Michigan Humanities

The Mighty Morel
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Kingsley Branch Library, 213 S Brownson Ave., Kingsley, MI, 49649, United States
The Williams Family has been picking morels in Northern Michigan since the 1890s and Anthony’s pickin’ advice has been proven to be enlightening for everyone from novice to the seasoned pro. After winning the National Morel Hunting Championship five years in a row, Anthony Williams retired from competitive picking to become the “Expert in Residence” for the National Morel Festival. Over the past twenty years he has continued to share his “Picking with the Champ” seminar at the festival and Michigan libraries. This seminar is filled with stories from his 70 years of picking, tips on where and how to pick including the finer points on finding the elusive morel. Fun will be had by all and hopefully you will walk away filled with hope and promise in your future morel hunting capabilities. This event is FREE and open to the public of all ages. Call 231-263-5484 for more information.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Pickin' With the Champ!
2025-04-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Pathfinder Community Library, 812 Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI, 49304, United States
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Title Track Quartet Performance and Workshop at Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is an annual celebration coordinated by a coalition of local environmental nonprofits and agencies, and will be held this year at Leslie Science & Nature Center. This free, family-friendly event features displays; hands-on activities; live music and entertainment; green building and commuting technologies; energy topics; water awareness; sustainable agriculture; and more.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Morel Mushroom Hunting Seminar
2025-04-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Whitefish Township Community Library, 7247 N. M123, Paradise, MI, 49768, United States
“Pickin’ With the Champ” presented by Anthony Williams. Join us as Anthony Williams gives an entertaining & informative presentation about when, where, and how to pick morel mushrooms! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first time picker, you are bound to find a new perspective to gathering the elusive morel!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Pickin' With The Champ - Morel Hunting with Anthony Williams
2025-05-01 17:30 - 18:30 | Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI, 49829, United States
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time picker, you’re bound to find a new perspective on gathering morel mushrooms! The Williams family has been picking mushrooms in Northern Michigan since the 1890s. Anthony’s advice has proven to be enlightening for everyone of all picking experience. Come to the library on Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 pm to enjoy this informative and free presentation appropriate for all ages. No registration is required.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Pickin' With The Champ Anthony Williams
2025-05-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Drummond Island Library, 29934 E. Court Street, Drummond, MI, 49726, United States

Compañeros de Flamenco
2025-05-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI, 48334, United States
Library events are always free to the public and you do not need a library card to attend! The Farmington Community Library has two locations. This event will be held in the Auditorium at the FCL Farmington Hills location at 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Registration Required.
Join FCL as we host Compañeros de Flamenco. Compañeros de Flamenco is a group of dancers and musicians that perform the lively music and dance of Spain, known as Flamenco. It is a musical style with a rich and diverse history. The individual members of the group bring a broad range of experience in different styles of music and dance from classical to folk dance. During the program you will be able to listen to a lecture about the multi-cultural influences on the Spanish art of Flamenco. There will also be opportunities for the audience to participate in the program while seated and standing!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Experience the Magic of Holi: India’s Festival of Colors!
2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Portage Lake District Library, 58 Huron St., Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Step into a world bursting with color, joy, and celebration! 🌈✨ In this one-of-a-kind Holi Celebration Workshop, you will:
🌟 Discover the Legends: Uncover the fascinating stories behind Holi and how it became a symbol of friendship, courage, and togetherness.
🎨 Dive into Colors: Explore the vibrant Holi markets and learn about the cool celebration supplies.
🎶 Dance, Laugh, Celebrate: Join a lively, easy-to-follow dance inspired by Holi traditions, blending culture, movement, and pure joy!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for All Ages: Perfect for families, kids, and curious minds of all backgrounds.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Gwinn Modeltown Market "2025 Season Kick Off" with The Make Believe Spurs
2025-05-08 16:00 - 20:00 | The Gwinn Inn, 170 W. Flint St., Gwinn, MI, 49841, United States
Join us at The Gwinn Inn to listen to some fabulous local musicians, The Make Believe Spurs! Based in Marquette, Michigan, the Make-Believe Spurs have been together since 2022. Drawing inspiration from artists like Chris Stapleton, the Grateful Dead, John Prine, Tyler Childers, and Nathaniel Rateliff, their versatile sound ranges from intimate harmonies to electric performances that you can dance to.
They perform all over the UP at venues big and small, like NMU, Bay College, and the Hiawatha Music Co-Op. Guitarist/vocalist Brian Wallen is a 2nd place winner of the International Blues Challenge and an avid coffee drinker. Molly Wallen, a classically trained vocalist with a background in opera, also delights in solving crossword puzzles and crocheting. Drummer/vocalist Mavis Farr performed for many years in Cry on Cue and honed her craft in West African drums and percussion at Oakland University. She also brings magic to the world as a skilled silversmith and jeweler.

