Theater & michtheater.org/events, and at the door. 763–8587.
Board Game Demos: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
Every Sat. Vault of Midnight employee Curtis teaches quick, casual board games. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., in front of Vault of Midnight, 219 Main St. Free. mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
Mirror on the Wall (Snow White Adaptation)
Black and Brown Theatre presents a timeless story with a timely twist. In this adaptation of Snow White, the queen is after Princess Raven in full force since she is the finest in the land. But the queen's plans go awry when a faithful huntsman is unable to complete his destructive task. Told entirely in rhyming verse couplets, this humorous and heartfelt remake scraps the prince saving the princess with a kiss in favor of a modern update where the princess' kind heart is her own hero.
Performances take place Saturday June 4 at 11am and 3pm and Sunday June 5 at 1pm. Tickets available using the link bit.ly/BBTMOTW or in-person at Nicola's Bookstore.
Psychic Holistic Fair: Enlightened Soul Center.
June 4 & 18. Practitioners from around the Midwest offer psychic, channeled, and tarot readings, energy healing, and more. Vendors with holistic and metaphysical products. Light snacks. Noon–6 p.m. $5 admission. Additional cost for practitioner sessions. ESC, 2711 Carpenter Rd. enlightenedsoulcenter.com, 358–0218.
“100 Years in Bloom” Peony Concert & Centennial Celebrations: Ann Arbor Farm & Garden/U-M Nichols Arboretum.
Performing on traditional Korean instruments, the ensemble of Ohio State University East Asian languages & literatures professor emeritus Chan E. Park, U-M student Sunhong Kim, and U-M Association for Asian Studies director Hilary Finchum-Sung presents a program of traditional Korean music, including a commissioned arrangement by U-M grad Alexis Lamb. Instrumentation includes danso, haegeum, janggu, geomungo, and piri. Remarks from Nichols Arboretum director Tony Kolenic, peony curator David Michener, and others. 1–3 p.m., Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden, 1610 Washington Heights. Free. mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Africa (2 & 4 p.m.), including an African crested porcupine, a pancake tortoise, and a ridgeback frog, which is not a snake. Also, an alligator presentation and feeding if weather permits (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $11 (kids ages 2–12, $9; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance. 929–9324.
“Hamlet”: Fathom Events.
Live (Sat.) and prerecorded (Wed.) broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Brett Dean and Matthew Jocelyn’s 2017 operatic adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy. 12:55 p.m. (Sat.), 1 & 6:30 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only). Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500). $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events.
Peony Garden Centennial Celebration
Wander through this stunning display of historic herbaceous peonies in bloom, then join us for a centennial celebration featuring remarks and peony-inspired musical performances. The Peony Garden Centennial Celebration will feature remarks from Nichols Arboretum director Tony Kolenic, Peony Curator David Michener, members of the W.E. Upjohn Family, and others, as well as performances of peony-inspired Korean choral works and a composition by composer-in-residence, Alexis Lamb. The beloved Peony Garden in Nichols Arboretum was established in 1922 with a gift of peony plants from Michigan alumnus W. E. Upjohn. This June, 2022, we will celebrate this historic collection.
The Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden is the largest collection of antique and heirloom peonies in North America. At peak bloom visitors are treated to more than 10,000 blossoms in shades of pink, red, and white. It’s a must-see event, so don’t miss this year’s peony garden blooming season, approximately late-May through mid-June, weather depending.
Visitors can plan their trip at: https://peony.mbgna.umich.edu/.
The garden is located near the 1610 Washington Heights entrance to Nichols Arboretum and is part of the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. At both the botanical gardens and arboretum, the trails and natural areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are requested to follow current University of Michigan COVID-19 safety guidelines.
“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.
“The C.E.O.”: U-M Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
David Andrews directs this accomplished town-and-gown company in his new adaptation of The Mikado, Gilbert & Sullivan’s 1885 operetta spoofing Victorian England’s craze for all things Japanese. In his version Andrews retains most of the original script, score, and comic sensibility while entirely reworking the plot. Set in an office in present day Ann Arbor, the story focuses on a recent business school grad, unexpectedly promoted to president of the Worldwide Widget Company, where he is required to make painful staffing cuts by the mysterious company CEO. Meanwhile, his fiancé falls for a “seventh year senior” trombone student who is secretly the boss's son. 2 & 8 p.m., Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $20 (seniors, $15; students, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu and at the door. 647–8436.
