Arts and Culture

“Perhaps We Wrong Them,” a choreographed dance film that visually explores powerful themes relating to childhood trauma and its lingering effects on a survivor's everyday adult life, won Screendance Short of the Year at the 2023 Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film was conceived and produced by 2015 NMU theater alumnus John Scheibe of Yonder Studio in Marquette and stars Karina Johnson, NMU director of dance and assistant professor. Alumna Kasey Scheibe served as production manager and Riley Owen was choreographer. All four walked the red carpet at the September awards ceremony.

Northern Michigan University's Visiting Writers Series will host poets Christina Olson and Matthew Minicucci from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Northern Center Peninsula II. The event will showcase Olson's “The Anxiety Workbook: Poems” and Minicucci's scheduled October release, “Dual.” It is free and open to the public.

North Carolina-based artist, curator and author Endia Beal will visit Northern Michigan University, where she will give a keynote presentation at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, in Art & Design room 165. Those who register to attend can also sign up to participate in a two-hour workshop with Beal at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, in the Peninsula V room at the Northern Center.

Emily Lanctot, director and curator of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum, recently participated in a two-week residency that brings an international consortium of artists to Monte Castello di Vibio, Italy. The gathering culminates in an exhibition of artworks and corresponding catalog.  

Northern Michigan University's Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is featuring a landmark exhibition titled “Claiming Michigan: The 1820 Expedition of Lewis Cass.” The governor of the Michigan territory and 35 companions traveled from Detroit to what would become Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The exhibit includes a 30-foot replica voyageur canoe on loan from La Compagnie Historical Society of Minnesota, dozens of images, journal excerpts, detailed narrative information and large-format maps.

Northern Michigan University's vocal ensembles, under the direction of Erin Colwitz, will present two free performances this month in Reynolds Recital Hall. The NMU Arts Chorale will join participating U.P. high school groups for the NMU Choral Festival evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. It will also perform with the NMU Choir in a fall concert titled "Women in Music" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. 

Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor and award-winning Swedish quintet Jaerv will perform together as part of the Siril Concert Series at Northern Michigan University. They will present their program Traditions at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department will host a 60th anniversary reception and inaugural alumni awards celebration to honor exceptional achievements in the entertainment arts.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present the musical "Monty Python's Spamalot” Oct. 12-14 and 19-20. Director and NMU assistant professor Jimmy Ludwig appeared in the original Broadway production of the show, sharing the stage with familiar veterans Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and David Hyde-Pierce.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department will host a jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The free event will feature the NMU Jazz Band, a standard big band with close to 20 members, directed by Patrick Booth, and two smaller jazz combos directed by Mark Flaherty.