• 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.

  • 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
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    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

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Every Fri., except Oct. 9. Talks by scholars and social workers, followed by Q&A.

    Oct. 2: U-M professor of social work and public policy Kristin Seefeldt on “Lessons Learned from Designing and Evaluating Ann Arbor’s Guaranteed Income Pilot.”

    Oct. 16: Wayne State University social work professor Kess Ballentine on “Beyond Silos: An Inter-Institutional Framework for Understanding Poverty and Advancing Social Change.”

    Oct. 23: UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff on “cityLAB’s Innovations for Affordable Housing.”

    Oct. 30: “Designing for Dignity: Strengthening Food Assistance Amid Policy Threats.” U-M public health professor Kate Bauer in conversation with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan director Taylor Moore.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Community Listing

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA
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    “AHEPA TASTE OF GREECE GYRO DRIVE-THRU” AHEPA is sponsoring a Gyro Drive-Thru fundraiser at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Ann Arbor (3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) on Friday, October 2, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm and on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 am -7:00 pm. Dinner is $20 and includes a Gyro Sandwich, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, and a Bottle of Water. Baklava will be available for $6 or 2 for $10. All net proceeds will go toward AHEPA Charitable initiatives and St. Nicholas Church.
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Field Hockey

    U-M Field Hockey
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    Match vs. Iowa. The U-M also has home matches this month against Northwestern (Oct. 4, noon), Maryland (Oct. 9, 4 p.m.), Monmouth (Oct. 11, 11 a.m.), and Ohio State (Oct. 30, 5 p.m.). 5 p.m., Ocker Field, 1202 S. State. Free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    With an ensemble led by veteran local drummer Sean Dobbins. Tonight they play a set of Stevie Wonder songs. 5 p.m. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “RAC-O-Ween”: Riverside Arts Center

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    All invited to this outdoor concert featuring performances by Shape Note Singing Ypsi, progressive jazz band Tikimen of Berlin, saxophonist Kenji Lee, and Detroit spoken word poet Madeline October. Part of First Fridays Ypsi. 5:30 p.m., 76 N. Huron St. (outdoors by the colonnade), Ypsi. Free. riversidearts.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “A Fireside Chat with Vijay Gupta”: A2 Symphony & U-M Music School

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    A discussion about music and wellness with violinist and writer Gupta, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient and founder of the Los Angeles nonprofit Street Symphony, which brings music into homeless shelters, jails, hospitals, and reentry programs. With U-M professor of medicine Daniel Whibley and U-M psychiatry professor Lindsey Mortenson. Gupta also gives a Penny Stamps talk this month. (See 1 Thurs.). 5:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free, but preregistration required at a2so.org/vijay-gupta.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Native Beadwork and Fashion”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Talk by Ellie Mitchell, a citizen of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan who founded Bead & Powwow Supply, a company specializing in beads and art supplies for contemporary Indigenous art and powwow regalia. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Ghost in a Jar”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids grade 2 & up invited to craft a cute ghost floating inside a jar, then add a tiny, terrarium-style habitat. 6–7 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.   

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Softball

    U-M Softball
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    Game vs. Toledo. This month’s home schedule includes a double-header vs. Detroit Mercy (Oct. 3, 1  & 3:30 p.m.), and single games against Bowling Green (Oct. 9, 5 p.m., free). 6 p.m., Alumni Field, 1114 S. State. Tickets $8–$25 at mgoblue.com/tickets & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.

  • Observer Editor

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Perfectly Paired: Cider & Cheese”: Zingerman’s Deli

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    All age 21 & up invited to a guided tasting of hard ciders paired with cheese and other accompaniments. 6:30–7:30 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. $50. Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. (734) 663–3354.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Christine Hume & Justine van der Leun: Literati Bookstore

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    These 2 writers read from and discuss their new books. EMU creative writing professor Hume’s All the Women I Know profiles women who have experienced gendered violence. NYC-based journalist van der Leun’s Unreasonable Women: Three Stories of Violence, Imprisonment, and Extraordinary Survival profiles domestic violence survivors who were prosecuted for protecting themselves from their abusers. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • Observer Editor

    First Friday Shabbat: Jewish Cultural Society

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    All invited for a dinner from a local restaurant, preceded by a brief secular Shabbat observance with songs, candle lighting, and challah & wine rituals. Kids welcome. 6:30–8 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (families, $25) for nonmembers; members, free. Preregistration required at jewishculturalsociety.org.

  • Observer Editor

    Clean Comedy Fundraiser: Corner Health Center

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    Performances by 6 Metro Detroit stand-up comics to benefit this nonprofit Ypsi health clinic for teens and young adults. Hosted by local comic Jeff Teed. 6:30–8:30 p.m., Hear.Say Brewing + Theater, 2350 W. Liberty. Tickets $25 at tinyurl.com/5dutxpy9.

  • Observer Editor

    “Euchre Change a Life!”

    “Euchre Change a Life!”
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    Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange. 

  • Nightspots

    Al Jacquez Band.: Live

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    Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All-star local ensemble led by veteran local blues and blues-rock singer-guitarist Jacquez. With keyboardist & guitarist Tom Loncaric, bassist Randy Tessier, and drummer Rich Dishman.

