There are several local events for community members and students to attend, all happening in Ypsilanti this week.
Amadeo Roberson's Rev Quartet at Ziggy's — May 19, 2026
Catch some live jazz music at Ziggy's venue. Saxophonist and composer Amadeo Roberson will be accompanied by Aris Chalin on piano, Kenji Lee on bass and Jon Blanchette on drums. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover for the show, according to a post on Roberson's Instagram page. The show will include original music, arrangements and improvisations, Roberson said in a post.
Ziggy's, at 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, has an outdoor patio now open for the season, stated its website.
Drag & Burlesque Open Stage — May 19, 2026
Hosted by drag performer Lady Justice, the show will feature performances by Anne Drogynous, Firebird Apostle, Marceline Fangs, Sister Prim Ordyll and several other performers. The show is in celebration of Lady Justice's birthday and will feature a post-show mini rave, said a post shared on Lady Justice's Instagram page. Funds raised at the door will go towards stocking the public food pantry where Lady J works, the post said.
Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. The event takes place at Regal Beagle Lounge at 817 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. The cost for the show is $5 or pay-what-you-can. Regal Beagle is a cash-only bar. This show is for ages 21 and older.
Sound Healing: Rest, Restore, Strengthen in Community — May 21, 2026
Unwind this week with a 60-minute yin yoga and pranayama practice at Rhizome Roots. The session will be accompanied by healing sound frequencies to help inspire relaxation and rejuvenation, and leave attendees feeling recentered. This class will feature a gong bath and sonic garden led by Stephanie Heit.
Additional mats are available by request, and pre-registration is encouraged. All bodies and levels of experience are welcome. The class is offered at a sliding scale price of $20-40, based on financial availability. Cash, Venmo and Rhizome Roots gift cards accepted as payment. Rhizome Roots is at 108 Pearl St., Ypsilanti.
'Much Ado About Nothing' — May 22-24 & 29-31, 2026
Ypsilanti's Brevity Shakespeare theater company brings new life to this classic Shakespearean comedy by centering community representation and inclusion in the performance. Marking the company's seventh show, "Much Ado About Nothing" is produced by Karl Sikkenga, Brevity Shakespeare's creative director. Ypsilanti is a diverse city and the company wants its casts to reflect that, Sikkenga told The Eastern Echo in a previous interview.
The play has also been adapted to adjust some scenes and accommodate a smaller cast, Sikkenga said. "Much Ado" is a romantic comedy about gossip and eavesdropping, following the drama between two couples: Beatrice and Benedict, and Claudio and Hero.
Shows will be May 22-24 and May 29-31 at The YPSI, 218 N. Adams St., Ypsilanti. Friday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Saturday shows are at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2:30 p.m. Regular admission tickets are $15 and student and senior tickets are $10. A purchase link is available at brevityshakes.org.
Ypsilanti Memorial Day Procession — May 25, 2026
American Legion Post 282 and the City of Ypsilanti will lead a traditional, respectful Memorial Day observance. Meeting at the corner of Michigan Avenue and South Huron Street in Ypsilanti, the procession will continue north to East Cross Street, stop at the bridge for a short ceremony, proceed east on Cross Street to River Street, and later end at Highland Cemetery.
At Highland Cemetery, there will be a short ceremony near the Civil War Memorial and memorials of the Unknown Soldier and African American soldiers. "Taps" will be played along the procession and wreathes will be laid. The procession begins at 9 a.m.
