Category Archives: Entertainment

St. Cecilia’s folk series continues this week with virtual concerts from an eclectic early 2021 lineup

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The King Biscuit Trio will be one of the acts featured in free folk and blues concerts hosted by Sr. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied/SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series is usually one of the West Michigan winter season’s entertainment musts — if you don’t remember Rosanne Cash’s visit just before the March 2020 pandemic shutdown, you missed out. Whether it is straight folk, Americana or alt-something or another, the series offers something for every acoustic taste.

So, while St. Cecilia’s continues to be empty of live audience, for awhile longer anyway, it is continuing a series of virtual folk and blues concerts to begin 2021 including many West Michigan artists free for the viewing and listening.

Ralston Bowles in concert. (By Jamie Geysbeek/Supplied)

The first of the free concerts will be this week, when Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden hit the Royce Auditorium stage Thursday, Jan. 21, for a 7 p.m., performance streaming free of charge on St. Cecilia’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and accessed through scmc-online.org.
 

The Michigan Folk and Blues Virtual Series 2021, continuing the partnership between St. Cecilia and the Acoustic Café radio show and its host Rob Reinhart, will stretch into April.

The other free virtual concerts include the King Biscuit Trio on Feb. 18; Rachel Davis and Dominic John Davis on March 25 (from their current home in Nashville); and Jen Sygit and Josh Rose on April 8 and back from the Royce Auditorium stage.

When Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden take the stage this week, audiences will tune into two of Grand Rapids best known folk musicians as they share the stage (but not at the same time for safety reasons) for a night of great music making and storytelling.

Bowles, often called “the ambassador of West Michigan music,” is an award-winning folk and Americana singer-songwriter who has released several critically acclaimed albums — including “Carwreck Conversations” and “Rally at the Texas Hotel” – and, according to supplied material, has toured the United States and Europe, sharing stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin and Arlo Guthrie.

Michael Crittenden. (Supplied/SCMC)

Crittenden is an award-winning producer, songwriter and performer — not to mention founder and frontman for folk-rock’s Troll for Trout. He is not only a producer, player, studio owner and musical collaborator, but has been a key figure in the songwriting contest part of the ArtPrize competition as well as the Mackinac Island Songwriter’s Workshop.

In addition to the free local artist folk series concerts, St. Cecilia will also offer two “ticketed” and one free concerts by national and international artists including Mariza Sings Amália, to be live streamed on Jan. 29 (with tickets costing $40 with a 48-hour viewing window); Judy Collins on Feb. 12 (also $40 with 48-hour window); and Kat Edmonson on March 4 in a free concert also available on St. Cecilia’s Facebook and YouTube channel.

As an added attraction, Edmonson will be doing an interview with Rob Reinhart, host the Acoustic Café radio show.
 

For a complete list of all virtual concerts offered by St. Cecilia for home viewing, see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

Jeep the Mac competition set to return in April 2021

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St. Ignace Visitor’s Bureau announces Jeep the Mac is back and set to roll April 2021. (St. Ignace)

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

The 6th Annual Jeep the Mac event will return to its original weekend in late April for 2021 (April 23-25) in St. Ignace and Drummond Island. This annual event draws Jeep enthusiasts from around the Midwest to participate in Jeep activities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula including a group ride across the Mackinac Bridge, ferry passes to Drummond Island for a Saturday trail riding (including access to Turtle Ridge Off-road Park), optional street cruises with discounts at designated stops, commemorative gifts and posters, and lots of vendors and sponsors selling Jeep products. Registration for this event is now open. Register and find more details here: https://stignace.com/event/jeep-the-mac/

“2020 was a difficult year for all of us and we are excited to hit the ground running and fill up our calendars mindfully with safety-oriented events when it is safe to do so,” said St. Ignace Visitors Bureau events director Quincy Ranville, “One of the beauties of the outdoor events in St. Ignace like Jeep the Mac is that remaining socially distant and vigilant while also having fun is easily done.”

2021 will also feature the return of Murray’s Midnight Moose Run which was an unexpected activity and hugely popular hit in 2020. A sponsored award ceremony will also be new this year.

“Having worked with St. Ignace as on the St. Ignace Car Show and Jeep the Mac in past years, I’m excited to really bolster the event this year with more sponsors, vendors, and corporate representation,” says St. Ignace Visitors Bureau brand ambassador Murray Pfaff, “this is such a unique event that has the potential to be record breaking.”

Jeep the Mac 2020 was pushed back to October due to the pandemic, and was extremely popular, so stay tuned for more info regarding a second Jeep event this fall (October 1-3), with St. Ignace and Drummond Island teaming up again for another fun filled weekend.

St. Cecilia’s ‘live from the Royce stage’ piano virtual concerts continue this week, on into spring

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Roger MacNaughton, in concert. (Artist Facebook Page)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s wide-ranging virtual concert season — which includes chamber music, folk and jazz — also offers an expanded series of Michigan Jazz Pianists’ Series with West Michigan artists playing “live from the stage” free virtual concerts from the music center’s Royce Auditorium.

The first of the just announced concerts will be Thursday, Jan. 14, with Roger MacNaughton featured. The 7 p.m. concert will be available free on St. Cecilia’s Facebook page and on its YouTube channel. All are also available on-demand on the YouTube channel.

Rufus Ferguson (Supplied)

In addition to MacNaughton, other concerts include Robin Connell on March 11, and Rufus Ferguson on April 21, both also at 7 p.m.

From September through December, 2020, St. Cecilia presented five Michigan jazz pianists in this series, including a holiday show with the nationally known jazz pianist Bob James in December.

“St. Cecilia Music Center is committed to our audience in helping to ‘Keep Music Alive’ in West Michigan,” Cathy Holbrook, executive and artistic director of SCMC, said in supplied material. “ While we are unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, we remain committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home. … We truly appreciate everyone’s support as we strive to keep these wonderful events available for all to experience.”

MacNaughton is a composer, pianist, and musical artist, creator of a line of instrumental CDs. The most recent of his 12 CD releases is named “Mackinac, I’ve Come Home” following Roger’s two-week stay on Mackinac Island in 2019 as an artist-in-residence sponsored by Mackinac State Historic Parks.

MacNaughton, who lives in Lowell, is a member of several bands and musical groups, including Jon Montgomery & RMQ, MacNaughton Boulevard, Mac/Mora, Honey Creek String Ensemble, and Soul ACCESS. His compositions have won four ArtPrize awards, three times in the jazz category and once for classical music.

The just announced addition to the virtual concerts focussed on Michigan artists performing live from St. Cecilia include also includes four concerts featuring Michigan folk and blues artists.

The Michigan Folk and Blues Virtual Series will continue St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Café Folk Series partnership with the radio show of the same name and its host Rob Reinhart.

The folk and blues series will include Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden on Jan. 21, King Biscuit Trio on Feb. 18, Rachel Davis and Dominic John Davis on March 25 (from their home in Nashville), and Jen Sygit and Josh Rose on April 8.

For the latest schedule and informant on St. Cecilia’s virtual concerts available for home viewing, visit scmc-online.org/virtual/.

Holiday lights in Holland to stay up until March

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Kara de Alvare
Downtown Holland

Downtown Holland‘s holiday lights will remain up all winter long to help bring some much-needed light to the community after a difficult year. The lights will remain up until March so they can be enjoyed by Downtown Holland customers, along with numerous walkers and runners who like to take advantage of Downtown Holland’s snowmelt system all winter long.

“We made the decision to leave the lights up because we recognized that the community could use a little light during these long winter days,” said Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Amy Sasamoto. “We invite everyone to Downtown Holland to stroll the brightly lit streets. We hope it’s a gift that helps lift everyone’s spirits!”

The holiday lights in Downtown Holland are installed and maintained by Chips Ground Cover, a local Holland business, and are paid for the City’s Downtown Development Authority. No general taxpayer funds are used for the project. The DDA is funded by a 1.6 mil tax levy paid annually by properties located within the DDA boundaries.

Public Museum to host virtual backyard stargazing program

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Chaffee Planetarium experts will be on hand for a virtual Backyard Stargazing meet-up Feb. 4. (Supplied).

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that a Backyard Stargazing virtual meet-up will be offered to the public on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.

Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts and local astronomer, James Van Prooyen, to learn how radio waves help inform astronomers about a variety of celestial objects including meteor showers, pulsars, gamma ray bursts and more.

“We’re excited to continue offering virtual programs to bring the planetarium experience directly to the homes of people who love science and space exploration,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education. “We intentionally select program topics to fit the interests of all ages, and work to create engaging environments for families to participate in together.”

 

Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar. 

Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation. 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic, open through spring 2021. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the new GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. For updates, please visit grpm.org. 

