Get in the holiday spirit with a community production of The Nutcracker, indulge in a wine-paired culinary experience or get tickets for an intimate concert in a yurt. The cozy season is here and we’re ready to celebrate it at these Northern Michigan events in November.

ALAN TURNER | November 1

Not since Garth Brooks jumped off the stage and into peoples’ hearts has the country scene delivered such riveting entertainment as Michigan’s Alan Turner and his Steel Horse Band. His connection with his fans makes him stand out, and his rugged good looks and rich baritone vocals often have him touted as “Tim McGraw with a Toby Keith attitude.” All across the USA and Canada, Alan and the band have been thrilling crowds with distinctly high energy country music with a pumping rock ‘n’ roll sound. Experience the energy live in Petoskey at Crooked Tree Arts Center.

STEEL & WOOD | November 1

Steel & Wood, a traditional bluegrass band from Petoskey, offers an upbeat, heartfelt string and vocal harmony-based repertoire spanning the works of Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Stanley and others. Steel & Wood harkens back to American railroad culture and enduring musical traditions rooted in Southern Appalachia. See the band live at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.

ZONTA CLUB OF PETOSKEY AREA – 47TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW | November 2

This year’s fashion show will highlight the latest fall and winter fashions from more than 30 retailers in the Petoskey area and feature a silent auction, gift basket raffle and an elegant lunch. Last year, the club raised more than $25,000 to support programs and grants from the Zonta Club of Petoskey. The club was able to provide $18,000 in support to area organizations that work to improve the status of women and girls. The fashion show will be held in Odawa Casino’s Ovation Hall.

ZOMBIE PROM 2019 | November 2

The first annual Zombie Prom Music Festival will feature 10 bands inside the Manton Pines Event Center, including the Barbarossa Brothers, Fangs and Twang, Little Graves, Neighborhood Dogs, Stellar Association and more!

BLACK STAR FARMS HARVEST DINNER – FALL IN THE FOREST | November 2

Indulge in a wine-paired culinary experience at the stunning Suttons Bay inn. The menu is inspired by the best local, seasonal ingredients sourced from Northern Michigan’s finest farms. This month, the Black Star Farms culinary team will honor “fall in the forest,” featuring wild game and late-season mushrooms. View the menu here.

 

NUNSENSE THE MUSICAL | November 2–3

Hilarious and zany, Nunsense the Musical will keep you laughing. The play begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of “Grease.” Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon. Catch it at Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis.

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND | November 2

Three Northern Michigan singer-songwriters will present a special evening at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor filled with their songs and stories. The night will feature Eliza Thorp, Lara Fullford and Sean Miller in an “in the round” style performance. Each musician will take their turn playing original songs and sharing the stories behind them during this intimate evening.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN BRASS BAND FALL CONCERT I | November 3

The over-arching programming philosophy of the Northern Michigan Brass Band is “something for everyone.” Some people listen with their heads, others listen with their hearts and still others listen with their feet. The band strives to appeal to all these different listening styles. This year’s fall concert series features soloist Kevin LaRose, an accomplished Interlochen Arts Academy and Michigan State University alumna.

GUIDED MEDITATION AT THE GARDEN | November 4 & 11

Meditation at the Garden classes continue in Traverse City at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park with Stephen and Theresa Bangle. Through simple, gently-guided meditations, participants learn time-honored techniques for developing a calmer, clearer mind that will benefit both oneself and others.

SIXTH ANNUAL IPA CHALLENGE | November 7

​The official kick-off event of Traverse City Beer Week, the Sixth Annual IPA challenge is a local competition between 11 Traverse City breweries. Each brewery will produce their best IPA and 200 beer lovers will participate in a blind tasting to decide their favorite brew. Ticket holders will know the description of the beer, ABV and other facts, but the brewery will remain confidential. Participating breweries include The Filling Station Microbrewery, The Workshop Brewing Company, Old Mission Beer Co.(@ Jolly Pumpkin), Right Brain Brewery, Earthen Ales, Rare Bird Brewpub, Silver Spruce Brewing Co. and more!

