Romeo Kattookaran could not help but notice the extra food generated by his own restaurant, Chicken & Fishes, that was being thrown in the garbage. So he asked one of his employees if they could give the extra food to someone.
“She told me no, not according to the law,” the Kentwood business owner said, adding that he learned restaurants were not allowed to give leftovers or extra food to anyone, but only to put it in the trash.
“It seemed like such a waste,” Kattookaran said during a recent interview on the WKTV Journal newscast. Especially when when Kattookaran started considering the number of restaurants in the area and the amount of food that was probably just being tossed.
So he decided to write about it. That story became the independent film “A Wonderful Day,” set to premiere this Saturday, July 21, at Celebration! Cinema at Woodland Mall. The show time is 3 p.m. For tickets to the premiere, click here.
“There certainly is a need,” said Wyoming-based filmmaker Nuri Bauswell, owner of BlackHoleMediaGroup.com, and who was a cinematographer for the film. Bauswell said it was not only the story that caught his attention, but the purpose behind the film.
That purpose is to encourage patrons of area restaurants to give their leftovers to those in need.
“While restaurants can not give the food to others, you or I can do that,” Kattookaran said.
Participating restaurants will have either containers or something that can be placed on a container that says “A Wonderful Day.” The patron can then take the leftover and give it to a person in need.
“A Wonderful Day” was shot entirely in Grand Rapids using local actors. (Kentwood Films)
The release of the film this week is the first push in promoting the concept to help those in need by encouraging people to donate their leftovers, Kattookaran said, adding the group plans to work toward promoting the concept to area restaurants. He has started it at Kentwood Chicken and Fishes restaurant located in the Marathon gas station on the corner of 44th Street and Shaffer Avenue.
The film also has received a couple of awards including best producer award and best first-time filmmaker award from Los Angeles’ Olympus Film Festival and recognition from the Film Freeway’s Best Shorts Competition.
For more about “A Wonderful Day,” visit the Kentwood Films International website, kentwoodfilms.com, or follow the Facebook page, Kentwood Films. The trailer for the film has been running on WKTV with the movie scheduled to air at a later date.
Visitors look over last year’s Festival Artwork Competition pieces.
Tulip Time and the Holland Area Arts Council has announced the 2020 Festival Artwork Competition will run Oct. 2 – 5.
Through the competition a work of art is selected for the official Tulip Time poster. Each year, the Holland Area Arts Council invites a juror to select the Top 20 pieces. John Berry, former vice president of corporate communications at Herman Miller, will be the 2020 juror. Berry comes with years of experience, as the founder and first executive director of Design West Michigan and founder and first director of the Design Thinking Academy at Grand Valley State University. Barry has a master’s degree in design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BS in Design and Spanish from Indiana University.
Until 2011, posters were commissioned work from selected artists. Since transitioning into a Festival Artwork Competition, nine local artists have been awarded this honor:
2011 Beth Charles – “Drama Queens”
2012 Brittany Strabbing – “Beautiful Dream”
2013 Maggie Schultz – “Clothed in Splendor”
2014 Karin Nelson – “Resilience”
2015 Carolyn Stich – “Joy of Spring”
2016 Alla Dickson – “Spectacle”
2017 Michele Gort – “Playful Time”
2018 Cindy Awrey – “Together”
2019 Carolyn Stich – “Enduring Delft”
Submissions for the 2020 Festival Artwork Competition will be accepted Oct. 2-5, 2019. The artwork theme should represent Tulip Time’s mission to celebrate Holland’s community today, tulips and Dutch heritage. The winner of the 2020 competition will be announced at a reception celebrating Tulip Time’s artists, which will be held in February.
To view the submission forms and full entry requirements, please pick up a prospectus from the Tulip Time Festival Office or the Holland Area Arts Council. The prospectus can also be found online at https://tuliptime.com/festivalartwork and www.hollandarts.org.
For additional details, artists are encouraged to contact Mary Sundstrom at 616-396-3278 or mary@hollandarts.org.
The 91st Tulip Time Festival is set for May 2 – 10.
The cover art of Andrew Bird’s latest release, “My Finest Work Yet”. (Supplied/The artist)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Maybe it is just clever marketing that the cover of Andrew Bird’s latest release, “My Finest Work Yet”, shows the enigmatic if not totally eccentric artiste doing his deadpan recreation of La Mort de Marat (The Death of Marat), Jacques-Louis David’s iconic 1793 painting of the failed French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat lying stabbed to death in his bath.
But, you know, it would be just like the musical multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and whistler, and songwriter — not to mention Guggenheim Museum exhibit creator, TED Talks presenter and New York Times op-ed contributor — to be sending the not-so-subtle message that he cares little if his work lives or dies on the commercial stage.
There is no doubt, however, that Bird likes the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage (and the audience reception he gets) as he will be making another visit July 18, with, surprisingly, tickets still available for a show with Madison Cunningham opening.
Andrew Bird (Supplied/Brandi Ediss)
Bird clearly plays a tune to his own beat, from his earliest collaborative work with the band Squirrel Nut Zippers in the late 1990s through his popular (for him) 2016 solo release “Are You Serious” — which he was touring in support of when he visited Meijer Gardens in 2017, and still relied upon last summer when he visited with the equally experimental Esperanza Spalding.
If you don’t already know him and his music, you probably heard but never knew Bird from the single “Capsized” from “Are Your Serious”. The recording has certainly stayed easily accessible on the top shelf of the CD racks around my house, and not just for the catchy, slightly popish “Capsized”.
