The University of Michigan University Musical Society (UMS) is piloting programming at Ypsilanti Freighthouse on April 22-29. Performances will be pay-what-you-wish (including zero), but guests are still expected register for tickets at the UMS website.
Community sing
The week kicks off on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. with a community sing led by Detroit native Dr. Brandon Waddles and accompanied by four singers, a piano, keyboard and electric bass.
No prior training or experience is required, and doors will open at 6:30.
Breakdancing and art workshop
On Sunday at 11 a.m, community members are meeting up with local movement artist Maurice Archer, who will perform a breakdancing demonstration and lead families in a workshop, and Curtis Wallace will help attendees develop a breakdancing name and signature.
“Our mission at UMS is to connect artists and audiences in engaging and uncommon experiences, and that mission extends to the Freighthouse residency,” said Lilian Bostedor, marketing and media relations manager for UMS.
More events all week long
The whole week is jam-packed with family-friendly programs and experiences, including puppetry. Act fast because, for a few events, tickets are already unavailable.
Two-year Ypsi Freighthouse residency coming in September
UMS has been active in Ypsilanti for several years, along with other organizations, to offer learning and engagement programs and performances at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, a historic 1878 event space owned by the City of Ypsilanti in Depot Town.
This pilot program is a kick-off to a two-year residency of regular events in collaboration with the city.
“In structuring the Freighthouse residency, we held community forums earlier this year to gather resident input on the type of programming that people would be interested in,” Bostedor said.
Attendees this week will also have a chance to shape the ongoing development of the residency, which starts in September and is still in the planning process.
