Arts and Culture

Marquette native and former Northern Michigan University student Leah Hocking has appeared in 10 Broadway shows, including Billy Elliot, Mama Mia, The Wild Party and Hairspray. She will return to her hometown to present Out of the Window, an evening of songs and remembrances about her life and career. The show is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28 through Friday, June 30, at NMU's Forest Roberts Theatre.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present Rock of Ages, a gritty and glamorous jukebox musical about the tail end of the classic ‘80s rock & roll era in Hollywood. The production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 14-17 and 21-24 in Forest Roberts Theatre. It marks the directorial debut of NMU adjunct assistant professor Kristen Beth Williams, who is also choreographing the show. Beyond her educator role, she is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours and regional theaters across the country. 

One of Germany's most successful vocal groups, Calmus, will showcase its wide range of tonal colors and sound culture in a performance at Northern Michigan University on Friday, April 21. This Siril Concert Series event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall. 

Six Northern Michigan University music majors will perform vocally and on instruments to vie for scholarships during the annual Music Performance Competition at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free. 

Northern Arts and Entertainment will host the five-person band Hippo Campus on Friday, March 17, with opening acts Lisa Heller and NMU student LPM. Doors open at 7 p.m.. Tickets are available at nmu.universitytickets.com for $10 for NMU students at and $20 for the general public.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University will present a concert by the folk duo Newberry & Verch as part of the 2023 Winter Roots Festival. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, in Forest Roberts Theatre. The duo has toured across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.

The Northern Michigan University Jazz Festival will include two evening performances featuring guest artist Dean Sorenson. The trombonist will perform with the NMU Jazz Festival Faculty Combo during a 7:30 p.m. opening concert on Thursday, March 23, in Reynolds Recital Hall. He will also share the Forest Roberts Theatre stage with the NMU Jazz Band and Jazz Combo for the closing concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance is presenting Oscar Wilde's Salome, a “darkly thrilling one-act tragedy” and lyrical drama that has inspired creative minds across the ages. The final performances are scheduled March 1-4.

Northern Michigan University's choral ensembles will perform a demanding piece—both musically and emotionally—that pays homage to a Wyoming college student whose violent death in 1998 made national headlines and played a key role in the later expansion of federal hate-crime legislation. Most of the NMU singers were not born when Matthew Shepard was lured from a bar by two men, tied to a split-rail fence and beaten unconscious because of his sexual orientation. But they are fully invested in doing justice to his story and its broader messages.

Northern Michigan University's Black Student Union is celebrating Black History Month with several events in February. They include a Black History 101 Mobile Museum making a stop at Jamrich Hall, a comedy show featuring comedians who have appeared on network television programs, film screenings and a Black Love Day bake sale. All events are free, unless otherwise noted.