Keep It In The UP!

"Much Ado About Nothing" at NMU
2025-02-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-20 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | MI
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 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.
“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.”
The 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.
“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.”
Ludwig’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.
“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.”
Shakespeare 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.
“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.”
Showtimes 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.

SNA to Hold Organ Donation Honor Walk and Charity Gala
2025-02-21 19:00 - 23:00 | MI
The 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.
Honor 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.
The “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.
For more information on these events, contact sna@nmu.edu.
According 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.

Beaumier Exhibit on U.P. Politicians Opens
2025-02-21 17:00 - 19:00 | MI
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 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.
There 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.
The exhibition will be on display through June 28. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
The 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.

NMU Hosts Women in Construction Event
2025-02-21 09:00 - 14:00 | MI
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 women working in these areas who are volunteering their time.
The 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.

Northwords and Music: Crossroads Show
2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Northwords and Music: Crossroads Show
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.

Upper Peninsula History Book Club
2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Upper Peninsula History Book Club
Bi-monthly beginning Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:30 pm
J.M. Longyear Research Library, Marquette Regional History Center
Join 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.
The 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.
Meetings 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.

Baraga County Shelter Outreach Office Open House
2025-02-19 11:00 - 17:00 | Baraga County Shelter Outreach Office, 115 N. Front Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
BARAGA COUNTY SHELTER OUTREACH OFFICE OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, February 19th, 11am – 5pm

FREE 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
our closets and fill your own.

ACCEPTING 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.

LEARN ABOUT BCSH SERVICES – Curious about how BCSH helps survivors of domestic violence? Want to learn how you can help support victims? Need info on
community resources? Stop in the Open House!
For more info, call 906-524-7079

MSU Extension - Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 Registration
2025-02-19 00:00 - 2025-03-10 23:59 | MI
Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 – Registration is Open
We are pleased to announce that registration for MSU Extension Smart Vegetable Gardening 101 is now open. This course is online and self-paced. Individual
registration 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.
Register at https://bit.ly/SGVEG101
Course Overview
This 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.
Please email Liz Slajus, slajusel@msu.edu with any questions or concerns.

'Northern Now' Focuses on 125th Anniversary
2025-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | MI
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.
Panelists include:

Dave Bonsall ‘74 BS, retired from NMU after working for 38 years in Housing & Residence Life and the Center for Student Enrichment
Carol Johnson ’81 BS, ’89 MBA, Dean of the NMU College of Business
Joe Lubig ’91 BS, ’00 MAE, Associate Dean of the School of Education, Leadership & Public Service at NMU
Jes Thompson ’01 BS, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability at NMU
Dana Hinckley, current education student and ASNMU President

Questions 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.

NMU Sustainability Summit
2025-02-18 10:00 - 16:00 | MI
Northern 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.
Despite 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.
Poster 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.
Climate 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.
Individuals 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.
The 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.

Cyber Clinic: Seniors
2025-02-17 18:00 - 19:00 | MI
Cyber Clinic: Seniors
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.

Hancock - Let's Eat Free Meal
2025-02-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, 49930
Let’s Eat Community Meal – THE MEAL IS FREE

Sunday, February 16th, from 4p – 5:30pm at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock

Please do your friends and neighbors a favor by telling them about it.

Sled Hockey Event at NMU
2025-02-16 15:00 - 17:00 | MI
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.
Sled 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.
“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.”
Grahek 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.
“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.”

Hancock - UP Wild in the Keweenaw Event
2025-02-16 15:00 | Chapel of St. Matthew, 532 Franklin Street, Hancock, Michigan, 49930
UP Wild in the Keweenaw would like to announce its upcoming monthly event.

Nature Prayer Service

Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 3:00 pm, Chapel of St. Matthew

* The Chapel of St. Matthew is in Hancock, MI on the former campus of Finlandia University.

The 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.

