Events
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Community ListingFree
Send Hunger Packing: Rotary Clubs of Ann Arbor
More601 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Rotary Clubs (Ann Arbor North, Ann Arbor West, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor,) and volunteers from around the community have been teamed up with Kids Coalition Against Hunger for meal packing events at Pioneer High School since 2022. In that time, we have been able to produce over 115,000 meals for people all around the world, from families in your community, to cities in disaster relief situations. Now, we are hosting our fifth year at Pioneer High School on Saturday, November 14th, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
This annual fall service project could not happen without the many hands that gather to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. This year our goal is to pack 50,000 meals, which means we need to raise $21,000.
Kids Coalition Against Hunger is a 501 c 3 humanitarian food relief organization whose mission is to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the USA and feed starving children throughout the world.
We are currently seeking donations and volunteers to pack meals. Even small donation can make a big difference. Use the link below to register.
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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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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
“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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Community ListingFree
Ecological Steward Skills Training: WREN
MoreCounty Farm Park - Field Operations Building, 2230 Platt Road , Ann Arbor MI, 48104
The classes are good for both the beginner who has a few invasives in their yard as well as experienced stewards looking to broaden their knowledge base.
These classes will focus more on invasive species removal education and conversation than typical restoration workdays. Participants will learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasives. Participants will gain practical field experience in effective techniques; both with and without herbicide.
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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
“Becoming American: The Immigrant Experience Through the Eyes of the Storyteller”: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Fundraiser
MoreOct. 27 & Nov. 15. Immigrants from Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Hungary, India, Laos, Mexico, and Ukraine tell their stories over 2 events, followed by a dessert reception tonight, and by a panel discussion on Nov. 15. Proceeds benefit this nonprofit legal resource center. 7–9 p.m. (tonight) & 3–5 p.m. (Nov. 15), St. Clare’s Episcopal Church/Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard. $50 for one or both nights (students & reduced income, $25) in advance at jlive.app/events/17069 & (if available) at the door.
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Community Listing
Album Release Party: Aurora & Antheia
More704 Airport Blvd , Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ann Arbor debut of Kalamazoo’s Aurora & Antheia, an improvisational chamber-folk trio, followed by an album-release concert with vocalists Kath Weider & Beth Patterson. Their new album, Kintsugi, features gorgeous, meditative vocal explorations around the theme of holy imperfection.
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Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal 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.
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Nightspots
Jazz Jam Session.: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborJazz ensemble led by veteran local drummer Pete Siers and saxophonist Kenji Lee (see Blue Llama).
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Nightspots
Paul Keller Orchestra.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborAward-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college or high school student ensemble.
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Nightspots
Easy Street Jazz Band.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborEarly jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
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Community ListingFree
“International Travel Fellowship Panel”: U-M Center for the Education of Women
MorePanel discussion featuring CEW+ Fellowship recipients discussing their research experiences abroad in Brazil, Kenya, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, followed by Q&A, socializing, and light dinner. 5:30–7:30 p.m., School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights. Free, preregistration required at cew.umich.edu/events/2026-ckwlecture. (734) 764–6360.
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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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Community ListingFree
Volunteer Event – Woody Invasive Species Removal: Scio Outside
More6393 W Joy Rd, Dexter
Join us to remove woody invasive species from an ongoing restoration site! We will be clearing and treating woody invasive species with a goal to eradicate existing populations. This site is undergoing active restoration, and we need your help with invasive species removal!
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Community ListingFree
“Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services: AARP Michigan
MoreFirst Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.
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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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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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Observer Editor
“What’s Happening in the Arctic—and Why We Should Care”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
MoreEvery Thurs., Oct. 22–Nov. 19. Series of 5 weekly talks.
Oct. 22: Norwegian Arctic security expert Gabriella Gricius on “The Arctic Region in the Context of European Geopolitics and Security.”
Oct. 29: Viking Cruises Arctic guide John McCannon on “Four Ages of the North: The Broad Contours of Arctic History.”
Nov. 5: Harvard Arctic Initiative director Jennifer Spence on “The North American Arctic: Myths and Realities.”
Nov. 12: U-M ecology professor George Kling on “Environmental Changes in the Arctic: Local and Global Impacts.”
Nov. 19: Washington D.C.-based Arctic security expert Pavel Devyatkin on “Russian Arctic Policy, Security Strategy and International Cooperation.”
10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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FreeObserver Editor
“My Support Dog Ate My Comfort Food”: HSHV/Schuler Books
MoreInternationally syndicated Speed Bump cartoonist and BarkBox illustrator Dave Coverly gives a brief talk and signs copies of his new book, My Support Dog Ate My Comfort Food, a full-color paperback “best of” collection of Coverly’s dog cartoons from the past decade. This event doubles as a food-raiser for the Humane Society of Huron Valley – any contribution of food (or toys) for HSHV rescue animals is appreciated. 6:30 p.m., Schuler Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate Plaza). Free. schulerbooks.com