World Affairs Council’s virtual Great Decisions series coming soon, but special event offered Jan. 14

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President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shake hands as they meet for the first time, June 12, 2018, at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. (state.gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The World Affairs Council of West Michigan (WACWM) knew all about virtual discussions long before the pandemic, so you would expect nothing less than a stellar series of “Great Decisions Global Discussions” in 2021.

The Monday night series starting in February and running through March will include in-depth discussions on hot-button topics ranging from “The Melting Arctic” to “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” on the schedule.

While the Great Decisions series will be available to the general public for a modest series and individual event cost, a prelude to the series will be presented Thursday, Jan. 14, with a free special mid-day event, “The Korean-U.S. Alliance”.

Scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., the virtual discussion will offer expert information from Mark Tokola, vice president or the Korea Economic Institute, and Dr. Jennifer Brannan, Office of Korean Affairs at the U.S. Dept. of State. The webinar will be viewable live and as an archive, and while the event is free it does require registration.

The scheduled topics are relevant: A new forthcoming administration in the U.S., historic elections in South Korea, persistent global challenges including nuclear security issues and the COVID-19 pandemic — “For these reasons and more, focusing on one of the allies of the United States in East Asia is a timely conversation,” according to WACWM website.
 

The World Affairs Councils of America, in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute, will provide “a wide-ranging presentation on the relationship between the U.S. and the Korean Peninsula” and will  “dive deep into politics, trade, and the economy, and the many ties that bind these two countries together.”

For more information and registration for this event visit worldmichigan.org/futureofkorea2021.

Great Decisions series starts in February

The WACWM’s Great Decisions Global Discussions series will be live-streamed to YouTube Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m., starting Feb. 8 and running through March 29. The public is invited and the webinars will be viewable live and as archived on-demand. The cost to the public is $10 per discussion, $60 for a series pass, with prior registration required.

“Diplomats, policy makers and practitioners, think tank specialists and journalists lead conversations on global issues that impact us locally,” according to the WACWM website.

The series dates, topics and guest speaker are as follows: 

Feb. 8, “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” with Susan DiMaggio, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Feb. 15, “Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic?” with Andrew Natsios, director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University.

Feb. 22, “The European Union: The New Agenda Post-Brexit” with Tomas Baert, Head of Trade and Agriculture, European Delegation to the U.S.

March 1, “The Future of Business and Global Supply Chains” with Judy Samuelson, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, with moderator Brian Kraus, vice president of global manufacturing at Amway.

March 8, “Sustainable Globalization Post COVID-19” with Julia Luscombe, managing director of strategic planning at Feeding America.

March 15, “The Melting Arctic” with Kaare Sikuaq Erickson, North Slope science liaison, Ukpeaġvik Inupiat Corporation, and Bob Hollister, Leader of the Arctic Ecology Program (AEP) at Grand Valley State University.

March 22, “China in Africa and the Case of Ghana” with Elizabeth Asiedu, Professor of Economics, University of Kansas.

Mar. 29, “The Saudi-Arabian-U.S. Relationship: Decades in the Making” with Thomas W. Lippman, author, consultant, and lecturer.

Those persons and companies wishing to support the series can do so through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.

“Now in its 71st year, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan continues its mission to empower the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world,” according to the WACWM website. “All general donations between now and the start of our Great Decisions series will go towards sponsoring one of our speakers, through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.”
 

For more information and to register, visit worldmichigan.org/greatdecisions2021.

Meijer Gardens hosts soft opening of new welcome center

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By John VanderHaagen
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced the soft opening of the new Welcome Center to the public on Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. The 69,000 square-foot building greatly enhances the arrival, admission and orientation experience for guests. The Welcome Center features contemporary sculpture as well as horticultural elements throughout.

Please note: The Jan. 11 opening is a soft opening, and not all areas of the building will be open and accessible until fall of 2021. Additional information will be sent regarding the Opening Celebration and Dedication.

“The magnificent new Welcome Center is made possible by the generosity of Fred & Lena Meijer, the extended Meijer family and hundreds of individuals, companies and foundations,” said President & CEO David Hooker. “The Welcome Center was created in response to an unprecedented embrace of our mission as reflected in our attendance, membership and donor base growth…Our architects, artists and garden designers have created a place to experience our mission that is truly world-class.”

Located at the beginning of the journey into the 158-acre main campus, the Welcome Center complements the glass architectural lines of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and serves as a place for guests to comfortably purchase tickets or a membership, view an orientation film and receive information about their visit. The design ties together the many parts of Meijer Gardens into a coherent and understandable whole and serves to welcome everyone who enters.

The Welcome Center is comprised of two levels, the Main Level and the lower Courtyard Level. Main Level exterior and interior highlights include an expanded and relocated Peter C. and Emajean Cook Entryway, PNC Portico, expanded and relocated Ram’s Garden, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center, expanded coat room and restrooms, a Mobility Center for complimentary wheelchairs and electric carts, O-A-K Theater and the Garden Pavilion, featuring horticultural displays and the new sculpture titled Utopia by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The Garden Pavilion is scheduled to open later this year. Courtyard Level highlights include an expanded and relocated Peter M. Wege Library, archives and storage, Lievense Indoor Eating Area and a Courtyard Level garden named Mimi’s Garden, featuring a glass enclosed sunken garden that is naturally lit from above.

The new Welcome Center and recently completed Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and related facilities were designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.

In addition to horticultural details throughout, the Welcome Center will feature prominent works of Contemporary sculpture by celebrated international artists: Jaume Plensa, George Segal, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, El Anatsui, Kenneth Snelson, Alexander Calder and Marshall Fredericks, whose work first caught the eye of Fred Meijer and began his passion for collecting sculpture. Part of the permanent sculpture collection, the placement of these pieces and horticultural elements reflects the greater Meijer Gardens mission as evidenced throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park.  The exterior and Frey Foundation Plaza leading into the Welcome Center will feature sculpture by Marshall Fredericks, Tony Cregg, Manuel Neri and Henri Laurens.

Boyne Highlands Resort offers enchanted trail full of lights

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Erin Ernst
Boyen Highlands Resort

 Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has opened a new winter attraction, The Enchanted Trail.

 

“The Enchanted Trail offers a magical experience for all ages,” says Mike Chumbler, Boyne Highlands Resort’s president and general manager. “It’s a really serene and peaceful walk culminating at a beautifully designed yurt where beverages are served, and guests can gather round a bonfire, before journeying back.”

The trail totals two miles roundtrip, and features the twinkling of hundreds of lights strewn throughout the path.  Guests can opt to walk, or snowshoe the trail with snowshoes available for rent. Tickets are $15 per person, and The Enchanted Trail is open on weekends and holidays with departures from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and s’mores are included. A cash bar is available and beverage tickets can be purchased in advance for the event.

Reservations are required and can be made online at boynehighlands.com.

Social distancing should be practiced on the trail and face masks are required inside the yurt and anytime six feet cannot be maintained from other parties.

For complete event information, lodging reservations, or more information about Boyne Highlands Resort, please visit boynehighlands.com or call 866.759.3530.

Bach anyone? St. Cecilia to offer four free Chamber Music Society virtual concerts

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The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will team with St. Cecilia Music Center for a series of free virtual concert programs. (Supplied/CMS)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center has announced the 2021 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center virtual concerts, with four free-to-the-public nights of chamber music beginning in January and running through April.

Kicking off the concerts is maybe the most famous program of all chamber music programs, Bach’s The Brandenburg Concertos, set to premiere Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., on the St. Cecilia website, but, as with all concerts, the concert remains available for viewing for a week after initial air date.

 

“While we are still unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, SCMC remains committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home,” St. Cecilia states in supplied material. “We received enthusiastic and positive feedback on our fall series and are pleased to continue this offering into the new year.”

The Chamber Music Society has thousands of professionally recorded archived performances, according to supplied material, and co-artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han have “put together wonderful programs that feature an artist on each piece in each program.” A pre-concert artist profile and a post-concert Q&A with the artist, led by Finckel and Wu Han, “make these concert offerings unique and personal.” 

The concert programs and dates

The Brandenburg Concertos (concerto No.s 1-6) is Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., and featuring more than 40 musicians performing one or more of the six pieces.

A program featuring pianist Gloria Chien is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., and will include  Field’s Nocturne No. 2 in C minor for Piano, Liszt’s Grand duo concertant sur la romance de ‘Le Marin’ for Violin and Piano, and Mendelssohn’s Quartet in C minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 1.

A program featuring violist Paul Neubauer is Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m., and will include Schumann’s Märchenerzählungen (Fairy Tales) for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano, Op. 132; Dale’s “Romance” from Suite for Viola and Piano; Turina’s Escena andaluza for Viola, String Quartet, and Piano, Op. 7; Kreisler’s Liebeslied for Three Violins, Viola, and Cello; Shostakovich’s Impromptu for Viola and Piano; and Boulanger’s American Vision for Viola and Piano Trio.

