• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club
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    Every Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.

  • Nightspots

    Everything Yes.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. North Carolina high-energy jazz-fusion band led by popular YouTube drummer Zack Graybeal, widely known online as ZackGrooves. $22.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Every Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “The 2026 Midterm Elections: Process, Policy & Consequences”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series

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    Every Thurs., Sept. 17–Oct. 15. Series of 5 weekly talks.

    Sept. 17: MSU political science professor Eric Gonzalez Juenke on “How to Think About Midterm Elections Like an Expert.”

    Sept. 24: U-M communications professor Yanna Krupnikov on “The Impact of Social Media on U.S. Elections”

    Oct. 1: MSU political science professor Matthew Grossmann on “Why Policymaking Success Leads to Electoral Failure.”

    Oct. 8: U-M Dearborn political science professor Mitchel A. Sollenberger on “Presidential Power and Democratic Resilience: Institutional Change and the 2026 Midterms.”

    Oct. 15: Oakland University political science professor David Dulio on “The 2026 Midterms: What the Data Tells Us.”

    10–11:30 a.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week

    U-M Climate Week
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    Sept. 27–Oct. 4. A week of speeches, forums, clothing exchanges, and more. Today’s Earthfest includes hands-on art and gardening activities, free bicycle repairs, and information tables by local sustainability organizations. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Diag. Complete calendar at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
    More

    Every Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series

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    Oct 1 & 15 (different locations). Talks by visiting scholars.

    Oct. 1: “Living Ainu Art: Community, Nature, and Intergenerational Knowledge through Song and Dance.” Lecture-performance of Indigenous Japanese Ainu dance and music by U-M Museum of Art visiting curator Kanako Uzawa.

    Oct. 15: “A History of Unowned Dance: Bodies in Transmission.” Dancer & choreographer Yasuko Yokoshi discusses how performing traditional Japanese dance has reshaped her body and artistic practice.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. (Oct. 1) & 4448 East Hall, 530 Church St.(Oct. 15). Free. (734) 764–6307.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Institute for Historical Studies Lecture Series

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    Oct. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan & Coming of Age in America”: U-M Wallace House Center for Journalists

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    Journalists Rebecca Blumenstein & Diana Kapp discuss their new book about Blumenstein’s experience working in Afghanistan for the New York Times during the 2021 American withdrawal where she was deeply involved in the company’s effort to evacuate more than 200 Afghan colleagues and family members. The authors are joined by Mursal Rahim, one of the Afghan women profiled in the book, along with veteran journalist Anna Quindlen. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. (734) 998–7666.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. 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. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival”: State Theatre

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    Film 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. 

    Oct. 1: “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival.” A program of films by U-M students that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and stories. Followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. Free popcorn and queer cinema trivia. FREE, but preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 5 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Tim McNary.: North Star Lounge

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

    Nashville-based indie folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Nightspots

    Khalid Hanifi Quartet.: North Star Lounge

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

    Infectious rock ‘n’ roll by an ensemble led by this veteran singer-songwriter, cofounder with his sister Sophia of the great 80s band Map of the World as well as frontman of the popular local 90s bands Kiss Me Screaming and the Maypops. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Book of Hours”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    Los Angeles–based violinist and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Vijay Gupta discusses his work as the founder and artistic director of Street Symphony, a nonprofit that brings live music to nontraditional audiences and settings, including homeless shelters, jails, psychiatric hospitals, and reentry programs. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Trail Raiser for the B2B”: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative

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    Dinner with open beer & wine bar and live music by Djangophonique, a local quartet led by guitarist Andrew Brown that specializes in vintage jazz in the style of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s 1930s Parisian swing. With lawn games, a wine pull, and silent auction. Fundraiser for the Border to Border Trail. 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Collins Off Main, 120 W. Middle, Chelsea. $125 in advance only at bit.ly/b2btrail-10-1-26.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “World Postcard Day”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to write and decorate postcards to mail in celebration of World Postcard Day. Card stock, collage material, and art supplies provided. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every 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.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Design With Care”: U-M 2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture

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    2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture

    Design With Care: Practicing Landscape Architects Reflect Upon the Impact of Professor Joan Nassauer’s Work in Ecological Design, Aesthetics and Landscape Management.

    Ahead of her retirement in June 2027, U-M Landscape Architecture alumni and practitioners discuss, in 2 panel discussions, how U-M professor Joan Nassauer’s research on landscape care, aesthetics, sustainability and well-being has informed their work and shaped the profession. The dicussions highlight connections between research and practice while celebrating the ecological design accomplishments of U-M alumni and Nassauer’s more than 50 years of research, teaching, engagement and service to the field.

    Additional information here. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here. 6:00 pm, Dana Building, Rm. 1040, 440 Church Street

     

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every 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. 

  • Nightspots

    Sara Lambert.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Local singer-guitarist whose repertoire includes country tunes, folk songs, and ballads, along with some originals.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Great Cardboard Challenge: Haunted Cat Houses”: Humane Society of Huron Valley

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    All age 18 & up invited to engage in a cutthroat competition constructing spooky cardboard cabins for resident shelter cats. Materials provided (no outside craft materials allowed). Prizes. Includes a tour through the cat area and light snacks. 6–8:30 p.m., 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $20 per person. Individual registration, but participation as a team encouraged. Preregistration required at hshv.org/events. 

  • Observer Editor

    “Spirited Away: Live on Stage”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (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). 

    Oct. 1 & 8: “Spirited Away: Live on Stage.” Screening of a prerecorded 2022 Japanese stage adaptation of this Studio Ghibli anime (see below) featuring dazzling sets, musical numbers, and puppets. Japanese, subtitles. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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    Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

  • Nightspots

    Jeff Daniels.: JD’s Stage

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    JD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United States

    Sold out.

