Central UP Events

  Northern Michigan University’s construction management program is hosting a Women in Construction Career Exploration Event from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Jacobetti Complex. More than 100 regional middle school students in grades 6-8 have registered to participate in this free event, which offers students a unique opportunity to discover and experience options that are traditionally viewed as male-oriented. Students will complete hands-on projects in a safe and well-supervised environment. They will explore areas such as welding, graphic technology, woodworking, trade opportunities, leadership, and construction management. Throughout the day, they will learn from, and interact with, dynamic

  The lives and work of the Upper Peninsula’s greatest politicians will be on display beginning Friday, Feb. 21, in the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center’s new exhibition, “The Political Life.” An opening reception will be held from 5–7 p.m. in the center’s Gries Hall gallery at Northern Michigan University. Admission to the reception and exhibition is free. Ever since the Upper Peninsula became part of the State of Michigan in 1836, its history has been full of fascinating, powerful and controversial figures in state, national and international politics. These included politicians such as Chase Osborn of Sault Ste. Marie, the only

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting

 Prom Dress Swap  Saturday February 22, 2025. 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. All students in grades 9 to 12 are welcome. Looking for a Prom Dress, come to the Annual PWPL Prom Dress Swap.  The Swap will be open 10 am – 4 pm, to anyone looking for a prom dress.  We will be accepting dresses until Friday, February 21.  Dresses can be dropped off in the Teen Zone. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of this program, call 906-226-4321, email Amanda at apierce@pwpl.info, and visit www.pwpl.info.

An iconic UP winter tradition returns for its 32nd year.  Outhouses pushed down the main street of Trenary, a mullet competition, food, fun and more.  Visit their Facebook page for more info.

A Shakespeare play presented with the second week of deer camp in the Upper Peninsula as its backdrop might seem a strange combination or stretch, but Jimmy Ludwig, director of this month’s Northern Michigan University production of Much Ado About Nothing, said his adaptation is designed to make the show more relatable to local audiences. “Shakespeare isn’t really worth doing if the audience doesn’t see themselves in it; otherwise, it’s museum theater, which is a lovely production that sort of mimics how it was done back in the day,” said Ludwig, who grew up hunting near Iron River. “It may be interesting

Soul Food Sunday buffet-style feast prepared by Madison chef Yusuf Bin-Rella, a community roller-skating event and film screenings. Bin-Rella is a celebrated chef, farmer and advocate for cultural foodways. He has worked alongside Michael Twitty, the renowned culinary historian and author of The Cooking Gene. Bin-Rella is a chef at the University of Wisconsin, Madison’s Dejope Residence Hall, and at TradeRoots Culinary Collective, a group of Afro-culinary genealogists exploring lineage through food, which he co-founded. He will prepare a soul food feast that will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in the Northern Center Ballroom. He will also share insights

One of the remaining Black History Month activities planned at NMU this month is a “Soul Food Sunday” buffet-style feast prepared by Yusuf Bin-Rella. The celebrated chef, farmer and advocate for cultural foodways has worked alongside Michael Twitty, culinary historian and author of The Cooking Gene. Bin-Rella is a chef at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Dejope Residence Hall, and at the TradeRoots Culinary Collective he co-founded, which is a group of Afro-culinary genealogists exploring lineage through food. Bin-Rella will prepare a soul food feast that will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in the Northern Center Ballroom. He will also

  Northern Michigan University’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will launch a new Okanagan Charter Concert Series, which highlights musical themes that support NMU’s strategic commitment to well-being, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Both groups will perform pieces that advance the dialogue of mental health awareness. New Director of Bands Steven Riley will also mark his first NMU concert by incorporating a multi-movement suite by a Michigan composer that features the melodies of numerous folk tunes to honor the agricultural, maritime and lumbering history of the state. Riley said the bands will perform music each