ARBORWEB - Ann Arbor's Home on the Web
HomeContact UsSubscribeAdvertiseSite Map
Calendar of Events
City Guide
Restaurants
Nightspots
Singles
Classified Ads
Visitor Information
Houses and Apartments
Health Care
Colleges and Universities
Weather
About arborweb
Search arborweb
 

 

CITY GUIDE

Creative Arts

Academy of Early Music

P.O. Box 7694, AA 48107
665–5758

Organization celebrating music from the Middle Ages to the Classical era. Presentation and sponsorship of period performances and community outreach activities. Academy members include concert goers, serious amateurs, aspiring students, and professional performers. aspemboard@umich.edu, www.academyofearlymusic.org


American Guild of Organists

1671 E. Forest, Ypsilanti, 48198 [map]
483–3209

Local chapter of a national organization for professional and amateur organists, church musicians, choir directors, and aficionados of organ and choral music. Concerts, recitals, workshops, and lectures throughout the year. jwagner@aacrc.org, www.annarborago.org


Ann Arbor Ballet Theater

CAS Ballet Theater School, 548 Church
662–2942

Local troupe annually performs The Nutcracker at the Power Center. Auditions in Sept.


Ann Arbor Ballet Workshop

Community School of Ballet, 617 East University, suite 222
996–8515

Creates new works for classical ballet. Performs locally once or twice a year. Open auditions twice a year. chiapuris@comcast.net, www.csballetannarbor.com


Ann Arbor Cantata Singers

P.O. Box 2574, AA 48106
996–8867

This chamber choir presents choral music from five centuries. Open to new members by audition. a2cantatasingers@yahoo.com, www.a2cantatasingers.org


Ann Arbor Civic Ballet

Sylvia Studio of Dance, 3900 Jackson, suite 6
668–8066

Performs several times a year and hosts Dance Michigan, a showcase of new works by Michigan choreographers and companies. Open auditions Sept. 25, 2008 for ages 12–adult. aacbboard2005@umich.edu, www.annarborcivicballet.com


Ann Arbor Civic Band


Bill Gourley, director, 429–5301

Community band performs Wed. in late June and in July at West Park, and at other events. No dues. billgourley@comcast.net


Ann Arbor Civic Chorus


994–2300, ext. 53203

Four-part chorus for experienced singers meets Sept.–Apr., Mon. nights. Varied repertoire. Fees vary. Concerts Dec. and Apr. brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us


Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society


Brian or Mary Lou Roberts, 769–5704

Master classes, workshops, recitals, and concerts. society@arborguitar.org, www.society.arborguitar.org


Ann Arbor Concert Band

P.O. Box 1843, AA 48106
434-7876

Talented symphonic wind ensemble begins its 30th season performing marches and classic band literature in Sun. afternoon concerts at the historic Michigan Theater in Nov. Jan. Mar. & May. Potential new member auditions held in Aug. contactus@aaband.org, www.aaband.org


Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance

2269 Westaire Ct., AA 48103 [map]
665–7704

Organization dedicated to traditional music, dance, song, and related arts. Sponsors more than 200 events each year, most with live acoustic music, including contra dances, English country dances, open bands, Morris, sword, swing, international, and folk dancing, and more. info@aactmad.org, www.aactmad.org


Ann Arbor Festival of Song

P. O. Box 7296, AA 48107

Concerts, recitals, and lectures devoted to art song and vocal chamber music by local and visiting professional and student singers. rodgersjane@sbcglobal.net, www.a2fos.org


Ann Arbor Grail Singers


662–0631

A feature of the Michigan musical scene since 1995, this 16-voice women's choir has performed in several prestigious venues in Michigan and Ohio. Forthcoming concerts are announced on www.AcademyofEarlyMusic.org. For audition information, contact stephanie@teced.com


Ann Arbor Morris Dancers


Greg Meisner, 747–8138

Traditional English dance group. Practice Sun. 6–8 p.m. at Gretchen’s House VII, 1580 Dhu Varren Rd. (Oct.–Apr.), and at Burton Tower on U-M campus (May–Sept.). Summer rain site is U-M Dental school portico. New members welcome. No dues. a2morris@umich.edu, www.hvcn.org/info/morris


Ann Arbor Pipes and Drums


Bill Kincaid, 973–1828

Band dedicated to teaching and presenting traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum music. Group or solo performances year round, with summer competitions at Highland festivals. whk925@comcast.net, www.a2pipesanddrums.org


