• Observer Editor

    Homecoming Choral Concert: EMU Music Department

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    Brandon Johnson directs EMU student choral groups in a program TBA. 7:30–9:30 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, W. Cross at College Pl., Ypsilanti. $10 (EMU students & faculty, free), at emich.ludus.com and (if available) at the door. (585) 298–5752, [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    Lupida Infante y Su Mariachi: University Musical Society

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    This critically acclaimed Mexican American singer, the granddaughter of the notable Mexican singer Pedro Infante Cruz, makes her Ann Arbor debut with a family-friendly evening of modern mariachi, ranchera, and norteña music, updated with her own millennial perspective. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $23–$73 (students, $15–$20) in advance at ums.org, by phone, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.

  • Observer Editor

    3rd Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Union Grange

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    Martha Vander Kolk calls to music by Big Fun. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation (pay what you can). (734) 274–0773.

  • Observer Editor

    “Comedy on Tap”: Slows Bar BQ

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    Sets by area stand-up comics. 8 p.m., 207 E. Washington. $13 at the door. slowsannarbor.com/events.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    October 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].

  • Observer Editor

    “Come from Away”: U-M Musical Theatre Department

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    Oct. 8–11 & 14–18. Vincent Cardinal directs musical theater students in Irene Sankoff & David Hein’s award-winning 2017 upbeat musical set in the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the world, were diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Despite culture clashes and language barriers, the local people encourage the stranded travelers with music and an open bar, forming lifelong friendships, and even sparking romances. 7:30 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (10 Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $34–$40 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Nightspots

    Carbon Leaf.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    High-energy acoustic bluegrass–inflected Celtic-rock by this veteran Richmond (VA) quintet that comes to town in support of Time is the Playground, their first full-length album in a decade. $40.

  • Observer Editor

    “Black Cat: Ghoulita Graves Presents … The Curse of Blood”: Neighborhood Theatre Group

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    Oct. 16–18 & 22–24. Marisa Dluge directs local actors in an original musical by NTG members Greg Pizzino and A.M. Dean. Part of NTG’s annual Black Cat Halloween series. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. Ticket price TBA at ntgypsi.org & at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Ralph McKee Blues Band.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee.

  • Nightspots

    Sugarfang.: Ziggy’s

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

    Detroit-area punk-driven alt-rock band. Openers: the Detroit-area grunge power duo Snapcat Bandits, the Grand Rapids garage punk band Slumlord Radio, and the Detroit-area rock band Mind Riot.

  • Observer Editor

    Fustercluck & Friends: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Performance by an ensemble of 4 Detroit-area improvisers with over a century of combined experience. 8:30–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

  • Nightspots

    The Whiskey Charmers.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Classy Detroit neo-honky-tonk quartet fronted by singer-guitarist Carrie Shepard that bills its music as “electric heartbreak on the rocks.” 8:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Paledave.: North Star Lounge

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

    The stage name of Ypsi indie rock singer-guitarist Dave Buehrer. 9–10:15 p.m. $15.

  • Community Listing

    Broadway Rave: Broadway Rave

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    The Blind Pig 208 South 1st St , Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1306

    Calling all Musical Theatre nerds, drama geeks, actors, actresses, theatre lovers, and more! Welcome to Broadway Rave, a Broadway dance party celebrating the best in show tunes and musical theatre. Come sing along to all of your favorite broadway hits while dressed up as your favorite character. We’ll have surprise guests from some of your favorite Broadway stars! Live out your Broadway fantasies at Broadway Rave — the most POPULAR Broadway Dance party around.

    https://eventvesta.com/events/163053/t/tickets

    $25.00
  • Nightspots

    Ficus.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Grand Rapids psychedelic rock band. Openers: TBA.

  • Nightspots

    Habitat Jazz Collective.: Habitat Lounge

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    Habitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

    Jazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.

  • Nightspots

    Broadway Rave.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. DJ dance party with Broadway tunes. Broadway character costumes encouraged. $22.

  • Observer Editor

    The Sklar Brothers: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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    Oct. 15–17. Veteran tag-team stand-up comedy act by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar, U-M grads now based in L.A. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $25 (Thurs., $20) in advance at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door.  Special engagement; no passes, discounts, or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080.