• Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG. Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40-card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Ice Hockey

    U-M Ice Hockey
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    Sold-out double header vs. Penn State today and tomorrow. This month’s schedule also includes a single game against MSU (Nov. 20) and a double header against Ferris State (Nov. 27 & 28). All games are likely to sell out. 7 p.m., Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Tickets $33 & up at stubhub.com/michigan-wolverines-hockey-tickets. (734) 764–0247.

  • Nightspots

    Bark’s Tales.: Moonwinks Tavern

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    Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

    Folk-rock originals and occasional covers by local singer-songwriter Michael Snyder-Barker.

  • Nightspots

    No Conflict.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local acoustic alt-rock & alt-country quintet.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz 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

    “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Thurs.–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.

  • Nightspots

    Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess.  Tonight they are joined by Mike Harrington on pedal steel guitar. 7–10 p.m. $10.

  • Observer Editor

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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    Nov. 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.

  • Nightspots

    Abbey Rose & Co.: Rumpus Room

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    Rumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, Chelsea

    Acoustic classic rock covers and originals in the same vein by this local band fronted by vocalist Rose. 

     

  • Observer Editor

    “Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    Nov. 20–Dec. 6, except Nov. 26. 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].

  • Nightspots

    Matt Watroba.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    WKAR-FM (MSU) radio host Watroba presents his annual post-Thanksgiving concert, a program of lyrical songs and poignant ballads, including several originals. Watroba sings in a sweet tenor voice, accompanying himself on guitar and punctuating his performance with sharply humorous observations. This show usually features several guest musicians. $29.

  • Nightspots

    Jerry Mack & the Terraplanes.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Veteran local band led by singer-guitarist Mack that plays a mix of houserocking blues, uptown swing, soulful R&B, and roots rock, along with a few Motown songs.

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    Honey Static.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    New local alt-rock band. Openers: local folk-rock singer-songwriter Annie Bacon and the local jazz duo of vocalist Erika Ventura & guitarist Alex Anest.

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    NuAudio.: Mash (Ypsilanti)

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    Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

    Toledo classic rock & pop cover trio.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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    Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20, except Nov. 26. 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.

  • Nightspots

    Deer & Elk.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Lansing duo that specializes in classic country covers. 8:30 p.m.

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    Corndaddy.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Veteran local alt-country band led by singer-songwriters Kevin Brown and Jud Branam, whose original songs filter early 70s country-rock through the influences of bluegrass, power pop, and 60s rock. 8:30 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
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    Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.