Ann Arbor Recorder Society

412 Colin Circle, AA 48103 [map]
213–3172

A 30-member ensemble under a professional music director and various small consorts. Repertoire spans the Renaissance to the modern era. Beginning through advanced players of recorders and other early instruments welcome. Rehearsals Sept., second Mon., and Oct.–June, first Mon., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Presents spring workshop and a June concert. davidgriffiths@sbcglobal.net


Ann Arbor Sacred Harp

Meets at the Ark, 316 S. Main
Pat Forsberg-Smith, 747–9644

Group devoted to the practice of shape-note singing, a form of early American communal hymn singing. All voices and levels of experience welcome. Meets at the Ark, 316 S. Main, Sept.–June, usually second Sun. 2–5 p.m. No dues. cawolfe@umich.edu


Ann Arbor Screenwriters Group


Meets second and fourth Wed. to discuss screenwriting, share information, and workshop scripts. Learn screenwriting craft and business. No dues. Email for more information. briansgate@hotmail.com, movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters


Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts


930–0353

Presents a series of six concerts in Fall and Spring on Wed. morning at the Ann Arbor City Club. Also sponsors Rosalie Edwards Youth Music competition and Collegiate Youth Artist competition annually. fischer709@comcast.net


Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild


Judy Schmidt, 971–5763, or Beverly Black, 665–4312

Sharing stories is a major part of each meeting. Visitors welcome. Annual dues $15. Produces Ann Arbor’s Tellabration in Nov. and the Nicola’s Books Storytelling Festival in the spring. Meets Jan.–June & Sept.–Nov., fourth Sun. 2–4 p.m., Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate). fransdotir@aol.com or bevblack@umich.edu, www.annarborstorytelling.org


Arbor Consort

P.O. Box 3302, AA 48106

Semiprofessional a cappella singing group performs Renaissance-era music in period costumes for fairs, weddings, libraries, and schools, as well as holiday caroling in Victorian costumes. thearborconsort@gmail.com, www.arbor-consort.org


Brave New Works

2721 Maplewood, AA 48104 [map]
276–4906

Ensemble of string quartet, piano, flute, harp, clarinet, and voice performs contemporary classical music in two or three local concerts a year, as well as touring. info@bravenewworks.org, www.bravenewworks.org


Burns Park Players

2201 Brockman Blvd. [map]
741–1723

Neighborhood adult theater group that incorporates the children, grades 1–5, of the Burns Park School area into its cast and crew for its annual Feb. musical production, a benefit for performing arts enrichment programs in the public schools. www.burnsparkplayers.org


County Connection Chorus of Sweet Adelines

P.O. Box 970597, Ypsilanti 48197
480–8843

Fifty-member a cappella chorus for women. No formal audition; sight-reading ability not required. Rehearsals Tues. 7 p.m. at UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile Rd., Ypsilanti. Visitors welcome. chorus@countyconnectionchorus.org, www.countyconnectionchorus.org


Dance Ensemble of Michigan

220 S. Main [map]
995–1747

Hosts original ballet and jazz dance performances at the Power Center and performs at retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and community centers. Call for Fall auditions, for dancers ages 12–adult. www.demi-dance.org


Dance Gallery Studio

815 Wildt [map]
747–8885

Adult and children's classes in modern, ballet, jazz, yoga, and more. Workshops in other dance styles. molly@dancegalleryfoundation.org, www.dancegallerystudio.org


Dodworth Saxhorn Band


Mike Deren, 663–9634

Nineteenth-century period-instrument brass band. Performs year round throughout the Midwest and in Canada. Occasional open auditions. mike.deren@dodworth.org, www.dodworth.org


Drumming Circle


Lori Fithian, 426–7818

Monthly community-building drum circle. Open to the public. All ages and levels welcome. Also facilitates programs for schools, camps, festivals, retreats, and conferences. Meets at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main. lorifithian@mac.com, www.drummunity.com


Friends of Four Hand Music


Joan Doman, 971–6261; Preston Plews, 485–5007

Members share piano duet and two piano music for all skills levels. Listeners welcome. Meets Sept.– June, second Sun. 2 p.m.; May meeting on third Sun; call for location. Minimal, voluntary dues. aa4handpiano@yahoo.com


