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The Eastern Echo Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

A building with white column-style architecture is located next to greenery and trees and contains the words "Frederic H. Pease Auditorium."

What's the Move? May 12-18

Looking for something to do this week? The Eastern Echo has its readers covered with this list of upcoming events in and around Ypsilanti.

Blues Dance Musicality at Rhizome Roots Studio — May 12, 2026

Looking for a way to get moving? On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the local Rhizome Roots Studio will begin offering a five-week blues dance musicality class. Led by instructor Megan Archdeacon, the class will meet every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. from May 12 until June 9. Then, on June 16, the Rhizome Roots Studio will host a "Sinners" movie night, free to those registered for the class.

All levels are welcome to attend, and fees are $85 per person (or $65 for students with ID). Those interested in participating should sign up ahead of time on the Rhizome Roots Studio website.

To learn more, visit the Upcoming Events page of the Rhizome Roots Studio website.

The Rhizome Roots Studio is at 108 Pearl Street, Ypsilanti.

Ypsilanti Community Choir 2026 Spring Concert — May 15, 2026

Support the Ypsilanti Community Choir by attending its 2026 Spring Concert on Friday, May 15. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Towsley Auditorium at Washtenaw Community College at 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. 

The concert is free to attend; however, donations are accepted

To learn more, visit YpsiReal.com or the Concerts section of the Ypsilanti Community Choir website.

Walk & Wag and Run — May 16, 2026

Looking for a way to support a local cause? Eager to get outside in the spring air? Try attending Walk & Wag and Run, the Humane Society of Huron Valley's biggest yearly fundraiser. Walk & Wag and Run will take place 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The event will offer a 5K race, a 1-mile Fun Walk, a Kids' Dash, and a dog festival with food trucks and dog-friendly activities and games, according to YpsiReal.com

Those interested in attending must register for the event as a Runner, Walker or Cat-Napper. Runners pay $59 and run in the timed 5K. Walkers pay $39 and may walk the 1-mile loop or just enjoy the festival. The Cat-Napper option costs $39 and is for those who cannot attend the event but would still like to raise funds. Youth under age 12 have free registration. 

The event will also feature three performances by Aim High Canines, a team of dogs who show off high frisbee catches, agility runs and other stunts. 

For more information, visit the HSHV website

Rolling Hills County Park is at 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti.

Coffee Hour with Sen. Jeff Irwin — May 16, 2026

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, state Sen. Jeff Irwin invites the community to join him from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a conversation at the Ypsilanti Senior Center. An informational email sent to The Eastern Echo explained that over the course of this hour, Irwin will share what he has been working on at the Capitol and listen to attendees' questions, concerns and ideas. 

For more information, visit Irwin's Facebook page, call 517-373-2406 or email SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov. 

The Ypsilanti Senior Center is at 1015 Congress St. 

Confessionals Songwriter Showcase — May 16, 2026

Looking for a chance to perform onstage in front of a supportive audience? Look no further than Confessionals, an Ypsilanti songwriter showcase open to all ages and skill levels. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Confessionals will take place at The Ypsilanti Performance Space Concert Hall.

Community members can perform in an open mic from 7:30-8:30 p.m., then enjoy featured performers from 8:45-11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., and open mic signup begins then. Those interested in performing in the open mic can also sign up ahead of time on the Events page of The YPSI website. Tickets cost $11.55 and are available for purchase online

For more information, visit The YPSI website or YpsiReal.com.

Evening Light: Mozart's Vespers and Choral Twilight Reflections — May 16, 2026

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the professional Ypsilanti-based vocal ensemble Beyond Choir will present the concert Evening Light: Mozart's Vespers and Choral Twilight Reflections from 7:30-9 p.m. The concert aims to capture the beauty and spirit of spring and twilight. It is centered around Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Vesperae solennes de confessore," a sacred choral piece, and "Laudate Dominum." It will take place at Pease Auditorium, located on Eastern Michigan University's campus at 494 College Place, Ypsilanti.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students and $18 for seniors and military and first responders. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit the Concerts and Events section of the Beyond Choir website.


Allie Beecher

Allie Beecher uses she/her pronouns and has worked for The Eastern Echo since August 2024. Beecher began as a copy editor and later became the copy desk chief during the summer of 2025. Beecher is a senior double-majoring in business and public relations. 

Beecher's job entails supervising The Echo’s copy editing team, ensuring content is error-free and reviewing all work to follow AP Style guidelines. For Beecher, the best part of her job is being able to use her skills to make a difference in the EMU and Ypsilanti communities. 

Beecher is on Instagram (@singer_allie_). Contact her with any questions or news tips at copyeditor@easternecho.com.