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Events in April 2022
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April 3, 2022
“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival).
Mar. 8–Apr. 24. Reprise of the summer production of this interactive performance art piece curated by NYC theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone—the duo behind the Obie-winning company 600 Highwaymen—in which 2 randomly chosen ticket holders meet on opposite ends of a table, separated by a pane of glass, to follow a scripted set of prompts. The questions start out simple (“Have you ever broken a bone?”) and grow progressively more intimate (“Have you ever broken a heart?”) with the aim of encouraging storytelling, triggering imagination, and nurturing empathy. The hour-long encounter ends in a “startling and powerful,” way according to the New York Times reviewer, who also called the piece “a joy,” and “a work of inquisitive humanity and profound gentleness.” Suitable for ages 16 & up. 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 p.m. (Tues.–Sun.), UMMA Irving Stenn Jr. Family Gallery, 525 S. State. Tickets $10 (students, $5). Preregistration required at a2sf.org or by calling 764–2538. Mask required. BoxOffice@a2sf.org
'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
March 13 - April 13. Creal Microgallery presents ‘Snails and the Infinite,' an exhibition of small sculptures by Portland, Maine artist Robin Carlson. These sculptures depict a playful grouping of snails sporting a range of surreal alternatives to traditional shells.
Carlson describes ‘play’ as being one of the primary motivators in her artistic process. “My world, the things I am passionate about and what matters to me at the end of the day, is a place where ‘play’ is taken seriously and everything is a puzzle. Problem solving becomes silly and fun.” The results are indeed silly and fun— snail shells made of sushi, or ice cream sundaes, or gruesomely dislodged eyeballs. They harken back to gift shop miniatures, to emojis, and in some instances to comics and gross-out toys of the 80s and 90s. Carlson says she’s been making toys since she was around 6-7 years old, and has always enjoyed collecting things. Over time she has grown to enjoy creating her own toy collections, exploring variations on a theme. By working from a constant starting point— in this case the snail— she enjoys exploring the infinite possibilities for play.
So, why snails? Carlson says they remind her of the “deep realities of life. When I concentrate on the smallness of the world, the bugs beneath our feet, the flowers popping up in spring, a broken egg on the sidewalk, I remember to be appreciative of nature and all that is small. Within the form of the humble snail is infinity.” Carlson also sees snails as a great example of the universal law of duality: soft and hard, malleable and fragile, fleeting and ancient. The shell is structural, defined and geometric. But a snail’s body is amorphous, ever-changing and organic. It is almost ironic then, that the shell becomes the shapeshifting canvas. Like a hermit crab making a tin can its new home, Carlson swaps in birthday cake or spaghetti and meatballs in place of a snail shell. She encourages viewers to look more closely and pay attention. Carlson’s work invites viewers to use their imaginations and remain open to the unexpected.
Ann Arbor Goddess 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run: Epic Races.
All women invited to compete in chip-timed 5-km and 1-mile races on a course downtown on Liberty and Main streets. Special teams categories include Mother-Daughter, Three Generations, & Sister-Sister. Also, a 200-meter kids dash for kids age 8 & under. Finishers’ medals and awards for 5-km winner and 5-km masters winner, as well as top 5 finishers in each age category. T-shirts, post-race snacks, and more. Race organizers “also welcome gods (husbands, brothers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, and more), as long as they support our goddesses.” Partial proceeds benefit the U-M Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center. 200 E. Liberty. $47 (5-km & 1-mile), & $13 (kids dash) in advance by May 11 at epicraces.com; $50 (5-km & 1-mile), & $15 (kids dash) on race weekend. info@epicraces.com, 531-8747.
“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. Kids only. HSHV, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $15 per kid. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org.
“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 Apr. 3 topic is “The Unconquerable One,” a tale about generosity and freedom from selfishness. For URL preregister at bit.ly/jeweldharmatalk. Free. 994–3387.
Sunday Artisan Market.
Every Sun. except Apr. 17 (Easter Sunday). Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.
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. Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
Sankofa: The Art & Legacy of Jon Onye Lockard
This exhibit features a collection of Jon Onye Lockard’s work and historical artifacts that speak with an uncommon eloquence, vibrancy and enlightenment. The relevance of his work and life experiences, to today’s world and current events, illuminate his vision even more. Lockard (1/25/1932 – 3/25/2015) was a visionary looking forward with a vast knowledge of the past. Born in Detroit, his career spanned more than a half-century painting, teaching, exhibiting, and lecturing locally, nationally, and internationally. His life exemplified the West African proverb Sankofa – “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten”. There is wisdom in learning from the past and one’s roots, to ensure a strong future ahead.African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
Michael G. Nastos 70th Birthday Party: Music at Sequoia Place.