  • 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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Black Cat Preview”: Neighborhood Theatre Group

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    All invited to craft a costume headband or mask and meet the cast of the upcoming production Black Cat: Ghoulita Graves Presents … The Curse of Blood. Followed at 8 p.m. by a teaser for the show, which premieres Oct. 16. (See listing). Part of First Fridays Ypsilanti. 7 p.m., The Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. Free; preregistration recommended at ntgypsi.org. [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Ice Hockey

    U-M Ice Hockey
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    Game vs. Bowling Green. This month’s schedule also includes a double header against Alaska Anchorage (Oct. 9 & 10) and WMU (Oct. 23). All games are likely to sell out. 7 p.m., Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Tickets $100 & up at stubhub.com/michigan-wolverines-hockey-tickets. (734) 764–0247.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

  • Nightspots

    65 North Pickers.: JD’s Stage

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

    Progressive bluegrass band from Kentucky known for its lightning-fast picking and extended improvisational jams.

  • Nightspots

    Jordan Smith-Hays.: Moonwinks Tavern

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

    A mix of mostly instrumental funk, rock, jazz, R&B, and blues covers by this local guitarist.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.

     

  • Nightspots

    Erena Terakubo Quartet.

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    Ensemble led by this acclaimed young Japanese saxophonist known for her nimble and powerful playing style.

  • Nightspots

    Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge

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

    Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by guitarist Mike Savina. 7–10 p.m. $10.

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: North Star Lounge

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

    All invited to present a song, story, poem, monologue, comedy bit, magic act, other performance. Hosted by Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–10 p.m. $5.

  • Observer Editor

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Fri.–Sun. A haunted hayride, a ghostly mental asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.

  • Observer Editor

    “Donnie Darko”: Fathom Entertainment

    “Donnie Darko”: 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. 2–4: “Donnie Darko” (Richard Kelly, 2001). Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this dark, original, and somewhat incoherent psychological sci-fi thriller about a hallucinating teen. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore. 7:30 p.m. Cinemark only.

  • Observer Editor

    Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers: University Musical Society

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    Singer-keyboardist Hornsby, who draws from a wide array of traditions, from classical and jazz to bluegrass, folk, and Motown, has played with the likes of Ricky Skaggs and the Grateful Dead. Now 71, he’s cited as an influence by a new generation of musicians, including Bon Iver and Haim. His sets with his touring band the Noisemakers are known for their spontaneity; the band often doesn’t even have a set list, relying instead on audience requests and songs chosen on the fly. Their 2026 album, Indigo Park, boasts guest appearances from Bonnie Raitt and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, among others. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $23–$87 (students, $20) in advance at ums.org/season, by phone, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.

  • Nightspots

    Feral at 5.: Rumpus Room

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    Rumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, Chelsea

    Local rock duo of singer-songwriters Kevin Revels and Mike Schorsch.

  • Observer Editor

    “Whose Live Anyway?”: Martin Media

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    Live improv comedy games and sketches by the current cast of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? A host TBA takes audience suggestions and assigns roles and scenarios to performers Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis, and Joel Murray, Bill Murray’s younger brother. Adult language. 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. $79–$89 in advance at ticketmaster.com or (800) 745–3000.

  • 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

    Ember & Ash: Rancho Tranquilico

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    Barn concert by this duo of Alex Holycross, lead singer of the Oakland (MI) self-styled “thrash grass” country quartet the Native Howl, and Erin Zindle, the fiery fiddling frontwoman of the veteran local country-rock band the Ragbirds. Together they play an intense brand of outlaw Americana that blends Holycross’s edgy rasp and heavy metal power chord guitar with Zindle’s airy vocals and graceful fiddle playing. 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Park along the driveway. $30 in advance only (space limited) via Venmo @erin-zindle or PayPal @erinzindle. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    “The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    October 2–17. Brandy Joe Plambeck directs local actors in Joseph Zettelmaier’s new gothic drama. Deep beneath the famed Palais Garnier Opera House, a mysterious masked man recalls the events of his ghoulish life, which is nearing its end. Adult topics. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    “Maestro”: Theatre Nova

    “Maestro”: Theatre Nova
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 25–Oct. 18. Briana O’Neal directs local actors in Michigan playwright Michael Alan Herman’s cheeky comedy of manners about two 18th-century Viennese composers who go to ridiculous lengths to compete for a recently vacated royal court position. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 3 & 7 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $33 (seniors, $30; students, $20) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

  • Nightspots

    Holly Bowling.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Acclaimed California piano virtuoso who blends rigorous classical technique with the fluid, high-wire exploration of improvisational jam-rock. She’s best known for her intricate, note-for-note solo piano transcriptions of live performances by Phish and The Grateful Dead. $29.

  • 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.

  • Nightspots

    Jay Frydenlund.: Mash (Ypsilanti)

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    Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

    Chirp singer-guitarist who plays rock ’n’ roll, blues, and folk covers and originals.

  • Nightspots

    Soraia.: Ziggy’s

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

    Philadelphia garage punk band. Openers: Rawhide, a Michigan fuzz-punk duo, and Rose St. Germaine, a Detroit psychedelic garage rock & Americana band.

  • Nightspots

    RJ Redline Band.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area nostalgic country-rock band led by big-voiced singer-guitarist Redline. 8:30 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
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    Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.

  • Nightspots

    HomiSui.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area emo-punk band that incorporates elements of rap-rock and goth-pop. Openers: Violet Daybed, a Detroit emo-grunge trio, and Love Circle, an indie alt-rock band.

  • Nightspots

    Kanin Wren.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Young Michigan indie pop singer-songwriter who made a name for herself touring with the Taylor Swift Experience tribute show. $20.

  • Nightspots

    Keegan Jacko.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Mainstream country covers, and some originals, by a band led by this Detroit-area singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • 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.