Great Lakes Center for the Arts Homepage

Sat / July 10

2021 Gala - Motown Soul with Gladys Knight

Hop on the GLCFA soul train for an unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of a classic era at the Center's largest fundraiser.

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Fri / July 2

Naturally 7

So much more than an a capella group. They're a band without a band. What they do can only be described as "vocal play."

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Sat / July 17

An Evening with Vanessa Williams

One of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry today!

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Thu / July 22

Comedian Ryan Hamilton

Named one of Rolling Stone’s "five comics to watch." Featuring opener, John Heffron.

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Sat / July 24

Kurt Elling

Chicago born Grammy Award-winning jazz singer/songwriter

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Upcoming Events

Sat / June 19

Summer Social

with Broadway's Max von Essen featuring Billy Stritch

Event Starts 5:00 PM

Sat / June 19

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Sat / June 26

Bruce In The USA

A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band

Event Starts 6:00 PM

Sat / June 26

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Sat / July 10

2021 Gala - Motown Soul with Gladys Knight

Hop on the GLCFA soul train for an unforgettable evening celebrating the magic of a classic era at the Center's largest fundraiser.

Event Starts 8:00 PM

Sat / July 10

Buy Tickets Learn More

Fri / August 6

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Hailed as "Broadway's last leading man"

Event Starts 8:00 PM

Fri / August 6

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More Events

This Saturday, The Amazing Max brings fun for all ages through thrilling magic, comedy, and enchanting captivation, to Center Stage! The Amazing Max has been described as an entertaining, hilarious, clever, delightful, and quirky performer. By making objects appear and disappear and defying the laws of physics just inches from theatergoer’s faces, this high-energy, interactive, and all-around silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages. Experience magic at the Center with the entire family this weekend! To purchase tickets today, visit the link in our bio, call 231.439.2610, or e-mail [email protected] #performingarts #greatlakescenterforthearts #northernmichigan #magicshow

Strong Arts: Strong Michigan! If you attend the theater or visit an art exhibit in Michigan, chances are you will run across one of the logos below. Each represents a badge of honor signifying the organization has won a public grant, awarded only after a rigorous application process. Such grants are highly coveted and a great source of pride! Due to the Center's positive impact on the region's quality of life and economy, it has received past support provided or administered by each of the government agencies below. #MCACA #performingarts #greatlakescenterforthearts #puremichigan #nwmichiganarts

July & August events are now on sale! In light of new information from the state of Michigan, the Center has revisited its plans for July and August and will operate at full capacity with one performance per event. To view the events and purchase your tickets visit the link in our bio, call the Box Office at 231.439.2610, or by e-mail [email protected] If you have previously purchased tickets for an event, your seats are automatically reserved for the new performance time. The Center will e-mail your new ticketing information to you.

“An awesome and hilarious live magic show!” — PBS Kids Max Darwin earned the moniker "The Amazing Max" for his extraordinary skills as a magician and also for his ability to entertain adult audiences while keeping the little ones spellbound. Max combines magic and comedy, making objects appear and disappear and generally defying the laws of physics inches from theatergoer’s faces. This high-energy, interactive and all-around silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages. What’s truly amazing, as magician Max Darwin works miracles during the show, is not only what happens on stage but also what happens in the audience. The enchanted look that spreads across the faces of his young (and not-so-young) fans is hands down astounding. Max conjures a custom experience that young ones will carry with them long after the show ends. #performingarts #magician #northernmichigan #thegreatlakescenterforthearts #puremichigan #nextgen

Tickets are on sale now for events in the 2021 Summer & Fall Season! In light of new information from the state of Michigan allowing increased seating capacities, the Center is revisiting its plans for certain July and August events. To be notified when tickets go on sale for these specific events, please visit our website with the link in our bio! View the events and purchase your tickets today at our website with the link in our bio!

Thank you to all who attended the Thomas Edison: Wizard of Menlo Park virtual production! Nearly 1,500 students across the region, state, and country participated in this historical comedy Next Gen event. Learn More about the Center's Next Gen program at the link in our bio!