Bird’s simple philosophy on music and commercial acceptance may be best conveyed by his statement about “Are You Serious”: “Here I am with my most unguarded, direct, relatable album to date. Go easy on me.”
On his new release, which undoubtedly will be heavily drawn upon at Meijer Gardens next week, he is still unguarded and direct, and maybe still trying to be a little more relatable.
Bird opens “My Finest Work Yet” with the sophisticated sly wit and easy sounds of “Sisyphus”, then takes a serious turn with the jazzy “Bloodless”, which sounds like an ode to Marat and/or a modern political statement — “I know it’s hard to be an optimist, when you trust least the ones who claim to have the answers … It’s an uncivil war, bloodless for now.”
My favorites off of “My Finest Work Yet”, however, at least on first listen, focus on Bird’s violin prowess, including the softly sweet “Archipelago”, the power pop of “Proxy War” and the forlorn, almost alt-country “Bellevue Bridge Club”.
Andrew Bird, artiste. (Supplied)
Bottom line is expect the unexpected from Bird and his high-flying imagination — which, when not making music, recently has been occupied with a series of site-specific improvisational short films and recordings called Echolocations, recorded in remote and acoustically interesting spaces: a Utah canyon, an abandoned seaside bunker, the middle of the Los Angeles River, and a reverberant stone-covered aqueduct in Lisbon.
I wonder if one of the recording was made in a bath tub?
The Andrew Bird with special guest Madison Cunningham concert will start at 6:30 p.m. (5:15 pm gates open), with a $45 general admission ticket price. For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org .
The LowellArts Players presents GOING GOING GONE. Set in the press box of a major Los Angeles baseball stadium, this is a hilarious yet poignant new comedy from Emmy Award-winning writer (M*A*S*H*, Cheers, The Simpsons) (and 8-year host of popular radio show Dodger Talk), Ken Levine.
The performances are at LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331 on July 26, 27, 28 (matinee), Aug. 2 and 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7pm, and the Sunday show is at 2pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, and $14 at the door. Advance tickets available at lowellartsmi.org or by calling 616-897-8545.
The play, presented in association with Public Domain, is a West Michigan premiere, and depicts four sports journalists who have life-changing experiences during the course of one game. The cast includes Brent Alles as Jim, Allison Kavanaugh as Shana, Chris Marsh as Dennis, and Ricardo Tavárez as Mason. In the world of baseball, the past is often more cherished than the present is the perfect subtext for this hilarious journey. The production is directed by Rob Freund.
Tribute band Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to North America in October and November 2019 to perform its ‘50th Anniversary Tour’ and will make a stop in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at 8pm in SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall.
Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have guaranteed Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time. Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, July 12 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
Not many can say they have attended every single D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops concerts, but Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau can.
In the past 24 years, Varineau has not always conducted, sometimes he was helping behind the scenes, making sure the canons go off at just the right moment between at the end of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
“Wait, who is going to fire the canons this year?” Varineau stated in a recent “Locally Entertaining” podcast. “I’m going to be conducting this year. We’re going to have to find someone.”
Rest assure that there will be someone to fire the canons — and the fireworks — as the Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates the 25th anniversary of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops by recreating its inaugural Picnic Pops concert July 11 and 12.
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the opening D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops July 11 and 12. (Supplied)
According to Grand Rapids Symphony Senior Manager of Communications and Media Relations Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk, the Classical Fireworks concerts are a tradition to Picnic Pops, performed every year.
This year Varineau will lead the orchestra in such patriotic melodies as John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, John Phillip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, and an Armed Forces Salute along with music by Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Local pianist Rich Ridenour performs Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Gates at Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, open at 5:45 p.m. each night for picnicking and pre-concert entertainment, including free, kid-friendly activities such as face painting, crafts, and a musical instrument petting zoo.
VIP Parking Passes for the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops are available for $12. Go online to GRSymphony.org/vip for details.
Pre-concert activités include the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo where children can get up close to the instruments. (Supplied)
Ticket Options and Prices
3-Concert Series and Flexpass Packages
Save up to 30 percent off single-ticket prices with a 3-Concert Series subscription for any seat or save up to 15% off single-ticket lawn seats with a 6-ticket Flexpass.
The 3-Concert Series subscription is good for any seats to Classical Fireworks: Salute to America; Here Comes the Sun: A Tribute to the Beatles; and Dancing in the Streets: The Music of Motown. Subscriptions for lawn seats are $42 for adults or $15 for children ages 2-18. Children younger than age 2 are admitted for free. Subscriptions for general admission chair seating are $75. Tickets for an individual reserved table seat are $144 or $1,152 to reserve an entire table for eight.
The Flexpass 6-Pack offers six lawn tickets that can be used in any combination, on any concert night, for Classical Fireworks: Salute to America; Here Comes the Sun: A Tribute to the Beatles; and Dancing in the Streets: The Music of Motown. Flexpasses are $102 for adults. Flexpasses cannot be used for the special event in August.
There is an array of seating options available from table seating to lawn seating. (Supplied)
Individual Concert Tickets
All single tickets for all concerts are $5 more on the day of the show.
Lawn tickets for all concerts are $20 for adults ($25 day of show) or $5 for ages 2-18 ($10 day of show).
Other individual tickets are $30 for reserved chairs ($35 the day of the show), $51 for individual table seats ($56 the day of the show), and $408 for a full table of eight ($448 day of show).
MySymphony360 members can attend for $15 ($20 day of show). Active duty, reserve and National Guard members of the U.S. Military may purchase up to two tickets for $15 each ($20 day of show). Children younger than age 2 are admitted for free.
