FEB
Calendar of Events
Local early childhood educator Gari Stein, director of Music for Little Kids, and Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra trumpeter Jason Bergman lead kids from babies through age 5 (accompanied by an adult) in a program that includes storytelling and dancing to live music. Participants also learn about the instruments. Accompanist is pianist Kathryn Goodson. 9:30-10 & 10:30-11 a.m., AADL multipurpose room (lower level), 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-8301.
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Every Wed.-Fri. Borders staff read from books for infants, babies, and toddlers. 10 a.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 6:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Borders, 3140 Lohr Rd. Free. 997-8884.
Learn how to paint watercolor animals. All materials included, just bring yourself! Pre-registration required. Rudolf Steiner Health Center, 1422 W. Liberty. $50 for class of 3 sessions. 734-663-4365. art@steinerhealth.org www.steinerhealth.org [map]
Daily. The assembled riders choose their own pace, distance, and destination. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, and snacks. 10 a.m. (daily) & 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. only), meet at Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St. Free. 761-6253 (morning ride), 994-5908 (afternoon ride).
All invited to search for 12 fairy doors hidden in downtown Saline businesses. Those who find all 12 can enter to win a gift basket. Maps available at salinedma.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Downtown Saline. Free. salinedma.org.
Every Wed. & Fri. A Borders staffer reads stories and leads a craft project for toddlers. Raffle. 6:30 p.m. (Wed.) & 11 a.m. (Fri.), Borders, 3527 Washtenaw. Free. 677-6948.
AASPA wind, string, and piano faculty perform works in a variety of genres. Bring a bag lunch. Noon, Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, 637 S. Main. Free. 213-2000.
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 100 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Local chimemaster Heather O’Neal demonstrates. Noon-12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30-11 a.m. (Sat.), Kerrytown. Free. 369-3107.
Feb. 5, 12, & 19. Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy lead convenor Amina Rasul-Bernardo (Feb. 5) and Goethe University (Frankfurt) Islamic feminism grad student Amporn Marddent (Feb. 19) give lectures as part of the “Women in Southeast Asian Islam” series. Also, this month, Duke University women’s studies professor Ara Wilson on gender and sexuality in Thailand (Feb. 12). 12:10 p.m., 1636 SSWB, 1080 South University. Free. 764-0352.
Feb. 5, 12, & 19. Talks by visiting scholars. Topics include “Women in Southeast Asian Islam” (Feb. 5 & 19) and gender and sexuality in Thailand (Feb. 12). 12:10 p.m., 1636 SSWB, 1080 South University. Free. 764-0352.
Every Fri. Screening of a film TBA. Lunch available ($2.50), 12:30 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free. 769-5911.
Every Mon. & Fri. All seniors invited to play bridge. Refreshments. 1-4 p.m., Turner, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Free. 998-9353.
Every Mon. & Fri. All levels of English speakers invited for conversation. 1-2:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield Branch (Mon.), 2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church Rd. and Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., & AADL Malletts Creek Branch (Fri.), 3090 E. Eisenhower between Stone School & Packard. Free. 327-4200.
Young musicians from around the country are featured in works TBA in this national competition for over $100,000 in prizes that supports young African American and Latino classical musicians. The soloists are accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra and the Harlem Quartet, an ensemble of previous Sphinx Competition winners. 2 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $12 in advance at sphinxmusic.org, and at the door. (313) 877-9100, ext. 713.
The Ann Arbor-based USA Hockey national development team plays this U.S. Hockey League rival. 7 p.m., Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. at Scio Church Rd. $12 (seniors, students, & children, $6; kids under 5, free). 327-9251.
Feb. 5-7. Three days of competitive ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter fun at Cavanaugh Lake. Also, a euchre tournament ($5 entry fee; prizes) on Feb. 5 and a chili cook-off (2 p.m.) and dancing to live music TBA (7 p.m.-midnight) on Feb. 6. Refreshments, breakfasts, and light lunches available. 4 p.m.–midnight (Feb. 5), 7 a.m.–midnight (Feb. 6), & 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (Feb. 7), American Legion Hall, 1700 Ridge Rd. (off Cavanaugh Lake Rd. from Kalmbach Rd. north from I-94 exit 156), Chelsea. Free admission. 475–1964.