One of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in the entertainment industry, Vanessa Williams, has sold millions of records worldwide, achieved numerous #1 and Top 10 hits on various Billboard Album and Singles charts: Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, Holiday, Latin, Gospel, and Jazz. Her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings, and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliate, including 4 Emmy nominations, 11 Grammy nominations, a Tony nomination, 3 SAG award nominations, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 3 Satellite Awards. Her platinum single “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s Pocahontas, won the Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. To experience the greatness of Vanessa Williams on July 17 purchase your tickets this Friday at the link in our bio, by calling the Box Office at 231.439.2610, or by e-mailing [email protected]

Kurt Elling’s voice is instantly recognizable, embracing listeners with his warm, rich baritone and navigating the full span of his four-octave range as a virtuoso instrumentalist and a compelling storyteller. Experience "the standout male vocalist of our time" as deemed by The New York Times, on July 24 at the Center. Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, Grammy award-winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. Elling has not only thrilled audiences around the world in jazz clubs, symphony halls, and festival stages, but at the White House, where he gave a command performance for President Obama’s first state dinner. He has collaborated with jazz legends and classical orchestras; created multi-disciplinary theatrical works for the Steppenwolf Theatre and the City of Chicago; served as Artist-in-Residence for the Singapore and Monterey Jazz Festivals; and explored the fertile common ground between jazz and poetry, working with the words of Allen Ginsberg, Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda, and others. Learn more and purchase your tickets on May 21 at the link in our bio, by calling the Box Office at 231.439.2610, or by e-mailing [email protected]

New events have arrived! From jazz to opera, country to classical, we are pleased to welcome some of the world’s most dynamic artists to Center Stage, including 2021 Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling; country superstar Tanya Tucker; opera royalty Denyce Graves; and—back by popular demand—everyone’s favorite “little orchestra,” Pink Martini. You can experience all of this and so much more this season. Click the link in our bio to explore the new artists that have joined the 2021 Summer & Fall lineup and save your seats today. #May7launch #announcement #greatlakescenterforthearts #performingartscenter

#May7launch #announcement #staytuned #greatlakescenterforthearts #performingartscenter

Broadway veteran Patrick Garner captivates your students with a variety of fun, interactive programs by making American history a virtual experience! Thomas Alva Edison provides an immersive experience as children virtually help him recreate some of his most famous experiments. Along the way, he shares several secrets that they can use in their day-to-day lives, including the importance of hard work, the value of mistakes, the ability to turn liabilities into assets, and the necessity of enjoying one’s work. Register today using the link in our bio!

The Great Lakes Center For the Arts has an all-new website! Learn more about upcoming events and tickets, educational programs, and more at the brand new site! Link to the website is in our bio.

Generous supporters bring the dream to life! As an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization, events at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of supporters. We invite you to consider joining the family of dream makers who believe in the power of the arts. Give today and learn more with the link in our bio!

See you May 7 at noon at greatlakescfa.org!

Looking to volunteer in the arts? The Center is seeking artistically and theatrically inclined high-school juniors and seniors to volunteer this summer! In exchange for your time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances, serve the Northern Michigan community, and grow your resume! For more information contact Eric Leister, Box Office Manager, at 231.439.2603 or [email protected]

Just a few tickets left! This weekend, Doktor Kaboom brings the perfect concoction of comedy and science to Center Stage! Join us for an interactive, science-driven experience live at the Center as Doktor Kaboom creates spectacular demonstrations of the physical sciences directly tied to curriculum standards. Entertaining for all ages, Doktor Kaboom creates an environment where science is for everyone! Seating is socially distanced with limited capacity. Purchase your tickets today by clicking the link in our bio!

The B.B. King Blues Band has a new date in Fall 2021! Now on October 9, 2021, experience and celebrate these incredible legends, with their combined 100 years of musical talent, live on stage! For over half a century, B.B. King and his band defined blues to the world. Now, the B.B. King Blues Band members continue touring in his remembrance along with additional seasoned blues musicians. Purchase your tickets today using the link in our bio, by calling the Box Office at 231.439.2610, or by e-mailing [email protected]

Did you know as a member of the Corporate Circle your company will be granted executive or employee benefits? Businesses that partner with GLCFA in the Corporate Circle may enjoy discounted tickets for an event or behind-the-scenes access to a performance! Choose a partnership with the Center that supports your goals and expands your company’s reach. Access unique ways to delight your clients, team, executive-level staff, and more! Learn more and join the Corporate Circle today by clicking the link in our bio!

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Great Lakes Center for the Arts Intro Panel