Arts and Artifacts Performance Series

Inspired by the core themes of innovation, resourcefulness and ingenuity that we display throughout our exhibits and featured artifacts, this new series brings performing arts, theatrical themes and more to the museum. Find yourself immersed in the many styles of talent and music history of the past and present as presented by local performing artists, including instrumentalists, vocalists, dancers and playwrights.

Upcoming Performance:

Olivia Van Goor: Sunday, March 16, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Museum Plaza

As a part of our Women's History Month celebration, join Detroit jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor and pianist Aya Sekine to learn about the powerful women who influenced early jazz. They will perform works from musicians and composers like Mary Lou Williams, Billie Holiday, Dorothy Fields, and other women not mentioned in history books. To help celebrate another iconic woman from the 1930s, this performance's connected artifact is the 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible owned by Amelia Earhart, currently on display near Driven to Win: Racing in America.

Previous Performances:

Victor Ghannam: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Museum Plaza

In recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month, we partnered with oud and qanun player Victor Ghannam. During this program, Ghannam spoke about his personal journey, culture and Arab music as well as performed pieces on his oud and qanun instruments.

Ghannam is a self-taught musician, founding member of the National Arab Orchestra and regular Hollywood production musician. Among his notable credits are Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess and Starz's Spartacus.

The oud and qanun are stringed instruments that complement our collection of personal violins on permanent display at the museum.

Suzy Poling: Sunday, March 24, 2024, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Museum Plaza

Suzy Poling led an art and music demonstration beautifully reinforcing the groundbreaking artistic works seen within our Lillian Schwartz: Whirlwind of Creativity limited-engagement exhibit. This demonstration was also part of our Women's History Month programming. An interdisciplinary artist from Michigan, Poling focuses her music on a mix of modern electronic, sound art and abstract techno.

Learn more about Poling at suzypoling.com.

Access to Arts and Artifacts is included with museum admission and free for members.