Events
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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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FreeObserver Editor
Telescope Observing: U-M Detroit Observatory
MoreNov. 6, 13, 14, & 20. All invited to drop in to use the observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 8–10 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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Observer Editor
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–15. Diane Hill directs local actors in this ensemble musical comedy, subtitled “A Cabaret of Love, Lies, and Bad Decisions,” a celebration of the funniest, most disastrous productions in Broadway history. Music by Brian Rose. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 7 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except Nov. 7), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $35–$100 in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Observer Editor
“71st Annual Study Break Concert”: U-M Friars
MoreThis self-styled “crack squad of supercrooners,” an a cappella octet drawn from the U-M Men’s Glee Club, performs pop songs, oldies, and more. Tonight they are joined by the Chinese yo-yo troupe Revolution! 8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $15 (students, $10) in advance at the-friars.com & at the door. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Riverjack Ramblers: Rancho Tranquilico
MoreHouse concert by this Michigan folk-rock & Americana trio led by veteran mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. With guitarist George Merkel & bassist Tommy Reifel. BYOB. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Park along the driveway. $25 payable via Venmo: @tommy-reifel. Preregistration required; space limited. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Stand-Up Comedy Night: HOMES Campus
MorePerformance by Josh Adams, a nationally touring Detroit comedian known for his clever observational humor and storytelling. Opener: Ned Rice, Ann Arbor comic and Emmy-nominated joke writer for Jay Leno, Bill Maher, and Joan Rivers. Hosted by Michigan comic Alana Gonzalez, who finds the funny in parenting, relationships, and modern chivalry. Doors 7:30 p.m. 8–10 p.m., 112 Jackson Plz. Tickets $25 at homescampus.com
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Nightspots
Riders in the Sky.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborThis innovative, often comical Nashville-based quartet of ace musicians has revitalized the genre of the cowboy song. Inspired by the 1930s group the Sons of the Pioneers, the quartet includes two former Ann Arborites, Fred Labour and Doug Green. They specialize in elaborate harmonizations of cowboy folk songs, western ballads, and sentimental Hollywood versions of the real thing. Their repertoire also includes old-time fiddle pieces, some jazz numbers, virtuoso yodels, comic send-ups of western drama, and even occasional rope tricks. $35.
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Nightspots
Bittersweet.: The Arboretum
MoreThe Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., SalineGrand Rapids alt-rock band. Opener: HomiSui, a Detroit-area emo-punk band that incorporates elements of rap-rock and goth-pop.
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Observer Editor
“Club Mug Improv Show”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreNew monthly comedy show hosted by local improv troupe The Mug Boys, with rotating guest performers TBA. 9–10 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
MoreEvery 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.
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Nightspots
Telepathic Wax.: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborDetroit-area house DJ collective.
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Nightspots
Kelly “Bird” McDermott.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborEnsemble led by this local jazz flutist-vocalist. With pianist Phil Lesky and drummer Marc Smith.
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Nightspots
Velvet Snakes.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborYpsi psychedelic garage rock band. Openers: the Detroit proto-punk band Electric Bug, the Northern Ohio bluesy garage rock band The Tape Cassettes, and the local indie pop-rock band The Telephone Poles. $14.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
MoreEvery Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi.; AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Observer Editor
39th Annual Saline Craft Show
MoreNov. 14. Over 230 vendors offering decorative painting, stoneware, rugs, birdhouses, holiday decorations, ceramics, calligraphy, clothing, and other crafts. No strollers. 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple, Saline. $5 cash admission (kids age 10 & under, free). (734) 429–5922.
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FreeObserver Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected].
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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
Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con
MoreNov. 13–15. Hundreds of competitors of all ages are expected to turn out to play a wide spectrum of tabletop games, from board games and role-playing games to collectible card games and miniaturized simulations of historical and fictional battlefields. Participants also are invited to bring in games to play in an open gaming area. Also, a dealers’ room with sales and demos. In-person registration begins today at 7:30 a.m. For a complete schedule of events, see ucon-gaming.org. 9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Weekend pass: $65 in advance, $75 (students and active & retired military, $65) at the door; kids ages 7–12 (accompanied by an adult), $20 in advance & at the door; kids 6 & under, free. Daily passes (available both in advance & at the door): Fri. $45, Sat. $55 ($45 in advance), Sun. $35. A few games cost extra. Advance registration available at ucon-gaming.org. (734) 930–6363.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Sat. through Nov. 21. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Maya Binyam: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series
MoreReading by this fiction writer whose award-winning 2023 debut novel Hangman tells the story of an unnamed African man returning home after decades in America to visit his dying brother. When he arrives, he finds that he doesn’t recognize the country or anyone in it. Q&A and signing. Also, tomorrow Binyam gives a free craft lecture (10–11 a.m., Michigan League, Henderson Rm.). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. [email protected].
