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Events in June 2022
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June 17, 2022
“Cha Cha Real Smooth”: State Theater
Opens June 17. (Cooper Raiff, 2022). Romantic comedy that follows a young man fresh out of college who takes a job as a motivational dancer at bar mitzvahs. Various times. State 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.
“Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story”: State Theatre.
Opens June 17: Documentary that showcases the music and culture of New Orleans, weaving together live performances and interviews from the 50th anniversary of the iconic New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. 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.
“Lightyear": State Theater
Opens June 17. (Angus MacLane, 2022). Animated adventure, the latest in the Toy Story series, in which the astronaut character Buzz Lightyear tries to find his way back to Earth. Various times. State 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.
"Brian and Charles": Michigan Theater
Opens June 17: Quirky mockumentary-style British comedy that follows a lonely inventor in rural Wales who invents a robot. 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.
Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA: Epson Tour 2022.
June 16–18. 156 professional women golfers from around the world compete for $200,000 in cash prizes in this 3-round tournament. The field also includes Ann Arborite A.J. Newell, a U-M assistant women’s golf coach. The Epson Tour is the official developmental tour of the LPGA. 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.), 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe Rd. Free to spectators. annarbor.org/sports-commission/epsontour, 994–8580.
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club.
June 17–19. 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.
“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.
“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.
“Preschool Hike: Summer Berries”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
Ages 2–5 (with caregiver) invited to join WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance to learn the Cherokee legend of the first strawberry and hike to discover the abundance of wild summer berries. Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #841003), severances@washtenaw.org, 971–6337.
“Teaching Black History”: U-M Clements Library Bookworm.
Panel discussion (via Zoom) on using primary sources to teach Black history. With University of Maryland history professor Richard Bell, University of Texas grad student LaToya Teague, and U-M Clements librarian Maggie Vanderford. 10–11 a.m., for URL preregister at myumi.ch/gjgzR. Free. 764–2347.
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.
See 10 Friday. Tonight in the Kidzone: the U-M Women of Color Task Force and Ann Arbor NAACP representatives discuss “The History of the Cakewalk” (5 p.m.). On the Power Center Lawn: Tai Chi with Wu’s Tai Chi Chuan (5 p.m.). On the O&W Grove Stage: A local jazz ensemble led by composer-drummer Sean Dobbins (5 p.m.). On the Rackham Stage: Kesswa (7 p.m.), a Detroit-based experimental vocalist whose music fuses techno and Nigerian gospel music. Also, Detroit neo-soul singer Vespre (8:30 p.m.), and Thornetta Davis (10:15 p.m.), a soulful, rocking Detroit-style R&B band led by this powerful, Etta James–style vocalist. 5 p.m.–midnight.
“O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of the Star-Spangled Banner”: Literati Bookstore/Ann Arbor District Library.
U-M musicology and American culture professor Mark Clague reads from and discusses his new book, an examination of the origins of the national anthem and its place in American cultural history. Signing. 6:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 343 S. 5th Ave. Free. 585–5567.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
See 10 Friday. Tonight: swing and classic jazz from the Eastside Jazz Collective. 6:30 p.m.
The Peace Generator : Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Please join us in creating peace for the planet. Meditate and set intentions. On Zoom. Free, but donations appreciated.
“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.
“Mamma Mia!”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 16–Jul. 17. This local professional theater company performs the sunny 1999 Catherine Johnson musical about a bride-to-be trying to narrow down a field of three possibilities to find her real father. The all-ABBA score includes the title song, “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $46 (seniors & youth $44) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268–6200.
Al Jackson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
June 17 & 18. L.A.-based comic who shares endearing, embarrassing incidents from his life in a gee-whiz style. Jackson’s former incarnation as a middle school teacher provides fodder for many of his stories. 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.
Men’s AFC Ann Arbor vs. Flint City Bucks.
The local semi-pro soccer team—2017 & 2018 conference champs—plays this United Soccer League Two rival. The June home schedule also includes games vs. the Midwest United FC (June 19, 1 p.m.), and the Flint City Bucks (June 29, 7:30 p.m.). 7:30 p.m., Saline High School Hornet Stadium, 1300 Campus Pkwy, Saline. Tickets $10 (kids, $8) in advance at afcannarbor.com, $12 at the gate. Group discounts available. 408–1627.
“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.
Banned Book Club: Booksweet Bookshop.
Booksweet co-owner Shaun Manning leads a discussion for teens and adults about Melissa (Formerly Published as George), Alex Gino’s 2015 novel about a transgender girl that topped the American Library Association’s list of the 10 Most Challenged Books in 2018, 2019, and 2020. 8–9 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration required (capacity limited) at ShopBooksweet.com. Mask & proof of vaccination required. 929–4112.
Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Residence: Kerrytown Concert House.
See 10 Friday. Tonight’s program: the acclaimed contemporary American composer Augusta Read Thomas’s string quartet Magic Gardens, Schoenberg’s string sextet Verklärte Nacht, Britten’s song cycle for tenor & piano Winter Words and Schubert’s String Trio in B-flat major. Performers: cellist and frequent AASO soloist Paul Watkins, Yale School of Music adjunct violin professor Tai Murray, virtuoso violinist and violist Yura Lee, former Tokyo String Quartet cellist Clive Greensmith, American lyric tenor Nicholas Phan, and the acclaimed Ralston String Quartet. 8 p.m.
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.
“Spirited Away”: Michigan Theater.
(Hayao Miyazaki, 2001). Perhaps the most acclaimed Japanese anime film, this allegorical fantasy from Studio Ghibli follows the adventures of a girl on the cusp of adulthood who enters the dangerous world of a supernatural Japanese bathhouse. 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.
