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Events in April 2023
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April 30, 2023
14th Annual Ride for Recovery: Dawn Farm Fundraiser
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division
Apr. 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, & 30. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. Various times and locations. Free. Preregistration and information at bit.ly/a2stewardworkday. 794–6627.
Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Every Sun. (except Apr. 9) & Thurs. Humane Society education reps introduce all ages to the basics of hatha-style yoga. Also, interact with adoptable cats. Dress prepared to work out. Suitable for age 12 & up, all 16 & under must be accompanied by adult. 9–10 a.m. (Sun.) & 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
Huron Rat Race: Huron High School Athletic Boosters
Join us for the First Annual Rat Race! This 5K will start at Ann Arbor's Huron High School and will wind through beautiful Gallup Park! Runners and walkers of all speeds are welcome!
The Rat Race, hosted by the Huron Booster Club, is an annual fundraiser to support all sports offered at Huron! Home of the River Rats, Huron is a comprehensive high school in the Ann Arbor School District, with a student population of nearly 1800 students. It has one of the largest populations of Schools of Choice students and low-income students in Washtenaw County. Research shows that high schoolers who participate in sports manage stress better, feel a stronger sense of community, and are at low risk of engaging in risky behaviors. We want to make interscholastic athletics accessible to all students.
Huron students can register for a discounted rate. Must provide school ID at check-in!
Huron High School 2727 Fuller Road ,Ann Arbor. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/AnnArbor/AAHRatRace $25. twilight.rao@gmail.com https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/AnnArbor/AAHRatRace 734-846-1601.“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times”: Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center Sunday Talks
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by discussion. All invited to attend either online or in person to watch together. Once a month, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from the Jataka Tales (300 BC–400 AD) concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. The Apr. 2 topic is “The Buffalo,” a tale about the effort of patience. 11 a.m., Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. Also via Zoom; for URL preregister at jewelheart.org/jataka-tales. Free. 994–3387.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Apr. 15). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (11 a.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (3 p.m.) examines the field of astrobiology and how scientists search for life on other planets. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
Spring Sale: Friends at the Front Porch
H.A.C. Ultimate
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can
Every Sun. & Thurs. A different lineup of activities each time, from readings, concerts, and show & sale of artworks to informal jam sessions and other impromptu events. This month’s highlights: Apr. 2: Show and sale of selected artworks from the collection of the recently deceased & beloved local arts patron Barbara Kramer with live music by local musicians TBA. Apr. 6: Silent auction of selected works from gallery and other local artists. Apr. 9: Live music by local musicians TBA, and announcement of silent auctions winners. Apr. 13: Show and sale of found material art by mosaic artist Morrine Maltzman and jeweler Carolyn Tjon Burnstein. Apr. 16: What next? All invited to a meeting to discuss possible futures for the gallery. Apr. 20: Art-making demonstrations by some of the gallery’s new artists. Apr. 23. Artwork from and discussion with high school artists TBA from Ann Arbor public schools. Apr. 30: Free hands-on session using found materials to create art led by mosaic artist Morrine Maltzman. Bring your own materials or purchase materials at the gallery. 4–5 p.m. (Thurs.) & noon–2 p.m. (Sun.), A Makeshift Gallery, 407 E. Liberty. Free admission. Cheryldawdy.com, cldawdy@gmail.com.
U-M Baseball
Apr. 7-9, versus Nebraska. This month’s home schedule also includes single games vs. Butler (Apr. 11, 4 p.m.) & Toledo (Apr. 19, 4 p.m.), as well as 3-game series vs. MSU (Apr. 21, 4 p.m.; Apr. 22, 2 p.m., & Apr. 23, 1 p.m.) and Oklahoma State (Apr. 28, 4 p.m.; Apr. 29, 2 p.m., & Apr. 30, noon). 4 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & noon (Sun.), Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State. Tickets (price TBA) at mGOblue.com/tickets & at the gate. 764–0247.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
William Bennett Trio: The Blue LLama Brunch Show
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to South America, including the cougar, cane toad, and red-tailed boa (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper display of a hairy armadillo (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including a reindeer, bald eagle, macaws, and more. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount for advance purchase at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.
