Today in the J

Friday, January 16 MLK Diversity Breakfast. 7:30 AM to 9 AM.  This year’s community celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. will feature guest speaker Dr. George Grant, President of Saginaw Valley State University.  $80 per person.  Open to members of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park. Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening. 11 AM.  Nite Lite, located at 145 W. Pearl Street, is now under new management, and you are invited to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  This event marks an exciting new chapter for a longtime downtown business, and we hope you can join us in welcoming its new ownership. Three Dog Night.  7 PM.  This legendary band captivates audiences with their numerous Top 40 hits, including “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One.” Their energetic live shows appeal to fans of all generations. The band’s music transcends time, bringing together both new and longtime audiences alike. Tickets start at $45.  Potter Center, Jackson College. Event page and tickets here. Slim Nichols at Mancino’s. Come on down to hear Mike Slim Crupi and Kevin Nichols…

Youth Musical Auditions.  4:30 PM.  “Twinderella”.  Cinderella… but with a long-lost twin brother named Bob?! Yep. And it’s hilarious. Did you know Cinderella has a twin brother, Bob, living in the same kingdom with his own wicked stepfamily? With help from the Fairy Godmother, the Godfather (he ain’t no fairy!), and two enchanted gerbils, these separated siblings plot their way into the royal festivities of Wychwood-under-Ooze.  This musical spoof is a total crowd-pleaser—and we want YOU to be part of it!  Auditions:  Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 PM.  Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson.  Park behind the church + enter Door #4 (southwest door) left of the playground.  Open to youth in Jackson County in 3rd–9th grade.  Presented by Center Stage Jackson.  More details and event page here. Poetry Workshops with Michelle Webster-Hein.  Get ready for Jackson District Library’s Young Poets Contest with a poetry writing workshop led by local author Michelle Webster-Hein! This workshop is designed for ages 7-12 and is free to attend. Register for a session at https://tinyurl.com/yh7u95ss   Brooklyn Branch: January 15, 4 PM, Summit Branch: January 22, 4 PM, Concord Branch: January 27, 4 PM, Spring Arbor Branch: January 29, 4 PM. …

How to Build a Sellable Business.  Chelsea State Bank (CSB) will host a Coffee Conversations Event for business owners looking to build a sellable business on January 14, 2026, at CSB’s Jackson Banking Center.  This event is a collaboration between CSB, Transworld Business Advisors, and Walton Insurance Group.  The event will take place on January 14, 2026, at Chelsea State Bank’s Jackson Banking Center (611 N. Wisner), from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Those interested should register here as seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis: http://bit.ly/4ntXksm Line Dance Night at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  6:30 PM to 10 PM.  Join us for Line Dancing every Wednesday nights. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and lessons start at 7 p.m. at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Nintendo Night.  5:30 PM to 6 PM and 6 PM to 5:30 PM.  Join us at the Jackson District Library Eastern Branch for an evening of Nintendo Switch games! All ages and families are welcome. Consoles and games will be provided. If you have any game requests, please contact the Eastern Branch and we'll do our best to accommodate.  Registration and…

Poetry Workshops with Michelle Webster-Hein.  Get ready for Jackson District Library’s Young Poets Contest with a poetry writing workshop led by local author Michelle Webster-Hein! This workshop is designed for ages 7-12 and is free to attend. Register for a session at https://tinyurl.com/yh7u95ss Eastern Branch: January 13, 1 PM (Homeschool session), Brooklyn Branch: January 15, 4 PM, Summit Branch: January 22, 4 PM, Concord Branch: January 27, 4 PM, Spring Arbor Branch: January 29, 4 PM.  Participation in the workshop is not required to submit an entry for Young Poets. Learn more about the contest at https://myjdl.com/explore/young-poets . Trivia Night at Ogma.  6 PM to 8 PM.  Join us at Ogma for another night of trivia, drinks, and good hangs. Hosted by Cody from Lockwood’s Loot, this pop culture trivia night features three fast-paced rounds and is perfect for solo players or teams. This is the third trivia night in the series, and the theme is Dragons & Dungeons. Play for fun, play for glory, and compete for prizes from Ogma and Lockwood’s Loot. Grab some food, sip something good, and let your inner nerd shine. Best of all, it’s completely free to play—don’t miss it.  Ogma Brewing Company, 129 E Michigan Ave,…

Youth Musical Auditions.  4:30 PM.  “Twinderella”.  Cinderella… but with a long-lost twin brother named Bob?! Yep. And it’s hilarious. Did you know Cinderella has a twin brother, Bob, living in the same kingdom with his own wicked stepfamily? With help from the Fairy Godmother, the Godfather (he ain’t no fairy!), and two enchanted gerbils, these separated siblings plot their way into the royal festivities of Wychwood-under-Ooze.  This musical spoof is a total crowd-pleaser—and we want YOU to be part of it!  Auditions (Attend ONE date) are Monday, Jan 12, 2026 – 4:30 PM and Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 PM.  Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson.  Park behind the church + enter Door #4 (southwest door) left of the playground.  Open to youth in Jackson County in 3rd–9th grade.  Presented by Center Stage Jackson.  More details and event page here. Teen Book Club.  5 PM to 6 PM.  Looking for your next great read? Join the Teen Book Club at the Parma Branch. Each month, we'll dive into a new genre--ranging from fantasy and thrillers to graphic novels and contemporary fiction. You'll get a chance to talk about what you loved, what surprised you, and what you just can't…

