The first day of fall is here, on Sept. 22, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has opened its annual fall horticulture exhibition, Chrysanthemums & More!
The exhibition, which opened Sept. 18, reportedly the largest of its kind in Michigan, features expansive displays of chrysanthemums, fall foliage and family-friendly activities. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 1.
“This year’s theme for Chrysanthemums & More! is ‘Naturally’,” Steve LaWarre, Meijer gardens director of horticulture, said in supplied material. “Our goal is that guests can experience the more natural and untamed side of the autumn season through the various displays of color, texture and patterns that are carefully designed to play upon the natural beauty of the changing fall landscape.”
Aware of the need for social distancing, even outdoors, plant displays throughout Meijer Gardens will intentionally be open and airy, “highlighting movement in contrast to a more traditional tight and manicured aesthetic of years past.”
The tower of mums at Meijer Gardens. (Supplied/Peter McDaniel)
The focal point of the inside display will be entering the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse and witnessing a floor-to-ceiling chrysanthemum display. Presentations of large disbuds and beds of colorful plantings will complement this feature in the nearby Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor.
Outdoors, expansive beds of lush chrysanthemums will be arranged in stunning sweeps of color and will be balanced by a variety of ornamental plantings that highlight nature’s beauty.
Other activities coming this fall at Meijer Gardens include the Fall Bonsai Show, giant pumpkins and “Hallowee-Ones”.
Fall Bonsai Show, sponsored by the West Michigan Bonsai Club, will take place Oct. 3–4, and is open with regular admission. A variety of bonsai will be on display, from trees in early stages of training to lovely older trees. Also, visitors can watch bonsai artists at work and shop for bonsai trees as well as bonsai tools and supplies.
Dress up is encouraged but there will be no tricks or treats. (Supplied)
Also on that weekend will be Fall Family Day, on Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m., which will be focused on the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Activities include fall-inspired tunes and autumn-themed stories, a fiber arts demonstration and a naturalist walk.
Finally, Hallowee-Ones, for the “wee ones,” will occur Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, with parades at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. This special event is designed for the youngest visitors, and children are encouraged to dress as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower, geologist or in any other way that highlights something about the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. “No tricks, no treats, just fun!” according to supplied material.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30pm, Seven Steps Up will dedicate completion of a mural project on their building. This is the latest artwork commissioned by the Art In The Park Project which has resulted in several outdoor public art murals over the past two years in the Village of Spring Lake.
The mural on the north side wall of Seven Steps Up Live Music + Events entitled “Together” reflects the artist’s view of how music and diversity can bring people together. Five Spring Lake High School art students submitted proposals for the project, with one from Liv Butler chosen in a blind audition by owners Gary and Michelle Hanks.
“It was difficult to just pick one as all five were worthy of selection,” said Mrs. Hanks. “We were so happy to learn that the other four will be given commissions to paint murals in another Village location.”
Private donations and a grant from the Grand Haven Community Foundation funded the project.
Butler worked on the mural for over two months with her progress followed in daily social media videos and media stories in newspapers, blogs, and television news. She is currently a senior at Spring Lake High School and hopes to continue her art education in college next year.
The colorful 12-foot by 14-foot mural depicts a diverse population interspersed with live music elements including a lyric line from the poignant song by The Alternate Routes called “Nothing More.” As the song goes, “We are how we treat each other and nothing more.”
“All during the project, people stopped by to look and take photos and talk to Liv,” said Mrs. Hanks. “It’s a very fitting message for a live music venue like us. We hope people will come out for the ribbon cutting and express their appreciation to Liv.”
Experience Grand Rapids recently launched Postcards from Grand Rapids, a campaign encouraging residents to invite friends and family to visit West Michigan. Starting Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, community members can send free, personalized postcards in the mail through Experience Grand Rapids’ website. Participants will be eligible to enter to win overnight stays at partnering hotels.
“Nearly 50% of travelers who come to the area are visiting friends and family,” says Kate Lieto, Director of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids. “West Michigan continues to be an ideal travel destination, and now we’re calling on locals to invite their loved ones and to help boost our local economy,” says Lieto.
HOW IT WORKS To send a free postcard, visit PostcardsFromGR.com and choose one of three designs. Write a personalized message, enter the recipient’s mailing address, and Experience Grand Rapids will handle the printing and postage. The postcards come in three designs to highlight some of Kent County’s most popular activities: ● Beer City: Breweries are a tourism staple, with 15% of travelers reporting it as an activity they do while in town. This number is more than double the national average of 6%. ● Beaches and parks: Outdoor recreation is a significant attraction to the region, with 12% of travelers visiting beaches and 11% visiting national and state parks. ● Tours and experiences: Friends and family are some of the best tour guides, and 7% of visitors report enjoying the area’s tours and experiences.
Experience Grand Rapids has partnered with area hotels to offer overnight giveaways. Participants will be eligible to enter to win free hotel overnight accommodations.
For more information on Postcards From Grand Rapids and to send a personalized postcard, visit PostcardsFromGR.com.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today the launch of a Virtual Cooking Class: African Inspired Dishes, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.
Join the GRPM for a culinary journey to discover and taste rich cuisines from Central Africa, with Mirabel Umenei (Myra Maimoh). The Virtual Cooking Class: African Inspired Dishes, will immerse attendees in Africa’s culinary culture as Myra guides you through an exciting night of demonstrations and interactions via Zoom.
Attendees will learn how to prepare a three-course meal representing different regions of Africa and how to pair dishes with various wines, all complemented with uplifting songs and storytelling. Featured dishes will include goat pepper soup, katikati with sauteed greens and corn fufu, and puffpuff with two dipping sauces. Make it a date night or a family bonding experience to enjoy a fun, delicious and educational evening.
Myra Maimoh
“This cooking class combines food, music and storytelling into one unique program that will offer attendees an in-depth experience into Central African culture,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “The Museum is happy to offer this program as part of our digital Cultural Celebration programming this fall.”
Tickets are $40 for the class, with discounted pricing for Museum members. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at grpm.org/calendar. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional event details, including a shopping list, wine pairings and more. Ticket price does not include ingredients. Ingredients may be substituted for a vegetarian-friendly meal. For additional information, please visitgrpm.org.
The Dennos Museum Center’s fall exhibitions will open to the public on Tuesday, September 22nd and close on January 31, 2021. Instead of a members opening reception, we will hold two separate virtual Zoom events featuring James Haefner, the photographer of Michigan Modern, and Joel Zwart, Curator of Exhibitions at the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery. Both will be joined by Curator of Education Jason Dake to discuss each exhibition and focus on several works in the galleries. Dates are yet to be determined for these events, but more information can be found at dennosmuseum.org/events/virtual-reception
Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy
This exhibit celebrates Michigan’s incredible modern architectural design history from 1928 through 2012. It is comprised of over 50 photographs by James Haefner primarily for the State Historic Preservation Office as part of their Michigan Modern Project, and featured in the book by State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway titled Michigan Modern: An Architectural Legacy. Several additional photographs from Mr. Haefner’s archives are also included. The buildings photographed were selected to represent the best modern architecture in all areas of the state focusing on the work of Michigan architects as well as internationally known architects who completed commissions in Michigan.
These photographs and the book continue the important work of the State Historic Preservation Office in studying and documenting Modernism in Michigan. Known as the Michigan Modern Project, it began in 2008 with extensive research and context development together with identification of significant Modern architecture in the state. This led to a dozen or so listings of Modern resources in the National Register of Historic Places together with the elevation of three properties to National Historic Landmark status: the Eero Saarinen designed General Motors Technical Center in Warren, the Mies van der Rohe designed Lafayette Park housing complex in Detroit, and Minoru Yamasaki’s McGregor Memorial Conference Center in Detroit. The Eliel Saarinen designed Cranbrook and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio were already listed as National Historic Landmarks. The project revealed and documented the significant role Michigan played in the development of Modern design and received national attention.
Mathias J. Alten: An Artist at the Turn of the Century
The German-born American artist, Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938) immigrated to the United States in 1889 at the age of seventeen. His family settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a premier furniture-manufacturing center and desired location for immigrants in the late-nineteenth century. Here, amidst a rapidly changing world, Alten went on to establish a family, home, and studio for the entirety of his career.
