Events
-
-
Observer Editor
“Frank’s Drive-in Double-Feature”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 12: “Frank’s Drive-in Double-Feature.” Projectionist and film historian Frank Uhle, author of Cinema Ann Arbor, curates a trip to the drive-in, with 2 rarely seen classic features, vintage trailers, and old-time snack bar ads. The features, unnamed until showtime, are a wild 60s sci-fi movie and a spicy early 70s R-rated gem. 7 p.m.
-
Observer Editor
Path: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704
MoreThis local trio performs upbeat, melodically rich folk and soul music. With guitarist Chris Hedly, mandolinist Tim Prosser, and harmonica player Scott McWhinney. 7–9 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Sliding scale tickets $10–$20 at the door only. Livestream available ($10 in advance only at interfaithspirit.org/cafe-704-coffeehouse). (734) 657–5384, [email protected].
-
Nightspots
Sean Dobbins & The Collegiate Collage.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborAll-star ensemble of area jazz educators led by veteran local drummer Dobbins.
-
Nightspots
Backbeat Manifesto.: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiDetroit-area jam band whose music draws on blues, funk, soul, and jazz-jam.
-
Nightspots
John Finan, Kandy Frederick, & Hilary Finchum-Sung.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiIn-the-round performance by these local folk-rock singer-songwriters.
-
Nightspots
Devin Scillian.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesA mix of country and Southern rock covers, along with some originals by this former WDIV-TV news anchor.
-
Observer Editor
“A Tribute to Queen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreSept. 11–13. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the British rock band Queen and its legendary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Featuring their hits “We Will Rock You,” the spine-tingling “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$58 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
-
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.
-
Observer Editor
Mike Green: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreSept. 11 & 12. This popular “mostly clean” comic returns to town with a nervous energy that explodes into bizarre and goofy observations about jumping rope, talking sirens, bar codes, and other pointless things you never stop to think about. 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.
-
Observer Editor
“Echo’s Fragments” Staged Reading: Neighborhood Theatre Group
MoreSept. 11–12. Rodney M. Rice directs local actors in a staged reading of playwright A.M. Dean’s new drama about interspecies communication. Not appropriate for young audiences. Audience members have the opportunity to offer feedback. The Friday performance is followed by a reception. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. $10 suggested donation in advance at ntgypsi.org & (if available) at the door.
-
Observer Editor
“Code Five”: Forge Theater
MoreSept. 11–13. Brian Cox directs a drama by local playwright Marc Holland that explores the emotionally and morally complex aftermath of a mass shooting on one of its survivors. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 3000 Packard, ste. B. $12 in advance at forgetheatercollaborative.com, & (if available) at the door. (734) 219–9434, [email protected].
-
Observer Editor
Aguankó: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
MoreLocal Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by composer-percussionist Alberto Nacif. Dance floor and seating both available. Doors open at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m., 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Tickets $5 (additional donation appreciated) in advance at ums.org/season/2026-27-season & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
-
Observer Editor
2nd Saturday Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
MoreQwill Duvall calls to music by Big Fun. Bring clean-soled, nonslip flat shoes. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. $10 suggested donation (pay what you can). [email protected].
-
FreeObserver Editor
“Swift Nights Out”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreSept. 11–13. All invited to view chimney swifts gathering at dusk and count them as they enter their roosts in a spectacular swirling tornado of birds. Participants choose a known roosting location and report back to WBNA organizers. Part of a national effort to monitor the migration of this bird species and learn its favorite chimneys for overnight roosting. 8 p.m. until the last swift descends into its chimney. Various locations, preregistration required at washtenawbna.org/events. Free.
-
Nightspots
“4th Annual Ann Arbor Django Reinhardt Festival.”: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborVintage jazz inspired by gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s 1930s Parisian swing by an ensemble led by Sam Farthing, an acclaimed young Baltimore guitarist known for his virtuosic technique, crystal-clear tone, and expressive improvisation. Tonight he is joined by Grant Flick, a local fiddle virtuoso known for his performances of the music of French jazz gypsy pioneer Stéphane Grappelli, along with members of the local Hot Club band Djangophonique. $29.
-
Nightspots
“The Family 734 Ladies Night Pajama Party.”: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDJ dance party.
-
Observer Editor
Rhyta Musik: Rancho Tranquilico
MoreBarn concert by this local 7-piece Balkan brass band whose music is sprinkled with New Orleans funk flavors and traditional dancing. 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: @schweizerwoodwind. Preregistration required; space limited. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
-
FreeObserver Editor
University Lowbrow Astronomers
MoreA chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. Participants encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Cancelled if sky is overcast at sunset or if the weather is extremely inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. day of event. Also, on Sept. 18 & 19 the Lowbrow Astronomers and other area clubs host the annual Astronomy at the Beach viewing night at Island Lake State Park (see glaac.org). Sunset–12:30 a.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial. (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.
-
Observer Editor
“Who Can Say?”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreSept. 12 & 26. Game show–style performance by experienced improvisers responding to prompts and challenges. 8:30–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
-
Nightspots
Motor City Moonshine.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborCountry and classic rock covers by this Detroit-area quartet. 8:30 p.m.