The series will wrap up with a program featuring violinist Ani Kavafian on Thursday, April 1 at 7 p.m., and will included Brahms’ Scherzo, WoO 2, from “F-A-E” Sonata for Violin and Piano; Babajanian’s Trio in F-sharp minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello; and Dvorák’s Trio in F minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 65.

For more information visit scms-online.org/virtual.

Grass River Natural Area hosts annual race this weekend

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By Betsy Willis
Grass River Natural Area

Grass River Shiver takes places this weekend. (Grass River Natural Area)

Put on your snowshoes and run or walk through the beautiful snow-covered Grass River Natural Area this weekend, Jan. 9 and 10, at the Grass River Shiver, a fundraiser for the education programs at GRNA. This snowshoe race in northern Michigan is only a short distance from Traverse City. A prize is awarded to overall male and female 5K/10K winners. Walkers are welcome.

Registration includes:
– a one-of-a-kind race on a marked course on beautiful trails through wetlands and woods
– a soup voucher for a free soup lunch to-go from Short’s Brewing Co.
– after-race snacks and refreshments
– 1st place prize is awarded to one overall male and female for the 5K and 10k
-Some Grass River swag – a GRNA neck gaiter/buff for each runner/walker!

This year the Shiver event has been changed to a hybrid format to meet distancing protocols. ​Run or walk at your convenience on Saturday or Sunday. See the event schedule for more details.

Weekend Event Schedule

Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Jan. 10:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Grass River Center will be open and staffed for six hours on Saturday and Sunday. The Center is heated with restrooms. GRNA is asking that only one group/household comes indoors at a time. The course is available from dawn to dusk.

An official clock will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning for those that would like an official clocked time to run their race, but you can run the course any time Saturday or Sunday at your convenience and clock your time. Upload your time results on the GRNA webpage after you finish. Also, upload any photos you took at or during the race! Race times must be submitted by midnight Sunday night, January 10th. You can pick up your race materials at the Grass River Center before or after you race.

Go to www.grassriver.org to register.

Lakeshore Museum Center adds Saturday hours

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By Jackie Huss
Lakeshore Museum Center

The Lakeshore Museum Center located in Muskegon has added Saturday hours for the winter months. (Supplied)

Lakeshore Museum Center to introduce Second Saturdays, additional open hours at the main museum at 430 W. Clay Ave starting in January 2021. These open hours have free admission for Muskegon County residents and take place on the second Saturday of each month. Second Saturdays showcase museum exhibits including the new Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins: Piecing Together Her History exhibit, the STEM Center, and Science Center with scavenger hunts for kids.

“It’s a new year and we’re trying something new,” said Museum Experiences Director, Jacquelyn Huss. “These Saturday hours offer families a chance to visit us during the weekend.”

Second Saturdays take place from noon-4 pm on the following dates:
● January 9, 2021
● February 13, 2021
● March 13, 2021
● April 10, 2021

Each Second Saturday includes an exhibit-related take-and-make activity for kids to complete at home. Adults can also take a look at how the Rosie Lee Wilkins exhibit was constructed and the research process that pieced together her history.

The new hours kick off in January 2021 and will continue through April. No reservation is needed to attend, but be sure to check in with the LMC website for any additional updates.

Call 231-722-0278 for more information. Masks are required to enter the museum.

Holland’s winter market set to open this weekend

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This year’s Holland Winter Market will be held outdoors at the Eighth Street Market Place. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Holland Farmers Market will host its annual Winter Market starting Saturday, Jan. 2. at the Eighth Street Market Place. Though held inside the Holland Civic Center Place last year, this year’s Winter Market will be held exclusively outdoors to provide a safer shopping experience and to allow for greater social distancing in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Outdoor Winter Market will be held the first and third Saturdays from January through April from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“The Outdoor Winter Market is an extension of the Holland Farmers Market’s mission to provide fresh, healthy and locally grown food to the community year-round, while at the same time supporting our regional economy and the livelihoods of our farmers and vendors,” said Holland Farmers Market Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “We invite everyone to bundle up, mask up and join us the first and third Saturdays of the month all winter long!

More than 10 regular Holland Farmers Market vendors will participate in the Outdoor Winter Market between now and April, including Crane Dance Farm, Flagel’s Sugar House, Good Life Naturals, Mud Lake Farm Mycophile’s Garden, Oh So Cheesy, Skinner Homestead Acres, The Great Bread Company Thornburg and Co, and Visser Farms. Two new vendors will also be joining for the Market for the first time, including Just Enjoy Bakery and Pups Barkery. (Please note that vendors are subject to change and not every vendor will be available every date.)

Customers will find a wide variety of fresh produce at the Outdoor Winter Market, including apples, beets, greens, mushrooms, onions, potatoes and more, along with cheese spreads, baked goods, granola, honey, jam, maple syrup, meat…and even dog treats! (Though please keep Fido safe and warm at home, as dogs are not allowed at the Market.) Bridge Cards and Double Up Food Bucks will be accepted at the Outdoor Winter Market, along with Market Bucks gift certificates. Masks are required at all times.

American art in new, ‘Native’ context on display at Muskegon Museum of Art

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Jonathan Thunder, “Quarantine at Gramma’s House”. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Just as it is nearly impossible to categorize “contemporary art” in the new millennium, it is also of little value to label contemporary Native American art as realistic or abstract, as idealistic or fatalistic.

As evidenced by three exhibitions of contemporary works by Native American artists currently on view at the Muskegon Museum of Art this winter, Native American art and artists defy labels and categories.

Jason Quigno (Supplied)

The MMA’s major show, opened earlier this month, is “The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, is organized by the MMA in partnership with the Grand Valley State University Art Department. But just as intriguing is the MMA’s exhibits “Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative” and “Levi Rickert: Standing Rock — Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”.

The three exhibits will be up though February, 2021.

The Art of the People

“The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, according to an announcement from the Muskegon Museum of Art, features artwork by both nationally recognized and “early career” contemporary Native American artists “in a wide array of media that combines cultural traditions, imagery, and themes.”

The invitational show will appear concurrently at the MMA and Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and incorporates sculpture, painting, ceramics, beadwork, mixed media, and photography.

“The exhibition explores the ways in which these artists express their experiences in both traditional and non-traditional media, techniques, and subject matter,” according to the announcement. “Through representational and abstract imagery and design, the artists address issues of craft, history, identity, social and political justice, and popular culture.”

Jason Quigno is the guest curator, and is a sculptor and member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. According to supplied information, he works in a variety of stone —granite, basalt, marble, limestone, and alabaster — “transforming raw blocks into flowing forms.” His work has garnered significant recognition and awards and he has completed numerous public commissions for communities and institutions around Michigan.

Exhibiting artists in the show also include Le’Ana Asher, Adam Avery, Shirley Brauker, Kelly Church, Wally Dion, Dino Downwind, Cherish Parrish, Jonathan Thunder, Robin Waynee, and Jason Wesaw.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 28, at the Muskegon Museum of Art and opens in January 2021 at the GVSU Art Gallery.

Challenging the Narrative

“Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative”, organized by the MMA, features new and favorite paintings by Denomie, a nationally known and award winning Anishinaabe artist, which reveal “the continuity and ongoing explorations” within his work.

Jim Denomie, “Four Days and Four Nites Two Moons”. (Supplied)

“His colorful, humorous paintings directly address historical, political, and cultural issues facing Native Americans in the U.S.,” according to the announcement. “Using traditional imagery, stereotypes, comic symbols, and pop culture imagery, Denomie presents playful, alluring narratives that, on closer inspection, reveal biting and thought-provoking challenges to historic and contemporary misperceptions, prejudices, and injustices.”

The exhibition runs through March 10, 2021. For more information, visit his website here.

Standing Rock photographs

“Levi Rickert: Standing Rock, Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”, is a collection of photographs which document Rickert’s journey to Standing Rock in 2016 as part of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Photograph at Standing Rock by Levi Rickert (Supplied)

“These images capture not just the news-making conflicts and clashes between protestors and private security firms at the site, but also the day-to-day experiences of the men and women joined in their shared call for action,” according to the announcement.

Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online.

This exhibition runs through February 28, 2021.

The Muskegon Museum of Art

The Muskegon Museum of Art galleries and store are open 11 a.m. to  4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays. Safety protocols include limited occupancy in galleries and other public spaces, social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and requiring visitors and staff to wear masks.

For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org.