Concert Series: City Lights Chorus
2025-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI, 48167, United States
The City Lights Chorus, an internationally acclaimed men’s a cappella chorus, will debut several new songs featuring vocal jazz, choral, spiritual, barbershop style and more! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors! No reservations required.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

History Lecture: Behind the Scenes of History by Andrew Kercher
2025-05-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum, 228 S. Ridge St, Port Sanilac, MI, 48469
Examine the history and the present of the Straits of Mackinac. Visited by millions, Mackinac is a special place for many Michiganders. Hear the incredible history from the indigenous peoples to fur trade and logging to 19th century battles to fudge production! What is it like to wear the wool uniforms and fire muskets for a living? Also, hear tales from behind the porch! What was it like to live on the island in the winter and work security for the Grand Hotel? A very popular presentation! All lectures will be hosted in the Village Church at the Sanilac County Museum
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Orion Township Library - Summer Reading Kickoff
2025-06-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Orion Township Library, 825 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan, 48362
Celebrate the start of summer with our fun annual program outside at the library reading gardens. We’ll have blow-up obstacle courses, strolling entertainment, and fun activities hosted by local organizations along with two local food trucks (available for purchase). Register for summer reading during kickoff weekend for a chance to win a family prize pack to a Detroit Tigers game!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

USCGC MACKINAW-An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen
2025-06-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Portage Lake District Library, 58 Huron St., Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Step into the fascinating world of the USCGC Mackinaw and the Mackinac Bridge with longtime journalist and author Mike Fornes, who has spent over 25 years telling the stories of Michigan’s legendary ships and structures. From icebreaking adventures to bridge engineering marvels, Mike brings the Great Lakes to life with photos, first-hand reporting, and captivating storytelling.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Ann Arbor Asian Night Market by Marupo ACTS
2025-06-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for a night of celebration with food vendors, performances (dance performances, music performances and more) as well as hand-crafted trinkets for sale while supporting local AAPI businesses. Please RSVP, it helps all vendors determine how much products/goods to bring so they don’t run out given it’ll be summer time, casual/weather dependent attire recommended. Cultural attires more than welcome! Street parking is free after 6pm. On-site parking is reserved for vendors only.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

SUPER SatARTday
2025-06-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, Michigan, 48043
Our annual community celebration of the arts features interactive art performances, hands-on art activities, demonstrations from artists in various art mediums, and showcases our amazing instructors. This FREE community event has something for everyone!
​PERFORMERS:

Guy Louis, 11:30am – 12:30pm​​​
All the World’s a Stage, 12:30-1:30pm
Anton Art Center Artists

​SPECIAL GUESTS:

4H
Detroit Zoo
Detroit Institute of Arts
Mount Clemens Public Library
Jantzer Studios