“How To Become a Fossil”: U-M Natural History Museum Science Forum Demos.
Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo exploring how fossils form, what parts of animals can become fossilized, and many other fossil-related things. For age 5+. 3 p.m., Natural History Museum, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“Kids Run”: Ann Arbor Track Club.
For kids 12 & under, a “mini-meet” on the oval track, included with registration. Creekside Intermediate School, 2615 Baker Rd., Dexter. $10 includes T-shirts, medals, & refreshments. Registration online at dxa2.com. info@dxa2.com, (419) 356–4881.
“Mirror on the Wall”: Black & Brown Theatre.
Jun. 4 & 5. This Detroit theater company, founded in 2016 to create more opportunities for theater artists of color, presents its updated version of Snow White (renamed Princess Raven). Directed by University Musical Society program manager Emilio Rodriguez, a U-M theater lecturer who also wrote the script and composed the music. Performed entirely in rhyming couplets, this comedic take forgoes the trope of rescue by a prince to allow the princess to save herself. With U-M grad Sebastian Nagpal, as well as Kiana Douglas, Nate John Mark, and Jazmine Kuyayki Broe. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. (Sat.) and 1 p.m. (Sun.), Michigan Theater. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Tickets $15 (children 12 & under, $5) in advance at the Michigan Theater & michtheater.org/events, and at the door. 763–8587.
“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.
Meet & Greet: Ann Arbor for Public Power
Meet & Greet coalition members of Ann Arbor for Public Power. Informal discussion of how and why a municipal electric utility will help Ann Arbor to transition to a fossil fuel free future.
County Farm Park
2230 Platt Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
“Mayfly: A Day of Play”: Leslie Science & Nature Center Fundraiser.
All ages invited to explore different areas of LSNC’s new nature playscape, make nature-inspired crafts, and listen to the music of Gemini (5 p.m.), the veteran local acoustic duo of twin brothers Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits, who offer sing-alongs, folk songs from around the world, and upbeat originals about life’s simple pleasures. Bring a picnic and a blanket. Domino’s pizza available for pre-order. 4–7 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver Rd. $20 group ticket for up to 5 individuals. Preregistration required at bit.ly/mayflydayofplay. natureplay@lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.
Billy King: Broken Branch Summer Series.
Outdoor performance by this talented veteran local singer-songwriter and guitarist who plays pop-folk with roots-rock and country swing flavors. Lyrically driven Detroit-based singer-songwriter Mike Ward opens. Followed by a bonfire. Bring something to sit on like a chair or blankets. No pets. Capacity limited to 100 people, so arrive early. 6–9 p.m., 6090 Plymouth Rd.; designated parking, or on the shoulder of Plymouth Rd. Free admission; donations accepted.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: U-M Residential College/Nichols Arboretum.
June 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, & 23–26. U-M Residential College drama lecturer Kate Mendeloff directs students and local actors in an alfresco production that wafts from spot to spot within the Arb to create the different scenes of Shakespeare’s comedy of fairies, magic spells, domestic intrigue, and misplaced affections. The RC’s annual Shakespeare in the Arb productions have become a hugely popular local summer tradition. Director Mendeloff takes special care to make the shifting Arb environments an active force in the performance. Bring a blanket or portable chair to sit on. Pick up tickets 5–6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Peony Garden entrance at 1610 Washington Heights. $25 in advance only. Tickets go on sale May 23 (May 16 for Matthaei-Nichols members) at mutotix.umich.edu and are held at will call, Nichols Arboretum Visitor Center, 1610 Washington Hts. 998–9540.
“Cheesemonger Showdown”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
Virtual tasting featuring 6 Zingerman’s deli cheesemongers going head-to-head to create the perfect cheese bite. Optional at-home tasting kit ($50) includes cheeses and accompaniments. 6:30–8 p.m., for URL preregister at ZingermansDeli.com/events. Tickets $15; tasting kit available for pickup or delivery ($11). delievents@zingermans.com, 663–3354.
Gabriel Brass Band: Ann Arbor Summer Festival Live Here Now.
Outdoor performance by this Detroit–based New Orleans brass band known for flavoring its up-tempo traditional jazz with funk and hip-hop. Part of a series of concerts with limited attendance in public parks and spaces throughout town. 6:30 p.m., Fireman’s Park, corner of Harris & MacArthur, Ypsilanti. Preregistration required at a2sf.org/live-here-now. Free. 994–5999.
