Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in May 2023
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
May 18, 2023
“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races
May 4–31. This Star Wars–themed event allows participants to complete a self-timed 4-km run/walk anytime and anywhere during the rest of the month. Mailed race packets include a T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker decal. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. Anytime, May 4–31. $40. Preregistration required at bit.ly/maythe4thrun2023. info@epicraces.com, 531–8747.
The Third Place Music Fest
May 17-20. Performances by U-M students, local musicians, and others from across the Midwest in a range of genres from jazz and classical to folk and electronic. Performers TBA. Various times & locations TBA. Tickets sliding scale $3-$10 per show or festival passes $20-$75 online at thirdplacemusic.org or at the door. thirdplaceconcertseries@gmail.com.
“Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
“Springtime Invitational Competition”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
“Human Migration Through the Ages”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Lecture Series
Every Thurs. Apr. 13–May 18. A series of talks by U-M and visiting scholars. Apr. 13: University of Toronto history professor Donna Gabaccia on “Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives in the Study of Human Mobility.” Apr. 20: MSU archaeology professor Kurt Rademaker on “The Trail of Early South Americans in the Andes.” Apr. 27: U-M (Dearborn) Arab history professor Sally Howell on “A Century of Middle Eastern Migration to Michigan: Displacement, Disruption and Dynamism.” May 4: MSU anthropology professor Andrea Louie on “History, Immigrant Experiences, and Contemporary Issues.” May 11: Georgetown University Institute for the Study of International Migration director Elizabeth Ferris on “Climate Change as a Driver of Migration: What We Know and Don’t Know.” May 18: Princeton University economics professor Leah Boustan on “Streets of Gold: America’s Untold Story of Immigrant Success.” 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $61 (members, $36) for the 6-lecture series. $10 per lecture for members. Membership, $25 a year. 998–9351.
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. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
Used Bike Sale: Common Cycle
Common Cycle, the Ann Arbor Bicycle Co-op, will hold a used bike and parts sale fundraiser on Saturday May 20, 2023, 10am-12noon. There will be over 90 bikes for sale. The bikes have been repaired and tuned up as needed so they are ready to ride. Prices for most adult bikes range from $40 to $250.
In the sale are road bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes (3), city bikes, trailers (2) along with some bicycle parts.
The money from the sale will be used to fund Common Cycle's operations such as classes, workshops and the bicycles they provide to local service organizations such as Jewish Family Services, Washtenaw Refugee Welcome, Offender Success program, etc.
Common Cycle is the non-profit, community bike shop of Ann Arbor. The sale will be at the Common Cycle office, 416 W. Huron St., #11, Ann Arbor, a block from the YMCA. Cash, Venmo and credit cards will be accepted. commoncycle.org.
“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Preschool Storytimes: AADL
Every Mon.–Fri. except May 29 (different times): Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood & Pittsfield (Thurs. 11 a.m.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
“Wildflower Rangers”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Every Thurs., Apr. 27–June 29. All invited to train to identify and protect ephemeral spring wildflowers and wildflower habitats in various county parks & preserves. May 4: Kosch-Headwaters Preserve (8170 Ford Rd., Superior Twp.). May 11: Scio Woods Preserve (4000 Scio Church Rd.). May 18: Whitmore Lake Preserve (2000 Maple Hill Park Dr., Whitmore Lake). May 25: Rolling Hills County Park (7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti Twp.). 1–4 p.m., various locations. Preregistration required by e-mailing Matthew Bertrand at bertrandm@washtenaw.org, or via bit.ly/wildflower-ranger.
CANCELED: Ikebana International
CANCELED: All invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Floral materials provided, bring your own container and tools. 1–2:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $20. Space limited; preregistration required at a2ikebana@gmail.com. Metered parking. More info at ikebanaannarbor.org.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY: Detroit Chapter 85 of Ikebana International event 11 a.m. See ikebanadetroit.org.
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.
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. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
“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. Tickets $30-$48 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.
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. Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m.) via Zoom. Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.) in person. Online Meditation Drop-In (Tues. 10–11:30 a.m.) via Zoom. Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person. Chess (Wed. 1–4 p.m.) in person, all levels welcome, call if interested. Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon) in person. Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–3 p.m.) via Zoom. Una Tertulia (1st & 3rd Thurs. 3–5 p.m.) for native Spanish speakers in person.
Letterpress Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
May 7, 10, 18, 23, & 27. All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing using vintage handset type. The program begins with a safety & equipment orientation. Also, demonstrations of LEGO letterpress printing (May 10) and small poster printing (May 27). 2–4 p.m. (May 7), 6–7 p.m. (May 10), 5:30–7:30 p.m. (May 18 & 23) and 1–3 p.m. (May 27), AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327–4200.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
“Home Is Where the Community Is”: Ozone House Fundraiser
Dinner, cocktails, live auctions, and more. Live theater performances from Sofa Stories Detroit, a theater company that uses live theater to tell stories of young people impacted by housing insecurity or homelessness. Also, presentations from staff, former clients, and youth leaders. 6-9 p.m., Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Tickets $125 ($800 for an 8-person table; $45 for teachers, social workers, or non-profit workers) in advance only at OzoneHouse.org/event. 662–2265.
