• Observer Editor

    Comedy Workshop Graduation Show: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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    Stand-up performances from local comics who took part in the club’s comedy workshop. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $15 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. Special engagement; no passes, discounts, or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080. [21 Wednesday]

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    “Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor

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    Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan Union Pendleton Rm. (Oct. 7, 14, & 21), and Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. (Oct. 28). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    University Philharmonia Orchestra

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    Jayce Ogren leads this music student ensemble of mostly freshmen & sophmores in contemporary American composer Steven Mackey’s 2024 saxophone concerto Anemology and Debussy’s orchestral suite La mer. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 615–3204.

  • Nightspots

    “Gear Lords: A Night in Electronic Music.”: Ziggy’s

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

    Monthly performance by live electronic production musicians, using beat machines, samplers, modular systems, synths and similar instruments.

  • Nightspots

    Lauren Sanderson.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Edgy indie pop singer-songwriter from Indiana known for her queer anthems, unfiltered lyrics, and high-energy live shows. Opener: Xkyler, a L.A.–based electro-pop singer-songwriter. $30.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Every Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “What’s Happening in the Arctic—and Why We Should Care”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series

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    Every Thurs., Oct. 22–Nov. 19. Series of 5 weekly talks.

    Oct. 22: Norwegian Arctic security expert Gabriella Gricius on “The Arctic Region in the Context of European Geopolitics and Security.”

    Oct. 29: Viking Cruises Arctic guide John McCannon on “Four Ages of the North: The Broad Contours of Arctic History.”

    Nov. 5: Harvard Arctic Initiative director Jennifer Spence on “The North American Arctic: Myths and Realities.”

    Nov. 12: U-M ecology professor George Kling on “Environmental Changes in the Arctic: Local and Global Impacts.”

    Nov. 19: Washington D.C.-based Arctic security expert Pavel Devyatkin on “Russian Arctic Policy, Security Strategy and International Cooperation.”

    10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Wed.–Sun. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm, including wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. For an extra charge on Sat. & Sun., an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 5565 Merritt (east of Carpenter), Ypsi. Weekend admission: $27.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $18 (babies under 2, free), online only at wiards.com. (734) 482–7744.

  • Observer Editor

    “Mah-jongg Tournament”: AAUW-Ann Arbor

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    Mah-jongg tournament using the simplified rules developed by Stuart Baggaley; it is not the familiar American style of this Chinese game. Prizes, silent auction. Proceeds benefit the EMU STEM Digital Divas project. 1–4:30 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $25. Preregistration required by Oct. 20 by sending checks payable to AAUW Ann Arbor to 7238 Eaton, Dexter, 48130. annarbor-mi.aauw.net. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel Field, across the street from the old Elbel Field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Tisa Bryant: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series

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    Reading by this essayist best known for Unexplained Presence, her 2007 collection of essays on Black presences in film, literature, and visual art. Her essays focus on themes of race, gender, and LGBT issues in art. Also, tomorrow Bryant 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].

  • Nightspots

    Jim Cherewick.: North Star Lounge

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

    Versatile veteran local postpunk rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.