• Nightspots

    Mike Root: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Mid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Alonso Umana Quartet: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Ensemble led by this acclaimed young Mexico-based drummer, a recent MSU jazz studies grad.

     

  • Nightspots

    Biird: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Recently-formed all-female 11-piece Irish trad supergroup known for bringing a contemporary pop edge to classic Irish tunes with lilting vocal harmonies and inventive instrumentation. “Biird have proved the concept: make trad accessible to a new audience and it will come,” writes one Irish Times reviewer. “There’s something admirably ballsy about Biird’s unabashed ambition, a trait that is distinctly un-Irish, even if their music is as Irish as bread and butter.” $29.

  • Nightspots

    Jazz Jam Session: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble led by Kenji Lee, a local saxophonist whose expressive brand of jazz draws on Japanese folk music, Western classical music, and punk.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960. 

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

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    Every Mon. & Thurs. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Joyful Movement: Zumba Party”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & teens invited to try a session of Zumba, the popular Latin-inspired dance fitness craze that incorporates salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton dance techniques. Led by local Zumba instructor Kadesha Baker. 6–7 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club

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    Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m. (nonmembers must come 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Aug. 3, 17, & 31. Adults and kids grade 6 & up invited to get basic sewing help with their unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines. Bring your own sewing machine, if you wish. No experience necessary. Also, crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates French seams (Aug. 3) and flat felled seams (Aug. 31) and sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra discusses sleeve insertion (Aug. 17). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: A2 Runners

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    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].

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Hidden Blazers Bluegrass: The Ravens Club

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    207 S Main St, Ann Arbor

    Every Monday, high-energy bluegrass from this new local supergroup featuring washboardist Vince Russo, with James Bourland on bass, Joe O’Dell on guitar, Bubba Wilson on mandolin, and Ryan Michaud on banjo. No cover. 25% service industry discount.

    Free
  • Donation
    Observer Editor

    Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers

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    Every Mon. Learn to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys. All dances taught. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and friends. 7:309:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann ArborSaline Rd. $10 suggested donation (first-timers free). (734) 2740773.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Opera by the Glass: Comic Opera Guild.

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    Local singers perform arias and art songs by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Gilbert & Sullivan, and others. 7:30 p.m. (seating begins at 6 p.m.), 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross, Ypsi. Free; donations accepted. Buy your own food & drink. Reservations required at bit.ly/operaontapreservations or email [email protected]. (734) 6782782.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

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    Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.

  • Nightspots

    Focus: Jazz: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Jazz favorites by the trio of pianist Jeff Fessler, bassist Will van Campen, and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.

  • Nightspots

    The Brudi Brothers: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Alt-country with a bluesy edge by this sibling trio, longtime buskers on Seattle street corners, who have become known for their raucous live performances and distinctive old-world soul. Opener: Meels, a young California country-folk singer-songwriter. $29.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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    Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses (sight, hearing, and smell) to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.