What’s Happening in the Great Lakes Bay Region?

Thursday, Jan. 19

Story Hour is set for 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. The hour will include a story, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Dress for the weather for this outdoor program. Program will move indoors if weather is poor. This event is free.

A Winter Social, hosted by The Arc of Midland, is set for 4-6 p.m. at Midland City Forest. Dress warmly and come out for sledding, hot chocolate, hot dogs and a campfire. There will be a limited number of sleds available, so guests are asked to bring their own sleds. Questions can be directed to The Arc of Midland at 989-631-4439.

Stories by the Fire is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Drop by the Homestead and enjoy an early evening relaxing by the campfire and listen to tales of winters past. This event is free.

The Fabulous Mr. E’s Piano Lounge from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124
Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Friday, Jan. 20

A Broadway Flight Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Creative 360. The organization is pairing Broadway musicals and wine for a “balanced evening of smooth, live entertainment with a spicy finish!” Performers from the Great Lakes Bay Region will whisk audiences through a taste of four Broadway shows while they enjoy a coordinated selection of wines. Additional wines available for purchase. You may bring snacks. Cost is $20 prepay, $25 at the door.

Kirk Brewster, The Front Porch Hillbilly, plays lunchtime acoustic country from 12-2pm.
Gretchen Shope plays pop and show tunes from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124
Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Northern Lanes presents the return of Comedy Night Live! Starring Andrew Wegleitner and Kate Brindle. The show is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $12, and available at the bar 1129 Saginaw Road, Sanford, or online at barcomictix.com

Saturday, Jan. 21

Brunch History: Coffeehouse Culture is set for 10 a.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. Come for a lively conversation about coffee house culture – both its origins and local impact. Historian Wesley Reynolds will provide insight into the beginning of the “coffee house” as a place for social gathering and higher conversation. Renee Deckrow, owner of Live Oak Coffeehouse, and General Manager of Live Oak Daniel Terhune will be discussing coffee house culture and its impact on the modern Midland community. The lecture is free for museum members, $7 for the public.

A Broadway Flight Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Creative 360. The organization is pairing Broadway musicals and wine for a “balanced evening of smooth, live entertainment with a spicy finish!” Performers from the Great Lakes Bay Region will whisk audiences through a taste of four Broadway shows while they enjoy a coordinated selection of wines. Additional wines available for purchase. You may bring snacks. Cost is $20 prepay, $25 at the door.

Johnny Hunt plays fun-time ukulele songs from noon-1:30 pm. Midland Saxophone Quartet plays from 2-4pm. Jason Shaw plays acoustic favorites from 5-7 pm. Jacob Wisenbach and the Jazz Luvin’s from 8-10 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-
9392.

Lunar New Year’s Celebration, a celebration of cultures across East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India, is set for 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Dow Diamond in downtown Midland. Everyone is welcome and the event is free. Food representing those cultures and alcohol tasting tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.

Sunday, Jan. 22

A Snowshoe Sampler is set for 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Drop by to give CNC’s snowshoes a try, do a winter scavenger hunt or warm up by a campfire. Meet at the Homestead Cabin and enjoy a winter afternoon in the snow. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the event will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

The Extra Credit Club: a showcase for local music educators and their students 2-4 pm. String Thing Band play acoustic folk and Americana-styled pop from 5-7pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Band Roulette 2023, a rock and improv show,  is scheduled for 5 p.m. at State Theater, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City. Musicians and songs will be drawn from a hat and performed on the spot. The event, which will feature area musicians and bands, is a fundraiser for local non-profit music programs All Music is Power and D-Steet Entertainment. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 4 p.m. Information, 989-892-2660

Monday, Jan. 23

A Senior Pancake Breakfast is set for 11 a.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Cost is $3 for members, $5 for non-members; pay in cash only on the day of the event. Register a spot at least a week in advance. Breakfast will be cancelled if Midland Public Schools closes due to weather. For more information, contact Amanda Ewald at [email protected] or 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Paint Your Pet is set for 7-9:30 p.m. at Creative 360. Join Creative 360’s Executive Director Laura Vosejpka for an evening of color and fun. You may choose to paint your pet any way you like. No, you do not need to be artistic. Send an image of your dog, cat, hamster, or horse to [email protected] by Jan. 19 and Creative 360 will transfer it to a 16 x 20 canvas or you may want to freehand it yourself; close-up images are best. All ages are welcome. Registration is required by Jan. 19.

Jan. 24-26
“The Book of Mormon” will be presented at the Midland Center for the Arts. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Information, midlandcenter.org 

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Sound Community Music Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse. This monthly music series features local classical and jazz musicians. The first hour is an opportunity for students, amateurs and professionals to share musical performances. The second hour spotlights professional musicians as they perform a full-length concert. The featured artists of the evening gratefully accept financial support from the audience in the form of donations. Contact Colin Wood ([email protected]) if you are interested in performing on the Sound Community Music Series.

Zehnder’s Snowfest is set for Jan. 25-Jan. 29 in Frankenmuth. Visitors can enjoy larger-than-life snow sculptures and detailed ice carvings. In addition, Zehnder’s Snowfest will have entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo and children’s activities. 

George Widiger and His Piano of Dreams from 5-7 pm. from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and
Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Adventures for Women: Snowshoe Hike is set for 5-6:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Enjoy an afternoon hike on snowshoes as we notice birds, animal tracks and other points of interest in the woods and fields. Beginner and experienced snowshoers are welcome. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

The Fabulous Mr. E’s Piano Lounge from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124
Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Friday, Jan. 27

The Neon Ball, a fundraiser for Creative 360, is set for 8-10 p.m. at Creative 360. Join in for art, light, music, food and dancing all in the midst of the Bayliss Gallery filled with the glowing art of Mark Piotrowski and Josh Averill. The first drink is paid for and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. A cash bar will be available. A limited number of tables for six or four are available for reservation. Call 989-837-1885 if you have questions. Registration required; 989-837-1885. Tickets are $30 per ticket or 4 tickets for $100 in advance. Tickets are $40 at the door.

