• Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: A2 Runners

    Group Runs: A2 Runners
    More

    Every Mon. & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].   

  • Observer Editor

    Figure Drawing: Dzanc House

    Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
    More

    Oct. 14 & 28. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bonsai Trivia: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society

    More

    The society’s final meeting of the year includes bonsai trivia, prizes, and the announcement of new board members. 6:30–9:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. [email protected], annarborbonsaisociety.org/events.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Barnstormers Revue Salon Night and Open Mic: Forge Theater

    More

    All invited to share an original short skit or performance piece up to 10 minutes long. Followed by a chance to receive feedback. Sign up on arrival. 7–9 p.m., 3000 Packard, ste. B (entrance on Platt behind Little Caesars). Preregistration requested at forgetheatercollaborative.com. Free. (734) 219–9434.

  • Observer Editor

    “Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    More

    Oct. 7, 14, & 28. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. On Oct. 7, attendees can mingle with the comics before they hit the stage during “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.). 7:15 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Nightspots

    Runnin’ on Blues.: Ypsi Alehouse

    More
    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Southern rock, blues-rock, and blues by this Livonia trio.

  • Nightspots

    Steve Nelson.: Blue LLama

    More
    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    This highly acclaimed veteran vibraphonist and marimba player, a longtime member of the Dave Holland Quintet, is widely recognized as one of the preeminent improvisers in modern jazz, known for his inventive, fluidly harmonic approach. Tonight he is joined by members of the Kzoo Jazz Collective.

  • Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club
    More

    Every Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021. 

  • Observer Editor

    Bruce Liu: University Musical Society

    More

    Not yet 30, Canadian pianist Liu has become a classical music sensation worldwide. The first prize winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, he’s been praised by Bachtrack for his “virtuosity and elegance” and “effortless expertise.” He makes his Ann Arbor debut with a program that includes avant-garde Hungarian composer György Ligeti’s Etude No. 4: Fanfares, Beethoven’s “Moonlight” and “Waldstein” sonatas, Chopin’s Nocturnes Nos. 1 and 2, Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso, Debussy’s Rêverie, and works by Federico Mompou, Isaac Albéniz, and Liszt. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $23–$91 (students, $15–$20) in advance at ums.org, by phone, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Octubafest”: U-M Music School

    “Octubafest”: U-M Music School
    More

    Oct. 26–28. Three-day celebration of music for the tuba and euphonium with recitals featuring solo and chamber music performances by students and faculty from the U-M Tuba & Euphonium Studio. 7:30 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 764–0583.

  • Observer Editor

    “Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor

    More

    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.   

  • Nightspots

    Haggis X-1.: Ark

    More
    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    High-energy Celtic rock by this ensemble of Canadian & Scottish musicians featuring members of the popular Toronto quintet Enter the Haggis. Its music is a rousing, raucous blend of Scottish and Canadian Celtic music with rock, bluegrass, Caribbean, and world music.   $35.

  • Nightspots

    Billy Gunther.: The Ranch

    More
    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Flint  singer-guitarist  that plays a high-energy mix of country, southern-rock, and blues.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

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

    More

    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

    More

    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.