Community Calendar

Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.

Where East Meets West brings together the expressive voice of the erhu and the richness of the piano in a vibrant cross-cultural concert by erhuist Xiao Dong Wei and pianist Yuki Mack. Blending the soulful traditions of Chinese music with the power and elegance of Western classical repertoire, this program explores how two musical worlds meet, converse, and transform one another.

Featuring works by Z. Wei, V. Monti, C. Gang, M. Messieri, F. Liszt, L. Tianhua, and L. Wenjin, the concert travels from beloved Chinese melodies and virtuosic erhu solos to iconic Western masterpieces reimagined through an Eastern lens—offering audiences a unique and compelling musical journey across cultures and centuries.

Xiao Dong Wei, erhu
Yuki Mack, piano

Program:

“Ripening of grapes” – Wei Zhou (b. 1961)

“Czerdas” – Vittorio Monti (1868-1922)

“Sunshine on Taxkorgan” – Gang Chen (b. 1935)

“Kojo no Tsuki Variations” – Massimiliano Messieri (b. 1994)
Variations on the Japanese song by Rentaro Taki for erhu and piano

“Hungarian Rhapsody No.2” – Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

“Birds in the Hollow Mountain” – Tianhua Liu (1895-1932)

“San Men Gorge Caprice” – Wenjin Liu (1937-2013)

Landmark: Less Cancer Hike and Bike America 2026
Walk, ride and roam anywhere/anytime. Enter your photos of local landmarks and favorite adventure places to win prizes!
June 6th – July 6th
The annual event serves as our primary fundraiser, helping fuel our critical cancer prevention initiatives.
Register for FREE today at: https://www.lesscancer.org/

Join this day of learning, reflection, and practice presented by Dr. Sydney Spears, Ph.D., LCSW and Dr. Tracy Ochester, Psy.D., who are nationally recognized leaders in mindfulness and compassion. This workshop will be a collaborative space to discover and experience contemplative practices that foster resilience, connection, and empathy during challenging times.

In this workshop, participants will review foundational definitions of mindfulness and compassion, and engage in a variety of guided exercises designed to increase mindful awareness and compassion for themselves and others, expand their window of presence, navigate difficult emotions, and cultivate common humanity. Together, we will explore ways to actively build supportive communities and develop skills for connecting personally and collectively across adversity and differences.

All are warmly welcomed, no prior mindfulness or meditation experience is necessary.

Get ready to turn up the heat! Join us Saturday, May 9th at Michigan Hot Glass inside the historic Russell Industrial Center for our next Glass Experience workshop! Featuring a full day of hands-on glassmaking, skill-sharing, and good vibes!

Choose your 1-Hr Glass Experience:
- Hot Shop: Shape molten glass and create a glass flower
- Flamework: Sculpt with fire using the torch and create a heart pendant
- Glass Casting: Pour molten glass into sand molds to create a glass tile
- Glass Fusing: Cut, arrange, and join glass using the kiln to create a glass mosiac

Each 1-hour experience includes guided instruction + hands-on time to create your own unique piece of glass art to take home for just $65/session! No prior glass experience is necessary. Perfect for beginners, on your own, with friends or family, or as a creative date! This is an adult art class for ages 16+.

Spots are limited! Sign up now to reserve your spot before they’re gone! Click the link below to learn more and book your experience: https://www.themichiganglassproject.com/a-glass-experience

Not sure if you want to participate but would love to check it out? No problem! Swing by to scope the scene and see what it's all about! Spectators are welcome with a $5 suggested donation to The Michigan Glass Project.

All proceeds benefit the Michigan Glass Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

This exhibition honors the commitment of our members from SE Michigan and beyond, whose support plays a vital role in bringing our mission to life. We welcome the public to discover the unique artistic voices and styles of over 100 member artists.

SHUCKED is the funniest corn-based musical on tour that everyone’s stalkin' about.

SHUCKED is the Tony® Award–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony® Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”), and directed by Tony® Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theatre.

Experience an unforgettable evening of passion, rhythm, and virtuosity as we welcome internationally acclaimed Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko to the stage. Presented in partnership with The Gilmore, this electrifying concert celebrates the vibrant spirit of Eastern Europe and the bold brilliance of American musical theater. The program opens with three of Antonín Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, bursting with folkloric charm and rhythmic vitality. Then, dive into the heart of New York City with Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story—a dazzling fusion of jazz, Latin rhythms, and sweeping emotion.

The evening culminates in the majestic Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a tour de force of romantic intensity and technical brilliance, brought to life by Khristenko’s commanding artistry.

We'll also feature a Side-By-Side performance with our Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra!