Observer Editor
Events from this organizer
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Observer Editor
a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark
MoreSept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960.
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Free
Observer Editor
Weekly Rehearsal: Washtenaw Women’s Community Chorus
MoreEvery Mon., except Sept. 7. All invited to join this independent local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program, including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Joshua Marzan directs. 9:30–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, rear ground level, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free to visitors ($175 per semester for those who join; partial scholarships available). [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
iNaturalist Training & Bioblitz: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreAll invited to discuss citizen science efforts and learn how to use this phone app to identify and report interesting organisms you see while out in nature. Followed by a “BioBlitz,” an intense surveying session to record all the living species within a designated area led by AAPS environmental educator Coert Ambrosino. Bring water and dress for the weather. 1–4 p.m., Freeman Environmental Center, 3540 Dixboro Ln. [email protected]
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Observer Editor
“The Coalition”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm screenings every day. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 28: “Coalition” (Patrick Kirby, 2026). World premiere of a documentary film about the overharvesting of horseshoe crabs, whose blue blood is a critical component in the development of new drugs and vaccines. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with U-M chemistry professor Tim Cernak, an Eli Lilly representative, and environmentalists TBA. FREE, but preregistration requested at marquee-arts.org/calendar. Part of U-M Climate Week (see 27 Sunday Event listing). Doors open at 3:45 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. screening.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Discovering Korean Culture Through Traditional and Modern Hanbok”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week
MoreLocal hanbok designer Laura Park discusses this form of traditional Korean dress. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
Open Mic: Dzanc House
MoreAll invited to share acoustic music, short stories, or poetry. Sign up on arrival. 6–8 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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Observer Editor
“The Disappearers”: Literati Book Club
MoreAll invited to join a discussion of this new novel by bestselling writer Marlon James (see 3 Thursday listing). 6 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd fl. Tickets $5 (can be redeemed for store credit) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.
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Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Nightspots
Jean Wilson Trio.: El Limon
MoreEl Limon 2709 PlymouthJazz standards by an ensemble fronted by Saline singer-pianist Wilson.
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Free
Observer Editor
“The Pillagers’ Guide to Arctic Pianos”: Literati Bookstore
MoreMontana-based writer Kendra Langford Shaw, a U-M grad, discusses her new dystopian novel about a family on an arctic homestead whose neighbors dredge up a centuries-old piano, a vestige from the original homesteading expedition, when every family was required to haul a six-hundred-pound instrument as a sign of mannerly society. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567, literatibookstore.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: A2 Runners
MoreEvery Wed. & Mon. 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].
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Nightspots
Paul Keller Orchestra.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborAward-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college or high school student ensemble.
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Observer Editor
Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers
MoreEvery Mon., except Sept. 7. Learn to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys. All dances taught. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and friends. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10 suggested donation (first-timers free). (734) 474–7299, (734) 274–0773.
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Free
Observer Editor
Scandinavian Music Jam
MoreSept. 14 & 28. Bruce Sagan leads an acoustic jam session devoted to traditional music from Sweden and Norway. All instruments welcome, no experience necessary. 7:30–9:30 p.m., location TBA; email [email protected]. Free.
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Free
Observer Editor
Comedy Show: The Blind Pig
MoreEvery 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.
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Nightspots
Willi Carlisle.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborMissouri-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his evocative lyrics and clever turns of phrase, with songs that range from cowboy ballads to narco-corridos and trucker songs. His forthcoming album, The Universal Bubba, features songs that employ a broad sonic palette, with synthesizers and double electric guitars, along with more traditional instruments, to explore a cast of off-kilter and often dubious characters. $29.
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
MoreSee 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
MoreEvery Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. [email protected], meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Institute for Historical Studies Lecture Series
MoreOct. 1 & 29. Talks by visiting scholars.
Oct. 1: Howard University history professor Ademide Adelusi-Adeluyi on “Imagine Lagos: Rethinking the Histories of West African Cities in the 19th Century.”
Oct. 29: Vanderbilt University history professor Samuel Dolbee discusses the history of Turkish fruit orchards in “Ottoman Roots.”