This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

SRP Richard's Family-Friendly Ventriloquist
2025-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Cedar Springs Public Library, 107 N. Main NE, Cedar Springs, MI, 49319, United States
Richard’s Family-Friendly Ventriloquist show is a side-splitting performance suitable for all ages. With a winning combination of clean and kid-friendly comedy, larger-than-life and colorful puppets, music, magic, and plenty of engaging audience participation, it’s an unforgettable experience. NO REGISTRATION NEEDED. Everyone is welcome to attend!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Summer Reading Kickoff: Puppet Show - Alex Thomas and Friends
2025-06-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Hazel Park District Library, 123 E 9 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, 48030, United States
Alex Thomas and Friends will be doing a puppet show for the Hazel Park District Library on Tuesday, June 17 at 1pm as our summer reading kickoff program. Their Puppet Show is an engaging and entertaining experience that brings puppets to life and invites audience members to participate in the performance. This show is for audiences of all ages who are ready to be captivated by the magic of puppetry. Meet a lively and lovable puppet character with a unique personality that will delight the audience from the moment they appear onstage.
The show is interactive; throughout the performance, audience members are encouraged to engage with the puppet, becoming an integral part of the story. They may be invited to help solve a problem, participate in a puppet dance, or even have a conversation with the puppet character. This element creates a sense of wonder and excitement, as the audience becomes immersed in the puppet world. The show features a variety of entertaining and educational segments from comedic sketches to heartwarming stories. It is carefully crafted to entertain and inspire providing a joyful and memorable experience for all.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Brighton Arts & Culture Commission Presents: Children's Summer Series
2025-06-18 10:00 - 2025-07-30 11:00 | The Amp!, 202 N. Main St., Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
The Children’s Summer Series, presented by the Brighton Arts & Culture Commission, is a free, family-friendly event series that brings music, magic, theater, and more to our outdoor amphitheater in downtown Brighton. Held on Wednesdays at 10 am, starting June 18 and running through July 30, this engaging series features a diverse lineup of talented performers who entertain and inspire young audiences with interactive, high-energy shows. From live music and storytelling to dance and circus arts, each event is designed to spark creativity, laughter, and fun for kids and families.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Drawing Comics/Manga Workshop with Mark Crilley!
2025-06-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, Michigan, 48837
Kids 8 – 14

Mark Crilley, published professional American comic creator, artist– and children’s book author & illustrator will host this workshop for kids on Comic & Manga Drawing! Mark is the creator of Akiko, Miki Falls and Brody’s Ghost. Mark will share drawing techniques and tips, for kids ages 8-14. Follow along, step by step through at least four separate lessons over the course of one hour. Some lessons will be based on participant requests, guaranteeing that you’ll learn about what interests you most! Perfect for fans of Manga, Anime and graphic novels! Paper and pencils provided, so there’s nothing you need to bring apart from your own enthusiasm for drawing! Mark Crilley is a Michigan native and author/ illustrator of more than 50 books and graphic novels! Learn more at his website markcrilley.com.

This event is FREE but does require registration.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

Creative Drawing Workshop with Mark Crilley
2025-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, Michigan, 48837
Ages 15+

Mark Crilley, a published professional comic creator, artist– and children’s book author & illustrator will host this Creative Drawing workshop! Mark will share drawing techniques and tips for youth and adults ages 15+. Follow along, step by step through at least four separate lessons over the course of one hour. What would you like to learn? Ask Mark– lessons will reflect participant requests, guaranteeing that you’ll learn about what interests you most! Paper and pencils provided, so there’s nothing you need to bring apart from your enthusiasm for drawing! Mark is a Michigan native and author/ illustrator of more than 50 books and graphic novels including Akiko, Miki Falls and Brody’s Ghost! Learn more at his website markcrilley.com.

This event is FREE but does require registration.

This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

Hamburg Township Library - Summer Music Festival
2025-06-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Hamburg Township Library, 10411 Merrill Road, Hamburg, Michigan, 48139
Join us for an evening of music and food at the Library. You can sit and relax or get up and dance in the aisles! Phase 5 Motown Tribute Band will bring the ‘Sounds of Motown’ to the Hamburg Township Library. There will be food, beverage and desserts available from 5pm to 8pm. All vendors are local businesses. Food will be allowed outside and in the lobby only, covered beverages will be allowed in the library. All concerts will be in the library and start at 7pm. Registration is required for seating purposes only. We accommodate seating for as many people as possible, however seating is not guaranteed. All ages welcome!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

