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Events in January 2023
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January 12, 2023
“Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration”: Chelsea One World One Family.
Jan. 9–21. Two weeks of community service activities. Various locations; for info see owofchelsea.org or email OWOFChelsea@gmail.com after Jan. 2. Free. 748–3564.
"Zero-Proof Cocktails (aka Mocktails)": Tammy's Tastings
Taking a dry January? Whether you call them mocktails or zero-proof cocktails, every home bartender should have a non-alcoholic drink or two at the ready. Packed with flavor, zero-proof cocktails can be every bit as interesting as their alcoholic counterparts, and offer a delicious alternative for those who can’t or don’t want to drink. In this class, you’ll mix and sample a variety of tasty non-alcoholic creations, including some using Seedlip (a line of really interesting non-alcoholic “spirits”).
This event will be held in the 17th century tavern in the basement of The Newton of Ypsilanti, a historic inn and gathering place in Ypsilanti. Please note that you must be able to use stairs to access this space.
Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels/nuts). The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of non-alcoholic cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to around 2 drinks per person over the 90-120 minute class.
220 S Huron St, Ypsilanti. https://www.tammystastings.com/events/zero-proof-cocktails-aka-mocktails-2/. $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com. tammystastings.com. 7342763215.Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Every Mon.–Fri. & Jan. 17. 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 & Pittsfield), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Jan. 17, 7-7:30 p.m. (Westgate).
Computer Help with Jack Spence: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
Every Thurs., Jan. 9- Mar. 31. Free (except as noted) in person weekly activities. Check meeting status before coming. 10-11 a.m., Pittsfield Township Senior Center, 701 W. Ellsworth Rd.. Free. recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.
Mah-jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353.
Today:
Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person.
“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV.
Jan. 5, 12, 19, & 26 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. $5 (babies under age 1, free). HSHV. $5 per kid. humaneed@hshv.org.
“Preschool ArtStart”: AADL.
Jan. 9, 11, & 12 (10:30–11 a.m., different locations): AADL staff lead children ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, in fun, process-based arts and crafts. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.).
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun., except Jan. 1. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“African American Schoolhouses in the South”: First Presbyterian Church Mature Ministries.
University of Illinois history fellow Kimberly Ransom discusses (via Zoom) the Rosenwald School project, established by Booker T. Washington in 1912 with 6 schools in Macon, Alabama. By 1938, the project had grown to 5,300 schools throughout the South. Noon, for URL, email mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org. Free.
“Title IX, Due Process, and the Struggle Over Campus Sexual Assault”: U-M Institute for Social Research.
Talk by U-M sociology professor Elizabeth Armstrong. Noon–1 p.m., 1430 ISR Building, 426 Thompson. Free. 764–8354.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) or a 499er game for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 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.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Free. Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353.
Today:
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–2:30 p.m.) via Zoom.
MLK Day Celebration: Washtenaw Community College
All are welcome to hear speeches on the topic of one of Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s most famous quotes, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Keynote speech by Washtenaw County Commissioner Caroline Sanders. Other speakers include WCC President Rose B. Bellanca and Black Student Union President Shemaiah Reeves.
Also, live music by hip-hop artist and former WCC student Kenyatta Rashon, an Ypsilanti native.
3:30-5 p.m., 2nd floor, Student Center, Washtenaw Community College. Livestream available at https://wccnet-edu.zoom.us/j/89140668083.
For more information, go to https://www.wccnet.edu/announcements/mlk-day.php.
“Ahead of the Curve”: U-M School of Public Health Leadership Speaker Series.
Discussion (via Zoom) about leadership and public health between School of Public Health dean DuBois Bowman and renowned epidemiologist Larry Brilliant, a CNN medical analyst who is CEO of Pandefense Advisory. 4–5 p.m., for URL preregister at bit.ly/brilliant-1-12. Free.
"Restoring confidence in our democracy": U-M Ford School of Public Policy
Democracy has been increasingly contested around the world. A majority of Americans are not satisfied with how democratic systems in the United States are functioning. In a climate of deep partisan antagonism and widespread misinformation, confidence in our elections has been declining for a myriad of reasons. The real-world implications of this moment cannot be overstated.
Join us for a conversation hosted at the Ford School by The Carter Center and the Gerald R. Ford Foundation that tackles how to buttress voter confidence in our democracy. Former Michigan U.S. Representatives Andy Levin (D-MI) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Amb (ret) Susan D. Page, Michigan Law and Ford School professor from practice and Carter Center trustee, will explore the bipartisan challenge of restoring faith in our democratic systems and highlight ways individuals can be part of the solution as we work together to uphold the standards of our democracy.
This event is hosted at the University of Michigan as a partnership between The Carter Center and the Gerald R. Ford Foundation. Political rivals and close collaborators, Presidents Carter and Ford held a shared understanding of the sanctity of our democratic systems. Since its founding in 1982, The Carter Center has focused its efforts outside the United States. Drawing from this expertise, the organization has shifted attention to the challenges faced in the United States. The Center’s Democracy Program supports U.S. elections by bolstering democratic norms and values, increasing trust and understanding of the electoral process, and responding to the challenges posed by mis-, dis- and mal-information. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has long partnered with the Ford School on educational programming that serves the public interest. The Foundation advances the principle that public order requires the cultivation of virtue within both the citizenry and political leaders. Its emphasis on civic education, civility, personal and political integrity, service to community and nation, political cooperation and compromise, and courage reflects the life and career of President Ford.
735 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Register at fordschool.umich.edu. fspp-events@umich.edu. https://fordschool.umich.edu/event/2023/restoring-confidence-our-democracy.“Mosaic Tour”: Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor.
