As the Upper Peninsula hovers in that familiar space between late winter and the first hints of thaw, the Northwords and Music collective is preparing to guide audiences through a seasonal transition they’ve dubbed the Spring Odyssey. In a recent visit to the studio, U.P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz and celebrated storyteller B.G. Bradley shared a glimpse into the heart of their upcoming variety show, promising a night that balances deep reflection with the kind of lighthearted banter only long-time friends can pull off.
The theme of an "odyssey" is particularly fitting for a Marquette March. For the performers, the show mirrors the strange, wandering journey residents take every year; watching for the first signs of warmth while still navigating the grip of "Winter Part 2." This performance serves as a communal way to mark the end of one cycle and the hopeful beginning of the next.
Joining Achatz and Bradley once again are musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins of Big Lake Acoustic, actress Jacque Love, actor Jim Edwards, and Public Radio 90's own Nicole Walton.
Over the years, the collective has refined its approach, discovering that a simpler, more direct connection often resonates most deeply with the public. While the program includes complex themes, the guiding principle remains accessibility. Whether through a poem about the bittersweet evolution of a high school graduate or a story centered on the nostalgic magic of baseball, the goal is for every audience member to find a point of entry.
There is a distinct craft to moving words from the silent page to a live stage. The duo explained that writing for an audience requires a focus on musicality and cadence. This isn't just a reading; it’s a theatrical experience. Bradley often develops scripts with specific collaborators in mind, hearing their voices during the writing process to ensure the final performance feels alive and reactive.
Watch an archived Christmas-themed edition of Northwords & Music:
Kurt Hauswirth welcomed Bradley and Achatz back to our studio to record a preview show and interview:
Ultimately, the show is about the "give and take" between the performers and the crowd. Marty and B.G. emphasize that the most gratifying moments happen after the lights come up, when strangers connect over a shared line or a specific memory sparked by the performance.
Event Details:
- When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Peter White Public Library Community Room.
- Online: Livestream available via the Peter White Public Library YouTube channel (under the "Live" tab).
Find out more at the Peter White Public Library event page.
