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Events in May 2024
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May 13, 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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Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
May 5–26. Annual festival of documentary and feature films on Jewish themes. Includes both in-person screenings at the State Theatre (except as noted) and different films made available each week to stream anytime. $12 per film; virtual festival pass, $50–$150. Various times & locations. jccannarbor.org/film-festival. (734) 971–0990.
Online May 13 (8 p.m.) through May 19 (10 p.m.): “Golda's War Diaries” (Yariv Mozer, 2023). Documentary about the Yom Kippur war that draws on recently released documents from Israel’s then prime minister, Golda Meir. “Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre” (Duki Dror, Noam Pinchas, & Yossi Bloch; 2023). Harrowing minute-by-minute chronicle of the Hamas-led attack on an electronic music festival in Re’im, Israel on October 7, 2023. Hebrew, subtitles. “The Boy in the Woods” (Rebecca Snow, 2023). Docudrama about a Jewish boy escaping Nazi persecution in Eastern Europe. “The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann Tapes” (Yariv Mozer, 2022). Documentary that reveals recently rediscovered transcripts in which Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann boasts to a Nazi Dutch journalist about his role in planning and executing the Holocaust. Hebrew & German, subtitles. “The Monkey House” (Avi Nesher, 2022). Comic drama about a Palestinian filmmaker investigating a complex scam concocted by a left-wing Israeli novelist. Hebrew & Arabic, subtitles.
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“Kinder Concert”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
May 9-13: “Kinder Concert”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. AASO principal horn player Adam Unsworth is joined by local pianist Kathryn Goodson and AASO program director Marissa Honig to present a program for kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) that includes storytelling and dancing to live music. Participants also learn about the instruments. Saline District Library, May 9 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.), 555 N. Maple, Saline. AADL Downtown, May 10 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.). Dexter District Library, May 11 (noon–12:30 p.m.), 3255 Alpine, Dexter. Ypsilanti District Library—Whittaker, May 13 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.), 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. Various times and locations. Free.
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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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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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“Kinder Concert”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
May 9-13: “Kinder Concert”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. AASO principal horn player Adam Unsworth is joined by local pianist Kathryn Goodson and AASO program director Marissa Honig to present a program for kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) that includes storytelling and dancing to live music. Participants also learn about the instruments. Saline District Library, May 9 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.), 555 N. Maple, Saline. AADL Downtown, May 10 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.). Dexter District Library, May 11 (noon–12:30 p.m.), 3255 Alpine, Dexter. Ypsilanti District Library—Whittaker, May 13 (10–10:30 & 11–11:30 a.m.), 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. Various times and locations. Free.
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“Healthy Living”: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
2401 Plymouth Rd. Talks for seniors. 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.
May 13 & 14 (noon–4 p.m.): “AARP Safety Driver Class.” Bring driver’s license and AARP card, $20 ($25 for non-AARP members) preregister by calling.
May 16 (10–11:30 a.m.): “Yoga for Right Now.” With yoga teacher Dorothyann Coyne.
May 20 (10–11 a.m.): “Kitchen Clinic Natural Health: The Mighty Brassica” Cooking demo with naturopathic doctor Nia-Avelina Aguirre, $10, preregister by calling (734) 883–7513.
May 29 (10–11:30 a.m.): “Senior Nutrition and Inflammation.” With Turner Geriatric fellow Jean Narzoo.
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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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Bridge: 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.
Bridge (Mon. 12:30–3:30 p.m.), duplicate nonsanctioned. $3; members, $2. Preregistration required.
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Euchre: 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.
Euchre (Mon. 1–3 p.m.).
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"Movement Medicine": 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.
Movement Medicine (Mon. 3-4 p.m.).
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“Sew a Satin Headscarf”: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults & kids grade 3 and up invited to learn basic sewing skills to make a satin headscarf. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
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.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club
Every 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 min. early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area. 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.
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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an interval-based training run (Tues.), or an advanced or beginner group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; & 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory
Every Mon. (6–8 p.m.): Kids Gaming Meetup: Sylvan Factory. Kids ages 8–12 invited to play popular tabletop role-playing games. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $5. Preregistration required at sylvanfactory.com. (734) 929–5877.
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“Anxiety in Adults and Kids: Tips for All Ages”: Ann Arbor District Library
U-M psychiatry faculty discuss anxiety, explain how it differs in kids and adults, touch on treatment methods & medication options, and highlight how to calm anxiety and help children cope with theirs. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Celebrating Member Fiber Explorations”: Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild
At the guild’s final meeting of the season, AAFG members present what they’ve made in response to the three workshops offered this season: garments made from paper, small quilts, and colorful fibers made with ice dye techniques. 6:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 2nd fl. gathering rm. (elevator access), 2501 W. Liberty. Free. annarborfiberarts.org.
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“Tender”: Literati Bookstore
Art Institute of Chicago comics professor Beth Hetland is joined by U-M Art and Design professor Phoebe Gloeckner to discuss her debut graphic novel, a psychological thriller about an obsessive woman who becomes delusional when her picture-perfect, curated life starts to unravel. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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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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“Fleabag”: Michigan Theater
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 13: “Fleabag.” Taped broadcast of a 2019 National Theatre (London) performance of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s biting, clever, and funny one-woman show that inspired the popular BBC comedy of the same name. It’s about a complicated woman navigating London life in the aftermath of tragedy. $16 (students, seniors, veterans, kids under 12, $13). 7 p.m.
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“The 24th Michigan and 26th North Carolina at Gettysburg”: Ann Arbor Civil War Round Table
Talk by Appalachian State University history professor Judkin Browning. 7 p.m., Trinity Health (old St. Joe’s) Administrative Bldg. Education Center, exhibition rm., 5305 Elliott (off McAuley from Huron River Dr.). jfepperson@gmail.com or tomnanzig@gmail.com. Free. aacwrt.org.
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Large Ensemble Meeting: Ann Arbor Recorder Society
All beginning and advanced players of the recorder and other early instruments invited to play mostly Renaissance music, directed by viol teacher and early music specialist Janet Cannon. Bring your own music stand. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church basement music rm. (enter by the back door), 1501 W. Liberty. Free to visitors ($95 yearly dues for those who join). a2recordersociety.org.
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Spirit Singing Band: Michigan Friends Center
Local musicians TBA lead participants in “spirit singing,” a blend of familiar songs, trance chant, and improvisation. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Friends Center, 7748 Clark Lake Rd. (off Waterloo west of M-52), Chelsea. Free, donations accepted. mfcenter.org.
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Scandinavian Music Jam
May 13 & 27. 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., in person or virtual TBA. For location, email bsagan@msu.edu. Free.
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Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers
Every Mon. (except May 27). 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., Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard. $5. (734) 274–0773.
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“I Ain’t No Joke”: The Blind Pig
Area actor and comic Jacob Russell emcees this show in which stand-up comics tell 5 minutes of jokes while an improv group observes the set for the very first time. The improvisers then act out the comic’s material in the usual flying-by-the-seat-of-their-pants improv way. Age 21 & up only. 8:30 p.m., the Blind Pig, 208 S. First. Free. blindpigmusic.com, (734) 996–8555.
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