Michigan Humanities

Stop Motion Animation Workshop
2024-02-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | 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

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.

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

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.

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.

Firekeeper’s Daughter Book Discussion
2024-01-23 16:30 - 17:30 | 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.

Sunday Afternoon Live presents Samuel Fedele
2024-01-21 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. 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.

Sunday Concert Series
2024-01-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
The Sunday Concert Series is back! In January, we are pleased to welcome the Traditional Celtic Band, Uneven Ground. Uneven Ground blends its traditional Celtic and Irish music with vocals, fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, flute, mandolin, and bodhran to escort you on an exclusive musical journey. Grounded from the roots of traditional Irish folk music, Uneven Ground offers energetic pub tunes combined with familiar folk songs for an interactive, foot-stomping program for all ages.
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

Where the Wild Things Are
2024-01-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia Avenue, Chesterfield, MI, 48051, United States
Magic Carpet Theatre will present a live theatre performance titled “Where the Wild Things Are.
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

"Max's Merry Everything" Children's Play at Sandcastles Children's Museum
2023-12-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Sandcastles Childrens Museum, 129 E Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI, 49431
Max’s Merry Everything! (Childrens’ Holiday Play) by Debbie Nellis & Rick Plummer! Come Celebrate Holiday Traditions & Friendship. Today we have 2 shows, Sunday, December 17th. 1pm. and 3pm. Today we have 2 shows, Sunday, December 17th, at 1pm. and 3pm. Limited Seating, will be on the third-floor stage. $10.00 per ticket.
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

MasterWorks 03: Mozart and Bizet
2023-12-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI, 48824
The concert opens with W.A. Mozart’s spirited and buoyant Symphony No. 35 “Haffner.” Then hear Lansing Symphony’s Principal Trumpet, Neil Mueller, perform the world premiere of David Biedenbender’s new Trumpet Concerto. The concert closes with a piece by French composer Georges Bizet that was not discovered and performed until nearly eighty years after it was written. Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C major is his only symphony and showcases his lyrical and expressive qualities while maintaining a Mozartian lightheartedness and levity.
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.

Barry County Great Michigan Read
2023-11-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-10-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Hastings Public Library, 227 E State St, Hastings, MI, 49058, United States
To sign up participants should go to this link. https://formsbcf.org/view.php?id=71045

Beth Nahrain - Writers of Mesopotamia
2023-11-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Chaldean Community Foundation, 3601 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI, 48310, United States

Movement Workshop with Nadia Kayrallah and Doris Bittar
2023-11-11 | Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126
Colonial Colonnade at the Arab American National Museum: a multidisciplinary project.

Colonial Colonnade Opening Celebration
2023-11-10 | Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126

Colonial Colonnade Exhibit Opening
2023-11-09 | Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126

Black History 101 Mobile Museum - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
2023-11-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Michigan
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is a national award-winning traveling exhibit that educates and informs the public about the rich and diverse history of African Americans. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the exhibit will showcase over 150 original artifacts reflecting the evolution of hip-hop culture and its impact on American society, highlighting the contributions of Black artists and innovators in the genre.

This insightful exhibit takes an interesting angle in viewing hip-hop culture through the lens of social movements such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement, Stop the Violence Movement, The Million Man March, and Black Lives Matter. The exhibit also includes historical and cultural artifacts from the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Jim Crow, Civil Rights Era, Black Power, and Black Arts Movement.

Join University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities at noon for “Using Hip-Hop Artifacts to Understand Hip-Hop Culture and its Connection to Broader Black Social, Cultural, and Political Movements” with Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. Details at https://events.umich.edu/event/109913.

University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities organizes programs that examine and interrogate humanities traditions broadly across space and time. The Institute aims to deepen synergies among the humanities, the arts, and disciplines across the university, and to bring the insights of the humanities to public life.

Great Michigan Read - Author Tour Stop
2023-10-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Kent District Library – Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49508
Michigan Humanities’ Great Michigan Read creates a statewide discussion around a Michigan themed book. Through partnerships with libraries, schools, book clubs, and a wide range of other non-profit organizations, the Great Michigan Read facilitates statewide reading and programs to bridge communities around a common conversation. This year’s book is Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. This event provides you with an opportunity to meet Angeline and learn more about her work!

