Events
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Nightspots
Kari Holmes.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborContemporary country-pop, along with classic country covers, by a band led by this Detroit-bred singer-songwriter who has recorded in Nashville.
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Nightspots
The Velvet Walrus.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal dance band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits.
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Nightspots
The Pherotones.: Last Word
MoreLast Word 301 W. Huron, Ann ArborA wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.
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Nightspots
Open Mic.: Tap Room
MoreTap Room 201 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAll musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.
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Nightspots
“Ecosystem 4.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborWith electronic music acts TBA. Sponsored by Ghostly International and Portage Garage Sounds.
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Nightspots
Ethan Regan.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborSold out.
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Observer Editor
Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con
MoreNov. 13–15. Hundreds of competitors of all ages are expected to turn out to play a wide spectrum of tabletop games, from board games and role-playing games to collectible card games and miniaturized simulations of historical and fictional battlefields. Participants also are invited to bring in games to play in an open gaming area. Also, a dealers’ room with sales and demos. In-person registration begins today at 7:30 a.m. For a complete schedule of events, see ucon-gaming.org. 9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Weekend pass: $65 in advance, $75 (students and active & retired military, $65) at the door; kids ages 7–12 (accompanied by an adult), $20 in advance & at the door; kids 6 & under, free. Daily passes (available both in advance & at the door): Fri. $45, Sat. $55 ($45 in advance), Sun. $35. A few games cost extra. Advance registration available at ucon-gaming.org. (734) 930–6363.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Jewelry Sale: U-M Turner Senior Resource Center
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Vintage and costume jewelry, pre-owned and donated. Proceeds support local geriatric programs. Cash or check only. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Fri.) & 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sat.), 2401 Plymouth Rd., ste. C. Free admission. (734) 998–9353.
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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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Free
Observer 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. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series
MoreNov. 13 & 20. Talks by scholars and field practitioners, followed by Q&A.
Nov. 13 (noon–1:30 p.m.): U-M professor of psychology and organizational studies Catherine Thomas on “Cash Plus Psychosocial Interventions for Economic Mobility.”
Nov. 20 (1:30–3 p.m.): Panel discussion with poverty solutions experts on “The Importance of Research and Data for Policy and Social Change.”
School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Midday Morsel Drop-in Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
MoreThirty-minute docent-led tour of ancient Mediterranean artifacts in the museum collection. 12:30 p.m., 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.
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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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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri., except Nov. 26. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 750 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9–$11 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Meetings and Speech: Corporate Mediations of Will”: U-M Anthropology Department Roy A. Rappaport Lecture
MoreU-M anthropology professor Matthew Hull discusses how corporations, once grounded in democratic ideals, now work against our cultural institutions. Third in a series of 4 monthly lectures. 3–4:30 p.m., 411 West Hall, 1085 South University. Free. (734) 764–7274.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Clements Library Tour
MoreHour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, preprinted party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4 p.m., 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Indians and Cowboys: Race, Caste, and Catholic Missionary Priests from India in Rural America”: U-M Center for South Asian Studies
MoreColby College gender studies professor Sonja Thomas discusses how 90 percent of Catholic dioceses in the US today rely on foreign priests, many of whom were born in South Asia. 4–5:30 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 615–4059.
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Community ListingFree
Small Works: Prints & Book Objects from Detroit, 2020–2026: Residential College Art Gallery
More701 E. University, Ann Arbor
–> Public Reception: Friday, November 13 from 4:30-6pm
Exhibition: October 27 – November 19, 2026
Small Works was a print shop ran by Li Chen & Gerald Schulze, in Detroit, MI, from 2020–2026. Mariana Matos joined as the studio assistant, and later studio manager, in 2024. Over those six years, the business grew from an extension of their design practice to a community space that hosts more than 70 classes a year, open studio for the public, and year long funded fellowships that investigate practice in art and design related to the Book Arts. In 2026, they decided to expand community programming, and to accommodate this expansion closed Small Works, and formed Center for the Book Arts Detroit (BAD) which operates in the same space.
This exhibition is a eulogy for the former Small Works shop, and a celebration of all the people who made work here. It also serves to show what is possible as a community, when they share space and create work together. The work featured is a collection of things printed by Small Works, by their studiomates Diskette Press, the publisher Maamoul Press, and by the community that uses the space.
Gallery Hours: The RC Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm during the academic year.
Visitor Access: Access the gallery from the door located near the northwest corner of East Quadrangle on East University just across from Weiser Plaza. The door is open to patrons, students and faculty during the gallery open hours.
