Main Stage :

July 14, 2023

7:30pm: Buyer & Cellar

Emberlight’s 2023 season features our first full theatrical production — Buyer & Cellar, an acclaimed one-man play by Jonathan Tolins. The deliciously witty story follows Alex, an out-of-work, aspiring actor hired for a mysterious job at the home of the legendary Barbra Streisand. As he begins his job, Alex falls deeper into the rabbit hole of fame and celebrity when he meets and befriends the great lady herself. Directed by Colton Pometta and starring Emberlight Artistic Director Miles Mykkanen, Buyer & Cellar examines life and work relationships on opposite sides of the red carpet.

Buyer & Cellar premiered at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City on April 2, 2013 with Michael Urie. The New York Times called the play a “seriously funny slice of absurdist whimsy” and Entertainment Weekly raved, “Hilarious! Beyond brilliant.”

Click Here To Get Tickets

July 20, 2023 - July 22, 2023

7:30pm: Buyer & Cellar

Emberlight’s 2023 season features our first full theatrical production — Buyer & Cellar, an acclaimed one-man play by Jonathan Tolins. The deliciously witty story follows Alex, an out-of-work, aspiring actor hired for a mysterious job at the home of the legendary Barbra Streisand. As he begins his job, Alex falls deeper into the rabbit hole of fame and celebrity when he meets and befriends the great lady herself. Directed by Colton Pometta and starring Emberlight Artistic Director Miles Mykkanen, Buyer & Cellar examines life and work relationships on opposite sides of the red carpet.

Buyer & Cellar premiered at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City on April 2, 2013 with Michael Urie. The New York Times called the play a “seriously funny slice of absurdist whimsy” and Entertainment Weekly raved, “Hilarious! Beyond brilliant.”

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 3, 2023

7:30pm: Characters

Hometown star Miles Mykkanen and Broadway conductor Adam Rothenberg — the singer and pianist duo that brought you Sing Happy last summer — return to Emberlight for a new cabaret…with a twist! Characters promises a fun, spontaneous, unique evening of musical hilarity as the duo performs fan-favorite songs from some of theater’s most memorable characters.  Be ready for songs from all sorts of genres, from patter-songs from The Music Man to romantic arias from La Bohème to showstoppers from Gypsy.

The duo may even put their skills to the test by literally pulling songs from a hat on stage and performing whatever emerges! The whole family will enjoy a spectacular evening of music, laughter and surprises with this lively musical revue unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 5, 2023

7:30pm: Characters

Hometown star Miles Mykkanen and Broadway conductor Adam Rothenberg — the singer and pianist duo that brought you Sing Happy last summer — return to Emberlight for a new cabaret…with a twist! Characters promises a fun, spontaneous, unique evening of musical hilarity as the duo performs fan-favorite songs from some of theater’s most memorable characters.  Be ready for songs from all sorts of genres, from patter-songs from The Music Man to romantic arias from La Bohème to showstoppers from Gypsy.

The duo may even put their skills to the test by literally pulling songs from a hat on stage and performing whatever emerges! The whole family will enjoy a spectacular evening of music, laughter and surprises with this lively musical revue unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 19, 2023

7:30pm: Ann Toomey In Recital

World-class soprano Ann Toomey blew the Emberlight audience away last summer as she effortlessly skipped from Puccini to Celine Dion to Journey in minutes. This season she’s back by popular demand as guest headliner for one of Emberlight’s 2023 Main Stage concerts!

This one-night-only recital-style event will feature a mix of opera and classical music with some popular songs sprinkled in. Joined by pianist Madeline Slettedahl, Ann‘s sparkling personality and rich, memorable voice are sure to captivate audiences once again in this elegant evening of gorgeous music.

Ann is a former member of the Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a 2016 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions national semifinalist and 2019 Richard F. Gold Career Grant Recipient. She made her European debut, to critical acclaim, performing the title role in Suor Angelica at the Berlin Philharmonie. In the 2022-2023 season she appeared at the Wolf Trap Opera, Detroit Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera.

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August 26, 2023

Showstoppers

Showstoppers: The Emberlight Grand Finale will wrap up the 2023 season with the biggest night of the summer! Celebrate the close of the festival with award presentations, prizes, exciting Emberlight news and sensational performances by guest soloists appearing alongside pianist Adam Rothenberg. It’s a perfect introduction to Emberlight for newcomers, and an event that superfans will not want to miss.

