Events
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Observer Editor
Ypsi Flea Market
MoreShow and sale of vintage items ranging from the early 1930s to the 90s, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, records, and more. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking. [email protected], facebook.com/ypsifleaswap.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., except Nov. 26. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Makerspace: Mini Roller Coasters”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
MoreNov. 7, 8, & 15. All invited to turn everyday household recyclables into a gravity-defying, high-speed mini roller coaster to carry a marble down a track. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
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Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. through Dec. 20. Juried market. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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Free
Observer Editor
H.A.C. Ultimate
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Beginners welcome. Play proceeds regardless of the weather. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & 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., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. and Nov. 6 & 20. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show some native Michigan animals, including a cougar, black rat snake, and opossum at 1 & 4 p.m.; and a wild turkey at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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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Free
Observer Editor
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Nov. 1, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board & card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Chesstastic”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and kids age 5 & up invited to drop in and play chess. All skill levels welcome. Instruction not provided. Chess sets provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (noon) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp
MoreAll invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp, singing, an early American form of communal hymn singing. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. Note that this is not the group’s usual second Sunday. 1–4 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. Free. (734) 478–3394, (734) 995–2519, [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Mad Luck Club Mah-jongg Hang”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreAll invited to play mah-jongg in a friendly, relaxed setting. No experience required. Instruction and tiles provided. 1–4 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. Free. heardotsay.com.
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Community ListingFree
Exhibition Tour: “We Hold These Truths” with Yodit Mesfin: University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)
More525 south state street, Ann Arbor
Join poet and strategist Yodit Mesfin and award-winning artist Holly Bass for a tour of “We Hold These Truths”.
🗓️ Sunday. Nov. 8
⏰ 2-3 PM
📍 UMMA
🎟️ Free & open to the public; registration required.We Hold These Truths marks the return of visitors to UMMA’s iconic Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Apse following a nearly year-long restoration of its signature marble floor, transforming the storied space into a sequence of encounters with rooms, replicas, and acts of writing that move through the nation’s past and present.
https://umma.umich.edu/events/exhibition-tour-we-hold-these-truths-with-yodit-mesfin/
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Free
Observer Editor
“Drag Bingo”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to play a fun-filled round of bingo hosted by local drag queen Baddie Brooks. Prizes. 2–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Matthew Ball, the Boogie Woogie Kid: Ypsilanti District Library, Whittaker
MoreFamily-friendly performance of New Orleans and Swing Era standards by this singer-pianist and popular YouTuber who bills himself as the Motor City Boogie Woogie Kid. 2–3 p.m., 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsi. Free. (734) 482–4110, ypsilibrary.events.mylibrary.digital.
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Free
Observer Editor
Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
MoreNov. 8 & 29. Docent-led tours of manuscripts in the museum’s collection in “The Literary Kelsey” (Nov. 8) and artifacts depicting “Food and Culture in the Ancient World” (Nov. 29). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
U-M Women’s Basketball
MoreGame vs. UConn. The U-M also has home games this month against Wright State (Nov. 8, 2 p.m.), Niagara (Nov. 18, 7 p.m.), & Southern Indiana (Nov. 30, 7 p.m.). 6:30 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets $8–$12 in advance at mgoblue.com & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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Observer Editor
“Peter and the Starcatcher”: Huron Players
MoreNov. 6–8. JD Beniston directs Huron High School students in Rick Elice’s 2009 Tony Award–winning play. Adapted from Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson’s 2004 novel which gives a backstory to Peter Pan, the narrative follows the nautical adventures of pirates, crocodiles, and three orphan boys. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Huron High School, Meyers Auditorium, 2727 Fuller. Tickets $15 (students & staff, $10) in advance at huronplayers.ludus.com & at the door (cash, check, or Venmo). huronplayers.weebly.com.
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 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
“The Skin of Our Teeth”: U-M Rude Mechanicals
MoreNov. 6–8. This U-M student theater troupe performs Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize–winning 1942 satirical allegory, which he called “a history of mankind in comic strip.” The Antrobus family barely survives the Ice Age only to be plunged into Noah’s Flood and washed up onto a postapocalyptic wasteland. The tragedies are put on hold when the actors break character and poke fun at the notion of a play, and the family’s ditzy maid adds a flirty comic touch, but the sinister, slow evolution of the family’s bratty boy into a mindless, militaristic possible murderer adds considerable darkness to this work that Wilder said “mostly comes alive under conditions of crisis.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 763–1107, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–15. Diane Hill directs local actors in this ensemble musical comedy, subtitled “A Cabaret of Love, Lies, and Bad Decisions,” a celebration of the funniest, most disastrous productions in Broadway history. Music by Brian Rose. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 7 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except Nov. 7), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $35–$100 in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Observer Editor
“La Rondine (The Swallow)”: U-M Voice & Opera Department
MoreNovember 5–8. U-M opera students, accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra, perform Puccini’s bittersweet love story about a French courtesan and an idealistic young man who offers an alternative to her life of excess. Sung in Italian, English supertitles. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $29–$35 (students, $16) in advance at smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 615–3204. tickets.smtd.umich.edu/6978/6979
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Observer Editor
“Family Pains”: PTD Productions
MoreNov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Ypsi Photo Walk”: Dzanc House
MorePhotographers of all skill levels with any kind of camera invited to walk together around Ypsi and take pictures. 3–4 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Campus and University Bands: U-M Music School
MoreRichard Frey and John Pasquale lead these student ensembles of nonmusic majors in a wide variety of wind band music. 3 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Podium Favorites”: Dexter Community Band
MoreBill Gourley directs this 85-member volunteer ensemble in a program of band favorites, including a Gershwin medley, selections from Strauss’s comic operetta Die Fledermaus, a spirited arrangement of “Funiculi-Funicula,” and the haunting folksong “Shenandoah.” Trombonist Ben Keller solos in a medley of the “St. Louis Blues,” “Memphis Blues,” and “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.” 3–5 p.m., Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–2734, dextercommunityband.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Fall Concert: One Voice Gospel Choir
MoreJean Wilson directs this ecumenical choir in traditional and contemporary gospel music. 3 p.m., St. Paul United Church of Christ, 122 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. Free, but donations accepted. facebook.com/onevoicegospelchoirmi.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Firelight Pioneer Evening”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreAll invited to play games, share stories, pop popcorn, and roast apples and chestnuts around the fire. 3:30–6:30 p.m., Parker Mill County Park log cabin, 4650 Geddes. Free. Preregistration not required.
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Observer Editor
“Rocky”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Nov. 7–11: “Rocky” (John G. Avildsen, 1976). The classic saga of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who enters in a grueling, blood-soaked title fight. Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. only) and 6:40 p.m. Cinemark only.
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Observer Editor
Escher Quartet & Guitarist Jason Vieaux: University Musical Society
MoreThis acclaimed NYC-based string quartet, known for its musical insight and tonal beauty, is joined by master classical guitarist Vieaux for a program of music written for string quartet and guitar. Grammy-winning guitarist Vieaux has been praised for music “brimming with spirit, insight, and reverence for the genre” by Acoustic Guitar. His 2019 album with the Escher Quartet, Dance, “impresses from the outset with its bounding energy” and “immediate and tight” musical bond, according to the Classic Review. Their program today features Prokofiev’s folk-music–influenced String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s melodious, serene Guitar Quintet, and Luigi Boccherini’s charming Guitar Quintet in D Major, along with works by Bach, Jorge Morel, Agustín Barrios, and Vieaux himself. 4 p.m. Rackham Auditorium. $36–$73 (students, $15–$20) in advance only at tickets.ums.org or (734) 764–2538.