Contact the Gallery: Email us at [email protected]
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Nightspots
Jeff Mac. ): Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiSoft–rock, blues and folk covers by this local singer-guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
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Nightspots
Mike Root.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborMid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
Maya Binyam: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series
MoreReading by this fiction writer whose award-winning 2023 debut novel Hangman tells the story of an unnamed African man returning home after decades in America to visit his dying brother. When he arrives, he finds that he doesn’t recognize the country or anyone in it. Q&A and signing. Also, tomorrow Binyam gives a free craft lecture (10–11 a.m., Michigan League, Henderson Rm.). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. [email protected].
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Nightspots
Nick James.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborDetroit-area country-folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Small Bite Sessions”: Zingerman’s Deli
MoreNov. 12, 13, & 18. Zingerman’s staff lead short tastings of a variety of cheddar cheeses (Nov. 12), alpine cheeses (Nov. 13), and Thanksgiving breads (Nov. 18). 6–6:30 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. $15. Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. (734) 663–3354.
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Free
Observer Editor
“From Japantown to Motown to Hometown: The Japanese American Experience in Michigan”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreLocal Japanese Americans Susan Kamei, David Yamamoto, and Lori Saginaw discuss the creation of the Japanese American diaspora following WWII-era internment, the resilience of former incarcerees in the face of post-war discrimination, and the legacy of contributions of the Japanese American community in the greater Detroit area. 6–7 p.m. AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200, aadl.org/events.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Bekka Madeleine EP Release Concert”: Dzanc House
MorePerformance by this young local singer-songwriter who writes pop-inflected Americana songs with haunting, melancholy lyrics. Her new EP, Don’t You Got Better Things to Do?, was made with her sister Hannah. 6–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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Observer Editor
“Disc Golf Glow Night”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreAll invited to play disc golf with illuminated course baskets 1–18. Bring your own discs and gear. 6–9 p.m., Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $5 walk-up or preregistration (#IL451100) at washtenaw.org/registerparks, plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 484–9676.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Secrets and Other Hobbies.”: Literati Bookstore
MoreSaugatuck-based writer Mary Hannah Terzino is joined by fellow West Michigan writer Wendy Gilbert Gronbeck to discuss her debut collection of short stories. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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Observer Editor
“Self-Guided Lantern-Lit Trail”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreNov. 6, 13, & 20 (various locations). Self-guided hike along about a mile of lantern-lit trail through the woods, followed by a campfire and treats. 6–8:30 p.m. (check in by 7:30 p.m.), County Farm Park, 2230 Platt (Nov. 6); Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake (Nov. 13); Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi (Nov. 20). Admission is $20 worth of nonperishable food donations for Food Gatherers, plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee for Independence Lake. Preregistration (one per household) requested at washtenaw.org/registerparks (#56000). [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series
MoreNov. 11, 13, 18, & 21. Community gatherings and talks by local practitioners.
Nov. 11 (6–8 p.m.): “Witches Night Out.” Group meeting and discussion.
Nov. 13 (6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Tarot, Mocktails, and Witches.” Local author Lindsay Merbaum leads a night of witchery, tarot, and a reading from her new dark fantasy novel, Witches of the Wheel.
Nov. 18 (6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Goddesses of the Arbor.” Discussion geared toward late millennial and Gen X women.
Nov. 21 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.): “Death Cafe.” Frank conversation about death led by Ann Arbor Death Cafe representatives.
Various times, 114 S. Main, upstairs. Free. (734) 665–2757, crazywisdom.net.
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Nightspots
The Invasion.: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborBritish Invasion cover quartet from Redford led by singer-guitarist David Roof.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering: 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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40-card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Two stand-up shows each evening. Both the lineup of comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+; BYOB. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 7 & 9 p.m., downtown indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
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Observer Editor
“Little Red Robin Hood”: Chelsea Area Players Youth Theater
MoreNov. 13–15. Alex Moore directs young actors ages 8–14 in Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus’s play, a fractured fairy tale in which nursery rhyme and storybook characters act out the tale of Robin Hood. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington, Chelsea. $10 in advance at chelseaareaplayers.org & (cash only) at the door.
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Free
Observer Editor
John Santos Sextet: U-M Center for World Performance Studies
MoreSan Francisco–based Afro-Latin jazz ensemble led by this acclaimed veteran percussionist and musicologist known for incorporating muscular Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms into original compositions and jazz standards 7 p.m., East Quad Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free. (734) 936–2777.