SOLSTICE SOIREE DINNER SERIES – ERNEST HEMINGWAY | November 7

Inspired by the infamous writer, this evening pays homage to Hemingway, who visited Northern Michigan often throughout his life. The menu for the evening is salmon tartare two ways, rainbow trout, roasted potatoes, pea puree or beef, lamb pie, local seasonal vegetables and strawberry shortcake. Acoustic guitar by Kadin McCallum and featured painting by L. Flynn Art.

FESTIVAL OF TREES PREVIEW PARTY | November 8

The Zonta Club of Traverse City invites you to kick off the Christmas season at the annual Festival of Trees Preview Party. Get a sneak peek of the inspiring Community Challenge holiday room displays, plus it’s your first chance to shop the Yuletide Emporium. Enjoy beautifully prepared food by Occasions Catering, delicious wines from Black Star Farms, festive entertainment, warm company and more inside Golden-Fowler’s lovely showroom.

LIVE IN THE YURT: OH BROTHER BIG SISTER | November 8

This brother-and-sister duo from Northern Michigan covers the music spectrum with entrancing harmonies and ingenious musical arrangements. With a comfortable, comedic essence that makes you feel like you’re with old friends, they deliver music that encompasses a wide variety of genres with an original acoustic sound.

WEST SIDE STORY | November 8–17

A timeless musical retelling of the classic story of Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is considered a landmark part of the American Musical Theater canon. Set in the harsh streets of the Upper West Side of New York, two rival gangs battle for control of turf and respect in their neighborhood. Tensions rise as the younger sister of one of the gang leaders falls in love with a young man from the opposing side, and the young lovers try to find their way to a better life amidst hatred and misunderstanding. Groundbreaking in its time, and featuring a score by the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, this classic piece of theater history remains important and relevant today.

PETOSKEY WINE REGION HARVEST STOMP! | November 9–10

Head to the Petoskey Wine Region for this special two-day event, and indulge in luscious wines paired with small plates of homemade delights prepared by each of the 13 wineries. View the delicious menu and wine pairings here.

FLAPJACK & FLANNEL FESTIVAL | November 9

11 breweries, 30+ brews, pancake pairings, live music, heated tents, all at The Little Fleet in Traverse City. Need we say more? Wear flannel and drink delicious craft brews paired with flapjacks (you haven’t had these flavors before!) made by Daily Blend and Glendale Ave. Featured breweries (and a distillery!) include Iron Fish Distillery, Founders Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, Right Brain Brewery, Cheboygan Brewing Co., Odd Side Ales, Griffin Claw Brewing Company and, for the full breakfast experience, Strongbrew Cold Brew Coffee.

THE PEDRITO MARTINEZ GROUP | November 9

Pedrito Martinez has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Bruce Springsteen and Sting and has also contributed as a percussionist and vocalist to more than 50 albums. Pedrito was also a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world. He has been awarded the Thelonius Monk Award for Afro-Latin Hand Percussion and was featured in the documentary film, Calle 54. See him at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee.

A NIGHT OF HILARITY | November 9

Rob Brock and Mary Santora will bring the laughs to Charlevoix this month. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Rob has been based out of Los Angeles since 1992 and spends most of the year on the road, “bringing the funny” to audiences around the world. He tours regularly for the U.S. troops on the Miller Lite “Lite Laffs” program and has performed in 10 different countries and most of the 50 states. He worked with the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Molson Ice Polar Beach Party. Rob’s television credits include Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh” and “Stand-Up, Stand-Up.” Mary Santora is the 1st Lady of Accidental Comedy Club and a fresh breath of femininity in the otherwise male-dominated world of stand up. Her quick-witted, observational style has landed her the opportunity to not only travel across the country to various clubs but to open for comedic greats such as Jen Kirkman, Dave Attell, Kyle Kinane and Tom Papa.

JEN SYGIT | November 9

Jen Sygit, a Lansing-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has released four solo albums with her latest record It’s About Time. Sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary, always with a raw honesty, It’s About Time is a sonic journey through the landscape of Americana music. The album reveals a depth and maturity to Sygit’s ability as both songwriter and performer. Catch this show at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN BRASS BAND FALL CONCERT II | November 10

Can’t make the first fall show in Gaylord? This is your chance to hear the band in Petoskey. This year’s fall concert series features soloist Kevin LaRose, an accomplished Interlochen Arts Academy and Michigan State University alumna.

