UMS at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse
UMS returns to the Freighthouse this September!
UMS launches a new season of events at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, with programming for all ages from September 11-27, 2025.
All events are free or Pay-What-You-Wish starting at $5.
Our multi-year partnership with the City of Ypsilanti results in arts programming designed for Ypsilanti residents, families, and schoolchildren—and open to the broader public. A community-informed programming process is the catalyst for these dynamic residencies, activating the unique and historic civic space for performances, arts learning and participation, and creative exploration.
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Upcoming Events
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Boot Scootin’ with Ashley
Intro to Line Dancing
Get ready to stomp and scoot—join us at the Freighthouse for two hours of beginner line dancing with Ashley, set to classic country hits!
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
motion>>pictures
Film Night with iFFY
In collaboration with Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY), this program features nine short films elevating a variety of performances and time-based artworks from musicians, dancers, animators, performance artists, and more. A panel featuring both filmmakers and performers will follow the screening.
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Testimony Sings with Alvin Waddles
Sunday, September 14Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of gospel music right in your backyard! Detroit gospel legend Alvin Waddles and his band accompany the all-female vocal quintet, Testimony Sings.
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Sonic Meditation
with King Sophia and Sophiyah E.
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Joe Reilly & The Community Gardeners
Thursday, September 18Joe Reilly’s new album Learn to Love Again, with his band The Community Gardeners, invites us to unite through music and community amid today’s chaos and division.
FREE EVENTS
For Families:
Birds of a Feather with Little Miss Ann and Suzi Shelton
Birds of a Feather is a new American Indie Family supergroup consisting of two kids’ music luminaries: Brooklyn’s longtime children’s music pioneer, Suzi Shelton, and Chicago’s Little Miss Ann. Join us for this high-energy, interactive concert exploring the excitement and fun of “Going Back to School.”
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Noah Jackson and Full Circle
in two performances
Bassist Noah Jackson and his Detroit-bred band, Full Circle, present two performances that will delight the ears of jazz novices and aficionados alike.
FREE EVENTS
For Families:
Movin’ and Groovin’ with Fun Girl Dance Company
Ypsi’s Fun Girl Dance Company & School presents a day of family-friendly events that are part performance, part creative movement workshop, and guaranteed 100% FUN!
Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
Three Mirrors: Excursions in Collaboration hosted by Fred Thomas
Saturday, September 27Join a rare night of unlikely collaborations curated by Ypsi-born indie rock musician Fred Thomas.
Freighthouse FAQ
By serving as Resident Arts Partner for the Ypsilanti Freighthouse and in partnership with the City, UMS seeks to share its programming, producing, and educational resources with the broader Ypsilanti community, and to use our platform to spotlight Ypsilanti’s vibrant and creative cultural scene.
- Free: just show up!
- Free Family events: register to hold your spot, no tickets required
- Pay-What-You-Wish events: you can decide how much you wish to pay for tickets to these events
Thank You to Our Residency Supporters
The Ypsilanti Freighthouse residency is supported by Linh and Dug Song.
Family Programming Sponsor
Promotional Partner
Presented in Partnership with
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