GVSU students prepare works by Mathias Alten to be sent out our a travel exhibition. (Supplied/GVSU)
Over his career, Alten created more than 3,000 works of art, initially influenced by the Barbizon and Hague Schools and later by the Impressionism movement. He repeatedly sought out and celebrated traditional laborers and nostalgic settings even as modernization transformed life in the early twentieth-century. This exhibition celebrates Alten’s life and career with works of art, historic photographs, and personal artifacts drawn from the collection at Grand Valley State University.
GVSU currently holds the largest public collection of Mathias J. Alten. All artwork and objects included in this exhibition are on loan from the GVSU Art Gallery and the GVSU Special Collections & University Archives.
From set design to location, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s fall offerings are going to look at little different this year.
Like many others, the Civic Theatre staff has had to be a little more creative to overcome the COVID-19 challenges of social distancing and masks. The company’s answer: drive-in theater.
Bruce Tinker
Yes, you heard correctly, the company is set to present the perfect pairings of “Dracula” in October and “A Christmas Carol” in late November/early December in an old radio-style format in the parking lot of the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW.
“The one thing COVID has taught us is that preplanning is the road to disaster,” said Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Executive Director Bruce Tinker. It’s hard for any theater company in the West Michigan area to do much preplanning since when the facilities will reopen remains an uncertain variable.
With that in mind, Civic Theater staff started looking at what other theater companies across the nation were doing along with brainstorming their own ideas. Over the summer, the company had a successful outdoor concert series where, for a fee performers, came to a home for a concert. The series sold out within hours of being announced.
Looking to offering something to a wider audience, the staff learned of The Des Moines Playhouse live theater drive-in project and began looking at how the team could adapted it to the Grand Rapids area. The first challenge was finding a space.
“Des Moines has a large parking lot to host the drive-thru event,” Tinker said. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s downtown location has no parking lot. The location challenge was met when the management at the DeltaPlex offered its parking lot.
A radio-style format was decided on since it requires little or no sets or costumes. The format is reminiscent of the golden age of radio, which was the 1930s, where actors would read from a script using mostly their voices to relay the story. While costumes are not required, actors would wear items that would help them get into character such as a cape for Dracula or carry a cane for Scrooge.
In Civic’s upcoming production of “Dracula,” set for Oct. 23 -25 and Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, there are plans to project scenes on the side of the DeltaPlex to help establish the setting. Actors will have minimal costumes but the story will largely be told through their voices, Tinker said. The audio will be broadcasted via FM with the audience listening in through their car radios. Adding to the night of fun, DeltaPlex will have vendors on hand selling theater food items, Tinker said.
Only a 100 cars will be allowed per showing. (There are two shows per night at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.). Considering one vehicle can hold up to five people, there is a possible 500 people who could be in attendance. The Civic Theatre usually has a 500 to 600 seating average and can hold up to 740.
And no worries about a small car getting stuck behind a large truck. The Civic team went out to the DeltaPlex parking lot and tested out where cars should be parked so everyone could see the production. This means all tickets will be sold as general admission with vehicles being directed on where to park based on size.
Ticket sales for “Dracula” opened on Sept. 4 with sales moving, Tinker said, adding they have sold tickets to every perform so far. Tickets are $100 per vehicle. For more information or tickets, visit grct.org.
Fifth Third Ballpark and the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre have come together to offer Broadway at the Ballpark. This performance is a concert of classical and contemporary Broadway tunes performed by West Michigan actors.
Performances will take place at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr NE. Performances will take place on Oct. 1 – 3. There will be two showings per night, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $100 for 12’x12′ plot in the outfield for up to six people. Parking is free and concessions will be available. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.fifththirdballpark.com.
Mathias Alten often painted bucolic scenes, such as farmers using oxen, in a nostalgic response to the immense modernization around him in the early 20th Century.
Another constant for the German-born impressionist artist was his depiction of the Michigan landscape, a collection of beloved pieces from the lakeshore, cities and rural areas that experts say helped cement the reference to him as the “Dean of Michigan Painters.”
“Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century,” will begin on Sept. 20 at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City.
A painting by Mathis Alten is prepared to be shipped as part of a statewide exhibition of his works. (Supplied/GVSU)
“Narratives of empathy, peace, love, social justice, equity — all core elements to what it means to be human — are told through art,” said Nathan Kemler, director of Grand Valley’s galleries and collections. “I believe the stories art tells belong to everybody and we want to take these stories into our communities and across our state.”
Other scheduled venues are the Daughtrey Gallery at Hillsdale College, the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing and the Muskegon Museum of Art, said Joel Zwart, curator of exhibitions for the Art Gallery, who added officials are working through hosting dates due to the uncertainty from COVID-19.
The exhibition includes more than 40 works drawn from the Art Gallery collection as well as historical photos and personal artifacts such as brushes to fully tell the story of Alten’s life, Zwart said.
Alten’s artistic work was one of inspiration from travels to major art and cultural centers around the globe and creating pieces that showed the quiet reflection of himself as well as his surroundings when his travel was limited during World War I and the 1918 pandemic.
His lifelong celebration of his surroundings in Michigan, in particular the environmental landscapes, especially resonated with George Gordon, who along with his wife, Barbara, donated 35 paintings in 1998 to initiate Grand Valley’s collection. The momentum that ensued after that initial donation not only led to the distinction of GVSU having the world’s largest public collection of Alten’s work but also the entire artist Catalogue Raisonné and published scholarship.
“All of this is only possible because of the Gordons’ contributions and their passion not only for Mathias Alten but also art in general,” Kemler said. “The Gordons could have done several different things with that collection. They shared our vision that works need to be seen, they need to be shared and they need to be out in front as much as possible, not in storage.”
Alten’s works are on exhibit in the George and Barbara Gordon Gallery on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. It open from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, except for holiday weekends, and admission is free.
St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) is launching virtual concerts this fall to entertain music lovers and concert aficionados. Each concert in the two series’ – The Chamber Music Series by the esteemed Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and The Jazz Piano Series featuring Michigan jazz pianists and the world-renowned Bob James – will keep music lovers entertained within the safety of their own home.
These virtual concert performances are free.
Beginning Sept. 10 and running through Nov. 4, St. Cecilia Music Center will offer five free-streaming Jazz Piano Concerts through its Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Jazz lovers will be able to tune in at 7 p.m. to hear great performances by Michigan Jazz Pianists John Proulx, Xavier Davis, Steve Talaga, Cliff Monear, and Bob James every other week.
Starting Sept. 17 and continuing through Dec. 3, St. Cecilia Music Center will offer four free-streaming monthly Chamber Music Concerts at 7 p.m. on its website at SCMC-online.com. These performances by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will feature works by composers Mozart, Bartók, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, Bachand others. All Chamber Music concerts can be viewed the night of the airing and for seven days after. Program notes and artist bios will also be available through SCMC’s website.
Every virtual 90-minute Chamber Music Society concert will begin with an “up close and personal” interview with one Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artist beginning with Pianist Alexio Bax on Thursday, Sept. 17; Violinist Cho-Liang Lin Oct. 15, Violinist Arnaud Sussman Nov. 12, and Pianist Anne-Marie McDermott Dec. 3. Each concert will also conclude with a Q & A with Chamber Music Society Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel and featured artist.
Virtual Jazz Piano Series
Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: John Proulx
Originally from Grand Rapids, John is currently living in Los Angeles where he is a lecturer at Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona. John is a recording artist, with four albums to his credit. In addition to touring with his own trio, John has performed with the likes of Anita O’Day, Natalie Cole, Melissa Manchester, and Marian McPartland. He is also a Grammy-winning composer.
Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Xavier Davis
Xavier Davis’ professional career as a jazz pianist took off when the legendary vocalist Betty Carter spotted his outstanding talent at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston while he was performing with his college ensemble. She brought Xavier to New York, hiring him exclusively as the pianist of her working trio. Today, Xavier is one of the most accomplished jazz pianists worldwide.
Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Steve Talaga
Pianist, composer and arranger Steve Talaga has been performing professionally for more than 40 years. He was chosen as the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2008 Jazz Musician of the Year, and has released eight albums under his own name as well as many with various ensembles. He has performed with many jazz greats, including Kenny Wheeler, Terry Lynne Carrington, Phil Woods, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Professional Jazz Pianist Cliff Monear performs Oct. 22 (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)
Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Cliff Monear
Cliff Monear is a professional jazz pianist and has performed all over the world with some of the biggest stars in show-business. His YouTube channel features solo and group performances that spotlight many of the finest jazz artists in the Midwest. He is a faculty member at Wayne State University, and a sales consultant for Steinway & Sons, Michigan and Ohio region.
