• Observer Editor

    “The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Passion of the Christ”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (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. 10–17: “The Passion of the Christ” (Mel Gibson, 2004). Graphically violent dramatic depiction of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. 6:30 p.m. Cinemark only.

  • Observer Editor

    “Doctor Jazz: The Music of Jelly Roll Morton”: Kerrytown Concert House

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    Trombonist Chris Smith leads the Chicago Jazz Band, founded in 1940 by legendary pianist James Dapogny, in a tribute to New Orleans jazz great Morton. With cornetist David Kosmyna, woodwind players Andrew Bishop and Chris Tabaczynski, drummer Pete Siers, guitarist Rod McDonald, bassist Kurt Krahnke, and pianist Mike Karloff. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $32–$42 (students, $20–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & at the door. (734) 769–2999.

  • Observer Editor

    Ypsilanti Community Choir Rehearsal

    Ypsilanti Community Choir Rehearsal
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    Every Thurs., except Sept. 3 & 10. All invited to join this independent 50+ member community chorus to sing an eclectic program of choral works, Broadway show tunes, seasonal music, pop, and more. Weekly rehearsals, semiannual concerts. Ariel Toews Ricotta directs. 7 p.m. registration. 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 201 N. River St., Ypsi. Free to visitors ($40 to join). ypsicommchoir.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Words That Built America”: Democracy on the Diag: U-M Democracy Week

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    A series of outdoor screenings on the Diag. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Popcorn and refreshments, free. Free admission. Complete Democracy Week calendar at democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar.

    Sept. 17: “The Words That Built America” (Alexandra Pelosi, 2017). Documentary that features diverse Americans, from U.S. presidents to schoolchildren reading the text of 3 foundational U.S. documents. 8 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    “MacGruber”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 17: “MacGruber” (Jorma Taccone, 2010). Will Forte stars as the narcissistic and ingenious titular man of action in this parody of action-adventure television series MacGyver, based on a series of SNL skits. Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Maya Rudolph. 8 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    California Guitar Trio.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    This trio of guitar virtuosos first got together as members of Robert Fripp’s League of Crafty Guitarists and struck out on their own in 1991, when they began playing in California clubs and coffeehouses. Known for its stunning virtuosity and sly sense of humor, the trio plays a brand of progressive acoustic music that fuses classical, jazz, blues, country, rock, and even surf styles. In addition to several originals, its repertoire ranges from an adaptation of a Bach lute prelude and a virtuoso cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” to a medley of the Western standard “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and the Doors’ “Riders on the Storm.” $29.

  • Nightspots

    Press Play.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    ackson-area band, led by big-voiced soul singer Stacey Murray, that plays originals along with covers from a variety of genres.

  • Nightspots

    Plum Wild.: Ziggy’s

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

    Detroit-area alt-rock band. Openers: the Detroit emo-grunge trio Violet Daybed, the Detroit-area alt-rock band Shade Zero, and the Flint alt-metal band Sandspit.

  • Nightspots

    Model Living.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Chicago jazz-inflected postpunk band. Opener: Thermostat, a Detroit-area postpunk band.

  • Nightspots

    Checker.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Detroit indie rock duo who describe their music as “attic rock for off-colored people.” Openers: Baits, a local bedroom pop singer-songwriter, and Brown Sugar, a Detroit-area pop and R&B cover duo.

  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
    More

    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (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.

  • Observer Editor

    Just Between Friends Sale

    Just Between Friends Sale
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    Sept. 16–19. Semi-annual consignment sale, eagerly anticipated by parents of young children, offering a chance to buy & sell used maternity items, baby & children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 2 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 3–9 p.m. (Wed., tickets required), noon–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), and 9–11 a.m. & 2–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free if reserved online, $3 at the door; $5–$25 early access. For preregistration, discounts, and to sell items, go to annarbor.jbfsale.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.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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.