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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Keep It In The UP!
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TZOFFSETTO:+0000
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T194926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T194926Z
UID:1534-1739467800-1739475000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:UPCM Valentine's Eve Dance
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum:\n“Valentine’s Eve Dance”\nThursday\, February 13\, 2025\n5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.\nExperience hands-on craft activities\, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/upcm-valentines-eve-dance/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T210031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T210031Z
UID:1502-1739469600-1739476800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Artist Reception  at Peter White Public Library
DESCRIPTION:  \nThursday\, February 13\, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Huron Mountain Club Gallery and MACC Deo Gallery. Teens\, Adults\, Seniors. Join us for two artist receptions in one night! Speak with the artists about their work and exhibits on display. \n\nPWPL Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Second Nature by Emily Weddle & Meredith Weddle D’Amore\nMACC Deo Gallery – Knowing the Land by Todd Carter
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/artist-reception-at-peter-white-public-library/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250214T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250214T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T210106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T210106Z
UID:1504-1739534400-1739552400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:School’s Out\, Library’s In: Trolls 
DESCRIPTION:School’s Out\, Library’s In: Trolls \nFriday February 14\, 2025 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Youth Services. Youth of all ages\, drop by the library for this special schools’ out day! Crafts and activities available for drop-in participation between 12pm-5pm. There will be Cloud Dough Sensory Play in the Great Room and Rainbow scratch art in the Makerspace. The film “Trolls: Band Together” will begin at 12:45pm in the Community Room – Kids are welcome to bring lunch or snacks for the movie. Kids under the age of 8 must have an adult present with them in the event. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program\, call 906-226-4323 or visit www.pwpl.info.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/schools-out-librarys-in-trolls/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250214T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250214T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T192139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T192139Z
UID:1486-1739556000-1739566800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:UP 200 Race Kickoff
DESCRIPTION:Downtown Marquette welcomes everyone for the start of the annual sled dog race\, which runs down Washington Street before heading out to Alger County.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/up-200-race-kickoff/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250214T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250214T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250206T215652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T215652Z
UID:1506-1739557800-1739563200@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:NMU Hosts UP200 Hospitality Tent\, Warm-Up Party
DESCRIPTION:  \nNorthern Michigan University will host a heated hospitality tent for the general public near the starting gate of the UP 200 Powered by NMU sled dog race on Friday\, Feb. 14. NMU will also host a warm-up party at the Trenary Toast Café. \nThe tent will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. next to the old City Hall on Washington Street. Admission is free. This family-friendly event will include hot chocolate and cookies. The warm-up party from 6:30-8 p.m. will feature complimentary coffee or hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls. The Trenary Toast Café is located at the corner of Third and Washington Streets. \nThe UP200 sled dog race\, established in 1990\, is powered by Northern Michigan University\, both in terms of its Gold Sled sponsorship and volunteer support. Hundreds of students will volunteer for the UP200\, Jack Pine 30 and the Midnight Run. They help with everything from selling merchandise to vet checks for the dogs and crowd control\, with several student organizations involved in the process.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/nmu-hosts-up200-hospitality-tent-warm-up-party/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250215T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T192236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T192236Z
UID:1488-1739620800-1739631600@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Honey Bear Classic Snowshoe Race
DESCRIPTION:The 36th Honey Bear Classic invites you to celebrate the unique beauty of the Big Bay Pathway with a fundraising event for all ages and interests. Participants can\nchoose to ski or snowshoe the entire “Honey Bear” loop or other trail options. \nRegister online or in person at the Thunder Bay Inn. The Pathway Trailhead and parking lot is located on Deutsch Ave just two blocks from the Thunder Bay Inn\, event headquarters.\n\nAll proceeds help to support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/honey-bear-classic-snowshoe-race/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250216T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250216T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20241126T160601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T160601Z
UID:1197-1739718000-1739718000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Hancock - Nature Prayer Service
DESCRIPTION:Nature Prayer Service\n\nSunday\, February 16 at 3:00 pm\, Chapel of St. Matthew\nSunday\, March 16 at 3:00 pm\, Chapel of St. Matthew\n\n\n* The Chapel of St. Matthew is in Hancock\, MI on the former campus of Finlandia University.\n\nThe Nature Prayer Services are opportunities to connect with God\, nature\, and each other in a relaxed setting. Each service has a leader who will guide the service with prayers\, readings\, and reflection. Everyone is welcome\, no religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/hancock-nature-prayer-service-3/
LOCATION:Chapel of St. Matthew\, 532 Franklin Street\, Hancock\, Michigan\, 49930
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250216T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250216T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250207T201700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T201700Z
UID:1526-1739718000-1739718000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Hancock - UP Wild in the Keweenaw Event
DESCRIPTION:UP Wild in the Keweenaw would like to announce its upcoming monthly event. \n\nNature Prayer Service\n\nSunday\, February 16\, 2025 at 3:00 pm\, Chapel of St. Matthew\n\n* The Chapel of St. Matthew is in Hancock\, MI on the former campus of Finlandia University.\n\nThe Nature Prayer Services are opportunities to connect with God\, nature\, and each other in a relaxed setting. Each service has a leader who will guide the service with prayers\, readings\, and reflection. Everyone is welcome\, no religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/hancock-up-wild-in-the-keweenaw-event/
LOCATION:Chapel of St. Matthew\, 532 Franklin Street\, Hancock\, Michigan\, 49930
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250216T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250216T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T205813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T205813Z
UID:1498-1739718000-1739725200@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Sled Hockey Event at NMU
DESCRIPTION:Northern Michigan University’s Berry Events Center will host an opportunity for members of the campus and Marquette-area communities to try out sled hockey\, a sport adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. This free event begins at 3 p.m. Sunday\, Feb. 16; no registration is required. Protective equipment such as helmets\, elbow pads and hockey gloves will be loaned to attendees who participate. \nSled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules\, with the exception of some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit atop two hockey skate blades. They use two sticks instead of one\, and the sticks have metal picks on the ends to help players propel themselves across the ice. \n“Our goal is to spread awareness for the sport in the community\, especially among the campus’ disabled community\, and hopefully recruit some new players\,” said Mitchell Grahek\, the NMU student organizing the event. “Everyone is invited to take part in the event\, regardless of body ability\, to try out the sport and see what it is all about.” \nGrahek said he wanted to take the lead on putting the event together\, in part because he volunteers and coaches with the Marquette Sled Cats and noticed there were no students on the team. \n“This seemed odd to me for a school and a community where hockey is such a big part of the culture\,” he added. “I have also noticed\, as a student of NMU\, that there seemed to be a lack of events hosted with the disabled community in mind. I thought this would be a perfect way to bring the two together\, and I will say that I am encouraged by the support and enthusiasm I have received from everyone involved.”
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/sled-hockey-event-at-nmu/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250216T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250216T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250207T202409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T202409Z
UID:1528-1739721600-1739727000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Hancock - Let's Eat Free Meal
DESCRIPTION:Let’s Eat Community Meal – THE MEAL IS FREE \n  \nSunday\, February 16th\, from 4p – 5:30pm at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock \n  \nPlease do your friends and neighbors a favor by telling them about it.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/hancock-lets-eat-free-meal-2/
LOCATION:Gloria Dei Lutheran Church\, 1000 W. Quincy Street\, Hancock\, MI\, 49930
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250217T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250217T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T195111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T195111Z
UID:1536-1739815200-1739818800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Cyber Clinic: Seniors
DESCRIPTION:Cyber Clinic: Seniors \n Monday February 17\, 2025. 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. In partnership with the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute. Staying safe online and recognizing scams in today’s ever changing cyber world is difficult. Peter White Public Library is working in partnership with the UPCI to bring the Marquette community authoritative and up-to-date information about computer and internet safety in our new program series “Cyber Clinic”. Cyber Clinic: Seniors will have tips and tricks to help protect against online security threats and scams that are particularly directed towards seniors. Questions may be submitted ahead of time by emailing upcyber@nmu.edu. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program\, call 906-226-4319 or visit www.pwpl.info.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/cyber-clinic-seniors/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250218T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250218T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250130T175729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T175729Z
