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Events in June 2022
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June 12, 2022
“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.
“Free Fishing Weekend”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
June 11 & 12 (different locations). All invited to try fishing. Kids (accompanied by an adult) welcome. Poles, bait, & instruction provided. No fishing license necessary. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle. 10 & 11 a.m., Rolling Hills County Park (June 11), meet near the pond down the hill from the Lodge, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti, and Independence Lake County Park (June 12), meet at the fishing dock near the Beach Center, 3200 Jennings, north off North Territorial, Dexter. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #841001). $6 vehicle entry fee (non-county residents $10). 971–6337.
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.
Equestrian Competition: Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run.
June 11 & 12. As many as 250 horses and riders enter this U.S. Equestrian Federation “eventing competition,” which includes 3 different phases, starting with dressage and stadium jumping on Saturday. On Sunday, the cross-country phase involves a mile-long gallop and jumping over barriers called “questions,” including logs, boulders, ditches, banks, and into water. Refreshments. Pets must be on leash. 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Revel Run, 555 S. Dancer Rd., Chelsea. Free. 395–2633.
Pancake Breakfast Fly-in/Drive-in: Experimental Aircraft Association.
Pancake and sausage breakfast and aircraft display. Kids activities include pedal planes and airplane crafts. 8 a.m.–noon, Ann Arbor Airport, hangar west of the control tower, 801 Airport Dr. $7 (kids ages 3–7, $3; age 2 & under, free). Cash only. chapters.eaa.org/eaa333, 845–4029.
“Art Under the Sun”
June 11 & 12. Outdoor sale and show of glass artwork by Janet Kelman, and paintings and jewelry by Fulvia Prundeanu. Live music 1–3 p.m. Sat. by Tim Berla & Relics of the Future. Berla is a veteran local singer-songwriter who writes quirky jazz & country tunes. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 1410 Barnard St. janet@janetkelman.com.
“Rescue Reading”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Kids read to adoptable animals to work on reading skills, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. For kids ages 6–11. No adults. HSHV, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $15. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org.
“Wings & Wheels”: Yankee Air Museum.
All invited to view historic aircraft as well as dozens of classic autos, including a 1936 Packard Coupe, a 1930 Ford Model A Phaeton, a 1961 Corvette, and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. YAM, 1 Willow Run (off Ecorse from Beck Road via I-94 exit 190), Ypsilanti. $30 in advance at yankeeairmuseum.org, $35 at the door. Kids 15 & under, free. 483–4030.
47th Annual Art Fair: Chelsea Painters.
June 11 & 12. Sale of watercolor, acrylic, pastel, monotype, oil, encaustic, colored pencil, and mixed-media works by 20 members of this group of area artists. Rain or shine. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 & Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Free admission. chelseapainters.com, 478-5416.
Interfaith Sunday Service: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Please join us for Sunday service via Zoom
“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center Sunday Talks.
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by a discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. Once a month, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from Jakata Tales, the Indian canon of 547 poems, dated 300 BC-400 AD, that concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The June 5 topic is “The Sharabha Antelope,” a tale about tolerance of harm. 11 a.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
Sunday Brunching Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
Félix and Ángel Benkí (Main St. & Liberty St. stage) play Brazilian and Cuban music and Hana Kaehr (Sweetwaters on Washington) plays violin. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Main Street area, Free. mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
H.A.C. Ultimate.
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
“Westside Art Hop.”
June 11 & 12. The homes and studios of several west-side artists are open for this juried show and sale of art and craft items. Also, juried sale of works by more than 80 visiting artists. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.) & noon–5 p.m. (Sun.), 700 Mt. Vernon Ave. & other venues; map available at westsidearthop.com. Free admission. 757–3717.
Flag Day Celebration: Warriors and Caregivers United Fundraiser.
Family fun day with a corn hole tournament, games for kids, crafts, door prizes, and more. The program begins with a talk by a WACU representative about the history and etiquette of the American flag. Lunch at 1 p.m. Noon–dusk, VFW, 3230 S. Wagner Rd. $10 minimum donation per attendee. Preregistration required at bit.ly/vfwflagday2022, wacu.org, 664–7878.
“Kids Coloring Party”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Kids ages 5–10 invited to color various scenes in the theme of newly released movies. June 15 (1–2 p.m., AADL Traverwood): “Jurassic World Dominion.” June 21 (2–3 p.m., AADL Pittsfield): “Buzz Lightyear.” June 27 (1–2 p.m., AADL Westgate): “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.” Free. 327–4200.
“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane”: Fathom Events.
(Robert Aldrich, 1962). Classic psychological thriller about a former child star who torments her paraplegic sister in their decaying Hollywood mansion. Bette Davis, Joan Crawford. 1 p.m. (Sun) & 7 p.m. (Wed.). 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.
Interfaith Youthful Spirits Class for Young People: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual class for young people via Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
Native Plant Swap: Washtenaw County Conservation District.
All invited to bring extra native plants, labeled with species or common name, to exchange. Also, bring gloves and a trowel if you’d like to help weed and plant in the library garden. 1-2:30 p.m., Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti. washtenawcd.org, 302–8715.
“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”: Michigan Theater.
(Nicholas Meyer, 1982). Second in the Star Trek sci-fi film series, and far better received than the first film, the plot features Kirk (William Shatner) and the USS Enterprise crew facing off against genetically engineered tyrant Khan (Ricardo Montalban). 1:30 p.m. (Sun.) & 7:30 p.m. (Tues.). Michigan Theater. 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.
