• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.

  • Nightspots

    Plastic Guitar Tour.: Ziggy’s

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

    East Lansing alt-rock band. Openers: the local indie alt-country-rock-flavored power-pop band Petalwave, the local alt-rock band Lyloc, and  the Ypsi postpunk band Cloverleaf.

  • Nightspots

    Broke Down Truck.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area country band. 8:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    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.

  • Nightspots

    Permanently Pissed.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Novi punk-rock band. Openers: the psychedelic prog-rock band Paradise Day, the noise-punk band Stubborn Assholes, and the hardcore-screamo band Basement Floor.

  • Nightspots

    The Holdup.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. A catchy blend of reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and indie pop by this California band led by veteran singer-songwriter Mike Garmany. Openers: Cydeways, a California reggae-influenced alt-rock band, and Dylan Reese, an indie R&B singer-songwriter. $25.

  • Nightspots

    Corey Lee.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country covers by this Grand Rapids singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Willow Weaving Wellness”: U-M Stamps Art, Design & Wellness Series

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    Artist and farmer Howard Peller and U‑M botany professor Selena Smith discuss the importance of the willow tree in human culture and ecology, as well as the planned “Living Willow Structures” campus installation. Followed by a free, hands-on willow weaving workshop (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). 9:30–11 a.m., Stamps Gallery, 201 S. Division. Free. Preregistration required at stamps.umich.edu. (734) 936–0671.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week

    U-M Climate Week
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    Sept. 27–Oct. 4. A week of speeches, forums, clothing exchanges, and more. Today’s Earthfest includes hands-on art and gardening activities, free bicycle repairs, and information tables by local sustainability organizations. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Diag. Complete calendar at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Every Fri., except Oct. 9. Talks by scholars and social workers, followed by Q&A.

    Oct. 2: U-M professor of social work and public policy Kristin Seefeldt on “Lessons Learned from Designing and Evaluating Ann Arbor’s Guaranteed Income Pilot.”

    Oct. 16: Wayne State University social work professor Kess Ballentine on “Beyond Silos: An Inter-Institutional Framework for Understanding Poverty and Advancing Social Change.”

    Oct. 23: UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff on “cityLAB’s Innovations for Affordable Housing.”

    Oct. 30: “Designing for Dignity: Strengthening Food Assistance Amid Policy Threats.” U-M public health professor Kate Bauer in conversation with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan director Taylor Moore.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.

  • 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. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); 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 Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Community Listing

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA
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    “AHEPA TASTE OF GREECE GYRO DRIVE-THRU” AHEPA is sponsoring a Gyro Drive-Thru fundraiser at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Ann Arbor (3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) on Friday, October 2, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm and on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 am -7:00 pm. Dinner is $20 and includes a Gyro Sandwich, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, and a Bottle of Water. Baklava will be available for $6 or 2 for $10. All net proceeds will go toward AHEPA Charitable initiatives and St. Nicholas Church.