Arts and Culture | Northern Today

World-Premiere Ballet at NMU

Jan. 16, 2019

Northern Michigan University Theater and Dance will present the world premiere of the full-length ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This twist on the classic Scandinavian folk tale features original choreography by director Jill Grundstrom and original music composed by Griffin Candey. The production is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Jan. 26, in Forest Roberts Theatre. Admission is $15 for general public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. All theatre and dance majors and minors are invited to attend free of charge.

CO/LAB Concert Pays Tribute to Johnny Cash

Jan. 12, 2026

Northern Michigan University's CO/LAB Dance Company will present a concert anchored by the premiere of “Love is a Burning Thing: A choreography tribute to Johnny Cash.” CO/LAB artistic director and assistant professor Karina Johnson choreographed the contemporary ballet piece, which uses several familiar Cash songs to showcase how people experience relationships in their lives.

"Love is a Burning Thing" graphic with dancers

NMU Dedicates U.P. Tribal Nations Flag Display

Dec. 16, 2025

Northern Michigan University recently held a dedication ceremony for a new permanent display of flags in the Superior Dome representing each of the five Upper Peninsula tribal nations: the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; and the Keweenaw Bay, Hannahville and Bay Mills Indian Communities.

The flags representing the five U.P. tribal nations are suspended from a Superior Dome rafter

Graduating Senior Art Exhibit on Display

Dec. 3, 2025

Northern Michigan University's School of Art and Design is hosting its Fall 2025 Senior Exhibition at the DeVos Art Museum. A closing reception is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, with an awards announcement at 8 p.m.

Some of the seniors' works featured in the exhibition.

NMU Theatre & Dance Presents 'Rudolph'

Nov. 20, 2025

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present a family friendly, “amped-up spectacle” of the holiday classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Dec. 4-6 and 11-13. On a related note, Theatre and Dance will bring back its “Letters to Santa” campaign in collaboration with Honor Credit Union. Children who participate will receive a buy one-get one ticket offer for this or a future NMU production.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" promotional graphic

Creative Teens Invited to Enter Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Nov. 17, 2025

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative writers and artists nationwide in grades 7-12, are accepting entries. More than $450,000 in monetary prizes—the most in program history—will be awarded. The submission deadline for U.P. students is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. The Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project site at Northern Michigan University serves as the Upper Peninsula affiliate of the awards.

NAE Presents Concert by Adam Paddock and iDKHOW

Nov. 13, 2025

Northern Arts and Entertainment will present a concert for NMU students featuring musical acts Adam Paddock and iDKHOW (I Don't Know How But They Found Me) on Thursday, Nov. 20 in the Northern Center Ballrooms. Doors open at 6 p.m., with opening act Paddock at 7 and headliner iDKHOW at 8

Brass Queens to Perform at NMU

Nov. 12, 2025

Brass Queens, a female-led brass band from Brooklyn featuring all-female horns with a sound that is deeply inspired by the New Orleans tradition, will perform at Northern Michigan University. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Reynolds Recital Hall.

NMU Orchestra, Choirs Present 'Baroque to the Future'

Nov. 12, 2025

The Northern Michigan University Orchestra directed by Barbara Rhyneer and the NMU Choirs directed by Erin Colwitz will present a concert titled "Baroque to the Future" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in Reynolds Recital Hall.

NMU Music Department Plans Three November Concerts

Nov. 5, 2025

The Northern Michigan University Music Department will present three upcoming concerts to usher in November: Percussion Ensemble; Opera Theater Workshop; and the inaugural Wildcat Winds performance. All are free and will be held in Reynolds Recital Hall.