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July 23, 2023

Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H
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July 23–28. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 26, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 27, 6:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 29, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 28, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 28, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth compete in Olympic-style games involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2023. 8 a.m.–evening, washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. 222–3877.

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“Butterfly Walk at Leonard Preserve”: Washtenaw Audubon Society
10:00 am - 12:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Butterfly Walk at Leonard Preserve”: Washtenaw Audubon Society
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All invited to join WAS members and local butterfly expert Roger Kuhlman to catch butterflies and display them in jars, releasing them after discussion and photos. Bring a clean plastic jar and a butterfly net if you have one, as well as binoculars for birding this fantastic spot, the largest natural area in the county’s system of natural area preserves. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Leonard Preserve, 375 N. Union St., Manchester. Free. Washtenawaudubon.org.

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Hot Days, Cool Art Exhibit & Sale
10:00 am - 9:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Hot Days, Cool Art Exhibit & Sale: The PARC Art Gallery
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The PARC Art Gallery connects the public with local SE Michigan artists. It is a gallery created by artists for artists and the community. This current show shares the eclectic work of 28 artists and showcases 54 pieces. The art ranges from realism, abstract, expressionism, fine art photography, pottery and more. Through August 15. The gallery is open 7 days a week from 10am to 9pm. There are special hours during a holiday.

Come and visit the gallery, stroll through the wonderful works of art and, if you fall in love, purchase something beautiful for your home.

The best entrance to see the show is via the main parking lot entrance (Door 24/Activities Entrance). The hallway to the left of this entrance is the gallery space.

PARC Gallery, 650 Church St., Plymouth. https://www.plymouthparc.com/parc-art-gallery/

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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
11:00 am - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
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Daily (except July 3 & 4). All ages 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

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45th Annual Festival at St. Joseph Church
11:00 am - 5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
45th Annual Festival at St. Joseph Church
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July 21–23. Games, kids activities, a cakewalk, dramatic vignettes by Encore Musical Theatre (Fri. 610 p.m.), a classic car show (Sat. noon3:30 p.m.), a showing of animals by Wildlife Safari (Sun. 14 p.m.), and a craft sale, along with free throw, golf chipping, & soccer goal contests and cornhole & kickball tournaments. Food, beer & wine. Also, high-energy Celtic-inspired music by the Chelsea House Orchestra high school ensemble (Sat. 2:303:45 p.m.), the classic rock ’n’ roll band Men in Black (Sat. 4:156:15), the 60s tribute band Magic Bus (Sat. 79:45 p.m.), the polka band Kielbasa Kings (Sun. 12:302:30 p.m.), and the Beatles tribute band Toppermost (Sun. 35 p.m.). 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), Noon–10 p.m. (Sat.), & 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Sun.), St. Joseph Catholic Church grounds, Mast at North Territorial, Dexter. Free admission. stjos.com/festival, 426–8483.

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Sunday Artisan Market
11:00 am - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
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Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 31st year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. 913–9622.

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U-M Museum of Natural History Science Forum Demos
11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
U-M Museum of Natural History Science Forum Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. (except July 1 & 2). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “How to Become a Fossil” (11 a.m.) explores how fossils form and what they can tell us. “Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale” (3 p.m.) investigates the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

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H.A.C. Ultimate
11:15 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
H.A.C. Ultimate
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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.

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“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
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Every Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation ($20/family). lesliesnc.org, 997–1553.

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“Cupcake Decorating Challenge”: Ann Arbor District Library
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Cupcake Decorating Challenge”: Ann Arbor District Library
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All invited to use icing and toppings to decorate a cupcake to enter in a contest. Prizes. Noon–3 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.

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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
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Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (12:30 p.m.) follows an aquatic dolichorhynchops, or “dolly,” as she travels through the prehistoric ocean, encountering plesiosaurs, sharks, giant fish, and more. The Sky Tonight (1:30 & 3:30 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. We Are Stars (2:30 p.m.) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.

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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
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Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to North America (2 & 4 p.m.), including a wolf hybrid, woodchuck, & skunk. Also, an alligator feeding at 3 p.m., weather permitting. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance at thecreatureconservancy.org. 929–9324.

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“Unicorn Art: Fantastical Landscapes”: AADL Pittsfield
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Unicorn Art: Fantastical Landscapes”: AADL Pittsfield
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(1–2 p.m.): Kids ages 510 invited to make unicorn-themed art out of layered paper, sparkling rhinestones, and a gold serving tray frame.

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Craft Stick Yarn Dolls: AADL Malletts Creek
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Craft Stick Yarn Dolls: AADL Malletts Creek
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(1–2 p.m.): A chance for kids ages 3-10 to make a whole family of yarned popsicle-stick dolls to take home.

