Events
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Observer Editor
First Saturday Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
MoreRick Szumski calls to music by the Stout Hearted String Band. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ introduction 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation. (734) 274–0773, aactmad.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
Richard Shao & Rachel Wu: U-M Music School
MoreThese 2 music student pianists perform piano duos by Chopin and Mozart. 8 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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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
“The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
MoreOctober 2–17. Brandy Joe Plambeck directs local actors in Joseph Zettelmaier’s new gothic drama. Deep beneath the famed Palais Garnier Opera House, a mysterious masked man recalls the events of his ghoulish life, which is nearing its end. Adult topics. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 7 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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Nightspots
Susan Werner.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborA talented singer-songwriter known for a jazz-inspired, classically trained vocal style she describes as “pop illiterate,” Werner writes incisive, vividly imagined songs in a variety of moods. Tonight she is joined by the King Margo Band, a Nashville-based ensemble led by the singer-songwriter duo of former Ann Arborite Lucciana Costa and Rachel Coats who play self-styled “sarcastic folk-rock.” Opener: Flamy Grant, a North Carolina drag queen singer-songwriter whose music centers on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma. $29.
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Observer Editor
“Time Passes: 8 Short Plays by Samuel Beckett”: U-M Theatre Department
MoreOct. 1–4 & 8–11. Malcolm Tulip directs drama students in short works by this celebrated Irish playwright known for his verbal play, visual precision, and political imagination. The plays, written between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, include Act Without Words II, Play, Come and Go, Footfalls, Rockaby, Catastrophe, What Where, and Quad. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Tickets $35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.
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Nightspots
Eric Ripper.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiDetroit pop-rock singer-songwriter.
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Nightspots
HomiSui.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDetroit-area emo-punk band that incorporates elements of rap-rock and goth-pop. Openers: the Detroit alternative pop-rock band Jackson & the Poolsharks, the Cleveland punk trio C-Level, the Toledo shoegaze band No Luck, the alt-rock band Hollow, Birdie, and Detroit-area indie rock acts Root Cause, Internal Revenue, and Flowers in Winter.
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Nightspots
James Bourland.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborThis local singer-guitarist, a versatile performer who specializes in all forms of American roots music, leads an all-star ensemble in a rare performance of his original compositions, with songs exploring topics from heartbreak to redemption. 9–10:15 p.m. $18.
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Nightspots
“Disco Boutique.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborWith local DJs Mogi Grumble and Gemstone James.
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Nightspots
Habitat Jazz Collective.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborJazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.
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Nightspots
Gnash.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. The stage name of Garrett Charles Nash, a singer and rapper whose music blends emo melancholy with introspective R&B and hip-hop lyrics. $28.
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Nightspots
Ryan Racine.: Old Town
MoreOld Town 122 W. Liberty, Ann ArborVeteran local alt-country honky-tonk and rockabilly singer-songwriter.
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Observer Editor
“Trinity Health Probility Ann Arbor Marathon”: Epic Races
More26.2-mile, 13.1-mile, 5K, and 10K chip-timed races on circuitous courses through city streets, along the river, through Nichols Arboretum, and in Gallup Park. The 5K, 10K, and half-marathon events are open to walkers. All courses start and end near Main St. downtown. Courses closed to vehicular traffic until 2 p.m. Awards. 8 a.m. (registration opens at 6 a.m.), Ashley between Liberty & Washington, $60–$160 in advance at epicraces.com; prices increase on race day. (734) 585–7101.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Climate Week
MoreSept. 27–Oct. 4. A week of speeches, forums, clothing exchanges, and more. Today’s Earthfest includes hands-on art and gardening activities, free bicycle repairs, and information tables by local sustainability organizations. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Diag. Complete calendar at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Apple Day”: Pittsfield Union Grange
MoreA chance to press apple cider. Apples available for purchase or bring your own (1 bushel or less) to make cider. Bring your own jugs, if you have them. Also, apple tastings and apple baked goods for sale. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 274–0773.
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Observer Editor
Fiber Expo
MoreOct. 3 & 4. Show and sale of a variety of yarns and fiber art supplies, products, and crafting items. Demos. Also, breeders on hand with alpacas, sheep, and other animals. Concessions. Service animals only. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $4 ($6 for both days) cash only; kids 12 & under, free. (567) 249–5294, fiberexpo.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreOct. 4, 11, 18, 25 & Nov. 1. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 10:30 a.m.–noon, AADL Pittsfield. Free. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
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Observer Editor
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
MoreEvery Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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Observer Editor
“Hear.Say .1K”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreAn unserious 328-foot dash from the brewery’s overflow parking lot to the front door. Costumes encouraged. Prizes for the winner. Proceeds go to scholarships for improv students. 11 a.m. 2350 W. Liberty. Registration $20 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & (if available) at the door. [email protected].