Members of the community receiving financial assistance from the State of Michigan or U.S. Military households can receive up to four free tickets through the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony Scorecard.
How to Get Tickets
The 3-Concert Series, Flexpass, and individual table and chair tickets can be purchased through the GRS box office by calling 616-454-9451 ext. 4 weekdays; or in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100; or online at GRSymphony.org.
Tickets also are available at the gate at the night of the concert for an additional $5. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people by calling 616-454-9451.
The Holland Area Arts Council is presenting two new exhibits, ‘Riser’ and ‘Pauses’, with an opening reception on Friday, July 12th at 6pm. The exhibitions and reception are free and open to the public with light refreshments provided during the reception.
‘Riser’ is an exhibition by artist Michael Burmeister, owner and director of Button Gallery in Douglas, Michigan. This exhibition will feature both ceramic pieces and two-dimensional paintings. Burmeister uses his abstract art as a way to reflect the complexities of the natural landscape. His works will be available for purchase during this exhibition.
Courtesy Nuel Friend
‘Pauses’ is an exhibition by artist Nuel Friend. His large-scale paintings dominate the space as they explore the difficult-to-explain, yet inspirational aspects of life. Friend thoughtfully paints with oil in a contemporary style with dramatic movement. His works will also be available for purchase during this exhibition.
Explore ‘Riser’ in the Holland Area Arts Council’s Armstrong Gallery and ‘Pauses’ in the HAAC Padnos Gallery. Both exhibits are on display until Sept. 4.
The Holland Area Arts Council is a nonprofit organization working to educate, engage and challenge the community through the arts. The Arts Council is located at 150 East 8th Street. Call (616) 396-3278, email helpdesk@hollandarts.org or visit www.hollandarts.org for more information.
This past season, getting into the Grand Rapids Symphony’s film concerts was difficult. Snagging a ticket to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” was almost impossible. But perhaps the hottest ticket in town was to Opera Grand Rapids’ “La Traviata”
Yes, we said opera. The popularity of opera has been on the rise, and this may come as a surprise to many according to Opera Grand Rapids new executive director Emilee Syrewicze, among milliennals.
“As a millennial, I am not very surprised by that and here’s why,” Syerwicze said during a recent “Locally Entertaining” podcast. “We are seeing that with millennials, and whatever you may say about millennials, one thing that is true is that what was old is made new again with millennials.
“They are bringing back mason jars instead of single use plastics. They are bringing back libraries instead of buying books…We are also seeing millennials more interested in the classic classical performing arts than the previous generation. We are actually seeing a high number of ticket buyers being millennial.”
There are other factors that play into the increase interest as well such as how it has become a trend to turn an opera attendance into a special event, complete with ballgowns and champagne after parties, something we have seen with the red carpet affairs at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.
Syrewicze said she also believes another key factor is the quality of productions that Opera Grand Rapids has been able to offer, largely in part due to the hiring of Artistic Director Maestro James Meena a couple of years ago. Meena actually works with three opera houses Toledo, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Grand Rapids and often travels abroad to Italy and Europe.
“If you have been to a production in the past couple of years, you can see our quality is through the roof,” Syrewicze said. “You are going to see the same quality of opera at Opera Grand Rapids that you would see at much larger operas in Chicago and New York.”
Opera Grand Rapids Executive Director Emilee Syrewicze (Supplied)
With this reassurance, it has changed how Opera Grand Rapids handles its ticket sales.
“We are planning our seasons further ahead then we ever really have before,” Syrewicze said, adding that the shows for the 2019-2020 season are Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” Nov. 1 and 2, and Puccini’s “Turnadot,” May 1 and 2.
“We kind of expected ticket sales wouldn’t ramp up until [after ‘La Traviata’], but we are actually surprise, once again. We are already selling high numbers for ‘Mikado.’”
Syrewicze also noted that tickets for the May production of “Turnadot” have been selling as well with Syrewicze’s encouraging people to get their tickets soon.
Whether or not you do snag tickets for the company’s two major productions, there are plenty of other offerings such as the Opera Grand Rapids’ diversity and inclusion performances, “Opera Unlimited” and the collegiate vocal competition. In fact, next spring, the Opera Grand Rapids chorus, made up of many talented Grand Rapids area residents, will be performing a selection of master works.
Syrewicze said the company is working to finalize its full season with the goal to have something every month. For more details on the upcoming Opera Grand Rapids season, visit operagr.org.
A new exhibit titled, “How I See Things,” by local artist Dennis O’Mara, opens at the Leep Art Gallery on July 2 at the Postma Center on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services campus in Grand Rapids.
O’Mara, a retired art teacher, creates art from a variety of mediums. Each medium is selected to fit how he sees the piece representing his idea in the best way says the artist. He does oil and pastel paintings, sculptures, relief prints, saltwater etchings and wood door etchings. Two of the pieces in the show were previously at Art Prize.
“I create art from events and places that inspire me,” says O’Mara. “Some of my work tells a story and other work lets the viewer fill in the story. The doors in this show were created because of what I saw when visiting an older patient when she had a bout of depression. The steel etchings were a result of watching people bring their children and their parents to see the doors when they were on exhibit at Art Prize. The other pieces are a result of places I have visited.”
O’Mara grew up on a West Michigan farm. He attended Olivet College where he studied sculpture and print making. He also received his masters from Olivet with a focus on print making. He was an art teacher at Hastings High School for 30 years, and taught an art appreciation class at Kellogg Community College. He returned to creating art in a more serious fashion in 2000.
He is a member of the Great Lakes Pastel Society and Grand Valley Artists.
