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Events in May 2023
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May 8, 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.
“Aging and Age-Related Diseases”: U-M Life Sciences Institute 2023 Saltiel Life Sciences Symposium.
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.
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.
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.).
Gina Apostol & Ligaya Mishan: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati
New York City– and Massachusetts-based novelist Apostol is interviewed (via Zoom) by New York Times journalist Ligaya Mishan about her ambitious new novel, La Tercera, which explores the history of the Philippines through the narrator’s investigation of her family history. 11 a.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-05. Free. 585–5567.
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.).
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.).
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.
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.
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.
“Can RNA Do It All? From Spawning Life on Earth to Fueling Modern Personalized Medicine”: U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Francis S. Collins Inaugural Lecture
Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club
Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m. (non-members must arrive 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Forsythe Middle School, 1655 Newport. Free. annarborveloclub.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.
Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
May 8 & 22. All invited to get basic sewing help with their unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines (or bring your own if you wish). No experience necessary. Also, sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra shows how to gather fabric and crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates hand stitched invisible hems. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327–4200.
“Kizuna Tree: Origami Cranes (Tsuru) for Community and Solidarity: Ann Arbor District Library
“The History, the Meaning, and the Weaving of Tallit”: Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild
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.
“Gideon the Ninth”: Booksweet Bookshop Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club
All invited to discuss Tamsyn Muir’s 2019 sci-fi novel, the first in her Locked Tomb series, about a star system ruled by a necromancy-practicing emperor. 7 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration requested at ShopBooksweet.com. Mask policy follows CDC guidelines. 929–4112.
“Lyric Essay as Resistance: Truth from the Margins”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati
Readings and discussion (via Zoom) by editors and select contributors to this anthology, which features a diverse array of genre-resisting lyric essays. Panelists include Columbia University writing professor Wendy S. Walters, Kentucky poet laureate Crystal Wilkinson, poet and essayist Camellia-Berry Grass, Brevity editor Zoë Bossiere, and essayist Erica Trabold. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-05. Free. 585–5567.
“Nonviolent Actions that Work for Justice and Peace”: Interfaith Round Table/Ann Arbor Friends (Quaker) Meeting/Alternatives to Violence Project Michigan
Interactive exercises led by a Quaker peace team that includes Indonesian Mennonites Nanik and Petrus, Indonesian Muslim Ida Ruwaidah, Philippine Catholic Alma Aparece, and New York Quaker Nadine Hoover. 7–8:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Also via Zoom. Preregister for in person or Zoom at bit.ly/a2interfathRT_5_8_2023, but walk-ins welcome. Free.
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.
Large Ensemble Meeting: Ann Arbor Recorder Society
All beginning and advanced players of the recorder and other early instruments invited to play mostly Renaissance music, directed by viol teacher and early music specialist Janet Cannon. Bring your own music stand. 7:30–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church basement music room (enter by the back door), 1501 W. Liberty. Mask (when not playing) and proof of latest Covid booster required. Free to visitors ($35 yearly dues for those who join). For more info, contact kgilson@earthlink.net, 412–9131, or sindikeesan@fastmail.fm. A2recordersociety.org.
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.