UID:1452-1739872800-1739894400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:NMU Sustainability Summit
DESCRIPTION:  \nNorthern Michigan University will host a campus Sustainability Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday\, Feb. 18. The event will kick off in Forest Roberts Theatre with keynote speakers Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University discussing their Edible Campus. Other activities are scheduled throughout the day in Jamrich Hall and the Hedgcock Atrium. \nDespite the abundance of farms in Illinois\, most of the food consumed in the state is not locally produced. NIU seeks to address this disconnect by transforming parts of campus into an edible landscape. Flower and Gallaher will discuss this ambitious partnership among NIU units and outside partners\, which includes student and community volunteer events and activities\, and showcases local businesses. \nPoster presentations will be on display in the Jamrich Hall lobby throughout the day. A panel discussion on student-led sustainability efforts is scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium\, followed by a free networking lunch with various conversation topics at the tables. \nClimate change Jeopardy hosted by Steve Waller will be offered at 1 p.m. in Jamrich 1318. Virginie Noireaux\, a visiting scholar from the University of Clermont Auvergne in France\, will give a presentation titled “Sustainable Food Service in Schools” at 2 p.m.\, also in Jamrich 1318. The day will end with an opportunity to mingle with poster presenters over popcorn and refreshments from 3-4 p.m. in the lobby. \nIndividuals can tackle real-world sustainability challenges and get prizes\, pizza and credentials at an Adobe Design Jam on Wednesday\, Feb. 19\, in the Northern Center Ballroom IV. Registration starts at 3 p.m. and the jam begins at 4. \nThe Sustainability Summit is hosted by the NMU Sustainability Advisory Council. It is part of Peak25\, a conference elevating breakthroughs in research\, entrepreneurship and collaboration. Peak25 is free and open to the public\, and will take place Feb. 20-21 at NMU. Innovate Marquette’s SmartZone and SISU: The Innovation Institute at NMU are co-hosting. Learn more about the conference keynote speakers and programming here.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/nmu-sustainability-summit/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250218T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T195711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T195711Z
UID:1545-1739905200-1739908800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:'Northern Now' Focuses on 125th Anniversary
DESCRIPTION:Northern Michigan University Alumni Relations invites alumni and friends to virtually join President Brock Tessman for a special 125th-anniversary edition of the Northern Now digital event series. He will explore NMU’s rich history alongside esteemed guests with deep ties to the university at 7 p.m. EST Tuesday\, Feb. 18. It will be an opportunity for alumni to reflect on their time at NMU\, reconnect with fellow Wildcats\, and celebrate the legacy of their alma mater. \nPanelists include: \n\nDave Bonsall ‘74 BS\, retired from NMU after working for 38 years in Housing & Residence Life and the Center for Student Enrichment\nCarol Johnson ’81 BS\, ’89 MBA\, Dean of the NMU College of Business\nJoe Lubig ’91 BS\, ’00 MAE\, Associate Dean of the School of Education\, Leadership & Public Service at NMU\nJes Thompson ’01 BS\, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability at NMU\nDana Hinckley\, current education student and ASNMU President\n\nQuestions will be taken live during the event via the Q&A function on Zoom\, and alumni can submit questions ahead of time during registration. Alumni and friends can register here to obtain the link to the live stream. Learn more at nmu.edu/alumni. NMU Alumni Relations can be contacted at alumni@nmu.edu.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/northern-now-focuses-on-125th-anniversary/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250219T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250310T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250219T182255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T182255Z
UID:1573-1739923200-1741651199@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:MSU Extension - Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 Registration
DESCRIPTION:Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 – Registration is Open \nWe are pleased to announce that registration for MSU Extension Smart Vegetable Gardening 101 is now open. This course is online and self-paced. Individual\nregistration is $40.00. We also offer a group rate of $125.00. Group leaders must email Liz Slajus\, slajusel@msu.edu with a list of names and email addresses for all group members. \nRegister at https://bit.ly/SGVEG101 \nCourse Overview\nThis course covers gardening from start to finish: what you need to get started\, types of gardening\, planning and preparation\, soil preparation\, plants to select\, starting and maintaining healthy plants\, garden maintenance\, harvest and storage\, pollinators and various gardening activities. \nPlease email Liz Slajus\, slajusel@msu.edu with any questions or concerns.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/msu-extension-smart-gardening-with-vegetables-101-registration/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events,Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250219T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250219T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250207T194913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T194913Z