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Observer Editor
U-M Ice Hockey
MoreSold-out double header vs. Penn State today and tomorrow. This month’s schedule also includes a single game against MSU (Nov. 20) and a double header against Ferris State (Nov. 27 & 28). All games are likely to sell out. 7 p.m., Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Tickets $33 & up at stubhub.com/michigan-wolverines-hockey-tickets. (734) 764–0247.
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Observer Editor
“Hadestown: Teen Edition”: Pioneer Theatre Guild
MoreNov. 12–15. High school students perform pop-folk singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s musical, which sets the myths of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone in a hellish industrial version of the Greek underworld. The 2019 show won Tonys for best musical and best original score, which draws on American folk music and New Orleans jazz. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at a2ptguild.org & at the door. [email protected].
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Nightspots
Erik Koskinen.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesMinnesota folk-rock & Americana singer-songwriter with a wry, plainspoken vocal style that has earned him comparisons to Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder. $23.
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Observer Editor
“Little Shop of Horrors”: Skyline High School Theatre
MoreNov. 13–15. Students perform Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s 1982 musical, a wryly humorous, oddly tender black comedy, adapted from the 1960 Roger Corman B-movie, about a carnivorous plant that grows to monstrous proportions. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 2552 N. Maple. Tickets $15 (seniors, students, & kids, $10) in advance at a2skylinetheatre.ludus.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 994–6515, [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Othello”: U-M Theatre Department Senior BFA Directing Thesis
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Jeffrey Wagner directs fellow drama majors in a studio production of Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center, Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Nightspots
Swing Nouvelle.: Moonwinks Tavern
MoreMoonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.Detroit-area instrumental quartet that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.
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Nightspots
Brian Byrnes.: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiLansing jam-rock singer-guitarist.
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Nightspots
Shallow Orbits.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiNew blues-based folk-rock band led by Highland singer-songwriter Doug Larsen.Tonight they are joined by local singer-songwriters Scott Shadow and Bluesdad.
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Observer Editor
“Owl Prowl”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Guided adults-only (Fri.) & family (Sat.) hikes through Black Pond Woods to look for and learn about local owl species and other nocturnal creatures. Dress for the weather. 7–9 p.m., 1831 Traver. $10 (members, $8) in advance only at lesliesnc.org. (734) 997–1553.
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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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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 guitarist Clint Weaner. 7–10 p.m. $10.
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Observer Editor
Dwayne Kennedy: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 12–14. This acclaimed Chicago comic is known for his piercing, keen-witted takes on a wide range of social, cultural, and geopolitical matters. A frequent guest on late-night TV and in sitcoms, he was also a writer and correspondent for FX’s Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. Opening act TBA. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 (Thurs., $16) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Free
Observer Editor
BFA Dance Concerts: U-M Dance Department
MoreNov. 11–14. Dance majors showcase their original choreography. 7:30 p.m., U-M Dance Performance Studio, 1000 Baits. Free; capacity limited. (734) 764–9537.
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Observer Editor
“Cyrano de Bergerac”: Community High School Ensemble Theatre
MoreNov. 12–15. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs Community High students in Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson’s new translation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play, a hit on London’s West End this year. The classic tragicomedy about a gallant but ugly swashbuckler who feels unworthy of love gets new life in this adaptation that gambols in the riches of language, blending modern lyrical verse, classic text, and grime poetry. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), CHS Craft Theatre, 401 N. Division. Tickets $22 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at communityensembletheatre.ludus.com, & (if available) at the door (usually sells out). (734) 994–2025, a2cet.org.
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Observer Editor
“Mozart’s Requiem”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
MoreMusic director Earl Lee conducts the A2SO and music director Scott Hanoian the UMS Choral Union in a performance of Mozart’s sublime final masterpiece, unfinished when he died in 1791. Mozart’s widow Constanze told the story that Mozart came to believe he was writing the Requiem for his own funeral. Guest soloists are soprano Hera Hyesang Park, mezzo-soprano Avery Amereau, tenor Nicholas Phan, and bass Stephano Park. Performed in German with surtitles. The program opens with Brahms’ rarely performed Alto Rhapsody. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $23–$108 (students, $15–$20) in advance at ums.org/season & (if available) at the door. (734) 994–4801.
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Observer Editor
High Horse: Kerrytown Concert House
MoreThis energetic Boston acoustic string band draws from bluegrass, old time, jazz, rock, and classical traditions to play original compositions with infectious pop hooks. With fiddler Carson McHaney, cellist Karl Henry, guitarist G Rockwell, and bassist Noah Harrington. 7:30–9 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $25–$35 (students, $15–$25) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.
