UMS Wallace Blogging Fellowships

UMS is announcing a call for applications for our blogging fellowship program.

In an effort to elevate great arts & culture happenings in Southeast Michigan, we’re looking for blogging fellows to write monthly roundups of adventurous arts and cultural opportunities in our area.

Two fellows will be selected. Fellows will serve as curators who make monthly recommendations about events throughout Southeast Michigan, whether presented by UMS or by other organizations. Recommendations will be shared via UMS Lobby (this blog), email, and social media. In addition to blog content, fellows will be asked to participate in a week-long takeover of UMS Instagram, showcasing some of the recommendations.

Fellows will receive $1,000 and opportunities for special behind-the-scenes access to UMS and artists, based on fellow and artist availability and interest. The fellowship period takes place from November 2018 to May 2019.

Who should apply

Are you passionate and knowledgeable about arts and culture happenings in Southeast Michigan? Do you like to share that passion? If so, you’re on the right track. We’re looking for two fellows to participate in this program. Fellows can come from any background, but should be at least 21 years old and should be based in Southeast Michigan.

How to apply

Submit the following materials using the form below by Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

• Short statement of intent. In 500 words, tell us why you’d make a good blogging fellow. What’s your experience with arts and culture in Southeast Michigan? Which events and performances have you attended in the past year? Which one was most memorable? Most surprising? How do you get people excited about attending events that may be outside their comfort zone?
• CV highlighting experiences that you think are relevant to the position.
• 2-3 Writing samples (links or clips). If your clips are not accessible online, send them to us via email attachment or link to Dropbox to ums-lobby@umich.edu. Please use subject line “Wallace Fellows Application: [Your Name].
• Links to social media accounts. Part of the goal of this program is to build community around cultural happenings. To that end, please send us links your social media accounts as applicable (personal accounts or accounts related to arts & culture that you manage).

Apply

Questions? Ask them in the comments below or email ums-lobby@umich.edu. We welcome your feedback.

This post is a part of a series of posts curating adventurous arts and culture experiences in Southeast Michigan. Sign up for email updates (choose “Arts & Culture Adventures” list).

Mmm….Thanksgiving may be over, but it’s Christmas time! This year I’m hungry for change, and if you are too, I encourage you to donate to a local organization or a cause that you care about! For me, it’s the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota and Gleaner’s Community Food Bank in Detroit. As always, I encourage you to check out the arts happenings below because they’re affordable, enjoyable, and well, I just know you’ll love them.

Fun Home at the Fisher Theatre

After taking home a slew of accolades and audiences’ hearts while on Broadway, Fun Home is finally coming to a theater near you. Based on the memoir by graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, the plot follows Bechdel in three periods of her life: a present day, middle-aged cartoonist, a student at Oberlin College in Ohio, and a child growing up in rural Pennsylvania. The musical unravels Bechdel’s most personal memories from exploring her sexuality to her discovery of complex family secrets, taking audiences on a vulnerable, emotional, albeit fun trip down memory lane. Tickets start at $29 and the show runs from November 29 – December 11 in the architectural gem that is the Fisher Theatre. More.

Also check out their Facebook Page for even more events. 

44^th Annual Noel Night in Midtown Detroit

This is one of my absolute favorite events in the world and it’s happening next week on December 3! I’m not big on holidays, but I have always loved Noel Night because year after year, it continues to be an event that is extremely accessible, artistically incredible, and completely free. Taking place from 5pm to 10pm, over 70 institutions in Midtown Detroit open their doors to the public to showcase 200+ performances, holiday markets, family craft activities, and so much more. My highlights from recent years have included the Detroit Party Marching Band outside the DIA, gospel legend Irma Thomas at First Congregational Church, and klezmer music at the Detroit Public Library. It’s free. Go. More. To like them on Facebook, check them out here.

Japanese Prints of Kabuki Theater at UMMA

Men in drag! Stardom! 18^th + 19^th century Japan! For centuries, Kabuki Theater has encapsulated all of the above and more, preserving a tradition of theatrics, drama, and Japanese history that still lives and breathes today. On display now through January 29 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), this exhibition of colorful woodblock prints will give viewers a look into the fandom, the fantasy, and the spectacle that captured the hearts of many from Japan and afar. Oh, and UMMA is always free. More.