Grand Traditions Vintage Dance

Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd
JoAnn Keosaian, 769–0041

Teaches social dances of the Victorian, ragtime, and swing eras. Monthly (Sept.–Apr.) workshops at all levels, $10. Formal Victorian Holiday Ball, Dec. 13, 2008. Valentine's Roaring Twenties Ball, Feb. 14, 2009. Informal monthly swing dance and workshop $7. Scholarships available. info@vintagedance.com, www.vintagedance.com


Hundredth Monkey

P.O. Box 7172, AA 48107
995–2972

Performance ensemble blending dance and musical theater in original works that promote social, political, and spiritual awareness. Tours nationally. info@jesserichards.net, animalloversproject.org


Huron Valley Harmonizers


445–1925

The local chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society meets weekly to sing, and its 40-member male chorus performs one or two concerts annually. Meets Tues. 7:30 p.m., Stony Creek United Methodist Church, 8635 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. info@hvharmonizers.org, www.hvharmonizers.org


MSalsa: U–M Salsa Rueda Club


Offers lessons, dances, and dance-related fund-raisers to promote Rueda de Casino (a Cuban-style salsa). U-M fall and winter terms, Mon. nights (beginners 7–8 p.m., open dance 8–8:30 p.m., intermediates 8:30–9:30 p.m.), Michigan Union Ballroom, second floor. $5/night; see website for details and special events. www.umich.edu/~msalsa


Measure for Measure

P.O. Box 2938, AA 48106
649–7664

A men’s choral society of approximately 80 voices performs throughout Michigan and the Midwest 8 to 10 times a year. Auditions will be held in Sept. and Jan. for men age 19 and older. lorenzs@slcs.us, www.measure4measure.org


Michigan A Cappella Council


An umbrella organization for U-M’s 14 a cappella groups. Groups perform throughout the year, in varying musical genres. All 14 groups perform at MACFest, Nov. 1, Rackham Auditorium. maccexec@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umsing


Michigan Argentine Tango Club


846–7196

Eight-week classes: beginners, advanced beginners, and intermediate. Angell Hall, 435 S. State, room G-115, Wed. 8–9:30 p.m., practica 9:30–11:30 p.m. Students $15 for eight weeks, others $25 for eight weeks. Discounts for members. No partner or experience necessary. Rotating series of advanced classes at Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd., Mon. 8–9:30 p.m., practica 9:30–11 p.m. $5/drop-in. Sat. night milonga, open dance for all levels, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.; see website for details, dates, and locations. umtango@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umtango


Michigan Sinfonietta

431 Sommerset Ct., AA 48103 [map]
769–2988

Professional chamber orchestra performs for organizations throughout Michigan and many churches, and at some silent films at the Michigan Theater. greggshay@aol.com


National Society of Arts and Letters

875 Scio Church [map]
Doni Lystra, 663–5915

Local chapter of national organization for artists and those who wish to assist young artists. Annual competitions in music, drama, literature, musical theater, dance, and visual art. 200 competition is drama (comedy and tragedy for ages 13-32). dlystra@sbcglobal.net, www.arts-nsal.org/chaptermidmichigan.html


Out Loud Chorus

P.O. Box 7107, AA 48107
973–6084

Education, performances, and social outlets for people interested in choral music. Open to many levels of ability; committed to embodying diversity in sexual preference and reducing bigotry. Meets mid-Sept.–mid-June, Mon. 7–9:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium. OutLoudChorus@gmail.com, www.aaoutloud.org


Papagena Opera Company

P.O. Box 2211, AA 48106
663–9831

Chamber opera company presents three fully costumed programs each year. papagena13@aol.com


Peter Sparling Dance Company

Dance Gallery Studio, 815 Wildt
747–8885

Professional modern dance company performs locally and nationally. molly@dancegalleryfoundation.org, www.dancegalleryfoundation.org/sparling


Redbud Productions

1101 Ravenwood, AA 48103 [map]
663–7167

Produces several plays and staged readings each year featuring adults and high school students. Offers acting classes in the fall and spring for adults, high school, and middle school students. minkit@aol.com, www.redbudproductions.com


Ring of Steel Action Theater

Student Theater Arts Complex, 1201 Kipke.
Chris Barbeau, 320–1147

Performs and provides training in all matter of theater and film stunt work. Hosts summer camps, demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. Performs at schools, fairs, and other events. Private and semi-private classes for all ages. Rentals and sales. rosteel@umich.edu, www.ringofsteel.org


Sole Full of Rhythm

4569 Washtenaw [map]
Sara Randazzo (Artistic Director), 477–9350

Professional tap dancers perform in various schools, clubs, concerts, festivals, and other venues. Annual concert and workshops for all levels. solefullofrhythm@mac.com, www.solefullofrhythm.com