GVSU Christmas Eve Carillon Concert continues 20-year tradition of live music

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
Carillonneur, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, poses for a portrait after practicing songs on the Beckering Family Carillon Tower on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids Dec. 14. Vanden Wyngaard will perform a Christmas Eve concert where guests can drive up and “crack their windows just a little” to hear the music. (Photo courtesy of GVSU)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For the past 19 years, retired GVSU carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard has climbed the 112 steps of the Beckering Family Carillon Tower for a special Christmas performance — a performance that cannot be stopped by the current COVID pandemic.

Since it has always been a drive-up concert, the program does not have to make any changes to meet the 2020 gathering guidelines. So the free Christmas Eve Carillon Concert will take place at 9:30 p.m. on the Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St.

Vanden Wyngaard said it was important to her to continue the tradition, which is celebrating a 20th anniversary. She performs from the playing cabin of the carillon, with the windows of the bell tower’s belfry open on all sides, knowing an audience that she doesn’t see has gathered in vehicles parked nearby. “Silent Night” always closes the concert.

“Then they just toot their horns and drift off into the darkness,” Vanden Wyngaard said.

She said the 9:30 p.m. concert is timed so that people with either evening or midnight services can still stop by to enjoy the music.

The concert is free and open to the public. Find more information here.

Constructed in 2000, the Beckering Family Carillon Tower is 151-foot carillon-clock tower that features 48 bronze-casted carillon bells by famed French foundry Fonderie Paccard, which has casted more than 120,000 bells that are throughout the world.

Chaffee Planetarium set to reopen Dec. 22

Entertainment, ,
Chaffee Planetarium will present “Let It Snow” through Jan. 3, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will reopen and welcome visitors on a limited capacity basis starting on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Visitors to the Chaffee Planetarium can relax, recline and visit the galaxy, constellations, far away planets, learn about asteroids and much more! All of the shows feature the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience.

The Chaffee Planetarium will host multiple shows per week with enough time in between for a thorough cleaning. The schedule beginning this week will include the holiday show, Let it Snow, as well as the popular show Incoming!, Under Starlit Skies and Ice Worlds.

Let it Snow
This special holiday show features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Let it Snowwill run through Jan. 3, 2021. 

George Takei’s “Incoming!” at the Chaffee Planetarium. (Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Incoming!
Narrated by George Takei, Incoming! explores asteroids, comets and meteors. California Academy of Sciences developed cutting-edge visualizations based on real-time data from current NASA missions to show audiences the dynamic story of our Solar System. A live show was created by the GRPM to accompany the movie portion of Incoming! in partnership with NASA scientist Dr. Brent Bos, who is currently studying asteroids and grew up in West Michigan.

Ice Worlds
The delicate balance between ice, water and the existence of life has been a topic of scientific inquiry for generations. In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, viewers will examine the ecosystems that exist and thrive there and learn how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our solar system.

 

Under Starlit Skies – LIVE Presentation
Join a live presenter to explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Learn tips and tricks that will help you find planets and constellations from your own backyard. Fly to the far reaches of the solar system to get a closer look at planets, moons and more.

For a full Chaffee Planetarium show schedule, visit grpm.org/planetarium. Planetarium tickets are $2 for Museum members, $4 each with general admission to the Museum, and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required and can be purchased at grpm.org.

 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the GRPM’s visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. The Museum will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For updates, please visit grpm.org. 

Community mask project at Ramsdell Theatre

Entertainment
Ramsdell Theatre is hosting a facemask community art project. (Courtesy Ramsdell Theatre)

By Xavier Verna
Ramsdell Theatre

The Michigan Legacy Art Park (MLAP), in collaboration with the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA), is facilitating a creative way to foster “togetherness.” Through this project, people can learn what everyone else was and is still going through. As a result, participants will reconnect with their community as they begin the journey back to normalcy.

The groups are offering masks at no cost to anyone who wishes to participate. A contact form where you can make your request is available at www.RamsdellTheatre.org/facemask.

MLAP started this project earlier in 2020. The project asked participants to reflect and then decorate a paper-mache mask to express personal stories during the current health crisis. In the exploration of this powerful symbol, the feelings it invokes, and to bring the Art Park family closer together during this challenging time — the Volunteer Director of Education Patricia Innis led the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” art project with their volunteers, board members, artists, and staff.

“The project not only gave people something new to think about it also gave them a creative way to express their feelings and experiences,” Innis said. “Many people found the process cathartic and looked forward to seeing what others had been going through.”

“A mutual supporter of both groups brought us together to talk about how we can work on putting together an exhibit and involve more people,” said RRCA Executive Director Xavier Verna.

The groups reached out to other organizations like the senior center, Manistee Friendship Society, City Council, Conservatory of Dance, Youth Advisory Council, Youth Armory Project, Vogue Theatre, and the list goes on. Amy Wojciechowski, director of the Youth Armory Project, shared how this has already made a positive impact on someone’s life.

“We had a family stop by for food from the food truck this morning. I recognized the family because they attend Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where I am a member,” she said. “Our pastor, Dr. James Friesner, passed away on Tuesday night, and we all felt very close to him. Dr. Friesner had an especially close bond with the youngest member of this family. The mother of this family just sent me the following message – ‘thank you for sending those masks for them to do. My son has not had an easy time with the pastor passing away. He finally did something and colored that mask.’”

Webinars have been scheduled for anyone who wants to get ideas on how to decorate their mask. Local artists Lynn Williams and Mary Wahr are leading both webinars scheduled for Dec. 22 and Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. Registration is required, and the links can be found at www.RamsdellTheatre.org/facemask.

Masks must be completed by Jan. 12. The RRCA will arrange pickups or a drop off at the Ramsdell. The exhibit will feature all of the masks that are turned in, and it will be up for the month of February in Hardy Hall (101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660).

Manistee celebrates the holidays with special statute

Entertainment, ,
The Lamplighter by Tyler and Ashley Voorhees (Supplied)

By Xavier Verna
Ramsdell Theatre

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) partners with artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees (Glenn, Michigan) to present The Lamplighter. This stunning sculpture will be on display through Jan. 4, next to the Christmas tree in downtown Manistee. The Lamplighter is an interactive sculpture for people to enjoy safely and yet, encourage togetherness.

The Lamplighter harks back to the early days when the streets of most towns and cities were lit by gas lamps. By means of long poles, ladders, and even tall bikes, these lamps had to be lit each night as dusk turned to darkness. Lamplighters provided not only light but also safety in their communities. More than just a job, these harbingers of light represent a way of life: illuminating darkness.

The Lamplighter sculpture is constructed with dozens of antiquated tools and man-made artifacts in a grand gesture to this humble worker of the past. You are invited to pedal the stationary bikes surrounding the sculpture to generate light.  This illumination is a nod to the light that we all carry within us. The Lamplighter symbolizes a collective connection to spread that light.

In a year of adaptation, artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees have had to find new avenues to connect with patrons as their typical schedule of art festivals was upended by COVID-19. The Lamplighter sculpture was originally scheduled to be debuted at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. After that event was added to the endless list of canceled events, the Voorhees duo searched out a new venue to unveil the sculpture. Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the RRCA, answered the call, and the stage was set for this momentous month-long exhibition.

The exhibition will run from through Jan. 4.  This sculpture is supported by patrons of the arts, Arts Midwest, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The City of Manistee, and presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.

Pigeon Creek Park hours extended, LED lights added

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Pigeon Creek Park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. (Ottawa County)

By Jessica VanGinhoven
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission voted to extend park hours at Pigeon Creek Park at their monthly meeting on Dec. 2.

“Regular winter park hours (7 a.m. -8 p.m.) begin on Oct. 16 each year,” said Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Director. “Although, with three miles of lit trails and no snow to begin our winter operations, the commission agreed to extend the park hours for hikers and bikers to 10 p.m.”

As usual, when winter operations begin and trails are groomed for cross-country skiing the park will close to hikers, dogs, and mountain bikers.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this adjustment at Pigeon Creek Park, especially during these stressful times,” said Shamblin. “By the time many of us finish with our work day, myself included, it’s too dark to get out for a hike. Between turning on the trail lights and extending our operating hours, we hope to help more individuals and families spend more time outside.”

After publishing its first Sustainability Plan in 2017, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department began to transition to LED trail lights. Making this switch has allowed the lights to remain on more often without additional cost.

Pigeon Creek Lodge & Equipment Rental

Ski and snowshoe rental will be available at the Pigeon Creek Lodge this year. We believe getting outside is more important to our health and wellness than ever. Although, visitors should expect some adjustments to our operation this year:

  • Masks/face coverings will be required everywhere except out on ski/snowshoe trails, including the sledding hill.
  • Rental equipment is only available during satisfactory snow conditions and our rental hours have changed. Before you visit, check our trail conditions page for lodge and rental information: miOttawa.org/trails
  • Ski and snowshoe rental will be available in the lodge. Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors.
  • The Lodge will not be open for warming or concessions. Please bring your own snacks and beverages, and be prepared to use your vehicle as base camp.
  • Modern restrooms in the lodge will be open.

