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Events in June 2022
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June 10, 2022
"Benediction": Michigan Theater.
Opens June 10: (Terence Davies, 2022). Biopic exploring the life of WWI poet Siegfried Sasson, who survived the horrors of fighting, became a vocal critic of the war, and struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. Times TBA. 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.
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.
'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.
"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/
Stonebridge Community Garage Sale
Friday and Saturday, June 10-11. 8am to 3pm. Two entrances: Lohr Rd (between Ellsworth and Textile) behind the Ann Arbor Airport and Maple Rd (between Ellsworth and Textile). Maps at entrances to registered garage sale locations.
Ford Lake Heights Sub-wide Garage Sale
Neighborhood wide garage sale. Multiple families taking part. Wide selection of home goods, electronics, furniture, clothes, baby items, etc. Takes place Friday through Sunday, 8:30 am - 4:30 p.m., throughout the Ford Lake Heights Subdivision off S. Huron River Drive in Ypsilanti Township, 48197.
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter for coffee or Breakfast. 9 a.m., sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. a2dan@sbcglobal.net.
“Lessons Learned: Michigan's Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities: U-M Poverty Solutions.
Former Michigan chief medical executive Joneigh Khaldun joins U-M Center for Racial Justice director Celeste Watkins-Hayes to discuss (via Zoom) key lessons from her experience leading the state’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 10-11:30 a.m., for URL see bit.ly/umpovertysolutionsjoneighkhaldun. Free. 764-3490.
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop a St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. 10 a.m., sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. aabts.org.
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.
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Mon., Wed., & Fri. 30 min. online lesson on gentle Tai Chi for older adults. Beginners welcome. 2401 Plymouth Road. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Via Zoom. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary. No partner needed. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. Call 998-9353 if interested, info.tswp@umich.edu.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
“Top of the Park”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
Every Tues.–Sun., June 10–July 3. This beloved summer tradition returns for the first time since 2019 with live music on 2 stages, followed at 10 p.m. (Sun. & Tues.–Thurs.) by free movies. Also, a KidZone activity tent, “Retreat” fitness and dance activities (5 p.m. on the Power Center lawn), all-age creative activities in The Annex tent, food concessions from area restaurants, beer & wine tastings (Tues. & Wed.), and more. The Summer Festival also includes a ticketed performance by Pink Martini (see 29 Wednesday listing). Tonight in the Kidzone: Chalk drawing with David Zinn (all day) and flight design lessons (5 p.m.) with Summers-Knoll school staff. On the Power Center Lawn: Argentine Tango with Matthew Keating (5 p.m.). In the Annex tent: Art Making Workshop with local artists Mark Tucker and Lavinia Hanachiuc (6:30 p.m.). On the O&W Grove Stage: Jazz standards by the Ron Brooks Trio (5 p.m.), a local ensemble led by Brooks, long recognized as one of the state’s top jazz bassists, and an ensemble led by area jazz vocalist-clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo (6 p.m.). On the Rackham Stage: a mix of native Anishinaabe singing, dancing, and drums by Vibes With the Tribes (7 p.m.), the female-fronted Detroit funk group Dames Brown (8:30 p.m.), and Alise King (10:15 p.m.), a big-voiced Detroit-based soul and R&B singer whose influences include Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan. 5 p.m.–midnight, Ingalls Mall at Washington. Free, but donations accepted. a2sf.org, 994–5999.
“Annual Green Fair”: City of Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations A2Zero Week.
Exhibits showcasing tools to achieve carbon neutrality, including energy-saving appliances, solar power, electric cars and trucks, e-bikes, and cargo bikes, presented by local green businesses and nonprofits. Electric vehicle test drives. Live music, Liberty St. at Main St., by Corndaddy, a veteran local band that plays early 70s-style country-rock filtered through the influences of bluegrass, power pop, and British Invasion bombast. 6–9 p.m., Main Street downtown (between William and Huron) and Community Commons (Fifth Ave. at Library Ln.). Free. bit.ly/a2zero2022.
“Intro to Archery”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Hands-on demos for all age 8 & up. Archery equipment provided. No prior experience necessary. 6–7 & 7–8 p.m., Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake. $10/household (up to 4 people). Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #IL461100). $6 vehicle entry fee (non-county residents $10). shonerj@washtenaw.org, 971–6337.
