Events
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Observer Editor
Annual Gaming Convention: U•Con
MoreNov. 13–15. Hundreds of competitors of all ages are expected to turn out to play a wide spectrum of tabletop games, from board games and role-playing games to collectible card games and miniaturized simulations of historical and fictional battlefields. Participants also are invited to bring in games to play in an open gaming area. Also, a dealers’ room with sales and demos. In-person registration begins today at 7:30 a.m. For a complete schedule of events, see ucon-gaming.org. 9 a.m.–1 a.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Weekend pass: $65 in advance, $75 (students and active & retired military, $65) at the door; kids ages 7–12 (accompanied by an adult), $20 in advance & at the door; kids 6 & under, free. Daily passes (available both in advance & at the door): Fri. $45, Sat. $55 ($45 in advance), Sun. $35. A few games cost extra. Advance registration available at ucon-gaming.org. (734) 930–6363.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering: 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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40-card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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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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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 guitarist Clint Weaner. 7–10 p.m. $10.
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Observer Editor
“Lalka (The Doll)”: 33rd Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
MoreNov. 13–15. Three days of subtitled Polish films at the Michigan Theater. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10; U-M & MSU students with ID, free) except as noted. annarborpolishfilmfestival.com. [highlight in pink – notable event]
Nov. 13: “Lalka (The Doll)” (Maciej Kowalski, 2026). Acclaimed new adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s 1890 novel, a psychological study of romantic infatuation about a wealthy merchant who falls for a cold woman from a ruined aristocratic family. Preceded at 6 p.m. by an Opening Gala Reception ($50 includes a ticket to the film) in the Michigan Theater lobby. 7:30 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“Family Pains”: PTD Productions
MoreNov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
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Free
Observer Editor
Telescope Observing: U-M Detroit Observatory
MoreNov. 6, 13, 14, & 20. All invited to drop in to use the observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 8–10 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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Observer Editor
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–15. Diane Hill directs local actors in this ensemble musical comedy, subtitled “A Cabaret of Love, Lies, and Bad Decisions,” a celebration of the funniest, most disastrous productions in Broadway history. Music by Brian Rose. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 7 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except Nov. 7), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $35–$100 in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Observer Editor
“71st Annual Study Break Concert”: U-M Friars
MoreThis self-styled “crack squad of supercrooners,” an a cappella octet drawn from the U-M Men’s Glee Club, performs pop songs, oldies, and more. Tonight they are joined by the Chinese yo-yo troupe Revolution! 8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $15 (students, $10) in advance at the-friars.com & at the door. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Riverjack Ramblers: Rancho Tranquilico
MoreHouse concert by this Michigan folk-rock & Americana trio led by veteran mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie. With guitarist George Merkel & bassist Tommy Reifel. BYOB. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Park along the driveway. $25 payable via Venmo: @tommy-reifel. Preregistration required; space limited. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Stand-Up Comedy Night: HOMES Campus
MorePerformance by Josh Adams, a nationally touring Detroit comedian known for his clever observational humor and storytelling. Opener: Ned Rice, Ann Arbor comic and Emmy-nominated joke writer for Jay Leno, Bill Maher, and Joan Rivers. Hosted by Michigan comic Alana Gonzalez, who finds the funny in parenting, relationships, and modern chivalry. Doors 7:30 p.m. 8–10 p.m., 112 Jackson Plz. Tickets $25 at homescampus.com
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Nightspots
Riders in the Sky.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborThis innovative, often comical Nashville-based quartet of ace musicians has revitalized the genre of the cowboy song. Inspired by the 1930s group the Sons of the Pioneers, the quartet includes two former Ann Arborites, Fred Labour and Doug Green. They specialize in elaborate harmonizations of cowboy folk songs, western ballads, and sentimental Hollywood versions of the real thing. Their repertoire also includes old-time fiddle pieces, some jazz numbers, virtuoso yodels, comic send-ups of western drama, and even occasional rope tricks. $35.
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Nightspots
Bittersweet.: The Arboretum
MoreThe Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., SalineGrand Rapids alt-rock band. Opener: HomiSui, a Detroit-area emo-punk band that incorporates elements of rap-rock and goth-pop.
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Nightspots
Ain’t Dead Yet.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal classic rock cover band.
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Nightspots
The Dirty Notion.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDetroit-based reggae, ska, and rocksteady band. Openers: the 7-piece Detroit ska band The Belmarks and the Pinkney-area ska-punk band Superdot.
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Nightspots
Weekend Comeback.: Mash (Ypsilanti)
MoreMash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, YpsilantiHigh-energy Detroit-area cover band that plays hits from the 60s to the present day.
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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
Hunter Neff & The Rodeo Clowns.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborLocal honky-tonk band. 8:30 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“Club Mug Improv Show”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreNew monthly comedy show hosted by local improv troupe The Mug Boys, with rotating guest performers TBA. 9–10 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
MoreNov. 13 & 14. Two stand-up shows each evening. Both the lineup of comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+; BYOB. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 7 & 9 p.m., downtown indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
