Central UP Events

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. In addition to the performances, The Westerlies will lead two guest artist clinics at 1 p.m. both days. These masterclasses are free and open to the public. The Westerlies quartet

Tuesdays & Fridays March (3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27), 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Preschool age children. Stories, songs, finger-plays, crafts and other school-readiness activities for preschool age children and a loving adult. Siblings welcome. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Fridays, March (6, 13, 20, 27) 2026.  Noon – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room.  In partnership with several area organizations, this hour-long event offers a safe space to pause, reflect, and build meaningful connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness in our world. Each week, a different organization takes the lead, with experienced educators and leaders facilitating. This rotating format ensures diverse perspectives and practices while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303

Friday, March 20, 2026.  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room. Adults, Seniors, Teens. This Oscar-winning film focuses on the joys, loves, and struggles of a trans woman (Marina) living in Santiago, Chile. Rated R. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Fridays March (6, 20, 27), 2026.  4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room. Meet other LEGO enthusiasts and build LEGO projects with the library’s LEGO blocks. Family friendly, children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Saturdays, March (7, 14, 21, 28), 2026.  11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays geared towards babies through preschool with a loving adult. Older siblings and older children welcome. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.  

Saturday, March 21, 2026.  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Great Room.  Join NMU Art Education major Ella and create art! Kids of all ages are welcome – the techniques used will be adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities. All supplies provided, drop-in program. Children under the age of 8 must have an adult in the program with them. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

Monday, March 23, 2026.  10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Peter White Public Library Dandelion Cottage Room.  Adults, Seniors. Join Marty for an in-person, in-depth discussion of Upper Michigan Today’s All Booked Up book of the month. Come with your questions, insights, and observations. This month’s book: Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Mondays 11 a.m.  The Negaunee Public Library is offering a weekly “quiet storytime” for younger children at 11 a.m. Mondays. There will be short stories accompanied by soft voices and sounds, sensory-friendly movements, and a fidget-friendly area. April 13 and 20 will incorporate special programs. This storytime is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.  

Mondays 11 a.m.  The Negaunee Public Library is offering a weekly “quiet storytime” for younger children at 11 a.m. Mondays. There will be short stories accompanied by soft voices and sounds, sensory-friendly movements, and a fidget-friendly area. April 13 and 20 will incorporate special programs. This storytime is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary/ or call 906-475-7700 ext.18.