4–6 p.m., 1014 Tisch Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 615–7400.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Written in Offices but Lived in Communities: An Immigration System in Crisis”: U-M Raoul Wallenberg Lecture & Medal Presentation
MoreTalk by the awardee of the 31st Wallenberg Medal, Guerline M. Jozef, who cofounded and directs immigrant service organization the Haitian Bridge Alliance. The annual lecture honors the memory of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, a U-M alum who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews from the Nazis, only to be arrested by the Russians and vanish into the Soviet Gulag. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. [email protected], wallenberg.umich.edu.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.
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Nightspots
Easy Street Jazz Band.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborEarly jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
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Free
Observer Editor
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Tues. All invited to play board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
MoreSee 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Caregiving & Caregivers”: U-M Turner African American Services Council
MoreSpeakers on dementia, respite care, choosing home support and financial resources include U-M nursing professor Florence Johnson, Washtenaw Support Network for Caregivers coordinator Sarah Weiss, and Turner Senior Resource Center social worker Patricia Hall. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Ypsi Senior Center, 1015 N. Congress. Free, preregistration required at (734) 998–9353. [email protected], michmed.org/taasc.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Korean Ink Wash Painting”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week
MoreKorean art instructor Jiyoung Kim discusses the history, materials, and artistic principles of traditional Korean hangukhwa painting, explaining how natural materials, including ink, brushes, and traditional paper are used to express harmony with nature. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Beginner Needle Felting”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreSept. 21 & 29 (different branch locations). Adults and teens invited to learn the basics of needle felting with wool, then make a small sheep (Sept. 21) or ghost (Sept. 29). 6–7 p.m., AADL Pittsfield (Sept. 21) & AADL Downtown (Sept. 29). Free. (734) 327–8301.
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Free
Observer Editor
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
MoreEvery Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Observer Editor
“Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit”: State Theatre
MoreFilm screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 29: “Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit” (Julia Yezbick, 2016; Brittin Richter & Nikki Sass, 2014). Screening of two documentary films about the work of visionary Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, founder of the African Bead Museum, including Yezbick’s How to Rust and Richter & Sass’s N’Kisi Concorde. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring the filmmakers, moderated by Ann Arbor Film Festival executive director Leslie Raymond and Amanda Krugliak, curator of a U-M Institute for the Humanities exhibit of Dabls’ work this month (see Galleries). Dabls himself will be in attendance. 6 p.m. Preregistration required at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Freedom for Who: Indigenous Nations and the American Revolution”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreHistorian Heather Bruegl discusses the U.S. Revolutionary War from a Native American perspective. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Observer”: Literati Bookstore
MoreLas Vegas–based writer Nicholas Russell discusses his debut, an atmospheric horror novel about a young woman investigating her mother’s disappearance at an abandoned Nevada observatory. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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Observer Editor
Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club
MoreEvery Tues. Runners of all skill levels age 14 & up invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts.
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Free
Observer Editor
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
MoreEvery Tues. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.
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Observer Editor
U-M Men’s Soccer
MoreMatch vs. Indiana. The U-M also has a home match this month against Oakland (Sept. 29, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$13 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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Nightspots
Chain Reaction.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiYpsi psychedelic blues-rock band.
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Free
Observer Editor
Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony
MoreEvery Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.
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Observer Editor
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
MoreEvery Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Breaking Traditions”: U-M Concert Band
MoreCourtney Snyder directs this music student ensemble in works by contemporary composers, including Cindy McTee’s Charles Ives–inspired symphonic movement “The Unanswered Question,” Adrian Wong’s dizzying 2024 piece Space Jump, Felicia Sandler’s ode to working women Rosie the Riveter, and Óscar Navarro’s musical tribute to Latin American independence leaders Libertadores. Also, the world premiere of a new piece by University of Florida music professor José Ruiz-Resto. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.
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Nightspots
Pure Prairie League.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborPioneering country-rock band from Ohio who first broke out in 1975 with their hit single “Amie,” a song that bridged the radio pop of the day with more traditional American roots music. Known for their lush harmonies, fingerpicking guitar, and driving rhythms, the group has been credited as a major influence on everyone from Counting Crows to Keith Urban and Wilco. “Though the band’s membership has changed hands, literally 50 times in its 55-year existence, the current line-up did a stellar job keeping alive the sound and energy,” writes WCBN’s Vicki Honeyman (aka Sashay Delmonico) in a review of a sold-out concert at the Ark last year. “This is 1970s-based country rock at its best.”