Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
The Play Ground, being partial to stories about librarians, is mad for "The Music Man" now featured at the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Meredith Willson called this play his "valentine to a bygone era." A traveling salesman cons the townsfolk into buying musical instruments by posing as an instructor who wants to start a band. His plans to skip town with the cash change when he meets the town librarian. Of course! Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. 971-2228 September 7-9 & 13-16 8 p.m.
Blog Post
The Renaissance Festival is in Full Swing!
by jaegerla
Hear ye, hear ye! Be sure to check out the Michigan Renaissance Festival! It runs in Holly this year every weekend from August 18- September 30th and provides a day of entertainment for just about everyone! There are plenty of events, activities, and unique shopping experiences to draw in all sorts of people. This upcoming weekend features the Buccaneer Beer Fest. Argh! If you would like to attend the festivities in costume, feel free to check out one of the library's books on Renaissance clothing, such as Vecellio's Renaissance Costume Book by Cesare Vecellio.
Blog Post
Bonsai!
by manz
The 34th Annual Bonsai Show, presented by the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society, will take place August 25 & 26th from 10 am to 4:30 pm at the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The show will feature about 100 bonsai, demos, as well as items for purchase such as tools, supplies and books. Admission is $3 and will happen regardless of weather conditions.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
The pineapple is the most well known of the plant family known as Bromeliads. The family contains a wide range of plants including some very un-pineapple like members such as Spanish Moss and aloes, yuccas and some green, leafy grasses. Bromeliads entered recorded history some 500 years ago when Columbus introduced the pineapple (Ananas comosus) to Spain upon return from his second voyage to the New World in 1493. Within 50 years this tropical fruit was being cultivated in India and other Old World countries. Today, they are inexpensive and easy to grow.
To learn more, head over to the annual show of the Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society. Show and sale of over 200 exotic bromeliad houseplants, including some hybrids from a Hawaii breeder rarely seen in Michigan. U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission. 998-7061, (248) 380-7359. August 18 & 19. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Blog Post
When do baseball and knitting come together?
by manz
On September 9th! Do you embroider, knit, crochet, cross-stitch or needlepoint? Do you like baseball or root on the Tigers? If so, this is the event for you! Stitch n' Pitch is an event that combines the stitch arts and baseball. Stitch n' Pitch events are happening across the country and one is coming to Comerica Park on Sunday September 9th. You can sit in the stands, knit a cool scarf alongside other stitch artists and enjoy the baseball game! Anyone is welcome, so don't worry if you're a novice. Tickets are available at various stores around the Detroit area. Looking for a new project or want to hone your skills? Why not try these books out before the game: Quick knits, cool projects, Sublime Stitching, Splendid samplers to cross-stitch. Play ball!
Blog Post
Bowling and Bands
by Sarah T
The Magic Stick is the self-proclaimed "Home of Rock" in Detroit. Rumored to be where bands such as the White Stripes got their start, the venue hosts local and national acts at a frenetic pace. There's a bowling alley in the basement, billiards in the bar, a cafe and pizza joint down the stairs, and the Majestic Theater next door. What more do you need to go with your frosty beverage and local rock stars?
Brush up on your local rock history with Grit, noise, and revolution and check out upcoming shows including Band of Horses (8/13), Helmet (8/29), the Detroit Cobras (9/1), and many others.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Woof! It must be told. The Play Ground prefers dogs to plays, movies and concerts. We head up to N. Territorial often for the All Breed Agility Trials and watch the many dog breeds run and compete and smile. Yes, smile.
Sponsored by the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. Dog trainers from throughout the Midwest and Canada lead their animals through a variety of competitive obedience exercises, such as heeling, retrieving, directed jumping, and 3-speed walking and running. Spectators welcome. August 11 & 12. 1575 E. North Territorial Rd. 426-9120. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
"Love is a banquet on which we feed....because the night belongs to lovers..."
The Play Ground loves that song. It was written by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith. Unbelievably, Patti Smith will playing The Ark on Thursday. Smith, "punk rock's poet laureate," came to prominence during the punk movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. She has regained prominence recently with her induction earlier this year into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the recent release of Twelve, a collection of renovative covers of songs by everyone from Dylan and Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana.
Thursday, August 2, 7:30 p.m. 763-TKTS.
Blog Post
The Play Ground
by Albert
Local perennial favorites, the RFD Boys, are back at The Ark this Friday. The boys have been the house bluegrass band at the Ark for twenty years.
They have appeared in numerous festivals and even made the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. Their shows blend top-notch musicianship with funny between-songs dialogue. So, sit back and enjoy such classics as "Rocky Top," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "I'm My Own Grandpa" and the show closer, "Orange Blossom Special,"
They always bring along their own Rural Free Delivery mailbox for you to submit your own suggestions. Friday, August 27, 8pm.
Blog Post
County 4H Fair
by Robb
It’s that time of year again. 4H at the Washtenaw County Fair grounds on Ann Arbor – Saline road at Pleasant Lake Road just south of town.
It starts Sunday July 22nd through Friday, July 27th. It’s all free to spectators. Come out and enjoy the many judging and showmanship events including cows, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs, horses, llamas and more. Click here to get the full schedule for the week.
You don’t need to have kids involved in 4H to enjoy the many great dramas that occur there throughout the week. Come out and have a good time.