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Events in May 2024
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May 3, 2024
“Community Keys”: Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Every day, May 1–June 21. Three pianos painted by U-M students are available at different locations throughout Ann Arbor for anyone to play an impromptu concert. On May 1, world-renowned local boogie-woogie & blues pianist Mark “Mr. B” Braun plays a concert at each of the 3 locations. Also, scheduled concerts by local pianists TBA every Wednesday and Saturday (see a2sf.org). The project culminates with a grand finale piano trio performance on June 21 at Top of the Park. Scheduled concerts begin at noon, Ann Arbor Farmers Market; 2:30 p.m., Michigan Theater; 5 p.m., U-M Shapiro Undergrad Library, 919 South University. Free. (734) 994–5999.
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The Seatbelts: Live Happy Hour
DETROIT ROCK SHOW FROM 7 TO 9
1ST AND HURON ,ANN ARBOR. FREE.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (11:30 a.m.) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Sea Monsters (1:30 p.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0478.
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“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. a2dan@sbcglobal.net.
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Jewelry Sale: U-M Turner Senior Resource Center
Vintage and costume jewelry, pre-owned and donated. Proceeds support geriatric community programs. Cash or check only. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 2401 Plymouth Rd., ste. C. Free admission. (734) 998–9353.
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Park Walks: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., bit.ly/a2-senior-cnt, (734) 794–6250. Weekly activities. Preregistration required for some events by emailing bpatton@a2gov.org or calling.
Park Walks (Fri. 10–11 a.m.), $2; members, free. Preregistration required.
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Playgroups for Babies: AADL
Every Mon.–Wed. & Fri. (different times): Playgroups for Babies: AADL. Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open playtime. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m., except May 27), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m.), Westgate (Wed. 10:30 a.m.), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m.). Free.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofglobal@aol.com.
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Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/a2-turner-cal-may2024. (734) 998–9353, michmed.org/tswp, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon–12:30 p.m. via Zoom).
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"Walking Off the Pounds": U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/a2-turner-cal-may2024. (734) 998–9353, michmed.org/tswp, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Walking Off the Pounds (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m. via Zoom).
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Coral Reef Tank Visit: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Wed. & Fri. U-M biology professor Jim Bardwell leads a 30-minute tour of his lab’s large coral reef tank featuring many species of coral, anemone, and fish. Age 6 and up. 12:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Same-day sign-up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Talks & Activities: Pittsfield Township Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth, bit.ly/pittsfield-seniors. Registration at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. (734) 822–2120. Talks for seniors. Free (except as noted) in-person activities. Check meeting status before coming.
May 2 (11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): “Hospice 101.” Talk by Heart to Heart Hospice community educator Don Hilliard, free.
May 3 (12:30–2:30 p.m.): “Memoir Writing 101.” Writing workshop, $27 ($25, residents).
May 9 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): “AARP Ride @50+.” Transportation planning guidance, free.
May 17 (12:30–3:30 p.m.): “Senior Spring Fling.” Music, games, lunch, and old tv shows, $10 ($7 residents) at Pittsfield Park Pavilion.
May 23 (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): “Get Connected.” Guidance in getting resources, free.
May 28 (noon–1:30 p.m.): “National Hamburger Day.” Lunch, music, and conversation, $10 ($7 residents).
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Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/a2-turner-cal-may2024. (734) 998–9353, michmed.org/tswp, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Bridge (Tues. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.), call if interested.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $8 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
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Preschool Storytimes: AADL
Every Mon.–Fri. (different times): Preschool Storytimes: AADL. Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m., except May 27 & Thurs. 11 a.m.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.). Free.
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Talks & Activities: Ann Arbor Senior Center
1320 Baldwin. Senior-focused talks and activities. Free. a2gov.org/senior. Preregistration required for all events by emailing bpatton@a2gov.org or calling (734) 794–6250.
(May 1, noon–1 p.m.): Lunch & Learn: “Digital Health Literacy.” Program on how to use artificial intelligence for health and entertainment; light lunch provided for free.
(May 2, 1:30–4 p.m.): “Travels with George: Iceland.” Traveler George Jabol shares memories and slides about his world travels.
(May 3 & 10, 1–3 p.m.): “The Art and Science of Invasive Species.” A presentation on ways to make use of invasive plants.
(May 7, 1-2 p.m.): “Creative Writing.” Writer Emily Bucklerust shows how to get started or get unstuck; $2 for nonmembers.
