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Events in May 2023
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May 24, 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.
Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors, 822–2120. Free (except as noted) in person activities. Weekly events. Check meeting status before coming. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Exercise with Karen (Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Bridge (Mon. 1:30 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 9 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 9 a.m.). $1 per card. Bingo (Wed. 1–3 p.m.). Crafting (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.). Trivia (Fri. 1–2 p.m.). May 17, 24, & 31 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Senior Strolls, group walks in Lillie Park South. May 19 (1–3 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling,” a chance for seniors and their friends to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Prizes & refreshments.
Wednesday Workshops: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Wed. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Senior-focused workshops. May 3: “7 Habits of Happy People.” May 10: “Care Management by Natalie.” May 17: “Reverse Mortgage Education.” May 24: “Implantable Hearing Technology.” May 31: TBA. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Free. Preregister at bpatton@a2gov.org or 794–6250.
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Playgroups for Babies: AADL
Every Mon.–Wed., except May 29 (different times): Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open play. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m.), Westgate (Wed. 10:30 a.m.).
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.).
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors, 822–2120. Free (except as noted) in person activities. Weekly events. Check meeting status before coming. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Exercise with Karen (Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Bridge (Mon. 1:30 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 9 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 9 a.m.). $1 per card. Bingo (Wed. 1–3 p.m.). Crafting (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.). Trivia (Fri. 1–2 p.m.). May 17, 24, & 31 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Senior Strolls, group walks in Lillie Park South. May 19 (1–3 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling,” a chance for seniors and their friends to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Prizes & refreshments.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
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.
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.
Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250. Weekly activities. Free unless otherwise indicated. Preregistration required. Senior Park Walks (Mon. 10–11 a.m.) $2; members, free. Bridge (Mon. 12:30–4 p.m.) duplicate non-sanctioned, $3; members, $2. Recorder Group (Mon. 12:30–1:30 p.m.) $2; members, free. Tai Chi for All Levels (Tues. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Line Dancing (Tues. noon–1 p.m.). Adventures in Watercolor (Tues. 1:30–3:30 p.m.) bring a basic watercolor set, brushes, paper, and pencil. Mind Matters Brain Games (Wed. 10–11 a.m.) via Zoom at tinyurl.com/4yp2fb82. Intermediate Tai Chi (Wed. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Life Writing (Wed. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Strength Training for Seniors (Wed. & Fri., 1–2 p.m.).
Fathom Events
973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $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), various times.
May 1: “A Father's Heart” (Andrés Garrigó & Antonio Cuadri, 2023). Religious documentary examining the spiritual influence of Joseph of Nazareth on contemporary believers. 7 p.m.
May 3: “Champion” Prerecorded broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of acclaimed contemporary composer Terence Blanchard’s 2021 opera about a young boxer who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and his older self, still haunted by the ghosts of his past. 1 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only). $24.
May 7, 8, & 10: “Ponyo” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2009). Dubbed (Sun.) & subtitled (Mon. & Wed.) screenings of this Japanese anime fantasy centered on the friendship between a 5-year-old boy and a magical goldfish who yearns to become human. Ann Arbor 20 only. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.).
May 9, 11, &13: “Roll with It” (Chris Dowling, 2023). Lighthearted comedy about an aging small-town waitress who enters a karaoke contest to save her home from foreclosure. Emagine only. 7 p.m. (Tues. & Thurs.) & 3 p.m. (Sat.).
May 14 & 17: “Grease” (Randal Kleiser, 1978). Iconic musical about a tough-guy 1950s greaser who falls for a squeaky-clean Australian girl. Stars John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed).
May 15 & 17: “Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mount Sinai Part II” (Timothy Mahoney, 2023). Documentary about the filmmaker’s search for physical evidence of the Exodus journey to Mt. Sinai. 7 p.m.
May 16: “The Way” (Emilio Estevez, 2010). Drama about a grieving father who travels to France to retrieve the body of his estranged son, who died while attempting the pilgrimage to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. 7 p.m.
May 20 & 24: “Don Giovanni” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Mozart’s operatic version of the Don Juan legend. The action is an absorbing blend of stark tragedy and high comedy, and the music deftly fuses melodies of exquisite beauty with dark rumblings of damnation. Sung in Italian, with English subtitles. 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only). $25.
Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors, 822–2120. Free (except as noted) in person activities. Weekly events. Check meeting status before coming. Rise and Shine Exercise (Mon. & Fri. 9–10 a.m.). Exercise with Karen (Mon. 10:30–11:30 a.m.). Open Cards and Games (Mon. 1–3 p.m.). Bridge (Mon. 1:30 p.m.). Mah-jongg (Tues. 9 a.m.). Euchre (Tues. 1–3:30 p.m.). Watercolor Painting (Wed. 9 a.m.). $1 per card. Bingo (Wed. 1–3 p.m.). Crafting (Fri. 10–11:30 a.m.). Trivia (Fri. 1–2 p.m.). May 17, 24, & 31 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Senior Strolls, group walks in Lillie Park South. May 19 (1–3 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling,” a chance for seniors and their friends to take part in a cupcake walk, a ring toss, guessing games, and a team game TBA. Prizes & refreshments.
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 Clements Library Tour
Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’ early American history collection featuring Benjamin West’s iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe, a new exhibit celebrating the library’s centennial anniversary, and more. 4 p.m., Clements Library, 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. 426–5116.
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Every Mon.-Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Mon. (6:30–10 p.m.): Power Cards, $10. Tues. (7–10 p.m.): MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Wed. (5–9 p.m.): Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Fri. (6:30–10 p.m.): Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Prizes paid in store credit. Sat. (noon–3 p.m.): Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. (6–10 p.m.): Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“A History of Burning”: Literati Bookstore
Toronto writer Janika Oza, winner of the 2022 O. Henry Prize for short fiction, reads from her debut novel, a masterful and complex family epic of the Indian diaspora which begins with an act of violence committed by a teenage boy laboring on the British colonial East African Railway in 1898. She also discusses the book with Michigan poet Carlina Duan. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Mask encouraged. Free. 585–5567.
Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
Latin Jazz Wednesday: Aguanko: Blue LLama Jazz Club
AGUANKÓ, the ensemble led by percussionist and composer Alberto Nacíf, is a talented group of Michigan based musicians who are steeped in the tradition of jazz infused Son-Salsa.
314 S. Main St ,Ann Arbor. Pre-Pay Cover at opentable.com $15. hello@bluellamaclub.com bluellamaclub.com 734-372-3200.“An Evening of Poetry and Written Word”: Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle
Reading (via Zoom) by 2 Michigan poets. Farmington-based poet David James writes tender, meditative verse that invites the reader to slow down and relish life’s simple moments. Detroit poet and playwright Bill Harris, a retired WSU English professor and recipient of the 2011 Kresge Eminent Artist Award, is best known for his jazz-inspired work including his 1997 Charlie Parker biopoem, Yardbird Suite. Followed by open mic. For guidelines, see cwcircle.poetry.blog/poetry-workshop-guidelines. 7–9 p.m. (sign-up for new participants begins at 6:45 p.m.), for URL email cwpoetrycircle@gmail.com. Free. 668–7523.
"Michigan Radio Trivia Night": Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Test your knowledge of Michigan news and current events at this Michigan Radio-sponsored event. Come as part of a team (3-6 players) or get placed on a team. 7-9 p.m., Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $9 single player fee. All team members must register and pay at once. Preregistration required at https://michigan-radio.ticketleap.com/michigan-radio-trivia-night/.
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Every Wed. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Bring a partner if you can, or call in advance or arrive 20 minutes early if you can’t. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline east of Maple. (Park in the designated spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. 945–6021.
Kerrytown Crafters
Meditation & Discussion: Ann Arbor Karma Thegsum Chöling
“The Salem Train Wreck of 1907”: Salem Area Historical Society
Local historian and archivist Joe Oldenberg discusses a disastrous head-on collision of 2 Pere Marquette Railroad trains near 5 Mile and Napier roads that became known as “Michigan’s worst train wreck.” 7:30 p.m., South Salem Stone School, 7991 N. Territorial, Salem. Admission $2 (members, free). (248) 437–6651.
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association
Every Wed. Lindy hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to music spun by DJs. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 7 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:50–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm., 2nd fl. Mask recommended; full vaccination and boosters required. $5 (free for SAA members). Swingannarbor.com.