Dance, Concerts & Comedy

TUE, OCT 15, 2024 / 7:30 PM
In the Auditorium

Opening Act / Lindsey Kraft

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Ben Folds brings his unique audience-engaging "Paper Airplane Request Tour" to Midland Center for an intimate evening of song and stories. After performing his own setlist of hits, Folds takes the stage in the second half of his show to invite concertgoers to submit song requests via paper airplanes.

VIP / VIP packages are sold separately through the Ben Folds official tour site. VIP Packages DO NOT include a ticket to the event. Click HERE to learn more.

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WED, OCT 23, 2024 / 7:30 PM
In the Little Theater

Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba’s sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks, and powerful guitar riffs distinguish his work from much of the Latin music landscape. He draws his influences from a heady mix of Afro-Cuban jazz, funk, and pop that is underpinned by sanguine melodies, soul-tinged hooks, and a romantic story or two. Alex’s records have earned him Latin Grammy and Juno awards, as well as Grammy® Award nominations. Treat yourself to a unique evening of toe-tapping rhythm, heartfelt ballads and soulful layered songs in English and Spanish.

Join the Center and the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition after the concert for a reception celebrating Global Diversity Month in Midland County. The artist will make a brief appearance for a meet and greet and photos. Light refreshments will be provided.

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The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond
SAT, OCT 26, 2024 / 7:30 PM

Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Fresh off high-profile placements in Seasons 1 and 2 of the aforementioned streaming smash, VSQ has "reached a mainstream, global audience" (Variety) and "charmed the world with their classical covers" (Nylon). New York Observer wrote, "VSQ's atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.” On their latest tour, VSQ have created fresh arrangements of the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, performing spellbinding and innovative renditions of Swift’s music, alongside familiar hits from Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd and Daft Punk. VSQ are one of the most popular string ensembles in the world with over 2 billion streams and 7 albums charting on both Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

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SUN, NOV 3, 2024 / 4 PM
Located At Memorial Presbyterian Church
1310 Ashman St, Midland, MI 48640

Join the members of the Chorale for a stunning concert of timeless works for Choir and Organ. Conducted by Dr. Letícia Grützmann and featuring the organist Collin Whitfield, the Chorale will perform works by William Walton, Johann Sebastian Bach, Dan Forrest, John Rutter, Benjamin Britten, and an anonymous composer from 17th-century Peru. 

Click here to learn more about the Choirs at the Center

FRI, NOV 22, 2024 / 7:30 PM

Marlon Wayans is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director. His films have grossed $1.14 billion in domestic box office and nearly $1.8 billion in global box office. As a stand-up comedian, he is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend.

Wayans is commonly recognized for his role as ‘Marcus Copeland’ in Columbia Pictures’ 2004 hit comedy classic “White Chicks” opposite Shawn Wayans and directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. His other hit films include “Scary Movie” and “Scary Movie 2, “Requiem for a Dream,” “Respect,” “Fifty Shades Of Black,” “Little Man,” “A Haunted House” and “A Haunted House 2,” “Naked,” “Sextuplets,” “The Curse of Bridge Hollow,” “Air,” “On The Rocks,” and “Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood,” among others. His TV credits include The WB’s “The Wayans Bros.,” which was the highest-rated comedy on the network and continues to air in syndication, the NBC sitcom “Marlon,” “Fox’s “In Living Color” and “Bel-Air."

This performance is rated R - recommended for ages 18+. Patrons are responsible for making an informed purchasing decision regarding the shows they wish to attend.

SAT, NOV 30, 2024 / 7:30 PM

If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses... think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments including 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor.

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FRI & SAT, DEC 6 - 7, 2024 / 8 PM
SAT & SUN, DEC 7 - 8, 2024 / 2 PM

Visions of sugar plum fairies will dance across the stage in this treasured holiday classic! The Grand Rapids Ballet returns to perform their re-envisioned production of The Nutcracker, played by our own Symphony Orchestra. Experience the holiday magic with Clara as she journeys to the Land of Sweets with the Nutcracker, a gift from her mysterious uncle. Featuring choreography from world-renowned Val Caniparoli, with the dancing set against a distinctive and lush storybook set created by celebrated The Polar Express author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg and designed by Tony® Award winner Eugene Lee.

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SUN, JAN 26, 2025 / 3 PM

One of the most multi-faceted minds in roots music, Alison Brown is a GRAMMY-winning musician, GRAMMY-nominated producer, former investment banker (with an AB from Harvard and an MBA from UCLA), and co-founder of The Compass Records Group which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.

Although Alison began her musical career as a teenager in the Southern California bluegrass scene, she has built a reputation as one of today’s most forward thinking and innovative banjo players. She is known for taking the instrument far beyond its Appalachian roots by blending bluegrass and jazz influences into a sonic tapestry that has earned praise and recognition from a variety of national tastemakers including The Wall Street Journal, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and USA Today.

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TUE, JAN 28, 2025 / 7:30 PM
In the Little Theater

Stephanie Chou is a Chinese-American jazz composer, saxophonist, and singer who seamlessly blends influences from her Chinese heritage with Western jazz and pop, fostering immediate crosscultural connections and emphasizing audience engagement. She has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, B.B. King's, Joe's Pub, Miller Theater, as well as numerous international music festivals and venues. Chou's quintet features saxophone and vocals in Mandarin/English, complemented by Chinese violin (erhu), viola, and a jazz rhythm section, amplifying the universal appeal of her music to her ever-expanding fan base.

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SAT, FEB 15, 2025 / 7:30 PM

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS A LITTLE EARLY!

For over 40 years, 2-time Grammy® award-winning 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien has been performing traditional Zydeco roots music. Join us for a celebration of the up-tempo sounds and syncopated rhythms of zydeco – blending blues, R&B, indigenous, soul, Afro-Caribbean, Cajun, and early Creole music. Simien and his band mates have performed nearly 10,000 concerts, touring millions of miles to over 45 countries. They’ve played with legends including Art Neville, Los Lobos, Robert Palmer, and Dave Matthews Band, to name a few. Don’t miss this rockin’ evening of washboard, accordion, brass, and guitar performed by Zydeco masters!

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FRI, APR 25, 2025 / 7:30 PM

STEP AFRIKA! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

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WED, APR 30, 2025 / 6:30 PM

From the moment the lights fade, you are transported into another world … where the music moves you and the visuals are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Welcome to the world of iLuminate, named “Best New Act in America” by America’s Got Talent in 2011. Experience the electrifying spectacle of the country's best dancers, wearing customized LED suits as they dance to vibrant music, creating extraordinary lighting effects that take viewers on an exhilarating ride!

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