Events
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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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Observer Editor
Josh Adams: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreSept. 25 & 26. Highly versatile, nationally touring Detroit comedian known for his clever observational humor, crowdwork, and storytelling abilities, a winner of the prestigious Showtime at the Apollo competition. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Observer Editor
“Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreSept. 19, 25, & 26. A haunted hayride, an asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.
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Community Listing
An Acoustic Evening with Kate Peterson: Wolverine Pickleball
More235 Metty Dr, Ann Arbor
Join us for Wolverine’s first official concert, outside on the back patio at golden hour—string lights overhead, fires going, drinks flowing, and the first hint of Michigan fall in the air. Doors at 7, music starts at 7:30.
For more than 20 years, the Michigan-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has performed across the U.S. and Europe, first as half of the folk duo Nervous but Excited and later as a solo artist. She’s played hundreds of stages, opened for some of her musical heroes, released eight albums, and built a loyal following around songs that are vulnerable, thoughtful, deeply human, and occasionally a little devastating.
Her sound? Raspy, emo acoustic soul-folk with a touch of optimism and a lot of humanness. Longtime fans will recognize the roots of Nervous but Excited’s “Pleasantly Aggressive Folk,” now with the depth that comes from a couple more decades of living. The Northern Express once compared the grain of Kate’s voice to Ray LaMontagne, but it’s the combination of songs, storytelling and dry wit that makes a Kate Peterson show feel less like a performance and more like spending an evening with someone who might make you laugh right before unexpectedly punching you in the feelings.
Come hungry and eat the The Den! Chef Kate Williams, formerly of Detroit’s James Beard Award–nominated Lady of the House, is behind The Den’s menu of shareables, salads, bowls, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Also on tap will be 30+ options for craft beer, wine and cocktails from Pour Decisions tapwall.
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Nightspots
Abbey Rose and Kelly Trudell.: Rumpus Room
MoreRumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, ChelseaDouble bill of acoustic pop-folk singer-songwriters.
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Observer Editor
Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Fri. Performance by 11 Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 8–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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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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Observer Editor
Billy King: Rancho Tranquilico
MoreDanceable original pop-folk with roots-rock and country-swing flavors, along with some tasty covers by an ensemble led by this talented veteran local singer-songwriter and guitarist. BYOB and a chair. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (doors, 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Parking is in neighboring Ruhlig’s Country Market driveway. $25 payable via Venmo: @william-king-673 & PayPal: @[email protected]. Preregistration required; space limited. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
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Nightspots
Joe Pug & Willie Watson.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborDouble bill of 2 of the top acts in contemporary American roots music. Pug is a highly regarded Chicago-based folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music draws on a variety of influences from John Prine to the late alt-country songwriter Walter Hyatt. Watson is an Americana folk singer best known for singing the tenor lead and playing rhythm guitar with Old Crow Medicine Show. His repertoire ranges from Utah Phillips and Leadbelly tunes to traditional songs collected by the 1930s folk-country crossover pioneer Bascom Lamar Lunsford and Rabbit Brown’s iconic “James Alley Blues.” He made his acting debut in the Coen Brothers’ 2018 Netflix film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. $35.
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Nightspots
NuAudio.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiToledo classic rock & pop cover trio.
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Nightspots
Medicine Men.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborThis local dance quintet plays classic R&B and Motown. With vocalist Terry Samuels, guitarist Pete Bullard, keyboardist Andy Adamson, bassist Doug Katchorek, and drummer Mike Moneart. They are backed by the Westside Girls, the vocal duo of Cheryl McIntire and Carol Shaw.
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Observer Editor
“Maestro”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Sept. 25–Oct. 18. Briana O’Neal directs local actors in Michigan playwright Michael Alan Herman’s cheeky comedy of manners about two 18th-century Viennese composers who go to ridiculous lengths to compete for a recently vacated royal court position. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 3 & 7 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $33 (seniors, $30; students, $20) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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FreeObserver Editor
Full Moon Festival: U-M Detroit Observatory
MoreAll invited to this celebration of various East Asian mid-autumn lunar festivals featuring kids activities, musical performances, tours of the observatory, and viewing the moon through the observatory’s telescopes (weather permitting). 8–11 p.m. 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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Community ListingFree
Ghettotech, Electro and Drum ‘N Bass: G.E.D.
MoreAshley Street Social; 336 Ashley, Ann Arbor
ITS BACK! The GED/Ghettotech, Electro, Drum N Bass is a multi-genre sampler music showcase of these 3 amazing subgenres of electronic music. Electro early, Ghettotech in the middle, and Drum N Bass late. All local DJs on the decks. Come for all or just the genres you are into! Since we don’t have regular shows with expressly these types of music shows/sets in Washtenaw County….we were hoping to make this a spot heads could meet up the organize more shows.
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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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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
Angell Hall Observatory Open House: U-M Student Astronomical Society
MoreSept. 11 & 25. All invited to peer through the observatory and rooftop telescopes (weather permitting) and view planetarium shows. Also, short astronomy presentations by club members. 9–11 p.m., Angell Hall Planetarium, rm. 3118. Free. (734) 764–3440.
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Nightspots
Sacha.: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborLocal pop-soul singer-songwriter.
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Nightspots
Jervis Campbell.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. Popular Nashville-based Christian alt-rock singer-songwriter. Opener: Nathan Colberg, a Virginia indie pop singer-songwriter whose sound has drawn comparisons to Noah Kahan and Jon Bellion. $27.
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Observer Editor
“Tree Town Stand-up Showcase”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MorePerformances by 6 area stand-up comics TBA. 9:30–10:45 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at tinyurl.com/a2treetownstandup & $18 (if available) at the door.
