Arts and Culture

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum will host a family night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The event will feature a guided look at the museum's exhibitions and an activity in which participants can paint a Munising Ware-inspired plate to take home. The event is free of charge and suitable for all ages; supplies and guidance will be provided.

Michael Blaustein, a headlining comedian and actor who co-hosts the popular podcast called “Stiff Socks,” will visit Northern Michigan University on Thursday, March 14. Doors to Jamrich 1100 open at 6:30 and the show—recommended for 18 years and older—begins at 7. The opening act is comedian Kase Raso.

James A. Strain, professor of percussion at Northern Michigan University, will present a faculty recital featuring the music of Clair Omar Musser at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Musser, considered the founder of the modern concert marimba, was instrumental in the development, design, promotion and early pedagogy for the instrument.

Distinguished pianist Jeonwong Ham will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in Reynolds Recital Hall as part of Northern Michigan University's Siril Concert Series. In addition to her concert performance, Ham will offer a free piano technique workshop for piano teachers and practitioners, and two free piano masterclasses for NMU students and community members.

Due to the inclement weather, the Northern Michigan University Orchestra Children's Concert scheduled for this evening has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in Reynolds Recital Hall.

Northern Michigan University is celebrating Black History Month in February. The NMU Black Student Union (BSU) plays a prominent role in coordinating related events. The organization strives to create an inclusive and understanding space for the education of Black experience, culture and history on campus

Northern Michigan University's Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is opening a new photography exhibition, “Extracting History: Mining and Marquette County.” The grand opening with hors d'oeuvres will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday Feb. 16, and the display will remain available to view through March 1. This exhibition showcases local artist Lexie Belles, historic images from Jack Deo's collection and artifacts from the Cliff Shaft Mine Museum.

Northern Michigan University's Jazz Band and jazz combos will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The event will feature about 20 student musicians, including music majors and students from other areas of study. Jazz band and high brass director Mark Flaherty will lead the NMU Jazz Band, and music theory, jazz and improvisation professor Patrick Booth will coach two smaller jazz combos. 

Northern Michigan University and Michigan Technological University choral groups will present a joint concert titled "Music for a Sacred Space" in each of their respective locales: at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden; and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.

Northern Michigan University will present the comedy "Puffs" Feb. 22-24 and Feb. 29-March 2. The play parodies the book and movie series about “a certain boy who attended a certain school of wizardry and conquered evil,” but from the perspective of the students who sat next to him in class.