(May 8, 9:30–10:30 a.m. or 10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Care Management by Natalie.” Individual consultations with Natalie Adewunmi.
(May 15, noon–1 p.m.): Lunch & Learn: “Fall Risk Reduction.” Light lunch provided for free.
(May 22, noon–1 p.m.): Lunch & Learn: “Choosing the Best Type of Community.” CarePatrol owner Rick Young talks about choosing assisted living or senior communities; light lunch provided for free.
(May 24, 10–11:30 a.m.): “Senior Caregiving Resources and Deciding What’s Best.” Care consulting; to preregister contact (734) 972-1074 or a2careconsulting@gmail.com.
(May 30, 2 p.m.): Tech Talk: “4 Essential Computer Skills for Older Adults.” Clear Computing owner James Giordani shares tricks to make computer use easier.
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“The Antichrist Cometh”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Every Wed.–Sun., Mar. 22–May 25. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to attend a small dinner party, or will the event usher in the Apocalypse? Contains adult subject matter and language. 3 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30–$48 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org & by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, patrons under age 30, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. (734) 433–7673.
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U-M Clements Library Tour
Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’ early American history collection featuring a new exhibit on art and political resistance in early America and more. 4 p.m., Clements Library, 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.
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“K-5 Forest Fridays: Searching for Salamanders”: Natural Area Preservation
May 3 (4:30–6 p.m.): “K-5 Forest Fridays: Searching for Salamanders”: Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K-5, accompanied by an adult, invited to learn about native salamanders, then take a one-mile hike to look for some. Bird Hills Nature Area, Newport Rd. parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2-nap-K5-5-24. (734) 794–6627.
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“D&D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory
Every Tues. & Fri. All age 12 & up invited to play Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing games. 6–10 p.m. (Tues.) & 6–9 p.m. (Fri.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com.
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“Past Lives”: Ann Arbor District Library
Occasional free screenings—this month mostly part of the library’s Asian & Pacific Islanders Arts and Culture Festival—in the Downtown Branch 1st fl. lobby & the lower-level Multipurpose Rm. and other branch locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
May 3: “Past Lives” (Celine Song, 2023). Romantic drama about a pair of Korean childhood friends who reunite in America 24 years later. 6 p.m.
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U-M Softball vs. Ohio State
May 3–5. The 2024 home schedule concludes with this 3-game series. Note: The U-M may host an NCAA regional, May 17-19. 6 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Alumni Field, 1114 S. State. Tickets $6-10 at mgoblue.com/tickets & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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“The Minotaur at Calle Lanza”: Literati Bookstore
Nigerian-born, Detroit-bred writer Zito Madu discusses his debut, a surrealist memoir that nods to Calvino and Borges. It’s about his explorations of an eerily quiet pandemic-era Venice while on a writing fellowship. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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First Friday Shabbat: Jewish Cultural Society
All invited for a dinner from a local restaurant, preceded by a brief secular Shabbat observance with songs, candle lighting, and challah & wine rituals. Children welcome. 6:30–8 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (families, $25) for nonmembers; members, free. Preregistration required at jewishculturalsociety.org.
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Mon. (6:30 p.m.): Power Cards. $10. Tues. (6:30): MTG Pauper. A fun and fast format for all skill levels. $5. Wed. (5–9 p.m.): Casual Commander. The most popular form of the game. Free. Wed. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Standard. Play with competitive tournament rules. $10. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): Magic rotating draft. Cost varies. Sat. (6 p.m.): Commander Pods. For casual groups of 4 players. Free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com.
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“Jeanne du Barry”: Fathom Events
(734) 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
May 2–6: “Jeanne du Barry” (Maïwenn, 2024). Historical drama about a French peasant woman who charms her way into the court of King Louis XV, going on to scandalously become the King’s mistress. Johnny Depp, Maïwenn. 7 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only).
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“Mean Girls”: Pioneer Theatre Guild
May 2–5. Oluchi Nwaokorie directs high school students in a school edition of Jeff Richmond & Nell Benjamin’s Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s popular 2004 film comedy about female high school social cliques. The plot centers on a naive teen girl who teams up with a group of social outcasts to take down a trio of frenemies led by the popular homecoming queen. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) 3 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 610 W. Stadium. Tickets $20 (students, seniors age 65 & over, & PHS staff, $15) in advance showtix4u.com/events/ptg and at the door. (734) 994–2191.
