The Sun Times News

Vocal Arts Ensemble of Ann Arbor -- Concert Publicity
2026-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit) | Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, M, 48104, United States
VAE celebrates Earth Day with a new choral drama that explores the literary relationship between music and nature. Evocative settings of Shakespeare, Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver, E. E. Cummings and many more. The program will include a vast and interconnected array of choral gems, with music from the late Renaissance to contemporary, including a world premiere by Stephen Rush. Reception to follow.

ANIMALS HAVE CLASS / ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:30 | Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI, 48118, United States
ANIMALS HAVE CLASS / ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS: 1:00-2:00 & 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 19. Come to the Discovery Center for our first live-animal program since renovations were completed. Science Alive will present two programs with live animals investigating the fundamentals of animal classification, highlighting all the vertebrate groups and addressing their unique characteristics. The programs will also examine the adaptive characteristics of these animals, their role in the animal’s survival and how the environment impacts adaptation. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Please register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number and number of people attending. ***Please specify which presentation you wish to attend***

Ellen Rowe’s All About the Trio – But Not For Me: The Evolution of a Jazz Standard
2026-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, M, 48104, United States
In this final installment of this season’s All About the Trio series the trio will be joined by a collective of special guests to present a retrospective of different takes on the classic American Songbook standard. Versions referenced will include Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Ahmad Jamal, Modern Jazz Quartet, John Coltrane and the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Audience questions are welcome!
Join us for an enjoyable, improvisatory and interactive afternoon of jazz in the House!
Ellen Rowe (piano); Paul Keller (bass); Pete Siers (drums); Kenji Lee (tenor saxophone); Sunny Wilkinson (vocalist), Justin Walter (trumpet); Cary Kocher (vibraphone)

Tales, Legends & Legacy: A benefit concert featuring the artists & stories shaping 2026
2026-04-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Macon Creek, 8759 Clinton Macon Road, Clinton, M, 49236, United States
Step into the creative heart of Macon Creek as Beacon Arts Michigan launches its 2026 Summer Concert Series, Tales, Legends & Legacy, with a vibrant Collage Concert—a celebration of the artists, sounds, and stories that will shape the season ahead.
Beacon Arts Michigan exists to enrich rural communities across Michigan by presenting high-quality artistic performances and educational outreach. Rooted in a legacy of regional chamber music and community engagement, the organization brings premier artists to underserved areas in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Through collaborative programming—including concerts, youth education, artist residencies, and commissioned works—Beacon Arts Michigan fosters artistic exchange, celebrates Michigan’s cultural diversity, and strengthens connections between artists and communities. Its purpose is to ensure that the transformative power of the arts remains accessible, relevant, and deeply rooted in regional heritage.

Birthright Citizenship: Promise or Betrayal of the American Dream?
2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Dan’s Downtown Tavern, 103 E. Michigan Avenue, Saline, M, 48176, United States
Join us for a thoughtful, cross-partisan discussion on questions about the 14th Amendment, with a focus on birthright citizenship. All are welcome to participate in this engaging community conversation.
Why Join Us?

Real talk, no scripts: This isn’t a lecture. It’s a chance to share your perspective and hear from others in a respectful, cross-partisan space.

Local vibes: We’re meeting at Dan’s Downtown Tavern. Order dinner and drinks and pull up a chair.

Your voice matters: Your experience and hopes shape the American Dream.

Natural Homemade Cleaners Workshop (Milan Public Library)
2026-04-21 19:00 - 20:00 | The Center, 45 Neckel Ct., Milan, 48160, United States
Instructor Kim Niblack will teach class participants how to create their own environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products, including a glass cleaner, a scrub like Comet and cleaning wipes, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at The Center, 45 Neckel Ct. They will also have the opportunity to make a blended homemade cleaner to use at home. Call the Milan Public Library at (734) 439-1240 to register for this free workshop.

Saline Area Community Listening Session - Tourism Impact Plan
2026-04-22 17:00 - 18:30 | The 109 Cultural Exchange, 109 W Michigan Avenue, SALINE, MI, 48176, United States
Destination Ann Arbor is working with communities across Washtenaw County to create a Tourism Impact Plan. Your voice is an important part of that process!
We’re examining how tourism shows up in our communities and how it can best support local businesses, neighborhoods, and the quality of life of residents in the future.
As part of this process, we want to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community members like you.
Join a Community Listening Session
These conversations are an opportunity to share your experiences, ideas, and hopes for tourism in your community.