U-M English professor Jennifer Wenzel discusses this Indian social activist and writer. 4 p.m., 1636 SSWB, 1080 South University. Free. 615-4059.
Screening of Tom Ford's 2009 drama that stars Colin Firth as an L.A. English professor who tries to go about his typical day after the sudden death of his partner. Unless there is a live show in the main theater, 2 or 3 different films are shown, usually twice, almost every night. For complete, updated schedules, see michtheater.org or call 668-TIME. Time TBA, MTF. $9 (children, students, seniors, & veterans, $7; MTF members, $6.50; Wed., $6). 668-TIME.
Acclaimed poet and performance artist Neil Marcus and U-M English, women’s studies, and theater professor Petra Kuppers, both disabled performers, read from their 2008 memoir. “With humor, feeling, and sexy vibes, Petra and Neil open up their intimate life to readers, and the result is a postmodern, crip version of Robert and Elizabeth Browning,” says University of Illinois disability studies professor Lennard Davis. Signing & reception. Evening time TBA, Shaut Cabaret & Gallery, 325 Braun Ct. Free. 663-0036.
Every Sun. & Tues.-Fri. All invited to compete in tournaments of this popular collectible card game using standard constructed (Sun. & Thurs.), Elder Dragon Highlander (Tues.), Legacy (Wed.), and booster draft (Fri.) decks. Prizes. Bring your own cards Sun.-Thurs. 6 p.m. (Tues.-Fri.) & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Get Your Game On, 709 Packard. $5 (Tues., free; Fri., $15 includes cards). 786-3746.
Haitian-inspired tamales, music, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Stand with Haiti/Partners in Health. 6-9 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 209 Washtenaw. Tickets $15 (kids age 11 & under, $5) in advance at Pilar’s Tamales (2261 W. Liberty) or by calling 929-4161 or (828) 243-2408.
Every Fri.. All youth in grades 6-12 invited to perform their own poetry or monologue or a favorite by another writer, or just to sip a hot drink and listen. AADL Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower (between Stone School & Packard). Free. 327-4200.
Feb. 4-6. Emilie Samuelson directs U-M students in Gina Gionfriddo’s dark comedy about a teenage boy thrust into the media spotlight after his mother is murdered. U-M Walgreen Drama Center Studio One, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. basement.studentorgs.umich.edu.
This influential internet entrepreneur discusses his career. He is the founder Pet Holdings, an internet company which owns I Can Haz Cheezburger, FAIL Blog, and other popular novelty blogs. 7-8:30 p.m., AADL multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 327-4555.
All invited to join in song, chant, and circle dances in joyous affirmation of the unity of the world's spiritual traditions. Friends Meetinghouse, 1420 Hill. $5 requested donation. 332-7964.
Feb. 5 & 6. Musical comedy revue by U-M business school students. 7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $20 in advance at the business school Executive Residence lounge and at the door. 668-8397.
Feb. 5 & 6. Julia Glander and Aaron Moore direct Pioneer students in Sarah Ruhl’s dramatic reimagining of the Orpheus myth through the eyes of his wife, Eurydice, who dies on her wedding day and must journey to the underworld. 7:30 p.m., Pioneer High School Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium at Main. $6 at the door only. 994-2191.
Feb. 5, 6, & 11-13. Burns Park Elementary School students, parents, and friends--a group cited by former Ann Arbor News drama critic Chris Potter as one of the best theater groups in town--perform this popular Frank Loesser musical based on Damon Runyan’s stories and characters. Set in New York City in the 1930s, the action focuses on 2 contrasting romances, one a long-running liaison between a nightclub singer and a professional gambler and the other an unlikely affair between a high roller and a Salvation Army sister. The lively score includes such classics as “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” Proceeds benefit children’s cultural arts programs. These shows almost always sell out, so get tickets early. Tappan Middle School auditorium, 2251 E. Stadium Blvd. at Packard. Tickets $15 in advance at Morgan & York (1928 Packard) and (if available) at the door. $30 patron tickets available in advance by emailing colleenkollman@aol.com or by calling 478-0449. 662-0798.