Grammy Award-winning Bob James performs Nov. 4 (St. Cecilia Music Center)
Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Bob James
The career of Grammy Award-winning Bob James is long, varied and continues to evolve at every turn. The music of Bob James has captivated audiences throughout the world. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, Bold Conceptions, that year for Mercury Records. Fifty-eight albums and innumerable awards would follow through five decades. His composition, “Angela,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is possibly James’ best known work. Bob composed all the original music used in that television series for its entire run.
Virtual Chamber Music Series
Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Featured Artists: Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung Mozart | Concerto No. 14 in E-flat major for Piano and String Quintet, K. 449 Alessio Bax, piano Arnaud Sussmann, Bella Hristova, violin; Paul Neubauer, viola; Sophie Shao, cello; Joseph Conyers, double bass
Bartók | Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion Alessio Bax, Lucille Chung, piano; Ian David Rosenbaum, Ayano Kataoka, percussion
Violinist Cho-Liang Lin performs Oct. 15. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)
Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Cho-Liang Lin Foss | “Composer’s Holiday” from Three American Pieces for Violin and Piano Cho-Liang Lin, violin Jon Kimura Parker, piano
Dvořák | “Larghetto” from Sonatina in G major for Violin and Piano, Op. 100 Cho-Liang Lin, violin; Jon Kimura Parker, piano
Tchaikovsky | Sextet for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Two Cellos, Op. 70, “Souvenir de Florence” Cho-Liang Lin, Erin Keefe, violin; Paul Neubauer, Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; Dmitri Atapine, Colin Carr, cello
Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Arnaud Sussman Bach | Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049 Arnaud Sussmann, violin Sooyun Kim, Tara Helen O’Connor, flute Bella Hristova, Francisco Fullana, violin Richard O’Neill, viola Dmitri Atapine, cello Xavier Foley, double bass Hyeyeon Park, piano-harpsichord
Chausson | Concerto in D major for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, Op. 21 Arnaud Sussmann, violin Wu Han, piano Kristin Lee, Yura Lee, violin Richard O’Neill, viola Nicholas Canellakis, cello
Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Featured Artist: Anne-Marie McDermott Mozart | Concerto in D minor for Piano and Strings, K. 466 Anne-Marie McDermott, piano Sean Lee, Bella Hristova, violin Paul Neubauer, viola Mihai Marica, cello Timothy Cobb, double bass Tara Helen O’Connor, flute
Smetana | Trio in G minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 15 Anne-Marie McDermott, piano Ida Kavafian, violin Gary Hoffman, cello
Join Iron Fish Distillery Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4 -6, 1-9 p.m., to celebrate their four-year journey as Michigan’s first Farm Distillery.
The weekend is packed full of live music, a special spirit release, barrel making demonstration, and safe social distancing following the Michigan Restaurant Promise.
*Limited seating. No reservations. First come, first serve. No parties more than 10 people.
The weekend celebrations include:
Friday, Sept. 4 1-7 p.m. Croze Nest Barrel Building Workshop 6:30 – 8:30 p.m Live Music with Blake Elliot
Saturday, Sept. 5 1 p.m. Rye Finished in Rum Cask Spirit Release. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Live music with Luke Winslow-King
Sunday, Sept. 6 1-9 p.m. Cocktails and wood-fired cuisine. 6-8 p.m. Live music with the Bootstrap Boys
The Honolulu House Museum will open for the 2020 season on Saturday, Sept 5. The opening had been delayed from April due to coronavirus concerns.
The museum at 107 N. Kalamazoo Ave. will be open from noon to 4 p.m. weekends only. Adult admission for a tour of the museum is $8. There is no charge for children under age 12 and under.
Tours will be limited to eight people. Masks will be required. Social distancing will be expected. Hand sanitizer will be available. Credit card payments are encouraged.
The Honolulu House Museum stands at the heart of Marshall’s National Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic American Buildings Survey. The house was built in 1860 for a former U.S. consul to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands. Constructed of Marshall sandstone, the building is a wonderful blend of Italianate, Gothic Revival and Polynesian architecture.
The Marshall Historical Society has restored the building’s interior to its 1880s elegance that features decorative wall and ceiling paintings. A replica of the 1880s fence was installed in 2013 in front of the building. The Honolulu House is the headquarters of the Marshall Historical Society which has operated the building as a house museum since 1962.
The Circle Theatre’s last of its three-part Circle Summer Fundraising Concert series on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The outdoor concert will be at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Circle Theatre which is the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center located at 1703 Robinson Rd. SE.
The outdoor, family-friendly, socially distant concert will feature the best of West Michigan musicians performing a variety of music. The concerts will take place on the lawn of the Circle Theatre. Patrons are urged to bring a picnic, good friends, and relax while enjoying the music.
Social distancing between groups is required, so feel free to spread out and enjoy the great summer weather! Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go directly to Circle Theatre.
September’s fundraising performance will feature performances by Lisa Knight, Ellie Frances, and Larry Young. Musicians for the performance include Perry Moody, John Parker, and Danny Robinson. Songs will include “What’s Going On,” “Master Blaster,” “Mustang Sally,” “Chain of Fools,” and others.
Circle Theatre is committed to keeping the health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, performers, and staff our top priority. It is because of this, that the decision to postpone our 68th season was made. This extended intermission has left Circle Theatre with the task of raising $200,000 to cover costs during this time. With the support of the community, Circle Theatre has raised $100,000 to date.
To learn more about Circle Theatre, the September concert and other programs, visit circletheatre.org.
The Lake Michigan coastline is one of Michigan’s most treasured places. Every year visitors walk a portion of its shore and take in the beautiful sites. But how many can say they have hiked the 473 miles from the Indiana border to Mackinaw City?
West Michigan native and Grand Rapids Christian graduate Jacob Penning can make that claim. With friend and former WKTV intern Micah Rynders, he produced the documentary “The Middle Coast” to share his story. That documentary, “The Middle Coast,” premieres Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25 with re-air dates Sept. 9 at 1 a.m. and Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.
The West Michigan coastline. (From The Middle Coast)
On July 9, 2018, Penning started at the Indiana border and headed north on his hike which spanned four weeks. With no trail, he embarked on a solo hike along the Michigan lakeshore documenting every step of the way. The hike was rough and Penning needed to rely on the help of Michigan residents to complete his journey.
“In the summer of 2017, I hiked the Colorado trail, an 484-mile walk across the width of the state,” Penning wrote in an email to WKTV. He is currently traveling through Montana. “Looking at a map of the coast of Michigan, and measuring the distance from the boarder of Indiana to the bridge, I found it was almost exactly the same distance as my hike in Colorado. Having already walked that far before, and seeing how follow-able the coast was with constant access to water and many cities to resupply food, I knew that it could be done.”
Coming up to Big Red in Holland. (From The Middle Coast)
During his journey, he spent his nights resting at campsites and friends’ homes. Along the way, there was no shortage of familiar faces from catching his old teacher at the beach to finding his former neighbors at a campground.
“There was not an ugly place along the entire coastline,” Penning wrote. “Every part of the coast is uniquely beautiful.”
Penning made sure to take his time hiking the coast so he could stop at some of the state parks and cities along the way. From taking a jeep ride over the Silver Lake Sand Dunes to exploring Traverse City, he had his fair share of adventures.
“Muskegon State Park surprised me with its beautiful dunes and forests,” he said. “Crossing most every river channel was done by hitchhiking boats to get a ride across, this happened without fail every time that I needed it, usually from the first boat that passed by.”
The challenge was the actual hike, Penning said. Hiking 20-plus miles day after day is taxing on the mind and body and requires perseverance and determination when the end seems so far away, he said.
“I don’t think he ever actually felt negatively about the journey, nor do I think he ever really felt alone,” Rynders said. “I think he looks back on the whole journey with awe and excitement so much more than he thinks anything negative about any of it.”
The entire production was filmed predominately on a GoPro with close up shots done on a Sony mirror-less camera, as well as drone footage shot by Rynders. When all was done, they had hours of footage. The goal was to submit the film to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the world’s largest mountain film festival, and to do that they needed to cut the footage down to 20 minutes. This took an excessive amount of time, however, in the end they believe the finished product exceeded their expectations, Rynders said. They will know in October if the film made it as a finalist.