"A Seat at the Table" Pitch Haus ~ Natural Dye Workshop with Kitchen Dyes
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Curiouser Clay, 13223 McKinley Rd, Chelsea, M, 48118, United States
Join The Natural Dye Company for Pitch Haus “A Seat at the Table” presented by Curiouser Clay. Explore the art of natural dyeing using ingredients from the kitchen. Participants will learn a shibori resist technique to create a unique design on a flour sack towel that will be dyed with either yellow onion skins, red onion skins, or avocado skins–your choice! You’ll also participant in making a community textile to be displayed at the Pitch Haus in June! For more information and to register, follow this link.

Microsoft PowerPoint – Basics
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Ypsilanti District Library, N/A, Virtual, MI, United States
Learn how to create and add graphics and multimedia to a presentation.

Rummage Sale at New Apostolic Church
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-25 | MI
Come join our Rummage Sale on Friday & Saturday April 24th and 25th 9 AM-4 PM.
Wide assortment of items to choose from.
Hosted by the New Apostolic Church at
4844 Jackson Rd #200 Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(located in Jackson Plaza towards the back of the centre)
We are close to the Meijer at Jackson and Zeeb area

Canva 101: Intro to Canva
2026-04-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Ypsilanti District Library, N/A, Virtual, MI, United States
Explore Canva, a free graphic design tool that lets you make flyers, social media content, and more. Learn the basics of Canva’s interface, tools, and features in this introductory class.

"A Seat at the Table" Pitch Haus ~ Natural Dye Bundle Dye Workshop
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Curiouser Clay, 13223 McKinley Rd, Chelsea, M, 48118, United States
Join The Natural Dye Company for Pitch Haus “A Seat at the Table” presented by Curiouser Clay. Bundle dyeing is the perfect way to start your dye journey and is a simple form of eco-printing. You will learn how to use an array of natural dyes and steam to create your own 100% silk scarf and also participant in making a community textile to be displayed at the Pitch Haus in June! For more information and to register, follow this link.

NautiMI on the River 5th Anniversary Bash!
2026-04-25 13:00 - 18:00 | NautiMI on the River, 9260 McGregor Rd., Pinckney, M, 48169, United States
Come Celebrate 5 wonderfully fun years with us!!
When: Saturday, April 25th 1pm -6pm
Where: NautiMI on the River9260 McGregor Rd. Pinckney
What: 734 Hibachi & More Food Truck, BOYer! The Magic Man, Prizes & Giveaways, Carnival Games, Balloon Art & Animals, Storewide Sales, Special Ice Cream & Coffee Treats & Much more!
Come on out and help us make this the best Party of the year!

Wine, Women & Song XXIV: Songs in the Keys of Life
2026-04-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, M, 48104, United States
Get ready for an extraordinary evening as the Women of Wine, Women & Song return to Kerrytown Concert House for the 24th installment of their adored cabaret series!
This year’s show, Songs in the Keys of Life, will guide you through a musical journey that mirrors the diverse phases of life we all navigate. From bravely challenging the world to “bring it on,” to the quest for love in all the right (and sometimes wrong) places; from the lessons learned from mistakes and the triumphs of success to the revelation of the power of human connection – the Women will explore a full spectrum of human experience. Through laughter, introspection, and even irreverence, Songs in the Keys of Life is set to evoke cherished memories, stir deep emotions, and keep you grinning from ear to ear.
As Kerrytown Concert House’s signature annual fundraising event, Wine, Women & Song is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of community, music, and the shared stories that bind us all. Whether you’re attending for the first time or the 24th, you will leave filled with joy, hope, and a rhythm that will have you tapping your toes long after the final note.
Join us in this unforgettable experience! The incredible women who dedicate their time and talents to this event, along with their vibrant audiences, create a magical atmosphere that truly makes Wine, Women & Song a special occasion.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Personnel
The Women: Laurie Atwood*, Linda Beaupré, Sue Booth, Gayle Martin, Jess Merritt, January Provenzola, Deanna Relyea, Emily Rogers-Driskill, Susan Shipman, Monica Swartout-Bebow, and Kathy Waugh
Pianist/Music Director: Tim Van Riper
Violinist: Sonia Lee
Drummer: Jonathon Brown
Show Creators: Linda Beaupré, Sue Booth, and Susan Shipman
Producer: Monica Swartout-Bebow
Staging Consultant: Roxy Diederich
*Only in April

