• Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Slow Time of Rumination”: U-M English Department Heberle Lecture

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    Brown University humanities professor Amanda Anderson discusses the importance of slow and persistent processing of moral shocks such as profound loss, grief, regret, and loss of status. 10:30 a.m.–noon, 3222 Angel Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 764–6330.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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

    “Salute to Bach”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series

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    The church’s organist Shin-Ae Chun performs a program of organ music by J.S. Bach, including Prelude and Fugue in D Major, Trio Sonata in C Minor, Concerto in D Minor, and Fantasy and Fugue in G Minor. Noon–1 p.m., 517 E. Washington (handicap access on Washington entrance). Free. (734) 663–9376, fbca2.org.

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Corporate Persons in Human Law: Reproduction, Kinship, Jurisdiction”: U-M Anthropology Department Roy A. Rappaport Lecture

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    U-M anthropology professor Matthew Hull discusses the unmanaged ecologically disastrous side-effects of banana-growing in the southern Philippines. First in a series of 4 monthly lectures on the role corporations play in Anglo-American governance. 3–4:30 p.m., 411 West Hall, 1085 South University. Free. (734) 764–7274.

  • Nightspots

    Jeff McNiven.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Veteran Michigan acoustic roots rock and alt-country singer-songwriter. 5 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Observer Editor

    A2 Jazz Fest

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    Sept. 25–27 (different locations). Now in its 10th year, this showcase of local and regional jazz acts features a ticketed kickoff party tonight followed by free concerts Saturday and Sunday. Also, on Saturday at 2 p.m., a free jazz improv workshop aimed at teens (sign up at a2jazzfest.com). Tonight: The Jeff Pedraz Trio, an ensemble led by veteran Detroit bassist Pedraz. Followed at 6:30 p.m. by a jazz jam session. Tonight’s show includes dinner catered by Slows Bar BQ. 5 p.m., Ann Arbor Funhouse (Fri.), 207 E. Washington, Rabbit Hole (Sat.), 608 E. William, & Ravens Club (Sun.), 207 S. Main. Tickets $50 (Fri.) & free (Sat. & Sun.). Donations accepted. (734) 769–2999, a2jazzfest.com.

  • Nightspots

    Blockhouse Valley.: North Star Lounge

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

    Pop & indie rock covers by the Detroit-area duo of vocalist Ashleigh Glass and guitarist Cody Cooper. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Chinese Clay Fish Decoration: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to drop in and decorate an air-dry clay fish figurine, then set it inside a provided picture frame. Led by local artist Lyla Wang. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Nightspots

    Shaun Garth Walker.: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.

  • 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.