Dec 10 Wednesday
It’s been a year… it seems like longer. We’ve seen the first 10 months of the second Trump administration, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and political games and gamesmanship in Lansing.
Join us at our next Issues & Ale, as we take a look back... and a look forward at what's to come in Michigan in 2026 (hint: one of the largest elections in recent state history).
Join Michigan Public's It's Just Politics team of Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta, and their expert political panel, as they discuss what’s happened - and what’s on the horizon… and take your questions!
Attend in person or watch online! Admission is free, but in-person space is limited so advance registration is needed.
Issues and Ale is an event series from Michigan Public designed to engage people in conversations about important issues facing Michigan in an informal atmosphere. Your questions are always welcome.
Dec 12 Friday
The Moth presents the GrandSLAM, a battle of wits and words. The Moth invites winners from previous StorySLAM competitions to vie for the title of Detroit GrandSLAM Champion! On this night, listen as ten open mic storytellers share unique, unexpected, and magical true stories to determine Detroit's GrandSLAM Champion.
Jun 20 Saturday
Ira Glass, one of America’s most influential storytellers, returns to Ann Arbor for his fifth A2SF appearance for an evening filled with insight, creativity, and unforgettable moments. As the creator and host of This American Life, the award-winning public radio program heard by more than 5 million listeners each week, Glass has shaped how a generation thinks about narrative and the power of everyday stories.
In this special A2SF appearance, Glass blends live storytelling with audio clips, music, video, and audience Q&A to share how he builds a story from the ground up. He reflects on what inspires him, how challenges evolve into breakthroughs, and what he has learned from a life devoted to curiosity and craft.
Under his leadership, This American Life has earned nine Peabody Awards, the first Pulitzer Prize for audio journalism, and induction to the Library of Congress. His programs were also ranked among Time magazine’s 100 Best Podcasts of All Time.
Tickets for this event go on sale to the public on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 am.
Every Wednesday at 6pm, Lansing Live Open Stage invites you to showcase your musical talent! Whether you're experienced or just starting, the stage is open to all. Not a performer? Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music from local artists. No cover charge and all ages are welcome.
Sign ups are first come, first serve. Come early as sign-ups are limited and fill up quickly!
Dec 11 Thursday
All-Brahms program performed by 60 member all-star orchestra, led by omnipresent conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
⚡ Big Sherm’s Electronic Series — Every Week at UrbanBeat
UrbanBeat turns up the heat with Big Sherm’s weekly electronic music series, bringing beats, energy, and good vibes to the heart of Old Town. Come early for food and drinks, stay late for the sound.
This is a Weekly Recurring EventRuns from Oct 23, 2025 to Dec 18, 2025 and happens every:Thursdays: 10:00pm - 1:00am Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
The Jonas Brothers bring their ‘JONAS20: GREETINGS FROM YOUR HOMETOWN’ TOUR to Van Andel Arena on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:30PM.
With special guest Jesse McCartney, Franklin Jonas & Deleasa.
The JONAS20 Tour highlights every chapter of Jonas Brothers’ 20-year journey, seamlessly blending early hits with solo projects such as Nick Jonas & the Administration and DNCE and brand-new tracks from their latest album Greetings From Your Hometown. Surprise cameos from Demi Lovato, Switchfoot and Dean Lewis on opening night set the tone for a tour filled with crowd-roaring sing-alongs to classics like “Lovebug,” “S.O.S.” and “Burnin’ Up,” underscoring the trio’s enduring impact and ever-growing fanbase.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 2nd at 10:00AM. *Please note the box office will not be open for the on sale.
Ticket prices are subject to change. For current ticket prices visit Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices may vary, as market pricing applies to all tickets. Prices may fluctuate based on supply and demand. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or on-line at Ticketmaster.com. A ticket limit of 8 will apply to every order.
The dynamic Broadway stars of The Doo Wop Project are on a mission to put Doo Wop on everyone’s playlist! With their smokin’ hot band, they capture and deliver the classic sounds of the guys who, back in the day, harmonized with each other on stoops, in the subway, and on street corners. They have also created a unique, exciting, fun way to “Doowop-ify” today's biggest hits – reimagining them as though they had been written during the Doo Wop era. Once you experience The Doo Wop Project live on stage, you’ll see why everyone around the country calls them America’s premier Doo Wop group.
The Doo Wop Project will get everyone into the holiday spirit with old school classics like The Drifters’ “White Christmas,” The Temptations’ “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” AND with "Doowop-ified" contemporary hits like “This Christmas” and “Last Christmas.” It's sure to be a jolly good time!
The Community Chorus of Detroit will be holding two holiday concerts -- December 12 at 8:00 p.m. and December 13 at 4:00 p.m. The Chorus will be joined by local high school singers, and the music will end with a grand rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets can be purchased on line or at the door.
Dec 13 Saturday
A beloved holiday tradition returns! The Center's Chorale Choir joins the Midland Symphony Orchestra for a festive celebration of the season, featuring Broadway star Arielle Jacobs (In the Heights, Aladdin, Here Lies Love). Enjoy your favorite carols and holiday classics in a joyous concert that’s sure to lift your spirit. Don't miss the Great Lakes Bay Region's signature holiday event!
MERRY & BRIGHT‘Tis the season to revel with the SMSO! Immerse yourself in an evening of joy, cherished traditions, and a melodic journey through holiday favorites. This festive celebration features the harmonious talents of local performing arts groups coming together in a heartwarming showcase of our vibrant and talented community.
A surprise special guest will invite children onstage to enjoy a live reading of The Night Before Christmas brought to life with music accompaniment. Concert attendees are invited to enter a drawing for a chance to receive a quick and fun “Conducting 101” lesson onstage with Music Director Matt Aubin before leading our Orchestra on Sleigh Ride! (see details below).
A festive favorite, this annual holiday concert is a treat for the whole family.
*The “Surprise Guest Conductor” drawing is open only to concert attendees. SMSO Staff, Musicians, and Board Members are not eligible. Registration is free and open to participants aged 5 years on up! Only one (1) entry per person; entries must be self-made and cannot name another individual.
Dec 14 Sunday
Join the Capital City Brass Band for a festive afternoon of music as we present our 2025 Holiday Concert at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Lansing, MI!
Who we are: The Capital City Brass Band is a British-style brass ensemble made up of talented volunteer musicians from across the region. Our holiday program features a rich variety of seasonal favorites and traditional brass band repertoire that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Cost to attend: This is a free event presented by the Capital City Brass Band. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit - the Capital City Brass Band relies on community support to keep the music playing. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door and online to help us share music and joy throughout mid-Michigan.
Parking: On-street accessible parking is available on Ottawa and Seymour streets. On Ottawa, the church is accessible by ramps through the memorial garden. On Seymour, follow the sidewalk to the back drive to the church. In addition, a state-parking ramp (off Seymour Street) is available on weekends and after 5 pm on weekdays.