Events
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery 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.
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Nightspots
Taylor Tucky.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborCountry cover band from Taylor. 8:30 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Two stand-up shows each evening. Both the lineup of comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+; BYOB. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 7 & 9 p.m., downtown indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
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Observer Editor
“Blush Drag Show”: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreDrag show hosted by Blonski and Portia Lynn, with performers TBA. Age 18 & up. 9–10:30 p.m. (doors, 8:30 p.m.), 100 S. Fourth Ave. $15 in advance at drinkblom.com/events & (if available) at the door. (734) 548–9729.
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Nightspots
“Smoked and Shredded.”: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborWith short sets by the Detroit postpunk power pop garage trio The Strains, the Detroit blues-rock trio The Muggs, the Detroit rock ’n’ roll quintet The Lucid Furs, the Detroit hardcore band Supreme Mystic, the Detroit prog rock band Blood Rune Sigil, the female-fronted Detroit doom metal band Angel of Mars, the Novi punk-rock band Permanently Pissed, the local progressive death-metal band The Biscuit Merchant, the Ypsi punk band Tongue, the Detroit metal band Owlskin, and Knuckle Dragger, a Detroit hard rock band who play what they call “caveman music by cavemen, for cavemen.”
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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
“Emo Nite.”: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. With bands TBA. $23.
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Observer Editor
Dwayne Kennedy: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 12–14. This acclaimed Chicago comic is known for his piercing, keen-witted takes on a wide range of social, cultural, and geopolitical matters. A frequent guest on late-night TV and in sitcoms, he was also a writer and correspondent for FX’s Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. Opening act TBA. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 (Thurs., $16) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Community ListingFree
Ecological Steward Skills Training: WREN
MoreCounty Farm Park - Field Operations Building, 2230 Platt Road , Ann Arbor MI, 48104
The classes are good for both the beginner who has a few invasives in their yard as well as experienced stewards looking to broaden their knowledge base.
These classes will focus more on invasive species removal education and conversation than typical restoration workdays. Participants will learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasives. Participants will gain practical field experience in effective techniques; both with and without herbicide.
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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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Free
Observer Editor
A2 Community Bookfest (formerly Kerrytown BookFest): Ann Arbor District Library
MoreThis bustling, lively festival—the largest 1-day book festival in Michigan—celebrates books and bookmaking with a variety of demos, talks, signings, displays, and sale tables by local bookstores, booksellers, and publishers. Schedule: Bestselling NYC writer Katie Kitamura (10:30 a.m.), author of the award-winning 2017 novel A Separation, discusses her work. A picture book writing workshop (noon) with local children’s writer Amy Nielander. A chance to drop in and make garlands (noon–2 p.m.) out of old book pages. “Demystifying the Author/Editor Relationship,” (1:30 p.m.), a talk by Ohio-based novelist Tiffany Graham Charkosky and her editor, Ronit Wagman. “Self-Publishing Success Stories,” a panel discussion with self-published authors Zig Zag Claybourne, Sylvia Hubbard, Michael Lucas, and Katharine Sweet. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200. For more information and the latest schedule, see aadl.org/bookfest.
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Observer Editor
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
MoreEvery Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., except Nov. 26. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Makerspace: Mini Roller Coasters”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
MoreNov. 7, 8, & 15. All invited to turn everyday household recyclables into a gravity-defying, high-speed mini roller coaster to carry a marble down a track. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
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Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. through Dec. 20. Juried market. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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Free
Observer Editor
H.A.C. Ultimate
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Beginners welcome. Play proceeds regardless of the weather. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
A2 Studio Tour
MoreNov. 14 & 15. Over 14 Ann Arbor artists open their studios for a show and sale. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., map of locations at a2studiotour.com. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Scientist Spotlight”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreA chance for adults and kids age 10 & up to engage in interactive science activities with U-M scientists. Noon–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. and Nov. 6 & 20. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show some native Michigan animals, including a cougar, black rat snake, and opossum at 1 & 4 p.m.; and a wild turkey at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