In a few weeks, Penning said he will be moving to Ethiopia to produce music and spread the gospel in the capital of Addis Ababa for the next year. Penning and Rynders also are “dreaming” about their next project, so “more adventures are on the horizon,” according to Penning.
The end of the line: Jacob Penning touches the Mackinac Bridge to signal the end of his 473-mile journey along Lake Michigan’s coastline. (From The Middle Coast)
The West Michigan Tourist Association is excited to announce the winners in this year’s West Michigan Photo Contest. From a field of over 1,300 photo submissions, the top 50 were made available for public voting on the West Michigan Facebook Page. With over 15,000 votes cast, the five winning photos were earlier this month and can be found below.
The winning photos will all be featured in the 2021 West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide (available in January), along with prize packs of West Michigan goodies & experiences.
The West Michigan Photo Contest takes place each summer, with any interested photographers invited to share their photos of West Michigan for consideration.
2020 West Michigan Photo Contest Results:
Public Vote Winner: Todd Maertz at Marquette
Beach/Lake Category Winner: Fermin Manatad in South Haven
Nature Category Winner: David Dalrymple in Lovells
People Category Winner: Kristina Muir at Ludington
Downtown Category Winner: Noah Jurik at Traverse City
This year the Village of Mackinaw City and Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce have a special guest of honor, an Afghanistan Vet, to spotlight in the 31st Annual Corvette Crossroads ‘Vette Parade Across the Mighty Mac. His name is Travis Snyder, a Marine, and he will be completing the final leg of a 300-mile hike from Holland to Mackinaw City, an effort he coordinated to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide and Mental Health.
Although Snyder does not officially arrive at his destination in Mackinaw City until Sunday, a Chamber Ambassador volunteer will transport him from the neighboring community of Pellston to participate in the parade and drive him back afterward to complete the last 22 miles of his hike. Organizers are excited about the partnership and believe the Corvette Crossroads ‘Vette Parade is the perfect opportunity to support Mr. Snyder and help spread the word about his important cause of bringing awareness to a sensitive issue.
Parade staging begins at Odawa Casino (1080 S. Nicolet St., Mackinaw City) on Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. Spectators can enjoy the show and cheer on the ‘Vettes (and Vets)’ at 7 p.m. along the parade route- South Huron Ave. to Central Avenue, right on Nicolet to the Mackinac Bridge.
Pulaski Days — the week-long celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 — has been cancelled this year due to concerns about spread of the virus among attendees and volunteers. (Suupplied)
Another “community tradition” casualty of COVID-19, the Grand Rapids area Pulaski Days Committee announced last week that Pulaski Days — the week-long celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 — has been cancelled this year due to concerns about spread of the virus among attendees and volunteers.
This is the first time in the event’s history that it has been canceled, Michelle Kershner, chairperson of the Pulaski Days Committee, said in supplied material. The committee coordinates the efforts of 14 Polish/Lithuanian halls and fraternal organizations that fund and put on the celebration, which is a major fundraiser for the organizations.
But the cancellation does not mean Pulaski Days fans cannot support the local halls and fraternal organizations — the Pulaski Days Committee also announced it is launching a “Save The Halls” campaign to raise money to help the organizations make it through until Pulaski Days 2021.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel Pulaski Days this year,” Kershner said in supplied material. “Many people were looking forward to listening and dancing to the top-notch polka bands that we bring to town and sampling the authentic Polish food served at the halls. The halls are terribly disappointed too, because Pulaski Days is their single largest source of revenue.
“But after a lot of debate over several meetings, we made the tough decision to cancel because we couldn’t determine how to hold an event that drew more than 300,000 people last year and ensure that everyone would be safe from spreading COVID-19.”
Many halls are still offering food for take out as a fundraiser. (Supplied)
In past years, the week-long event included a flag raising ceremony, parade, golf outing, coronation of the Pulaski Days queen, kielbasa eating contest, Polka Mass and three days of music and food at the halls. Visitors from Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other states have visited the area to participate.
The need for masks at close quarters indoors and social distancing requirements “runs counter to everything that makes Pulaski Days such a popular event,” according to the statement.
“The heart of Pulaski Days is to be social — eat, dance and get together with family and old friends, and make new friends,” Kershner said. “Now how are you going to do that standing six feet from someone with your mask on?”
Financial impact widespread in community
The cancellation of Pulaski Days is more than just a disappointment for Polish/Lithuanian halls and fraternal organizations, Jim Seppala, president of Diamond Avenue Hall/St. Isidore’s Benevolent Aid Society, said in supplied material.
“We depend on Pulaski Days as a major source of our annual operating budget,” Seppala said. “We run a tight ship financially, but no matter how you cut it, we are going to feel the pinch that the event isn’t being held this year. Regardless, we know that we are doing the right thing.”
Along with a number of other halls in Grand Rapids, Diamond Avenue Hall is working to restore some of the revenue lost from Pulaski Days through other COVID-safe promotions, according to the statement. For example, the hall recently held a drive-through service where customers could pick up combo plates of Polish food, tee shirts, can koozies and other items without leaving their cars.
But the halls will need additional help to make sure they can keep their doors open and host Pulaski Days 2021, Kershner said.
“Many of the halls have been in continuous operation for more than a century — for instance, Diamond Avenue Hall was established in 1892,” she said. “We have to make sure that they’ll remain strong for generations to come.”
So, the Pulaski Days Committee is asking individuals to buy pins and Polish shields at local businesses such as Sobie Meats, 3450 Remembrance Rd NW and Lewandoski Meats, 1107 Walker Ave NW. The committee also is asking for charitable contributions to an emergency fund called Save The Halls. All of the money collected will be split equally among all of the halls, Kershner said.
Contributions to Save the Halls can be made in person at the Grand Rapids branch of Credit Union ONE, 1609 Walker Ave. NW, and online by going to the Pulaski Days Committee website at pulaskidays.org, where there is a PayPal button for the Save The Halls campaign.
Celebrating its 19th year, the annual competition welcomes artists from around the globe responding to Meijer Gardens in their work. Through the generosity of the Loeschner family, two $5,000 purchase awards (one for two-dimensional and one for photography) will be paid for the winning entries in addition to becoming a part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection. The competition is open to all artists who are 18 years old and older working in a two-dimensional format.
Artists are encouraged to submit original two-dimensional (e.g. drawing, print, pastel, painting or photography) works inspired by Meijer Gardens. To participate, artists may register online at meijergardens.org/award by Friday, October 23. If selected as a finalist, Meijer Gardens will request delivery of the original artwork on Friday, November 20. The winner will be chosen and announced by Friday, January 29.
Since 2002, the Loeschner Art Completion has sought outstanding artwork inspired by Meijer Gardens. The objective is to collect high-quality work that celebrates the beauty and inspiration that Meijer Gardens provides. For more information and to view past winners, visit www.meijergardens.org/award
Grand Rapids Symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk The Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger announce today Pathwavespresented by SpartanNash, the Symphony’s reimagined 2020-2021 artistic season.
During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, your Grand Rapids Symphony has created ground-breaking new ways to share the gift of music with the West Michigan community with a dynamic and innovative season of concerts, delivered via live streamwith support from Fox Motors, starting with a multistage setup in the Van Andel Arena and an intimate chamber setting at St. Cecilia Music Center this fall. Programming for the 2021 portion of the season will be announced at a later date.
The Grand Rapids Symphony will re-unite for the first time since March. The concerts will feature performances by socially-distanced orchestral ensembles, performed without intermission, and streamed live to patrons’ homes, reflecting the Symphony’s commitment to the health and safety of musicians and audiences alike. The concerts will include a live audience when health and safety requirements allow.
“It would have been simple and easy for us to step away from our mission of delivering great music during the pandemic,” said Mary Tuuk, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. “But now, more than ever, we know that music can greatly enrich our lives. Over the next nine months, the Grand Rapids Symphony will feed our souls in the wake of immense societal challenges. We are heartened by the inclusive and healing ways we can bring music to the West Michigan community.
Music director Marcelo Lehninger has redesigned the 2020-2021 season to include six virtual fall programs presented by Wolverine Worldwide; four from the Van Andel Arena, and two from St. Cecilia Music Center. The Symphony will return to DeVos Performance Hall in January 2021, with concerts through May. Previously announced programming for the 2020-2021 season will be rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season as feasible.
“Plans and programs may change, but our commitment to music and performing for our audience is unwavering,” Lehninger said. “I am very excited to return to the stage with your Grand Rapids Symphony.”