The Pine Rest Leep Art Gallery exhibit will be on display at the Postma Center located at 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Mich., from July 2 to October 1, 2019. The Leep Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 616.222.4530 or go to www.pinerest.org/leep-art-gallery .
Gomulka is considered a living legend in the polka community, having developed a huge base of followers in the United States and Canada since he formed the Chicago Push in 1980. Nominated for 12 Grammy awards in the polka genre, he was inducted into the International Polka Music Hall of Fame & Museum in his hometown of Chicago in 2016.
“The Dozynki Polish Festival is the longest-running ethnic festival held in the city of Grand Rapids, and we wanted to celebrate our 40th year with a very special musical guest,” said society President Marilyn Lignell. “Lenny is bound to help draw what we expect will be the largest attendance ever for the festival.”
In past years, attendance has topped 15,000 people for the three days.
Incoming President Greg Rosloniec, who arranged for the band to play the event, said Gomulka has recorded on more than 100 albums and CDs and is the originator of the distinctive Chicago Push style that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
“Lenny has been playing at state fairs, polka festivals and resorts for decades – everywhere from the Wurstfest in Texas to the Ocean Beach Park Polka Days in Connecticut — so it’s a real honor to bring him to Grand Rapids,” Rosloniec said.
Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Festival that will be held at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, from Aug. 23-25, and festival organizers stressed that there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk. Lenny Golmuka & Chicago Push will be alternating on Friday and Saturday nights with two other well regarded polka bands, award-winning DynaBrass from Toledo, Ohio and Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network in Grand Rapids.
Lignell said that the Dozynki Polish Festival has established a reputation for being a fun, family friendly event that showcases Polish culture, featuring a tent that explains the contributions of famous Polish/Americans, live music and a large dance area, a children’s tent, demonstration tent, and vendors offering Polish cuisine.
Fun activities during the festival include the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and a performance by the P.R.C.U.A. Malbork Dance Ensemble, a dance group for youth ages 3-18 that teaches traditional Polish folk dances with authentic garb.
The Dozynki Polish Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.
Festival of the Arts is excited to announce its honorary co-chairs for the event’s 51st year – Grand Rapids Symphony’s President Mary Tuuk, Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, and Associate Conductor John Varineau. For the next year, the three will serve as ambassadors for the community-wide celebration of arts and culture that returns in June 2020.
Festival of the Arts unveiled the appointment on Friday, June 7, the first day of the three-day, showcase of art, music, dance and more, including a performance by the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony under conductor John Varineau.
The Grand Rapids Symphony’s leadership team follows the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Glenn Del Vecchio, Executive Director, and James Sofranko, Artistic Director, who served as honorary co-chairs for the 50th anniversary Festival of the Arts.
Marcelo Lehninger, the musical director of the Grand Rapids Symphony, on stage. (Grand Rapids Symphony)
The run up to Festival of the Arts 2020 coincides with the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 90th anniversary season in 2019-20.
“I’m thrilled to have Grand Rapids Symphony back for Festival of the Arts in 2020 and to have their leaders involved as honorary co-chairs,” said David Abbott, Executive Director for Festival of the Arts. “Festival remains grateful for the Youth Symphony for their continued performance and looks forward to the professional company joining in on the fun.”
“Marcelo is already formulating some surprises that we know will wow the community,” Abbott said.
Grand Rapids Symphony’s President Mary Tuuk (Grand Rapids Symphony)
Mary Tuuk, a Grand Rapids native and Calvin College graduate, joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as President and CEO earlier this year following a long career in banking for Fifth Third Bank and in retail for Meijer, Inc.
Marcelo Lehninger, a native of Brazil, is completing his third season as Music Director of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Last year, he led the Grand Rapids Symphony in its critically acclaimed return to New York City for a performance in Carnegie Hall.
John Varineau, who is in his 34th season on the conducting staff of the Grand Rapids Symphony, has served as conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony for the past 31 seasons.
“Festival of the Arts has a special place in our hearts as it does in yours as well,” Tuuk said. “Since childhood, I’ve known that, in Grand Rapids, summer in the city truly begins with Festival.”
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conduction John Varineau (Grand Rapids Symphony)
Fifty years ago, Alexander Calder’s 43-foot tall, 42-ton stabile, “La Grande Vitesse,” was installed in downtown Grand Rapids as the fledgling National Endowment for the Arts’ first work of public art. Former Congressman Gerald R. Ford, who later became 38th President of the United States, was instrumental in securing the $45,000 grant in 1967.
For its dedication on June 14, 1969, the Grand Rapids Symphony performed music by George Gershwin and Charles Ives, and the orchestra gave the premiere performance of a piece titled “Inaugural Fanfare” commissioned for the occasion by Aaron Copland.
The Grand Rapids Symphony or its musicians, performing as soloists or in smaller ensembles, have been a part of Festival of the Arts for most of the past five decades. Next year, musicians of the orchestra will perform in some capacity for the annual event that’s open for free to the entire community.
The Board of Directors of Festival of the Arts last year decided to follow a new process for honorary co-chairs beginning with Grand Rapids Ballet’s Del Vecchio and Sofranko. In order to re-connect with the arts institutions of the region, Festival is looking to select leaders from partnering arts institutions in future years. The honorary co-chairs will serve as ambassadors to the community encouraging engagement for the event and also serve as conduit to all the other arts institutions in the region for solicitation of performers and artists.