SOLSTICE SOIREE DINNER SERIES – EMERIL LAGASSE | November 14

This evening’s special menu by A Matter of Taste @ Tapawingo includes Delmonico peach salad, classic New Orleans sausage, shrimp gumbo, jasmine rice and banana cream pie. Acoustic guitar brought to you by Kadin McCallum and painting by L. Flynn Art.

NORTH VS SOUTH BREWERY BATTLE | November 15

Head to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for this epic North vs. South Brewery Battle featuring Short’s Brewing Company and Greenbush Brewing Company. Six battle stations will feature beers from each brewery and food to pair. Brewery representatives will be present to talk about each hoppy contender. Guests will choose the winner by voting once at each station.

ELF THE MUSICAL | November 15–December 14

Embrace your inner elf at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. A young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf, he is unaware he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Then he sets out to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York City find the true meaning of Christmas.

RIVERTOWN JAZZ BAND | November 15

Dixieland is what most people call this music; it’s also called “Hot Jazz” and “Traditional Jazz.” Regardless of what you call it, you will know it when you feel it. This highly entertaining, professional group brings a lot of excitement to each performance—experience it at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF | November 15–24

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof has been touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty. This universal show is a staple of the musical theater canon. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. With iconic and beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” Fiddler on the Roof is the perfect mix of audience-pleasing humor and heart. Presented by the Traverse City West Vocal Department.

CHE APALACHE | November 15

Che Apalache is a four-man string band based in Buenos Aires with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. Che Apalache began as a bluegrass band but eventually incorporated Latin American styles into their repertoire. Combining instrumental prowess with tight vocal harmonies, they have created an authentic blend of genres to reflect the nature of their lives.

TIPSY TROLLEY BAR CRAWL – HUNTER’S WIDOW EDITION | November 16

Join us for another Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl – Hunter’s Widow Edition! This event is the perfect start to your U.P. fall adventures. While the boys are in the woods, grab your girlfriends and enjoy a fun weekend away! You can start at any time as the trolley will continue the route all evening long. Trolley stops include the Kewadin Casino, The Club at Breakers, The Driftwood, B.C. Pizza, Village Inn and Fred’s Pub.

BOWERS HARBOR WINE DINNER AT AERIE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | November 16

A perfectly paired Bowers Harbor Wine accompanies each of the five courses. Bowers Harbor Vineyards representatives will be on hand to talk about their award-winning take on winemaking. The menu pairings include oysters with mignonette, roasted Chioggia beet salad, squash risotto, pork belly, center-cut filet mignon and spiced honey poached peaches.

MET OPERA LIVE IN HD: MADAMA BUTTERFLY (PUCCINI) | November 17

Pier Giorgio Morandi conducts one of opera’s most beautiful and heartbreaking scores. Anthony Minghella’s vividly cinematic staging returns to cinemas, featuring soprano Hui He in the devastating title role. Hui He stars as Cio-Cio-San, the devoted geisha who gives everything for the American naval officer Pinkerton, sung by Andrea Carè.

DEER WIDOW’S NIGHT | November 17

Deer Widow (n.); the spouse or significant other of a hunter, whom, during hunting season, is typically left alone, “widowed” by their hunter spouse. Ladies while your men are out hunting, enjoy a little “you” time and treat yourself to a night out! Start the evening with a complimentary champagne toast and enjoy unlimited food, Coloring Between the Wines sessions, tarot card readings, a Photo Booth, door prizes and massages at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City.

COLORING BETWEEN THE WINES | November 19

Grab a friend and unwind before the holiday season kicks off at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City. The all-inclusive package includes two glasses of wine (red, white or bubbly), cocktails, mocktails, seasonal and locally sourced appetizers, as well as all art supplies. Local artist Mikayla Lehn will guide you through your art project and help you frame your art to take home.

SOLSTICE SOIREE DINNER SERIES – POLISH DINNER | November 21

Join A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo for a traditional Polish meal in memory of Joanne Kujawski—her family is sharing recipes. The menu will feature pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut and kolache cookies. Acoustic guitar brought to you by Kadin McCallum and painting by L. Flynn Art.