The new Pathwaves series includes varied styles of music and diverse composers, like waves of hope leading us down our community’s path of healing. Special guest artists will include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez. The Symphony also has engaged composer James M. Stephenson as Musical Collaborator to create several new arrangements for the orchestra. The Symphony’s opening concert will prominently feature a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Programs will include intimate chamber music from “Final Fantasy” video games and the popular Metro Health Holiday Pops.
“It will be an inspiring and creative approach,” said Lehninger. “You’ll see many familiar faces on our programs, and our musicians will be featured in unique ways.”
Current 2020-2021 subscriptions will be honored with free virtual access to the six fall concerts and DeVos Performance Hall concerts in 2021. Current subscribers also will be eligible to attend concerts in-person as audiences are permitted to return. A subscription package is available to new subscribers for $76 that grants access to all six virtual concerts from September through December.
A separate subscription package for the 2021 concerts will be available at a later date. Single tickets for most concerts are $15. Single tickets for programs with Joshua Bell and for the Holiday Pops are $25. Because of the virtual delivery format, student discounts will not be offered. The Symphony Scorecard program continues for the season.
The best part? You don’t have to do a thing but watch your email for the link to view the concerts while they are performed live. Emails will be sent closer to the concert date. If you are a Friday or Saturday subscriber, you’ll get the link for the appropriate Friday or Saturday concert. To learn more, please visit GRSymphony.org/pathwaves.
“We are deeply committed to continuing our mission of delivering great music,” Lehninger said. “Now, more than ever, we will walk together to restore our collective wellbeing through our reimagined season, Pathwaves.
Marcelo Lehninger conducting the symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
Pathwaves: Grand Rapids Symphony Fall 2020 programming
Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Romeo and Juliet
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor | Grace Kim, violin | Andrew Laven, cello
Grand Rapids Ballet | Michael Schaeffer, accordion
Music from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Julietwith a performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet.
Friday, October 16, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
Mosaic Motion
Edye Evans Hyde, vocals | Mike Hyde, guitar
The concert highlights music for chamber strings and brass with performances by vocalist Edye Evans Hyde and guitarist Mike Hyde.
Friday and Saturday, October 23-24, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Marcelo Plays and Conducts
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor and piano
The program welcomes Lehninger to the piano to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 while also conducting from the piano.
Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Voice and the Violin featuring Joshua Bell
Violinist Joshua Bell performs Nov. 20. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)
In the past, they’ve performed separately in Grand Rapids. Now experience the incomparable violinist Joshua Bell and the sizzling soprano Larisa Martinez, husband and wife, together with your Grand Rapids Symphony.
Friday, November 20, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
A New World: Intimate Music From Final Fantasy
Eric Roth, guest conductor
A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy presents fresh arrangements of music from throughout the 25+ years of the Final Fantasy catalogue for a variety of chamber ensembles. The programs feature string quartets, piano and guitar solos, duos, trios and other mixed groups of instrumentalists to produce an immediate and personal encounter with the extraordinary Final Fantasy musical themes, characters and settings.
Friday and Saturday, December 4-5, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Metro Health Holiday Pops
Bob Bernhardt, conductor | Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, director
Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, Sean Ivory and Leah Ivory, co-directors
Embellish | Special Appearances by Capathia Jenkins, vocals and Tony DeSare, piano/vocals
The West Michigan holiday tradition features familiar holiday favorites with your Grand Rapids Symphony and includes virtual performances from the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, and singer/pianist Tony DeSare.
John Ball Zoo is hosting their second Adult Night Out of the season on Thursday, August 27th for those aged 21 and up looking for a fun date night or friend’s night out.
Adult Night Out gives attendees the opportunity to experience the Zoo at night, with adult beverages, and without any kids. Zoo staff will rotate throughout the Zoo in front of animal habitats helping guests learn more about the animals and the Zoo during the evening. To allow proper social distancing, no scheduled programming will occur.
Attendees can also enjoy the summer evening with beer selections, specialty drinks, and delicious food options, including the recently launched JBZ beer in partnership with Brewery Vivant.
The Thursday, August 27th Adult Night Out is 5:15 – 9:00 p.m. Limited tickets are available so the Zoo highly recommends reserving tickets before the event. The Zoo offers four times to enter at 5:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to help with space for safe social distancing.
The John Ball Zoo is hosting an Adult Night Out event Aug. 27. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Tickets can be purchased online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Tickets could be available for those who walk-up but the Zoo cannot guarantee these will be available. The Zoo notes that the July Adult Night Out did sell out days in advance.
Masks will be required for those medically able when visiting their indoor habitats, and for outdoor areas where a 6 feet distance is not possible between other guests. The Zoo asks for guests to bring their own mask. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call (616) 336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.
Disappointment reigned supreme when it was announced that COVID-19 had put the kibosh on this year’s ArtPrize activities. As others scrambled to fill in the gaps, we discovered there is quite a bit of art — both new and old — for any resident to take their own art tour through downtown Grand Rapids.
Take this walking tour by yourself, or with family and friends, to get some fresh air while enjoying the beautiful art that adorns the Grand Rapids’ streets.
Starting from the LOVE sculpture along Monroe Avenue, take the path behind it past the Panera Bread along Campau Avenue going below the JW Marriott Grand Rapids bridge along Louis Street to see the blue “Steel Water” fluoridation statue located by the Grand River along Louis Street. The statue was made as a pride symbol of Grand Rapids for being the first city that utilized water fluoridation in 1945.
Head back east to the LOVE sculpture and go north along Monroe Avenue. Then join Pearl Street by turning west from Monroe Avenue. Along Pearl Street, you will see the benches and a garden-like monument built to preserve the memory of a lifelong friendship which later became a business partnership between Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. The two entrepreneurs formed Amway Corporation that turned into a global corporation. This monument is right outside the JW Marriott hotel, which was the last venture DeVos and Andel embarked on together. The flower monument is surrounded by benches and pillars each dedicated to the sister cities connected to Grand Rapids by Amway.
Head north on Pearl Street over the bridge to the front of the Grand Rapids Public Museum where the Memorial Bell is located just west of Pearl Street. Dedicated in 1995, the bell was donated by a Local 336 Firefighters of Grand Rapids and it serves a tribute to all firefighters, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
While looking at the Memorial Bell, you can’t help but notice the Apollo Command Module, which is actually a time capsule. Celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial and the nation’s bicentennial, the module was filled with memorabilia that reflects life in Grand Rapids in 1976. What does it hold? Well, you won’t get a sneak peek until July 4, 2076 when it is scheduled to be open.
As you continue to walk outside the Grand Rapids Public Museum you will see paintings on the walls of the building along Front Avenue which lead you to the east entrance of the spectacular Blue Bridge.
Before getting across the bridge, there is the Noahquageshik sculpture right before the entrance. Noahquageshik, also known as “Chief Noonday,” was a very influential leader of the original people (Grand River Ottawa Anishinabe) of Grand Rapids and this statue is dedicated to him.
If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can take a stroll through Lacks park that leads to a mini nature trail beside the calm waters of the Grand River right below the Blue Bridge, which extend north to the bridge on Pearl Street.
Lacks Pack has beautiful sculptures in it as well such as the River’s Edge and the Be Still and Know IV. This park can serve as a cute spot for taking pictures, having your “alone time,” hanging out with your loved ones or just getting your daily work out steps in.
After crossing the Blue Bridge, go east into the small path, called the River Edge, right outside the building covered with beautiful art paintings and head north onto Fulton Street.
You’ll see a little black box painting dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement before turning west onto Ottawa Street and you will see another Black Lives Matter painting along Louis Street. These paintings were done on windows broken after a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Flloyd.
Keep walking north on Ottawa Street and head west on Monroe Street to find yet another wall painting dedicated to the Black community and the rights and justice they deserve.
And the best way to complete the tour is at the famous Rosa Parks Circle that houses a statue dedicated to Civil Rights activist Rosa Park at the intersection of Monroe Street and Monroe Avenue. Head across the street, head south along Monroe Street to the starting point, the LOVE sculpture.
Going on this tour made me realize what a rich artistic culture Grand Rapids has. The city’s buildings, sculptures and statues are full of many stories that show that Grand Rapids is a city full of art even without ArtPrize.