Phil Walker directs Community High students in Ken Ludwig’s madcap farce about a washed-up B-movie acting couple touring the 1950s theatrical circuit. They get an unexpected last stab at stardom when they learn that a major director plans to attend one of their performances, but everything that could go wrong does. 7:30 p.m., Community High School Craft Theater, 401 N. Division. (Parking available in the lot behind the school, N. Fifth Ave. at Detroit St.) Tickets $15 (students, kids, & seniors, $10) at the door only. Info: call Jennifer at 662-1693.
Feb. 5 & 6. Anne-Marie Roberts directs Skyline students in Horton Foote’s 1957 one-act drama, set in a small coastal Texas town, about a young woman who moves into a boarding house with 3 spinsters when her engagement to a charming but weak-willed young man is broken off by their mothers. Her heartsick former fiancé appears at her window every night to serenade her, but her attentions are claimed by an attractive newcomer who moves into the boarding house. “This one-act is flawlessly balanced, thanks to Foote's ear for the lives of all the characters, not just for a romantic triangle,” says Curtain Up reviewer Laura Hitchcock. 7:30 p.m., Skyline, 2552 N. Maple. Tickets $5 in advance at showtix4u.com and at the door. 994-6515.
Feb. 5 & 19. All invited to join an ongoing discussion of Rudolf Steiner’s Sleep and Dreams. Familiarity with Steiner’s basic ideas required. 8-9:30 p.m., 1923 Geddes (Feb. 5) & location TBA (Feb. 19). Free. 944-4903.
U-M student jazz quintet with trombonist Alex Trulove, pianist Nate May, bassist Scott Brown, drummer Brett Chalfin, and local saxophonist Danny Fisher-Lochhead. 8 p.m., Canterbury House, 721 E. Huron. $10 (students, $5). 761-3162.
Kevin Miller conducts this music-student orchestra in Clarinet and Orchestra featuring clarinetist Ivan Ivanov, winner of the EMU concerto competition. Also, EMU music professor Anthony Iannaccone’s Dancing on Vesuvius and Shostakovich’s Symphony no. 5 8 p.m., Pease Auditorium, EMU campus, W. Cross at College Place, Ypsilanti. Free. 487-2255.
Feb. 4-6. A co-winner with the Kids in the Hall of the 1992 Comedy Artist of the Year award, this gangly monologist is known for his odd observations and bizarre sense of humor. Preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served; all Fri. & Sat. early shows are nonsmoking. 8 p.m., 314 E. Liberty (below Seva restaurant). $7 (Thurs.) & $10 (Fri. & Sat.) reserved seating in advance, $9 (Thurs.) & $12 (Fri. & Sat.) general admission at the door. 996-9080.
Authentic bluegrass by these longtime local favorites who have appeared in numerous festivals and on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. Their shows blend top-notch musicianship with funny between-songs dialogue. They have several recordings, including Live and Unrehearsed, a 1994 Ark performance. 8 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $11 at the door only. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS.
Feb. 5 & 19. All singles invited for an evening of dancing and socializing. Recorded 70s to contemporary dance music played by DJ Mike Jackson. Cash bar. All encouraged to wear red for the Feb. 5 “Happy Hearts” dance. 8 p.m.–midnight, Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium. $8 (PWP members, $6). 433-1668.
Traditional jug band music by this acclaimed quartet from Louisville, the birthplace of jug bands. A mixture of classic jazz and blues, jug band music is a swaggering party music, full of high spirits and sexual humor, performed by a modified string band that includes kazoos and other wind instruments, washboard, and, of course, a stoneware jug, an instrument from which a good musician can coax a surprisingly lyrical, hauntingly reverberant sound that’s been compared to a bow drawn across the strings of an upright bass. Desserts & coffee available. 8 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. $15 (kids 10 & under, 2 for the price of 1) in advance and at the door. 665-8558.
