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    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Nov. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Photo Slide Art”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults 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.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Ypsi Clown Social”: Dzanc House

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    All 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.

  • Nightspots

    Tim Prosser & Steve Rich.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    A mix of acoustic originals and traditional music by this duo of singer-guitarist Rich and singer-songwriter and “mandolin maniac” Prosser.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Janes”: U-M Museum of Art

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    UMMA, 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Emerging Writers Workshop: Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Writer?”: Ann Arbor District Library

    “Emerging Writers Workshop: Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Writer?”: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Local editor Alex Kourvo and young adult novelist Bethany Neal discuss real-world skills needed to thrive as a writer. Also, the two host an open house for writers to connect with one another and/or work on their projects at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. 6:30–7:45 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Cartoon Logic: Composition & Improvisation in Tapestry Weaving”: Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild

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    Detroit tapestry weaver Sam Dienst describes how her colorful textile explorations of the tensions between representational and abstract composition are inspired by the objects around her. The evening begins with social time. Guests welcome. 6:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 2nd fl. gathering rm. (elevator access), 1501 W. Liberty. Free. annarborfiberarts.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Rocky”: Fathom Entertainment

    “Rocky”: Fathom Entertainment
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    (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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Large Ensemble Meeting: Ann Arbor Recorder Society

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    Beginning and advanced players of the recorder and other early instruments invited to play Renaissance and other early music. Directed by Janet Cannon. Bring your own music stand. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, basement music rm. (enter by the back door), 1501 W. Liberty. First meeting free (dues for those who join). a2recordersociety.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Treetown Pub Sing”: Conor O’Neill’s

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    All invited to sing or listen to rousing choruses, drinking songs, sea shanties, and folk songs. Bring a song to share. No lyric sheets. Choose a song with a chorus or repeating lines so the rest of the room can easily join in. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.

  • Nightspots

    Paul Keller Orchestra.: Zal Gaz Grotto

    Paul Keller Orchestra.
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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Award-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college or high school student ensemble.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Stamp Club

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    Club members show and discuss their finds from the club’s annual show (see 6 Friday). Also, a mini-auction of US & foreign stamps and covers. Visitors welcome. 7:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free. (734) 761–5859, [email protected], annarborstampclub.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Scandinavian Music Jam

    Scandinavian Music Jam
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    Nov. 9 & 23. Bruce Sagan leads an acoustic jam session devoted to traditional music from the Scandinavian countries. All instruments welcome, no experience necessary. 7:30–9:30 p.m., location TBA; email [email protected]. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    University Symphony Orchestra: U-M Music School

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    Kenneth Kiesler directs this music student ensemble in a program of music inspired by the stage highlighted by U-M Concerto Competition–winning mezzo-soprano Grace Ryan singing arias from two very different portrayals of Cinderella—Massenet’s tender and lyrical Cendrillon and Rossini’s dazzling and playful La Cenerentola. Also, Mozart’s sparkling Magic Flute overture and Richard Strauss’s exuberant Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, featuring virtuosic violin, cello, and piano soloists. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig
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    Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.

  • Nightspots

    Open Stage.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free) at the door only.

  • Nightspots

    Heroes, Interlopers.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Chicago-based avant-garde string quartet whose music incorporates electronic soundscapes and extensive improvisations.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Sharon Mills Quilting Bee”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

    “Sharon Mills Quilting Bee”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
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    Nov. 1, 10, & 22. WCPARC docents lead both seasoned quilters and novices in stitching a traditional 1860s quilt top around a frame. Materials provided. The final product will be displayed in the historic cabin at Parker Mill. All ages welcome. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (Sun.) & 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Tues.), Sharon Mills Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow, Manchester. Free. (734) 971–6337, washtenaw.org/registerparks.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Center for Chinese Studies Noon Lecture Series

    U-M Center for Chinese Studies Noon Lecture Series
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    Every Tues., except Nov. 24. Talks by U-M and visiting scholars.

    Nov. 3: Columbia University Chinese studies professor Gavin Healy on “Foreign and Diaspora Tourism to Mao-Era China.”

    Nov. 10: U-M Chinese studies professor Pär Cassel discusses a series of anti-missionary riots in the 1890s in “The Sacred Edict as Hate Speech: Griffith John, the Hunan Riots, and Qing Imperial Ideology.”

    Nov. 17: U-M history professor Gyatso Marnyi on “Chinese and Muslim Refugees on the Tibetan Frontier, 1860–1965.”

    Noon–1 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–6308, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Lunchtime Concert”: U-M Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments

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    Monthly concert featuring a wide range of music performed by music students & faculty on instruments from across the centuries and around the globe. Noon, North Campus Research Complex, bldg. 18, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Free. (734) 417–3899.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club

    Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
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    Every Tues., except Nov. 24. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. [email protected], meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
    More

    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Tues. All invited to play board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. 5–9 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Reading Through the Double Archival Grain: Yugoslav Socialist Humanitarianism and Its Whiteness”: U-M Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Borka Tomljenović Lecture

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    University of Mainz (Germany) cultural studies professor Čarna Brković discusses alternatingly ironic and nostalgic attitudes toward humanitarian activities in socialist Yugoslavia. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan League, Vandenberg Rm. Free. (734) 764–0351, [email protected].

  • Community Listing
    Free

    “Yugoslav Socialist Humanitarianism and its Whiteness”: U-M CREES Annual Borka Tomljenović Lecture: Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

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    911 North University Avenue, Vandenberg Room (2nd floor), Ann Arbor, MI

    For the 2026 Annual Borka Tomljenović Lecture, Professor Čarna Brković will consider different forms of affective engagement with humanitarian activities in socialist Yugoslavia, including irony and nostalgia. Ironic engagement assumes that Yugoslav solidarity with formerly colonized populations during the Cold War was empty rhetoric, driven by a pragmatic desire to establish the country as a significant player on the geopolitical stage. Nostalgic engagement, by contrast, is shaped by the belief that Yugoslavs were motivated by an honest ideological commitment to solidarity and anti-racism that ultimately placed them on the “right side” of history. Both ironic and nostalgic engagements with socialist humanitarianism evaluate the past through contemporary ideas about solidarity, socialism, capitalism, and their interrelations.

    To understand socialist humanitarianism on its own terms, Brković proposes reading it through the double grain of state socialism and the end of history. Such an analytical approach illuminates the role of racial socialism—socialist ideologies of “race” and local racial projects—and its interactions with global racial hierarchies, showing how these ideologies were shaped by particular value constellations.

    By discussing a 1961 humanitarian initiative of the Yugoslav Red Cross that brought sixty children and young people from the Congo to Tivat, Montenegro, this talk sheds light on the workings of socialist whiteness. This was not a colourist project but rather a normative regime of political value with two key characteristics: it ascribed superiority to Yugoslavs on the basis of their greater socialist experience, and it overlooked present problems in favour of a future in which “race” would no longer matter.

    Čarna Brković is professor of cultural studies and European ethnology at the University of Mainz. Dr. Brković has a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester and a BA in Ethnology and Anthropology from the University of Belgrade. In her European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant “Racial Socialism” (2026-2031) as well as in her book Realigning Humanitarianism in the Balkans: From Cold War Politics to Neoliberal Ethics (Indiana University Press, 2026), she studies historical projects of integrating the world differently, such as socialist humanitarianism and Europeanization.

    https://ii.umich.edu/crees/news-events/events.detail.html/151290-21911323.html

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Tour de Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

    “Tour de Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
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    Every Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a post-ride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.