Image: Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada), Ichikawa Ichizō III as Kinryū Kumokichi, Edo period (1615-1867), 1857, color woodblock print or paper. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of John Campbell, 2009/2.100

The Carr Center in Downtown Detroit

Consider this a grab bag, an artistic smorgasbord, because that is what the Carr Center is. After 7 years of creating a space for African and African-American cultural arts traditions in Downtown Detroit, the Carr Center is facing the possibility of being uprooted from their building as plans for a fancy hotel loom. That said, their artistic programming puts up a fight with two CD release concerts by local musicians in the coming weeks, a giant two-story art exhibition entitled “You Are Here” running until December 17, and a concert headlining jazz icon Dee Dee Bridgewater and jazz pianist (+ artistic director of the Carr Center) Geri Allen on December 2. Check out their website and go to show your support. More.

Thanks for giving this a read! Which events do you have on your calendar? Have any suggestions? Feel free to shoot me an email at adamedesj@gmail.com, or comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

Photos courtesy of artists and performance spaces.

Adam Desjardins is a UMS Blogging Fellow. Learn more about the blogging fellows program.

This post is a part of a series of posts curating adventurous arts and culture experiences in Southeast Michigan. Sign up for email updates (choose “Arts & Culture Adventures” list).

It’s been a challenge to not focus completely on the election and turkey in November 2016, but I’m here to remind you Southeastern Michigan is an amazing place for arts and culture. This month explore hyper-local and global works of art within a 50 mile radius. It’s time to get inspired!

Re-Release Party (The Golden Record)

If you could explain the world to an alien, how would you do it? How would you explain language? What kinds of music would you play for them? A Host of People, a Detroit performance company, has devised a play based on The Golden Record – a 1977 project led by Carl Sagan which attempted to communicate the story of life on earth for extraterrestrials and future humans on a phonograph. A group of dedicated local artists will provide a multimedia experience which asks the viewers – how do we want to be remembered? How do we explain ourselves? Come see this great play on November 4 -19 for just $15 a ticket. More.

Drawing in the Diaspora: Comic Art & Graphic Novels by Leila Abdelrazaq

Dearborn’s Arab American National Museum shares the creations of Leila Abdelrazaq, a Chicago-based illustrator who fuses activism and artistry in comics and graphic novels. Baddawi, her debut graphic novel, is a coming-of-age story based on her father’s experience in a refugee camp. Pieces from her new novel along with original illustrations, comics, and zines will be on display at this exhibition November 12 – April 19.  Be sure to also check out Bigmouth Press & Comix – a blog founded by Leila Abdelrazaq dedicated to uplifting the work of female and non-binary comic artists with roots in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. More.

portrait of myself as my father

Enter the ring at Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym for a visceral experience heightened by the ferocity of Nora Chipaumire – a Zimbabwe-born choreographer who explores African masculinity in this personal performance. UMS presents portrait of myself as my father  on November 17, where three performers take the stage on a make-shift boxing ring for an exposition that “achieves chillingly sudden shifts in mood, from joking and light to excruciatingly dark.” (New York Times). More.

Hai Xin Wu

Take part in an intimate performance on November 18 with world-class violinist, Hai Xin Wu, in the Lakefront Ballroom at the Grosse Point War Memorial. The venue is completely dazzling, and tickets are only $25. Hai Xin Wu is Detroit Symphony Orchestras Assistant Concertmaster Violinist, and is sure to provide a delightful experience to the audience as he has done for decades around the world. His talents mixed with the picturesque view of Lake St. Clair are the makings of a night to remember. More.

Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival

My great-grandparents came from Poland so naturally I enjoy sauerkraut, polka, and I’m intrigued by the 23rd Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival at Michigan Theater. The November 18 – 20 weekend is a lineup of dramas exploring relationships, time-sensitive thrillers, animated films, and family friendly options. Admittedly I forget most of the Polish I have learned throughout the years, so thankfully all the movies come with subtitles! More.

Thanks so much for reading! If I missed an event that’s important to you, reach out to me on Twitter. And if you explore any of these events, be sure to let UMS know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Photos courtesy of artists and performance spaces.

Marissa Conniff is a UMS Blogging Fellow. Learn more about the blogging fellows program.

This post is a part of a series of posts curating adventurous arts and culture experiences in Southeast Michigan.