Know Us: Detroit 2023
2023-10-06 - 2023-10-08 | Michigan
Know Us: Detroit 2023 celebrates and amplifies the history, culture and progress of Detroit’s Black and Brown communities. Located in the heart of music and culture, Know Us: Detroit 2023 is the premier annual experience for community-centric knowledge, connectivity and collaboration.
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Bridging Michigan Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

Snapshots & Straight Talk: Devin Allen in Conversation with Imani Mixon
2023-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Institute for the Humanities University of Michigan, Institute for the Humanities University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Devin Allen is a self-taught photographer who gained national attention when his photograph of the Baltimore Uprising was published on the cover of Time magazine in 2015. His book, No Justice, No Peace: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, came out last year and he’s the founder of a youth photography educational program called Through Their Eyes.Imani Mixon was born and raised at the magnetic center of the world’s cultural compass — Detroit, Michigan. She is a long-form storyteller who is inspired by everyday griots who bear witness to their surroundings and report it back out. Equal parts urgent and essential, her multimedia work centers the experiences of Black women and independent artists.Join University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities as Imani Mixon talks to Devin Allen about his life and work, the tension between truth and beauty, capturing community, and maintaining authenticity. This event is part of LSA’s fall 2023 Arts & Resistance theme semester.*

University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities organizes programs that examine and interrogate humanities traditions broadly across space and time. The Institute aims to deepen synergies among the humanities, the arts, and disciplines across the university, and to bring the insights of the humanities to public life.

Great Michigan Read - Author Tour Stop
2023-09-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Romeo District Library, 65821 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, Michigan, 48095

Great Michigan Read - Author Tour Stop
2023-09-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Marion Public Library, 120 E Main St, Marion, Michigan, 49665

Great Michigan Read - Author Tour Stop
2023-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Antrim Senior, Inc. Community Center, 102 Maple St, Bellaire, Michigan, 49615

Great Michigan Read - Author Tour Stop
2023-09-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, 211 N 1st Ave, Alpena, Michigan, 49707

Jackson Civil War Muster
2023-08-26 09:00 - 2023-08-27 17:00 | Cascades Falls Park, 1401 S Brown St, Jackson, Michigan, 49203
The Jackson Civil War Muster is the largest, longest-running Civil War event in the Midwest, welcoming people of all ages. Each year this weekend draws 25,000 to 30,000 from throughout Michigan, Canada, and destinations as far as Sweden. The event encourages visitors to interact with living historians by stepping back in time into the village of Jacksonburg, and to experience the extravagant military ball, as well as witness the excitement of two battles. Last year, the event featured the music of Camp Chase Fife & Drum Core and the United States Christian Commission period Coffee Wagon, both of which will be returning in 2023!
Funding for this program was provided by Michigan Humanities – Bridging Michigan Grant. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.

IN & ON OUR OWN TERMS - Shakespeare in Prison. A Program of Detroit Public Theatre.
2023-08-20 15:00 - 16:30, 2023-08-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 Third Ave, Detroit, Michigan, 48201
Join Detroit Public Theatre at the theatre this August for IN & ON OUR OWN TERMS, the first in-person performance featuring SIP alums alongside members of Prison Creative Arts Project‘s Linkage Community! IN & ON OUR OWN TERMS will feature a number of artists sharing stories from their own experience that would not typically be part of the broader narrative about mass incarceration. The performance will not define any artist by the experience of having been incarcerated; rather, it will amplify stories that only these artists can tell—stories that are important to the artists to tell, and an opportunity to use the medium of theatre to share them with the community.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome (but not expected!) at the door. Performances will take place at Detroit Public Theatre (3960 Third Ave., Detroit) on August 19 at 7:00pm and August 20 at 3:00pm. If you’d like to give Detroit Public Theatre a heads up that you think you’ll be there, click here [https://buff.ly/3O27PTZ]. Or just show up! Either way, we hope to see you at the theatre!

Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra 2023
2023-08-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Gallup Park, 271 W. State,, Port Austin, Michigan, 48467
Enjoy a free open air concert in beautiful Gallup Park. Hosted by Port Austin Artist in Residence. Picnic on the hillside and enjoy the perfect acoustics the park has to offer.

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 League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen
2023-08-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Three Rivers Public Library, 88 N Main St, Three Rivers, Michigan, 49093
Join Three Rivers Public Library for a celebration of the local women that helped influence the next generation of women to become physicians, lawyers, professors, and activist ecologists! Sign up is recommended, contact TRPL at 269-273-8666 or go to https://www.eventbrite.com/o/three-rivers-public-library-15891595896

This program is hosted by Three Rivers Public Library in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Michigan Humanities or the aforementioned entities.
