The University of Michigan Musical Society, or UMS, is hosting its biannual residency at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this September with a variety of free and pay-what-you-wish events.
UMS is seeking to share its programming, producing and educational resources with the Ypsilanti community, its website says. UMS also hopes to use its platform to spotlight Ypsilanti's vibrant and creative cultural scene.
From dancing to storytelling and instrumental music, the residency has a lot to offer. Here are the events happening in September 2026, all at the Freighthouse, located at 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti.
Square Dancing at the Freighthouse with Detroit Square Dance Society - Sept. 10
Square Dancing with the Detroit Square Dance Society is the first event of the residency. Dances will be taught, rehearsed and then performed. There will be a dance floor, live music and line dances for people to enjoy.
No experience or partner is necessary for this event, but it is recommended that attendees are 18 or older.
This event will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.ums.org/events.
Aguankó (Latin Jazz) - Sept. 12
Conga player, bandleader and composer Alberto Nacif and the musicians of the Latin jazz septet Aguankó will be performing Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Aguankó has received local, national and international attention for their original music. Their music is known for being true to its Cuban roots.
There will be seating available and a dance area for all ages.
Alcohol will be available for purchase for those 21 years or older with an ID.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Tales from Detroit Flying Cardboard Theater - Sept. 13
For a unique and creative experience, the Detroit-based Flying Cardboard Theater will be at the Freighthouse on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Guided by Janitor James, people of all ages will experience stories inspired by animals, plants, music and neighborhoods in Detroit told through puppets. The show will include puppetry, storytelling, humor and a combination of real-life history and make-believe adventures.
After the show, attendees can make their own puppets and test their puppeteering skills on the stage.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Open Mic Night with Annie Bacon - Sept. 16
Open Mic Night at the Freighthouse will include performances by singers, poets, rappers, comedians and others from Ypsilanti. Audience members are welcome to perform something they have created.
Annie Bacon, a songwriter and writer based in Ann Arbor, is hosting Open Mic Night on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Recommended for those 12 years and older, attendees can watch, perform or both at this free event.
Sofa Stories: Stories on Stage and Screen - Sept. 18
Featuring original monologues and short films from the Sofa Stories project, this program explores the experiences of young people impacted by housing insecurity. These stories were created in collaboration with artists, housing advocates and people who have experienced homelessness firsthand. The stories will be performed by actors and community members, offering the audience a rare and deeply authentic perspective, inviting them to hear the stories that are usually unseen and unheard, organizers said.
On Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., those of all ages who are interested in learning about these experiences can attend the Sofa Stories: Stories on Stage and Screen event.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
The Music of John Coltrane (Africa/Brass) - Sept. 19
Celebrating the 100th birthday of John Coltrane, musicians Marcus Elliot and Kris Johnson will be reinterpreting Coltrane's recording "Africa/Brass." Elliot and Johnson will have a 10-piece brass section playing with them.
This performance will have a 10-piece brass section and will stay true to Coltrane's music in many ways. However, it will also have elements of reimagination through Elliot and Johnson's own experiences, influences, and approaches to form, orchestration and improvisation.
Alcohol will be available for purchase for those 21 years or older with an ID.
The Music of John Coltrane performance will be Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. for those 12 years and older.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Stories of Home: Storytelling Workshop - Sept. 20
For a cozy and creative way to wrap up the weekend, the Stories of Home: Storytelling Workshop is open to those 14 years or older Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Presented by Every Soul Arts, this interactive workshop transforms the Ypsilanti Freighthouse into a welcoming space for reflection, conversation and shared narratives.
Led by the artists behind Sofa Stories, the workshop will begin with a hands-on storytelling session designed to help participants craft and shape their own stories. After that, attendees are encouraged to share their own short stories inspired by the theme of home.
Whether attendees wish to share a story or listen to others, this event offers an opportunity to connect with people, celebrate diverse experiences and use the power of storytelling to build empathy and community.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Telegraph Quartet Relaxed Concert - Sept. 23
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at 6 p.m., the Telegraph Quartet will present a concert of string quartets open to all ages.
This concert especially welcomes those who would benefit from a more relaxed concert environment, including people with autism spectrum disorders or sensory or communication disorders, as well as their loved ones.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
123 Andrés - Sept. 26
The Grammy-winning Latin musical duo 123 Andrés aims to get the entire family to sing, dance and learn. Featuring original songs that blend Spanish and English with vibrant musical influences from across Latin America, their live show is a joyful celebration of connection, culture and fun. People of all ages can participate in this interactive musical adventure.
Those who are interested may attend at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Dames Brown - Sept. 26
Detroit’s own Dames Brown brings powerhouse vocals, infectious energy and pulse-pounding music to the Freighthouse. Dames Brown is group of singers who are making their mark on the house music scene, both at home and abroad.
The show, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., is recommended for ages 12 and above.
Alcohol will be available for purchase for ages 21 years or older with an ID.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
My Brightest Diamond - Sept. 27
My Brightest Diamond is the moniker of Shara Nova, who is a classically trained vocalist and self-taught multi-instrumentalist. Nova's music is known to be dazzling and shape-shifting, blending elements of rock, art pop and chamber music. My Brightest Diamond closes the Freighthouse residency Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. with an unforgettable performance.
Alcohol will be available for purchase for ages 21 years or older with an ID.
This is a pay-what-you-wish event starting at $5.
Priority access for the UMS biannual residency for Ypsilanti residents began Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026; however, general admission sales began Tuesday, Aug. 11.
One of the top priorities of UMS is to make arts programming accessible to those who live in Ypsilanti, which is why Ypsilanti residents were able to access tickets first. However, anyone is welcome to attend the residency, the website states.
For questions and further information about tickets, visit the ticket page on the UMS website.
Those who wish to learn more about the UMS residency activities at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse and get alerts when tickets go on sale can sign up on the UMS website.
