UMS and the City of Ypsilanti are once again filling up the old Freighthouse with a month full of artists and musicians. "UMS at the Freighthouse" is a twice-annual residency in the historic building that offers a diverse lineup of local creatives putting on a variety of shows, all of which are all either free or pay what you wish. This year's spring residency runs April 9-25, and Ypsi residents get priority access with early registration starting Tuesday, February 24, at 10 am. The general public can register for shows beginning on March 10.

Here are the performers and events for the April residency; click on the performance to go to UMS's website page for the event:

James McMurtry: The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy
Thursday, April 9, 7 pm and 9:30 pm
Legendary songwriter and guitarist opens the residency with two performances presented in partnership with The Ark.

Threads of Rhythm: Arab Music and Dance
Saturday-Sunday, April 11-12, 11 am both days
An interactive family performance explores the musical and choreographic traditions of the Arab World.

Frames and Frequencies: Silent Films With Live Music
Saturday, April 11, 7:30 pm
In a collaboration with the Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY), silent films by Washtenaw County filmmakers set to live, improvised scores.

Thornetta Davis Sunday, April 12, 4 pm
A performance by "Detroit's Queen of the Blues," a singer who has captivated global audiences for over 30 years.

Open Mic at the Freighthouset
Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 pm
Hosted by Ypsilanti resident Rochelle Clark, this evening invites local poets, musicians, comedians, and more to share.

Nidia Góngora
Thursday, April 16, 7:30 pm
Afro-Colombian traditions and marimba-driven rhythms from Colombia's Pacific coast.

 

Joe Reilly & Friends Celebrate Earth Day
Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19, 11 am both days
Joe Reilly & Friends lead a family-oriented concert and hands-on activity centered on environmental themes.

Voce Velata Youth Ensemble: We Shall Remember
Sunday, April 19, 4 pm
Voce Velata, a local youth-led chamber ensemble, joins professional musicians to explore cultural idioms that are in dialogue with both our past and present.

Line Dancing with Ashley
Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 pm
Back by popular demand, this participatory workshop offers beginner-level instruction.

Ian Fink
Friday, April 24, 7:30 pm
A combo performance blending jazz and electronic fusion from one of Detroit’s finest jazz innovators.

Beyond This Point: Musician Minus Instrument
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm
The residency concludes with a boundary-pushing percussion performance using non-traditional objects.

Visit ums.org to register for events and to get more info on "UMS at the Freighthouse."