A much-anticipated highlight of the evening will be emcee Miles Mykkanen’s announcement of the Art in the Park and International Film Festival prize winners. After offering reflections on the current season, he may even provide a sneak peek of what to expect next year. Topping off the excitement, audience members will have the opportunity to win a fantastic door prize or two. Join us for a festive evening celebrating the joy of art and performance!

Our soloists for Showstoppers include violinist Chelsea Starbuck Smith (Carnegie Hall; Elbphilharmonie) and Broadway star Arica Jackson (Caroline, or Change; The Book of Mormon).

Starting at 6:30pm, Dan Mykkanen will set the festive mood from the piano with favorites from the Great American Songbook and current top 40s hits.

Join us for a festive evening celebrating the joy of art and performance!

Click Here To Get Tickets

International Film Festival

August 18, 2023

6:00pm: Living Memories @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

7:30pm: Viva Italia @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 20, 2023

2:00pm: It Takes A Woman @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

4:00pm: Personal Documents @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

August 23, 2023

7:30pm: Around The World In 80 Minutes @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 24, 2023

6:00pm: Courage - Strength - Survival @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

7:30pm: Deceptive Realities @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938  

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

August 25, 2023

4:00pm: Essence Of The Artist @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

6:00pm: Animation @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

7:30pm: Echoes Of Invasion @ Theater North - 825 North Lake Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The 2023 Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) will feature ten screenings at Theatre North from August 18 – 25.  Last year over 750 films were submitted from 75 countries.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience perspectives and lifestyles from artists across the globe!

Click Here To Get Tickets

Performance Infusion

July 8, 2023

1:00pm: Wool To Waulking @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Learn how freshly shorn sheep’s wool becomes cloth.  Using age-old techniques, wool is washed, carded, spun, and woven. Once the cloth is off the loom, we invite you to help with waulking the cloth, a process which involves wetting the wool, then passing and pounding it to the rhythm of traditional Scottish waulking songs.  Local shepherd Karen Mallum will be your guide through this fiber arts adventure.  No prior experience necessary!

Emberlight’s Performance Infusion series provides audiences an understanding of what makes artists love and pursue their work, and what it takes to bring their ideas to life.  The Infusions unite nature and craftsmanship by bringing accomplished artists and curious audiences together in the heart of Art in the Park.  The 2023 Performance Infusions occur on Saturdays at 1pm in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.  The lineup includes Wool to Waulking (July 8), Miners’ Tribute (July 22), Nature Crafting (July 29), The Essence of Story: From Telling to Writing (August 5), Celebrating the Culinary Arts (August 12).

The Performance Infusion series is made possible by the Jacqueline Bassett Memorial Fund.

July 22, 2023

1:00pm: Miners’ Tribute @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Join us for this poignant tribute to miners everywhere, with a special focus on those of the Gogebic Range.  The afternoon will feature local historians Ivan Hellen and Larry Peterson, music from Ironwood troubadour Bob Michaels, and an ensemble reading of When it Comes: a Poem for Voices, written by Kathleen Carlton Johnson of Lake Linden, Michigan.

Emberlight’s Performance Infusion series provides audiences an understanding of what makes artists love and pursue their work, and what it takes to bring their ideas to life.  The Infusions unite nature and craftsmanship by bringing accomplished artists and curious audiences together in the heart of Art in the Park.  The 2023 Performance Infusions occur on Saturdays at 1pm in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.  The lineup includes Wool to Waulking (July 8), Miners’ Tribute (July 22), Nature Crafting (July 29), The Essence of Story: From Telling to Writing (August 5), Celebrating the Culinary Arts (August 12).

The Performance Infusion series is made possible by the Jacqueline Bassett Memorial Fund.

July 29, 2023

1:00pm: Nature Crafting @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Take a virtual walk through the woods with UP artists Cedar Nelson and Donna Wilcox, two talented women who see creative possibilities everywhere in nature.  Watch them at work, crafting with simple tools and natural foraged materials.  Learn to appreciate the bounty that surrounds us, as Donna and Cedar share their unique perspectives of the wild world.  

Emberlight’s Performance Infusion series provides audiences an understanding of what makes artists love and pursue their work, and what it takes to bring their ideas to life.  The Infusions unite nature and craftsmanship by bringing accomplished artists and curious audiences together in the heart of Art in the Park.  The 2023 Performance Infusions occur on Saturdays at 1pm in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.  The lineup includes Wool to Waulking (July 8), Miners’ Tribute (July 22), Nature Crafting (July 29), The Essence of Story: From Telling to Writing (August 5), Celebrating the Culinary Arts (August 12).

