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    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.

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    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].

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    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.

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    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. 

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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.

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    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.

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    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

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    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.  

  • Observer Editor

    “UMS 101: Explore the World of Contemporary Percussion”: University Musical Society

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    New York composer-percussionist Andy Akiho and Brooklyn-based quartet Sandbox Percussion offer an interactive hands-on session exploring the incredible variety of instruments and sounds they’ll use in their upcoming performance (see 15 Sun. listing). 6–7:30 p.m., Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. $15 at ums.org/performance. Preregistration required. (734) 764–2538.

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    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.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    An Evening with Artist Kelly Church: U-M Museum of Art (UMMA)

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    525 South State Street, Ann Arbor

    Presented in partnership with the Maamawimazinitoojig Art Collective, and the Trotter MESA Native American Heritage Month Planning Committee.

    Join us for an artist talk by renowned artist, educator, activist and culture keeper Kelly Church. Church is a member of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Band) in Michigan and a Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Ojibwe descendent.

    🗓️ Tues, Nov 10, 2026
    ⏰ 6:00pm–8:00pm
    📍 UMMA
    🎟️ Free and open to the public, no registration or ticket required.

    Church’s journey as an advocate for the survival of Native traditions and the black ash tree has involved many national and international art programs, exhibitions, and partnerships with government agencies such as tribal offices and the US Forest Service.

    Join this lecture to learn about being a good relative within traditional artistic practices and help create a community black ash basket!

    https://umma.umich.edu/events/an-evening-with-artist-kelly-church/

    Free
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    Observer Editor

    Songwriting Meet-up: Bløm Mead + Cider

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    All local songwriters invited to share songs in progress, give constructive feedback, and grow their writing practice. At 7:30 p.m., a featured singer-songwriter performs. 6–8:30 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

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    Observer Editor

    “Love and Other Incurable Ailments”: Literati Bookstore

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    Michigan writer Linda K. Sienkiewicz discusses her new novel about a lonely Michigan woman who uncovers a box of passionate letters written by a mysterious man in North Carolina. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Short Films of David Lynch”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and US veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Nov. 10: “The Short Films of David Lynch.” (David Lynch, 1966–2022). Six short films by the singular auteur across the length of his career, from the 1967 Six Men Getting Sick (Six Times), an experimental animated film that incorporates elements of sculpture and painting, to the flash-animated DumbLand (2002), which chronicles the daily routines of a dull-witted man. 7 p.m.

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    Observer Editor

    Shape Note Singing Ypsi

    Shape Note Singing Ypsi
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    Nov. 10 & 24. All invited to join an evening of this early American form of hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. 7–9 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, Off Center Bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
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    Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.

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    Observer Editor

    Coffee Shop Comedy

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    Stand-up sets from area comics, open-mic spots, and a finish-the-joke audience game with prizes for the funniest punchlines. Hosted by Yogi & Bruce Umpstead. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 123 W. Washington. Free; preregistration requested at bit.ly/4hniid3.

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    Observer Editor

    Arts Chorale: U-M Music School

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    This chorus of nonmusic majors performs an eclectic program of songs by Hildegard von Bingen, Thomas Tallis, Vivaldi, Barber, Gershwin, and others. 8 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin. Free. (734) 764–0583.

  • Nightspots

    “Veterans For Peace Concert.”: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    An all-star lineup of local musicians TBA perform peace-themed songs. Previous performers include Laith Al-Saadi, Judy Banker, Al Bettis, Chris Buhalis, Annie & Rod Capps, Jill Jack, Shari Kane & Dave Steele, Billy King, the Pontiac Trailblazers, Maddy Ringo, Rollie Tussing, Matt Watroba, and others. A benefit for the Veterans for Peace scholarship fund. $24.

  • Nightspots

    Kevin Payne Amber Quartet.: Ziggy’s

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

    Jazz ensemble led by local drummer Payne. Opener: Techtonique. Nov. 12: “Sound Invaders.” Showcase of ambient and electronic music. Hosted by the local synthwave ambient artist Omo.

  • Nightspots

    The Bends.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Radiohead tribute band. Openers: Common People, a polished L.A.–based alt-rock band. $25.

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    Observer Editor

    “Paper Folding Four Ways”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    A chance for adults & teens to learn various paper art folds, including the petal fold, triangle fold, Turkish map fold, and Victorian puzzle purse fold. 2–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions
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    Nov. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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    Every 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

    Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop

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    All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.