OKAN at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) and Top of the Park
2025-06-20 20:45 - 22:00 | Top of the Park, 915 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
OKAN brings their passionate Afro-Cuban jazz to an A2SF stage this summer! Fusing their Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk, and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance, and love. OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, Yoruba, and Spanglish, OKAN is led by Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. Building on their Juno-winning sophomore Espiral (2020) and Juno-nominated debut Sombras (2019), their most recent release Okantomi, winner of a 2024 Juno Award, passionately advocates for freedom of expression, queer rights, and gender equality through what CBC Music calls “joy as a form of resistance.” Charged with the profound power of their ancestry, OKAN alchemizes Lacumi chants and Santeria rhythms with virtuosic jazz, classical performances, and indie-pop hooks to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Don’t miss their mesmerizing harmonies and virtuosic musicianship at Top of the Park!
This event is partially funded by and Arts and Humanities Grant.

The Gwinn Modeltown Market’s Summer Concert & Car Show
2025-06-26 12:00 - 18:00 | Peter Nordeen Park, 115 North Pine St., Gwinn, Michigan, 49841
The Gwinn Modeltown Market’s Summer Concert & Car Show is held annually in the beautiful Peter Nordeen Park in downtown Gwinn, Michigan. The old two-story log stage set among towering old growth pines and nestled along the shores of the Escanaba River is the perfect setting for experiencing the love of music and nature which is in line with Farmhouse Arts’ mission of “Supporting the performing arts while blending nature and music”. Included during the event will be children’s activities, educational workshops, farm to fork food concessions, farmers market vendor displays, a classic car show and live music throughout the day.
The headlining band, Full Cord, is a super group on the rise. After winning the prestigious 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, the group followed that with another much-coveted honor when the International Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord its “Momentum Award Band of the Year.” They will be joined by WhoDat Brass, U.P. Knockabouts and Operation Shoestring!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Missoula Children's Theatre's TREASURE ISLAND
2025-06-28 14:00 - 20:00 | Historic Ironwood Theatre, 113 E. Aurora St, Ironwood, MIchigan, 49938
TREASURE ISLAND- The Missoula Children’s Theatre takes pride in presenting TREASURE ISLAND, an original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s epic novel. Young Jim Hawkins, a mischievous lad, lives with his Mother and six Sisters in a seaside village on the coast of Maine. The year is 1782 and the American War for Revolution is in its last days. Longing for adventure, Jim comes under the hypnotic spell of the legendary pirate, Long John Silver. While waiting tables in the family Inn, Jim finds a treasure map and, with the villainous Silver as his seeming mentor, sails uncharted seas with only the ragged map and a flock of Gulls as guides. Always up for adventure, Jim’s Ruffian friends say farewell to their Mariner parents and serve as cabin boys for Silver and his band of hilarious (although unsavory) Pirate types. Once on the island, nights are sleepless as true colors are revealed in our hero’s quest for the proverbial happy ending. Then – at last – the treasure is found and hand in hand we’re homeward bound.
Shows are Saturday, June 28th at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

13th Annual Ragtime Extravaganza
2025-07-05 14:00 - 23:00 | PlaneWave Instruments, 1375 N Main St, Adrian, MI, 49221, United States
River Raisin Ragtime Revue is presenting our 13th annual Ragtime Extravaganza, a community event that brings together local, regional, and national talent. The Extravaganza is presented free on the Adrian PlaneWave Instruments arts and science campus. This year’s Extravaganza is part of the Adrian Bicentennial Celebration. The day-long event features live music, a children’s magic show, art vendors and exhibitors, an instrument petting zoo, historical exhibits, a vintage car show, science tours, children’s games, food vendors, and a grand finale fireworks display. Jerron Paxton, a Smithsonian Folkways artist from New York City, will perform both a solo set and join the River Raisin Ragtime Revue orchestra. The City of Adrian will provide free shuttle service running all day from downtown Adrian to the PlaneWave campus.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Caribbean Colors
2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Hazel Park District Library, 123 E 9 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, 48030, United States
Caribbean Steel Drums through Dynamic School Assemblies are playing Caribbean style music with their steel drums for the Hazel Park District Library on Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30pm. This is an amazing program that will send the audience on a musical celebration of adventure through the islands. This interactive concert combines the experience of singing, drumming, dancing, and excitement as offered by African and Caribbean contributions to the world of music. This program is educational, musical, diverse, and interactive for all age levels and audiences.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