The Performance Infusion series is made possible by the Jacqueline Bassett Memorial Fund.

August 5, 2023

1:00pm: The Essence Of Story @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Join Michigan Touring Artist and Storyteller Jen Strauss for Michigan Legends and Lore, then stay for her playful and interactive Storytelling to Story Writing Workshop.  Come listen and learn as Jen tells her stories, then gives you easy-to-use tips and tools to help you hone your own storytelling and writing skills.

Emberlight’s Performance Infusion series provides audiences an understanding of what makes artists love and pursue their work, and what it takes to bring their ideas to life.  The Infusions unite nature and craftsmanship by bringing accomplished artists and curious audiences together in the heart of Art in the Park.  The 2023 Performance Infusions occur on Saturdays at 1pm in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.  The lineup includes Wool to Waulking (July 8), Miners’ Tribute (July 22), Nature Crafting (July 29), The Essence of Story: From Telling to Writing (August 5), Celebrating the Culinary Arts (August 12).

The Performance Infusion series is made possible by the Jacqueline Bassett Memorial Fund.

August 12, 2023

1:00pm: Celebrating The Culinary Arts @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Attention everyone who likes to eat: Chef Joel Sardinha from Suffolk Street Eatery will be cooking al fresco!  Using fresh ingredients sourced from local gardens, farmer’s markets and farms, Joel will demonstrate cooking using the bounty of the summer season.  The event will feature the use of a wood-fired clay oven, as well as grilling and stove-top techniques.  And yes, there will be tasty bites to sample!  

Emberlight’s Performance Infusion series provides audiences an understanding of what makes artists love and pursue their work, and what it takes to bring their ideas to life.  The Infusions unite nature and craftsmanship by bringing accomplished artists and curious audiences together in the heart of Art in the Park.  The 2023 Performance Infusions occur on Saturdays at 1pm in the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.  The lineup includes Wool to Waulking (July 8), Miners’ Tribute (July 22), Nature Crafting (July 29), The Essence of Story: From Telling to Writing (August 5), Celebrating the Culinary Arts (August 12).

The Performance Infusion series is made possible by the Jacqueline Bassett Memorial Fund.

Art Show

July 1, 2023

12:00pm: Art In The Park Grand Opening @ The Miners Memorial Heritage Park - 771 East Ayer Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Join Emberlight’s artists and performers in the park on July 1 for an opening ceremony at noon, followed by festivities throughout the park until 3:00 pm. We also hope to see you at our annual awards show, Showstoppers: The Emberlight Grand Finale, to celebrate our Art in the Park prize winners!

Emberlight’s 2023 season kicks off on July 1 with the opening of Art in the Park, a series of original outdoor artworks by artists from across the upper Midwest.  At turns funny, beautiful, and thought provoking, these artworks perfectly capture this season’s theme of “Essence of the Artist.”

Visitors will discover the large art creations nestled among the beauty of Miners Memorial Heritage Park, along the Aurora Loop. The multi-media works are part of Emberlight’s mission to make art available and accessible to the community. You’ll even have the chance to vote online for your favorites.

July 7, 2023

4:00pm: Portraits Of A Place: Emberlight @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

In 2016, artist Lauren Duffy conceived a new socially engaged, collaborative project seeking to build new concepts of groups by representing the individuals that make up the whole. Each individual portrait included a ceramic object, writings, a photograph, and a handwritten response and/or multimedia response artwork. Since then, multiple Portraits of a Place collaborations have captured groups of artists, workers, students and veterans who were nominated by their communities.

This season we have commissioned Lauren to create Portraits of a Place: Emberlight. Embracing our season’s theme of “Essence of the Artist,” she will work with area arts organizations to nominate artists in our community to represent seven different disciplines: visual art, music, theatre, writing, folk art, dance, and fiber art. Her personal portraits are sure to reflect the unique spirit and talents of the people of the U.P.

4:00pm: Emberlight Photographers @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The uncommon beauty of the Upper Peninsula’s forests, waterfalls, and quaint small towns has inspired countless photographers. We’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to display some of their work in a special exhibition at the Historic Depot Museum. Emberlight Photographers: Discovering Artists in Nature will display the work of artists celebrating art, fellow artists, and the great outdoors.

Emberlight Photographers features photos of the vistas, the people and the spirit of our region by local volunteer photographers who offer their own perspective on what sets our region apart. View their work throughout July and August — you can even bid on your favorite photos to bring home with you!