An afternoon of jazz and blues by a host of prominent local and Detroit-area musicians in various ensembles to celebrate the 70th birthday of this local jazz musician, promoter, and radio host. Participants include vocalist Olivia Van Goor, pianist William Marshall Bennett, drummer Bob Sweet, trumpeters Ingrid Racine and Ken Kozora, bassist Kurt Krahnke, sax & flute players Vincent York & Paul VornHagen, electric bassists Todd Perkins & Ralph McKee, and others TBA. Sequoia Place, 1131 N. Maple. Mask and proof of Covid vaccination required. Free. 373–3560.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to South America (2 & 4 p.m.), including the cougar, cane toad (a large, poisonous amphibian), and red-tailed boa, aka boa constrictor. Also, a zookeeper talk with a surprise animal (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.
“Historic Earhart Manor Tour”: Concordia University Ann Arbor Guild.
Docent-led tour of this 1935 English-style country manor, currently home to Concordia administration, built by former local gasoline baron Harry Earhart. It features secret panels and hidden passageways linking rooms and floors, a room once used solely for arranging flowers, and rooms so spacious that a former closet is now a top Concordia administrator’s office. Concordia University Earhart Manor, 4090 Geddes Rd. Mask required. $10, preregistration required. ConcordiaGuild@cuaa.edu, 995–7509.
Chakra Mini Retreat: 7 Notes Natural Health
Are you anxious? Do you feel stuck? Are you constantly worried about being good enough? Is it a struggle to speak up for yourself? Do you often second guess yourself?If this is you, join us to learn practical tips to feel calmer, speak your truth with ease, tap into your creative talents, improve your sex life, and boost your confidence.Chakra meditation scans + chakra crystal bowls + journaling + aromatherapy + more…7 Notes Natural Health
U-M Baseball.
This month’s home schedule includes 3-game series vs. Iowa (Apr. 1-3), Cal State Fullerton (Apr. 8-10), and Ohio State (Apr. 22-24), and a single game vs. IPFW (Apr. 6, 4 p.m.). 4 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State St. $6 ($8 in advance). mGOblue.com, 764–0247.
“Fairy Garden Crafternoon”: Booksweet Bookshop.
Clever Creations (Ypsilanti) owner Amy Balzer-Pemberton shows all age 5 & up how to make garden fairies, little mushrooms and ladybugs. Supplies provided. Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Mask & proof of vaccination required. $15, preregistration required at ShopBooksweet.com. 929–4112.
“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: EMU Theatre Department.
Apr. 1–3 & 8–10. EMU theater staff member Pam Cardell directs EMU drama students in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony-winning 2004 musical comedy about the quirky contestants in a spelling bee and the equally quirky grown-ups who run it. An unusual aspect of the show is that 4 audience members are invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee. Music direction by EMU lecturer and composer R. MacKenzie Lewis. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), EMU Legacy Theater, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., Ypsilanti. Tickets $12–18 in advance at EMUtix.com & at the door. 487-2282.
“Mindfulness Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All invited to join WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward for a quiet meditative walk through the spring woods to connect with nature. Kidder-McKeachie Scio Woods Preserve, 4000 Scio Church. Free. Preregistration required by emailing boglee@washtenaw.org, 971–6337.
“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
Casaundra Freeman directs this Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu drama—the 1st post-lockdown play to open on Broadway—that brings the big questions of Waiting for Godot into contemporary life. Two young black men meet under a streetlight, talk smack, pass time, and hope for a better life. The New York Times called the play “blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”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.
“somebody's children”: U-M Theatre Department.
Mar. 31–Apr. 10. U-M theater alum Héctor Flores Komatsu directs U-M drama students in U-M theater professor José Casas’ drama about 5 homeless teens living in a rundown L.A. motel. Told through a series of vignettes, the play paints a picture of the cruel realities in which the most marginalized struggle to survive—all the while doing so in the shadow of Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), and 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.). Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $33 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 764.2538.
“The Stratford Festival Presents: The Merry Wives of Windsor”: Michigan Theater.
(2019). Filmed stage production by this venerable theater festival of Shakespeare’s comedy about Sir John Falstaff’s simultaneous pursuit of 2 respectably married women. Set in 1950s Ontario. 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.
“Time for Tyner: Exploring the Influence of McCoy Tyner”: Kerrytown Concert House.
U-M jazz piano professor Ellen Rowe leads her All About the Trio ensemble in a lecture-concert exploring the work of this celebrated jazz pianist, a cornerstone of John Coltrane’s groundbreaking 1960s quartet. The program includes such tunes as “Inception,” “Passion Dance,” and “Search for Peace.” With bassist Paul Keller and drummer Peter Siers. KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. Livestream available at KerrytownConcertHouse.com. Tickets $13–$50 in advance online and at the door. 769–2999.
Game Playtesting: Michigame Design Lab.
Apr. 3 & 17. All invited to try out new games from local board and card game designers and provide feedback. 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.
Passover Sale: Women of Temple Beth Emeth.
