Events
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Free
Observer Editor
Open Meeting: Ann Arbor Grail Singers
MoreAll women invited to learn about this women’s chamber choir dedicated to performing and recording a variety of music, especially lesser-known repertoire from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods and works by women composers. This meeting includes auditions for new members. 7–9 p.m., contact for location. Free, but reservations required by calling (734) 800–4065 or emailing [email protected]. annarborgrailsingers.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Shape Note Singing: Ypsi Shape Note Group
MoreAug. 11 & 25. All invited to join an evening of this early American form of hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. Songbooks available, but singers encouraged to bring their own. No experience required. 7–9 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, Off Center Bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.
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Donation
Observer Editor
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
MoreEvery Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
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Free
Observer Editor
Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony
MoreEvery Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.
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Observer Editor
“Long Story Short”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreNew storytelling event where participants share true, personal stories inspired by a different theme each month. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Nightspots
Max Pastore: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiJazz ensemble led by this Kalamazoo saxophonist.
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Nightspots
Lost Mary: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborFolk-rock & Americana duo from Hillsdale who write story songs heavily influenced by Bob Dylan and Gregory Alan. Free; nonperishable donations for Food Gatherers accepted.
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Observer Editor
Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds
MoreAug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Sat., Fri., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 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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Community Listing
Bright Minds Collective: Networking Naturally: BrightWorks Coworking
More255 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
Bright Minds Collective – a hands-on brainstorming meetup designed to help you think differently and solve smarter.
Each month, we explore a new theme through different brainstorming styles — whether it’s fast-paced idea sprints or deeper group discussions — so you can sharpen your thinking and bring fresh perspective back to whatever you’re working on.
This laid-back mixer brings together professionals in a relaxed, welcoming setting designed to make connecting feel effortless rather than forced. Kate brings her signature warm, low-pressure approach, helping attendees build genuine relationships instead of just swapping business cards.
https://brightworkscoworking.com/bright-minds-collective-rsvp/
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Free
Observer Editor
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
MoreAug. 12 & 26. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.
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Free
Observer Editor
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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Nightspots
Saahnjoo
MoreDetroit-area ambient-pop singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
MoreEvery Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
Aug. 5: “Botanical Bath Bombs.” $5.
Aug. 12: “Stitch & Sip.” Bring a textile project to work on. Free.
Aug. 19: “Sourdough Basics.” Free.
Aug. 26: “Brew’d: Apple & Pear Bug.” Make a wild-fermented brew starter, with samples & recipes. $7.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Weaving Romance Around Suspense”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreDetroit-area romance writer Sylvia Hubbard discusses the basics of fiction writing, how suspense techniques and romance story beats work together, and the ingredients of effective plot twists. 6–7 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.