Grand Haven Main Street merchants will be rolling out their summer clearance inventory to their sidewalks to make room for the fall inventory. The Main Street merchants will be slashing prices and offering great deals Aug. 21 through Sept. 7. This is the perfect time to head to Grand Haven Main Street and find that perfect item that you have been spying all season long.
This year may look a little different, with the dates being extended, it gives you the opportunity to choose when is best to visit your favorite stores. Merchants will provide a sample of their sale items just outside their storefront to give you a taste of what is waiting for you inside. You can decide which day best works for you while still maintaining your social distancing. Take advantage of the amazing sales and discounts our merchants will be offering just for you.
“We are excited that Grand Haven Main Street is still able to offer the annual Sidewalk Sales, it may look a little different, but we want to keep our guests safe while making sure our merchants are successful,” said Todd Anthes, Grand Haven Main Street Chairman. “We have the opportunity to welcome visitors to Grand Haven, while giving them a choice of when it is best for them to shop our boutiques and specialty stores,” added Anthes.
Grand Haven Main Street Summer Sweep will begin August 21 and run through September 7. Merchants will be slashing prices and offering big discounts on their current items to make room for their new, fall season inventory.
For more information about this event, visit downtownGH.com or follow them on Facebook at “Grand Haven Main Street.”
Looking for the perfect day trip destination that’s not too far from home? Look no further than Downtown Holland, located just minutes from the beautiful Lake Michigan Shore.
Grab your mask and start your morning off with a visit to the award-winning Holland Farmers Market, which is open every Wednesday and Saturday at the Eighth Street Market Place at 150 West 8th Street. Sip an iced coffee and munch on a famous blueberry donut from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market while you stroll among over 50 booths with local farmers and vendors selling produce, flowers, baked goods and so much more. The Market is open rain or shine!
After you’ve perused the Market, just cross the street to find yourself in the heart of Downtown Holland! This premier shopping and dining destination is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, along with cultural attractions, entertainment venues and cozy parks. Enjoy a delicious lunch on an outdoor patio at any number of locally-owned breweries, restaurants or cafes. Then spend an hour (or maybe even two) shopping along the cobblestone sidewalk. With fashion and accessory boutiques, unique gift shops, art galleries, sporting good stores and so much more, it’s not hard to find something you can’t live without. And don’t miss a visit to the historic Holland Peanut Store to pick up a Fabiano’s famous Nutty Paddle Pop for a cool and indulgent treat.
End the afternoon with a visit to Windmill Island Gardens, just a few blocks east of Downtown Holland at 1 Lincoln Avenue. Follow the causeway, by foot or in your vehicle, to Windmill Island to enjoy the beauty of 36 acres of colorful gardens, historic dikes and canals and inviting picnic areas. Learn about Holland’s Dutch history as you take in the majestic De Zwaan Windmill. This original working Dutch windmill (the only one in the country) reaches 125 feet from the ground to the top of the blades! Windmill Island Gardens is open seven days a week. Admission is just $5 per adult, with children 8 and under free.
The Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (SDCVB) is pleased to announce the launch of its new tourism website for the Saugatuck/Douglas/Fennville area, located at www.saugatuck.com. This recently redesigned website remains the best resource for visitors to find inspiring travel-planning information for their next trip to the Art Coast of Michigan but now offers enhanced features and content for a better visitor experience.
Visitors may now easily check for lodging availability and book directly for stays without ever having to leave the site. Website content and visuals have also been enhanced to support various interests with suggested experiences and itineraries that today’s visitors seek— directly tying back these experiences to local businesses.
“We know that our local businesses are always looking for ways to reach consumers, but some may lack the resources to do so,” said SDCVB Interim Executive Director, Lisa Mize. “This redesigned website creates an engaging and robust platform to connect visitors with our local businesses and attractions.”
After months of behind the scenes work on the website, the new site officially launched on July 21, 2020. The SDCVB enlisted Concept A Creative, a creative and brand marketing agency based in Spring Lake, MI, and Aristotle Interactive, an interactive marketing and web design agency based in Little Rock, AK, to develop the new site.
“This was a monumental collaborative effort between the CVB Staff, the Board of Directors, and our creative partners,” said Mike Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Our goal was to provide more compelling and useful content to help potential visitors discover what our area has to offer and to provide them with a streamlined planning experience. I believe we’ve accomplished that with this new website.”
By Adrienne Brown-Reasner West Michigan Tourist Association
The Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce is not ready to end summer so “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” on Aug. 22 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm on Frankfort Lake Michigan Beach!
Event sponsors Bob & Ginny Istnick suggested this fun beach activity to give the kids another chance to run on the beach and enjoy the joys of the winds of Frankfort. Ginny & Bob are sponsoring the event with the Chamber to purchase “Kites for Kids” and adults don’t need to be shy, they will have 100 kites for both young and old. Kites are already assembled.
Chamber staff and volunteers will be at the entrance beach turn-around with 100 free kites to give away. Donations welcome to continue this event in the future.
Greg Schmid, avid Kite Flyer, will be on hand to assist and provide kite flying demonstrations.
Come join the fun and enjoy the beauty of one more summer day in Frankfort.
Bring your mask! Participants must follow social distancing and mask requirements.
This week, Bell’s Brewery is celebrating the anniversary of its classic American IPA, Two Hearted Ale.
Two Hearted Day, August 15, marks the day that Two Hearted Ale debuted in 1997. This is the second annual celebration of Bell’s iconic IPA that has been voted Best Beer in America three years in a row by members of the American Homebrewers Association.
“Two Hearted Ale is a special beer for so many,” said Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery. “This week-long celebration is also a way to honor everyone who has helped to make this beer what it is, including all of our incredibly passionate fans. From the brewers to those who package, sell, ship and stock this beer to the fans who love it, without them, this beer wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Specials and events are planned all week-long; details will be added to Bell’s website as details are confirmed. See what’s happening in your area on the Bell’s Event Calendar. From recipes to homebrew clone kits to specials at Bell’s pub, the Eccentric Cafe, fans of Two Hearted can find multiple ways to celebrate this week on Bell’s website: bellsbeer.com.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is excited to host a new exhibition, Under the Arctic: Digging into Permafrost, beginning Sept. 26. Under the Arctic addresses the subject of climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic environment. The exhibit features interactive components including a 30-foot-long Alaskan permafrost tunnel replica, fossil research stations and interactive games.
“Under the Arctic provides an educational and engaging space for all ages to learn more about climate change research, how it affects the environment, and what people can do to help preserve the planet’s health,” said Kate Kocienski, the GRPM’s Vice President of Marketing & PR. “We look forward to adding this exhibit to the Museum experience, included with the cost of general admission.”
Under the Arctic is a collaborative effort between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) that transports visitors to the Arctic using the sights and smells of the nation’s only permafrost research tunnel. Visitors step into the boots of climate science researchers to explore real Ice Age fossils, ancient ice cores and engineering challenges posed by thawing permafrost.
“Climate change can be hard to wrap your head around. For a lot of people who don’t experience its effects, it feels abstract or distant – like something in the future,” said Allyson Woodard, an exhibit developer with OMSI. “This exhibit is an opportunity to make the impacts of climate change tangible – you can see it, touch it and even smell it.”
The permafrost tunnel in the “Under the Arctic” exhibit coming to the Grand Rapids Public Museum Sept. 26. (Supplied)
This exhibit strives to educate visitors about permafrost’s fascinating characteristics and its greater implications. Permafrost is soil that has been frozen for at least two years, and it traps an enormous amount of carbon dioxide. As it thaws, carbon is released into the atmosphere, which in turn has drastic repercussions for the planet.
“We all know about melting ice caps and rising seas, but I don’t think it’s widely known that permafrost is thawing and releasing these carbon emissions,” said Catherine Diaz, Business Development Manager at OMSI. “It’s having a big impact, and it’s not really something that’s talked about.”
Under the Arctic will be located on the second floor of the GRPM, and is free with general admission. The exhibit will be on display from Saturday, Sept. 26 through Spring 2021. All hands-on components of the exhibition will be under a rigorous cleaning schedule, given the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about Under the Arctic, visit grpm.org/arctic.
The GRPM is currently open and welcoming visitors to explore the three floors of core exhibitions, along with Bodies Revealed – extended through September 27. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the updated GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org.
