8 Things to Do This Weekend (Feb. 26-28)

Close out February with Black History Month events, a jazz marathon from the DSO, and a Penny Stamps Speaker Series artist talk
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Sophia Brueckner, who created the garment above, is featured in the Penny Stamps Speaker Series on Friday. // Photograph courtesy of UOMA

Sophia Brueckner

Most view science and art as polar opposites, but for former Google software engineer Sophia Brueckner, they are one in the same. These days, Brueckner is an artist-in-residence at Bell Labs Experiments in Art and Technology and the founder and creative director of Tomorrownaut — a creative studio offering consultations, talks, and workshops on sci-fi-inspired prototyping, design, and technology ethics. She combats the tech industry’s “limited” vision by applying science fiction to the design process of her own physical and digital artworks, which combine software programming, digital fabrication, electronics, and traditional media. Her works have been featured in museums and publications including Artforum, the Peabody Essex Museum, Portugal’s National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art. As part of the Stamps School of Art and Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series, Brueckner will discuss her work, as well as the importance of what she calls “critical optimism.” No cost. Feb. 26. Virtual; stamps.umich.edu

Walking in Our Shoes: Past, Present and Future

Broaden your perspective with a window into the impacts of race in your own community. Members of the Sterling Heights African American Coalition and other prominent, local figures will discuss what life in Macomb County is like for African Americans. The discussion, which will be moderated by Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, will explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. No cost. Feb. 26. Virtual; facebook.com

Bowers Farm Winter Park

Make your way to Bowers School Farm Winter Park to catch the last weekend of this free, family-fun event until next year. The main attraction is a giant sledding hill. Daytime guests enjoy snow tubing, while those who visit in the evening — when the hill comes to life with lights, lasers, color, and sound — can experience glow tubing. When you’re ready for a warm-up, you can roast a s’more over a roaring bonfire or stop by the Bowers Farm Kitchen for a gourmet grilled cheese, a cup of hot soup, or a fresh-baked cookie. No cost. Through Feb. 28. Bowers School Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills; schoolfarm.org

Short Films of Kristian R. Hill

The works of Detroit filmmaker Kristian Hill have screened at the Cannes Film Festival and received a nomination for the NAACP’s Image Award for Best Children’s Television Program. For his most recent project, Hill has partnered with other local filmmakers to create the Detroit Sound Project, a documentary film series about the roots of the city’s electronic music scene. This weekend, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show three films from the project. The #technoMecca @fusicology Mixtape is a visual time capsule from the 2012 Movement Electronic Music Festival, while The Detroit Sound Project: Al Ester and Remembering Huck with Reggie Dokes commemorate some of the most notable figures of Detroit’s techo history. No Cost. Through March 1. Virtual; dia.org

Regina Carter performs in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s virtual jazz marathon this weekend. // photograph courtesy of the DSO

Jazz from Detroit

This weekend, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Detroit’s rich jazz legacy with a virtual jazz marathon hosted by arts reporter and Jazz from Detroit author Mark Stryker. The event will feature salon-style interviews and performances from accomplished local musicians, such as violinist Regina Carter, sax-piano duo Marcus Elliot and Michael Malis, and saxophonist Charles McPherson. $9. Feb. 27. Virtual; dso.org

Zach Martina

Michigan comedian Zach Martina has flaunted his dark jokes and aggressive delivery at events like Best of the Midwest, Gilda’s Laughfest, and The World Series of Comedy. This weekend, he’ll bring that same larger-than-life energy to his four stand-up performances at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. $15. Feb. 26 and 27. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave., Ste. A, Ann Arbor; etix.com

Black Health Matters Virtual Winter Health Summit

Children’s Hospital of Michigan sickle cell physician and advocate Ahmar Zaidi is one of many health professionals who will speak at the Black Health Matters Virtual Winter Health Summit this Saturday. The conference honors Black History Month and aims to improve Black community health by fighting injustice in healthcare — a civil rights issue that, though often overlooked, is central to the pursuit of racial equality. Organizers hope to achieve this goal by empowering patients, health advocates, and all other health-interested adults with awareness and resources. No cost. Feb. 27. Virtual; bhmwintersummit.vfairs.com

Maple’s Sweet Story

Embark on a guided walk through Kensington Metropark Farm’s sugar bush to explore the history and craft of sap collection. This one-hour tour will feature a maple tapping demonstration and a visit to the “sugar shack,” where participants will observe the process of sap being boiled down into maple sugar. They’ll even have the chance to grab some maple sugar goodies on their way out. $5. Feb. 28. Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford; metroparks.com