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 21, 2023
Community Milonga: Community Milonga
Want to learn how to dance Argentine Tango?
Already dance Argentine Tango and want to dance?
Come to the Community Milonga on 05/20/2023
- Progressive class with visiting instructor Travis Widrick (8-9pm)
- Milonga (dancing) 9pm - 1am
- DJ: Travis Widrick
- And you!
Late Night: Nick Collins Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Drummer and bandleader NICK COLLINS is proud to present his quintet at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, featuring a fun variety of high-energy modern, classic, and original jazz. This dynamic quintet features internationally renowned locals Dwight Adams on trumpet, Tim Haldeman on tenor saxophone, Rick Roe on piano, and Jeff Pedraz on bass.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. No cover or reservations required FREE. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.Community Milonga: Community Milonga
Want to learn how to dance Argentine Tango?
Already dance Argentine Tango and want to dance?
Come to the Community Milonga on 05/20/2023
- Progressive class with visiting instructor Travis Widrick (8-9pm)
- Milonga (dancing) 9pm - 1am
- DJ: Travis Widrick
- And you!
Late Night: Nick Collins Quintet: Blue LLama Jazz Club
Drummer and bandleader NICK COLLINS is proud to present his quintet at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, featuring a fun variety of high-energy modern, classic, and original jazz. This dynamic quintet features internationally renowned locals Dwight Adams on trumpet, Tim Haldeman on tenor saxophone, Rick Roe on piano, and Jeff Pedraz on bass.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. No cover or reservations required FREE. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“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.
Spring Plant Sales: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
May 13, 14, 20, 21, & 30. Includes a “Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale” (May 13 & 14) of hanging baskets and container plants grown and designed by Matthaei staff and volunteers. Also, a “Kitchen Favorites Plant Sale” (May 20 & 21) of veggies, herbs, and other selections grown by U-M Campus Farm volunteers, and an online-only “Peony Sale” (May 30) of heirloom peonies that must be picked up in person at Matthaei. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free admission; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu, 647–7600.
“Springtime Invitational Competition”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
Event Derby Horse Show: Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division
May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21. 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 a guardian. May 6 (9 a.m.–noon): Sylvan Park, meet at the park entrance on Margaret Dr. between Darrow Dr. and Salem Ct. near the tennis court. May 6 (1–4 p.m.): Berkshire Creek Nature Area, meet at Exmoor Rd., just past Stonehaven St. May 7 (9 a.m.–noon): Sunset Brooks Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Sunset Rd., at the end of Brooks St. May. 7 (1–4 p.m.): Miller Nature Area, meet at the Arborview Blvd. entrance, just east of Wildwood Ave. May 13 (9 a.m.–noon): Black Pond Woods Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Tibbitts Ct., off Pontiac Tr. May 13 (1–4 p.m.): Marshall Nature Area, meet at the parking lot off Dixboro Rd. May 14 (1–4 p.m.): Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area, 3485 Greenleaf Rd. May 20 (9 a.m.–noon): Molin Nature Area, meet at the corner of Powell Rd. and Columbia Ave. May 20 (1–4 p.m.): Huron Parkway Nature Area, meet at the park steward’s house, 3470 Woodland Rd. off E. Huron River Dr. May 21 (9 a.m.–noon): Bird Hills Nature Area, meet at the entrance on Bird Rd., west of Huron River Dr. May 21 (1–4 p.m.): Cedar Bend Nature Area, meet at the pull-off area on Cedar Bend Dr. off Broadway. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at tinyurl.com/2p94erh9.
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.
“Grand Finale”: Gym America
“Cheese Church”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen
May 20 & 21. Chicago-based cheesemonger-turned-self-ordained preacher of cheese Erika Kubrik discusses her new book, Cheese Sex Death: A Bible for the Cheese Obsessed, and leads a tasting of a variety of cheeses paired with Zingerman’s pantry favorites and mocktails. 5:30–7 p.m. (Sat.) & 10–11:30 a.m. (Sun.), Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit Street. $50 ($75 includes a signed copy of the book). Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. 663–3354.
