• Observer Editor

    “Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

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    Aug. 9, 23, & 30. Docent-led tours exploring “Highlights of the Kelsey” (Aug. 9 & 30) and “Favorite Objects and Surprising Stories” (Aug. 23). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Men’s Soccer

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    Exhibition match vs. Cleveland State. The U-M has another exhibition match this month against Saginaw Valley (Aug. 14, 4 p.m.) and regular home season games against Loyola Marymount (Aug. 20, 6 p.m.), Niagara (Aug. 27, 4 p.m.), and Southern Illinois–Edwardsville (Aug. 30, 2 p.m.). 4 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $6 & $8 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    Big Top Swing: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

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

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Apples & Honey Fall Festival: Jewish Community Center

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    All invited to this popular annual afternoon of entertainment, cultural activities, and information about Jewish life in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, featuring workshops, music & dance lessons, and displays from local Jewish organizations and vendors. Also, kids activities, food for sale, and a sidewalk chalk demonstration by David Zinn. The event’s title derives from the custom of dipping an apple in honey and saying a prayer for a sweet new year. 2–5 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. Free. Preregistration required at jlive.app/events/14841. (734) 971–0990.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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    Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org. 

  • Observer Editor

    Whitney Mongé: Knight Road House Concert.

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    Outdoor performance by this Nashville-based Americana soul singer-songwriter and guitarist whose smoky, soulful vocals and raw, heartfelt songwriting reflect a life steeped in authenticity. 3 p.m., Knight Rd. (address provided upon registration). Preregistration required at knightroadhouseconcerts.org or email [email protected]. $30 suggested cash donation via Venmo or at the door.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association

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    Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    “Dance Day”: Terpsichore Collective Fundraiser

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    This local professional contemporary dance troupe opens up its rehearsal for a new work by artistic director and choreographer Aimee McDonald, Gateway to Enough (to be performed in October), followed by a chance to chat with the dancers and graze on appetizers. Preceded by an open community dance class (3–4 p.m.) taught by Kari Becker. 4:15–6 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $20 or more donation, in advance at terpsichorecollective.com, & (if available) at the door. 

  • Nightspots

    Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.

  • Nightspots

    Mike Root: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

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

  • Nightspots

    Alonso Umana Quartet: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Ensemble led by this acclaimed young Mexico-based drummer, a recent MSU jazz studies grad.

     

  • Nightspots

    II-V-I Orchestra: Water Tower Distilling Co.

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    Water Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, Ypsilanti

    Large ensemble that plays late 30s swing and 40s R&B hits ranging from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and the Blues Brother

  • Observer Editor

    Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M

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    Every Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.  

  • Nightspots

    Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet: Ravens Club

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    Ravens Club 207 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Local composer-bassist Sharp leads this world music-based jazz ensemble that explores traditions from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Greece. With violinist Henrik Karapetyan, percussionist Mike List, and oud player Igor Houwat. Remainder of the August schedule TBA.

  • Donation
    Observer Editor

    Full Moon Kirtan: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth

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    Trevor Eller leads a local ensemble of Yoga and Bhakti practitioners in this traditional devotional call-and-response music based on Hindu texts and the writings of poet-saints. Preceded by a potluck dinner and a talk by Chicago-based yogi Swami Sahajananda. 7:15–9 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. $5 suggested donation. (734) 327–0270.

  • Nightspots

    Biird: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Recently-formed all-female 11-piece Irish trad supergroup known for bringing a contemporary pop edge to classic Irish tunes with lilting vocal harmonies and inventive instrumentation. “Biird have proved the concept: make trad accessible to a new audience and it will come,” writes one Irish Times reviewer. “There’s something admirably ballsy about Biird’s unabashed ambition, a trait that is distinctly un-Irish, even if their music is as Irish as bread and butter.” $29.

  • Nightspots

    Jazz Jam Session: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble led by Kenji Lee, a local saxophonist whose expressive brand of jazz draws on Japanese folk music, Western classical music, and punk.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960.