• Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde”: U-M Theatre Department

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    Nov. 19–22. Halena Kays directs drama students in Moisés Kaufman’s award-winning 1997 play that chronicles the swift and tragic downfall of the famous Irish playwright. Wilde sued the Marquess of Queensberry in 1895 for criminal libel after the Marquess called him a “posing sodomite.” This lawsuit backfired on Wilde, resulting in two additional trials to determine whether he was guilty of “gross indecency with male persons.” Recommended for ages 16 & up. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $29–$35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0538.

  • Observer Editor

    “Jack Tucker Comedy Standup Show”: University Musical Society

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    Nov. 18–22. New York City cult favorite Zach Zucker, a French-trained comedic performer known for blending clowning with satire, appears as Tucker, a dim, delusional, and overconfident hack stand-up whose desperate need to be adored drives him to the brink of comedy chaos. With an absurdist sound design fueling the unraveling, the result is a “raucously funny” “triumph” according to the New York Times reviewer, who says “not since The Play That Goes Wrong have I seen mistakes this meticulous.” Age 14 & up. 7:30 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. $36–$46 (students, $15–$20). (734) 764–2538, ums.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Creative Arts Orchestra: U-M Music School

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    This adventurous ensemble of performing arts technology students presents a program of improvisations. 8 p.m. U-M Moore Bldg. Hankinson Rehearsal Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 615–3204.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Peace House Show”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Fundraiser for the Daytime Warming Center of Washtenaw County features stand-up from 3 comics TBA, followed by an improv performance by the Good Trouble Makers. 8–10 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $20 at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Sam Shackleton.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Acclaimed young Scottish singer-songwriter whose music draws on trans-Atlantic folk traditions, including Celtic, old-time country, traditional ballads, and blues. Shackleton sings “in a hearty manner with his guitar, banjo and harmonica and couthy Scottish voice,” writes Americana UK in a review of his 2025 sophomore album, Scottish Cowboy Ballads and Early American Folk Songs. “There’s a sense of sitting in a dank and smoky Edinburgh cellar in the 60s, listening to roving American musicians sitting side by side with the likes of Hamish Imlach.” $24.

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    Lena Maude.: Ziggy’s

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

    A Northern Michigan folktronica singer-songwriter whose music combines intricate fingerstyle acoustic guitar, electronic loops, vocals, and experimental soundscapes. Openers: Dizygotic Energy, the experimental project of Cleveland-based trumpeter and looping artist Theresa May, and LaToya Kent, a Cleveland-based vocalist who sings over electronic soundscapes.

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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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    Arbor Adema.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Pop & rock covers by this German-born local singer-guitarist.

  • Nightspots

    Token.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Popular hip-hop rapper from Salem (MA) whose rapid-fire delivery, complex lyricism, and intense, fast-paced flows have earned comparisons to Eminem. Openers: the Boston-area hip-hop producer and rapper Clark D, and DJ Lucas. $30.

  • Observer Editor

    The State of Homelessness & Affordable Housing: Washtenaw Housing Alliance

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    This annual advocacy and education event features a keynote talk (time TBA) by National Homeless Law Center campaign director Jesse Rabinowitz. Check website for complete schedule. 8–11 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. whalliance.org/state-of-homelessness-event.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    2026 Nobel Symposium: U-M Center for the Study of Complex Systems

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    U-M scholars TBA discuss this year’s Nobel Prize–winning achievements in 6 fields: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences, examining the work of the laureates, the stories behind their achievements, and the broader impact of their contributions. All are invited to hear one or all of the presentations. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church. Free, but preregistration required at events.umich.edu/event/153610.

  • 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.