EPHEMERAL HIKE: EXPLORING THE “CORAL REEFS” OF OUR FORESTS
2026-04-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI, 48118, United States
EPHEMERAL HIKE: EXPLORING THE “CORAL REEFS” OF OUR FORESTS: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26. From frozen frogs to floating fairies and fragile fingernail clams, hike with Master Naturalist Doug Jackson who will share the wonders of our enchanted woodland pools. Explore and learn about the fascinating creatures that inhabit these pools and find out how you can participate in a statewide program collecting data about them. This includes a short moderate hike on and off trail. Sturdy shoes and long pants are highly advised. Bug sprays and lotions are prohibited because of the sensitive fauna. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Please register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number and number of people attending. ***Program limited to 30 participants.***

Wine, Women & Song XXIV: Songs in the Keys of Life
2026-04-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, M, 48104, United States
Get ready for an extraordinary evening as the Women of Wine, Women & Song return to Kerrytown Concert House for the 24th installment of their adored cabaret series!
This year’s show, Songs in the Keys of Life, will guide you through a musical journey that mirrors the diverse phases of life we all navigate. From bravely challenging the world to “bring it on,” to the quest for love in all the right (and sometimes wrong) places; from the lessons learned from mistakes and the triumphs of success to the revelation of the power of human connection – the Women will explore a full spectrum of human experience. Through laughter, introspection, and even irreverence, Songs in the Keys of Life is set to evoke cherished memories, stir deep emotions, and keep you grinning from ear to ear.
As Kerrytown Concert House’s signature annual fundraising event, Wine, Women & Song is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of community, music, and the shared stories that bind us all. Whether you’re attending for the first time or the 24th, you will leave filled with joy, hope, and a rhythm that will have you tapping your toes long after the final note.
Join us in this unforgettable experience! The incredible women who dedicate their time and talents to this event, along with their vibrant audiences, create a magical atmosphere that truly makes Wine, Women & Song a special occasion.
We can’t wait to see you there!

SCORE Ann Arbor Area – Marketing for Startups: Build a Simple Plan That Works
2026-04-27 12:00 - 13:30 | SCORE Ann Arbor Area, N/A, Virtual, MI, United States

Anthony Wayne Cat Show Mo(rris Lawerance Building WCC May 9th 9AM to 3PM)
2026-04-28 09:00 - 15:00 | MI
All-Breed Cat Show
Morris Lawerance Building WCC May 9th 9AM to 3PM

All-Breed Cat Show on May 9, 2026
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Location: Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor MI 48105

Admission Information

Adults: $10
Students: $8
Family: $25
Children under age 6: no charge

Contact and Additional Information

For inquiries: sabrinagrisier@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cfa.org

Supporting Refugee Children In Our Community
2026-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, M, 48103, United States
Join us for an enlightening evening dedicated to understanding the journeys of those seeking a new beginning. This special information event, hosted by Samaritas, offers a unique opportunity to look beyond the headlines and connect with the human stories behind the refugee experience.

What to Expect:
Real Life Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from foster parents who have fostered refugee youth, who can tell about their experiences.

Make a Difference: Learn practical, impactful ways you can support and empower refugee families in our community.
Open Forum: We welcome your curiosity! This is a safe space for questions and discussion during our open Q&A session.
No Commitment Required: This is a purely informational event. Come to learn and listen with no pressure to sign up for anything.

RSVP at: Dsoza@samaritas.org

Why Attend?
Nearly half of all refugees worldwide are children. By attending, you are taking the first step in building a more welcoming and supportive environment for our newest neighbors. Whether you have an hour to spare or just want to learn more, your presence makes a difference.