4:00pm: Heritage Flags @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Each season a diverse array of performers, visual artists, filmmakers, and volunteers come together at Emberlight from around the world to share their talents and their time with our community. Their backgrounds and experiences inform and inspire them, and in turn, us.

Heritage Flags is a stirring visual representation of the people at the heart of Emberlight. To honor the ancestral background of the artists, presenters, and volunteers participating in our 2023 festival, we will fly a flag for each country and tribal nation they represent. When displayed together, the Heritage Flags will reveal the varied cultures and ancestry of the people of Emberlight.

4:00pm: Depot Art Shows Grand Opening @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Emberlight Art Shows offer a stunning variety of work by local and regional artists, from installations to photography, to multimedia portraits and more. Wander through indoor and outdoor exhibitions and you’ll discover art that makes you think, laugh and feel.

Join us for a special reception and opening ceremony with the artists, photographers and participants in Portraits of a Place as we all experience the unveiling of Portraits of a Place: Ironwood, Emberlight Photographers, and the Heritage Flags from 4-7pm.

August 15, 2023

12:00pm: Downtown Art Place Summer Show @ Historic Ironwood Theatre - 113 East Aurora Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The Downtown Art Place (DAP) seeks to find joy in art by promoting and sustaining art and visual artists in the greater Ironwood area. The DAP showcases local and regional artists online and in person, in its galleries and gift shop. In keeping with their belief that creativity is the foundation of innovation, DAP also offers a selection of art classes to help children and adults develop skills and confidence. They work to encourage generations of lifelong artists.

Emberlight is happy to collaborate with the DAP once again to promote their upcoming show. Accepted pieces will be hung in the Historic Ironwood Theatre concourse, and will be open to the public on Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 4:00 PM. This is a juried exhibition with $1,000 in prizes.

August 18, 2023

10:00am: Range Art Association Annual Show @ Ironwood Memorial Building - 213 South Marquette Ironwood, MI 49938

For nearly 70 years, the Range Art Association has celebrated the Gogebic Range’s cultural heritage by promoting the diverse and vibrant work of the region’s artists. Spanning northeastern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Range Art Association has provided artists with a home to gather, create, and show their work.

The Association will again collaborate with Emberlight, hosting its 68th annual show in Ironwood’s Historic Memorial Building auditorium. Any artist across the United States with ties to the Gogebic Range is welcome to submit work, which results in a wide array of dynamic art pieces in a variety of media. Last year’s show featured 100 works!  Come view the incredible talent on display.

August 26, 2023

11:00am: Portraits Of A Place: Emberlight @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

In 2016, artist Lauren Duffy conceived a new socially engaged, collaborative project seeking to build new concepts of groups by representing the individuals that make up the whole. Each individual portrait included a ceramic object, writings, a photograph, and a handwritten response and/or multimedia response artwork. Since then, multiple Portraits of a Place collaborations have captured groups of artists, workers, students and veterans who were nominated by their communities.

This season we have commissioned Lauren to create Portraits of a Place: Emberlight. Embracing our season’s theme of “Essence of the Artist,” she will work with area arts organizations to nominate artists in our community to represent seven different disciplines: visual art, music, theatre, writing, folk art, dance, and fiber art. Her personal portraits are sure to reflect the unique spirit and talents of the people of the U.P.

11:00am: Emberlight Photographers @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

The uncommon beauty of the Upper Peninsula’s forests, waterfalls, and quaint small towns has inspired countless photographers. We’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to display some of their work in a special exhibition at the Historic Depot Museum. Emberlight Photographers: Discovering Artists in Nature will display the work of artists celebrating art, fellow artists, and the great outdoors.

Emberlight Photographers features photos of the vistas, the people and the spirit of our region by local volunteer photographers who offer their own perspective on what sets our region apart. View their work throughout July and August — you can even bid on your favorite photos to bring home with you!

11:00am: Heritage Flags @ Historic Depot Museum - 150 North Lowell Street Ironwood, MI 49938

Each season a diverse array of performers, visual artists, filmmakers, and volunteers come together at Emberlight from around the world to share their talents and their time with our community. Their backgrounds and experiences inform and inspire them, and in turn, us.

Heritage Flags is a stirring visual representation of the people at the heart of Emberlight. To honor the ancestral background of the artists, presenters, and volunteers participating in our 2023 festival, we will fly a flag for each country and tribal nation they represent. When displayed together, the Heritage Flags will reveal the varied cultures and ancestry of the people of Emberlight.

Date: Saturday July 1, 2023 - Saturday August 26, 2023

Location: Various venue in Ironwood

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