UID:1518-1739962800-1739984400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Baraga County Shelter Outreach Office Open House
DESCRIPTION:BARAGA COUNTY SHELTER OUTREACH OFFICE OPEN HOUSE \n  \nWednesday\, February 19th\, 11am – 5pm \n  \nFREE CLOTHING – Are you in need of gently used women’s or children’s clothing? Our closets are overflowing! Stop by BCSH’s Open House to help us clear\nour closets and fill your own. \n  \nACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – We are hiring! The Open House is a great time to learn more about what it takes to be an advocate and fill out an application. \n  \nLEARN ABOUT BCSH SERVICES – Curious about how BCSH helps survivors of domestic violence?  Want to learn how you can help support victims? Need info on\ncommunity resources? Stop in the Open House! \nFor more info\, call 906-524-7079
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/baraga-county-shelter-outreach-office-open-house/
LOCATION:Baraga County Shelter Outreach Office\, 115 N. Front Street\, L'Anse\, MI\, 49946\, United States
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250219T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250122T192705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T192705Z
UID:1433-1739989800-1739995200@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Upper Peninsula History Book Club
DESCRIPTION:Upper Peninsula History Book Club\nBi-monthly beginning Wednesday\, February 19\, 2025 at 6:30 pm\n J.M. Longyear Research Library\, Marquette Regional History Center \nJoin the librarians from the J.M. Longyear Research Library for an evening of learning during the inaugural meeting of the Upper Peninsula History Book Club. Club members will have a chance to discuss the meeting’s pre-selected book and view related photographs\, maps\, and other treasures from the Marquette Regional History Center’s archival collections. \nThe club’s first meeting will focus on Michigan women in the U.S. Lighthouse Service with Patricia Majher’s Ladies of the Lights. On April 16\, readers will learn about Marquette’s famous Ojibwe leader with Kawbawgam: The Chief\, The Legend\, The Man by Tyler R. Tichelaar.. On June 25\, we’ll explore the lives of Ishpeming and Gwinn’s Gossard Girls through Phyllis Wong’s We Kept Our Towns Going.\nMeetings are free and will be held upstairs at the Marquette Regional History Center\, 145 W. Spring St. Marquette\, MI. Readers near or far may also join by Zoom from our website\, www.marquettehistory.org/UPHBC. For more info call 906.226.3571.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/upper-peninsula-history-book-club/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250219T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T195435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T195435Z
UID:1539-1739989800-1739995200@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Northwords and Music:  Crossroads Show
DESCRIPTION:Northwords and Music:  Crossroads Show \n Wednesday\, February 19\, 2025.  6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults\, Seniors\, Family.  Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music\, stories\, poetry\, and skits sure to make you laugh\, cry\, clap\, and sing for those crossroads in our lives.  The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic)\, and actress Jacque Love.  This event will also be livestreamed.  For more information\, contact Marty at 226-4322\, machatz@pwpl.info\, or visit pwpl.info.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/northwords-and-music-crossroads-show/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250220T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250220T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250213T190544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T190544Z
UID:1547-1740079800-1740087000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:"Much Ado About Nothing" at NMU
DESCRIPTION: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. \n“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 and cool\, but why do we care? The first act of the play is basically a party\, which is similar to the second week of deer camp. Whether you got your buck or not\, all you want to do is drink beer\, play cards and just hang out. \n“Also\, one of the recurring themes in the play is the idea of the haves and the have-nots intermingling and often clashing with each other. We have that here to a degree with some locals’ opinions about big-money folks who buy up properties and only live here part-time\, or those who fly in on private planes to stay at their private club off [highway] 550. If you can relate to the play\, then the language of Shakespeare suddenly isn’t a big deal.” \nThe primary plot of Much Ado about Nothing centers on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor\, Claudio\, but the witty banter between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Add the slapstick of Dogberry and his absurd “forest cops” and the result is arguably Shakespeare’s funniest play\, which flips from rollicking comedy to searing tragedy and back again. NMU’s production will run Feb. 20-22\, 27-28 and March 1 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. \n“At one end of the stage will be a deer camp that looks like somebody’s grandpa built it\,” Ludwig said. “You know the kind: no right angles\, nothing matches\, nothing’s level\, and it’s been added onto multiple times. It’s the kind of place you can party like crazy and you don’t care\, because you can be rough on it\, and it will remain standing\, right? And on the other end of the is a ‘cottage’ like those you might see along Lake Superior.” \nLudwig’s “dream cast” includes Maya Moreau as Beatrice. She advanced to the nationals of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival last year and earned the Classical Acting Award at this year’s regional festival. Others in leading roles are: Samuel McKnight\, Benedick; Sophia Zavala\, Hero; and Phillip Smith\, Claudio. \n“I want people to look at our characters in the play and say\, ‘I know someone like that\,’” Ludwig added. “He’s the bartender at Third Base\, or he runs a startup and only visits Marquette for a couple months each year. There’s also a series of comedic scenes featuring a group of bumbling DNR officers. One of them speaks only Finnish. Sometimes there’s someone translating what he says; other times people just kind of pretend they know what he’s saying.” \nShakespeare plays are often perceived as elitist entertainment\, but he wrote for the masses\, who comprised the bulk of his audiences\, Ludwig said. Nearly all of them were illiterate\, so he was writing for them to hear his work performed\, not to read it. \n“He was really just a businessman trying to get people in his theater so he could sell tickets and make a living. He had to have widespread commercial appeal to pull that off. The reason some have difficulty with his material now is that he wrote in a particular way that was very popular 450 years ago. We want to challenge our audience\, but we also don’t want to alienate anybody. The themes of his works continue to have relevance today\, and we’re making it even more relevant to the community through this regional adaptation of one of his classics.” \nShowtimes are at 7:30 p.m.\, with additional 1 p.m. Saturday matinees on Feb. 22 (a “pay as you may” Theatre for All sensory-friendly performance) and March 1. Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees\, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/much-ado-about-nothing-at-nmu/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250221T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250206T220054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T220054Z
UID:1514-1740128400-1740146400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:NMU Hosts Women in Construction Event
DESCRIPTION:  \nNorthern 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. \nStudents 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 women working in these areas who are volunteering their time. \nThe more visual hands-on activity sessions for media to obtain video/photographs will take place from 9:45-10:30\, 10:35-11:20\, 12:05-12:50 and 12:55-1:40. The onsite NMU contact for the event is Heidi Blanck.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/nmu-hosts-women-in-construction-event/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250221T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250206T215922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T215922Z
UID:1512-1740157200-1740164400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Beaumier Exhibit on U.P. Politicians Opens
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe 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. \nEver 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 Michigan governor from the U.P.; State Rep. Dominic Jacobetti from Negaunee\, who dominated Lansing for several decades; Connie Binsfeld of Munising\, who became Michigan’s first female lieutenant governor; the colorful and controversial Joe Mack\, state senator from Ironwood; and Cora Reynolds Anderson\, the first woman and Native American to be elected a state representative in Lansing. \nThere will also be a section dedicated to the various presidents of the United States who traveled to visit the Upper Peninsula before\, during and after their terms in office. Theodore Roosevelt visited the Upper Peninsula twice within one year\, first to campaign for his presidential run in 1912 and then again several months later to testify in his libel suit against the Ishpeming Iron Ore editor\, George Newett. Four presidents have visited the U.P. during their terms in office; William Henry Taft in 1911\, George H. Bush in 1992\, George W. Bush in 2004\, and Barack Obama in 2011. \nThe exhibition will be on display through June 28. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday. \nThe Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is used as both a historical museum and educational facility. Its mission is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through a variety of exhibitions and public programs for the whole region to observe. The center also collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of NMU\, while presenting a gallery in Gries Hall and several other displays throughout campus. \n 
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/beaumier-exhibit-on-u-p-politicians-opens/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250221T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250206T220143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T220143Z
UID:1516-1740164400-1740178800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:SNA to Hold Organ Donation Honor Walk and Charity Gala