About University of Fairbanks Geophysical Institute The Geophysical Institute is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, America’s Arctic research university. Scientists at the Geophysical Institute study geophysical processes in action from the center of the Earth to the surface of the sun and beyond. Since its creation by an act of Congress in 1946, the institute has been turning data and observations into information useful for state and national needs. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, the institute works and maintains facilities from Antarctica to Pacific islands to far northern Alaska. For more information about the Geophysical Institute and UAF, go to gi.alaska.edu.
About OMSI Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, Oregon. For general information, call 503-797-4000 or visit omsi.edu.
Grand Rapids Public Museum The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a publicly-owned institution that is home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond, houses the only planetarium in the region, and is responsible for protecting The Mounds, a national historic landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl St. NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.
Live music is back at The Mendel Center. This time the entertainment heads into the great outdoors onto the spacious grounds of Lake Michigan College. The Drive-in Live! Concert Series hosted by The Mendel Center will be held in the Grand Upton Hall parking lot, on the south side of the building. Four concerts are planned with each featuring three local or regional acts spanning a wide variety of musical genres.
“With indoor events mostly on hold because of COVID-19, we wanted to find a new way for people to enjoy live entertainment,” stated Mike Nadolski, executive director of The Mendel Center. “We explored several options and decided the parking lots surrounding our facility would lend themselves perfectly to hosting drive-in concerts and knew we had to make this happen for our community.”
One hundred tickets are available for each date. Each ticket provides admission for one vehicle of up to six people and includes two parking spaces, one of which is a personal tailgate area to promote social distancing. Attendees may also choose to stay in their vehicle to enjoy the concert. The in-person performances will be visible on stage and projected onto a big screen. Audio will be provided by FM radio signal to car or portable radios brought by attendees. The series lineup includes:
Sunday, August 9 Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 p.m.
Jenna Mammina Recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, Jenna Mammina’s live performances capture her audiences and hold them like butterflies in the palm of her hand. “Jenna could sing a page from the phone book and make it sound like her own private piece of the sky,” writes Grapevine Culture critic Kimberlye Gold.
The Andrew Fisher Quartet The Andrew Fisher Quartet is a neo-soul jazz group from right here in southwest Michigan. The group specializes in blending traditional genres such as soul, funk, R&B, Mowtown, and more while using the language of improvisation and jazz. Since its inception in 2015, AFQ showcases the unique talents of its members on well-known songs as well as on original music from their 2019 EP.
Doc Revolver Doctors and engineers by day, musicians by night, Doc Revolver is as eclectic as the music they play. You’ll be sure to recognize some of the songs they cover, spanning multiple genres including rock, pop, alternative, indie, and the occasional country song.
Saturday, August 22 Gates open at 2 pm; music starts at 3 pm
Bryan Lubeck Bryan Lubeck’s live shows are his forte with his high-energy, fiery Spanish guitar and smooth urban grooves. His latest album Tuscan Sky has spent more than 14 weeks on the various adult contemporary instrumental charts. Bryan has been named as a Critics’ Choice by Billboard Magazine and has recorded with five Grammy Award winners and performed with 12 Grammy Award nominees and winners.
Sypian Family Band With a bluesy, jazzy, rock-n-roll vibe infused with a chemistry that only comes from family bonds, This Sypian Family Band plays a slate of original tunes that stir the soul, accompanied by rockin’ covers to get you movin’. This close-knit group of family and long-time friends has an eclectic sound with influences ranging from British Invasion to ‘90s alternative and everything in between.
Dan Maxon Dan Maxon is a local singer/songwriter and guitarist. He was raised under all manner of musical influences, finding a particular fondness for rock, folk, and jazz. He channels these genres through his own intimate, acoustic style.
Saturday, September 19 Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 pm
The Big Payback The Big Payback is an award-winning jazz-rock band featuring the soulful vocals of Leah Isabel Tirado and a smoking horn section. Mixing “ambitious original tunes that challenge even the most talented instrumentalists” (La Crosse Tribune) with classic covers, the band’s live show never fails to get the crowd moving.
Sankofa Sankofa is a group of local musicians from Benton Harbor who love and respect the emotions that develop when good, deeply felt music is played. They have performed on many stages for the past five years, playing an eclectic mix of Old and New Soul, Funk, Jazz, R&B and Hip Hop.
Siusan O’Rourke & Zig Zeitler They opened The Mendel Center’s Remotely Interested online series. Now, they’ll be with us in person! Together, this husband and wife duo has been 3-time committee nominated by the Irish Music Association for Top Duo internationally. Their CD “Chance the Arm” was named Celtic Album of the Year in 2014 by Irish radio, Celtic Echoes.
Sunday, September 27 Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 pm
Alex & Erin Alex Holycross (The Native Howl) and Erin Zindle (Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds) have joined forces, from vastly different musical backgrounds, to perform as a new duo. Their fresh sound, dubbed ‘Outlaw Americana’, splices Alex’s heavier bluegrass/metal style with Erin’s sultry songwriter/world music influences. The guitar/fiddle driven performance showcases a new take on story-telling by drawing lyrical parallels between folklore and the current state of the world.
John Latini New York native and longtime Michigan resident John Latini, a 3-time Detroit Blues Champion, is a dynamic performing force to be reckoned with. This engaging musician is a celebrated songwriter who connects with fans across many demographics. Latini’s muscular, rockin’ blues grabs you by the throat from the get-go and won’t let go.
Mike Talbot Mike is considered a master vocalist, guitarist, and pianist, as well as a prolific and innovative songwriter. His performance history, spanning three decades and totally over 30,000 hours, includes a wide range of gigs, from local haunts to headlining concerts.
Additionally, each concert is going to feature prize giveaways, trivia contests, and family-fun activities done safely from each car tailgate zone. During the August 9 concert, a portion of the sale of bottled water will benefit the Berrien Community Foundation Arts Challenge campaign.
Though music and fun will be center stage during these events, The Mendel Center staff is staying focused on the health and safety of everyone in attendance.
“The well-being of our attendees, performers, crew, and staff is our first priority. The Drive-in Live! Concert Series is set up to promote social distancing in accordance with governmental guidelines,” Nadolski stated. “We will encourage patrons to stay within their assigned parking and tailgate spaces, and mask wearing is required when leaving that designated space.”
Nadolski added that while The Mendel Center has taken expanded safety measures, the cooperation of all attendees is needed to help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
Tickets for each performance are $60 for premium parking per carload up to 6 people; $50 for standard parking per carload up to 6 people. Tickets can be purchased at www.TheMendelCenter.com or by calling The Mendel Center box office at 269-927-8700, option 1. Temporary box office hours are Mondays and Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 through the web site.
The Drive-in Live! Concert Series is sponsored by the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. The September 19 concert is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Crane Group.
Planning a trip to the Charlevoix in the near feature? Whether you are visiting for the first time, or are a seasoned Charlevoix guest, below is a list of things we highly recommend visitors see, do, and explore. Let us in on the fun and be sure to tag us in your pictures and videos by using #VisitCharlevoix.
1. Shop downtown Charlevoix Charlevoix’s small-town charm and boutique shopping has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a great book, specialty food items, Charlevoix memorabilia, new clothing, artwork, and sweet treats- you can find it here. Check out The Mercado for many new additions to the vibrant downtown scene.
2. Family Friendly Zip Lining Experience Wildwood Rush is a family friendly high ropes and ziplining course through the treetops of scenic Charlevoix. With over 7,000 feet of zip line courses, thrill seekers will love the fast-paced zip lines and great views of Lake Charlevoix.
3. Beach Goers Rejoice It’s no secret that Charlevoix has great beaches on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. You can easily access Lake Michigan Beach along the pier from downtown and making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Ferry Beach is family friendly, situated on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, offering a shallow swim area, playground, and large sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles. For info on the many other local beaches visit our website.
4. Find a Petoskey and Charlevoix Stone One of our favorite pastimes is looking for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. Two of the best places to find these stones is Fisherman’s Island State Park and Lake Michigan Beach. You can spend hours hunting for these iconic stones!
5. Skydive Charlevoix Do you want to check skydiving off your bucket list? If so, you need to book a tandem skydive with Skydive Charlevoix. They specialize in first jumpers, making sure everyone is comfortable while creating exciting lifelong memories. While you soar over Charlevoix, you could see Beaver Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and Lake Charlevoix.
6. Lake Living Charlevoix is all about its fresh water! When you visit, we recommend you get out on the lakes with a kayak, sailboat, motorboat, or stand up paddleboard. Also, experience a paddle down the Jordan River. Choose to take it easy by having a guided raft or if you’re experienced go for canoes or kayaks. This is a fun activity for friends and families.