Circle Theatre presents the Magic Circle Production of Rapunzel, an adaptation by Karen Boettcher-Tate, starting on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College. Preceding the show at 5:30 p.m., join the cast for the Magic Circle Party. This one-night only event will feature refreshments, crafts, games, Storytime with the cast, and VIP seating for opening night. Tickets to the Magic Circle Party are $22 and can be purchased at circletheatre.org.
Under the direction of Emily Wetzel, Rapunzel tells a family-friendly story that audiences of all kinds can enjoy. Rene Shwartzbuckle is cuckoo for a turnip like vegetable called Rapunzel. When she spots a mouth-watering patch of the plant in Witch Izwitch’s garden, she sends her husband Walt out to “borrow” some. Witch Izwitch is certainly not amused. With her diabolical henchmen, the Glumpwarts, she terrorizes Walt into promising her his firstborn child in exchange for his freedom. We then jump ahead many years to Rapunzel (now you know where the name comes from!) Shwartzbuckle’s 18th birthday. The witch and the Glumpwarts show up as promised and whisk poor, innocent Rapunzel away to a tower in the forest and a boisterously entertaining rescue attempt begins!
Sandy Navis is Witch Izwitch. (Circle Theatre)
“Rapunzel is a hilarious twist to the traditional story with different perspectives that all ages will like,” said Cooper Christian, who portrays Sam.
“Rapunzel is a story about recognizing your own unique strengths and using them to help others. Audiences will love the beautiful visuals, the hilarious characters, and the great ensemble work from the cast,” said Director Emily Wetzel.
2019 celebrates Circle’s 67th year of producing plays and musicals for West Michigan audiences. Other upcoming Main Stage productions this season include musical Hands On A Hardbody; play Superior Donuts, and musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Unique and diverse Summer Concert Series performances include “Run the World: 80 Years of Girl Groups;” “21st Century Broadway: Modern Musicals;” “Edge of the Millennium: Top Hits of 1999;” and “Imagine All The People: Songs That Inspire.” All performances will be held at Circle Theatre’s home, the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
Other shows for Rapunzel will run June 27 and 28 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and June 29 at 1 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle’s website circletheatre.org.
Carillonneurs from around the world will come to the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses of Grand Valley State University this summer for the annual concert series that this year marks 25 years of performances at the Cook Carillon Tower.
All concerts are free – including free nearby parking — and open to the public. The concerts last approximately one hour and take place rain or shine.
The Cook Carillon International Concert Series on the Allendale Campus features a reunion recital along with the concert lineup. The performances will take place at 8 p.m. Sundays beginning June 23.
Cook Carillon Concerts
June 23 – Reunion recital
June 30 – Open tower tours
July 7 – Bernard Winsemius, (The Netherlands)
July 14 – Gijsbert Kok, (The Netherlands)
July 21 – Tim Sleep, (Naperville, Illinois)
July 28 – Laura Ellis (University of Florida)
Aug. 4 – Sue Bergren (Naperville, Illinois)
Aug. 11 – Lisa Lonie (Philadelphia)
Aug. 18 – Julianne Vanden Wyngaard (GVSU carillonneur)
The Cook Carillon Tower is named for major donors and longtime Grand Valley supporters Peter and Pat Cook, who died in 2010 and 2008 respectively. The tower’s 48 bells were cast in 1994 in the Netherlands. The bells for the Beckering Family Carillon, named for the Beckering family of Pioneer Construction, were cast in 2000 in France.
On the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, the 19th annual Beckering Family Carillon International Concert Series will present five concerts at the Lacks International Plaza located at the DeVos Center. The performances are at noon Wednesdays beginning July 3.
GVSU’s Beckering Carillon (Photo by Amanda Pitts)
Beckering Family Carillon Concerts
July 3 – Helen Hofmeister (Grand Rapids)
July 10 – Bernard Winsemius (The Netherlands)
July 17 – Gijsbert Kok (The Netherlands)
July 24 – Tim Sleep (Naperville, Illinois)
July 31 – Alex Johnson (Rochester, New York)
For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/mtd, or call Grand Valley’s Music and Dance Department at (616) 331-3484.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that in conjunction with the TOYS! exhibit, the Museum is partnering with City Built Brewing and Blue Bridge Games to bring their popular Game Night to the Museum this summer, to be held on Tuesday, July 16 at 6 p.m.
Game Night visitors will have exclusive access to the Museum to play games at their leisure, participate in tournaments, explore the GRPM’s TOYS! exhibit and ride the 1928 Spillman Carousel.
Award winning board games, card games as well as giant games and interactives from the TOYS! summer expansion, located throughout the Museum, will be available for visitors to leisurely play throughout the evening. Gather your close friends and spend an evening playing games for fun, or join others in exciting tournaments.
Game tournaments will be available for visitors to sign up for starting at 7 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. Matches of Euchre, Dagz, and Klask will add some friendly competition to the evening. No experience is necessary to participate in game tournaments. All games are easy to learn and even more fun to play.
Tickets to Game Night are available at grpm.org and each ticket includes one free drink voucher. The event is open to visitors ages 21 and older. Cash bars will be serving two City Built Brewing beers: Alemania, a Mexican lager, and Norwegian Haze, an IPA. Tickets are $15, with a discounted ticket of $10 for Museum members.
As part of leisure game play, Blue Bridge Games will be featuring Game of the Year winning board games! Easy to learn and fun to play, these crowd pleasers will have visitors hooked on the first turn. Play award-winning titles like Azul (2018), Kingdomino (2017), Codenames (2016) & more! Just One is a Game of the Year Nominee for 2019. Players work together to provide each other with word clues, being cautious & creative to avoid duplicates. In Azul, collect the colors you need to complete a beautiful mosaic of tiles, take turns picking dominoes and creating a grid kingdom in Kingdomino, and decipher word clues and guess correctly to win in Codenames.
