Events
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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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Community ListingFree
Music Discovery Night: All Hands Active
More255 E. Liberty St. Suite 225, Ann Arbor
**Please RSVP on Meetup** so I know to expect you, and so you can be notified of changes or cancellations.
Do you like to listen to music? Do you sometimes feel like you’ve reached the end of what The Algorithm knows you’ll like? Come share your favorite songs, broaden your musical horizons, and make friends with fellow music fans.
Bring a song you like, and tell us why you like it (“this just sounds cool!” is perfectly legit). We’ll all listen to it, and have a chance to briefly react to it as a group. Just want to listen? That’s okay too, but don’t be shy! This is a Judgement-Free Zone when it comes to musical taste 🙂.
Think of this like music appreciation (but less formal), or a book club for music (but more spontaneous).
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Nightspots
Erinn Alexis’ Huron Collective.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborThis young Detroit saxophonist, a recent MSU jazz studies grad, leads an ensemble in original compositions inspired by the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.
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Nightspots
Desmond Jones.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesGrand Rapids groove-oriented funk-rock jazz fusion quintet.
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Nightspots
Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborLocal bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by veteran nationally renowned local harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth. 7–10 p.m. $10.
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Nightspots
Desmond Jones.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesGrand Rapids groove-oriented funk-rock jazz fusion quintet.
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Observer Editor
“Anything Goes”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
MoreSept. 3–6. Megan Wright-Jones directs young local actors in grades 2–12 in Cole Porter, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse’s 1934 madcap musical comedy set aboard an ocean liner and involving a nightclub singer, a lovestruck stowaway, and a zany cast of passengers. Featuring Cole Porter hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), and noon (Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.com/tickets.
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Nightspots
Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborJazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
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Observer Editor
“The Room” & “Big Shark” with Greg Sestero: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 4: “The Room” & “Big Shark” with Greg Sestero. (Tommy Wiseau, 2001 & 2023). Screening of midnight movie The Room, a work whose very badness has made it a cult favorite, followed by Big Shark, Wiseau’s equally baffling creature feature. Preceded at 6 p.m. by a meet-and-greet with actor and writer Sestero, known for his role in The Room and for his 2013 memoir about the making of that movie, The Disaster Artist. $31. 7 p.m.
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Observer Editor
Tam White: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreSept. 4 & 5. Rising Detroit-area stand-up comic, improv performer, and host of the comedy hip-hop show “Hip-Prov” shares her thoughts on everything from marriage to her inability to twerk. 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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Nightspots
Laith Al-Saadi.: Rumpus Room
MoreRumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, ChelseaThis veteran local singer-guitarist, a former finalist on The Voice, plays an eclectic mix of roots Americana, classic rock, and blues, including many originals. Guitar World calls him “a cross between Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best.” $20.
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Observer Editor
Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Fri. Performance by 11 Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 8–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Nightspots
The RFD Boys.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborAuthentic bluegrass by these longtime local favorites who have appeared in numerous festivals and on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. Their shows blend top-notch musicianship with funny between-songs dialogue. $16 (seniors, students, & members, $15) at the door only.
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Nightspots
“Rhizome Roots Speakeasy.”: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiMusic and poetry open mic; all performers invited. 8–10 p.m.
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Nightspots
Ain’t Dead Yet.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal classic rock cover band.
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Nightspots
True Devil.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDetroit-area hard rock band. Openers: Soot, a local hard rock band, and Trouble Clinic, a Detroit-area alt-punk band.
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Nightspots
Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborFlint band, led by singer-guitarist Gunther, that plays a high-energy mix of country, southern-rock, and blues. 8:30 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
MoreEvery Fri. All invited to drop in to use the observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 9–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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Observer Editor
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
MoreEvery Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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Nightspots
“We’re All Friends.”
MoreAll ages. With performances by U-M student alt-rock bands Destined to Survive, Swan Upon Leda, 7th Street, The Supreme Court Rejects, Slipstream, and Carouselle. $14.
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Nightspots
ReMonda Palmer.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborJazz ensemble led by this soulful Detroit-based vocalist.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Annual Fall Migration Walk at Hudson Mills Metropark”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreClub member Karen Markey leads a hike through one of the county’s birding hotspots. Binoculars available to use. 8–11 a.m., meet at the Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center flagpole, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. Free, but $10 vehicle entrance fee. washtenawbna.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Morning Music @9:29”: Northside Community Church
MoreConcert by pianist Kathryn Goodson, Detroit trombonist & tenor Denzel Donald, and students from the U-M School of Music. Coffee & refreshments. 9:29 a.m., 929 Barton. Free, donations or breakfast goodies welcome. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
