Observer Editor
Events
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Free
Observer Editor
“Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival”
MoreSee 14 Friday. Today’s events include an art sale (9 a.m.–8 p.m.), a children’s art activity (11 a.m.), and a beer & wine reception (noon). Also, live music in the Gallery Tent by the Ducenota String Ensemble (noon), the Ann Arbor Clarinet Trio (1:15 p.m.), the G-Fours String Quartet (2:30 p.m.), the Depot Town Jazz Ensemble (3:45 p.m.), and, at the Monument Park gazebo, the Dexter Community Choir (6 p.m.). 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
“South Side Stroll”: Dzanc House
MoreArt and music festival in the alley and backyards of Ypsilanti’s historic South Side neighborhood. Live music TBA. Food vendors. Art on display and for sale. Rain date: Aug. 16. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Catherine St. alley from Hamilton to Huron St., Ypsi. Free. More information at dzanchouse.org/all-events.
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Observer Editor
Ypsilanti Food Festival: Washtenaw County
MoreCommunity gathering with family-friendly yard games and activities and music spun by DJ Roy. Also, a demo from the Ypsilanti Fire Department, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Noon–7 p.m., University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsi. Free. bit.ly/4eKFIpz.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Paul Keller Jazz Quartet: Jazz Vespers
MoreVeteran local bassist Keller leads his ensemble in jazz performances on the church lawn, interspersed with spiritual readings. Moves to the sanctuary if it rains. 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free. fpca2.org.
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Donation
FreeObserver Editor
“Drummunity!”
MoreLocal drum teacher Lori Fithian leads a drum circle. Instruments provided, or bring your own. Kids welcome. 7 p.m., Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free, but donations welcome. (734) 426–7818.
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Observer Editor
Zach Peterson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreAug. 14 & 15. Rising Omaha-based observational comic with a nerdy, off-kilter style delivers his thoughts on everything from vampires to being an uncle to the dangers of $35 hotel rooms. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Observer Editor
Mozart’s “Requiem”: Beyond Choir Summer Sings
MoreAll singers welcome to join EMU choral director Brandon Johnson and members of this local professional vocal ensemble in a performance of Mozart’s final masterpiece, unfinished when he died in 1791. Mozart’s widow Constanze was responsible for a number of stories about the work’s composition, including one that Mozart came to believe that he was writing the Requiem for his own funeral. Tonight, participants rigorously rehearse the piece and then perform it in its entirety to an audience. No audition required; singer registration $5. Music provided (or bring your own Süssmayr edition, if you have it, digital score available on the website). Business casual attire suggested for singers. Spectators welcome. Check-in begins at 3 p.m., with rehearsal starting promptly at 3:30. 7:30–8:20 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsi. Tickets pay-what-you-can at beyondchoir.org & at the door. (734) 203–0753, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Southern Rapture”: PTD Productions
MoreAug. 13–16 & 19–22. Karrie Waarala directs local actors in Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s 2009 dark satire exploring art, commerce, and censorship. The plot, based on a 1996 staging of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America in Charlotte, North Carolina, follows a theater company in a major Southern city as it puts on a controversial play featuring foul language, homosexual themes, and 7 minutes of full frontal male nudity. Leading up to the premiere, the city’s mayor brings legal action, locals threaten to burn the theater down, and the terrified actors exchange cans of pepper spray as opening night gifts. “The broad laugh-out-loud humor narrows slowly toward a poignant ending, making a fantasy into a reality,” writes one Charlotte Observer reviewer. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
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Observer Editor
Fustercluck & Friends: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MorePerformance by an ensemble of 4 Detroit-area improvisers with over a century of combined experience. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.
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Donation
Observer Editor
3rd Saturday Contra Dance & Barbeque Potluck: Pittsfield Union Grange
MoreRick Szumski calls to live music. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. Preceded by a potluck/barbeque at 5:30 p.m. Burgers, brats, and veggie burgers supplied; bring a side dish or dessert to share. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation (pay what you can). (734) 274–0773.
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Observer Editor
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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Observer Editor
“Gutenberg! The Musical!”: Penny Seats Theatre
MoreAug. 7–22. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised project—a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
“Comedy on Tap”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe
MoreSets by area stand-up comics. 8 p.m., 1031 Broadway. $13 at the door. instagram.com/lowertowna2.
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Observer Editor
Michigan Playwrights Festival: Theatre Nova
MoreSee 13 Thursday. Tonight: Krystle Dellihue’s ASHE, about the pivotal moment when Arthur Ashe’s HIV diagnosis is on the verge of being exposed by the press. 8 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“Saturday Night Improv: Double Header”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Sat. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. 8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
“Blush Drag Show”: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreDrag show hosted by Blonski and Portia Lynn, with performers TBA. Age 18 & up. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. 9–10:30 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. $25 in advance at drinkblom.com/events & (if available) at the door. (734) 548–9729.
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Observer Editor
Zach Peterson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreAug. 14 & 15. Rising Omaha-based observational comic with a nerdy, off-kilter style delivers his thoughts on everything from vampires to being an uncle to the dangers of $35 hotel rooms. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Observer Editor
“Swim to the Moon”: Epic Races
More5K, 10K, 1.2-mile, and half-mile open water races. Awards, medals for finishers, T-shirts, & more. Proceeds benefit North Star Reach, a camp for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Races begin from 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (registration opens at 5:45 a.m.) Halfmoon Lake beach, 8725 Hankerd, Gregory. $180–$225 in advance at swimtothemoon.net; prices increase on race weekend. Michigan Recreation Passport (daily, $12 at the gate) required for each vehicle. (734) 585–7101.
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