Apr. 1, 3, 8, & 10. Sale of Seder plates, matzah plates & covers, afikomen bags, haggadot, kitchen wares, Passover-themed toys, holiday inspired apparel, including masks, Shabbat & Yahrzeit candles, tallit and other ritual items. Noon-7 p.m. (Fri.) & 2-5 p.m. (Sun.), WTBE Gift Shop, 2309 Packard. Mask required. tbe@templebethemeth.org.
“A Concert of Polish Organ Music”: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Columbia University organ professor Gail Archer, heralded by New York Music Daily as “a trailblazing organist and rescuer of undeservedly obscure repertoire,” performs her new album Cantius, a collection of 19th-, 20th-, & 21st-century Polish organ music recorded at St. John Cantius Church (Chicago). Program highlights include Henryk Górecki’s brooding and modern Kantata for Organ, and Feliks Nowowiejski’s expansive Symphony No. 8 for Organ. St. Francis of Assisi, 2250 E. Stadium. Free; donations welcome. 769-2550.
“All Peoples Planet Parade”: All Peoples Planet Parade and Action Network.
Family-friendly sidewalk parade, a concert by Mary Fithian & Friends, and a speaker TBA to “celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet and call for action to protect her.” Attendees encouraged to make a sign, wear a costume, or bring a “sidewalk float.” Meet at Sculpture Plaza, N. Fourth Ave. at Catherine. Free. Mask requested. Info: Megan Sims at megansims600@gmail.com & 417–7020.
University and Campus Bands: U-M Music School.
These ensembles of music and nonmusic majors perform works TBA. Hill Auditorium. Mask required. Free. 764-0594.
Wind Symphony: EMU Music Department.
EMU music professor J. Nick Smith conducts this music student ensemble in “Word!,” a program of music by mostly contemporary American composers, including Roshanne Etezady’s Shoutout, Harrison Collins’ Paper Man, David Del Tredici and Mark Spede’s Acoustic Song, the 3rd movement (“Presto”) of Lowell Liebermann’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Lindsay Bronnenkant’s Tarot, William Schuman’s Chester, and Matthew Hindson and Paul Mac’s Requiem for a City. EMU Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsilanti. Mask required. Free. 487-4143.
Hatha Yoga: ArogyaVeda
Need yoga to focus on your health and healing? That is the main focus for AyogyaVeda. Come learn classical Yoga from the best wellness center in North East Ann Arbor. Reservations are required to come in. No walk in allowed at this time. Please email us at arogya.veda.annarbor@gmail.comArogya Veda Wellness Center
“Newsies”: Bløm Meadworks.
(Kenny Ortega, 1992). Musical comedy-drama loosely based on the New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899. Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret, Robert Duvall. All ages welcome, but minors encouraged to be accompanied by adult. Proof of vaccination required. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. 548–9729.
Annual FestiFools.
This popular gigantic public art parade, along a new State Street route, features magnificent, huge, bizarre papier-mâché puppets that range from animals and fantastical creatures to local and national celebrities. Community members in costume invited to join the parade; to participate, email wonderfoolproductions@gmail.com. State St. from South University to William. Free. wonderfoolproductions.org, 763-7550.
Ann Arbor Go Club.
Every Sun. & Thurs. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game in person. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, for location email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com. Free.
Violin Studio Recital: U-M Music School.
Violin students perform works TBA. U-M Moore Bldg. Watkins Lecture Hall, 1100 Baits. Mask required. Free. 615–3204.
“Princess Mononoke”: Fathom Events.
(Hayao Miyazaki, 1997). Dubbed (Apr. 3 & 6) & subtitled (Apr. 4) screenings of this complex anime fantasy adventure set in Japan’s Iron Age that depicts a siege by samurai and forest gods of a remote village populated by outcasts. 7 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only). For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events. Tickets $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973–8424), Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316–5500).
“Ave, Crux! Motets for Passiontide”: St. Andrew’s episcopal Church Music for Meditation/Academy of Early Music.
St. Andrew’s music director Deborah Friauff directs the church’s Compline Choir and the Ann Arbor Grail Singers in a performance of motets for Passiontide. The program includes works by Guerrero, Monteverdi, Morales, Sheppard, Tartini, Lotti, Merulo, and de Victoria, and an 8-part, double-choir setting of Palestrina’s Stabat Mater. St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Mask and vaccination required. Free. 663–0518.
“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 Mark Sweetman. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St. #100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
Symphony Band: U-M Music School.
Michael Haithcock and guest conductor H. Robert Reynolds (a U-M band director emeritus), lead this music student ensemble in a program highlighted by a guest performance by composer-violinist Jeremy Kittel, a U-M alum who is featured in the premiere of his “In the Dream.” Also, the premiere of U-M alum Karalyn Schubring’s “the leaves scatter like grass.” Hill Auditorium. Mask required. Livestream available at myumi.ch/HillWatchFree. 764-0594.