  • Nightspots

    Pittsfield Open Band.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Veteran local ensemble that plays old-time American and Irish dance tunes.

  • Nightspots

    Ellen Rowe Trio.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Ensemble led by U-M jazz professor Rowe, a local pianist whose repertoire includes original compositions and reimagined versions of standards. With bassist Rob Bickley and drummer Pete Siers.

  • Nightspots

    “Queer Open Mic.”: North Star Lounge

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

    All invited to bring a song, story, poetry, comedy, expression, magic, monologue, or other performance. Sign up begins at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Coley Roberts and Thea Zuby. 7 p.m. Free.

  • Nightspots

    Dave Moore.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Outlaw country and 90s country covers by this mid-Michigan singer-guitarist.

  • Observer Editor

    Thursday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Oct. 1, 8, & 15. Two structured improv events, both followed by a pay-what-you-want improv jam with a series of games and long-form scenes. Spectators welcome. Oct. 1 (7:30–8:30 p.m.): Reverse Draft Line. Members of the house teams are paired with teams of improv students. Oct. 8 (7:30–8:30 p.m.): Duoplicity. Experienced improvisers are randomly paired up to perform a 6-minute scene. Oct. 15 (7–8 p.m.): Super Fresh. Three improv teams perform new and experimental comedy. Various times, 2350 W. Liberty. $7.50 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $10 (if available) at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Relic Ensemble: Zion Lutheran Church

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    This renowned NYC-based period instrument chamber orchestra is known for its narrative-driven performances of early music, often structured around thematic “chapters” that unite diverse repertoire into a compelling musical journey. Tonight’s program, “The Blood of the Rose,” tells the story of Venus and Adonis through a mix of Spanish and Latin American Baroque music, with works by Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco, Ignatius Sancho, John Blow, and others. 7:30 p.m., 1501 W. Liberty. Tickets $34 in advance at bit.ly/relicannarbor & (if available) at the door. (734) 994–4455.

  • Observer Editor

    “Time Passes: 8 Short Plays by Samuel Beckett”: U-M Theatre Department

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    Oct. 1–4 & 8–11. Malcolm Tulip directs drama students in short works by this celebrated Irish playwright known for his verbal play, visual precision, and political imagination. The plays, written between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, include Act Without Words II, Play, Come and Go, Footfalls, Rockaby, Catastrophe, What Where, and Quad. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Tickets $35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Observer Editor

    “Scanners”: 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. 

    Oct. 1: “Scanners” (David Cronenberg, 1981). Sci-fi body horror cult classic about psychics with telepathic and telekinetic powers threatened by a weapons manufacturer trying to use them for corporate profit. 8 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    University Philharmonia Orchestra: U-M Music School

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    Jayce Ogren directs this music student ensemble of mostly freshmen & sophomores in a program highlighted by Lowell Liebermann’s dreamy & quirky 1966 Concerto for Piccolo and Orchestra featuring U-M Concerto Competition–winning soloist Tieran Holmes. Also, works by Dvořák, Mozart, and Brahms. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fragments” Chamber Music Concert: Flydlphn

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    U-M student sextet Flydlphn blends traditional chamber music and improvisation with electronic music. Its program tonight features the work of composers Nora Farley, Charlie Kreidler, and Jacob Nance, with a world premiere by Emily Graham, “Holding Space,” a series of 7 vignettes, each based on a different emotion. 8–10 p.m., West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh. Free. flydlphn.com.

  • Nightspots

    Brain Plasticity Ukulele Collective & Blueshouse.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Double bill. Blueshouse is a local blues trio led by veteran English singer-guitarist Mike Brooks, and Brain Plasticity is a collective, also led by Brooks, comprising some 20 musicians of various ages and levels of expertise. Instruments include ukuleles, guitar, flute, percussion, trumpet, accordion, bass, and melodica. A benefit for Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. $29.

  • Nightspots

    Plastic Guitar Tour.: Ziggy’s

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

    East Lansing alt-rock band. Openers: the local indie alt-country-rock-flavored power-pop band Petalwave, the local alt-rock band Lyloc, and  the Ypsi postpunk band Cloverleaf.

  • Nightspots

    Broke Down Truck.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area country band. 8:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    The Pherotones.: Last Word

    The Pherotones.
    More
    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.

  • Nightspots

    Permanently Pissed.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Novi punk-rock band. Openers: the psychedelic prog-rock band Paradise Day, the noise-punk band Stubborn Assholes, and the hardcore-screamo band Basement Floor.

  • Nightspots

    The Holdup.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. A catchy blend of reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and indie pop by this California band led by veteran singer-songwriter Mike Garmany. Openers: Cydeways, a California reggae-influenced alt-rock band, and Dylan Reese, an indie R&B singer-songwriter. $25.

  • Nightspots

    Corey Lee.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country covers by this Grand Rapids singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Willow Weaving Wellness”: U-M Stamps Art, Design & Wellness Series

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    Artist and farmer Howard Peller and U‑M botany professor Selena Smith discuss the importance of the willow tree in human culture and ecology, as well as the planned “Living Willow Structures” campus installation. Followed by a free, hands-on willow weaving workshop (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). 9:30–11 a.m., Stamps Gallery, 201 S. Division. Free. Preregistration required at stamps.umich.edu. (734) 936–0671.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week

    U-M Climate Week
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    Sept. 27–Oct. 4. A week of speeches, forums, clothing exchanges, and more. Today’s Earthfest includes hands-on art and gardening activities, free bicycle repairs, and information tables by local sustainability organizations. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Diag. Complete calendar at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
    More

    Every Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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.