“Intro to Archery”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring presents a hands-on introduction for all age 8 & up to basic archery skills and safety. Equipment provided, no prior experience necessary. 10–11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., & 2–3:30 p.m., Staebler Farm County Park, 7734 Plymouth Rd. Free, but space limited to 12 archers. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/mvvtkjx3. dehringk@washtenaw.org.
“Picnic Pops”: Pioneer High School Band Association
An all-day outdoor musical bonanza of performances by local middle and high school bands and orchestras. Carnival games & prizes. Refreshments available. Indoors if raining. Limited seating provided; bring something to sit on if you wish. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., PHS front lawn (held in the auditorium in case of rain), 601 W. Stadium at S. Main. Free admission; small charge (cash only) for game and food tickets, bit.ly/A2PicnicPops.
“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 May 7 topic is “Maitribala,” a tale about a kind-hearted king. 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. 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., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
2023 Gardening and DIY Fest: Ann Arbor District Library
Representatives from U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Project Grow, and other area organizations are on hand to introduce an array of basic gardening skills, as well as how to keep backyard bees, and more. Includes Drop-In DIY (1–3 p.m.) where participants watch a screen printing demo with Modati Studios representatives and partake in other hands-on activities. Also, an afternoon series of talks: local beekeepers Rebecca and Owen Wittekindt on “Beekeeping 101: Learn the Very Basics of Beekeeping with Bee Present Honey” (noon–12:45 p.m.), Small House Farm (Sanford, MI) owner and food & garden writer Bevin Cohen on “Saving and Sharing Seeds with Small House Farm” (1–1:45 p.m.), area DNR representative Kelsey Dietz on the “Michigan DNR Volunteer Stewardship Program” (2–2:45 p.m.), and local designer Ann Asplund on “To Dye or Not to Dye” (3–3:45 p.m.). For full schedule, see aadl.org/diyfest. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327–4200.
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. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. HAC-UltimateList@GoogleGroups.com, 846–9418.
“Intro to Archery”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring presents a hands-on introduction for all age 8 & up to basic archery skills and safety. Equipment provided, no prior experience necessary. 10–11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., & 2–3:30 p.m., Staebler Farm County Park, 7734 Plymouth Rd. Free, but space limited to 12 archers. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/mvvtkjx3. dehringk@washtenaw.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.
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
“The Sunday Spin”: York
56th Annual Manchester River Raisin Amateur Canoe & Kayak Races: Manchester Community Schools
All invited to join a race down the River Raisin ending at Mill Pond. Classes for 2-person and single canoeists and kayakers in different age categories. Trophies to the top 3 finishers in each class. Refreshments. Noon, Fellows Bridge, Sharon Hollow. $20 entry fee. Preregistration required at bit.ly/manchestercanoerace. firstrtm@gmail.com.
Annual Huron River Day: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
This popular festival features lots of family-oriented nature activities, including children’s art and science activities, a chance to try stand-up paddle boarding, fishing activities with tools and instruction, and more. Live music TBA. $5 canoe and kayak rentals. Food trucks. Ride your bike to the festival and receive a free boat rental. Noon–4 p.m., Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. (both sides of Huron Pkwy.). Free admission. 794–6240.
Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can
Salon Series: Catch Us While You Can
“Narnia”: St. Andrew’s Players
May 20 & 21. Norm Richert directs local actors in a dinner theater production of Thomas Tierney & Ted Drachman’s 1985 musical based on the C.S. Lewis story about 4 English schoolchildren who journey through an old wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia. Proceeds benefit St. Andrew’s Youth and Pilgrimage programs. Food service begins an hour before the show. 7 p.m. (Sat.), 12:30 p.m. (Sun.), St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. $10 (kids, $5). Preregistration required at our.show/standrewsaa/narnia.
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.
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia (2 & 4 p.m.), including a reindeer, a Burmese python, and a legless lizard, which is not a snake. 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. $12 (kids ages 2–12, $10; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance. 929–9324.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Open Houses with Guided Tours: Kempf House
May 7 & 21. Guided tours of this restored 19th-century Greek Revival home, named for the family of German American musicians who occupied it at the turn of the century. Features Victorian period furnishings, including an 1877 Steinway piano, the first concert grand in Ann Arbor. 1–4 p.m., Kempf House, 312 S. Division. Admission free, donations appreciated. 994–4898.