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Northern Michigan University Student Nurses Association (SNA) has planned two upcoming events: an Organ Donation Honor Walk from 4-5 p.m. Thursday\, Feb. 13\, starting at the Superior Dome; and a “Spread the Love” charity gala for Camp New Day from 7-11 p.m. Friday\, Feb. 21\, at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. \nHonor walks serve as a powerful tribute\, demonstrating how the loss of one individual can become a source of renewed hope and life for others. These solemn yet deeply meaningful walks recognize the selfless generosity of organ donors and their families who choose to give others a second chance at life. \nThe “Spread the Love” Charity Gala will feature raffles\, music and games. Tickets are $10 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Camp New Day\, a free one-week camp for youth ages 9-14 who have experienced a parent or family member who has been incarcerated in prison/jail. The camp provides an atmosphere that focuses on positive reinforcement\, growth and fun for children. \nFor more information on these events\, contact sna@nmu.edu. \nAccording to its website\, the SNA is a student organization that meets to discuss nursing trends. It allows the students a sounding board for issues within the program\, educates them about nursing issues that will affect them in their professions\, and offers advice regarding job types and information about interviewing. The SNA also contributes to the surrounding community by giving back to area programs through fundraising events.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/sna-to-hold-organ-donation-honor-walk-and-charity-gala/
LOCATION:MI
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250221T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250213T190628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T190628Z
UID:1549-1740166200-1740173400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:"Much Ado About Nothing" at NMU
DESCRIPTION: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. \n“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 and cool\, but why do we care? The first act of the play is basically a party\, which is similar to the second week of deer camp. Whether you got your buck or not\, all you want to do is drink beer\, play cards and just hang out. \n“Also\, one of the recurring themes in the play is the idea of the haves and the have-nots intermingling and often clashing with each other. We have that here to a degree with some locals’ opinions about big-money folks who buy up properties and only live here part-time\, or those who fly in on private planes to stay at their private club off [highway] 550. If you can relate to the play\, then the language of Shakespeare suddenly isn’t a big deal.” \nThe primary plot of Much Ado about Nothing centers on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor\, Claudio\, but the witty banter between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Add the slapstick of Dogberry and his absurd “forest cops” and the result is arguably Shakespeare’s funniest play\, which flips from rollicking comedy to searing tragedy and back again. NMU’s production will run Feb. 20-22\, 27-28 and March 1 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. \n“At one end of the stage will be a deer camp that looks like somebody’s grandpa built it\,” Ludwig said. “You know the kind: no right angles\, nothing matches\, nothing’s level\, and it’s been added onto multiple times. It’s the kind of place you can party like crazy and you don’t care\, because you can be rough on it\, and it will remain standing\, right? And on the other end of the is a ‘cottage’ like those you might see along Lake Superior.” \nLudwig’s “dream cast” includes Maya Moreau as Beatrice. She advanced to the nationals of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival last year and earned the Classical Acting Award at this year’s regional festival. Others in leading roles are: Samuel McKnight\, Benedick; Sophia Zavala\, Hero; and Phillip Smith\, Claudio. \n“I want people to look at our characters in the play and say\, ‘I know someone like that\,’” Ludwig added. “He’s the bartender at Third Base\, or he runs a startup and only visits Marquette for a couple months each year. There’s also a series of comedic scenes featuring a group of bumbling DNR officers. One of them speaks only Finnish. Sometimes there’s someone translating what he says; other times people just kind of pretend they know what he’s saying.” \nShakespeare plays are often perceived as elitist entertainment\, but he wrote for the masses\, who comprised the bulk of his audiences\, Ludwig said. Nearly all of them were illiterate\, so he was writing for them to hear his work performed\, not to read it. \n“He was really just a businessman trying to get people in his theater so he could sell tickets and make a living. He had to have widespread commercial appeal to pull that off. The reason some have difficulty with his material now is that he wrote in a particular way that was very popular 450 years ago. We want to challenge our audience\, but we also don’t want to alienate anybody. The themes of his works continue to have relevance today\, and we’re making it even more relevant to the community through this regional adaptation of one of his classics.” \nShowtimes are at 7:30 p.m.\, with additional 1 p.m. Saturday matinees on Feb. 22 (a “pay as you may” Theatre for All sensory-friendly performance) and March 1. Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees\, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/much-ado-about-nothing-at-nmu-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250214T203402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T203402Z
UID:1571-1740218400-1740225600@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Houghton - Cabin Fever Reliever
DESCRIPTION:Cabin Fever Reliever at Nara Nature Chalet \nFebruary 22nd\, 2025 \nBaraga\, Houghton\, Keweenaw Counties \nJoin the Keweenaw Family Resource Center for a family friendly outdoor event on Saturday\, February 22nd from 10am-12pm at the Nara Nature Park Chalet\, 47375 U.S. 41 Houghton\, MI 49931. \nJoin us for snowshoeing\, sledding\, a scavenger hunt\, story walk\, and other fun outdoor activities. Story time\, crafts and snacks will be available inside the chalet. Families are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes and sleds; a number of snowshoes will be available for families to borrow. Designed for families to enjoy the winter season in the beautiful Copper County. \nThis event is sponsored by BHK Child Development\, Keweenaw Automotive\, Keweenaw Co-op\, a grant through Children Trust Michigan\, and Copper Country Great Start Collaborative.\nMedia Contact: Iola Brubaker; 906-483-9365\, iola@kfrckids.org