Hey everyone! Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I am beyond thrilled and honored to be one of the two UMS Blogging Fellows. For my first blog, I would like to tell you just a little bit about myself. Why? Mainly because I can’t deny a captive audience, but I also want to provide some context as to why I chose to write about these specific events!

I’m a 26-year-old tweeting machine/cat mom/theatre nerd/yoga teacher. I live in Ypsilanti (which I love with all my heart), and I spend a lot of my time watching female comedians, writing music, and cooking with my fiancé. I studied Arts Management, Marketing and Theatre at Eastern Michigan University and continue to flex my acting muscles, although I’m focusing on producing my first album of original music! I work at the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors as the Social Media Manager, and my favorite yoga pose at the moment is one-handed-tiger. I think that’s about it for now, so let’s talk about the arts and culture scene in Southeast Michigan!

And away we go…

2nd Annual Murals in the Market

Not many artists grew up on a farm…but I did! That’s why I am so excited for the 2nd Annual Murals in the Market event at Eastern Market in Detroit.

Fresh, local produce mixed with high caliber (and giant) murals captures the true essence of Michigan’s favorite comeback city. More than 50 local and international artists are traveling to the great city of Detroit to create large-scale murals over the course of 10 days! There are tons of events surrounding this exciting project during September 15-24th; from opening receptions, to classes, and a final walking tour of the completed murals. This event is a great opportunity to explore the best of Detroit! More

Ypsi Song Fest: Motown Revisited

I have to believe in my heart that every American loves Motown Music, don’t you? There’s something about the upbeat, soulful, timeless music (riddled with clapping and sweet dance moves) that brings everyone together.

As a millennial, I never really had the opportunity to hear live Motown Music, which is why I am so excited for this celebration of one of my favorite genres! This event takes place on Washtenaw Community College’s campus in the beautiful Towsley Auditorium. An impressive lineup of musicians such as John E. Lawrence (Ypsilanti guitar legend), Al McKenzie (former music director of The Temptations), Ray Moore (formerly with The Four Tops), and Ted Brannon (formerly with Edwin Starr) will bring the Motown sound alive for one spectacular evening on September 16. More

Elephant Revival at The Ark

As someone who lives in the Ann Arbor area, I can not imagine life without The Ark. I’ve seen some of my favorite performances in this space, and they always offer an eclectic set of music, keeping me abreast with the best of the folk music scene.

Admittedly, I was initially attracted to this event because of the name of the band. Elephants? I am in! But then I looked up the band on Youtube, and was completely blown away by the elegant (not elephant!) sound produced by a five-person band. I’m a sucker for mixed-gender bands, and Elephant Revival plays to this segment quite beautifully. The rugged folk style is paired with gentle harmonies…and a musical saw! The Youtube video link shows the band playing on a porch in the mountains, so I can only imagine the sound they will produce in the intimate space at The Ark on September 21! More

“Cabaret” at The Dio Dinner Theatre

We are totally spoiled by the Netflix lifestyle these days. We can watch hours of entertainment…20 feet away from our kitchen. I’m one of those theatre-people that likes to eat and drink before, during, and after a show, but generally snacks and beverages are prohibited in the sacred space of the theatre (with an “re”). At The Dio Theatre in Pickney, they dish up dinner along with high-class entertainment, satisfying your brain and belly all at once! Their production of the sizzling Broadway smash, “Cabaret” will run from September 22nd – October 30th. The show takes place in 1930’s Berlin at the Kit Kat Klub, featuring musical theatre favorites such as “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Maybe This Time.” More

Pop-X

A 10-day long pop-up art festival is taking place in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor from September 22-October 1. I attended (and performed at) this event last year, and highly recommend it. Free and open to the public, Pop-X features unique works by nine artists in beautifully designed “pavilions” created by a local architect. Visitors wander into each pavilion to be immersed in a rare artistic space. Some of the art is interactive, some of it’s digital, and…some of it was executed by Lisa Waud of The Flower House! (Not to mention, there is a beer pavilion, so now you have to go.) There will be artist discussions, live performances, and even a dance party to make each day of Pop-X a unique experience! More

Thanks for reading! Which events are you looking forward to in the next couple of weeks? Let me know on Twitter @m_kurtzhals so I can put them on my calendar. Cheers!

