AADL 2018 Staff Picks: Books, Music, Movies & More

Tue, 01/01/2019 - 12:00am by christopherporter

You may come to the Ann Arbor District Library to pick up a book or movie or sewing machine or electric guitar knowing well in advance that’s why you’ve entered one of AADL’s five locations.

But if you come to visit us and you can’t quite figure out what you want to check out, you might ask someone on staff for suggestions -- and we’re always happy to oblige.

Folk favorites Gemini celebrate a milestone birthday at The Ark

Wed, 12/26/2018 - 9:00am by christopherporter

The folk-music duo Gemini has been a vital part of the Ann Arbor music scene for more than 45 years. 

Herstories: Jessica Care Moore and Ursula Rucker on hip-hop and poetry

Wed, 12/19/2018 - 2:00pm by christopherporter

Jessica Care Moore and Ursula Rucker are rockstars.

Google that shit. 

Sonic Activism: Isaac Levine discusses his new LP, "A Death So Obsessed With Living"

Mon, 12/17/2018 - 8:30am by christopherporter

Isaac Levine is a restless creator and organizer. Whether it's fighting against unsustainable development, booking DIY shows at houses and small venues, or making music in numerous bands and solo projects, this Washtenaw County resident's proactive drive is admirable.

Beyond 8 Mile: The "History and Future of Detroit Hip-Hop" at U-M

Tue, 12/11/2018 - 1:15pm by christopherporter

In June 1990, newly freed political prisoner Nelson Mandela made his way to the United States and eventually to Detroit. Mandela toured the Ford Rouge Plant and UAW President Owen Bieber made him an honorary lifetime member of the union -- experiences and honors that are uniquely Detroit. Mandela’s visit culminated in him addressing a standing room only crowd at Tiger Stadium. But before Mandela spoke, two local rappers, Kaos and Mystro, took the stage and performed in front of the 49,000 people in attendance.

Ann Arbor artist Dani Darling debuts with a new single, video, and name

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 2:00pm by christopherporter

"I manage Annekes Downtown Hair Salon on Main St.," Danielle Davis said. "I'm a true Townie."

But when Davis isn't overseeing people getting their hair done, she's crafting songs as Dani Darling. The artist formerly known as Soulgalaxygirl just released "2:22," her first single and accompanying video under the new sobriquet, and it's a woozy slice of off-kilter R&B. The video features Darling lounging around her place, swiping her way through a bunch of Tinder profiles in search of a soul mate, but the tune itself is more of a true love song.

Wynton Marsalis' annual Ann Arbor appearance is always full of good cheer

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 9:00am by christopherporter

On November 28, veteran jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis brought the warm winter spirit to Ann Arbor's Hill Auditorium, courtesy of UMS. Marsalis came along with the delightful Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and they played tunes of the season. It was the opening night for their Big Band Holidays Tour and the house was full. 

Audra McDonald demonstrated the power of a good song at Hill Auditorium 

Mon, 11/19/2018 - 11:30am by christopherporter

Audra McDonald took her audience on a fascinating tour of American musical theater history Saturday at Hill Auditorium.

She incorporated songs she’s performed in stage productions, some classics from the genre, and some lesser-known gems, both old and new. It all worked together to make a compelling case for the enduring power of musical theater songs.

Musique Non-Stop: The 2018 Ann Arbor Synth Expo in pictures

Fri, 11/16/2018 - 2:30pm by christopherporter

Last weekend the Ann Arbor Synth Expo (formerly Mini MoogFest) returned to the basement of the Ann Arbor District Library's downtown branch for an afternoon of hands-on music-making and knob-twisting fun.

Approximately 350 patrons over the course of four hours had a chance to play with various synthesizers in the AADL Music Tools collection as well as talk to instrument and effects creators such as Vintage King, Zeppelin Design Labs, and North Coast Modular Collective. The day also featured performances and talks by Robot Rickshaw, Alex Taam (Mogi Grumbles) and Anıl Çamcı, and companies such as Sweetwater, Reverb, Pittsburgh Modular, Perfect Circuit, SynthCube, Electro-Faustus, Arrick Robotics, and more provided branded T-shirts, stickers, pens, screwdrivers, and more to the visitors. 

"Ocean" View: Jazz bassist Rob Crozier discusses his new album

Wed, 11/14/2018 - 11:15am by christopherporter

The Rob Crozier Jazz Ensemble’s new recording, Ocean Blue, explores the theme of nature in general -- and water in particular -- in a variety of settings and styles. The nine original songs benefit from the support of a rock-solid band: primarily bassist Crozier on bass, Rafael Statin on horns, Keaton Royer on keyboards, Rob Avsharian on drums, and Aron Kaufman on percussion.