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Events in October 2022
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October 12, 2022
“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 17. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of actor-playwright (and Purple Rose founder) Jeff Daniels’ comedy about America’s fastest growing sport. Four below-average players try to overcome their own limitations to achieve greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles. Daniels’ wife became addicted to the game, which Daniels described in a 2021 interview as “half-court basketball for elderly people.” Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Caitlin Cavannaugh. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $34–$52 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.
“Playgroups for Babies”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Wed. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Tues. 11 a.m.–noon (Traverwood), Wed. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (Westgate). Free. 327–4200.
a2Tech360.
Oct. 7–14. Week-long tech festival. Highlights: “Green Fair” (Oct. 7, 6–9 p.m., Downtown Main St. and Library Lot) showcasing eco-conscious local businesses and nonprofits. “Tech Talk” (Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Michigan Theater), a series of TED Talk-style presentations. “A2 Tech Trek and Mobility Row” (Oct. 14, 1–5 p.m., Washington between Fifth Ave. & S. Division, preregistration required at a2tech360.com/events/a2-tech-trek-2022), a showcase of mobility innovations ranging from self-driving shuttles to robotics. Various times & locations. Free. a2tech360.com.
Magic: The Gathering Game Play: Sylvan Factory.
Every Sat., Mon., Wed., & Fri. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Intro to Magic: The Gathering (Sat. noon–3 p.m.), free. Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players (Sat. 6–10 p.m.), free. Just Another Modern Monday power cards (Mon. 6–9 p.m.), $10. Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game (Wed. 5–8 p.m.), free. Friday Night Magic rotating draft (Fri. 6–10 p.m.), cost varies. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Fri. 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. & Oct. 11, 7 p.m. (Westgate). Free. 327–4200.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (11:30 a.m.) reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea” that are the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (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 (1:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan 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, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
"Navigating Medicare": Ann Arbor Senior Center.
(Oct. 12, 9:30–11 a.m.) led by an Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living representative. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. Preregistration required by calling 794–6250.
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards.
Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 10–Oct. 30 and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 23–Oct. 28. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm. Wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. On Sat. & Sun. for an extra charge, an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider and donuts available. No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.), Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd. (east of Carpenter), Ypsilanti. Weekend admission: $23.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $17.50 (babies, free) online only at wiards.com. 390–9211.
Mind Matters Brain Games: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday Via Zoom at bit.ly/a2braingame, passcode: 739714. Free. Check meeting status before coming. 794–6250
Painting Salon: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Painting Salon, no instructor, bring your own materials (Wed. 10-11:30 a.m.). Pittsfield Township Community Center (701 W. Ellsworth, 822-2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Free.“Tiny Tails Story Time”: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Oct. 5, 12, 19, & 26 (10:30–11:30 a.m.). Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. Tiny Lions Lounge, 5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1. $7 per kid (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“The Subversive Pedagogy of Belgrade Surrealism: Aleksandar Vučo and Dušan Matić’s The Fine Feats of the Five Cockerels Gang”: U-M Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Noon Lecture.
Columbia University Slavic Languages professor Aleksandar Bošković discusses the aesthetics and ideology of this 1933 Marxist-Surrealist epic poem for children. Noon–1:20 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at myumi.ch/xd2eV. Free. 764–0351.
“Washington’s Democracy in Asia: South Korea and the Prospects of a Global Partnership”: U-M Nam Center for Korean Studies.
Talk by Rand Corporation Korea policy chair Erik Mobrand. Noon–1 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at myumi.ch/z14y2. Free. 764–1825.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Sat., Wed., & Fri. 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
“Respectful Conversations”: Westminster Presbyterian.
Structured, facilitated discussion about Christian nationalism. Bring your lunch. 12:30pm–2:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. westpresa2.org. Free.
Bingo: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Bingo, $1 per card (Wed. 1-2:30 p.m.). Pittsfield Township Community Center (701 W. Ellsworth, 822-2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
$1 per card.Michigan Marching Band Practice.
Every Mon.–Thurs. The U-M’s highly disciplined 200-plus-member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on Elbel Field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., Elbel Field, Hill at Division. Free. 764–0582.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. 426–5116.
Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks.
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. 5–8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free. 548–9729.