For more information, please visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/winter-rec.htm

Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series concludes with virtual holiday concert

Entertainment,

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Lance Luce (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) concludes its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts with a virtual Holiday Classics concert performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.

Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ performed by an internationally acclaimed theatre organist.

Lance has played hundreds of concerts across the U.S., Canada, England and Australia. While at the Organ Grinder in Toronto, Ontario, he played for well over a million patrons within eight years. In 2014, he was awarded “Organist of the Year” by the American Theatre Organ Society. He has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society, other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs, and for the national and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia.

Recently, Lance became the head organist for the Detroit Red Wings at the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. He was also the house organist at several family style restaurants, with two of them being located in Michigan. He has been a church organist for 43 years and is currently at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills.

Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting the organist playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys.

The Holiday Classics Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link is needed per household or group. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.929.1700.

Getting into the holiday spirt with some theater classics

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

What is the holidays without a little holiday theater magic? Two West Michigan theater companies oblige with a couple of holiday classics.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will be hosting a on-demand streaming presentation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic Dec. 18 -31. The live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage costumes and live sound effects, was set to be presented live similar to Civic’s presentation of “Dracula” in October. The recent statewide partial shutdown, reducing the number of people in a gathering, forced the theater company to rethink its plans.

Instead, the program will be live streamed Dec. 18 – 31 through Broadway On Demand. From the novella by Dickens, “A Christmas Carol,” follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he his visited by three ghosts and learns the true meaning of Christmas.

There are two casts for the live broadcasts. Tickets are $9.99 for individuals and $24.99 for per family. For tickets, visit grct.org.

Farmers Alley

Farmers Alley Theatre presents “Home for the Holidays” through Dec. 24 (Supplied)

Of course, there is no place like home for the holidays and Farmers Alley Theatre will be hosting a special presentation titled “Home for the Holidays” through Dec. 24.


Hosted by Farmers Alley Founders Adam & Rob Weiner and Denene Mulay Koch & Jeremy Koch, this 90-minute special will feature favorite holiday classics, new seasonal songs and a dose of Christmas magic all of which will be streaming on Broadway On Demand.

The event features performances by Nat Zegree, Whitney Weiner, Joriah Kwame, Julie Nemitz, Sandy Bremer, WMU’s Gold Company, Andrea Arvanigian, Max Wardlaw and so many more PLUS a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas featuring a cavalcade of stars.

Watch party tickets are $29,95 and available at www.farmersalleytheatre.com

St. Cecilia’s early 2021 plans change as cancellations, virtual concerts announced

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,
Christian McBride, from a 2008 concert, is no stranger to St. Cecilia Music Center. But his planned Winterfest with Christian McBride series will need to await a year. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Not unexpectedly, St. Cecilia Music Center announced this week the cancellation of its originally scheduled January through March 2021 live concerts. But, continuing to not be silent in this winter of pandemic, the center also announced a series of virtual concerts running January through April.

The initially bad, but ultimately good, news includes jazz star Christian McBride laying down a base line — his much-anticipated “Winterfest with Christian McBride” series, originally scheduled Feb. 25–27, has been cancelled. But added to St. Cecilia’s virtual offerings is Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer — two superior bassists with different backgrounds but speak the same musical language — on Feb. 25, with a $15 per ticket program.

Among the other cancelled live in-person concerts cancelled are Joshua Redmond (Jan. 21), Shawn Colvin (Jan. 22), the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s “Magical Schubert” presentation (Jan. 28), Leo Kottke (Feb. 18); Kat Edmonson (March 4) and Rodney Crowell (March 18).

“St. Cecilia Music Center is committed to our audience in helping to ‘Keep Music Alive’ in West Michigan,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “While we are still unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, we remain committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home.”

Other virtual concerts announced this week include three by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) — “The Brandenburg Concertos” (Jan. 7), “Mendelson, Liszt & Field” featuring pianist Gloria Chien (Feb. 11), “Schumann, Shostakovich & More” featuring violist Paul Neubauer (March 18), and “CMS Brahms & Dvorák” featuring violinist Ani Kavafian (April 1).

All CMS virtual concerts are free to view on the St. Cecilia website beginning the date they first air and for seven days after.

The SCMC folk series virtual concerts include Mariza Sings Amália (Jan. 29) and Judy Collins (Feb. 12), each with $40 tickets allowing viewing for 48 hours. Kat Edmonson (March 4) will be free to view on St. Cecilia Facebook page and YouTube channel.

For tickets and more about virtual concerts offered by St. Cecilia for home viewing, see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

More about those cancelled concerts

The St. Cecilia announcement notes that “many of these (canceled show) artists who were to appear in person have now been rescheduled for St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2021-2022 Presenting Series” and that the 2012-22 season will be announced in late spring 2021.

       

All ticket holders for the cancelled concerts will receive individual emails to opt for a full refund, gift cards for future concerts, or making a tax-deductible donation.

For additional questions about cancelled concert tickets, contact Kelly Herremans, St. Cecilia box office manager, at Kelly@scmc-online.org.

About the McBride & Meyer, and Ms. Edmonson

The six-time GRAMMY-winning jazz bassist McBride is so much more than just a “jazz bassist” — with a career now into its third decade, the Philadelphia native has become one of the most requested, most recorded, and most respected figures in the music world today. His work goes from jazz to soul to pop/rock to classical, including working with Kathleen Battle, Shanghai Quartet … and Edgar Meyer.

Meyer is in demand as both a performer and a composer, and has been hailed by The New Yorker as “…the most remarkable virtuoso in the relatively un-chronicled history of his instrument.” One of his most recent compositions is the Double Concerto for Double Bass and Violin, which received its world premiere July 2012 with Joshua Bell at the Tanglewood Music Festival with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with Béla Fleck and Zakir Hussain to write a triple concerto for double bass, banjo, and tabla, which was commissioned for the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

Edmonson, known for her vintage pop and jazz with a Texas touch, began crafting her signature sound while performing in Austin’s local club circuit for years before releasing her debut LP “Take To The Sky” in 2009. She has toured with Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Gary Clark Jr., Shawn Colvin, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Nick Lowe and more. She recently released “Dreamers Do”, an album that “blends original compositions and reimagined mid-20th century classic Disney songs to tell a story which takes place over the course of one sleepless night.”

GR Museum offers winter break programs

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
This year’s Snowflake Break and Digital Discover Sessions will have some LEGO brick fun. (WKTV)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be offering new educational programs for first through sixth graders available in-person or virtually during the holiday break in 2020.

Educational offerings will be available on a limited capacity basis for in-person Snowflake Break Camps and online Digital Discovery Sessions from Dec. 21 – 30, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions will offer a variety of topics from holiday traditions to space exploration and LEGO® brick fun to watershed science.

 

“The Museum is looking forward to offering fun, educational programs for kids during their winter school break, whether in-person or virtually,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “These programs create environments that encourage students to get excited about learning, resulting in better content retention and curious minds that are eager to further explore history, science and culture.”

To register, visit grpm.org/EduClasses. There is limited capacity for both Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions; early registration is recommended, discounts available for Museum members.

Digital Discovery Sessions

 

Online Digital Discovery Sessions are designed for kids to explore science, history, culture and more online and from the comfort of their home. Museum educators will lead digital learners through themed projects using Zoom and the platform SeeSaw. Digital Discovery Sessions are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 21-30, and run for two hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. These sessions are designed for kids to work independently. 

Participation will require access to the internet and the use of a device to watch presentations and complete activities. A recommended materials list is provided with each session description.

Digital Discovery Sessions are $20 per child, with a reduced rate of $10 per child for GRPM members.

Snowflake Break Camps

Beginning Dec. 21, kids can partake in small-group, in person camps at the GRPM to use the Museum as a learning lab, while interacting with artifacts and specimens, and conducting experiments to explore science, history, culture and more. Museum educators will lead small-group, hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum objectives.

Classes are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Snowflake Break from Dec. 21-30, and run for three hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. Capacity is limited to eight students per session, to ensure a low risk environment. Students will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening prior to attending the session.

Snowflake Break camps are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. 

Popular holiday activity continues to light up the season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Found William “Bill” Schrader was inspired to create the Christmas Lite Show from a friend’s display. (Supplied)

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles. 

“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader. 

After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.

“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.

Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.

The Christmas Lite Show features more than 50 displays. (courtesy Christmas Lite Show)

Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.

Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.

Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.

Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.

The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at  Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.

Missing your folk fix? Virtual concert brings out the stars to benefit NYC autism school

Entertainment, Non-Profits, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,
Steve Earle and the Dukes (2018 photo supplied/Artist)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Those of us who suffered acoustic folk/rock withdrawal this year due to venues such as St. Cecilia Music Center and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park having canceled their seasons — with the likes of Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Jason Isbell set to tour last summer — there is good news steaming.

While only time, and us putting on our masks, taking a shot or two, and a little pandemic good luck, will tell if and when music tours return to West Michigan, local fans can get a free online concert this weekend featuring Earle, Williams and Isbell, as well as a ton of other performers.

Steve Earle, Luck Productions, and City Winery are set to host the 6th annual John Henry’s Friends Benefit Concert For Autism Sunday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7:30p eastern, with a free live on-line feed available via luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends. (You do have to set up an account at Luck Stream, but it was fairly painless. And any on-line donations will be appreciated.)

The annual benefit concert is the passion play of musician/author/playwright/activist — and diehard folk singer — Steve Earl, who for five years has been gathering a group of “world-class friends and performers for a one-night-only concert which raises money for The Keswell School, an educational program for children and young adults with autism,” according to supplied material.

And with 100 percent of donations going to The Keswell School — an institution, near to Earle’s heart at which his son and the event’s namesake, John Henry, is a student— it is not only a night of music but also a night of giving to a great cause.

Lucinda Williams. (Supplied/Artist)

“Well, 2020 has pretty much sucked so far,” Earle said in supplied material. “It’s been tough on everybody, including those of us in the performing arts, who, after all, depend on the patronage of live audiences for our very livelihood. Therefore, I’m especially grateful that some of my favorite people have come together against all odds to support a cause that is near and dear to my heart, the Keswell School.”

In addition to scheduled performances from Steve Earle & The Dukes, Lucinda Williams, and Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, other names scheduled include Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Graham Nash, Josh Ritter, Matt Savage, Shawn Colvin, The Mastersons and Warren Haynes.

Jason Isbell. (Supplied/Alysse Gafkjen)

“Since we’ve been doing these shows, they are always my favorite day of the year … good music, good friends, and a good cause,” Earle said. “This year’s performers are alumni, one and all, and I’m eternally grateful to each and every one for suiting up and showing up in the hour of our school’s greatest need.”

Founded in 2002, the Keswell School, according to supplied material, is based “on the belief that children diagnosed with ASD can live full and productive lives as integrated members of their communities, The Keswell School provides educational, therapeutic, and supportive services for children diagnosed with ASD and their families. The Keswell School challenges students to accomplish in aspects of school life and prepares them for the fullest possible engagement in the world.”

For more information on the Keswell School visit keswellschool.org.

A full list of artists and more information, including how to donate, can be found at luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends.

A tough year for Earle, in addition to pandemic

While one of Steve Earle’s sons will be on his mind at the benefit concert another may well be in his heart.

Steve Earle & The Dukes “J.T.” album cover.

On the forthcoming album, “J.T.”, Steve Earle & The Dukes pay tribute to Steve’s late son, Justin Townes Earle (J.T.), who passed away on Aug. 20, 2020, in Nashville. The album will be released digitally on what would have been Justin’s 39th birthday, Jan. 4, 2021 (via New West Records).

(Justin Townes Earle, incidentally, was the first show of St. Cecilia Music Centers’ Acoustic Cafe series in 2014.)

According to Steve Earle’s website, “J.T.” finds he and The Dukes covering 10 of Justin’s songs — from “I Don’t Care,” which appeared on his 2007 debut EP, “Yuma”, and a trio of selections from his full-length debut album, “The Good Life”, to later compositions like 2017’s “Champagne Corolla” and 2019’s “The Saint Of Lost Causes,” which was the title track of Justin’s eighth and final studio album.

“J.T.” closes with “Last Words,” a song Steve wrote for Justin.

According to supplied material, 100 percent of the artist advances and royalties from “J.T.” will be donated to a trust for Etta St. James Earle, the three-year-old daughter of Justin and Jenn Earle.

Jazz pianist Bob James’ St. Cecilia virtual concert brings his holiday home into yours

Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,
Bob James, jamming’. (SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan holiday home of Bob James, pianist and composer of jazz and much more, is always filled with music and filled with family. It will be the same this year, in this age of pandemic and self-seclusion.

But later this month, James will be inviting St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual concert audience into his house for what St. Cecilia calls a “holiday performance from his Traverse City home including surprise guests” on Thursday, Dec. 17.

The virtual concert is free and available via the internet on a computer or smart television. For more information about the St. Cecilia virtual concerts see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

Bob James’ family will gather again for Christmas In Michigan this year. (Undated photo supplied by Mr. James)

“Since all the members of my family are musicians, the Christmas season always involves lots of music, both live around the fireplace and permeating through the house,” James said recently to WKTV. So, the concert “will be a family affair.”

And what kind of music might be performed at the Dec. 17 concert?
 

“I tend to prefer the traditional over the novelty,” James said. “I have released two Christmas albums, ‘Christmas Eyes’ with my daughter Hilary, and ‘Snowbound’ with Fourplay. I have performed music from those, and something from each will most likely be on the new set list.”

And, along with many musicians forced to record and perform in isolation these days, James’ Michigan home is no stranger to performance and recording.

Bob James (BobJames.com)

“In recent years I’ve had a home studio where I do most of my composing, and have even produced some final mixes here,” James said. But “my time in this studio has escalated dramatically during this year’s forced isolation.”

A Grammy-award winner, James has long, varied career in music. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, “Bold Conceptions”, that year. Dozens of albums followed through five decades. His composition, “Angela,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is possibly James’ best known work. But that is only only the beginning.

James set the standard for the smooth jazz sound in the late 1970s. “One On One”, the first in three collaborations with Earl Klugh, was awarded a Grammy in 1980 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Also about that time, “Double Vision”, a collaboration with David Sanborn, was another Grammy winner. His long-standing group Fourplay, with Lee Ritenour and Nathan East and later Larry Carlton, has also produced numerous albums.

Make a (private) party night of it

While the concert is free, Martha’s Vineyard concert packages, including a wine and cheese “goodie bag” of treats, can be purchased — and those purchases support St. Cecilia.

The special Martha’s Vineyard concert packages are available by pre-order and will be delivered on the concert date. All proceeds from these purchases benefit SCMC. Priced at $65, each package includes one bottle of wine — a red, white or bubbly — and a block of aged Gouda cheese, nuts, fig spread, crackers, veggie chips and gourmet chocolate. For more information visit here.

Grand Rapids Ballet invites public to put on dancing shoes, become part of virtual Nutcracker Experience

Entertainment, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, ,
Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Maya Olthouse, shooting scene from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The upcoming local holiday highlight, the Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual presentation of “The Nutcracker”, was already planned to be unique in this year of pandemic as Ballet will be presenting a ticketed online presentation of “The Nutcracker Experience”, Dec. 18-27, as part of its 2020-21 season.

But in an announcement this week the Ballet added another unique audience “experience” — short dance videos produced by the public incorporated into the program.

Do not try this at home … Grand Rapids Ballet’s Matthew Wenckowski, from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

“Put on your dancing shoes and submit a video of no longer than 30 seconds of you, your family, your friends — whoever in your pod wants to join in — dancing to the music of The Nutcracker,” a Dec. 2 announcement from the Ballet stated, “and there’s a chance you’ll see it at the end of the performance.”

The Ballet is even making available online music from the production to dance to and “to get you in the holiday spirit.”

In addition to a moment of dance stardom, five submissions will be given a free Patron Plus subscription for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.

Videos can be submitted by email to videos@grballet.com no later than Thursday, Dec. 10.

And if you just want to watch …

Ballet artistic director James Sofranko, his dancers and video production team are putting the finishing touches on “The Nutcracker Experience”, with special choreography by Val Caniparoli, and music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and performed by Grand Rapids Symphony.

“We know your family’s holidays wouldn’t be the same without The Nutcracker in 2020,” Sofranko states on the Ballet’s website. “That’s why (we are) … so proud to bring you a reimagined version this year — The Nutcracker Experience.”

Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana, from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

According to the Ballet, the Experience will include “many of your favorite characters and dances including Drosselmeier, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and of course the Nutcracker Prince; as well as many of your favorite scenes including the Waltz of the Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers, The Russian Trepak, The Chinese Dragon, and more.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony, long-time Nutcracker partners with the Grand Rapids Ballet, will provide the musical score as conducted by John Varineau.

The production, approximately 60 minutes in length, was filmed explicitly for The Nutcracker Experience by SALT Creative Production Studios, and also includes a behind the scenes look at the artists and their art creation.

Choreographer Caniparoli, according to the Ballet’s website, is “one of the most sought after American choreographers internationally.”

He has contributed to the repertoires of more than 50 dance companies, including Finnish National Ballet, BalletMet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, State Theatre Ballet of South Africa, and Tulsa Ballet, (resident choreographer 2001-06).

Caniparoli is most closely associated with San Francisco Ballet, his artistic home for more than 43 years. (Sofranko came to Grand Rapids Ballet from the San Francisco Ballet.)

Tickets to “The Nutcracker Experience” make the production available online via Vimeo, and are $15. (The Ballet “kindly asks you purchase as many ‘tickets’ as you will have friends and family viewing.”) Once your purchase is complete, ticket holders will receive emails with more details on how to access the online content.

For more information and tickets, visit grballet.com.

Fado and folk: St. Cecilia, again, to take virtual audience to New York for music

Entertainment, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Judy Collins, shown in an undated press photo, made her St. Cecilia Music Center debut in early 2018 and will return via a virtual concert from New York in February 2021. (Supplied/SCMC/Judy Collins)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center has already taken audiences to New York City this virtual concert season with its Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center series, and this week came the announcement of two streaming concerts presented in collaboration with New York City’s The Town Hall.

Scheduled to be available for St. Cecilia ticketed evenings of music are Portuguese Fado vocalist Mariza in January, 2021, and American folk legend Judy Collins in February, according to a Dec. 2 announcement.

On Jan. 29, 2021, Mariza will be featured in a concert paying tribute to the legendary Fado singer Amália Rodrigues. The concert will be taped in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of The Town Hall series, and will also coincide with the release of Mariza’s new album Mariza sings Amalia.

On Feb. 12, Collins, a folk singing legend familiar to St. Cecilia audiences, will be featured in a virtual concert onstage at The Town Hall in New York City where, according to the announcement, “in 1964 she made her debut that launched her illustrious musical career.” The concert will recreate her 1964 concert at The Town Hall which was her very first solo appearance on one of the great concert stages in New York City.

“We are delighted to feature two outstanding performers in these two concerts aired through The Town Hall in New York City,” Cathy Holbrook, SCMC executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “We remain committed to keeping music alive in West Michigan with virtual concerts over the next several months until we can host live performances again … We truly appreciate the public’s support as we strive to keep these wonderful events available for all to experience”

St. Cecilia Music Center is one of only five U.S. venues showcasing these concerts, according to the announcement, and “the cost of each ticket reflects the desire to keep the performers’ band, crew and technical support teams employed during this global crisis. A portion of the ticket sales will also help benefit SCMC during this unprecedented time.”

Tickets for each of the virtual concerts are $40 now on sale through St. Cecilia Music Center at this ticket link.

More on Mariza, Amália and Fado

Mariza’s tribute to Amália Rodrigues will highlight the unique, yet echoing relationship of one to the other. The late “Amália”, as she was known, sang her last concert at The Town Hall in New York City in 1994. Now, Mariza has now become the ambassador of Portugal’s Fado music in the 21st century, just as Amália had been in the 20th century.

Mariza. (SCMC)

Mariza has also now recorded an entire album of Amália classics to commemorate her own 20th year of her musical career, as well as celebrate the 100th anniversary of Amália’s birth. The album will be released a few days before the January concert.

Fado music, according to supplied material, is a form of Portuguese singing that is often associated with pubs, cafés, and restaurants. It originated in Portugal around the 1820s, although it is thought to have much earlier origins. Fado is renowned for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character. The singer in Fado music often is accompanied by one or two 12-string guitars, one or two violas, and sometimes a small 8-string bass.

And speaking with singing with guitar …

Judy Collins, often performing with simply an acoustic guitar in her hands, is scheduled to film a show onstage at The Town Hall to be broadcast Feb. 12. For this show, according to supplied material, Collins will recreate her legendary 1964 New York City concert hall debut at The Town Hall.

Judy Collins (SCMC)

“What a time that was 1964,” Collins said in supplied material. “I was very nervous since my record company decided to record this concert and put it out as an album. I had just been to a Bob Dylan concert, heard the Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol, and knew I had to record it.

“Making (the 1964 album) album and concert at The Town Hall … was a relief and joyous event. It feels right to go back to the material and time period now with the knowledge and life lessons learned in 2020.”

The concert that Collins is performing at The Town Hall will be recorded for a new vinyl album.

For  more information on St. Cecilia Music Center visit scmc-online.org.

35th annual LowellArts West Michigan Art Competition call for entries

Entertainment,

By Janet Teunis
LowellArts

LowellArts (Photo courtesy of WMTA)

The 35th Annual LowellArts West Michigan Art Competition highlights outstanding artwork by Lower West Michigan artists who reside in a 25-county region. Five cash awards totaling $2,500 are awarded. Artists may submit one piece for consideration by the juror.

Deadline for entries is Jan. 15.

The West Michigan Art Competition is open to all visual art media by artists 18 yrs. and older who reside in one of the eligible West Michigan counties. Eligible lower West Michigan counties include: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Saint Joseph, and Van Buren.

Find entry fee, eligibility details, and entry form online.

Downtown St. Joseph sends some holiday cheer with lights, more

Entertainment, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

Getting in the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph during November and December.

Countdown to the New Year with SWMI businesses and restaurants! Free entry with purchases made at participating locations through Dec. 20. To enter, fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from a participating location. St. Joseph Today will draw daily winners through the month of December. The grand prize will be drawn on December 31 for a $500 St. Joseph Today gift certificate good at over 80 locations. Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for a list of participating locations.

Downtown St. Joseph holiday lights (Supplied by St. Joseph)

On Friday, Dec. 4, Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, featuring one million holiday lights. The lights will then remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City.

Dec. 4-10, Window Wonderland invites attendees to stroll downtown to get into the holiday spirit as they take in the holiday window decorating contest. Dozens of storefronts will participate in this holiday window decorating event. Vote for your favorite holiday window all beginning at 10:00am on Friday, December 4 – voting will remain open until 11:59pm on December 10 at stjoetoday.com/vote. This event is sponsored by Edgewater Bank, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, and Holt Bosse.


Additionally, new winter lights have been added throughout downtown St. Joseph. Zapal says, “St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.”

The new winter lights have been placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.) and will remain up through February 14 in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.

For more information visit stjoetoday.com/merryandbright.

Piecing together the history of Muskegon County through quilts

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,

By Brenda Nemetz
Lakeshore Museum

The Lakeshore Museum Center located in Muskegon (Supplied)

A new exhibit at the Lakeshore Museum Center aims to highlight quilts crafted by one dedicated woman. This exhibit will showcase a Muskegon woman who was well-known in the quilting world, but not recognized in her own community. The museum will be displaying the work of the late Rosie Lee Wilkins in Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins– Piecing Together Her History.

“I was inspired to research Rosie after realizing just how few people knew the story of this amazing woman,” said Collections Manager, Brenda Nemetz. “Parts of her history are still unrecorded and I think that’s what made the process so interesting. To many, pieces of her life were enigmatic.”

Lakeshore Museum Center will display just a fraction of the 100 quilts sewn by Wilkins herself. However, the quilts are only a small patch of Wilkins’ story, as visitors will find out. In addition to displaying some of Rosie’s work, the museum staff will share just how they managed to uncover so much of her history.

The exhibit is up through April 24, 2021, which visitors can enjoy at no additional cost. Museum admission is $5 for non-Muskegon County residents and free to those who live in the area as well as museum members. Guests may tour the exhibit during regular business hours, social distancing and masks are expected.

For more information about Lakeshore Museum Center events or exhibits, visit their website or call 231-722-0278.

St. Cecilia adds Kurt Elling concert to Christmas line-up

Entertainment

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Considered the “standout male jazz vocalist of our time” by The New York Times, Kurt Elling will be spreading some holiday cheer Dec. 6 as he performs in the virtual Christmas in Chicago virtual concert.

Kurt Elling (Supplied/St. Cecilia)

“When we were given this opportunity to present this virtual holiday event with Kurt Elling from Chicago, there was no question we wanted in,” said St. Cecilia Music Center Executive and Artistic Director Cathy Holbrook. “Kurt was the first artist we presented on our jazz series 13 years ago and has since returned as a fan favorite. We are so happy to bring him into your home to start your holiday celebration!”

The Grammy Award winning artist will perform live (with no audience) at 4 p.m. from the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago. The performance also will feature gospel singer Lizz Wright.

In his 2016 recording of Christmas music, “The Beautiful Day: Kurt Elling Sings Christmas,” Elling reimagined the sounds of Christmas, mixing traditional carols with new arrangements creating songs the were rediscovered treats. He wrapped the universal themes of hope, light, wonder, mystery, and goodwill in musical packages full of delightful surprises.