International Jazz Day with Vincent York’s Jazzistry
2026-04-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, M, 48104, United States
For International Jazz Day (April 30th), 2026, multi-instrumentalist Vincent York and the Jazzistry Band will present an event illustrating the international roots of jazz, conceived in the USA, but now beloved and performed worldwide. Vincent and company will present an all-ages concert tracing the multicultural origins of jazz and modern music, from the rhythms of enslaved Africans tempered with European melodies. Savor stories, rare photos, demonstrations, explanations of different rhythms, instruments, and eras of jazz. Vincent and the band trace the evolution of jazz from field hollers and work songs to marches, spirituals, gospel, the blues, ragtime, early jazz, swing, bebop, soul jazz, hardbop, cool jazz, contemporary jazz, and hip-hop. This International Jazz Day concert will be an extended version of the program Vincent and the band present at area schools and community centers. Jazzistry, which combines Jazz + History + Artistry, makes learning about a worldwide phenomenon fun!
Read more about Jazzistry at vincentyorkjazzistry.org.
Vincent York – saxophones, clarinet, flute, piccolo, oboe, and narrator
John Douglas – trumpet
Ron English – guitar, mandolin, and banjo
Taslimah Bey – piano
Josef Deas – bass
Jesse Kramer – drums and percussion

Milan Garden Club perennial sale
2026-05-01 12:00 - 2026-05-02 16:00 | Hack House, 775 County St, Milan, M, 48160, United States
The Milan Garden Club will hold their annual perennial plant sale Friday, May 1st, 12-4 and Saturday, May 2nd 12-4. The sale will be at the Hack House Fire Barn, 775 County St, Milan. Many beautiful perennials will be for sale, we hope to see you there!

Opening Of The Dexter Area Museum
2026-05-01 13:00 - 2027-04-30 15:00 | Dexter Area Museum, 3443 Inverness St, Dexter, M, 48130, United States
The Dexter Area Museum is open for the Summer! Open to the public Friday’s and Saturday’s from 1pm-3pm.

Late Night Chelsea
2026-05-01 18:00 - 21:00 | MI
Come to Chelsea for this wonderful evening filled with
Late Night Shopping
Giveaways
Live Music
Food & Drink Specials
and more!
Visit the Info Booth by the Chelsea Visitor Center/Palmer Automotive to receive your map and FREE Late Night Chelsea shopping bag!

Sip, Listen, Design: A Tea Ritual with Oracle Card Making and Sound
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Enlightened Soul Center, 2711 Carpenter Rd,, Ann Arbor, M, 48108, United States
Drink tea with me and make an oracle deck that requires no art experience, just writing and stamps.
Choose one of three of decks paths:
1. What To Do Now– for guidance in the moment
2. Qualities– to name and understand energies
3. Writing Prompts– for reflection and creative flow
Join together in a simple tea ritual with your choice of 3 kinds of locally grown herbal tea (including a blue sparkly one). You will have the option of adding coffee and cayenne to the tea. After we center together, I’ll set you up with art supplies and then play sound as you make an oracle card deck. We’ll close with optional sharing.
All art supplies and tea provided.
Please bring your own cup and any art supplies you would especially like to use or share.
Please arrive at 6:15 pm to look at sample decks, pick your tea and gather your supplies. Doors locked at 6:45 pm.

Todd Oliver and Irving the Talking Dog
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Brighton Center for the Performing Arts, 7878 Brighton Rd, Brighton, M, 48116, United States
Have you ever met a talking dog, a real talking dog? Get ready, because you are going to meet the funniest comedian on 4 legs!
“Irving”, with a little help from his friend Todd Oliver, is going to talk up a storm.
If you ever wondered how a dog looks at life, this little home-raised companion is going to give it to you straight from the dog’s mouth. He won’t mince words, and if he does, it’s Todd’s fault anyways (he’s a ventriloquist).
PET SUPPLIES DRIVE
Doors to the lobby open at 6:00pm. Please bring a donation of new and unopened pet supplies for Livingston County Animal Shelter (suggestions: unopened dog / cat food and treats, new toys, leashes, collars, harnesses, cat litter, small animal bedding).
BIO
Todd Oliver grew up loving dogs, ventriloquism, music and magic. As a young boy he studied piano, guitar, voice, and the variety arts. Along the way, he created some wooden-headed characters and performed around the world. You’ll also meet a bunny named Alice and 3 beautiful birds.
Todd Oliver and Friends have been a feature on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Today Show, a couple episodes of Walker Texas Ranger, and in 2012 they were a top 4 finalist on America’s Got Talent.
A major draw for many years on Showboats in Branson MO, and Nashville TN, as well as other major entertainment venues, Todd is now touring, bringing his brand of clean family fun to towns across America.
Todd promotes pet adoption, spay and neuter, and encourages young people to turn their talents into lifelong skills. In towns across America, Todd visits schools, inspiring young people with these timely and important messages.
The goal is making families laugh together with original, clean, contemporary comedy and fun, so sit back and get ready! You might even be on stage yourself – Todd turns audience members into real live Ventriloquist dummies! Either way, you’re going to have a doggone, rocking good time with “Todd Oliver and Irving the Talking Dog”.