Marissa Kurtzhals is a UMS Blogging Fellow. Learn more about the blogging fellows program.

We are proud to announce the 2016-17 Wallace Blogging Fellows

We’re pleased to announce that Adam DesJardinis and Marissa Kurtzhals have been selected as the 2016-17 UMS Wallace Blogging Fellows. The fellowship program, currently in its inaugural year, is intended to expose area arts audiences to adventurous arts and cultural opportunities throughout Southeast Michigan.

The fellowship period will take place from September 2016 to April 2017. During this time, fellows will serve as curators who make monthly recommendations about events throughout Southeast Michigan, whether presented by UMS or by other organizations.

Watch for the roundup posts here on the UMS Lobby blog, and via UMS email and social media.

Meet the fellows

Adam DesJardins is a Midwest-raised, Detroit-based 23-year-old who enjoys dragging people to performances, public art projects, street festivals, and the likes. He has a soft spot for public transportation and buying second hand candles. Growing up in the thrift store racks of Metro Detroit and on the sandy beaches of Lake Superior, Adam has an eternal, booming love for Michigan. A love that boomed extra loud during the past year when Adam worked in Lille, France as a English teaching assistant, spending his copious vacation time bouncing around from the Baltic to Brussels to Baku. This year, Adam is thrilled to be back in the arts community as a Wallace Blogging Fellow.

Marissa Kurtzhals likes to tell stories, and has had a lifelong passion for the arts. She began blogging for Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in 2011 and now serves as the head of social media at the Ann Arbor Convention & Visitors Bureau. Marissa hopes to inspire UMS readers to explore the dynamic arts and culture scene of Southeast Michigan. In her spare time, Marissa enjoys singing, cooking, yoga, and spending time at home with her fiancé.

About UMS

A recipient of the 2014 National Medal of Arts, UMS (also known as the University Musical Society) contributes to a vibrant cultural community by connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences. One of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, UMS is an independent non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Michigan, presenting over 70 music, theater, and dance performances by professional touring artists each season, along with over 100 free educational activities. UMS is part of the University of Michigan’s “Victors for Michigan” campaign, reinforcing its commitment to bold artistic leadership, engaged learning through the arts, and access and inclusiveness.

Media Inquiries:
Mallory Shea
734.647.4020
mschirr@umich.edu

Announcing: UMS Wallace Blogging Fellowships

Applications were due July 18, 2016. We’ll announce the fellows this fall.

UMS is pleased to announce a new blogging fellowship program.

In an effort to elevate great cultural happenings in Southeast Michigan, we’ve created two new blogging fellow positions geared towards exposing UMS audiences to adventurous arts and cultural opportunities in the area.

Fellows will serve as curators who make monthly recommendations about events throughout Southeast Michigan, whether presented by UMS or by other organizations. Recommendations will be shared via UMS Lobby (our blog), email, and social media campaigns. Fellows will also be asked to participate in select UMS education and community engagement activities with university and community. The fellowship period takes place from September 2016 to April 2017.

Fellows will receive $1,000 and opportunities for special behind-the-scenes access to UMS and artists, based on fellow and artist availability and interest.

Who should apply

Are you passionate and knowledgeable about arts and culture happenings in Southeast Michigan? Do you like to share that passion? If so, you’re on the right track.

We’re looking for two fellows to participate in this program. Fellows can come from any background, but should be at least 21 years of age and should be based in Southeast Michigan.

How to apply

Submit the following materials using the form below by July 18.

• Short statement. In 500 words, tell us why you’d make a good blogging fellow. What’s your experience with arts and culture in Southeast Michigan? Which events and performances have you attended in the past year? Which one was most memorable? Most surprising?
• CV. 1-2 page CV highlighting experiences that you think are relevant to the position.
• Clips. 2-3 samples of your writing. Links or clips. If your clips are not accessible online, send them to us via email attachment or link to Dropbox to ums-lobby@umich.edu. Please use subject line “Wallace Fellows Application: [Your Name].
• Links to social media accounts. Part of the goal of this program is to build community around cultural happenings. To that end, please send us links your social media accounts as applicable (personal accounts or accounts related to arts & culture that you manage).

Apply

Questions? Ask them in the comments below or email ums-lobby@umich.edu. This program is new to us! We welcome your feedback.