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.

Actor Max Greenfield to visit NMU

Mar. 24, 2026

Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities organization will host actor Max Greenfield of “New Girl” and “The Neighborhood” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom.

CNAS Collaborates on Sugar Bush Program

Participants begin their snowshoe to the maple trees

Mar. 23, 2026

Northern Michigan University's Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) is involved in a collaborative 2026 Sugar Bush ("iskigamizigan") program. Last Friday, a group met at the Vielmetti-Peters Conservation Reserve for a Spring Equinox event and ceremony, followed by a group snowshoe to identify maple trees that will be tapped for sap collection and processing.

NMU French Program Hosts Croissant Talk & Tasting

Mar. 23, 2026

The French Program at Northern Michigan University will host "The Croissant: A Pastry Talk & Tasting" from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, April 2, in the Whitman Hall Commons. The event is free and open to the public. Staff from 231 Patisserie will give a presentation on the craft and process behind the iconic French pastry.

Thorburn on Crew of Oscar-Winning Animated Feature

Mar. 23, 2026

Northern Michigan University alumnus and Marquette native Gabe Thorburn served as associate editor on “KPop Demon Hunters,” which won the Academy Award for best animated feature. He got to hold an Oscar at a celebratory toast hosted after the ceremony at Sony Pictures Animation, which produced the film. He also joined Sony colleagues on stage in February to accept the award for best editorial-feature at the 2026 Annie Awards, which recognize the greatest achievements in animation.

Thorburn holding an Oscar at Sony Pictures Animation's celebration

NMU Hosts Staged Reading of Play Based on 9/11 Memories

Mar. 19, 2026

Northern Michigan University will host a staged reading of “Find a TV,” a play about regional residents' memories of the 9/11 attacks, based on dozens of oral interviews. Three readings are scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, March 26-27, and 2 p.m Saturday, March 28, in Jamrich 1100. They are free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated. Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the cast. crew and writers.

Sal Vulcano Brings 'Everything's Fine' Tour to NMU

Mar. 18, 2026

Comedian Sal Vulcano of "Impractical Jokers" fame will make a stop at Northern Michigan University on his "Everything's Fine" tour Thursday, April 23. Doors to Vandament Arena open at 6:15 p.m. and the show begins at 7.

'Disney's The Little Mermaid' at NMU March 5-8

Mar. 2, 2026

“Disney's The Little Mermaid,” a musical adapted from the Broadway production and motion picture, will be presented by Superior Arts Youth Theater and the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy at Northern Michigan University Thursday, March 5-Sunday, March 8.

"Disney's The Little Mermaid" promotional raphic

Rescheduled: NMU Orchestra Children's Concert March 9

Feb. 19, 2026

Due to recent snow days and lost rehearsal time, the Northern Michigan University Orchestra's annual Children's Concert has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, in Reynolds Recital Hall. This is a free event.

NMU Jazz Fest Features The Westerlies

Feb. 19, 2026

The Westerlies, a Grammy-nominated, New York-based brass quartet, will be the featured performer at the NMU Jazz Festival. The group will present the festival's opening concert, which also serves as a Siril Concert Series event, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The quartet will also join NMU's Jazz Band and Jazz Combo for the closing concert on Friday, March 20, at the same time and location.

Arts and Culture