Sunday Afternoon Live presents Samuel Fedele
2024-01-21 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Detroit) | First Congregational Church, 145 Capitol Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI, 49017
Sunday Afternoon Live is a small outreach group sponsored by First Congregational Church of Battle Creek. Our mission is to enrich the cultural life of the greater Battle Creek Community and to continue the tradition of the church (FCCBC) as a patron of artistic creativity and expression. We endeavor to do this by sponsoring a series of free concerts that present musical artistry that is exciting, beautiful, varied and enjoyable. Samuel Fedele is a local resident currently studying piano performance. He is a newcomer, but well known in the community, and will appeal to our classical music enthusiasts.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Firekeeper’s Daughter Book Discussion
2024-01-23 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-02-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, MI, 48098
Troy Historic Village and Troy Public Library present two free book discussions inside Niles-Barnard House at the Village. Join us for a warm beverage, a little friendly trivia competition, and lively group discussion on Firekeeper’s Daughter. Discussion topics are different each time, so come to one or both of the programs! Coffee and cocoa provided courtesy of Biggby.

Reg Pettibone's Authentic Native American Program
2024-01-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Birmingham Next, 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham, MI, 48009-1509
In concert with the Great Michigan Read “The Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley, Next is coordinating several enriching and education programs, food and craft classes, cultural entertainment program and day trips to venues where we can learn more about Indigenous people and the culture from January – April, 2024. On Thursday, January 25 at 6 pm, Next will host Reg Pettibone’s Authentic Native American Program also featuring Marca Pettibone with the Indigenous Women’s Ceremonial and Healing Dress. This program has received rave reviews and we are so excited to have Reg and Marca Pettibone visit Next. Reg Pettibone, a full-blooded native American and champion pow-wow dancer of the Ho-Chunk nation and his wife will present a true understanding of Native American culture through dance, song and stories.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Beyond the Book with Wayne Hardwick
2024-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, MI, 48098
Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa tribe member, Eagle Staff Carrier, and Indigenous Voices partner Wayne Hardwick will share his culture and experiences to expand our understanding of many of the important themes that come up in Firekeeper’s Daughter. Join us at the Troy Historic Village for a presentation and informal question and answer time.

OpenSpot Theatre at The Hawk
2024-02-01 18:00 - 19:30 | The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334
. OpenSpot Theatre provides accessible theatre experiences for people of all abilities. These sessions will be geared for participants ages eight through adult with a special emphasis benefitting those with developmental disabilities. Through music, dance, and acting taught by trained theatre professionals, participants will explore the therapeutic benefits of theatre.
Founded in 2012 by Katie Mann and Annie Clark, OpenSpot Theatre was created with the idea that performing arts should be accessible to all people. The company quickly expanded throughout Southeast Michigan and now provides opportunities across the United States. OpenSpot Theatre’s mission is “to provide a fun, creative, and inclusive arts experience that is accessible to all people. Through our rehearsal and performance process, students will experience personal affirmation, empowerment, and build important life skills.”
This family-friendly program ends with a free performance for the community in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere in the Performance Studio at The Hawk, the community center for the City of Farmington Hills. This newly renovated, ADA compliant building has flexible seating and an intimate ambience. The parking lot is handicapped-accessible and seating is available for individuals requiring the use of a wheelchair. These qualities make the venue a perfect setting for this adaptive theatrical program.
Beginning February 2, 2024, the program will run for six one-hour sessions on Thursday evenings from 6-7PM. Each session is taught by a theatre professional provided by OpenSpot Theatre.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities

The Evolution of African American Traditional Music
2024-02-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Monroe County Library System, 840 S. Roessler St., Monroe, MI, 48161
This program and accompanying booklet will be part of Monroe County Library System’s 37th annual
Black History Month Blues Series. Concerts and related programs are scheduled during February in
libraries throughout Monroe County. A main concert is hosted by Monroe County Community College.
The series pays tribute to the contributions of African American artists covering a wide range of blues
and related styles performed mainly by Michigan artists.
“The Evolution of African American Traditional Music” explores the impact of black music on the
development of America’s musical culture over a period of one hundred years. The presentation also
demonstrates how this traditional music provides a unique perspective on the development of African
American culture. The award-winning , Rev. Robert Jones has a unique talent for blending music and
storytelling in his performances. For this program, he leads participants on a journey revealing how
pre-Civil War Black music still has relevancy for audiences today. Throughout the program, Rev. Jones
will accompany himself on simple instruments used in the folk music tradition including guitar, banjo,
fiddle, and harmonica. Members of the audience will have pportunities to speak with and join Rev. Jones
in song.
The program opens with an examination of the slave spiritual and its use of rhythm for working as well
as a means of secretly communicating information vital for daily survival or making escape
plans. Folktales and stories from the period are discussed as they provided empowerment and
dignity for enslaved people. Rev. Jones examines music produced to recruit black soldiers into the Union
Army with songs like “We Look Like Men of War.” The presentation moves to the 1870s and the
development of the concert spiritual at Fisk University where the choir preserved Black
spirituals while incorporating European church music. Rev. Jones takes participants into the 20th
century with the birth of the blues by W.C. Handy and the early recordings by women like Mamie Smith
in the 1920s. The presentation continues showing how the spirituals evolved into blues, gospel, jazz and
country. Looking at the 1930s, he shows how blues music told the story of the Great Depression from
the perspective of the African American community. The musical journey continues into the 1940s
pointing out how gospel songs like “Roosevelt,” performed by black artists like Josh White and Billie
Holliday, were used as a form of black activism. The program then examines the music of 1950s where
black artists like Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and Sister Rosetta Tharpe laid the foundations of Rock & Roll
for both black and white artists such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Bill Haley. Rev. Jones brings the
presentation into the 1960s demonstrating how Blues music transitioned from being a largely acoustic
musical style to becoming a dynamic and electric through artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and
Detroit’s own John Lee Hooker. Wrapping up, he discusses how artists like Sam Cooke built on blues and
gospel traditions to create music that challenged America’s cultural status quo. These “freedom songs”
of the 1950s and ‘60s helped to fuel the protests during the Civil Rights Movement in cities across
America.
Rev. Robert Jones is a 35-year veteran of the Detroit blues scene and a nationally recognized scholar of
American roots music. He hosted a weekly blues program on WDET Detroit Public Radio and taught
music history as an adjunct instructor at Wayne State University. He is published in the music anthology
Heaven Was Detroit edited by M.L. Liebler for Wayne State University Press. He has also produced
programs for The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. He was presented with a Distinguished
Service Award by the Wayne County Council for Arts, History, and Humanities and was
named a Kresge Fellow for his work and dedication to the Detroit arts community.
The program brings value to the library by reinforcing its goal of providing education as well as
entertainment through its annual celebration of the contributions of African American artists. While
participating artists give background and context to their music performances, the library also aims to
feature programs that more specifically focus on how the music influences America’s culture
and reflects its historical times.
The series has a large and devoted following with many participants attending since the series began in
1988. By featuring a humanities component, participants are reminded of the program’s mission of
expanding our knowledge and appreciation for an art form that has often been appropriated by popular
music and not given its rightful credit. The program format allows audience participation through
discussion and adding their voices in songs led by the artist. It’s our intention that participants are
energized by the program and motivated to continue their own exploration of blues music.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Stop Motion Animation Workshop
2024-02-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Ray Township Public Library, 64255 Wolcott Rd, Ray, MI, 48096
Join Alex Thomas and Friends for a fun-filled, productive workshop on Stop Motion Animation in our very own tiny library. This workshop is 90 minutes and open to 20 participants who will get a hands-on lesson in the creation of stop motion animation. Alex and Jessica Thomas lead this workshop and are so much fun to work with. Don’t miss out. You MUST be registered to attend. All ages are welcome. Non-participating guardians of youth participants do not need to register.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities

Beyond the Book with Nathan Wright - Land Back: Our Teachers, Our Truth, Our Connection to Mother Earth
2024-02-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, MI, 48098
Join Indigenous Herbalist and Herbal Lodge Owner Nathan Wright as he discusses our connection to Mother Earth through nature. Have you ever wondered about the strong bond Native Americans have with their land? What is Land Back and why is it so important? Whether you are a gardener, naturalist, wild forager, or herbalist, this event will deepen your connection to the land and provide a better understanding of the first peoples of this land. Nathan will weave in his experiences as a wild forager, cold water enthusiast, and water protector to create a self-awakening experience for you. This class will open your senses to a whole new level and allow you to tap into a connection you never knew existed. So come join us on this journey to discover and honor our connection to Mother Earth. Let Nathan guide you as you learn, grow, and respect the land that sustains us all. Learn more about Nathan’s work at https://herballodge.com/.

Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Great Michigan Read Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Beyond the Book with Nathan Wright - Anishinabek Herbalism of the Great Lakes
2024-02-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy, MI, 48098
Join Indigenous Herbalist and Herbal Lodge Owner Nathan Wright as he takes us on a journey through the historic use of trees and plants by Indigenous peoples in Michigan. For centuries, these plants have played a vital role in sustaining and nourishing Indigenous communities throughout the year. Nathan will guide us through each season, sharing how different plants were used for various purposes such as shelter, transportation, and food. We will also learn about the significance of different moons in the Indigenous calendar and how they relate to the use of certain plants.
In addition to sharing ancient knowledge, Nathan will also bring us into the present by discussing how his ancestors’ sustainable and herbal practices could be utilized today as a model, by choosing to utilize sustainable resources in our everyday lives. He will share insights on growing herbal plants in our own yards and using them to improve our overall well-being. From immune-boosting herbs to pain and nerve-relieving plants, Nathan will cover a range of topics that can benefit our health. To further enhance our learning experience, Nathan will provide samples of herbal teas and showcase some of his own herbal products. Learn more about Nathan’s work at https://herballodge.com/.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Great Michigan Read Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Arts for Life - Music "Mack Sisters"
2024-02-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Huron Valley Council for the Arts, 205 W Livingston Rd, Highland Charter Twp, MI, 48357
Tomoko and Yuki are called the “Mack Sisters” They will present a piano program for “4” hands. The Mack Sisters are Steinway artists who have presented concerts around the world.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Cajun Band Feufollet in Concert
2024-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Cheboygan Opera House, 403 N. Huron St, Cheboygan, MI, 49721
This young and vibrant Southwest Louisiana band takes Cajun, honky-tonk, and string-band music as their starting point, and keeps an open mind about where their song craft will lead them. The five members of Feufollet play fiddle, guitar, accordion, upright bass, and percussion. Many of their songs are in Cajun French, reflecting their bilingual upbringing in Louisiana.
The CAAC manages the 1888 Opera House, which is owned by the City of Cheboygan, where it presents a year-round series of performance events. The event by Feufollet advances our mission of bringing to our rural area nationally-recognized musicians who represent the diversity of American folk genres.
The Mission of the Cheboygan Area Arts Council is to promote and encourage cultural and educational activities within the Straits Area of Northern Michigan, and to provide services that stimulate and encourage participation and appreciation of the arts within all segments of the community and to showcase the historic Cheboygan Opera House.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities

Sunday Afternoon Live presents Blackthorn
2024-02-25 16:00 - 17:30 | First Congregational Church, 145 Capitol Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI, 49017
Sunday Afternoon Live is a small outreach group sponsored by First Congregational Church of Battle Creek. Our mission is to enrich the cultural life of the greater Battle Creek Community and to continue the tradition of the church (FCCBC) as a patron of artistic creativity and expression. We endeavor to do this by sponsoring a series of free concerts that present musical artistry that is exciting, beautiful, varied and enjoyable. The concerts are presented in the sanctuary of our church, which possesses great acoustical characteristics that our guest artists appreciate as well as our patrons. The quartet Blackthorn represents the Irish/Celtic genre, which has been popular with a wide variety of patrons.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Ziibiwing Medicine Wheel Teaching & Craft
2024-02-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Butman-Fish Branch Library, 1716 Hancock St, Saginaw, MI, 48602, United States
Make a megis shell necklace and learn about the medicine wheel. The medicine wheel promotes harmony and balance in our lives. It represents how the Anishinabek see the world as a circle in which everything on this Earth has its place. Learn about the Anishinabe Medicine Wheel, its components, and teachings associated with its significance. This Great Michigan Read program is for all ages.
To register, contact: sreinhardt@saginawlibrary.org or call 989-799-9160.
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Follow the Silk Road: Mesopotamia to Michigan
2024-02-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Shenandoah Country Club, 5600 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI, 48323
Part of a year-long initiative to share the Chaldean Story, this forum will explore the roots of the Chaldean entrepreneurial spirit. The event will feature a distinguished panel of entrepreneurs who will share personal stories about the generational influence on their own success. Adhid Miri, PhD will provide a historical context and Chaldean News Editor in Chief, Sarah Kittle will moderate the event. There is no cost to attend, please register below for a chance to win a limited edition “Made in Nineveh” gift box.
Funding for the Great Michigan Stories program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Jordan Hamilton & Seth Bernard
2024-03-02 19:00 | Huron Valley Council for the Arts, 205 W Livingston Rd, Highland Charter Twp, MI, 48357
Jordan and Seth will be performing together for a unforgettable evening. Jordan Hamilton is a talented musician who plays the cello and sings. He is known for his unique style that combines traditional mastery with a more experimental approach. He will be featuring his new music from J.NOH Seth Bernard will be playing from his music project called Headwaters. This project is inspired by the simple melodies that the musician creates on their guitar.

Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Blackthorn in Concert
2024-03-03 20:00 | The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334
Blackthorn returns to the Hawk Mainstage in their 24th year performing with the Cultural Arts Division. The Irish music sensations of Michigan brings Celtic tunes to get you up and dancing. Join Richard, Michael, Dennis and Frederick for a great night of music.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Great Reads Book Club: Firekeeper’s Daughter
2024-03-04 14:15 - 16:00 | Hoyt Public Library, 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI, 48607, United States
To register, contact: reference@saginawlibrary.org or call 989-755-0904.
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Ziibiwing Center Song & Dance Presentation
2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Zauel Memorial Library, 3100 N Center Rd, Saginaw, Michigan, 48603
Dance is an important part of Anishinabe culture. The contemporary Pow Wow is a continuation of our ancestors’ tradition and an expression of contemporary North American Indian Identity. They provide an opportunity for visitors to be immersed in the sights and sounds of North American Indian culture. Join us for this demonstration as part of the Great Lakes Bay Reads programming series.
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Ziibiwing Center Song & Dance Presentation
2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, 1710 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland, MI, 48640, United States
Join us for our Book Royale, a trivia centered book club. This program for adults will quiz your general book knowledge and which facts you can remember from this month’s book choice, Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. Participants may register as an individual or a team of two. Please join us for this discussion of this book on Tuesday, April 9th.
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

WLHS Drama Club Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid
2024-03-08 19:00, 2024-03-09 19:00, 2024-03-10 14:00 | Whitmore Lake High School, 7430 Whitmore Lake Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musher and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Disney’s The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Finals
2024-03-09 09:00 - 14:00 | Crowne Plaza Lansing, 925 S Creyts Rd, Lansing, Michigan, 48917
Join students, teachers, and community members from across the state for the 2024 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Finals, an annual competition to be held at the Crowne Plaza Lansing on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Crowne Plaza Lansing is located at at 925 S Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917.Poetry Out Loud is a high school poetry recitation program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Poetry Foundation, and administered in our state by Michigan Humanities in partnership with the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. This year, students from 20 Michigan high schools, stretching from the Upper Peninsula to the Greater Detroit area, will compete for the title of state champion through three rounds of recitation. The state champion will receive a cash award and represent Michigan in this year’s national championship, where they have the opportunity to win a $20,000 college scholarship. In addition, the state champion’s school will receive a stipend toward the purchase of poetry materials. Finalists and their respective schools will also be awarded cash prizes and stipends. The Poetry Out Loud program provides an exciting opportunity for high school students to engage in the arts and humanities, showcase their creativity, build public speaking skills, and express themselves through poetry interpretation.All are invited to attend to see the student poetry recitations. No RSVP is required.

Morel 101: Pickin' with the Champ
2024-03-09 14:00 | Big Rapids Community Library, 426 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI, 49307
Pickin’ with the Champ…with five-time Morel Picking Champion Anthony Williams. Morel stories, folklore, and tips! Register for this event by logging into your account on our catalog and find the sign-up under “Events & Rooms.”
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Irish Night
2024-03-09 18:00 - 21:00 | The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660
Irish night is back! starting the night off is local band “Black House Monks” followed by Kennedy’s Kitchen. Kennedy’s Kitchen, led by joHn Kennedy, plays a mix of all things Irish, based in the heart of South Bend, Indiana.“
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities –Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

One Book One Community of Monroe County - Kickoff with Sally Cole-Misch
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Monroe County Community College Library, 1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe, 48161
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Books on Tap
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Short’s Brewing Company – Pull Barn, 211 Industrial Park, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629
Come on down to The Pull Barn for their first-ever Books on Tap Club! Let’s dive into a spirited discussion about “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” Grab a complimentary copy at the Elk Rapids Library, and on book club night, your first pint is just $1. See you there!
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Smithsonian American Art Museum
2024-03-13 18:00 | Frankenmuth James E Wickson District Library, 359 S Franklin St, Frankenmuth, MI, 48734
Virtual Program by The Smithsonian American Art Museum: Don’t miss our live virtual program! Stay tuned for a unique experience that explores the cultural depths of Fire Keeper’s Daughter.
Register by calling or emailing jen@wicksonlibrary.org
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Book Royale: Firekeeper's Daughter
2024-03-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Butman-Fish Branch Library, 1716 Hancock St, Saginaw, MI, 48602, United States
To register, contact: jpotter@saginawlibrary.org or call 989-799-9160.
Funding for the Great Michigan Read program is provided by Michigan Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.