Game Night begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, with game tournaments starting at 7 p.m.
It might be real easy, if you only catch a couple videos on YouTube, to pass off The Beths as a retro pop band in search of a good musical sound bite to chew on.
But there is something, when you listen to the New Zealand threesome/foursome led by singer and songwriter Elizabeth Stokes, that says — as a line from their latest release’s title track, “Future Me Hates Me” states and that kind of eats into your brain like a good ear worm — “There’s something about you, I wanna risk going through.”
There is something about their sound, neither too familiar nor too “working hard to be different”, that makes you listen to the tracks on 2018’s Future Me Hates Me and wonder what the band’s “future them” sound might be, how really special it could be.
Local explorers of what’s possibly next new on their alt/pop satellite radio channel of choice will get a chance to listen and check The Beths out when the band stops at Grand Rapids’ The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday, July 2.
The local concert is part of a massive American tour this spring and summer — sandwiched between dates at a Chicago arts festival and clubs in Detroit and Toronto —that started with nights at SXSW (South by Southwest Music Festival) in March.
The Kiwis’ work at SXSW, at the same time of mass shootings at two Islamic mosques in Christchurch, New Zeeland, gives another hint that the band has the will-power to work hard and grow, emotionally and musically.
As was pointed out in a review in the Austin Chronicle by Libby Webster, “the music retained the strikingly tight performance of prior sets all week, but took on a mostly unspoken, raw somberness … It felt outrageous that a band should have to process the trauma of the day at a party, but The Beths persevered, poised and gutsy, closing out their SXSW remarkably brave.”
A little history, please
The main members of The Beths studied music at The University of Auckland, according to supplied material “resulting in a toolkit of deft instrumental chops and tricked-out arrangements that operate on a level rarely found in guitar-pop. The Beths’ guitarist and studio guru Jonathan Pearce … brings it all home with an approach that’s equal parts seasoned perfectionist and D.I.Y.”
“There’s a lot of sad sincerity in the lyrics” of Future Me Hates Me, Stokes says in supplied material. “That relies on the music having a light heart and sense of humor to keep it from being too earnest.”
In addition to Stokes on vocals and guitar, and Pearce on guitar and vocals, The Beths include Benjamin Sinclair on bass and vocals, and Tristan Deck on drums and vocals.
Future Me Hates Me is the band’s debut full-length release, with 2016’s EP Warm Blood befog that. On both is the song that most catches my ear: “Whatever”, which seems to sum up the band’s mood if not their expectations — and maybe what they think of American entertainment writers.
“You think I will buy whatever you say … Whatever, yeah, whatever … But now you’re getting me started.”
And what about that name? As far as I and Google can search, nothing on their website or on any wikis shed any light, so we’ll just have to ask.
For a video of The Beth’s “Uptown Girl”, visit here.
For more information on the show at The Pyramid Scheme, with doors open at 7 p.m. and Girl Friday opening, visit here.
Bre McCarthy, Lakeshore Art Festival marketing/entertainment coordinator, is clearly head over heels in love with artist Kelsey Montague’a mural. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Muralist fans — actually art fans of any genre — have a new sight to see as the Lakeshore Art Festival, in conjunction with the JCI Greater Muskegon, held a public unveiling of a mural by internationally known “street artist” Kelsey Montague in downtown Muskegon.
The artist, known for her winged murals, has about 77 similar works on display around the world, including one piece commissioned by singer/songwriter Taylor Swift and two pieces located in Michigan, one in Ann Arbor and another Detroit.
The mural will be permanently displayed on the east side of the Frauenthal Center building. The Lakeshore Art Festival will take place July 5-6.
Artist Kelsey Montague, middle, with to the right is Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, on right, and Danielle Conley, Lakeshore Art Festival Children’s Lane coordinator. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
Montague’s “pieces are inspirational, inclusive and uplifting,” Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, said in supplied material. “It’s a great message and a perfect fit for the Lakeshore Art Festival and for the Muskegon Lakeshore area … The Frauenthal Center stands as a symbol of a community that is deeply dedicated to the arts.”
According to supplied material, the transformation of the Muskegon Lakeshore community served as inspiration for this project. The visual elements inside the butterfly wings, a blue heron, black-eyed susan, water, lighthouse, and music notes bring attention to aspects of the Muskegon lakeshore.
The new mural by Kelsey Montague on the outside wall of Muskegon’s Frauenthal Center. (Lakeshore Art Festival)
“We are inspired by this uplifting project and the community collaboration behind it,” Eric Messing, Frauenthal Center executive director, said in supplied material. “This piece highlights and celebrates the vibrant transformation happening in our area, and the Frauenthal Center is thrilled to serve as home to a work of art that will spark conversation for our community and visitors alike.”
The Lakeshore Art Festival is always the first Friday and Saturday in July, and this year will feature more than 350 fine art and craft exhibitors, street performers, specialty food booths, interactive art stations, children’s activities and so much more in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.
BASE Hologram, the leading content developer, producer and distributor of concerts, theatricals and spectacles that combine holographic cinema and mixed reality with live entertainment, has announced North American tour dates for Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ’N’ Roll Dream Tour, a groundbreaking tour featuring the award-winning rock and roll legends, including a stop in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at 7:30pm in SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall.