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division
May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21. 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 a guardian. May 6 (9 a.m.–noon): Sylvan Park, meet at the park entrance on Margaret Dr. between Darrow Dr. and Salem Ct. near the tennis court. May 6 (1–4 p.m.): Berkshire Creek Nature Area, meet at Exmoor Rd., just past Stonehaven St. May 7 (9 a.m.–noon): Sunset Brooks Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Sunset Rd., at the end of Brooks St. May. 7 (1–4 p.m.): Miller Nature Area, meet at the Arborview Blvd. entrance, just east of Wildwood Ave. May 13 (9 a.m.–noon): Black Pond Woods Nature Area, meet at the park entrance on Tibbitts Ct., off Pontiac Tr. May 13 (1–4 p.m.): Marshall Nature Area, meet at the parking lot off Dixboro Rd. May 14 (1–4 p.m.): Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area, 3485 Greenleaf Rd. May 20 (9 a.m.–noon): Molin Nature Area, meet at the corner of Powell Rd. and Columbia Ave. May 20 (1–4 p.m.): Huron Parkway Nature Area, meet at the park steward’s house, 3470 Woodland Rd. off E. Huron River Dr. May 21 (9 a.m.–noon): Bird Hills Nature Area, meet at the entrance on Bird Rd., west of Huron River Dr. May 21 (1–4 p.m.): Cedar Bend Nature Area, meet at the pull-off area on Cedar Bend Dr. off Broadway. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at tinyurl.com/2p94erh9.
“Researching our Pennsylvania Ancestors”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County
Livestream talk by genealogical researcher Jenny Warner. Followed at 3:15 p.m. by a panel discussion with club members on why there are “No Dumb Questions in Genealogy.” 1:30 p.m., Trinity Health Auditorium (formerly St. Joe’s), 5305 Elliott Dr., Ypsilanti. Also online; for URL email info@washtenawgenealogy.org. Preregistration required for nonmembers by May 18 by emailing. Free.
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.
“A World of Animals”: Waterloo Natural History Association
Wild World Zoo (Jackson) owner Brendan Finerty offers a close-up look at a wide variety of live animals from around the globe. 2–3 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Space limited; preregistration required by calling 475–3170. $13 ($18 at the gate) recreation passport required.
“Digging Up Dessa”: EMU Theatre Department
May 12–14, & 19–21. EMU drama lecturer Emily Levickas directs EMU drama students in Laura Schellhardt’s 2018 comic drama about a curious girl who uncovers the legacy of 19th-century English paleontologist Mary Anning. “A rewarding piece of theatre for young audiences” according to Theatre Bloom. Ages 10 and up. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Sponberg Theatre, 124 Judy Sturgis-Hill Bldg., Ypsilanti. Tickets $7–$18 in advance at emich.edu/cmta/productions/current-season & at the door. 487–2282.
“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.
“Intro to Archery”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring presents a hands-on introduction for all age 8 & up to basic archery skills and safety. Equipment provided, no prior experience necessary. 10–11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., & 2–3:30 p.m., Staebler Farm County Park, 7734 Plymouth Rd. Free, but space limited to 12 archers. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/mvvtkjx3. dehringk@washtenaw.org.
"Creature Tea": The Creature Conservancy
All age 3 & up invited to a Mother’s Day tea party (a week after Mother’s Day), with tea and lemonade, sweets and snacks. A master of ceremonies leads crafting activities, and sloth, wolf hybrid, dingo puppy, and skunk pay visits. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 2–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $45. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org, 929–9324.
“Can I Help You, Too?”: Neighborhood Theatre Group
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.
“Movie Heroes”: Dexter Community Band
Bill Gourley directs this 85-member volunteer ensemble in a program of music from movies that feature cinematic heroes, including James Bond, Harry Potter, Captain America, Indiana Jones, Superman, and the Magnificent Seven. 3 p.m., Dexter Center for the Performing Arts, Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker, Dexter. Free. 426–2734.
