City Pulse

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Lansing Community College will wrap up its final Summer Stage Under the Stars production, a series of short plays written by students, 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday at its Outdoor Amphitheater.

Shows, screenings and a scavenger hunt

The last weekend of July offers a range of activities to enjoy, from new theater productions and tons of live music to an abundance of kids’ activities, a bike scavenger hunt, a fair, a comedy showcase and more.

Samia Halaby's first American retrospective charts an artist’s long road

In December, Indiana University canceled its planned exhibition of Palestinian American artist and master of fine arts alumna Samia Halaby’s work, citing concerns that its campus museum couldn’t “guarantee the integrity of the exhibit,” The New York Times reported.

Like the protagonist of their three Mackinac Island novels, authors Dave McVeigh (left) and Jim Bolone were both dockporters in their youth.

Spend another adventurous summer with Jack McGuinn

The boys are back in town. Authors Dave McVeigh and Jim Bolone make another return to Mackinac Island in their new book, “MisGuided,” the second prequel to their widely popular 2021 novel, The Dockporter,” in which luggage hauler extraordinaire Jack McGuinn gets wrapped up in a plot that involves bringing golf carts to the island. Blasphemy.

Baseball, board games and Buffett

This weekend offers an eclectic mix of events, from the sixth annual Dam Jam Music Festival to a mini gaming convention for kids and a Jimmy Buffett-themed patio party to a psychedelic comedy show. There’s also plenty more live music beyond Dam Jam, a few Lugnuts games, a cooking class and much more.

Naturally Curious Day

Woldumar Nature Center invites both members and non-members to enjoy nature-themed activities, guided hikes, pontoon boat rides, food, games and more at its Naturally Curious Day, …

“The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition”

All-of-Us Express Children’s Theatre will present its final production of the season, “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition,” Friday through Sunday (July 26 through 28) and Aug. …

Lansing Stroll for Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan will hold its annual Lansing Stroll for Epilepsy Saturday morning (July 27) at Potter Park Zoo. The strolls, which take place throughout the state …

In his new book, “There Was Nothing You Could Do: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ and the End of the Heartland,” rock critic Steven Hyden explores the creation and impact of Springsteen’s landmark 1984 album.

Four decades later, rock critic reflects on Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’

It’s been 40 years since Bruce Springsteen released his “Born in the U.S.A.” album to great critical acclaim. The title track became an instant anthem, a sing-along gem that boomed from jukeboxes, car radios and home stereo systems across the country.

Four knitted chickens, souvenirs of Jazz Tuesdays gigs at Moriarty’s Pub in downtown Lansing, grace the New York City apartment of Brian Charette. The organist called Jazz Tuesdays “the best steady jam session I’ve ever attended.”

Jazz Tuesdays at Moriarty’s Pub marks 10 years

Why are four knitted chickens from Lansing roosting on a New York City jazz musician’s bookshelf?

Tyler Cole spent his early childhood years in East Lansing before moving to Los Angeles in 2003. His music career began to take off when he recorded an album with Willow Smith in 2020, leading to other projects with household names like Rivers Cuomo and Spike Lee.

Tyler Cole traces journey from East Lansing to Billboard charts

From recording a double-platinum song with Willow Smith to producing an album for Weezer and securing a lead writing role on a Spike Lee film, Tyler Cole’s career has taken him to places most artists can only dream of.

Hip-hop artist Jahshua Smith (left) and R&B artist Mystur Love will headline this year’s Dam Jam Music Festival on Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively. Smith will be backed by a new band called the Grass Roots, and Love will be backed by the Trilogy Band.

From patrons to performers

When Jahshua Smith saw his friend and fellow hip-hop artist Ozay Moore perform at last summer’s Dam Jam Music Festival, he couldn’t believe how good the sound was.

Capital City Comic Con runs 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Lansing Center, offering the chance to dress up as your favorite pop-culture character and enjoy cosplay contests, panel discussions, tabletop gaming, E-sports a kids’ activity area and more.

A vibrant and varied weekend

From comics and E-sports to tacos and tequila, plus fairy tales and eco-friendly art, this weekend’s festivals cover a wide range of interests, offering something for everyone. You can also head to Charlotte for the Eaton County fair, check out a variety of art exhibits, learn how to create linocut prints and more.