Feb. 4-7. This U-M dance-student company presents a program highlighted by a revival of Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rehearsal), the iconic modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor’s 1980 adaptation of Stravinsky’s seminal modernist ballet, a blend of stylized movement with a melancholy wit whose two parallel narratives juxtapose the daily rituals and intrigues of a touring dance company and a Runyonesque detective story set in Chinatown. It is set to a live performance of Stravinsky’s 1947 adaptation of his score for 4-hand piano. Also, new group works by U-M dance professors Amy Chevasse, Jessica Fogel, and Sandra Torijano. Chevasse’s Hunger for the Craving for the Longing for the Aching (a biased history of seduction) is a Busby Berkeley-like pastiche set to 4 very difference versions off Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” Fogel’s Out of Thin Air: Lightness is inspired by theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek’s description of space as a “dance of intricate patterns within an effervescent medium.” It is set to a digital collage of text and music by sound designer Michelle Chamuel. Torijano’s La Luna Nueva envisions the overcoming of adversity as a process of personal transformation, set to music by Philip Glass, Villa-Lobos, and Bach. 7:30 p.m., Power Center. Tickets $18 & $24 (students, $9) in advance at the Michigan League Box Office and at the door. To charge by phone, call 764-2538.
Feb. 5 & 6. RC students direct and perform this popular annual 90-minute program of short scenes on a variety of topics and in a variety of styles, many written by RC students. 8 p.m., RC Auditorium, East Quad, 701 East University. Free. 647-4354.
Feb. 5-7, 12, & 13. Matt Martello directs local actors in Daniel Stern’s comedy about an unemployed actor and his wife whose marital problems unfold against the backdrop of the media hoopla surrounding the wedding of their famous neighbor, Barbra Streisand. Stars Elizabeth Mowers and Erik Wright-Olsen. A2CT Studio, 322 W. Ann St. Tickets $10 & $15 in advance and (if available) at the door. 971-2228.
Michael Haithcock conducts this music student ensemble in a program highlighted by the world premiere of Joel Puckett’s Concerto for Flute, with U-M flute professor Amy Porter. The program also includes acclaimed contemporary composer Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, Holst’s Hammersmith, Narong Prangcharoen’s Chakra, and Copland’s Red Pony Suite. The music is preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a discussion of the program with Puckett. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. 764-0594.
Every Thurs.-Sun., Jan. 7-Feb. 7. Tim Rhoze directs Patrick Meyer’s drama about the survival struggle of 2 men stranded on the world’s 2nd highest and most savage mountain without supplies, with a storm approaching, and with one of them sporting a broken leg. Stars John Manfredi and James Bowen. 8 p.m., Performance Network, 120 E. Huron. Preview tickets: whatever you can afford to pay (Jan. 7), $22 (Jan. 8, 10, & 14), and $30 (Jan. 9). Jan. 15 opening night tickets: $39 & $41 includes reception. After Jan. 15: $27 & $29 (Thurs.), $32 & $34 (Fri. & Sun.), $25 & $27 (Sat. matinee), $39 & $41 (Sat. eve.). $3 discount for seniors age 60 & over. Tickets available in advance at performancenetwork.org & by phone, and at the door. $10 student discount in advance, half-price student tickets at the door only. For reservations, call 663-0681; to charge by phone, call 663-0696.
Feb. 4-7, 11-14, & 18-21. Daniel Cooney directs William Finn and Rachael Sheinkin’s 2004 one-act musical comedy about 6 anxiously overachieving adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by 3 adults who have barely managed to escape childhood themselves. Cast: Jeffrey James Binney, Christine Bunuan, Steve DeBruyne, Tobin Hissong, Elizabeth Jaffe, Sonja Marquis, Colleen Meyer, Thalia Schramm, Chris Shewchenko, and Evan Williams. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Feb. 14), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Tickets $28 (seniors & students, $25; groups of 10 or more, $22) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. 268-6200.
Every Fri. Lindy hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, blues, and Balboa dancing to a DJ. No partner needed. Bring hard-sole shoes. Preceded at 8 p.m. by beginning lessons. 8:45-11:45 p.m., Dakota Bldg., 1785 W. Stadium. $5 (includes lessons; students, $3). 417-9857.
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