What's up in Lansing: Earl Nelson singers and more

Good day on this first of February, the start of Black History Month. For a list of Black History Month-related events, check out today's issue of City Pulse.

Black History Month kicks off in Lansing with a recital of traditional spiritual and gospel music from the Earl Nelson Singers and its director Verna Holley. The Lansing-based choir was founded in 1963 by former Michigan state senator Earl Nelson, who passed away last year at the age of 79. The concert features spirituals created by slaves and the gospel music that came with the abolition of slavery in the post-Civil war era. The concert is put on by the Lansing Matinee Musicale concert series. 1-2 p.m. FREE. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. lansingmatineemusicale.org.

For more local events, see below.

Classes and Seminars

Gentle Yoga. Relaxing pace class suitable for beginners. 11 a.m.-noon. First class FREE/$5/$3 members. Williamston High School, 3939 Vanneter Road, Williamston.

Mindfulness. Meditation for beginners and experienced. 7-9 p.m. FREE. Donations welcome. Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. (517) 420-5820, ow.ly/CIHU305nMqx.

Introduction to Audio Analysis. Workshop on basics of audio analysis tools. 12:30-2 p.m. FREE. MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. ow.ly/HPSX308a1hy.

CosPlay 101. 4-week course on wig techniques, foam work for props, make up and more. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $35/sliding fee for ages 13-17. Jackson School of the Arts, 634 N. Mechanic St., Jackson. jacksonarts.org.Events

After School Action Program. Light meal, tutoring and activities. 4-6 p.m. FREE. Eastside Community Action Center, 1001 Dakin St., Lansing.

After School Teen Program. For teens in grades 7-12. 2:30-5:30 p.m. FREE. All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351- 2420, elpl.org.

Allen Market Place — Indoor Season. Locally grown, baked and prepared foods. 3-6:30 p.m. FREE. Allen Farmers Market, 1629 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 999-3911, ow.ly/Bol1303O4VE.

Alcoholics Anonymous. A closed step meeting. 6 p.m. Donations. Pennsylvania Ave. Church of God, 3500 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 899-3215.

ICACS Whisker Wednesday. Pet adoptions. All animals spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Noon-6 p.m. Ingham County Animal Control, 600 Curtis St., Mason. (517) 676-8370.

Practice Your English. Practice listening to and speaking English. All levels welcome. 7-8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420, elpl.org.

Green Themes Presentation: Climate Change and Public Health. Part of a climate action plan developed by Meridian Township. 7-8 p.m. FREE. Meridian Township Hall, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos.Literature and Poetry

Wharton Center Inner Circle Book Club. "The Berlin Stories," by novelist Christopher Isherwood. 3:30-5 p.m. Schuler Books & Music, 1982 Grand River Ave., Okemos. whartoncenter.com.

Music

Margarita Shevchenko, piano. 7:30 p.m. $10/$8 seniors/FREE for students and children. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing. (517) 353-5340, music.msu.edu/event-listing.

LMM Hosts the Earl Nelson Singers. Concert of Negro Spirituals and gospel music from post-Civil War Era. 1-2 p.m. FREE. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. lansingmatineemusicale.org.