“D&D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
“FM Radio Favorites”: Ann Arbor Concert Band Brass Choir
John Janevic directs the band’s brass instrumentalists and a percussionist in a unique spin on favorites like “At the Copacabana,” “Colonel Bogey March,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “California Dreamin’,” an ABBA medley, “9 to 5,” “76 Trombones,” and “Down on the Corner.” 1–2 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free.
Guided Afternoon Walks: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Apr. 9, 23, & 30. All invited to join guided walks, organized around different themes, through the conservatory or (weather permitting) the grounds. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. April schedule: “Biodiversity” (Apr. 9), “Spring Migration, Frogs, & Toads” (Apr. 23), & “Insect Helpers” (Apr. 30). 1–2 p.m. (12:45 p.m. arrival recommended), Matthaei Botanical Gardens lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. bit.ly/matthaeiwalks, 647–7600.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Preservation Clinic: Ann Arbor District Library
U-M library staff offer 1-on-1 consultations on how to repair, scan, store, display, and care for old books, papers, maps, photographs, videos, LPs, and tapes to keep them well preserved. Part of Preservation Week, a national initiative to connect people with resources to preserve cultural heritage. 1–3 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. 327–4200.
Tour: Kempf House Museum
“Annual Spring Has Sprung at Springhill”: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy
All invited to join a hike of about 1.5 miles to enjoy woodlands and spring wildflowers. Preceded by socializing. Refreshments. No pets. Be prepared for variable weather and muddy trails. 1:30—3:45 p.m., meet at 3345 Berry Rd., ½ mile south of Ford Rd., Superior Twp. Free (donations welcome). smlcland.org
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Blue Stockings”: Skyline High School Theater
Apr. 28–30. Skyline students present Jessica Swale’s 2013 drama, set at Girton College, Cambridge in 1896, about the struggle of Cambridge's first women students to be allowed to graduate. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), SHS Auditorium, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. Tickets $15 (students, $10) in advance only at skylinehstheatre.org/cart. 994–6515. skylinehstheatre@gmail.com.
“In Common”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 21–June 3. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of Philadelphia-based African American playwright Quinn D. Eli’s drama about Melanie, a woman haunted by a voice in her head—the voice of her friend who was killed years ago. The friend was Black, Melanie is white, and questions about why the tragedy happened and who was to blame come into focus when Melanie is drawn into a new relationship. Adult language and content. Cast: Caitlin Cavannaugh, Rachel Keown, Rusty Mewha, Olivia Miller, Dez Walker. 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 $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.
“Nature’s Nightlife”: Waterloo Natural History Association
Leslie Science and Nature Center representatives TBA show off live nocturnal animals such as bats, owls, and arachnids to demonstrate why these creatures work and live in the dark. 2–3 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. Free. Space limited; preregistration required by calling 475–3170. $12 ($17 at the gate) recreation passport required.
“Oklahoma!”: Pioneer Theatre Guild
Every Fri.–Sun., Apr. 29–May 7. Luke Mannikus directs high school students in the landmark 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, a sentimental love story set in Oklahoma Territory on the eve of statehood. The show’s many well-known songs include “I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and the rousing title chorus. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 610 W. Stadium. Tickets $20 (students, seniors age 65 & over, & PHS staff, $15) in advance showtix4u.com/events/ptg and at the door. 994–2191.
“Splattered”: Theatre Nova
Every Fri.–Sun., Apr. 21–May 14. Briana O’Neal directs the premiere of Hal Davis and Carla Milarch’s play about a seminarian who sneaks away from a party at the New York Museum of Modern Art to be alone. In the galleries, he encounters the ghost of Jackson Pollock, who challenges some of the man’s most fundamental beliefs. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask required. Tickets $22 (kids under 17, $10) in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com and (if available) at the door. 635–8450.
