Events
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Nightspots
Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborJazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
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Observer Editor
“Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreThurs.–Sun., Nov. 27–Jan. 3. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge’s 2014 stage musical, an adaptation of the 1942 Irving Berlin film about a singer-dancer who leaves Broadway to settle down in the countryside. When he meets a spirited schoolteacher who longs to perform, he decides to turn his farmhouse into an inn with performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the 4th of July. Berlin’s score includes such hits as “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat., & most Thurs.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun., some Thurs. & Wed.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $25–$63 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Nightspots
Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborLocal bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by Mike Harrington on pedal steel guitar. 7–10 p.m. $10.
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Observer Editor
Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 27 & 28. Affable Colorado-born, Chicago-based comic delivers amusing, self-effacing anecdotes about getting fat-shamed, performing to overly drunk crowds, and the ethics of wearing a sports jersey. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Nightspots
Abbey Rose & Co.: Rumpus Room
MoreRumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, ChelseaAcoustic classic rock covers and originals in the same vein by this local band fronted by vocalist Rose.
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Observer Editor
“Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
MoreNov. 20–Dec. 6, except Nov. 26. Lauren London directs local actors in local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s existential fantasy comedy-drama about a pair of elderly farmers who farm clouds for their silver linings as they struggle to keep their farm—and their relationship—intact. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].
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Nightspots
Matt Watroba.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborWKAR-FM (MSU) radio host Watroba presents his annual post-Thanksgiving concert, a program of lyrical songs and poignant ballads, including several originals. Watroba sings in a sweet tenor voice, accompanying himself on guitar and punctuating his performance with sharply humorous observations. This show usually features several guest musicians. $29.
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Nightspots
Jerry Mack & the Terraplanes.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborVeteran local band led by singer-guitarist Mack that plays a mix of houserocking blues, uptown swing, soulful R&B, and roots rock, along with a few Motown songs.
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Nightspots
Honey Static.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiNew local alt-rock band. Openers: local folk-rock singer-songwriter Annie Bacon and the local jazz duo of vocalist Erika Ventura & guitarist Alex Anest.
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Nightspots
NuAudio.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiToledo classic rock & pop cover trio.
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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
Deer & Elk.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborLansing duo that specializes in classic country covers. 8:30 p.m.
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Nightspots
Corndaddy.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborVeteran local alt-country band led by singer-songwriters Kevin Brown and Jud Branam, whose original songs filter early 70s country-rock through the influences of bluegrass, power pop, and 60s rock. 8:30 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“Tree Town Stand-up Showcase”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MorePerformances by 6 area stand-up comics TBA. 9–10 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at tinyurl.com/a2treetownstandup & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
MoreEvery Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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Nightspots
Habitat Jazz Collective.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborJazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.
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Nightspots
“Voltage Fest 2026.”: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborNov. 27 & 28. With short sets by different acts each night. Nov. 27: the Detroit “chill pop-punk” solo project Kept on Hold, the Monroe ska punk band Wipeout, the Detroit-area alternative pop-rock band Follow The Protocol, Nashville alt-rock singer-songwriter Nicole Alexis, the veteran Chicago pop-punk band When The Sun Sets, and Vampire Cowgirl, a Detroit indie doom-punk duo. $20.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
MoreEvery Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations), except Nov. 26. Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi.; AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Ypsi Artisans Holiday Market
MoreNov. 28 & 29, Dec. 19 & 20. Items from crafters, small businesses, nonprofits. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking.