Stemming from the success of BASE Hologram’s In Dreams: Roy Orbison in Concert tour that broke records across the globe in 2018, the company will bring Orbison and Holly together for an enthralling event that will see concurrent dates across North America, Europe, and UK. Eric Schaeffer (Million Dollar Quartet), who shepherded the In Dreams event, will return as the director.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 21 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.
“When you look at the architects of the Rock and Roll era, the names that come to mind are Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly,” said Brian Becker, Chairman and CEO of BASE Hologram. “Both of these men weren’t just gifted musicians, but skillful innovators who helped influence others in game-changing ways.”
Accompanied by a live band and back-up singers, this cutting-edge, multi-media holographic performance and remastered audio will transport audiences back in time for an evening of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly’s greatest hits on stage. “These men weren’t just one thing – they were artists in every sense of the word,” said BASE Hologram CEO of Production Marty Tudor.
“Like Roy, Buddy has a truly impressive songbook, and in many cases, audiences may not have realized he was the one behind so many hits. Part of the beauty of these productions is we get to share the legacy of these performers and remind people the full range of their talent.”
ESME’s exciting live music and dance production returns to Grand Rapids at Fountain Street Church featuring a unique ensemble that includes dancers of the Grand Rapids Ballet.
Original dance choreography is set to the music of Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Radiohead and interwoven together through a series of narrative twists. Swan Song takes an eclectic music program and re-imagines it as a demo reel of thematic vignettes, combining personal storytelling with the immediacy of live music and dance interaction to create an engaging concert experience that is part intimate, part cinematic, and wholly accessible to a diverse audience.
Don’t miss it: June 21, 7:30pm at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Tickets for the hilarious actor/comedian go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10am
Charismatic actor and comedian Cedric ‘The Entertainer’is best known for his crowd-pleasing performances in hit films and television shows such as Barbershop, Be Cool, and Madagascar, and now he’s bringing his talents to Grand Rapids for a show at SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hallon Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 14 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.
Cedric’s universal appeal, versatility and tremendous career success spanning film, live performances and television have solidified his standing as one of the premier entertainers in the world. In July of 2018, Cedric received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other notable accolades Cedric has been honored with are The AFTRA Award of ‘Excellence in Television Programming,’ the NAACP Image Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Proud Family, record-breaking four consecutive NAACP Image Awards for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Steve Harvey Show, and The Richard Pryor ‘Comic of the Year Award.’
On the big screen, the multi-talented funnyman has consistently co-starred alongside some of the most renowned film actors. He was most recently seen in the comedy features Why Him?, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Top Five, and many more. Additionally, Cedric has displayed tremendous voiceover talent in the beloved family features Disney’s Planes, Charlotte’s Web, Madagascar and various sequels. Currently, Cedric co-stars with Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in the new hit TBS comedy series, The Last OG., as well as The Neighborhood, a new TV comedy series on CBS.
As a philanthropist, Cedric founded The Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which provides college scholarships and outreach programs to enhance the lives of inner-city youth and their families in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships and countless incentives and plans to extend its reach to a national level.
Grand Rapids Public MuseumThe Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that the TOYS! exhibit is taking over the Museum. Museum visitors can experience TOYS! like never before with additional interactive experiences and games available throughout the Museum beginning Saturday, June 15.
More than 15 new interactives will fill the first floor galleria, into the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit and on the Museum’s second floor, overflowing from the TOYS! exhibit. Visitors will enjoy playing giant versions of their favorite games including: Battleship, Lincoln Logs, Chess, Connect Four, UNO, Kerplunk, Tic Tac Toe, Lite Brite and more!
TOYS! is an interactive, multi-generational exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones. This GRPM original exhibit features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from the community, allowing visitors to imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations.
The exhibit, designed and curated by the GRPM staff, features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from community members. Visitors imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations.
Through the design process of the exhibition, the Museum worked with several experts from the community making sure the design was as inclusive as possible so everyone visiting can enjoy it. The exhibition is presented in both English and Spanish, and also includes Braille.
TOYS! and the expanded games and activities are free with general admission to the Museum. Kent County residents receive reduced admission as a benefit of the 2016 voter approved millage, including free general admission for Kent County children 17 and younger.
Summerhouse Lavender Farm has created a “zen” garden experience. (SLF)
By Jack Cafretsas Summerhouse Lavender Farm
The Summerhouse Lavender Farm will offer an educational experience on its farm: The Summerhouse Seminar Series. Guests are invited to take part in planting, demonstrations, and games while enjoying crafty culinary creations. Plates and Planting, the first of the events, takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The bitter temperatures of 2019’s final winter storms damaged many of Dan McGavin and Carol Brown’s lavender crop. But instead of seeing loss, the farm owners saw opportunity.
“These events are a celebration of rebirth,” said McGavin.
The couple envisioned the events as an opportunity for the community to discover the magic of the lavender growing process. Attendees will get to learn proper planting techniques, lavender care, harvesting and distilling of the plant.
There are many things you can do and make with lavender which is why Summerhouse Lavender Farm is hosting workshops this summer. (SLF)
The day will be topped off by enjoying culinary creations derived from lavender, such as lemonade and cookies. Attendees will also get to sample their new line of grilling spice, and enjoy hotdogs provided by the Douglas Root Beer Barrel. Games and other activities are also part of the experience for attendees.
Feeling a drive to keep active after retirement, McGavin and Brown built the lavender farm piece by piece on their Fennville property. The farm is still actively growing, recently expanding into the farm’s back pastures.
“We said to ourselves, ‘what do we do now,’” said Brown, who is a former professor of communications.
Hops and other crops were considered before the two decided on lavender as their new pursuit. From there, they found a one-acre plot in Fennville where they began assembling their dream plant by plant.