7. Mushroom House Tour A trip to Charlevoix would not be complete without a tour of Earl Young’s mushroom houses. This self-taught architect designed houses out of large boulders and cedar shakes, creating whimsical designs. To learn more about the interesting history houses take a guided tour.
8. Step back in time at Castle Farms Stop by Castle Farms to view the restored historic buildings, majestic gardens, large model train collection, and countless historic exhibits. Be sure to stop by 1918 Cellars to try a great selection of Michigan wine. Be sure to check out our events calendar to see what’s happening at the Castle.
9. Where will you go? Whether you’re looking for trails along Lake Michigan’s shoreline or a scenic inland trail, Charlevoix’s got some great options. We suggest the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, Charles Ransom Nature Preserve, and Fisherman’s Island State Park. Each of these natural areas has amazing views of Lake Michigan and miles of trails.
10. Watch the Drawbridge This bascule drawbridge is a quintessential Charlevoix gem. During summer months, the drawbridge will go up every half hour when boats are present, so you can’t miss it! Be sure to capture of video or picture of this fun spectacle.
12. Catch a Lake Michigan Sunset A Lake Michigan sunset is world-class, and the South Pier Lighthouse is the perfect place to capture a painted sunset. Every sunset is a unique kaleidoscope of colors, so be sure to see it every evening you are in Charlevoix.
From fairy tales, wings, and castles, to watches, clocks and more, the latest exhibit by Arts Alive, hosted at Tibbits Opera House, invites artists to submit artwork of all mediums inspired by the theme “Once Upon a Time.”
The exhibit runs Aug. 10 through Sept. 8 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 per submission. Paintings, photographs or drawings should be ready to hang using hanging wire. Sculpture or other mediums are accepted and encouraged as well. “Once Upon a Time” is totally up to the artist to interpret the theme as he/she sees fit.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top artists based on audience votes. Artists can also sell their work on commission.
To be included in this art show, artists should drop off all pieces at Tibbits’ Administration Office on 93 W. Chicago St before Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
The art gallery currently features artwork by area student artists who submitted pieces for the annual Kids Art Rocks contest. Even though the theatre remains closed for performances, by executive order the art gallery is open weekdays from 9-5 and by appointment. There is no admission charge for the gallery and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork.
The gallery shows rotate approximately every six weeks. After the “Once Upon a Time” show, the final 2020 gallery show will be “A Chair Affair” fundraiser in November and December. For dates and details of these exhibits, or to become involved in Arts Alive, call Steph at Tibbits at 517-278-6029, email artsalivecw@gmail.com or visit the Arts Alive facebook page at www.facebook.com/Arts-Alive-Coldwater.
Krasl Art Center (KAC) will continue hosting four local artists each Saturday in August at the Summer Art Markets on the Green. Markets are Saturdays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Our annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff was just too large to safely hold this year but we still wanted to provide artists and our community members a chance to support each other,” said Dee Hodgson, KAC Art Fair Manager. “This summer we are thrilled to introduce our KAC faculty, ceramic guild, and Shop artists to the public – their work is incredible and it’s always a great experience to visit with the creator of your next favorite artwork.”
Aug. 1 Artists include: Nicole Rimes, Jewelry & Fibers Jeff & Theresa Heaton, Fibers Bill Boyce, Sculpture Eliot Schlaack, Drawing & Printmaking
Visit krasl.org for more information on future artists at the market.
KAC Galleries and The Shop will be open from 9 AM – 5PM on Saturdays and 11 AM – 5 PM Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays throughout the summer. Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits is on view in the main gallery and sculptor Barbara Cooper is featured in the artlab.
The Markets will adhere to KAC’s COVID-19 safety policies. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the grounds and masks are required. Some artists accept credit cards, all accept cash. For more information visit krasl.org.
The Summer Art Markets on the Green events are underwritten by an Anonymous Patron who loves the Art Fair and The Livery Microbrewery.
Grand Rapids Symphony is offering at-home live performances featuring the GRS musicians. (Supplied/GRS)
If you love live music, you already know that enjoying an evening’s entertainment means you first have to dress for the occasion and then drive to another location.
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic or struggled to find a parking place, no doubt you’ve imagined about how wonderful it would be if, instead of going to a concert, the concert came to you.
Enjoy a cozy concert just for you, in an intimate gathering of family and friends, as West Michigan’s finest musicians perform for you in the privacy of your own driveway.
An exclusive 30-minute concert of classical music, performed by musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, for you and up to nine guests can be yours for just $300.
A summer’s evening of beautiful, outdoor music is available at either 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-22, and again the following week Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-29.
Sidewalk Serenades are limited to an audience of 10. Masks are required upon arrival and during the performance. No food or drink will be allowed when musicians are present, and CDC-guidelines for social distancing are required.
Binder Park Zoo has announced that a version of the zoo map is now available for Spanish speaking visitors at the zoo. Guests can request a version of the full zoo map that has been translated into Spanish when they enter through the admission gate. The map is also available to view or download from the zoo website at www.binderparkzoo.org/map/
“Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, and we know that we have a strong and vibrant community of Spanish speakers who visit the zoo,” said Leslie Walsh, Manager of Marketing & Development. “We’ve been aware of a need and desire for this, so we’re happy to offer what we hope will be a convenience and an opportunity for Spanish speakers to have a more complete and enjoyable zoo experience.
Binder Park Zoo now has maps in Spanish. (Binder Park Zoo)
New site maps are scheduled be installed in key spots of the East Zoo that display a Quick Response or QR code that can be scanned will a mobile device to access the map in both English and Spanish versions.
Binder Park Zoo opened to the public for the 2020 season on May 29. The zoo is open daily Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Other important information about visiting the zoo can be found on the website homepage at www.binderparkzoo.org.
Originally scheduled for Aug. 8, Short’s Brewing Company has decided to cancel this year’s Short’s Fest and replace it with a two week socially-distanced celebration instead.
Traditionally an outdoor event that draws more than 2,500 people to the brewery’s Elk Rapids production facility, Summer Fest coincides with Elk Rapids’ summer festival, Harbor Days, and ends the evening with fireworks over the water.
“We’ve been holding out as long as possible, and were inspired by the decreasing numbers of COVID, but we feel it is our responsibility to keep our community safe and not crowd such a large number of people into one space.” Says Scott Newman-Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Co. “While we can’t host our traditional event, we decided to take this opportunity and throw a celebration that extends for more than a single day and allows people to enjoy the Michigan summer with a delicious beverage in-hand six feet apart!”
Instead of a one-day festival, the brewery is planning a two week celebration starting Saturday, Aug. 8, and running through Saturday, Aug, 22. Every evening Short’s will have a DJ spinning tunes on the lawn or a live band as well as local food trucks. Thursday-Sunday festivities also include an additional 10 delicious beers, ciders, and seltzers on tap.
There is no cover charge for this summer celebration and it is also family friendly. Each day the Pull Barn will open at 11 am with entertainment from 5-9 pm. Short’s will enforce a 500 person limit and ask guests to wear masks when roaming the grounds and standing in line for food and beverage.
“We’ve been making a ton of upgrades to our Pull Barn beer garden space, including adding restrooms, coolers, and indoor seating. We’ve got a lot to celebrate, and feel that we can do it the right way, limiting risk and still providing the Short’s experience that our guests expect!” Newman-Bale stated.
How often do you notice a plant in your backyard or along a road, trail or stream, and wonder what it is? Take the guesswork out of identifying plants by joining the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and local experts for a six-week, online course beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5.
The Field Botany course will feature a series of six workshops, held on Zoom, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Presenters are:
Dr. Tyler Bassett, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Erik Elgin, Michigan State University Extension
Shawn Kelly, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Dr. Danielle Zoellner, Idle Awhile Farm and Forage
The course is open to plant enthusiasts of all levels. Sessions will examine a variety of topics, including:
Basic botanical terminology
Trees of Michigan’s forests
The history and distribution of Michigan’s native plant communities
Wetland plants of the Midwest
Prairies and savannas of Michigan
Aquatic plants
Registration
Register for the course at bit.ly/kbs-botany2020 by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1; space is limited. The cost is $55 for Sanctuary members and $65 for non-members. Participants are able to earn Master Gardener credits for attending.
Past course participants appreciated the format of having a unique topic for each class as well as “learning the special features of the plants and interesting backstories of how plants have been used in history.”
