• Free
    Observer Editor

    “Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival”

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    See 14 Friday. Today’s events include an art sale (9 a.m.–8 p.m.), a children’s art activity (11 a.m.), and a beer & wine reception (noon). Also, live music in the Gallery Tent by the Ducenota String Ensemble (noon), the Ann Arbor Clarinet Trio (1:15 p.m.), the G-Fours String Quartet (2:30 p.m.), the Depot Town Jazz Ensemble (3:45 p.m.), and, at the Monument Park gazebo, the Dexter Community Choir (6 p.m.). 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

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    Double Wide Ride: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Popular Lansing-area modern outlaw country band that plays 90s-inspired line dancing originals along with classic country covers.

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    Killer Flamingos: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Popular veteran band from Dearborn that performs rock ’n’ roll covers and originals.

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    Ani Mari & Co.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Ensemble led by this Houghton-bred Americana roots music singer-songwriter, a U-M student. Tonight Mari plays 2 shows celebrating the vinyl release of a new single from her upcoming sophomore album, The Masquerade. 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. $20.

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    Free
    Observer Editor

    “Drummunity!”

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    Local drum teacher Lori Fithian leads a drum circle. Instruments provided, or bring your own. Kids welcome. 7 p.m., Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free, but donations welcome. (734) 4267818.

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    Gold: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Celtic new age band.

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    Jordan Blanchard: Water Tower Distilling Co.

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    Water Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, Ypsilanti

    Highly regarded local fingerstyle guitarist who plays mainly country & blues covers, along with some originals.

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    Sansabelt: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Alt-country and indie rock cover band.

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    Kevin Jones & 10th World: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble led by Jones, a veteran New Jersey-bred percussionist whose playing is distinguished by its strong Afro-Cuban pulse.

  • Observer Editor

    Zach Peterson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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    Aug. 14 & 15. Rising Omaha-based observational comic with a nerdy, off-kilter style delivers his thoughts on everything from vampires to being an uncle to the dangers of $35 hotel rooms. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Observer Editor

    Mozart’s “Requiem”: Beyond Choir Summer Sings

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    All singers welcome to join EMU choral director Brandon Johnson and members of this local professional vocal ensemble in a performance of Mozart’s final masterpiece, unfinished when he died in 1791. Mozart’s widow Constanze was responsible for a number of stories about the work’s composition, including one that Mozart came to believe that he was writing the Requiem for his own funeral. Tonight, participants rigorously rehearse the piece and then perform it in its entirety to an audience. No audition required; singer registration $5. Music provided (or bring your own Süssmayr edition, if you have it, digital score available on the website). Business casual attire suggested for singers. Spectators welcome. Check-in begins at 3 p.m., with rehearsal starting promptly at 3:30. 7:30–8:20 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, 494 College Pl., Ypsi. Tickets pay-what-you-can at beyondchoir.org & at the door. (734) 203–0753, [email protected].

  • “Southern Rapture”: PTD Productions

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    Aug. 13–16 & 19–22. Karrie Waarala directs local actors in Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s 2009 dark satire exploring art, commerce, and censorship. The plot, based on a 1996 staging of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America in Charlotte, North Carolina, follows a theater company in a major Southern city as it puts on a controversial play featuring foul language, homosexual themes, and 7 minutes of full frontal male nudity. Leading up to the premiere, the city’s mayor brings legal action, locals threaten to burn the theater down, and the terrified actors exchange cans of pepper spray as opening night gifts. “The broad laugh-out-loud humor narrows slowly toward a poignant ending, making a fantasy into a reality,” writes one Charlotte Observer reviewer. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com & at the door. (734) 483–7345.

  • Fustercluck & Friends: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Performance by an ensemble of 4 Detroit-area improvisers with over a century of combined experience. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.

  • Donation
    Observer Editor

    3rd Saturday Contra Dance & Barbeque Potluck: Pittsfield Union Grange

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    Rick Szumski calls to live music. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. Preceded by a potluck/barbeque at 5:30 p.m. Burgers, brats, and veggie burgers supplied; bring a side dish or dessert to share. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation (pay what you can). (734) 274–0773.

  • “Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

  • “Gutenberg! The Musical!”: Penny Seats Theatre

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    Aug. 722. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised projecta big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    Michigan Playwrights Festival: Theatre Nova

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    See 13 Thursday. Tonight: Krystle Dellihue’s ASHE, about the pivotal moment when Arthur Ashe’s HIV diagnosis is on the verge of being exposed by the press. 8 p.m.

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    A Grim Existence: Ziggy’s

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

    Local metal band. Openers: fellow area heavy rock bands Grand Snake, Fool’s Spring, and Basket Case.

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    Breakdown: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local Tom Petty tribute band led by singer-guitarist Shawn McGinnis.