“Science Forum Demos”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Sat. & Sun. 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., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
“The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt; or Always Wash Your Long Johns ’Cause It Always Makes Cents”: Saline Area Players
May 19–21. Brent Lofgren directs local actors in Tim Kelly’s wacky 1991 melodrama, set in an Old West mining town, about a laundry owner who gets the attention of a local villain when he discovers that she’s amassed a small fortune by collecting gold flecks from the miners’ clothes. There’s also a tongue-tied sheriff who’s in love with the laundress’s business partner, a talentless flamenco dancer with eyes for the villain, and the villain’s hilariously scheming mother. Stars Barbara Day, Sean Harmon, Rebecca Lane, Patricia Ringe, Tami Hines, & Emilio Paniagua. Intermission with dessert. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), The Well Church, 211 Willis Rd., Saline (Not wheelchair accessible, stairs). $20 (includes dessert) in advance at salineareaplayers.org. and via cash or check at the door.
International Folk Dance Party: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
May 7 & 21. Traditional East European and Middle Eastern circle and line dancing, as well as requests, to recorded music. No experience or partner needed. Wear loose-fitting clothing and clean, flat, non-slip shoes. Beginners welcome. Preceded at 2 p.m. by a lesson. 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Well-fitted mask required. Pay what you can; $5 suggested. 709–8748.
“Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites”: Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor
"Where There Is Love”: Ann Arbor Civic Chorus
Karen TenBrink directs this popular large community choir in an eclectic mix of classical, folk, jazz, and musical theater pieces. Includes works by contemporary composers Rosephanye Powell, Moira Smiley, René Clausen, Enriquillo Sanchez, Z. Randall Stroope, and others. Piano accompanist is Edward Wyman. 4 p.m., Skyline High School Auditorium, 2552 N. Maple. Free. a2civicchorus.weebly.com.
“Fundraising Gala”: Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County
Dinner with talks by veteran local storyteller and peace & social justice activist La’Ron Williams, Pittsfield Township supervisor and practicing Sikh Mandy Grewal, and award-winning New Jersey Community organizer and peace advocate Tasneem Sultan. Also, entertainment TBA. 5–7 p.m., Chinmaya Mission, 4760 Packard. $25 (couples, $40; table of 8, $175) in advance only at irtwc.org/event/interfaith-roundtable-fundraising-gala/ 649-0107.
Cocktail Class: Gin Cocktails: Tammy's Tastings
In this class you’ll taste different styles of gin as we talk a bit about the history and origin of this eminently mixable spirit. Then we’ll dive into how to use it in cocktails, with classic gin cocktails you need to know and modern gin cocktails that you’ll love.
Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts). The Last Word is closed during the class, so no food service is available. The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to around cocktails per person over the 2 hour class.
301 W Huron St ,Ann Arbor. https://www.tammystastings.com/events/gin-cocktails-2/ $59. tammylc@tammystastings.com https://www.tammystastings.com/events/gin-cocktails-2/ 7342763215.Michigan Theater
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.
May 3: “All About Eve” (Joseph Mankiewicz, 1950). This multi-Oscar-winning film features Bette Davis in one of her greatest roles as an aging Broadway diva who’s clawed her way to the top, only to be threatened by a fan-turned-parasite. With Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and a cameo by Marilyn Monroe. 7 p.m.
May 4: “Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope” (George Lucas, 1977). The film that started the wildly popular sci-fi fantasy saga. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness. 7:30 p.m.
May 6: “Being Mary Tyler Moore” (James Adolphus, 2023). Documentary with unprecedented access to archival footage, covering Moore’s career as an actress, performer, and advocate. Mary Tyler Moore, James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner. 6 p.m.
May 8: “Star Wars: Episode V–The Empire Strikes Back” (Irvin Kershner, 1980). The adventure continues as our heroes face down the Empire and Darth Vader, and Luke begins his Jedi training. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m.
May 9: “Man with a Movie Camera” (Dziga Vertov, 1929). Experimental Soviet silent documentary presenting life in Moscow, Kyiv, and Odessa. 7:30 p.m. Free.