Wynton Marsalis: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
Talk by this renowned composer- trumpeter, a flamekeeper for traditional jazz who is in town with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for a UMS residency (see 16 Sunday listing). 5:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. 668-8463.
“An Evening with Anna Quindlen”: U-M Wallace House.
This Pulitzer-winning journalist, author of Write for Your Life, is joined by U-M English professor Anne Curzan to discuss how anyone can write and why everyone should. 6 p.m. Rackham Auditorium. Free. wallacehouse.umich.edu/events, 998–7666.
“Living with Plastics: the Promise of Melamine”: The International Museum of Dinnerware Design.
Livestream talk by journalist Christopher Geoffrey McPherson on melamine dinnerware from 1939 through the 1960s. 6:30 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/dinnerwaretalks. Free. 764–6453.
%st“Michigan Beer: A Heady History”: Pittsfield Township Historical Society.
Local writer Patti Smith discusses her book about Michigan’s rich beer history from the mid-1800s through Prohibition and post-WWII brewing trends. 6:30 p.m., Sutherland-Wilson Farm, 797 W. Textile Rd. Free. pittsfieldhistory.org, info@pittsfieldhistory.org.
“The Prairie at St. Joe Nature Area: Past, Present, and Future”: Wild Ones.
Slide-illustrated talk by club member John Metzler, a nature photographer. 6:45–8 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. annarbor.wildones.org, a2wildones@gmail.com.
“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle.
All invited to read and discuss (via Zoom) poetry or short fiction. Have your original work ready to share, if you wish. For guidelines, see cwcircle.poetry.blog/poetry-workshop-guidelines. 7–9 p.m. (sign-up for new participants begins at 6:45 p.m.), for URL email cwpoetrycircle@gmail.com. Free. 668–7523.
Hot Club Wednesday: Erik McIntyre & Friends: North Star Lounge
Erik McIntyre is a guitarist and bandleader based in Flint, Michigan. He is known for bringing varieties of musicians together with a specialty in music inspired by jazz & blues from the 1920s-30s, emphasizing improvisation and musical interaction. Joining Erik is Dave Kosmyna, Chris Tabaczynski, & Shannon Wade.
301 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor. northstarloungea2@gmail.com. nstarlounge.com.Kerrytown Crafters.
Every Wed. All crocheters, knitters, spinners, weavers, felters, sewers, and other crafters invited to work on their own projects with others. Questions welcome, help available. 7 p.m. or so, for URL join facebook.com/groups/KTCrafters. Free. 926–8863.
Latin Jazz Wednesday: Lunar Octet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
The LUNAR OCTET has been making their brand of fiery all-original Latin Jazz since 1984 with sounds from Cuba and Brazil infused with American Jazz.
314 S. Main St , Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com. $10. hello@bluellamaclub.com. bluellamaclub.com. 734-372-3200.Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling.
Every Wed. All are invited for a dharma discussion. The program begins with a group meditation. 7–8 p.m., 614 Miner (enter through back door). Mask required. Also livestream; for URL see annarborktc.org. Free. 678–7549.
Mind Matters Webinar: Addiction 101 - Addiction & the Brain: University of Michigan Addiction Center
A free, virtual community education series designed for individuals and families. Participants will learn helpful information about addiction and how it changes the brain and behavior. Resources on how to obtain help and support will be provided.
Register here: https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202210/mind-matters-addiction-101-addiction-brain. Free. addictioncenter@med.umich.edu. https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/events/202210/mind-matters-addiction-101-addiction-brain. 517-449-8779.“Mutual Aid in the Unhoused Community”: Pittsfield Union Grange.
Winter shelter worker Mae Wilson speaks about her experiences working with the Ann Arbor homeless community. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a potluck; bring a dish to pass. 7:15 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Mask requested when not eating. Free. (307) 760–8570.
Open Rehearsal: The Arbor Consort.
Every Wed. All singers invited to rehearse with this semi-professional a cappella ensemble that performs Renaissance and Victorian-era music in period dress. The official madrigal group of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd. Free. TheArborConsort.org.
Open Dancing: Swing Ann Arbor.
Every Wed. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a lesson. 8–10 p.m., check facebook.com/groups/swingannarbor for U-M campus location. Mask and proof of vaccination (with booster) required. $5 (free for members and those who attend the lesson). swingannarbor.com.
