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Events in July 2022
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July 8, 2022
“Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”: Michigan Theater.
Opens July 8: (Dean Fleischer-Camp, 2021). Live-action animated mockumentary about a charming anthropomorphic shell voiced by Jenny Slate. Based on a series of whimsical YouTube videos Slate and Fleischer-Camp made in 2010 that went viral. 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.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival. June 19-July 15. Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Includes both in-person shows and 5 different films each week available to stream anytime.
July 3, noon through July 8, noon (online):
“Dead Sea Guardians” (Ido Glass & Yoav Kleinman, 2021). Documentary exploring how overconsumption, poor water management, and global warming are threatening the Dead Sea. “A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff” (Alicia J. Rose, 2021). Mystical meta-musical about the notorious Wall Street fraudster told through the eyes of musician and poet Alicia Jo Rabins. “The Levys of Monticello” (Steven Pressman, 2021). Documentary about the little-known Jewish family who bought Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia estate 8 years after his death and maintained it for nearly a century. “Plan A” (Yoav Paz & Doron Paz, 2021). Historical drama about a group of Holocaust survivors who hatch a revenge plot to kill 6 million Germans by poisoning the water supply. “Shorts III.” A program of 5 short films exploring the topics of friendship and interpersonal relationships: Quatre-Mains (Lander Haverals’ 2020 documentary about how to 2 men—a Jewish lawyer who lost his family in the Holocaust and an artist who grew up in a Nazi household—became close friends in their old age), Miss (Ella Marks & Yael Roth’s 2021 satire about a photographer who discovers her new roommate is entering a Miss Hitler beauty pageant), Reflection (Shirel Paz’s 2020 comedy about a young man suffering from social phobia who meets a mannequin in a store window that changes his life), Lookout (Noa Gusakov’s 2014 comic drama about a Israeli army lookout who creates an imaginary world to divert her from her mundane duties), and Summer Shade (Shira Haimovici’s provocative 2020 drama about a Israeli girl confronted by a group of Orthodox Jewish boys at a swimming hole).
$12 per film (in advance only for in-person shows); virtual festival pass, $150. Rackham Amphitheater and online at Film.jccAnnArbor.org. 971–0990.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except July 4. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (12:30 p.m.) reveals the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea,” the world’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (1:30 & 3:30 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 (2:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan 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.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri., Tues.), 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.
“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 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northfield Twp. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. aabts.org.
City Park Walks: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Friday. Weekly guided 1-mile walk at a different city park each week. Preregister at mfulton@a2gov.org or 794–6250. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
“Kid-Friendly Croquet”: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association).
Minimally competitive game of croquet hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library. Corner of Main & Liberty. bit.ly/A2SSts-community
Beginner Qigong & Tai Chi: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday & Friday. Gentle stretching both in-person and via Zoom (call 794–6250 for Zoom sign-up), Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. 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. (Fri. & Wed.) & 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.
Kids Crafts: Ann Arbor District Library.
July 6-8, 12, 13, 17, 20-22, & 25-29. AADL staffers lead hour-long workshops for kids ages 5-10. July 6 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Make a Fairy Doll!” July 7 (1 p.m., Westgate): “Craft-tastic!” Creative crafting using pipe cleaners, pompoms, clothes pins, and more. July 8 (1 p.m., Downtown) & July 20 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Slime Time.” July 12: (2 p.m., Traverwood.): “Origami Paper Wall Hanging.” July 13 (1, 4, & 6:30 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Tie Dye.” Bring a 100% cotton T-shirt or other similarly sized [?cotton?] item. July 17 (noon, Malletts Creek): “Paper Plate Flying Saucers.” July 21 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Pipe Cleaner Ballet Dancers.” July 22 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Caped Crusaders.” Chance to make a one-of-a-kind superhero cape. July 25 (2 p.m., Downtown): “Cabbage Juice Chemistry.” July 26 (2 p.m., Pittsfield): “Domino Days.” July 27 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Knitting Nancies.” Chance to make and use a simple handheld loom. July 28 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Sun Prints.” July 29 (2 p.m., Westgate): “DIY Flashlights!” Free. 327–4200.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.—Fri. (except July 4). Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2—5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate).
“Bandemer Park Work Day”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI).
All invited to pick up trash, clear invasive species, and help city staffers with other minor beautification projects. Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes, and a mask if not vaccinated; bring water; tools and gloves provided. 3–5 p.m., Bandemer Park (off Lakeshore Dr.). Free. sreynolds@a2gov.org.
Annual Saline Celtic Festival: City of Saline.
July 8 & 9. Saline’s celebration of its sister city, Brecon, Wales, features food, beer and clan tents, kids activities, and Celtic music and dance on several stages by visiting and local performers. No pets. The festival kicks off July 8 with a Dance Party in the Park featuring the ever-popular “Mr. Pretty Legs” kilt-wearing competition, a limerick contest, music and dance workshops, and live music (times TBA) by the Detroit top 40 dance band The Phoenix Theory, as well as the progressive Celtic folk duo Ironwood and the Detroit Celtic punk band The Codgers. Also, fire stunts by Ring of Steel Action Theatre & Stunt Troupe. 5 p.m.–late (Fri.) & 9 a.m.–midnight (Sat.), Mill Pond Park, end of W. Bennett St., west of Ann Arbor St., Saline. Parking available at Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Rd., and Liberty School, 7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline, with a shuttle to the festival. Fri.: $8 (ages 6–17, $5, active military free) at the gate only. Sat.: $15 in advance at salineceltic.org and $18 (seniors age 65 & over, $10; youth ages 6-17, $5; kids age 5 & under and active military, free) at the gate. salineceltic.org/schedule, 944–2810.
Game Night: Sweetwaters Café Downtown.
July 8 & 22. 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.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
See 1 Friday. Tonight: Ann Arbor R&B band Men in Black. 6:30 p.m.
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series.
See 1 Friday. Tonight: an ensemble led by Detroit instrumental soul and jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree. 7 p.m.
“Harvey”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Staged Reading.
July 8 & 9. Staged reading, directed by Cassie Mann, of the 1944 Mary Chase comedy, in which the sanity of the charming Elwood P. Dowd is called into question by his insistence that his best friend is a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. Made famous by the 1950 film starring James Stewart. Proceeds benefit A2CT as it resumes in-person programming. 7:30 p.m., A2CT Studio, 322 W. Ann St. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $20 in advance at a2ct.org/tickets, by phone, & at the door. 971-2228.
“Les Écuries du Roi”: Northside Community Church.
Soprano Linda Munch, baroque bassoonist and recorder player David Shreiner, baroque bassoonist and oboist Christopher Broderson, bassist and treble viola da gambist Janet Cannon, and harpsichordist Diana Munch present a program of baroque music, including works by Telemann, Bach and Handel. 7:30 p.m., Northside Community Church, 929 Barton Drive. Free. ncca2.org/events, NorthsideCommunityA2@gmail.com, 834-0656.
“Mamma Mia!”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 16–July 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.
"Harvey": Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Staged Reading
Play Pals Productions presents a staged reading of Harvey, by Mary Chase, the classic comedy that tells the tale of Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend, the 6 ft tall invisible rabbit Harvey. Featuring 11 beloved Ann Arbor Civic Theatre actors, this is a benefit for A2CT. Tickets are $20, and available in advance. 7:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Studio, 322 W. Ann
Tom Thakkar: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
July 8 & 9. This Indiana-bred New York City-based comic is known for his relatable observational humor that takes on such things as old people stories, being banned from Twitter, and peeing outside the litter box. He has appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan, This Week at the Comedy Cellar, and more. 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.
“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. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., 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.
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.
“Pom Poko”: Michigan Theater.
(Isao Takahata, 1994). Studio Ghibli anime fantasy about shape-shifting raccoon-like creatures who fight back against human incursion into their forest home. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sat.). 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.