Eastside Mike Smith plays acoustic folk and country 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds,
3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Kids’ Day is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Midland Mall. This event will feature hands-on activities for the kids as well as an opportunity for parents to explore the offerings that the community has available – from schools to sports, health to 4-H. Masks are encouraged and appreciated. This event is free.

Sarah Nelson leads Yoga Social Hour from 9-10:45am (sign up at sarahnelsonyoga.com). Mike
Ward, singer/songwriter from Detroit, plays acoustic originals from 5-7 pm. Lee Kitzmann and
Dave Dalton play a special team-up set of folk and acoustic originals from 8-10pm. Mi Element
Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

A piano recital to honor the late Robert Sabourin is set for 4 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland. Hosted by the Saginaw Valley American Guild of Organists, the event honors Sabourin’s memory and the donation of his Steinway piano by his wife, Emilee. Guest pianist Dr. George Fee will perform pieces that reflect Sabourin’s interest and love of specific genres and composers. Seating is limited; reservations with Adrienne Wiley at [email protected]

Sunday, Jan. 29

DJAM with Roland Wallace from 5-7pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave,
989-486-9392.

Monday, Jan. 30

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body is set for 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. This event is free. Reserve a spot at least one week in advance by contacting Amanda Ewald at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Planning for Pollinators is set for 6-7:30 p.m. at Dow Gardens. Transform your landscape into an sanctuary for native pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies. Join entomologist, Elly Maxwell, and plant curator, Jacob Burns, for a program that will touch on pollinator identification, plant selection, structural features, garden design, and care. Cost is $18. Capacity is limited, and registration is required. Learn more and register online at dowgardens.org/events/pollinators

Wednesday, Feb. 1

An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5:30-7 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Pre-register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Local Authors Night with Robert Fanning (CMU Prof.) and Donny Winter (Delta College Prof.)
from 5-7pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Thursday, Feb. 2
Story Hour is set for 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. The hour will include a story, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Dress for the weather for this outdoor program. Program will move indoors if weather is poor. This event is free.

Comedy Night with Dwayne Gill, featuring Tim Finkel is set for 8 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets, midlandcenter.org 
The Fabulous Mr. E’s Piano Lounge from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Friday, Feb. 3
Kirk Brewster, The Front Porch Hillbilly, plays lunchtime acoustic country from 12-2pm. The Blues Doctor with his Hot and Blue Harmonicas plays from 5-7 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Saturday, Feb. 4
John Louis Good plays pure rockabilly from 5-7pm. Bryan Rombalski and Three Worlds play pop music flavored with Jazz/Funk/World/Americana from 8-10pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Sunday, Feb. 5
Hitmakers Air Supply, a staple of early 80s radio, is scheduled in concert at 7 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $34. Information, midlandcenter.org

Saturday, Feb. 11
Feathers and Fedoras, hosted by the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, is set for 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Bay City. The Roaring Twenties gala evening features dining, dancing, casino games and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $50 each. Information, dnmm.org
Us in Mind, an in-person “date night” event, sponsored by Mid-Michigan Community Family Ministries, is geared to enrich marriages and families. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. at Midland Evangelical Free Church, 7221 N. Jefferson, Midland. Join Ted Lowe, author and marriage mentor, for an inspirational and practical evening that will be fun and offer participants a simple plan to change the way to relate to the people they love. The easy-to-understand steps will equip participants to improve their relationships. Tickets are $10 per person (early bird) until Jan. 29, $15 per person thereafter, and can be purchased on-line at www.mcfamilyministries.org  

Tuesday, Feb. 14
An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5:30-7 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Feb. 14-16
“Cats,” featuring a new sound design, direction and choreography, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $26.50. Information, midlandcenter.org

Thursday, Feb. 16
Story Hour is set for 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. The hour will include a story, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Dress for the weather for this outdoor program. Program will move indoors if weather is poor. This event is free.

Stories by the Fire is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Drop by the Homestead and enjoy an early evening relaxing by the campfire and listen to tales of winters past. This event is free.

Saturday, Feb. 18
Tracy Lawrence, a country music traditionalist in his 30th year performing, is scheduled in concert at 8 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $44. Information, midlandcenter.org

Wednesday, Feb. 22
An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5:30-7 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Feb. 23-26
Performances of “Honk! The Musical” are set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 25-26 at the Midland Center for the Arts. The show is an updated retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story for both adults and children. Tickets, midlandcenter.org

Tuesday, Feb. 28
An Evening Snowshoe Hike is set for 5:30-7 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Participants will look for signs of animals, study tree silhouettes and enjoy the winter sky. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Register and reserve snowshoes online or call 989-631-0830. If snow conditions are unfavorable, the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). This event is free.

Thursday, March 2
Comedy Night is set for 8 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets, midlandcenter.org 

March 3-4
Musicians from performing groups and congregations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region will join to present Rob Gardner’s oratorio Lamb of God in 7:30 p.m. performances at the Midland Center for the Arts. The music retells the final days, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through choir, full orchestra, soloists and narration. Tickets, midlandcenter.org

March 27
A Senior Pancake Breakfast is set for 11 a.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Cost is $3 for members, $5 for non-members; pay in cash only on the day of the event. Register a spot at least a week in advance. Breakfast will be canceled if Midland Public Schools closes due to weather. For more information, contact Amanda Ewald at [email protected] or 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.