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/houghton-cabin-fever-reliever/
LOCATION:Nara Chalet and Interpretive Center\, 501 Nara Loop\, Houghton\, MI\, 49931
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T195518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T195518Z
UID:1541-1740218400-1740240000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY: Prom Dress Swap  
DESCRIPTION: Prom Dress Swap \n 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.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/prom-dress-swap/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250214T202332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T202332Z
UID:1564-1740229200-1740236400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Zeba - Women's Group Smash Journal Session
DESCRIPTION:Women’s Group another Smash Journal Session! \n  \nCome add more pages to your journal\, this months focus is self care & self love. \n  \nFebruary 22nd\, 1 – 3pm \nZeba Hall \n  \nAny questions contact – jade at 906-201-7931
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/zeba-womens-group-smash-journal-session/
LOCATION:Zeba Community Hall\, Zeba Road\, Zeba\, Michigan\, 49946
CATEGORIES:Western UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250211T195624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T195624Z
UID:1543-1740232800-1740243600@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:Trenary Outhouse Races
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/trenary-outhouse-races/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250213T190708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T190708Z
UID:1551-1740252600-1740259800@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:"Much Ado About Nothing" at NMU
DESCRIPTION: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. \n“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 and cool\, but why do we care? The first act of the play is basically a party\, which is similar to the second week of deer camp. Whether you got your buck or not\, all you want to do is drink beer\, play cards and just hang out. \n“Also\, one of the recurring themes in the play is the idea of the haves and the have-nots intermingling and often clashing with each other. We have that here to a degree with some locals’ opinions about big-money folks who buy up properties and only live here part-time\, or those who fly in on private planes to stay at their private club off [highway] 550. If you can relate to the play\, then the language of Shakespeare suddenly isn’t a big deal.” \nThe primary plot of Much Ado about Nothing centers on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor\, Claudio\, but the witty banter between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Add the slapstick of Dogberry and his absurd “forest cops” and the result is arguably Shakespeare’s funniest play\, which flips from rollicking comedy to searing tragedy and back again. NMU’s production will run Feb. 20-22\, 27-28 and March 1 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre. \n“At one end of the stage will be a deer camp that looks like somebody’s grandpa built it\,” Ludwig said. “You know the kind: no right angles\, nothing matches\, nothing’s level\, and it’s been added onto multiple times. It’s the kind of place you can party like crazy and you don’t care\, because you can be rough on it\, and it will remain standing\, right? And on the other end of the is a ‘cottage’ like those you might see along Lake Superior.” \nLudwig’s “dream cast” includes Maya Moreau as Beatrice. She advanced to the nationals of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival last year and earned the Classical Acting Award at this year’s regional festival. Others in leading roles are: Samuel McKnight\, Benedick; Sophia Zavala\, Hero; and Phillip Smith\, Claudio. \n“I want people to look at our characters in the play and say\, ‘I know someone like that\,’” Ludwig added. “He’s the bartender at Third Base\, or he runs a startup and only visits Marquette for a couple months each year. There’s also a series of comedic scenes featuring a group of bumbling DNR officers. One of them speaks only Finnish. Sometimes there’s someone translating what he says; other times people just kind of pretend they know what he’s saying.” \nShakespeare plays are often perceived as elitist entertainment\, but he wrote for the masses\, who comprised the bulk of his audiences\, Ludwig said. Nearly all of them were illiterate\, so he was writing for them to hear his work performed\, not to read it. \n“He was really just a businessman trying to get people in his theater so he could sell tickets and make a living. He had to have widespread commercial appeal to pull that off. The reason some have difficulty with his material now is that he wrote in a particular way that was very popular 450 years ago. We want to challenge our audience\, but we also don’t want to alienate anybody. The themes of his works continue to have relevance today\, and we’re making it even more relevant to the community through this regional adaptation of one of his classics.” \nShowtimes are at 7:30 p.m.\, with additional 1 p.m. Saturday matinees on Feb. 22 (a “pay as you may” Theatre for All sensory-friendly performance) and March 1. Tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees\, seniors and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They can be purchased at nmu.universitytickets.com.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/much-ado-about-nothing-at-nmu-3/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250223T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250223T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250204T193122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T193122Z