“Pruning & Trellising Tomatoes”: The Farm at Trinity Health (formerly St. Joe’s) Ann Arbor
Local farmer Will Jaquinde shares tips for increasing tomato yield, preventing disease, and making the harvest easier. Participants can take home a tomato plant. 6–7:30 p.m., The Farm at Trinity Health, McAuley Dr., Ypsilanti. $10. Preregistration required at bit.ly/trinityfarm05-2023. Laura.Meisler@trinity-health.org.
“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.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join an advanced or beginner group run (Sat.), a 5-km mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 6 p.m. (Mon., Tues., & Thurs.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Traver Village (Mon.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Colonnade (Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; AARC Downtown (Sat. & Tues.), 209 S. Ashley. Free. Annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Hadha Baladuna: Arab American Narratives of Boundary and Belonging”: Ann Arbor District Library
“We Could Have Been Friends, My Father and I: A Palestinian Memoir”: Literati Bookstore
Anne Erlewine: Argus Farm Stop
This local pop-folk singer-songwriter leads an ensemble TBA in her original songs that combine direct, introspective lyrics with simple but clever cyclic guitar parts. Her 2021 debut album, Over the Bones, was described in Current magazine as evoking “the earthy hum and autumnal chill of northern Michigan’s pastoral wooded areas and farmland.” 6:30–8 p.m., Argus, 325 W. Liberty. Free; donations accepted. 213–2200.
Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet with Elden Kelly & Vishnu R.: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Featuring oud, violin, electric bass, synthesizer and percussion, the DAVE SHARP WORLDS QUARTET is fueled by the spirit of jazz, dynamic exploratory improvisation, and music traditions from countries, such as Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine and India. VISHNU R is an award-winning Carnatic & Fusion performer, composer, inventor and patent-holder of NAVTAR®, a unique 9-string instrument that highlights micro nuances of Carnatic melody and Western harmony.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“Big Hearts for Seniors Benefit”: U-M Health System
U-M public health professor Vic Strecher emcees this annual fundraiser featuring local storytellers sharing their heartwarming, true-life experiences around the theme of “On Purpose,” including Zingerman’s co-founding partner Ari Weinzweig. Preceded at 6 p.m. by a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Housing Bureau for Seniors, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Silver Club Memory Programs, Turner African American Services Council, and Turner Senior Wellness Program. 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. $35 ($100 includes 5:30 p.m. VIP reception) in advance at bit.ly/bighearts-um-2023 and at the door. bigheartsevent@umich.edu.
“Braiding Sweetgrass”: Temple Beth Emeth 3rd Annual Social Action Committee Congregational Read
“Issues & Ale: 50 Years After the Clean Water Act”: Michigan Radio
All invited to join Michigan Radio Environment Report host Lester Graham for a discussion about water quality challenges we're facing in Michigan. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Brewer Becker, 500 W. Main St., Brighton. Also online. Preregistration required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/issues-ale-50-years-after-the-clean-water-act-tickets-628699586387. Free.
“Maternal Interior”: Ann Arbor Art Center Author Series
Four writers read selections of their work as part of the Center’s current group show by 24 artists in various media on the topic of maternity. Today: Katie Hartsock, Emily McLaughlin, Jacinda Townsend, and Julie Babcock. 7 p.m., A2AC, 117 W. Liberty St. $8 at the door.
https://www.annarborartcenter.org/events/
“Restorative Justice in Illinois: State Legislation and Community Court in Cook County”: Dispute Resolution Center/Friends of Restorative Justice
Panel discussion (via Zoom) on restorative justice in Illinois and its lessons for Michigan’s judicial system. Moderated by Washtenaw County circuit judge Patrick Conlin, with Cook County circuit judge Patricia Spratt and James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy (Evanston, IL) executive director Patrick Keenan-Devlin. 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/restorative_May_18_2023. info@friendsofrestorativejustice.org.
"Restorative Justice in Illinois: State Legislation and Community Court in Cook County": The Dispute Resolution Center, Restorative Justice UUAA
As part of the Educational Series on: A Case for Restorative Justice, The Dispute Resolution
Center and Friends of Restorative Justice Present: The Honorable Patricia Spratt who serves
the Cook County's North Lawndale Restorative Justice Community Court and Patrick Keenan-Devlin, the Executive Director/Youth Defense Attorney of the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy. Please join the discussion to learn about a community court for restorative justice and what this might mean for our judicial system; and statewide legislation to ensure victims and offenders have a right to restorative justice. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. on zoom. For more information contact: info@friendsofrestorativejustice.org. Free and pre-register at www.thedisputeresolutioncenter.org/acaseforrestorativejusticeeducationseries/
The event is co-sponsored by Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration, Michigan Center for Youth Justice and UUAA Restorative Justice.
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
May 7–28. Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Includes both in-person shows and different films made available each week to stream anytime. $12 per film (in advance only for in-person shows); virtual festival pass, $150. Various times & locations. jccAnnArbor.org/film-festival. 971–0990.