Game Night: Sweetwaters Café Downtown.
June 10 & 24. All invited to play any type of tabletop game, including board games, role playing, and card games. Bring your own game, or use one provided. Attendees limited to first 15 each week. 6–9 p.m., Sweetwaters, 123 W. Washington St. Free, but food & drink purchases expected for table use. victor@LHPress.com.
“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.
“Feel Good Friday”: UMMA.
All invited to join local artist and FestiFools founder Mark Tucker with giant movable and interactive sculptures from the museum’s latest exhibition, FUN, in a parade to the Ann Arbor Summer Festival Top of the Park opening night on Ingalls Mall, where participants can do art projects (6:30–10 p.m.). Preceded at 5 p.m. by a party (with candy) on the UMMA front lawn. Weather permitting. 6 p.m., UMMA, 525 S. State, Free. 764–0395.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Every Fri., June 10–Aug. 5. Entertainment in downtown Dexter. Bring a picnic and blanket and relax on the grass. Tonight: David Schultz conducts the volunteer Dexter Community Orchestra in a program TBA. 6:30 p.m., Monument Park gazebo, downtown Dexter. Free. dexterchamber.org. Info@DexterChamber.org.
Trivia Night: The Creature Conservancy.
June 10 & 11. Ages 21 & up invited to explore the facility and play a trivia game that uses facts from the animal world. Beer and wine. 7–9 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $35. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org, 929–9324.
“Last of the Red Hot Lovers”: Mind the Gap Theatre Productions.
June 10–12, 17–19, & 24–26. Fran Potasnik directs local actors in Neil Simon’s 1969 comedy about a middle-aged married man who wants to join the sexual revolution before it’s too late. He uses his mother’s empty apartment to attempt three seductions. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.), The 109 Cultural Exchange, 109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. Tickets $20 in advance at bit.ly/redhotlovers2022 and (if available) at the door. 971–2228.
"Psych": Saline Area Players
June 9-12. Barbara Day directs local actors in Lisa Rowe's comedy farce about a successful psychiatrist who gets framed for murder and must turn to a quirky psychic for help. The group's first live show in almost three years. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sun.), The 5th Corner, 211 Willis Rd, Saline. Not handicap accessible (stairs). Tickets $17 in advance at salineareplayers.org or at the door (cash only). 730-1055.
Nate Fridson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
June 10 & 11. Smart, sarcastic observational humor by this NYC comic who specializes in probing autobiographical anecdotes that reveal a skewed, surreal worldview. 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.
Women’s AFC Ann Arbor
The local women’s semi-pro soccer team's June home schedule also includes games vs. United Soccer League Women Midwest rival Detroit City FC (June 1, 7:30 p.m.), Racing Louisville (June 10, 7:30 p.m.) and Flint City AFC (June 18, 7:30 p.m.). 7:30 p.m., Saline High School Hornet Stadium, 1300 Campus Pkwy., Saline. Tickets $10 (kids, $7) at afcannarbor.com, $12 at the gate. Group discounts available. 408–1627.
“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 Sandbox”: Dreamland Theater.
June 10 & 24. All invited to tell a story, dance, juggle, put on a puppet show, read a poem, or share another talent at this open mic. Acts must be under 10 minutes. Also, a few vendors welcome to sell crafts. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. Free ($5 donation suggested). Preregistration required by performers at bit.ly/sandboxact and by vendors at bit.ly/sandboxvendor. facebook.com/TheaterDreamland info@dreamlandtheater.com.
“Astronomy Night Open House”: U-M Detroit Observatory.
The chance to learn about the Observatory’s antique telescopes, hear presentations on a range of astronomical phenomena, and (weather permitting) observe the night sky through the historic Fitz telescope as well as modern supplemental telescopes. 8:30–11 p.m., U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Preregistration required at bit.ly/detroitobservatoryjune. Free. 764-3482.
Social Dance: The Dance Pavilion.
Every Fri. Ballroom dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded from 8–8:30 p.m. by a group lesson. Bottled water & chips provided. 8:30–10:30 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $15. TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