UID:1496-1740315600-1740326400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY: Soul Food Sunday at NMU
DESCRIPTION:Soul Food Sunday buffet-style feast prepared by Madison chef Yusuf Bin-Rella\, a community roller-skating event and film screenings. \nBin-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 on the origins of soul food\, and how traditional dishes tell stories of survival\, resilience and creativity. Tickets are $55 and available at nmu.universitytickets.com. All proceeds will support Juneteenth 2025.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/soul-food-sunday-at-nmu/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250223T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250223T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250213T191651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T191651Z
UID:1559-1740315600-1740326400@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:'Soul Food Sunday' Feast Offered at NMU
DESCRIPTION: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. \nBin-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 share insights on the origins of soul food\, and how traditional dishes tell stories of survival\, resilience and creativity. \nThe menu features Great Lakes blackened whitefish and braised bison stew entrees\, with sides of harvest millet salad\, suya-spiced greens\, butternut tenderloins\, forest and field sauté\, sweet earth roasted yams and gatherer’s wild rice. Desserts will be toasted coconut lime haupia\, a creamy Hawaiian-inspired pudding\, and Malinda Russell’s 1866 lemon cake\, from the first-known African American cookbook. Sacred roots hibiscus cedar tea will be the featured beverage. \nTickets are $55 and available at nmu.universitytickets.com. All proceeds will support Juneteenth 2025.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/soul-food-sunday-feast-offered-at-nmu/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250224T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250224T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220831
CREATED:20250220T202712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250220T202712Z
UID:1581-1740425400-1740429000@www.keepitintheup.com
SUMMARY:NMU Bands Launch Okanagan Charter Concert Series
DESCRIPTION:  \nNorthern 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. \nRiley said the bands will perform music each winter semester that support the university’s mission of prioritizing health and well-being of students\, faculty\, staff and the community. Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson will serve as guest speaker to introduce the pieces on the program selected for the premier performance in the Okanagan Charter Concert Series. \nThe first piece will be “Choose Joy” by Randall Standridge. It is part of his unBroken Project\, a set of compositions aimed at enhancing mental health awareness among student-musicians of all levels and the communities they serve. \n“The piece was written to celebrate a family’s commitment to ‘Choose Joy’ in the face of a child’s fight with terminal brain cancer\,” Riley explained. “Our concert will conclude with the Wind Ensemble performing the first piece in the series written in 2021 titled ‘unBroken.’ It specifically highlights the intense mental health struggle of the composer’s mom\, witnessed while the composer was growing up\, as well as the strength his dad and siblings demonstrated in supporting his mom through this period in their lives. This piece will feature Assistant Professor of Piano Theresa Camilli as a guest artist.” \nTo honor his first concert with the NMU Bands as their new director\, Riley said he wanted to include some type of musical welcome to Michigan. He collaborated with Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center Director Dan Truckey on an innovative performance of “Tuebor Suite\,” a 2021 piece by Michigan composer Andrew David Perkins. \nThe title comes from the Great Seal of the State of Michigan\, which has at its center the Latin word ‘Tuebor\,’ which means\, ‘I will defend.’ Riley said it refers to Michigan’s frontier position surrounded by the Great Lakes on every coast\, and bordering Canada to the north and east. The piece was written as a suite for band highlighting the melodies\, but not the lyrics of traditional Michigan folk songs. \n“There are many liberties taken by the composer to make it a unique composition while still musically representing the traditions of folksong performances\,” Riley added. “I thought\, ‘How cool would it be to perform each movement similar to a ‘before and after image\,’ where we share the music and history of the pieces featured in each movement with an authentic folk performance setting and then perform the movement as set for the band?” This way\, we can draw the historical and artistic connections between the folk performance and how these tunes resulted and were crafted into something new for the band medium.” \nTruckey will play the guitar and sing the songs as part of the concert. Riley had an opportunity to meet the composer at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids this past January. \n“He was thrilled about the idea and said\, ‘I don’t think anyone has ever given a concert that also featured the songs performed in their authentic folksong form by a folk musician.’” \nAdmission to the concert is free.
URL:https://www.keepitintheup.com/event/nmu-bands-launch-okanagan-charter-concert-series/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Central UP Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR