Michigan Humanities

Chocolate and Tea at Chesterfield Township Library
2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia Avenue, Chesterfield, MI, 48051, United States
Join Barbara Gulley from Barb’s Tea Service to learn about the history of tea and chocolate in Europe. There will be chocolate pairings featuring chocolate from local Michigan chocolatiers.
Registration is free and opens on February 1, 2025 at 9:30am. The first week of registration is limited to Chesterfield Library cardholders. Registration will open to others after the first week if space remains. You can register here.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Artist in Residence Series: Black History and DEI with E’lla Webber
2025-02-20 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-02-27 16:30 - 18:30 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
This series of four workshops led by local artist E’lla Webber will continue to introduce children to new art materials and techniques and also incorporate education on Black culture, history, and identity. E’lla’s workshops will include hands-on activities like the creation of a collaborative sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr., I Am Somebody mirrors inspired by Jesse Jackson, diversity hats where children can collage materials related to their identities, and constructing jazz instruments.
Admission fee is discounted museum admission fee.

Greg Whalen and the Ramblers Concert at The Dawn Theater
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | The Dawn Theater, 110 N Broad St, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, United States
Join The Friends of the Dawn Theater for an evening concert performed by Greg Whalen and The Ramblers at the Dawn Theater in downtown Hillsdale. The artists will perform a musical narrative of life in the Marine Corps, focused specifically on Greg Whalen’s deployment in 2021. The songs are inspired by this musician’s participation in the ruthless and chaotic evacuation of American troops from Afghanistan. The songs Greg Whalen and The Ramblers will play are all originals, based on their personal experiences and observations. There will be two 45-minute sets with a short intermission in between.

Oakland University: “For Internal Reference Only”: Foreign Literature and Book Censorship in the People’s Republic of China, 1960-76
2025-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Banquet Room A, Oakland Center, Oakland University, 312 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester, MI, 48309, United States
Join us as speaker Yan Li (Oakland University) for The John and Annette Carter History Comes Alive Lecture Series presents “For Internal Reference Only”: Foreign Literature and Book Censorship in the People’s Republic of China, 1960-76.

OpenSpot Theatre at The Hawk
2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334
Join OpenSpot Theatre for their annual performance at The Hawk Center in Farmington Hills! Students have been writing and practicing a big showcase performance. There will be acting, singing, and dancing!

Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Finals
2025-03-15 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 2025 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Finals, an annual competition to be held at the Crowne Plaza Lansing on Saturday, March 15, 2025, 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 27 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.

The Boychoir of Ann Arbor: Sing Joyfully
2025-03-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Brighton District Library, 100 Library Drive, Brighton, Michigan, 48116
Enjoy a musical afternoon with The Boychoir of Ann Arbor. For almost 40 years, the Boychoir has been enriching the lives of boys who love to sing while also enhancing the cultural life of the greater Ann Arbor area. All ages welcome!
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Sunday Afternoon Live: Djangophonique
2025-03-16 16:00 - 18:45 | First Congregational Church, 145 Capitol Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI, 49017
Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad.

Sunday Afternoon Live! concerts are free to the public, and include a family friendly reception where patrons can meet the artists and enjoy fellowship with each other.

The mission of Sunday Afternoon Live! is to enrich the cultural life of the greater Battle Creek Community and to continue the tradition of the First Congregational Church 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.

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

SC4 Free Concert Series Featuring Kimmie Horne
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Building, 581 Erie St, Port Huron, Michigan, 48060
Experience the magic of jazz with one unforgettable performance featuring Kimmie Horne. Kimmie Horne is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, entertainer, and brand influencer with a legacy deeply rooted in music royalty. A proud Detroit native, she is the descendant of the legendary songstress and movie icon Lena Horne and the niece of Cleveland Horne of the celebrated Fantastic Four. Renowned for her sultry voice and warm stage presence, Kimmie performs with blends of classic jazz, soulful blues and vibrant energy that captivates. Her critically acclaimed CD High Standards features the standout single Black Coffee, showcasing her ability to breathe fresh life into jazz classics while making them uniquely her own. Beyond her artistry, Kimmie Horne is the visionary Founder and President of the award-winning Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival, where she celebrates her passion for music and community. With a dynamic career spanning the globe, Kimmie continues to inspire, entertain, and uplift audiences with her talent, dedication and and dedication to the art of jazz.

Performance is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. Seats are general admission, and no reservations are needed. Doors open 15 minutes prior to showtime.

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

Growth Vol. 3 with Jahshua Smith and Friends
2025-04-02 19:30 - 21:00 | The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, Michigan, 48910
The soulful variety show returns to The Robin Theatre starring poet and hip-hop educator Jahshua Smith along with a cast of talented friends. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Limited space available – please RSVP to reserve your spot.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Michigan Wildlife with Outdoor Discovery
2025-04-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Sandcastles Childrens Museum, 129 E Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI, 49431
Turtles, snakes, and birds! Oh my! Join Sandcastles Children’s Museum on April 4th to participate in a visit from Outdoor Discovery Center at 11-2pm. Learn about Michigan’s wildlife and natural habitats and say hello to some critters.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Symphonic Cinema
2025-04-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Central United Methodist Church, 215 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, Michigan, 48933
An experience like no other. Composer Timothy Blackmon Jr. and hip hop producer James Gardin are re-telling a cult classic through a live, original soundtrack. The 2025 installment of Symphonic Cinema will reimagine the original score for The Brother From Another Planet. To capture the essence of the 1984 futurist film, the reimagined live score will utilize vocal performance, trumpet, synthesizers, and pads reminiscent of the 80s era of electronic, dub and techno subculture.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

Free Noon and Night Concert Series Featuring Hot Sun Trio
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | SC4 Fine Arts Theatre, 601 Erie St, Port Huron, Michigan, 48060
The Hot Sun Trio (Quarteto Sol Caliente) is a World jazz ensemble formed in 2000 and primarily consists of two flamenco guitars, congas/various percussion and a stand-up bass. Their music ranges from Swing and Latin Jazz to Brazilian Samba, Salsa and Flamenco. They cover the musical globe drawing inspiration from all cultures. Performances are scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. Seats are general admission, and no reservations are needed. Doors open 15 minutes prior to showtime.
This event is partially funded by an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant.

The Mighty Morel
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
