Events
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Observer Editor
“The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Sept. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.
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Observer Editor
21st Annual Oktoberfest: Saline Main Street
MoreSept. 18 & 19. This old-fashioned Oktoberfest kicks off with the annual “tapping of the golden keg” on Friday and features a beer garden with German brews and traditional German food, and live music TBA. Saturday’s events include wiener dog races, children’s activities and games, and live music TBA. 5–11 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–11 p.m. (Sat.), downtown Saline. $10 after 5 p.m. on Fri. and 3 p.m. on Sat. for those age 21 & over; free otherwise. Details at salinemainstreet.org/calendar.
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FreeObserver Editor
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
MoreEvery Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main St. downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary. Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
“Preservation Fall Fest”: HOMES Campus
More112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor
Local craft beer, food, and live music by a lineup of indie Michigan bands, including Detroit pop-rock singer-songwriter Bandeau (7 p.m.), Detroit folk-rock duo Jackamo (8 p.m.), Grand Rapids lo-fi “space travel” jam band Normal Mode (9 p.m.), a solo acoustic performance by frontman of Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Joe Hertler (9:45 p.m.), and Detroit psychedelic art-rock trio Sonic Smut (11 p.m.). 6:15–11:45 p.m., 112 Jackson Plz. $30 in advance only at tinyurl.com/a2-homes-pres. (734) 369–9268, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Art & Animals: Paint Night”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreConservancy staffers present and discuss a Burmese python, indigo snake, and jungle carpet python. Followed by a hands-on painting session led by local artist Sandra Steutzler using the snakes as models. Art supplies provided. BYO snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. For age 18 & up only. 7–10 p.m., 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $40 each. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Observer Editor
“Inaugural Comedy Show”: Craftsman Club #4 Benefit
MoreDetroit comedian J. Bell, who has appeared on Comedy Central, hosts a stand-up show with other area comedians TBA to raise money for the purchase and distribution of winter coats for area kids in need. 7 p.m., Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium. $25 in advance at craftsmanclub4.org/#events. [email protected].
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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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Community Listing
The Fallout Shelter 5 Year Anniversary – Day 4: Ziggy's
More206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
For 5 years running, the Fallout Shelter has brought some of the best DJs in the midwest and beyond to Ypsilanti and supported local talent from beginners to seasoned pros.
Resident DJ, the Silent Ech0, has grown the event from humble beginnings to a community staple with the help of the Wax Kings collective.
Ech0labs Light Industries and Wax Kings present 4 days of sets in a variety of genres including house, techno, bass, and other dance music.
Saturday September 19 – Ziggys – $10
12:00am – Chris Lora (Chicago)
11:00pm – DJ 45
10:00pm – Super Will
9:00pm – Resident’s Choice
8:00pm – Agent 99
7:00pm – LJ4J$10 -
Observer Editor
“Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreSept. 19, 25, & 26. A haunted hayride, an asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.
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Observer Editor
“The Music of John Coltrane: Africa/Brass”: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
MoreU-M jazz trumpet professor Kris Johnson and Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot lead a 10-piece brass section and rhythm players in reimagining Coltrane’s seminal 1961 large ensemble composition. Age 12 & up. 7:30 p.m., 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Tickets $5 (additional donation appreciated) in advance at ums.org/season/2026-27-season & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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Observer Editor
3rd Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Union Grange
MoreRick Szumski calls to live music by Debbie Jackson and friends. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation (pay what you can). (734) 274–0773.
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Observer Editor
“Comedy on Tap”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe
MoreSets by area stand-up comics. 8 p.m., 1031 Broadway. $13 at the door. instagram.com/lowertowna2.
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Nightspots
Shade Zero.: The Arboretum
MoreThe Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., SalineDetroit-area alt-rock band.
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Nightspots
Laith Al-Saadi.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborThis veteran local singer-guitarist, a former finalist on The Voice, plays an eclectic mix of roots Americana, classic rock, and blues, including many originals. Guitar World calls him “a cross between Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best.”
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Nightspots
Rory Nevins.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiMid-Michigan singer-guitarist who plays mainly acoustic classic rock covers.
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Nightspots
“Fallout Shelter.”: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiFreeform electronic music night with rotating DJs spinning a mix house, techno, bass, and dance music.
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Observer Editor
Fustercluck & Friends: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MorePerformance by an ensemble of 4 Detroit-area improvisers with over a century of combined experience. 8:30–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Nightspots
Slothrust.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. Boston-area alt-rock band led by singer-guitarist Leah Wellbaum, an engaging performer and versatile songwriter known for her cheeky lyrics and grungy choruses. Opener: The Velveteers, a polished female-fronted heavy alt-rock band from Colorado. $25.
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Nightspots
Yellowhammer.: Habitat Lounge
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborLocal quartet, led by Pherotones trumpeter Ross Huff, that plays jazz standards, retro lounge music, and funk.