“Edible Plants Foraging Walk”: Waterloo Natural History Association.
Will Forage for Food founder Rachel Mifsud leads a walk to look for edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms. 2–3:30 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Space limited; preregistration required. $12 ($17 at the gate) recreation passport required. 475–3170.
“JFS Mosaic Celebration”: Jewish Family Services.
Grand opening and celebration of the new JFS facility with an awards ceremony, strolling dinner, and live music TBA. 2–5 p.m., 109 Zina Pitcher Pl. Mask and vaccination requested. Tickets $125 (includes valet service), $100 to attend via livestream. Pre-registration requested by June 2 at jfsannarbor.org/25th-anniversary. 769–0209 ext. 353.
“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.
“Ukraine: The Birth of a Nation”: State Theatre.
(Jerzy Hoffman, 2008). FREE screening of 4 films (about 50 min. each)—2 on June 12 & 2 on June 26—dedicated to the cultural and political history of Ukraine. Followed by discussion. 2 p.m. State Theatre. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Cocktail Class: Born in the USA (Tammy's Tastings)
Cocktails as we know them today are fundamentally American creations, although they are now made round the world. In this class, take a cross country trip in your glass as we explore the regional classic cocktails of America, from New Orleans to Kentucky to Washington DC to California and beyond.
Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts). The Last Word is closed during the class, so no food service is available. The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the 90-120 minute class. $50 per person.
Game Playtesting: Michigame Design Lab.
June 12 & 26. All invited to try out new games from local board and card game designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m. Bløm Meadworks, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Proof of vaccination required to sit indoors; outdoor seating available. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. 548–9729.
"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.
“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.
“Kiki’s Delivery Service”: Michigan Theater.
(Hayao Miyazaki, 1989). Free screening of this coming-of-age anime about a teen witch trying to find her place in the world. Part of the U-M Center for Japanese Studies Japan Week (for the full schedule see umich.edu/cjs). 3 p.m. Michigan Theater. 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.
“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.
Sunday Spin: YORK
The Sunday Spin is a lovely afternoon at YORK with local djs, live art, food, and records for sale. A truly unique event in Ann Arbor focusing on vinyl djs and the pop up culture. This is monthly event that runs from 3pm to 8pm, 1928 Packard. Follow DJ BATZ and YORK on Instagram for more information. Upcoming dates are:
June 12th
July 31st
August 28th
September 25th
“The Birdcage”: Bløm Meadworks.
(Mike Nichols, 1996). Funny and popular farce adapted by Elaine May from a French play. It stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple who run a drag club in Florida. Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest. All ages welcome, but minors encouraged to be accompanied by adult. Proof of vaccination required. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. 548–9729.
Renee King-Jackson: Building Up: Partnering in Health and Wholeness Concert in the Park.
This Detroit jazz, blues, and soul singer performs in this fundraiser for building and equipping a hospital in Uganda. Opener: Five Miles More (3 p.m.), a local straight-ahead jazz ensemble led by trumpeter Kent Peterson. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages available. Bring a chair or blanket. 4–8 p.m., on the lawn by the gazebo, Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 Liberty St. Tickets $35/single, $60/pair, available by messaging lccbelanger@comcast.net. buildingup-phw.org/events, buildinguppihw@gmail.com.
“Top of the Park”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
See 10 Friday. Tonight in the Kidzone: Chalk drawing with popular local street artist David Zinn (all day) and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers Band-aid and Medical Materials Crafts (5 p.m.). On the Power Center Lawn: Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Betts (5 p.m.). In the Annex tent: The chance to view the sun through the U-M Detroit Observatory’s telescopes and, after sunset, view the night sky. (5 p.m.). On the O&W Grove Stage: 17-year-old Commerce Township pop-folk singer-songwriter Aspen Jacobsen (5 p.m.) and local singer-pianist Hannah Baiardi (6 p.m.), a U-M alum whose music draws on soul, pop, folk, and jazz. On the Rackham Stage: Miss Paula & the Candy Bandits (7 p.m.), a Detroit kiddie punk-rock quartet that plays nursery rhymes, movie themes, and originals. Also, NYC-based ADG7 (8:15 p.m.) performs Korean shamanic pop-folk. The music is followed at 10 p.m. by a screening of Encanto, Disney’s latest animated feature about a family living in a magical Colombian village. 5 p.m.–midnight.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5 p.m. until whenever, Bill’s Beer Garden, 218 S. Ashley St., or Conor O’Neill’s, 318 Main St. Check facebook page bit.ly/annarborgo or email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com before coming. Free.
Ann Arbor Morris.
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit Street. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or check annarbormorris.org in advance to confirm. 717–1569.
“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.
“Ann Arbor (Mostly) Acoustic Jam.”
Musicians of all ability levels invited to sing and play anything from classic rock, Motown, and blues to bluegrass, folk, and country. Singers and players of all acoustic instruments (strings, horns, and woodwinds) welcome. 7–9 p.m., Turner Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Mask and vaccination recommended. $5 for participants, spectators free. Preregistration required at a2jammers@gmail.com or bit.ly/annarboracousticjamfacebook.
“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club.
Every Sun. An evening of playing popular board games online. You help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
“The UnClub'': The Theater Shop.
Every Sun. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is local comic and storyteller Mark Sweetman. 8 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St. #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
