What's up in Lansing: The Tropical Pickle

How about a Thursday-night comedy? “The Tropical Pickle” from Michigan director Jeff Daniels might just be the one. This story doesn’t hide its Michigan roots as it is set in Macomb County. It is about fictional Bob Lee, who is the plant manager of Shankleferd Pickle Co. Lee is desperate to win a free trip to the Annual Condiment Convention in Miami and feels that wining and dining his boss is the only way to get it. The play follows Lee’s efforts, and the effects of gatecrashers to his party like his daughter’s boyfriend and a fellow coworker.

Bob Lee is played by Michael Hays, Laura Croff plays Peggy Lee and Sarah Lee is portrayed by Sally Hecksel. Heath Sartorius is Dwayne Darlington, Charles Sartorius portrays Sporty Shankleferd III and Virginia Van Brinker-Smythe is played by Rachel Mender.

The play will be held in Fitzgerald Park that allows alcohol. Guests are also welcomed to bring meals to enjoy in the park before the show or during intermission.

The Tropical Pickle. A Jeff Daniels comedy. 8 - 10 p.m. $10 adult, $8 senior, $6 student. overtheledge.org or 517-318-0579. Ledges Playhouse, 137 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge.

HIGHLIGHTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 >> ESCAPING PAVEMENT AT CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD

From Detroit to Pasadena, and now Lansing, Folk duo. Escaping Pavement comes to the Old Town General Store to play Concerts in the Courtyard Thursday. With a guitar, a mandolin and two burning voices, Emily Burns and Aaron Markovitz pluck and sing out their own brand of fiery, heartstring-bending Americanafolk. On their newest EP, “Wilderness Cathedrals,” Escaping Pavement leaves behind the artifice of “tech trends, drug stores and cacophonous city centers” for an honest and genuine performance of original songs spanning their five-year career. Co-sponsored by Elderly Instruments and the MICA Gallery, all proceeds go to the artists and local non-profit, Music is the Foundation. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the Old Town General Store. 7:30 p.m. $15/$9 students. Old Town General Store, 408 East Grand River, Lansing. (517) 487-6847, oldtown-generalstore.com/concerts-in-the-courtyard.

AUGUST 11-13 >> GREAT LAKES FOLK FESTIVAL AT EAST LANSING

The Loft takes it back to the 90s with their I Love the 90s Party Saturday. Harlem hip-hop heavy-hitter Mase headlines the Loft’s blast from the past party, hitting the stage to spit some old-school classics from the days of “Harlem World” and beyond. DJ Infamous, DJ Butcher and DJ Cutt-Nice fill out an already star-studded night of classic boom bap hip hop for a night steeped in not-so-long-ago nostalgia. Radio personality and TV star of “Rap City” and “106 & Park,” Big Tigger, will also make an appearance. For party people, it’s the place to be. I Love the 90s Party is a 30 and over event with a strictly enforced 90's dress code. 10 p.m. $30. The Loft, 414 East Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 913-0103, theloftlansing.com.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

(TOPS) Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Weigh in 5:15 p.m. In room 207. 6 p.m. First meeting FREE. Haslett Middle School, 1535 Franklin St., Haslett.

A Course in Miracles. Group on peace through forgiveness. 7 - 9 p.m. Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing, 230 S. Holmes, Lansing. (517) 371-3010.

Capital Area Crisis Rugby Practice. All skill levels are welcome. 6 - 8 p.m. FREE. St. Joseph Park, 2125 W. Hillsdale Lansing. crisisrfc.com.

Celebrate Recovery. For all types of hurts and hang-ups. 6 p.m. Donations welcome. Trinity Church, 3355 Dunckel Road, Lansing. ow.ly/p9iv30cQGgi.

Lansing Area Codependents Anonymous. At 5:45 p.m. FREE. Everybody Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 515-5559. coda.org.

NAMI Class for Caregivers. 12-session structured class. 6:30 - 9 p.m. Free. McLaren- Greater Lansing Education Building, 401 W. Greenlawn Ave., Lansing.

LITERATURE AND POETRY

Family Storytime. Engaging stories, songs and activities to help build early literacy skills. 10:30 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.

THEATRE

Murder for Two. Two actors play 13 roles. 8 - 9:30 p.m. $25/$23 Military/Senior (65kknd)/$10 Student. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam, Williamston. (517) 655-SHOW.

EVENTS

12-Step Meeting. AA/NA/CA all welcome. Every Tuesday and Thursday in room 209. 12 - 1 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. Cristo Rey Community Center, 1717 N. High St., Lansing.

Drop-in LEGO Club (Age 4 & up). Imaginative play develops reading skills. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Webberville Branch, 115 South Main Street Webberville.

Ingham County Genealogical Society Meeting. Bring place setting and dish to pass. 6 - 9 p.m. FREE. Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar ST. Holt. ICGSWeb.org., (517) 881-8140.

Make Musical Instruments (Ages 5-18). Make three different instruments from everyday items. 2 - 3 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Holt-Delhi Branch, 2078 Aurelius Road, Holt.

Sloan Museum—Under Construction (Ages 4-8). Practice building skills using cups, cubes and more. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Foster Branch, 200 North Foster, Lansing.

Spanish Conversation. Practice speaking Spanish in relaxed environment. All skills. 7 - 8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.