Events
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery 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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FreeObserver Editor
“Raise the Roof: The Musings of Michael Daugherty”: U-M Symphony Band
MoreThis music student ensemble performs a program honoring Grammy Award–winning local composer Daugherty, a longtime U-M composition professor who will be retiring at the end of the academic year. Highlights include Daugherty’s Concerti for Timpani and Trombones, his well-known 2002 piece Bells for Stokowski, and a new setting of Cadillac Ranch, his 2025 work inspired by a public art installation on the outskirts of Amarillo, Texas. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
MoreBoth the lineup of stand-up comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+. Drinks and food for sale. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 8 p.m., Burns Park indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
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Nightspots
Lucy Kaplansky.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborAcclaimed singer-songwriter, and former clinical psychologist, known for her strong, supple voice and her wryly engaging blues- and country-flavored ballads. $29.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Rocky Horror Picture Show”: U-M Residential College Players
MoreRC Keene Theater, 701 East University. (734) 647–4354.
Oct. 30 & 31: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Jim Sharman, 1975). Musical comedy cult classic that spawned a long tradition of participatory showings. The plot follows a fresh-scrubbed young couple who find themselves unexpected guests at a mansion whose residents include a transsexual transvestite alien in the midst of a diabolical experiment. The screening is accompanied by a live shadowcast, in which onstage actors act out scenes from the film in sync with the action on the screen and invite audience interaction. 8 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
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Nightspots
“Spook Festival.”: The Arboretum
MoreThe Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., SalineWith performances by the area hip-hop rapper Magik Ziggidy and others TBA.
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Nightspots
Shelby & Jake.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiLansing husband-and-wife duo of acoustic country-pop singer-guitarists.
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Nightspots
Deer & Elk.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborLansing duo that specializes in classic country covers.
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Nightspots
The Extrusions.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborDance music by this popular local cover band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits and forgotten gems from the 1960s through the 2010s.
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Nightspots
Hunter & the Hasbeens.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiYpsi rock trio. Opener: Blind Liars, an Ypsi queer indie pop band.
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Observer Editor
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
MoreEvery Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
MoreEvery Fri. All invited to drop in to use the observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 9–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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Nightspots
“Liminal Lounge Presents: A Night for Twin Peaks.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborExperimental ambient music by area electronic acts, including Towner, The Bloody Pickups, Geranium Red, and DJ Batz.
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Nightspots
Rob Crozier, Sven Anderson, Max Bowen, and Rob Avsharian.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborLocal jazz quartet.
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Nightspots
Lilyisthatyou.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. Genre-defying Canadian pop singer-songwriter & rapper known for her unfiltered, sex-positive anthems and provocative live shows. Opener: James the Seventh, a young indie pop singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. $27.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Observer Editor
“Run Scream Run”: Running Fit
More“Freaky 5K” (8:15 a.m.), “Terrifying 10K” (8:15 a.m.), and “Cider Mill Mile” (10 a.m.) run through Wiard’s Orchards and along the paved trails in Rolling Hills Park. Awards for top finishers and best costumes. A fundraiser for child empowerment nonprofit Washtenaw Promise. 8:15 a.m. (registration begins at 6:30 a.m.), Wiard’s, 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. $40 (5K), $45 (10K), & $22 (Cider Mill Mile) at runscreamrun.com by Oct. 10 (add $3 after) & at the gate. (734) 929–9027.
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FreeObserver Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Fri., Sat., & Wed. 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. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