Kevin Kammeraad: Poetry, Puppetry, Music & More!
2025-07-10 10:00 - 23:00 | Portage Lake District Library, 58 Huron St., Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Join us for an energetic, family-friendly performance with author and artist Kevin Kammeraad! With puppets, music, poetry, and audience interaction, this show is packed with creativity and fun for all ages.
This event is partially funded by and Arts and Humanities Grant.

Candlelight Concert by Mert Sela
2025-07-11 20:30 - 22:00 | Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum, 228 S. Ridge St, Port Sanilac, MI, 48469
Amazing date night opportunity at Sanilac Museum, July 11th – Candlelight Concert featuring Mert Sela. Mert Sela is a musician from Turkey, attended Kocaeli University and is now residing in St. Clair, Michigan. His performance will augment the dimly lit Candlelight Concert to transcend into a magical evening experience. Mert Sela has been performing for decades and will take his experience to the stage to amaze those in attendance to appreciate classical and flamenco music. The event will be outdoors surrounded by a dozen historic buildings that are older than a century while under an amazing event tent with chairs and patio while being lit by a hundred candles for ambience.

This is a rain or shine event. We will pivot the venue into the Forestville Church at the museum in case of inclement weather. We respectfully state that NO REFUNDS will be offered for this event. Tickets are $10.

This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

The Sound Garden Project: Fivemind Reeds
2025-07-14 00:00 - 2025-07-20 00:00 | Cheboygan Opera House, 403 N. Huron St, Cheboygan, MI, 49721
The Cheboygan Area Arts Council is collaborating with Interlochen Public Radio’s 2025 Sound Garden Project to bring Fivemind Reeds to Cheboygan from July 14-19. The Sound Garden Project’s mission is to plant classical music in unexpected places as the featured musicians reimagine a 21st-century performance experience. In their ambitious hands, a concert becomes an event, and an audience becomes a community of inspiration, understanding and hope. During their residency week, Fivemind Reeds (a quintet of reed instruments) will perform a series of free, public pop-up events in the Cheboygan area, such as at the Farmers’ Markets, the Art Fair, in public parks and at downtown business locations. Each of these events will be short 30-45 minute appearances, leading up to the final event. All events are designed to be interactive with the community.
Their final concert event will take place on Saturday, July 19, 7:00pm at the historic Cheboygan Opera House. All events are free to the public and do not require reservations or tickets. The Sound Garden Project will be a unique opportunity to bring classical music out into our community and to break down the stereotypes of so-called elite music. We hope the experience will also inspire young people to consider studying an instrument, either through private instruction or in their school’s music program.
Fivemind Reeds is a Los Angeles-based reed quintet with saxophonist Alexander Lee, clarinetists Darren Liou and Kristine Llanderal, bassoonist Matthew Rasmussen, and oboist Thacher Schreiber. Formed in 2021 at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, Fivemind has since performed in several concerts and recitals throughout Los Angeles and the United States. Most recently, Fivemind was a two-time ensemble-in-residence for Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Project, in other Northern Michigan communities. The quintet maintains a colorful and diverse repertoire, from old masterworks by Mozart and Grieg to landmark contemporary works by composers such as David Biedenbender, Marc Mellits, and Jeff Scott.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Grant.

Cameron Zvara: Squeaky Clean Comedy Magician & Entertainer
2025-07-14 14:00 - 14:45 | Delta Center Elementary School Gym, 305 S Canal Rd, Lansing, 48917
Join us for an afternoon of AMAZEMENT & FUN with Comedy Magician & Entertainer- Cameron Zvara! Cameron’s show is filled with mind blowing magic, squeaky clean comedy, and tons of audience participation. You do not want to miss out! Location: Delta Center Elementary School Gym, 305 S Canal Rd, Lansing, MI 48917.