Hancock - Nature Prayer Service
2025-02-16 15:00 | Chapel of St. Matthew, 532 Franklin Street, Hancock, Michigan, 49930
Nature Prayer Service

Sunday, February 16 at 3:00 pm, Chapel of St. Matthew
Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 pm, Chapel of St. Matthew

* The Chapel of St. Matthew is in Hancock, MI on the former campus of Finlandia University.

The 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.

Honey Bear Classic Snowshoe Race
2025-02-15 12:00 - 15:00 | MI
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
choose to ski or snowshoe the entire “Honey Bear” loop or other trail options.
Register 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.

All proceeds help to support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network.

NMU Hosts UP200 Hospitality Tent, Warm-Up Party
2025-02-14 18:30 - 20:00 | MI
Northern 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.
The 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.
The 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.

UP 200 Race Kickoff
2025-02-14 18:00 - 21:00 | MI
Downtown Marquette welcomes everyone for the start of the annual sled dog race, which runs down Washington Street before heading out to Alger County.

School’s Out, Library’s In: Trolls
2025-02-14 12:00 - 17:00 | MI
School’s Out, Library’s In: Trolls
Friday 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.

Artist Reception at Peter White Public Library
2025-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Thursday, 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.

PWPL Huron Mountain Club Gallery – Second Nature by Emily Weddle & Meredith Weddle D’Amore
MACC Deo Gallery – Knowing the Land by Todd Carter

UPCM Valentine's Eve Dance
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:30 | MI
Join us for our Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum:
“Valentine’s Eve Dance”
Thursday, February 13, 2025
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Experience hands-on craft activities, and FREE Culver’s Frozen Custard. FREE to participate.

Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry
2025-02-13 10:00 - 23:30 | MI
Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host the first Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry of 2025. Taking place on Thursday, February 13. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team to place food boxes directly in the vehicle. Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Businesses or organizations that are interested in supporting these monthly mobile food pantries are encouraged to call 906.249.1715 for more information.

Noah Bauer Concert
2025-02-12 18:30 - 19:30 | MI
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library Community Room. Teens, Family, Adults, Seniors. Join celebrated local singer/songwriter Noah Bauer for a concert featuring songs from his newly released album, Lunitidal Interval. An eclectic evening of music sure to satisfy everyone’s musical taste buds. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Hancock - Nordic Film Series
2025-02-12 14:00 | Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock, Michgian, 49930
An award-winning film produced in 2003 by famed director Klaus Härö will be shown on Wednesday, February 12 at 2 p.m. at the Finnish American
Heritage Center as the latest offering of the Center’s Nordic Film Series.

“Invisible Elina” is a riveting tale about grief, love, betrayal and loyalty with a 9-year-old girl as the focal point of the story. In rural Sweden of the early 1950s, little Elina goes to school again after recovering from tuberculosis, the same illness that killed her father a few years earlier. Elina’s family belongs to Finnish-speaking minority frowned upon by a staunch schoolmistress who starts hounding Elina for questioning her authority. Elina’s mother, sister, and a liberal young male teacher all try to mediate the ensuing battle of wills.
The film is about an hour and 15 minutes long, and is in Finnish with English subtitles. It is suitable for all audiences. The showing is open to the public; donations are appreciated to help sustain the film series.
“We’ve shown this film a couple of times in years past,” said FAHC director David Maki. “As is the case with almost every Klaus Härö film, this one’s just a great story, not a movie that uses special effects or shocking images to further the plot. It’s an enjoyable watch for a winter afternoon.”
For more information about the Nordic Film Series, or the Finnish American Heritage Center, call (906) 487-7549

MARQUETTE CITY MANAGER COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS
2025-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on
Wednesday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of
Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an
informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the
opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

CITY OF MARQUETTE ART WEEK PLANNING MEETINGS
2025-02-11 14:00 - 19:00 | MI
The City of Marquette Office of Arts & Culture invites the community to participate in drop-in Art Week Brainstorming and Planning Meetings on Tuesday, February 11, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 5:00-6:45 P.M. at the Marquette Arts & Culture Center (lower level of Peter White Public Library).