ROVE ESTATE HARVEST WINE DINNER | November 21

Rove Estate is excited to welcome Executive Chef John Larson (owner and chef of Mama Lu’s), to put his culinary passion to work and pair six incredible courses with estategrown wines. Two of the wines featured on this menu have not been released to the public yet! Come celebrate the end of Rove’s harvest season and have the opportunity to stock up on wine before the holiday season.

EUROPEAN FOOD TOUR WITH MARI VINEYARDS | November 21

Eat globally, pair locally! Join Mari Vineyards winemaker Sean O’Keefe and Traverse Magazine’s food editor Tim Tebeau at Petoskey’s Palette Bistro for a five-course and four-wine European Food Tour. When you reserve five wine dinners online, you’ll receive three bottles of sommelier-selected wine!

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL | November 21–24

Catch all of Dr. Seuss’s classics in one Seussical the Musical, based on the author’s children’s stories of Dr. Seuss. Presented by the St. Mary Cathedral Players in Gaylord.

THE MOXIE STRINGS IN CONCERT | November 22

The Music House Museum in Williamsburg welcomes The Moxie Strings for special workshops for area schools during the day at the Music House followed by a public concert. The band’s busy schedule takes them all around Michigan, across the United State and all the way to Europe; don’t miss this concert!

MET OPERA LIVE IN HD: AKHNATEN (PHILIP GLASS) | November 23

Phelim McDermott, whose productions include the hugely successful Satyagraha by Philip Glass, returns to the Met with a new staging of Glass’s Akhnaten, conducted by Karen Kamensek in her Met debut. Anthony Roth Costanzo sings the title role of the Egyptian pharaoh who attempted to inspire his people to adopt a new religion, abandoning the worship of the old gods for that of a single deity. One of the staging’s distinctive visual features is provided by the Gandini Juggling Company, whose movements are perfectly choreographed with the orchestral score. See the Met Opera Live in HD at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee.

THE NUTCRACKER | November 23–24

The Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre presents three performances of The Nutcracker at TC’s Milliken Auditorium. With beautiful choreography by Thomas Morrell, stunning costumes by Donna Hood and breathtaking set design by Amber Harker, you won’t want to miss this holiday classic!

MEL LARIMER CONCERT SERIES | November 23–24

The Mel Larimer Concert Series presents the beloved Mass Of The Children by everybody’s favorite Brit composer, John Rutter. This wonderful performance will feature the Grand Traverse Area Festival Chorus and Chamber Orchestra, NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and Chamber Singers, the NMC Children’s Choir and soloists Laura and Keith Brown, all under the baton of nationally known conductor Dr. Henry Leck of Butler University.

CHARLIER MILLARD BAND | November 23

Charlie Millard has been entertaining Northern Michigan diners, audiences, fundraisers and festivals with his piano playing since he was 14 years old. With percussionist Michael Binienda and father Jerry Millard, they have formed a trio that has been thrilling crowds wherever they stop to play, with influences like Tom Waits, Patrick Watson and The Kinks. Charlie has developed a unique sound, voice and thought-provoking lyrics/poetry. See the trio at the Cadillac Elks Lodge, thanks to Gopherwood Concerts.

THE SMOKED OUT SHOW HIP-HOP CONCERT | November 23

This show boasts amazing local Northern Michigan hip-hop talent including Lawson, Drebb, Letter B, Clay Matthews SASRJ, M-Five, Markavelli and Blissful at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.

TIME OUT FT. SAV AND KATIE (THE ACCIDENTALS) | November 27

TIME OUT is an incredible night of songs and stories. You will laugh, you will cry, you will leave inspired and hopeful. Four award-winning writers and friends take the stage together at The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City.

MAWBY: MAC & MAGNUMS | November 30

It’s the most indulgent time of the year and MAWBY is celebrating with magnums and mac and cheese! Sample from a selection of magnums from MAWBY and bigLITTLE and learn why bubbly out of the big bottle is better. Chef Bryon Figueroa of Fig’s Breakfast and Lunch in Lake Leelanau is creating the richest, creamiest macaroni and cheese featuring Leelanau Cheese’s raclette, pork belly and crispy fried onions.