• Nightspots

    Kari Holmes.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Contemporary country-pop, along with classic country covers, by a band led by this Detroit-bred singer-songwriter who has recorded in Nashville.

  • Nightspots

    The Velvet Walrus.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local dance band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits.

  • Nightspots

    The Pherotones.: Last Word

    The Pherotones.
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    Last Word 301 W. Huron, Ann Arbor

    A 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. 

     

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: Tap Room

    Open Mic.
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    Tap Room 201 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    All musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.

  • Nightspots

    “Ecosystem 4.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    With electronic music acts TBA. Sponsored by Ghostly International and Portage Garage Sounds.

  • Observer Editor

    Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con

    Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con
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    Nov. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Nov. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Clements Library Tour

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    Hour-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.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Small Works: Prints & Book Objects from Detroit, 2020–2026: Residential College Art Gallery

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    701 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]

    https://events.umich.edu/event/153605

    Free
  • Nightspots

    Jeff Mac. ): Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Soft–rock, blues and folk covers by this local singer-guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Mike Root.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Mid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Maya Binyam: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series

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    Reading 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].

  • Nightspots

    Nick James.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area country-folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “From Japantown to Motown to Hometown: The Japanese American Experience in Michigan”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Local 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Bekka Madeleine EP Release Concert”: Dzanc House

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    Performance 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Disc Golf Glow Night”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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    All 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Secrets and Other Hobbies.”: Literati Bookstore

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    Saugatuck-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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Self-Guided Lantern-Lit Trail”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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    Nov. 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].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series

    Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series
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    Nov. 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.

  • Nightspots

    The Invasion.: Live

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    Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    British Invasion cover quartet from Redford led by singer-guitarist David Roof.

     

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Little Red Robin Hood”: Chelsea Area Players Youth Theater

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    Nov. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    John Santos Sextet: U-M Center for World Performance Studies

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    San 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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Ice Hockey

    U-M Ice Hockey
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    Sold-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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Hadestown: Teen Edition”: Pioneer Theatre Guild

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    Nov. 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].

  • Nightspots

    Erik Koskinen.: JD’s Stage

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    JD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United States

    Minnesota folk-rock & Americana singer-songwriter with a wry, plainspoken vocal style that has earned him comparisons to Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder. $23.

     

  • Observer Editor

    “Little Shop of Horrors”: Skyline High School Theatre

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    Nov. 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].

  • Nightspots

    Swing Nouvelle.: Moonwinks Tavern

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    Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

    Detroit-area instrumental quartet that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.

  • Nightspots

    Shallow Orbits.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    New blues-based folk-rock band led by Highland singer-songwriter Doug Larsen.Tonight they are joined by local singer-songwriters Scott Shadow and Bluesdad.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.

     

  • Nightspots

    Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by guitarist Clint Weaner. 7–10 p.m. $10.

  • Observer Editor

    Dwayne Kennedy: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Dwayne Kennedy: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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    Nov. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Cyrano de Bergerac”: Community High School Ensemble Theatre

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    Nov. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Mozart’s Requiem”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

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    Music 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.

  • Observer Editor

    High Horse: Kerrytown Concert House

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    This 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.