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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
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Every Sat. & Sun. (except July 1 & 2). 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, including Exploring Michigan, Evolution: Life Through Time, and the Unseen Worlds installation by artist Jim Cogswell, as well as introductions to current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478.

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"The Blues Brothers": State Theatre
1:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
"The Blues Brothers": State Theatre
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Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors aged 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see michtheater.org. 

July 23 & 25: “The Blues Brothers” (John Landis, 1980). Comedy about a pair of ex-con blues musicians trying to save the Catholic orphanage where they grew up. John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles. 1:30 p.m. (Sun.) & 7:30 p.m. (Tues.).

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“A Jukebox for the Algonquin”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“A Jukebox for the Algonquin”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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Every Wed.Sun., July 7Sept. 2. Suzi Regan directs the world premiere of local actor-playwright Paul Stroili’s “serious comedy” set in a senior living community in the Adirondacks. When a small group of residents decides that they’re not quite ready to “go gentle into that good night,” the former New York City dwellers hatch a plot to prove that fading quietly away is not a requirement of aging. Cast: Susan Angelo, Wallace Bridges, Ruth Crawford, Mark Colson, MaryJo Cuppone, Ethan May, and John Seibert. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. 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.

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“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
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Every Sun., Thurs., & Fri. All ages 16+ invited to play Dungeons & Dragons role-playing games.  2–6 p.m. (Sun.), 6–10 p.m. (Thurs.), & 6–9 p.m. (Fri.). Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.

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“Military Personnel in the Ancient World”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Drop-In Tour
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Military Personnel in the Ancient World”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Drop-In Tour
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Docent-led tour showcasing various military artifacts from the museum collection. 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. 764–9304.

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“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Dexter Community Players
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”: Dexter Community Players
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July 2023. Jeff Boyer directs local actors in Tim McDonald & Lesley Bricusse’s 2004 musical fantasy based on the 1971 Gene Wilder film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about Charlie Bucket’s visit to a fantastical chocolate factory and its enigmatic owner, Willy Wonka. The score includes songs cowritten by Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the film, such as “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” and “Oompa-Loompa,” along with new songs by Bricusse (Newley had died in 1999). 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Dexter Center for the Performing Arts, 2200 N. Parker Rd., Dexter. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at dextercommunityplayers.com and at the door.

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Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, HybridHybrid
Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild
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All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd floor meeting room. Mask appreciated. Livestream available; for URL preregister at annarborstorytelling.org. Free.

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U-M Museum of Natural History Science Forum Demos
3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
U-M Museum of Natural History Science Forum Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. (except July 1 & 2). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “How to Become a Fossil” (11 a.m.) explores how fossils form and what they can tell us. “Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale” (3 p.m.) investigates the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

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P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
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10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. For listening or dancing.

2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). cdsmith68@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.

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Ann Arbor Go Club
5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Go Club
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Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, Bill’s Beer Garden, 218 Ashley St. (or Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main, if weather is bad). Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check bit.ly/annarborgo.

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Ann Arbor Morris
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Ann Arbor Morris
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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. 68 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. 7171569.

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“The Many Masks of Andy Zhou”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The Many Masks of Andy Zhou”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
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Acclaimed Shanghai-born, Detroit-based middle grade writer Jack Cheng discusses his new novel about a 6th grader braving big changes at home and at school. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.

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Drop-in Tarot Study Group with Nicholas O'Donnell
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing
Drop-in Tarot Study Group with Nicholas O'Donnell: Enlightened Soul Center & Shop
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This is a drop-in group of Tarot enthusiasts that meets once a week, facilitated by Nicholas O'Donnell, using the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The meetings consist of focused open Tarot discussion, Tarot meditations, Tarot theory and theosophy, Tarot reading, Tarot history, Tarot symbolism, etc. The intention is to deepen Tarot understanding and build a local Tarot community. Tarot practice usually occurs after the formal meeting has ended.

This is a non-denominational Tarot Study Group. Through building community, study and meditation with the Tarot, we can better understand each other and ourselves. The Tarot is a key to the subconscious, just as are all intuitive and mystical tools. This group is intended to provide a support group and community for those who so chose to use this intuitive, metaphysical, and mystical device.

Every Sunday 6:30-8:00 pm

2711 Carpenter Road ,Ann Arbor. $10. nicksvictorygardens@gmail.com or https://www.enlightenedsoulcenter.com/tarot-study-group (734) 299-6472.

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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
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Every Sun. Popular board games, played online. Participants help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.

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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
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Every Sun. (except July 2). Performances by aspiring and experienced comics from former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m. The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., ste. 100, Ypsilanti. Mask and vaccination encouraged. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.

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