May 12: “Labyrinth” (Jim Henson, 1986). Musical fantasy about a teenage girl who has 13 hours to navigate a maze to save her baby brother from the evil Goblin King. The screening is accompanied by a live shadowcast, in which onstage actors create the world of the film in sync with the action on the screen. David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly. 7:30 p.m.
May 14: “Paddington 2” (Paul King, 2017). Critically acclaimed sequel about the talking bear who lives with a London family. Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson. Kids 12 & under, free. 1:30 p.m.
May 15: “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983). Conclusion of the original trilogy, which sees Luke and friends facing off against Darth Vader and the Galactic Emperor. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m.
May 20: “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Stanley Kubrick, 1968). The mind-bending adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s short story, about astronauts and a sentient supercomputer investigating a mysterious monolith on the planet Jupiter. Keir Dullea, Douglas Rain. 7 p.m.
May 21: “National Theatre Live: Othello.” Broadcast of a taped 2022 National Theatre (London) performance of Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal, The first production of the tragedy at the theater by a Black director, Clint Dyer, it focuses on the play’s often elided themes of race and class. The Guardian reviewer called it “a thrilling production with a radical climax.” 5 p.m. $22 (University Musical Society members, $18).
May 22: “Spaceballs” (Mel Brooks, 1987). Beloved, eminently quotable Star Wars parody featuring characters such as Dark Helmet, Pizza the Hut, and Princess Vespa. Cast includes Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman. 7:30 p.m.
May 27: “Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got” (Brigitte Berman, 1985). Documentary about the Canadian clarinetist and bandleader, with a soundtrack of Shaw’s performances throughout his storied career. 5:30 p.m.
May 29: “Top Gun: Maverick” (Joseph Kosinski, 2022). Thrilling sequel to the 1986 original, which revisits Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a new generation of fighter pilots for a highly complex, risky mission. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer. Military veterans, free. 7:30 p.m.
Public Power Spring Festival: Ann Arbor Public Power
All invited to get updates on the efforts to establish public power in Ann Arbor and around the country from state senator Jeff Irwin, Washtenaw County commissioner Yousef Rabhi, and Pontiac City council member Mikal Goodman. Live music by Soul Practitioners, an ensemble of local attorneys that play Motown and R&B classics, and Mary & the Huzz Band. Also, a plant giveaway, books for kids, lawn games including cornhole and hopscotch, and food trucks by Tacos El Mariachi Loco and Treat Truck. 5–9 p.m., Burns Park Pavilion, 1300 Baldwin Ave. Free. calendar@annarborpublicpower.org
Ann Arbor Go Club
Bird Walk: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation
City ornithologist Juliet Berger leads an evening walk in Gallup Park and the adjacent Furstenberg Nature Area to look for the Baltimore orioles that nest there, as well as other birds along the river. Bring binoculars if you have them, and wear long pants, tall socks, and close-toed shoes. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 5:30–7:30 p.m., Gallup Park (meet at canoe livery). Free. Preregistration required at nap.a2gov.org/NAPBirdWalk052123.
Ann Arbor Morris
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., outdoors in the open area between North Quad & Rackham, 915 E. Washington St. (rain site: portico in front of the U-M Dental School, 1011 North University Ave.). Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or check annarbormorris.org in advance to confirm. 717–1569. [2x]
“Ann Arbor (Mostly) Acoustic Jam"
Singers and players of all ability levels and all acoustic instruments (strings, horns, woodwinds, hand percussion) welcome to this 1-hour open mic followed by an hour of group singing and playing with an emphasis on this month’s new theme, “The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot.” The theme "The Music of Creedence Clearwater Revival" has been moved to June. 7–9 p.m., Turner Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Mask optional, vaccination strongly recommended. $5 for participants, spectators free. a2jammers@gmail.com; bit.ly/annarboracousticjamfacebook.
"Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
“Chamber Soloists of Detroit: Is There A Composer In The House?”: Kerrytown Concert House
Detroit Symphony Orchestra composer-cellist Jeremy Crosmer performs works by Beethoven, Debussy, and Prokofiev, as well as original pieces. With piano accompaniment by Chamber Soloists of Detroit founder Pauline Martin. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Masks encouraged. Tickets $29–$50 (students, $19) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. 769–2999.