May 7 (4 p.m., State Theatre): “Farewell, Mr. Haffmann” (Fred Cavayé, 2021). The lives of 2 French men, a jeweler and his employee, become increasingly entangled during the German occupation of their city. French & German, subtitles.
Online anytime May 8 (noon) through May 14 (noon):
“America” (Ofir Raul Graizer, 2022). Drama about an Israeli swim instructor, living in Chicago, who returns to Israel after 10 years of absence to bury his father. Hebrew, subtitles. “Karaoke” (Moshe Rosenthal, 2022). Poignant comedy about a middle-aged suburban Israeli couple who are compelled by their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who hosts karaoke evenings in his apartment. Hebrew, subtitles. “Reckonings” (Roberta Grossman, 2022). Documentary exploring the incomprehensible task of negotiating compensation for the survivors of the Holocaust after WWII. German & Hebrew, subtitles. “The Forger” (Maggie Peren & Korbinian Wandinger, 2022). Historical drama about a 21-year-old Jewish graphic artist who eludes the Gestapo and survives by forging passports and identity cards for other Jews. German, subtitles. “The Narrow Bridge” (Esther Takac, 2022). Documentary following the emotional journey of four disparate people who lost a child or parent in violent conflict. Arabic & Hebrew, subtitles.
May 10 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Where Life Begins” (Stéphane Freiss, 2022). Drama about the daughter of an ultra-orthodox Jewish family who connects with a free-spirited farmer. French & Italian, subtitles.
May 11 (7 p.m., Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom): “iMordecai” (Marvin Samel, 2022). A Holocaust survivor navigates modern city living in this heartwarming comedy.
May 14 (4 p.m., State Theatre): “Matchmaking” (Erez Tadmor, 2022). Comic drama about a man in search of a wife. Hebrew, subtitles.
Online anytime May 15 (noon) through May 21 (noon): “Exodus 91” (Micah Smith, 2022). Documentary about an Israeli diplomat who travels to Ethiopia in the early 90s to act as negotiator for the release of 15,000 Ethiopian Jews. Amharic & Hebrew, subtitles. “Lost Transport” (Saskia Diesing, 2022). Drama about a train deporting hundreds of Jewish prisoners that gets stranded near a small German village occupied by the Red Army. German, Dutch, & Russian; subtitles. “March ‘68” (Krzysztof Lang, 2022). Romeo & Juliet love story involving young activists in Warsaw. Polish, subtitles. “Paris Boutique” (Marco Carmel, 2022). Comedy about a well-off French Jewish lawyer who takes an unexpected business trip to Jerusalem just before her wedding date. Hebrew & French, subtitles. “Story of Annette Zelman” (Philippe Le Guay, 2022). Two young lovers face the harsh realities of German-occupied Paris in 1942. French, subtitles.
May 17 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Shttl” (Ady Walter, 2022). Evocative drama tells the expansive story of a Jewish village in Ukraine 24 hours before Nazi Germany invades. Russian, German, Ukrainian, & Yiddish; subtitles.
May 18 (7 p.m., State Theatre): “Holy Wine” (Snow R. Shai, 2022). Documentary about Israeli winemakers. Hebrew, subtitles.
Online anytime May 22 (noon) through May 28 (noon): “Sauvons les Enfants” (Catherine Bernstein, 2021). Documentary about the French rail workers and other resistance members who managed to save Jewish children and their parents from being deported to concentration camps. French, subtitles. “The Shadow of the Day” (Giuseppe Piccioni, 2022). A Fascist Italian restaurant owner starts to rethink his politics after he hires a new employee with a dangerous secret. Italian, subtitles. Also, several films screened earlier in the festival (see above): Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, iMordecai, Matchmaking, Shttl, and Where Life Begins.
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. 7–9 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. facebook.com/DetroitIMA, contact@detroitirishmusic.org.
Weekly Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Free live trivia every Thursday with Sporcle Live! Two one-hour-long games, every Thursday (7pm & 8pm) with a $15 gift card for first place and a $10 gift card for second place. No limit to group size - come by yourself or with a team! Great tunes, awesome host + lots of seasonal meads, ciders and beers.
Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. Free admission. 734-548-9729.Yoga with Cats: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Every Thurs. & Sun. 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. 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Thurs.), & 9–10 a.m. (Sun.), Tiny Lions, ste. A1, 5245 Jackson Rd., $10. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3575.
“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. Tickets $30-$48 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.
“The Artwork Is Behind You”: P.T.D. Productions
May 11–14 & 17–20. Ezra Korycinski directs local actors in the world premiere of the young NYC-based playwright Claire Greising’s comic drama centered on the relationship that develops between 2 art gallery security guards—he’s a failed middle-aged artist and she’s a young art school grad—as they discuss life, love, art, & aging in ways that are often very funny and occasionally graphic. For mature audiences. Stars Paul Bianchi & Carolyn Pierce, with Pascal Casimier, Camille Woods, Nilgun Basaran, and Emmalyn Riddle. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students, seniors, & active military, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483–7345.
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. May 9 & 23). Various times, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, 120 W. Washington. Free admission. Preregistration for Thurs. A2 Stammtisch requested at heerdeolind@yahoo.com. 812–6375 (Tues.).
