Arts and Culture

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.

Northern Michigan University English professor Lynn Domina will host a webinar with award-winning author Shelly Puhak about her nonfiction debut, The Dark Queens, at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17. The event is part of the continuing series “Let's Talk about Books at NMU.” Registration is required, but free.

Northern Michigan University jazz ensembles will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, in Reynolds Recital Hall. The performance will be directed by Mark Flaherty, professor and Music Department chair, along with instructors Patrick Booth and Dave Ziegner.

In the burgeoning craft beer industry, packaging is increasingly important. Colorful and eye-catching label designs help to differentiate brands and flavors, and attract the attention of consumers faced with a plethora of choices on store shelves. Northern Michigan University alumnus Jim Young is the in-house designer for Traverse City's Right Brain Brewery. Many of his artistic creations begin as simple pencil-and-paper sketches—a nod to his bachelor's degree in illustration from Northern.

The Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company will present a performance at Northern Michigan University that focuses on telling historic tales and stories using traditional Native songs and dances. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in Forest Roberts Theatre. A Theatre for All sensory friendly performance will be held at 1 p.m.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is accepting submissions through March 22 for the 2023 “North of the 45th: 16th Annual Upper Midwest Juried Exhibition." Artists living in Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota north of the 45th parallel are invited to submit their work.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present its inaugural CO/LAB Company full-length performance, a vibrant dance showcase featuring a variety of styles and three pieces choreographed by NMU students. The schedule includes 7:30 p.m. performances Feb. 2-4 in Forest Roberts Theatre, and a 1 p.m. sensory-friendly Theatre for All matinee on Feb. 4.

A new exhibition titled "It's All Downhill: Alpine Skiing in the U.P." will open at the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Jan. 21. It focuses on the region's skiing roots introduced by Scandanavians and the Alpine ski hills that have operated across the U.P. for the past 80 years. 

Northern Michigan University 1998 alumnus Kelsey Mann is directing "Inside Out 2," the sequel to the Academy Award-winning best animated feature. The movie is slated for release in June 2024. It will follow the original human, Riley, as a teenager encountering new emotions. The returning voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black will introduce familiar characters Joy, Sadness and Anger.