Friday, January 9 The Tyler Roy Band at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  8 PM.  Join us at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron for live music from The Tyler Roy Band on Friday, January 9, 2026. The doors open at 8 p.m. with live music starting at 9 p.m.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Jay Fry Live at Ironbark. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Soulful acoustic vibes from Jay Fry, member of Michigan’s epic funky jam band Chirp! A perfect evening to relax and enjoy a night of music: acoustic rock, indie and soul.  2610 Kibby Road, Jackson. Saturday, January 10 Relay for Life First Lap.  10:30 AM.  Join us for our ceremonial First Lap on January 10th at 10:30 am at Jackson Crossing Mall. We will meet by the carousel and take our First Lap of the 2026 Relay For Life season together in honor of those facing cancer, those we have lost, and those currently fighting. We will be drawing a winner for our 50/50 Winter Raffle at 11:00 and you'll have the opportunity to still buy tickets before we take our lap. January Winemaker’s Dinner.  5:30 PM.  Enjoy a plated dinner designed…

Wake Up Jackson.   7:30 AM – 9:00 AM.  Start your morning by connecting with fellow business leaders, gaining expert networking insights, and celebrating the continued growth of our local business community.  This Month’s Keynote Speaker:  Kyle Lewis, Jackson County Parks Director.  Forty Nine South, 2527 Helena Ave., Jackson.  Cost: $15 (Jackson Chamber Members) | $25 (Non-Members).  Annual Pass: $90 for access to all 10 events.   Register today and join the conversation shaping Jackson’s future. January Movie Nights:  Rebecca  (1940).  7:00 PM, Doors at 6:30.$5 at the door, free for members.  Step into a haunting classic of cinema history with Rebecca (1940), Alfred Hitchcock’s first American film and a masterful blend of romance, psychological suspense and Gothic atmosphere.   Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Y2K Pop After Dark.  8 PM to 1 AM.  Come and enjoy your favorite 90’s and 2000’s Pop Stars up on the big screen for Y2K Pop After Dark every 2nd Thursday at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Astronomical Observatory Viewing Night.  9 PM to 11 PM.  Students, employees, and community members are invited to enjoy an evening of stargazing through our campus telescope! Please call 517.990.1400 or visit the Astronomical Observatory web page before attending to confirm the event is still taking place, as it may be canceled due to weather conditions.  Jackson College Central Campus. Line Dance Night at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  6:30 PM to 10 PM.  Join us for Line Dancing every Wednesday nights. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and lessons start at 7 p.m. at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Pathways of Patriotism Exhibit. Pathways of Patriotism: Exploring Jackson County’s Revolutionary Roots is a signature initiative of the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society, created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and highlight the community’s enduring commitment to the nation’s founding ideals. Although Jackson County was not yet settled during the Revolutionary War, its development was deeply shaped by veterans, reformers, and everyday citizens who carried the spirit of 1776 forward. The exhibit traces this generational journey, beginning with the Indigenous Potawatomi presence and the Revolutionary War veterans who later settled the region, establishing civic foundations rooted in community building, representative…

Blood Drive. 10 AM to 2:30 PM.  Come join us for a blood drive at the Brooklyn Branch! All attempting donors will receive a $25 gift card--just put the code SPARK in your appointment notes at sign-up! Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome as schedule allows. Sign up for an appointment here.  Brooklyn Branch, Jackson District Library. Trivioki at the Honky Tonk at Oak + Iron. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Join us for Trivioke (Music Trivia + Karaoke) Night at Honky Tonk Jackson every Tuesday night from 7-10 p.m with Trivia at 7 p.m. and Karaoke at 9 p.m.  151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Tech Help Tuesdays.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Need help with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other tech device? Join us every Tuesday from 1–3 p.m. at the Jackson District Library’s Brooklyn Branch conference room for Tech Help Tuesdays! Bring your device and your questions—our staff is here to assist with troubleshooting, setup, and basic tech support. No appointment needed!

Wheel of Game featuring Monster Box Theatre and Oddkin. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Check out this goofy, interactive game show from Monster Box Theatre, with backing music from Oddkin! Compete to win ridiculous prizes, or just watch the silliness. Either way, you will have fun - we can almost guarantee it. Ironbark Brewing Company, 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson. Blues at the Bohm with the Keith Scott Blues Band. 7 PM.  Remarkably versatile, Chicago-based blues/rock guitarist Keith Scott has been working his way methodically up through the blues ranks since his parents bought him his first guitar at age 14 and his young ears heard Muddy Waters in 1980.  Admission $22.  Bohm Theatre, 201 S. Superior Street, Downtown Albion.