Events
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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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FreeObserver 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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FreeObserver 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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FreeObserver 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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FreeObserver 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.
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Observer Editor
“The Great American Songbook: Broadway & Hollywood in the 1930s”: Kerrytown Concert House
MoreSee 6 Friday. This afternoon: The topic of the lecture-demo is the music of the period when Broadway composers like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern were lured west to work on lavish Hollywood musicals, while on Broadway the Depression gave rise to socially conscious songs, from “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” to “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee.” 4–6 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
Member Showcase and Open House: Forge Theater
MoreAn eclectic program of performances/presentations by Forge members, including poetry, spoken word, short plays, a video, and a community building game. 4:30–6:30 p.m., 3000 Packard, ste. B (entrance on Platt behind Little Caesars). Preregistration requested at forgetheatercollaborative.com. Free. (734) 219–9434.
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Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
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Observer Editor
Pinball Tournament: Pinball Pete’s
MoreNov. 8 & 22. Players of all ages and skill levels invited to play 8 games of pinball for International Flipper Association points and other prizes. 5 p.m. (registration opens at 4:45 p.m.; ask for Ryan at the glass desk), Pinball Pete’s, 500 E. Liberty. No entry fee; $1 per game. michiganflippers.com.
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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
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
MoreEvery Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
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FreeObserver Editor
Traditional Irish Session: Conor O’Neill’s
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.
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Nightspots
Open Blues Jam.: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiPerformers of all skill levels invited. Hosted by James Bourland & the Staches, a local quintet fronted by versatile local rock singer-guitarist Bourland.
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Observer Editor
“Andrea Gibson’s Love Letter from the Afterlife”: Michigan Theater/the Ark
MoreMultimedia event featuring a screening of Come See Me in the Good Light, a documentary that captures slam champion Gibson’s 2024 final poetry performance in Denver before their death, along with live poetry readings, storytelling by Gibson’s widow Megan Falley and others. With live musical accompaniment by the Goosebumps Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Michigan Theater. Tickets in advance at marquee-arts.org/calendar. $52–$89. (734) 668–8397.
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Nightspots
Open Mic Night.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiSign-up starts at 7 p.m.
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Nightspots
Jazz Jam Session.: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborJazz ensemble led by veteran local drummer Pete Siers and saxophonist Kenji Lee (see Blue Llama).
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FreeObserver Editor
Weekly Rehearsal: Washtenaw Women’s Community Chorus
MoreEvery Mon. All invited to join this independent local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program, including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Joshua Marzan directs. 9:30–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, rear ground level, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free to visitors (dues for those who join; scholarships available). [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Washtenaw Literacy Digital Skills”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreEvery Mon. Adults invited to drop in and get 1-on-1 help navigating websites, emailing, and performing basic computer functions. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Mon. & Thurs., except Nov. 26. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-ACBL-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5) & noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs., except Nov. 24–26. U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel Field (across the street from the old Elbel Field). All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Community ListingFree
Ann Arbor UX Content Meetup—Pre-Holiday Hang!
More2503 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor
Before the holiday season is in full swing, meet fellow UX content professionals in the Ann Arbor area (and beyond) at the Ann Arbor Public Library: Westgate (Custard Room). No agenda. Come for some much needed human connection and support for your content career!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ann-arbor-ux-content-meetup-tickets-2003413726386
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
MoreEvery Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations), except Nov. 26. Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi.; AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreNov. 9 & 23. All invited to get basic sewing help with unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines. Bring your own sewing machine, if you wish. No experience necessary. Also, local crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates mitered corners with bias binding (Nov. 9). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Photo Slide Art”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and kids grade K & up invited to try the library’s new slide and film viewer, then create a piece of wearable art from a photo slide. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver 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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FreeObserver Editor
“Ypsi Clown Social”: Dzanc House
MoreAll invited to socialize and build their clowning skills. Games, refreshments. Clown attire encouraged. 6–8 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org/all-events.
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Nightspots
Tim Prosser & Steve Rich.: El Limon
MoreEl Limon 2709 PlymouthA mix of acoustic originals and traditional music by this duo of singer-guitarist Rich and singer-songwriter and “mandolin maniac” Prosser.
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FreeObserver Editor
“The Janes”: U-M Museum of Art
MoreUMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State.
Nov. 9: “The Janes” (Emma Pildes, 2022). Documentary about the 1960s and 70s Chicago underground abortion network, the Jane Collective. Followed by a Q&A with the director. Part of “Film Sampler,” screenings of films focused on themes of protest and resistance. FREE. 6–9 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Profiles in Cowardice: A Study of Collaboration in the Trump Era”: Ann Arbor District Library/Literati Bookstore
MoreRegular New York Review of Books contributor Jacob Weisberg is joined by U-M law professor Barbara McQuade to discuss his new book that examines the people and institutions who failed to stand up to Trump’s brazen grab for authoritarian power. 6:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 585–5567, aadl.org/events.