Swing Ann Arbor


Monique Rio, 565–3743

Swing Ann Arbor. Drop-in swing dance lessons Wed. at the Michigan Union Pendleton Room. Lessons 7:30 p.m. (intermediate Lindy Hop) & 8:30 p.m. (beginner East Coast or Lindy Hop, alternating biweekly). Open dancing 9:30 p.m. Everybody welcome; no partner needed. Students $4; Nonstudents $5. swingannarbor@umich.edu, www.swingannarbor.org


Terpsichore’s Kitchen

116 W. Washington, loft B [map]
239–4172

Shows at Performance Network, 120 E. Huron, and elsewhere. Provides opportunities for independent choreographers, dancers, and musicians. info@movement-center.com


The Choral Connection


665–4573

Song and dance troupe performs lively musical revues featuring animated vocals, up tempo staging, comedy bits, costumes, and props. Music includes jazz standards, vintage pop, and musical theater. annebau@hotmail.com, www.choralconnection.org


The Comic Opera Guild

P.O. Box 1922, AA 48106
973–3264

Founded in 1973, this local and touring company stages all forms of classical musical theater from Mozart to operettas and musical comedies. Auditions are open. Recordings of rare operettas and English performing versions are available. Also sponsors the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, open to all singers not represented by an agent. constu@comcast.net, www.comicoperaguild.org


The Personae Theatre Ensemble


255–7998

Produces shows about national and international current affairs. www.thepersonaetheatreensemble.blogspot.com


The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale

1410 S. Zeeb, AA 48103 [map]
769–4437

Choral ensemble performs spirituals and the music of African American composers. Public welcome at meetings, Tues. 7:30 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods Dr. Rehearsals mid-Sept.–June. www.ourownthingchorale.org


The Working Writers Group


Dale, 585–2191

Mutual support group for writers; circulates members’ work for critique and advice. Meets second & fourth Tues. 7 p.m., Borders Books & Music, 612 E. Liberty.


Tree Town Community Chorus


213–7670

This 25-member, mixed-voice choir performs all types of music and presents two concerts a year. Open to new members, preferably in Sept. No auditions. Meets Sept.–May. perample@mac.com


Troupe Habibat al-Fen

400 W. Washington (YMCA) [map]
Grace Lehman, 661–8034

Middle Eastern dance ensemble performs locally for community and educational events. Level I & II classes Mon. 7:30–9 p.m.; advanced classes Tues. 7:15–9:15 p.m. Special workshops also offered. www.annarborymca.org


U-M Ballroom Dance Club

Michigan Union Ballroom or Michigan League [map]
Hotline: 763–6984

Weekly ballroom dance lessons followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. Casual dress. Meets most Sun. Annual competition. All skill levels welcome. Trial membership available. ballroom@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umbdc


U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Michigan League, 911 North University [map]
Tickets: 764–2538

University students, faculty, and community members perform the works of the renowned musical team in fall and spring shows at Mendelssohn Theatre. umgassexec@umich.edu, www.umgass.org


University Musical Society Choral Union

881 North University [map]
763–8997

Auditioned chorus of 175 voices that performs locally and with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Performances of Handel’s Messiah in Dec. choralunion@umich.edu, www.ums.org/s_choral_union


Vocal Arts Ensemble

1117 Granger, AA 48104 [map]
741–7451

Chamber choir of 24 singers performs a cappella and accompanied works of various styles, from Renaissance to contemporary. Four concerts a year, one with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. This season includes a commissioned premiere by Pulitzer Prize winning composer, William Bolcom. Call or email for audition appointment. bcohen@greenhillsschool.org


Women's Chamber Chorus


213–7670

Nondenominational group performs a variety of music from classical to folk to pop. No auditions. Rehearses Sept.–May (except Labor Day), Mon. 10–11:45 a.m., West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh. perample@mac.com


Ypsilanti Community Band

P.O. Box 970047, Ypsilanti 48197

Volunteer ensemble performs concert band music in free evening concerts during the year (Oct., Dec., Mar., May) at Washtenaw Community College and during the summer in various outdoor locations in the Ypsilanti area. No auditions to join. ypsicommband@gmail.com, www.ypsicommband.com


 
 
 

 

Copyright © 1998-2008, Ann Arbor Observer. This site is updated daily. Thank you for visiting.