• Observer Editor

    Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds

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    Aug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.

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    Observer Editor

    Saturday Open House: U-M Detroit Observatory

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    Aug. 8 & 29 (different times). All invited to drop in and tour the historic building, view exhibits, participate in astronomy-related activities, and use the observatory’s telescopes (weather permitting). On Aug. 29, the observatory is open late to observe the night sky with the 1857 Fitz telescope. Noon–5 p.m. (Aug. 8) & noon–11 p.m. (Aug. 29), 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

  • Observer Editor

    Arabian Nights Festival

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    Traditional Arabian dance performances, traditional Arab music on the tabla & the oud and other instruments, and dancing to music spun by a DJ. Also, cultural stations feature henna art, calligraphy, and more. Arabian food and crafts for sale. Kids play area. Parent or guardian must accompany kids 13 & under. 27 p.m., 2|42 Community Center, 648 S. Wagner. $20 (children under 5, free) at tinyurl.com/a2arabiannights26 & (if not sold out) via card at the door.

  • Nightspots

    So Say We All: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater.

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    Hear.Say Brewing + Theater. 2350 W. Liberty.

    Local self-described “glitter-noir” ensemble that plays rock covers and originals infused with elements of psychedelia and glam-punk.

  • Observer Editor

    German Park Picnic

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    Old-fashioned German dinner served á la carte (approximately $10–$15) with wine, beer, pop, water, and coffee for sale. Kid-friendly options (hot dogs, hamburgers) also available. Dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by Tommy Schober & the Sound of Sorgenbrecher, a band known for its high-energy performances. 4–11 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.), 5549 Pontiac Tr. Entry $10 cash only (children 12 & under, free). No one under 21 admitted without parent or legal guardian. (734) 769–0048, germanpark.org.

  • Nightspots

    Jill & Wolf: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local husband-and-wife acoustic duo of Jill & Wolf Reuter. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Rounding Third: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local folk-rock quartet with bluegrass & Irish music flavors whose instrumentation features guitars, banjo, flute, and keyboard. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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    Every 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.

    Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.

    Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.

    Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.

    Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Nightspots

    Mallery Lynn: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jackson-based country-rock singer.

  • Observer Editor

    “Nude Noir”: Marquee Arts

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    An evening of live performance and visual art celebrating the human form. Attendees are invited to move freely between aerialist dance and drag performances in the main auditorium and intimate burlesque performances in the screening room. Also, in the lobby and throughout the venue, performances by dancers and contortionists, as well as body painting, live figure drawing, and an exhibition of art. 6 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $65–$100 in advance at (800) 745–3000, marquee-arts.org/live-events & (if available) at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Heather Black Project: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Vintage jazz and blues by an ensemble led by Heather Schwartz, a talented local singer whose vocal style also reflects gospel, R&B, soul, and hip-hop influences. 

  • Observer Editor

    “Go4Garrett’s Space”: Garrett’s Space Fundraiser

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    Light dinner, drinks, speakers, a silent auction, and performances TBA in a benefit for this Ann Arbor–based mental health nonprofit for adults age 18–28. Also, mindfulness workshops, including meditation and sound bath sessions. 6–9 p.m.,WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. $100 (age 29 & up), $25 (ages 18–28), & $10 (high school students), or pay what you can. Registration required at garrettsspace.org/go4garrettsspace. [email protected].

  • Nightspots

    Bobby Pennock Trio: North Star Lounge

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

    Folk-rock ensemble led by Pennock, a Plymouth singer-songwriter whose style draws its influences from Paul Simon and Harry Chapin, with a helping of the Beatles thrown in for good measure. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $15.

  • Nightspots

    Kait Bimer: Moonwinks Tavern

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    Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

    Thoughtful folk-style originals by this U-M jazz vocals student.

  • Nightspots

    Ben Paterson Organ Trio: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Ensemble led by acclaimed NYC jazz organist Paterson. Tonight they are joined by veteran guitarist Randy Napoleon, an Ann Arbor native and MSU jazz professor.

  • Observer Editor

    Sal Demilio: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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    Aug. 28 & 29. Veteran Detroit comic who blends observational humor with self-deprecating commentary about his Italian American family, getting thrown out of school, and dealing with modern technology. 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

    “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.

  • Nightspots

    BlankSlate: Ziggy’s

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

    Detroit-based progressive alt-rock band. Openers: Pillow Princess (see above), the young local pop-punk trio Vitascopes, and psychedelic blues-rock and grunge by the Will Conrad Band.

     

  • Nightspots

    Ralph McKee Blues Band: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee.

  • Nightspots

    Maddy Ringo: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Canadian singer-songwriter, a recent U-M voice grad, whose songs are inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell, K. D. Lang, and Suzanne Vega. Opener: Mikey Abbasspour, an eclectic local singer-songwriter & classical guitarist. $24.