Murder Mystery Dinner Show: The Dinner Detective Ann Arbor.
June 4 & 18. Dinner while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a hilarious murder mystery in which actual audience members may find themselves a prime suspect. 6:30–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti. $65 includes gratuity; preregistration required at TheDinnerDetective.com. (866) 496–0535.
Annual Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti.
June 2-4. Three days of screenings at the Riverside Arts Center, showcasing local creators and filmmakers from around the world. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Mask required. $8 in advance ($10 at the door). iffypsi.com.
June 2. “Michigan-Made.” Short films made in Michigan. Followed by Q&A with filmmakers. 7 p.m.
“Hamtramck, USA.” Feature documentary explores the city’s multicultural transformation. 9 p.m.
June 3. “London International Animation Festival: Traveling Tour.” 10 short animated films, a “best of” the 2021 LIAF. 7 p.m.
“The Underground Picnic.” Short live action and animated films and videos from queer and femme filmakers. 9 p.m.
June 4. “Stars in Our Eyes.” Short films about inner explorations and outer migrations. 7 p.m.
“Acoustic Convergence.” Short films that explore terrestrial and celestial worlds with evocative sound design, unusual storytelling, and non-traditional media. 9 p.m.
“Drum and Dance Jam”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
All invited to join a drum circle led by percussionist Curtis Glatter. Bring a drum or use one provided. 7:30—9 p.m., Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd. $5 suggested donation. 480-1219.
Keith Ruff: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
June 3 & 4. This Detroit-area comic is known for his crisp, clever, slightly twisted topical commentary and his high-spirited, often whimsical performing style. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $15 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Chamber Music Series: Strings Through the Centuries”: Kerrytown Concert House.
June 4 & 25. Faculty from the Flint School of Performing Arts and musicians from the Flint Symphony Orchestra play classical and contemporary chamber works, as well as popular music. Tonight: Vivaldi’s Concerto for Strings, early 20th-century English composer Dame Ethel Smyth’s String Quintet in E Major, contemporary American composer Soon Hee Newbold’s Lion City for string orchestra, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and a medley of music by Motown’s The Supremes. 8 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Limited to 60% capacity. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $13–$50 in advance online and at the door. 769–2999.
“Relativity”: Theatre Nova.
Every Thurs.–Sun., May 20–June 12. Carla Milarch directs prolific contemporary playwright Mark St. Germain’s speculative 2017 historical comedy about Einstein’s missing daughter and a visiting reporter curious about his family history. The comic play, described in a Broadway World review as “seriously entertaining,” explores the old question of whether a great man must also be a good one. Featuring Anne Damman, Ellen Finch, and Phil Powers. 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.
“Sheriff’s Warrant”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
June 2–5 & 9–12. Trevor Maher directs local actors in Ann Arborite Catherine Zudak’s dark comedy based on the Robin Hood legend. The play refocuses the story on the Sheriff of Nottingham, who suffers with a demanding new boss, a faithless wife, and of course, the activities of Robin Hood. When his boss offers him a devil’s bargain, the sheriff jumps at the chance to strike it rich. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.) and 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), A2CT Studio, 322 W. Ann St. Tickets $15 in advance at a2ct.org/tickets, by phone, & at the door. 971-2228.
“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.
“The C.E.O.”: U-M Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
David Andrews directs this accomplished town-and-gown company in his new adaptation of The Mikado, Gilbert & Sullivan’s 1885 operetta spoofing Victorian England’s craze for all things Japanese. In his version Andrews retains most of the original script, score, and comic sensibility while entirely reworking the plot. Set in an office in present day Ann Arbor, the story focuses on a recent business school grad, unexpectedly promoted to president of the Worldwide Widget Company, where he is required to make painful staffing cuts by the mysterious company CEO. Meanwhile, his fiancé falls for a “seventh year senior” trombone student who is secretly the boss's son. 2 & 8 p.m., Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $20 (seniors, $15; students, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu and at the door. 647–8436.
Keith Ruff: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
June 3 & 4. This Detroit-area comic is known for his crisp, clever, slightly twisted topical commentary and his high-spirited, often whimsical performing style. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $15 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