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Sound Bath Meditation: 7 Notes Natural Health
Join Rob Meyer-Kukan for this sound bath meditation where we will explore the theme of journeys. Labyrinth, walking, and traveling imagery will be combined with the sound of singing bowls, gongs, and more to wash you with sounds that bring calming vibrations to reduce stress and ease tension.
Yoga mats and one yoga blanket are provided for each attendee. Please bring any additional supports you would like for your comfort (pillows, bolster, eye pillow, etc). We also have 7 zero gravity chairs available to the first 7 participants who request them at the event.
7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Current public health safety protocols will be observed. Please use the practice of personal accountability, as far as health goes prior to the event.
Investment: $40 Advanced Registration Required
Register by completing this form - https://7NotesNaturalHealth.as.me/may-2024-soundbath
Space is limited to 25 participants, please register early.
Regretfully, we are unable to accommodate registrations or payments at the door. Advanced registration and payment is required to secure your space at this event.
Doors will open 15 minutes prior, please arrive early to allow time to check-in and get settled. Doors will close promptly at the starting time of the event. Ample FREE parking is available onsite.
3830 Packard Rd. ,Ann Arbor. https://7NotesNaturalHealth.as.me/may-2024-soundbath $40. 7notesnaturalhealth.comAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Keith Lenart: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
May 3–4. Genial Detroit native known for clever one-liners on an array of subjects as well as character work that nails regional U.S. accents. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think You’re Funny, and Comcast’s Comedy Spotlight. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“A Tribute to Classic Rock”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
May 2–5. Members of this local professional musical theater company, with a band led by Jacob Kerzner, perform songs originally performed by Led Zeppelin, Queen, the Rolling Stones, and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $36–$46 (kids 12 & under, $26) in advance at theencoretheatre.org (with $3.50 fee) and at the door (no fee). (734) 268–6200.
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“Adventure’s Call: An Improvised Hero’s Journey”: Whatabout Theatre (Dreamland Theater)
May 3 & 11 (different locations). This local company performs an improvised comedy about a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in battle, and comes home transformed. 8 p.m., Dreamland Theater (May 3), 26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti & Ypsilanti Performance Space (May 11), 218 N. Adams, Ypsilanti. $15 in advance at whatabouttheatre.org and at the door (cash only).
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“The Antichrist Cometh”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Every Wed.–Sun., Mar. 22–May 25. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to attend a small dinner party, or will the event usher in the Apocalypse? Contains adult subject matter and language. 3 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30–$48 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org & by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, patrons under age 30, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. (734) 433–7673.
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Carla Cooke: Green Wood Coffee House Series (First United Methodist Church)
The youngest daughter of Sam Cooke, a composer-vocalist whose style, like her father’s, ranges across gospel, R&B, soul, and pop genres, and was crafted in the church. 8 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green at Glazier Way. Tickets $20 in advance at greenwoodcoffeehouse.org and at the door. (734) 665–8558.
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Ensemble Sangineto: Acoustic Routes
One of the most popular folk groups in Italy, this harp, bowed psaltery, and guitar trio is known for its airy, dreamlike polyphonic vocals on arrangements of traditional Irish, Scottish, Breton, and Italian tunes, as well as original compositions that display a wide range of influences, from Gregorian chant to classical, folk, pop, and Celtic music. 8 p.m., Stony Lake Brewing, 447 E. Michigan, Saline. $20 in advance at stonylakebrewing.com and at the door. (734) 316–7919.
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“Tiger Daughter: Or How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame”: The Blind Pig
New York-based glam pop singer-songwriter Charlene Kaye, a U-M grad best known for her solo work as KAYE and as the lead vocalist of San Fermin, presents her comic spoken word show about her complicated relationship with her audacious immigrant Chinese mother, and how she’s lived out her mother’s own dreams of being a singer in what her mother deems to be the most offensive way. Kaye takes the piece to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Age 18 & up only. Doors open at 8 p.m. 8:30–10 p.m., the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. $20 in advance at blindbigmusic.com/calendar and at the door. (734) 996–8555.
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Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded by hour-long lessons at 7 and 8 p.m. The first Friday of each month is free, and the third Friday of each month includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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“Escape from New York”: State Theatre
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see michtheater.org.
May 3 & 9: “Escape from New York” (John Carpenter, 1981). Campy action film set in a dystopian near future in which the island of Manhattan has been converted to a maximum-security prison. Kurt Russell, as a renegade named Snake Plissken, must get in and get out. A cult classic. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.).
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