“The Precipice”: Fifth Wall Performing Arts
Apr. 29 & 30. Corey Douglas Smith directs community members in the world premiere of U-M Brehm Prize-winning NYC-based composer Karl Ronneburg’s “abstract chamber-rock opera” in four acts, with music and text by Grey Grant and Ronneburg. The work explores “how to be a person” and the concept of irreversible change represented by “the precipice.” Stars Karl Ronneburg and Grey Grant. Daniel Johnson conducts a band that includes clarinetist Eric Schweizer, pianist Melissa Coppola, percussionist Chris Sies, bassist Ben Willis, with Alison Prost, Jeremy Esquer, Taylor Tookes, and Julia Knowles on violin, cello, and electric guitar. 8 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $10–$60 (pay what you want) in advance at bit.ly/5thwallprecipice or at the door. fifthwallperformingarts.com. FifthWallPerformingArts@gmail.com.
U-M Softball
Apr. 7–9, versus Illinois. This month’s schedule also includes 3-game series vs. Northwestern (Apr. 21–23) & Indiana (Apr. 28–30) with game times at 6 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & noon (Northwestern) and 2 p.m. (Indiana) (Sun.), as well as a single game vs. MSU (Apr. 18, 6 p.m.). 5 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Alumni Field, 1114 S. State. Tickets (price TBA) at mGOblue.com/tickets & at the gate. 764–0247.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
“Come Rain or Come Shine”: Washtenaw Chorale
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Apr. 15). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (11 a.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (3 p.m.) examines the field of astrobiology and how scientists search for life on other planets. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“Sláva Ukraíni!”: The American Center of Church Music
Columbia University organ professor Gail Archer, heralded by New York Music Daily as “a trailblazing organist and rescuer of undeservedly obscure repertoire,” performs a program of Ukrainian, Russian. and Polish organ music from different eras. Also, talks by U-M faculty (TBA) on the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as a collection to raise funds for the Ukraine Emergency Appeal of the United Church of Christ. 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 608 E. William. Free, donations welcome. 662–1679.
The Arbor Consort - Call for singers: The Arbor Consort
Do you like to sing?
Do you enjoy the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Faire?
The Arbor Consort is the group for you!
The official madrigal group of the Michigan Renaissance Faire invites you to a sing-along and concert. Join us in the Annex of The YPSI.
All singers young and old, trained or shower, all vocal parts are welcome. Refreshments will be provided, and bring a friend with you!
Learn more about The Arbor Consort on our website: thearborconsort.org
218 N Adams St ,Ypsilanti. Free. Jcolling@thearborconsort.org https://facebook.com/events/s/the-arbor-consort-call-for-sin/614972516747824/ 989 327 8507.Pinball Tournament: Pinball Pete’s
Ann Arbor Go Club
Ann Arbor Morris
Sunday Supper: William Bennett Trio: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Michigan-based pianist WILLIAM BENNETT has had the honor of sharing the stage with many notable performers including Billy Childs, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Liberty Devitto, Jon Hendricks, Paquito D’Rivera, and more. He performs solo and with various ensembles all over the southeast Michigan area, stylistically ranging from ragtime to rock to modern pop and jazz.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Dinner and Show at opentable.com $85. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.Rainn Wilson: Literati Bookstore
This actor and comedian, best known for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, discusses his new book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, a funny, readily accessible exploration of ancient wisdom and spirituality that argues for a healing transformation on both an individual and global level. Signing. 7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $30 (includes a copy of the book) in advance at michtheater.org & (if available) at the door. 585–5567.
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Vincent York's 10th Annual International Jazz Day Concert: Vincent York's JAZZistry and Kerrytown Concert House
Join local veteran woodwind and saxophonist Vincent York and his JAZZistry band for a performance celebrating jazz and its important role in American musical history and culture. He brings with him some of the finest area jazz musicians from across generations.
Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Street, Ann Arbor MI 48104 ,Ann Arbor. https://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/event/international-jazz-day-with-vincent-yorks-jazzistry/ Reserved seats: $45–$20. kch@kerrytownconcerthouse.com https://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/event/international-jazz-day-with-vincent-yorks-jazzistry/ 734.769.2990.