Local winter wonders to spice up break

By JENEE GREGOR

The semester nears its end, and the break ahead holds many chances for WCC students to get out and make memories. Family beckons, work obligations and hopefully some spare moments during this time off will bring merriment. If you are without plans, the Ann Arbor area brings a myriad of events.

It is easy to fall into the trap of letting the brain rest and all the time goes flying by with no warning, to leave one wishing they would have had a little more fun in their time off before classes resume.

Don’t fall into the trap; seek fun on this nearly month off. Whether grabbing your sweetheart and hitting an art opening is your thing, or maybe doing some last minute shopping at one of the DIY markets interests you, these local happenings have you covered.

The Arts

Last minute shopping, and experiencing the local handmade art scene and other events.

What: Art for the Holidays
Where: Detroit Artists Market brings their 140 artists and their locally crafted items to the public.
Detroit Artists Market, 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit
When: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

What: Art off the Wall, 2nd Annual Holiday Edition
12 Artists showcased in the A2 Art center, priced for all budgets.
Where: 2nd floor Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor
When: Dec. 4 – Jan. 9
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 12 – 6 p.m.

What: Come as You Are: Art of the 1990s
46 artist’s work displaying the culture and moniker of the art scene and progressive        scenes in the 1990s.
Where: University of Michigan Museum of Art, A. Taubman Gallery. 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor
When: Exhibits ends January 31st.
Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 suggested donation

What: The Moth Storyslam: Michigan Radio
Monthly storytelling competition with random participants picked from the sign-up, judged and finalist perform later in the year.
Where: The Circus 210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor
When: Dec. 15
Sign-up at 6 p.m.,  7:30 – 9 p.m.
Cost: $8 for 18 and older

What: Ann Arbor Poetry and Slam
Twice a month Poetry and Slam takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month
Where: Espresso Royale 324 S State St., Ann Arbor
When: Sign-up at 6:30 p.m., 7 – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free $5 donation suggested.

Music

Michigan Artists and local talent performing various venues throughout the month.

What: Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Show
Burlesque troop from Kalamazoo brings music, theater, and comedy in a production with a live band
Where: Blind Pig 208 S 1st St., Ann Arbor
When: Dec. 18 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 for 18 and older

What: Kiyoshi & Abigail Stauffer present: “HIP HOP meets FOLK: Michigan Edition”
Locally originated musicians come together for a collaboratively themed genre concert.
Where: Blind Pig 208 S 1st St., Ann Arbor
When: Dec. 26 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10  for 18 and older, 18+ $10 and $7 for 21+

NYE ideas with Michigan flavor

What: Greensky Bluegrass
Originally from Kalamazoo, Greensky Bluegrass brings progressive bluegrass back for  two nights this new year
Where: The Royal Oak Music Theater 318 W 4th St., Royal Oak
When: Dec. 30-31 8 p.m.
Cost: tickets for both nights $50
Dec. 30 $25
Dec. 31 $30-35

What: Mittenfest
60 artists perform at this five-day event to benefit 826michigan a nonprofit for youth writing skills.
Where: Bona Sera 200 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
When: Dec. 29 – Jan. 2 7p.m. – 2 a.m.
Cost: $10 per night for 21 and older

What: NYE Tree Town presents Ball Down
New York and Ann Arbor come together for a hybrid DJ and live drum set ringing in the new year.
Where: Blind Pig 208 S 1st St., Ann Arbor
When: Dec.  31 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 for 18 and older

Travel

For the month, check more than one date if there is some free time to get out of the Ann Arbor Area.

Where: MegaBus to Chicago from Ann Arbor
Cost: Outbound $22 – 46
Returning $15 – 46
Where: Amtrak to Chicago from Ann Arbor
Cost:   Outbound $37 – 64
Returning $37 – 64

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