Events
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Observer Editor
“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreThurs.–Sun., Nov. 27–Jan. 3. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge’s 2014 stage musical, an adaptation of the 1942 Irving Berlin film about a singer-dancer who leaves Broadway to settle down in the countryside. When he meets a spirited schoolteacher who longs to perform, he decides to turn his farmhouse into an inn with performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the 4th of July. Berlin’s score includes such hits as “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat., & most Thurs.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun., some Thurs. & Wed.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $25–$63 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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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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Free
Observer Editor
“Christmas Carols & Fanfare”: Michigan Irish Repertory Theater
MoreConcert by company singers, with piano accompaniment, celebrating Christmas and the US semiquincentennial with carols, other music, and dramatic readings. 7–8 p.m., Chelsea Train Depot, 125 Jackson St., Chelsea. Free, donations welcome. [email protected], michiganirishrep.org.
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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
“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreThurs.–Sun., Nov. 27–Jan. 3. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge’s 2014 stage musical, an adaptation of the 1942 Irving Berlin film about a singer-dancer who leaves Broadway to settle down in the countryside. When he meets a spirited schoolteacher who longs to perform, he decides to turn his farmhouse into an inn with performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the 4th of July. Berlin’s score includes such hits as “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat., & most Thurs.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun., some Thurs. & Wed.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $25–$63 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Observer Editor
Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 27 & 28. Affable Colorado-born, Chicago-based comic delivers amusing, self-effacing anecdotes about getting fat-shamed, performing to overly drunk crowds, and the ethics of wearing a sports jersey. 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
“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
“Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
MoreNov. 20–Dec. 6. Lauren London directs local actors in local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s existential fantasy comedy-drama about a pair of elderly farmers who farm clouds for their silver linings as they struggle to keep their farm—and their relationship—intact. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].
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Community Listing
Party like it’s 2006: The Big Swap: The Funhouse
More207 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor
Flint heavy space rock band The Headless headlines a 2006-themed night at the Funhouse with The Kinetic Stereokids and Past Dog Beach. Bring something you made yourself (a zine, a drawing, a mix CD) and trade it at the merch table for a limited edition, hand-burned Headless CD-R. Doors 8 p.m., bands 9 p.m. $5 at the door. 21+. Details: https://theheadless.band/shows/2026-11-28-ann-arbor-funhouse/
https://theheadless.band/shows/2026-11-28-ann-arbor-funhouse/
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Observer Editor
Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 27 & 28. Affable Colorado-born, Chicago-based comic delivers amusing, self-effacing anecdotes about getting fat-shamed, performing to overly drunk crowds, and the ethics of wearing a sports jersey. 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
Ypsi Artisans Holiday Market
MoreNov. 28 & 29, Dec. 19 & 20. Items from crafters, small businesses, nonprofits. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking.
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Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. through Dec. 20. Juried market. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Ecological Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreAll invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Dress for the weather; bring leather work gloves and water. Tools and know-how provided; bring your own tools, if you’d like. 1–3 p.m., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free. washtenawbna.org.
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Observer Editor
Gemily: the Ark
MoreFamily-friendly concert by this trio that includes brothers Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits of the nationally known local folk duo Gemini, and San’s daughter, violinist Emily. They perform a wide range of music, from classic songs of the 1960s to traditional folk songs and dance tunes, as well as sparkling originals. 1 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. $18 (kids age 12 & under, $13) in advance at theark.org & at the door. (734) 761–1818.
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Free
Observer Editor
“PokéBattle Sunday”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and kids grade 3 & up invited to play this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“One-String Electric Guitar Building”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to use a variety of tools and techniques to create a one-string electric guitar. This project takes the entire session to complete. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Myth-Understood”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Theatre
MoreNov. 28 & 29. Chandler Gimson directs young actors in Jackie Martin’s comedy about two teens, writing a report on Greek mythology, who are whisked away to Mount Olympus where Zeus, Hermes, Aphrodite, and other gods and goddesses retell their myths to the students in a more favorable light, hoping to get people to worship them again. Appropriate for all ages. 2–3 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. a2ct.org/mythunderstoodjt.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Highlights of the Kelsey”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
MoreNov. 21 & 29. Hour-long docent-led tours exploring ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Roman artifacts from the museum’s collection. 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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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
“Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
MoreNov. 20–Dec. 6. Lauren London directs local actors in local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s existential fantasy comedy-drama about a pair of elderly farmers who farm clouds for their silver linings as they struggle to keep their farm—and their relationship—intact. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].
