• Observer Editor

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions
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    Nov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.

  • Nightspots

    Great Lake Swimmers.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Veteran Toronto alt-country quintet, led by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker, whose music channels an array of influences from Hank Williams to Gram Parsons. American Songwriter praises the band’s “stunning variety of tones and textures… nothing less than both cerebral and sublime.” Opener: Colleen Brown, a Canadian pop-folk singer-songwriter. $29.

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    The Velvet Walrus.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local dance band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits.

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    The Pherotones.: Last Word

    The Pherotones.
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    Last Word 301 W. Huron, Ann Arbor

    A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier. 

     

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: Tap Room

    Open Mic.
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    Tap Room 201 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    All musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.

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    “Ecosystem 4.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    With electronic music acts TBA. Sponsored by Ghostly International and Portage Garage Sounds.

  • Observer Editor

    Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con

    Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con
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    Nov. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Nov. 13 & 20. Talks by scholars and field practitioners, followed by Q&A.

    Nov. 13 (noon–1:30 p.m.): U-M professor of psychology and organizational studies Catherine Thomas on “Cash Plus Psychosocial Interventions for Economic Mobility.”

    Nov. 20 (1:30–3 p.m.): Panel discussion with poverty solutions experts on “The Importance of Research and Data for Policy and Social Change.”

    School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (noon) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Clements Library Tour

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    Hour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, preprinted party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4 p.m., 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.

  • Nightspots

    Jeff Mac. ): Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Soft–rock, blues and folk covers by this local singer-guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.