Anuv Jain “Dastakhat” Tour at Park West
2026-05-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Park West, 322 W Armitage Avenue, Chicago, I, 60614, United States
After selling out shows across multiple international cities, Anuv Jain brings a limited US run of the Dastakhat World Tour 2026 to Chicago on May 1. One of the fastest-growing independent artists in India, Jain has built a global following through emotionally honest songs like “Baarishein,” “Husn,” and “Jo Tum Mere Ho,” with fans around the world filling carefully selected venues where his music and lyrics land with clarity and impact.

An Anuv Jain live concert is an intimate experience built around connection, storytelling, and shared emotion. With minimal production and a focus on acoustic performance, each show invites audiences to sing along, reflect, and feel fully present in the music. The Dastakhat World Tour 2026 invites US audiences into a rare live experience where songs are felt as deeply as they are heard.

Safety Day for families with autistic/neurodivergent individuals
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | MI
First Responder Safety Day for families with autistic/neurodivergent individuals
This free event will be held at the Milan Area Fire Station (45 Wabash Street, Milan, MI) on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Drop in between 10:00 and 11:30 (children) and 11:30 – 1:00 (older children/teens/young adults) to:
Explore police and fire vehicles
Meet Milan police officers and firefighters
Interact with therapy dogs
Experience a mock pullover (what to expect if your vehicle is pulled over by a police officer)
Learn about resources for families
10:00-11:30 : best for preschool and elementary ages
11:30-1:00 : best for older children, teens, young adults
We do not have set ages. You can choose the group that works best for you.
Registration is appreciated but not required. It will help us to know how many people to expect and we’ll send you a reminder email the day before the event.
You can register here: https://bit.ly/PublicSafetyRegistration
Thank you to following entities participating in this event:
Milan Area Fire Department: fire safety, explore the vehicles
Milan Police Department: safety, mock pullovers (what to expect if your vehicle is stopped by a police officer), explore the vehicles
First Responder Therapy Dogs
If you have any questions, please email youth@milanlibrary.org or call Milan Public Library at 734-439-1240.

Karin Klapperich Celebration of Life
2026-05-02 14:00 - 18:00 | MI
Please join us for Karin Klapperich’s Celebration of Life. Gary and Karin’s many loving friends and family will gather at the Dexter K of C Hall Saturday, May 2 from 2-6pm. We’d love to share stories, food, and drink with everyone and remember what a wonderful woman Karin was. She’ll be forever in our hearts. See you then

SPRING FLORA RAMBLE
2026-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI, 48118, United States
SPRING FLORA RAMBLE: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 3. Anything that is “up or out” will be fair game for discussion on this easy-going ramble geared for beginners and nature enthusiasts. Join Naturalist Robert Ayotte for a tour of Discovery Center Trails and the boardwalk at the Cedar Lake poor fen. We’ll see tuliptree, leatherwood, wild geranium, swamp buttercup, bog laurel, starflower, buckbean, and cuckoo flower in bloom, among others. We’ll start at the Discovery Center and walk about 2.5 miles on flat to gently rolling trails. Wear appropriate footwear if it’s wet. Bring your loupe (handlens). Robert is President of the Michigan Botanical Society and has been a field technician for Michigan Natural Features Inventory and the USDA Forest Service. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Please register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number and number of people attending. ***Program limited to 15 participants.***

Cluttering and Hoarding: The “Stuff” Beneath the Stuff
2026-05-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington Street, Chelsea, MI, United States
Join us at Chelsea Senior Center on May 4 at 1:30 for this helpful, informative presentation by Emily Nagaonkar, LMSW. You will learn definitions, indicators, and risks of cluttering and hoarding. Additionally, you will take away harm-reduction strategies, resources, and tools to help yourself and loved ones.