These informal sessions provide a space to explore project ideas, find inspiration, and connect with others. Attendees are welcome to stay for any portion of the meeting-attendance is optional and not required to submit a project proposal. Sessions will focus on 2025 events, partnership opportunities, this year’s theme-STORIES, revisiting past Art Week projects, and exploring event venues.

Supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Art Week provides regrant funding of up to $400 for eligible projects that align with its mission of fostering collaboration, artist development, and audience engagement. Project proposals are due by Friday, March 7, 2025

Additional brainstorming sessions, including evening appointments, can be scheduled by contacting Tristan Luoma at (906) 225-8655 or tluoma@marquettemi.gov. More information about Art Week and project application can be found on www.mqtcompass.com/artweek

Valentine's Tea & Book Sale at Negaunee Public Library
2025-02-11 12:00 - 15:00 | MI
The Friends of the Negaunee Public Library will host their annual Valentine’s Tea and Book Sale, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Negaunee Public Library. The public is invited to attend, learn more about the library and the Friends group, enjoy refreshments, and purchase books.
This event is free to attend. All book sales are by donation.

NMU Presents Immersive 'Alice in Wonderland'
2025-02-08 19:30 - 21:30 | MI
Northern Michigan University’s CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements.
“Immersive theater experiences are the next big thing,” said CO/LAB Artistic Director Karina Johnson. “They’re taking over New York City, L.A. and many other places across the country. I believe we might be one of the first universities to attempt it. It requires a lot of teamwork and planning to pull it off, and we have a very large team of students collaborating on all aspects of this show, which is really exciting. I think it’s something the community should not miss, because it’s on the forefront of where theatrical art is right now.”
The performance will be held at 145 W. Washington Street, on the second floor (the former Vera Bar). Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, with Saturday matinees both weeks at 1 and 3 p.m.
The immersive Alice in Wonderland is distinct in plot and presentation from previous versions depicted in television and film. It features an original score by Dominic Mrakovcich, NMU Theatre and Dance sound and media supervisor/engineer, and contemporary ballet choreography by Johnson.
“Sometimes contemporary ballet is more versatile for telling a story, more relatable to an audience and a little easier to manipulate amongst an audience,” she added. “It seems every student in the department has their hands on this project in one way or another. Charlotte Somerville, our McNair Scholar, spent all summer researching how to properly light costumes worn by performers. That’s a new kind of technology that our students have never used before.”
A Wildcat Performing Arts Academy Pre-Performance Workshop for ages 12 and under will be held in advance of the sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Feb. 1.
“I’m excited because the kids are going to be able to experiment with lighting and sound, and interact with the performers and production crew,” said Jalina McClain, stage management supervisor and Wildcat Performing Arts Academy managing director. “Charlotte will explain the process related to LEDs and costumes at a level appropriate for those ages. They’ll also be able to see the light and audio boards—how they’re used during the production and how pushing certain buttons creates different effects—and have an opportunity to dance in different lighting to view it from the performers’ perspective. It’s going to be a different kind of learning experience.
“A lot of young kids who aren’t exposed to theater as much don’t know all that goes into a show behind the scenes. This lets them know there are other options, outside of being a performer on stage. They can make costumes, light the dancers or create mushroom chairs for the set. Because this show is so tech-heavy, I think it’s a good opportunity to showcase those aspects.”
Tickets for the production 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.

Love & Unity: Skate Through History at NMU
2025-02-08 15:00 - 19:00 | MI
“Love & Unity: Skate Through History,” 3-7 p.m. in Innovation Hall in the Jacobetti Complex. This ‘80s-themed roller-skating event will celebrate the cultural impact of skating rinks in Black communities. It will feature classic ‘70s and ‘80s music, free popcorn, a photo booth and limited skates for rent. It pairs with the Condom Carnival, a fun and inclusive event that combines interactive games with comprehensive sex education. Each booth offers opportunities to learn about sexual health, consent, safe sex practices and more. Bus transportation will be available from The Woods loop every 30 minutes.
