Arts and Culture

Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities will host "An Evening with Rachel Dratch." The multifaceted comedian, actress and writer is perhaps best known for her seven-year run on "Saturday Night Live," where she created many memorable characters, including Debbie Downer. She will participate in a conversation at 7 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom. Admission is free for NMU students with ID and $5 for the general public.

Eleven students from NMU Theater and Dance recently attended the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) annual conference and stage expo in Columbus, Ohio. Four of the students were selected as conference assistants, and one presented a poster presentation.

As part of Northern Michigan University's 125th Anniversary Celebration, a special public event is planned to recognize the 30th anniversary of "Haywire," the Forest Roberts Theatre musical about an 1880s logging camp that was one of five productions selected from more than 900 national submissions to perform at the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival. 

A trio of talented Northern Michigan University alumni collaborated on a short film shot in Marquette County about family members who have a falling out over addiction. “My Sister” will premiere at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Marquette Regional History Center. It was written, produced and directed by Negaunee native Dan Aho, who has worked as an actor in Chicago and Los Angeles. His credits include “Contagion” and “Man of Steel.” Local thespians Jessica “Red” Bays and Han Numinen star as the sisters at odds with each other. All will participate in a discussion after the premiere screening.

This month's Northern Michigan University Jazz Festival will be preceded by a presentation on the history of jazz at NMU to coincide with the university's 125th anniversary and feature opening and closing concerts with guest artist Matt Wilson, a drummer, band leader and educator. The annual festival brings middle and high school students from throughout the region to campus for performances and clinics. 

The Northern Michigan University Department of Music will present a choral concert, "Soundscapes and Supernovas," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The concert will feature the NMU Arts Chorale, the University Choir, and multiple student conductors under the direction of Associate Professor Erin Colwitz. Admission is free.

The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University has opened two new exhibitions: one showcasing the creative talents of Upper Peninsula student winners of the U.P. regional competition of the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, on display for a limited time through March 15; and a collection of works from the museum's permanent collection that highlights depictions of animals in art, which will be featured through January 2026.

The Beijing Guitar duo, composed of Meng Su and Yameng Wang, will follow a 12-city U.S. tour with a performance at Northern Michigan University as part of the Siril Concert Series. The event is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14. The guitarists will also deliver two free events the same day: a music appreciation presentation at 11 a.m., and a masterclass at 1 p.m. All will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University's Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will launch a new Okanagan Charter Concert Series, which highlights musical themes that support NMU's strategic commitment to well-being, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Both groups will perform pieces that advance the dialogue of mental health awareness. New Director of Bands Steven Riley will also mark his first NMU concert by incorporating a multi-movement suite by a Michigan composer that features the melodies of numerous folk tunes to honor the agricultural, maritime and lumbering history of the state.

Northern Michigan University's Department of Music will host three performance events next week. All will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall. The first is a Superior String Alliance Pop-in Piano Trio Concert at noon Tuesday, Feb. 18.