“I knew I didn’t want to make a ‘religious’ record, just as I knew I didn’t want to make a standard, swingin’ jazzy Christmas,” Elling said of the album. “I’m trying to expand my consciousness and embrace the goodness of the season, and I want to include everybody. 

“For me, Christmas is a time of consideration, of pondering mysteries.”

Tickets for the virtual concert are $40 and allow for 48 hours of on-demand viewing. A portion oof the ticket sale will support St. Cecilia Music Center.

 

Remaining Virtual Series’ concerts by SCMC include the Bob James concert on Dec. 17 and a special concert by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Dec. 3 featuring Anne-Marie McDermott and other CMS artists. For more about these December FREE virtual concerts offered by SCMC for home viewing, see  scmc-online.org/virtual/.

Annual Christmas Walk in Newaygo area moved to virtual

Entertainment

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Photo Courtesy of River Count Chamber of Commerce

The River County Chamber of Commerce, located in Newaygo, has announced that its scheduled 2020 Christmas Walk will be moved to a virtual experience.

 

Due to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, the Chamber, through a press release, stated that it is not allowed to have the Christmas Walk they way it is traditional down. The walk was scheduled for Dec. 4. 

Instead, the group will do what many have done host a virtual event. The Christmas Walk traditions, including the honorary award, the Christmas tee lighting, Santa holiday greetings, and musical performances will be broadcast on the River County Chamber Facebook book page. The virtual event will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.

The Chamber announced to help its local businesses that it has launched the Shop Local, Save Local promotion which includes prize drawings for those who shop at local businesses and restaurants.

For more information, visit rivecountychamber.com. 

Museums are open with a plethora of exhibits, activities

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

A popular pastime for many during the holidays it to tour through the holiday displays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the trees at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, but with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent partial shutdown has left many asking, are these places still open?

The answer is yes, according to Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

“For us, we will continue with our limited capacity,” Kocienski said, adding that the the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be close for the three weeks and the museum’s organ concerts have been switched to virtual.

 

The same holds true for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which will open its “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” Tuesday, Nov. 24. According to a release from the Gardens, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some exhibition elements and activities will be altered to allow for physical distancing. Also because capacities have been limited — indoor facilities are only allowed to be at 30 percent capacity — there may be times when admission will be slightly delayed during peak times. 

Remember masks are required at any indoor facility. Also before visiting call or check the organization’s website. 

Here is a rundown of what is currently at the exhibition sites in Grand Rapids:

The Grand Rapids Public Museum recently opened the exhibit “Wild Connections, featuring more than 20 Lego sculptures. (WKTV/Anna Johns)

Grand Rapids Public Museum

“Wild Connections,” more than 20 Lego sculptures done by artist Sean Kenney, opened in November and runs through May 2. Dec. 8 -1 9 is “Incoming!,” interactive experiences exploring space from current NASA missions. The program is narrated by George Takei, best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. On Dec. 18 will be a virtual organ concert by organist Lance Luce. The 7 p.m. performance will feature a selection of holiday music. Tickets for the concert are $5/ museum members and $10/general admission.

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org.

Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of  Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family. (Supplied by GRAM)

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has three exhibits: “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” which features a collection of paintings by the local artist; “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring the craftsmanship of furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann; and opening Dec. 5, “Interwoven Legacy,” featuring the black ash basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. Black ash basketry is a traditional Anishinaade art form of basket weaving.

 

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Lots of holiday favorites are opening at the Gardens this week such as the “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions this Tuesday, Nov. 24. In conjunction with the Holiday Traditions display, there will be Virtual Santa Visits from 5 – 8 p.m every Tuesday from Nov. 24 up until Christmas. and the reindeer will be visiting starting Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The Gardens also will be hosting a “Wee” are Thankful, a Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 for littles ones to learn and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness. The Gardens also will be hosting winter walks and other activities.

For more information or tickets, visit meijergardens.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Following national policy, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has been closed since March 14. Check its website, fordlibrarymuseum.gov for updates.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story. 

Despite pandemic limitations, Meijer Gardens holiday traditions exhibitions still glowing strong

Community Health, Entertainment, Holidays, ,
Video supplied by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Things were already going to be a little different this year with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, but the latest round of pandemic-related large-group and inside-building capacity restrictions will not dim the lights at the event.

Part of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Dean Van Dis)

The Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display from Nov. 24 through Jan. 3, 2021, during which guests will experience 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe, the always enchanting Railway Garden and its “holiday wonderland” surroundings, including the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.

And, as always, just a stroll around the sculpture gardens, even in winter, can be an enchanting experience — especially with the nearly 300,000 lights on display throughout the grounds.

“We were planning on being able to have 50 percent of our normal capacity for the upcoming Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, now we are allowed 30 percent.” a Meijer Gardens spokesperson said to WKTV this week. “We have already adjusted the layout of the trees and displays to allow for maximum physical distancing, and moved our Santa visits to be virtual.”

This year, as every year, Meijer Gardens “celebrates handcrafted traditions and explores the care that goes into creating these treasured traditions by hand,” according to supplied material.

Inside there will be fresh poinsettias, orchids and amaryllis, the smell of evergreens in the decorated trees and displays, and the unique horticultural artistry of the Railway Garden complements the trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 37 Grand Rapids landmarks.

Entrance to the Japanese garden area. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Johnny Quirin)

“For this year’s exhibition, Meijer Gardens is showcasing handmade elements of traditions from all over the world,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “Guests will encounter the work of hundreds of skilled and caring hands and experience the details and attention that goes into creating these traditions.”

As usual, there will be extended holiday hours, with the gardens open until 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 14–19, 21–23, 26, 28–30. (The gardens will be closed on Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2021.
 

Some other traditions remain but have changed, however.

Virtual Santa visits will be offered on the Tuesday nights starting Nov. 24 until Christmas Day from 5-8 p.m. The interactive visits with Santa will occur in the Hauenstein and Pfeiffer event rooms. “While your children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year, we have a virtual connection with Santa and he will interact with guests live from the North Pole,” it states in supplied material.

The Original Dickens Carolers will be also be performing virtually on Tuesday evenings until Christmas Day, from 6-8 p.m., with guests able to enjoy these live performances on monitors located throughout the facility.

And what about those “Rooftop Reindeer” photos? The Rooftop Reindeer will be present from 1-4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading until Christmas Day. Visitors will be able to get close to the reindeer for photos, they will not be able to pet or touch the reindeer this year.

For complete information on what is, and is not, happening at Meijer Gardens this holiday — and most traditional things are happening — visit the Meijer Gardens webpage here.

Public Museum’s shop participates in Museum Store Sunday Nov. 29

Entertainment,

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today its Curiosity Shop will participate in Museum Store Sunday, taking place on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Museum Store Association, Museum Store Sunday celebrates museum stores and their ability to sustain a museum’s service to their community and public. The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop features local artisan jewelry, apparel, artwork, gourmet treats, stationary and educational gifts both online and in its physical location. Purchases at the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop support ongoing work of the Museum, including exhibitions and programs.

“We’re excited to participate in Museum Store Sunday once again this year,” said GRPM’s Gift Shop Manager Stephanie Dykert. “We all know about Black Friday and Small Business Saturday; this is another way to support the Museum through holiday gift giving. Just as we curate our Collections, we do the same when we select local products and items that reflect on the Museum’s experience and mission to inspire curiosity. We’re happy to offer such a diverse range of gifts that will appeal to shoppers of all ages.”

On Museum Store Sunday, the GRPM’s 10% member shopping discount will be extended to all patrons on Nov. 29 only, both in the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop and online store; members will receive an additional 10% off purchases.

The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop carries a wide selection of unique products, related to history, science, and culture including exhibit mementos, GRPM branded souvenirs, educational science kits, books by local authors, Michigan merchandise and more.

Shoppers can make purchases online anytime at shop.grpm.org. Options are available for direct shipping as well as contactless curbside pick-up at the Museum’s 272 Pearl Street location. The Curiosity Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Museum admission is not required to shop. Limited capacity, masks required.

Products from local artisans and vendors within the Curiosity Shop include: Cellar Door Artisans and Preserves, Imagination Starters, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Wildship Studios, Megan Altieri, Artist & Author, The Mineral Man, Hanover’s Michigan Mints, Fresh Coast Candles, Westside Collaborative, Mitten State, Michigan Awesome, Michigan Mittens,  Cherry Republic, Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Roeda Studio, Little Flower Soap Co., North Country Candy & Gifts, Reggie James and Raggedy Amy Studios.

 

The GRPM is currently open and welcoming visitors to explore the three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the updated GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org