Tour of the 20 murals (written about by Sandor Slomovits in the June Observer) designed and created by each graduating class since the school moved to its current location. 5:30 p.m., Rudolf Steiner High School, 2230 Pontiac Tr. Free. SteinerSchool.org.
Robin Frohardt: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
This Brooklyn-based director and artist discusses her immersive art installation The Plastic Bag Store (see 17 Tuesday listing). 5:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. 668–8463.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games. 5–8 p.m. (Mon. & Tues.), 6–8 p.m. (Thurs.), & 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Intro to 3D Design”: Ann Arbor District Library.
Adults and teens invited to design 2 objects using the simple TinkerCad program, and print them with the library’s 3D printers. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active.
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, and any other item for AHA members to try to repair and offer advice. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., All Hands Active, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at MeetUp.com/AllHandsActive/events. Free; donations welcome. Mask recommended. info@AllHandsActive.org.
Board Game Night at Venue: Vault of Midnight.
All invited to play popular board games, from easy to advanced. “Game gurus” on hand to answer questions. 6–9 p.m., Venue, 1919 South Industrial Hwy. $5. Preregistration required at bit.ly/venuegame.
“Shin Ultraman”: Fathom Events.
Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.
Jan. 11 & 12: (Shinji Higuchi, 2022). Subtitled (Wed.) & dubbed (Thurs.) screenings of this tongue-in-cheek Japanese sci-fi action romp about an extraterrestrial hero defending Japan from giant Kaiju monsters. 7 p.m.
“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth.
All invited to join a sing-along of soothing songs that are easy to learn. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Rd., or via Zoom; see interfaithspirit.org for URL. Free. 327–0270.
“The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust”: Ypsilanti District Library.
Local writers Sassa Akervall, Julie Ellis, and Simone Yehuda discuss and read from their 2022 anthology. 7–8:30 p.m., YDL, 5577 Whittaker Rd. Free. secondgenerationvoices.com.
"Book Panel Presentation : The Ones Who Remember: Second Generation Voices of the Holocaust": Ypsilanti District Library -Whittaker
A book presentation and discussion on The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust, with authors Sassa Akervall, Julie Ellis and Simone Yehuda
3755 charter place, ANN ARBOR. free. ritakbenn@gmail.com. www.secondgenerationvoices.com. 7349955348.Rick Roe Quartet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
RICK ROE is a jazz pianist, composer, performer, and veteran musician of the southeastern Michigan music community. He has produced and co-produced ten recordings with original compositions and arranged jazz standards with some of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world.
314 S. Main St , Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com. $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com. bluellamaclub.com. 734-372-3200.“House”: State Theatre.
State Theatre. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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.
Jan. 12: (Nobuhiko Obayashi, 1977). Hallucinatory and absurdist psychedelic ghost story about a schoolgirl who travels with 6 classmates to her ailing aunt’s old house in the country, where she meets evil spirits, a demonic house cat, a bloodthirsty piano, and other ghouls, all rendered via mattes, animation, and live-action-collage effects. Japanese, subtitles. 7:15 p.m.
Alex Kumin: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Jan. 12–14. A NYC-based comic by way of Chicago, Kumin covers the challenges of being a woman and other social issues with considerable wit and what Chicago magazine calls “unapologetic honesty.” She has appeared on Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring and NBC Universal’s Breakout Festival. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 ($15 Thurs.) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $22 ($17 Thurs.) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
Jan. 12–15. Cassie Mann directs local actors in Simon Stephens’ Olivier- and Tony-winning 2013 drama, adapted from Mark Haddon’s novel, that centers on a mystery surrounding the murder of a neighbor’s dog that is investigated by a 15-year-old boy on the autism spectrum. The Evening Standard called it “a beautiful and dazzlingly inventive show about the wonders of life.” 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. $24 (seniors, $22; students, $15), available at a2ct.org. 971–2228, manager@a2ct.org.
Comhaltas.
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7:30–9:30 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. facebook.com/DetroitIMA, contact@detroitirishmusic.org.
Pete Siers & the Kerrytown Stompers: Kerrytown Concert House Dance Hall Nights Series.
KCH’s new series gives attendees the option to listen in their seats in the main hall or dance in the cleared side hall. Pete Siers, on drums and washboard, leads an ensemble of local musicians TBA in a program of swinging vintage jazz inspired by the example of 3 late luminaries of the local jazz world, including longtime nationally syndicated Jazz Revisited radio host Hazen Schumacher, nationally renowned U-M early jazz piano professor James Dapogny, and Dixieland & swing saxophonist-trumpeter Paul Klinger. Other musicians TBA. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Livestream also available. Tickets $35–$50 in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door. Reservations recommended. 769–2999.
Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub.
Every Thurs. Local high school English teacher Barry Aherne poses the questions at this popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team of up to 6 people. Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. 665–2968.
Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Every Thurs. & Sun., except Jan. 1. Humane Society education reps introduce all ages to the basics of hatha-style yoga, which integrates breath with movement. Also, interact with adoptable cats. Dress prepared to work out. Suitable for age 12 & up, all 16 & under must be accompanied by adult. 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Thurs.) & 8:30–9:30 a.m. (Sun.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
German Conversation.
Every Thurs., and 2nd & 4th Tues. All German speakers, native or non-native, invited for conversation with either or both of 2 long-running groups, the A2 Stammtisch (8 p.m. Thurs.) and the German Speakers Round Table (7:30 p.m. Tues., Jan. 10 & 24). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