The farm now features approximately 825 plants of seven varieties. With these, a host of creations are hand-crafted. Products such as lotions, soap, essential oils, and even honey from the farm’s bees all come from the organically grown lavender.
Inspired by the calming effects of lavender, the farm has integrated fountains and Zen gardens to create a sense of calm restfulness. The atmosphere is designed to reduce stress as visitors come to reconnect with nature.
Brown and McGavin say the farm’s motto is, “a creative respect for land, lavender and people.” However, the two say they cherish the people the most.
“We just want to share what we have created here with those who will love it just as we do,” McGavin said.
More information and pre-sale tickets for the first workshop can be found through the farms Facebook page. Admission for the event is $10. By following the page, fans can stay up to date on the next two workshops which are yet to be announced.
About the SummerHouse Lavender Farm
The Summerhouse Lavender Farm is located at 2976 65th Street, Fennville, MI. The farm grows seven varieties of plants, with a total of approximately 825 plants. A variety of products, from lotions to essential oils, are available for purchase. For more information call 616.218.5793 or email info@summerhouselavender.com.
Lavender being prepared at Summerhouse Lavender Farm (SLF)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and WYCE 88.1FM announced today the 2019 lineup for the 11th annual GRAM on the Green free outdoor summer concert series.
Taking place on Thursday evenings from July 11 – Aug. 22, the concert series features some of the best local and regional talent Michigan has to offer. Guests of all ages are invited to relax on the Museum’s outdoor terrace and enjoy free live music, dancing, food trucks, free museum admission, art-making activities, and a cash bar.
“The summer season returns to downtown Grand Rapids with GRAM on the Green with WYCE 88.1FM,” commented GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne. “During seven weeks in July and August, the visual and performing arts combine to present an inclusive and accessible concert series in the heart of our city.”
The 2019 lineup offers a diverse variety of performances, ranging from R&B/soul, acoustic/folk, and jazz, to indie/pop and blues rock.
2019 Lineup: July 11: Last Gasp Collective, soul/hip-hop/R&B
July 18: Lipstick Jodi with Jes Kramer, rock and electronic
July 25: Pink Sky with hi-ker, alternative/electronic
Aug. 1: Molly with Blushing Monk, soul and jazz
Aug. 8: Hannah Rose and the Gravestones with KJ & the Good Time Family Band, funk/rock
Aug. 15: Jake Kershaw, blues/rock
Aug. 22: Cameron Blake with Samuel Nalangira, folk/soul and Ugandan folk
“Grand Rapids has built a reputation as a music city, and WYCE could not be more excited to co-present this diverse lineup of acclaimed local, regional, and national talent,” added WYCE Station Manager Hayes Griffin. “WYCE is a community radio station, and GRAM on the Green offers the perfect platform to showcase musical talent right here in West Michigan.”
Admission to the Museum is free during GRAM on the Green evenings from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights.
Concert guests are invited inside the galleries to explore the exhibitions on view during the summer months: Maya Lin: Flow, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection and the newest works on view in the Permanent Collection.
With a vast repertoire that features covers from such groups as Cake, .38 Special, A-ha, Fun, and Elton John, West Michigan’s Brena Band is set to take the stage Tuesday for the second Wyoming Concerts in the Park.
Concerts in the Park is at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
The Brena Band, a popular band for weddings and social engagements, has performed at a number of West Michigan festivals and concerts such as the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and the City of Walker’s summer concert series.
The group is known for its high energy and extensive song list that ranges from oldies to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music and everything in between. The band also has won Revue Magazine’s Best of the West Cover Band for the past three years.
If you can not make Tuesday night’s performance, the group will be back in the area Aug. 1 to perform at the Kentwood summer concert series, which is at 7 p.m. on the lawn behind the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.
Before the Wyoming Concerts in the Park show, there will be free Zumba. Food vendors will be available as well. For a complete list of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
When the cast list was announced for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies, Wyoming resident Cullen Dyk admitted he was “shocked” to see his name on it.
“My dance callback was not the greatest,” he said with a laugh. “I am not classically trained in any way.”
Hmmm, really? That is a fun fact since Dyk’s most recent production was Civic’s “Mamma Mia!,” a show also known for its dancing. Dyk played Sky.
So given that Dyk is pursuing voice acting, we’ll just say it is his voice that landed him the roll of Darcy and a Newsies ensemble member, which he said “works for me.”
Disney’s Newsies, which runs May 31 — June 23, is based the 1992 cult film of the same name that told the story of the newsboy strike of 1899. The musical follows the story of Jack Kelly, a New York paperboy with dreams of a bright future in Santa Fe. His struggles are complicated with a raise in distribution prices forcing him to sell more papers. He decides to take a stand against publishing titan Joseph Pulitzer, but can he rally the other newsies to do the same and will anyone listen?
Dyk is certainly tap dancing, both literally and figuratively, through the Grand Rapids Civic production as a number of characters.
“I’m a newise. I am a person buying a paper from one of the newsies. I am one of the opposing newsies. I am the person helping them get into the printing press at the end,” Dyk said as he listed off his various roles in the show. “In one scene, I am a couple of different people so there are a lot of costume changes and craziness.”
It is the craziness that Dyk said he would not miss.
“’Newsies was the first professional Broadway show I had ever seen,” Dyk said. Dyk had seen the show when Broadway Grand Rapids brought it in as part of its 2015-2016 season and immediately fell in love with it.
High stepping it: Some of the Newsies cast members show off their moves during a photo shot at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo by studio3twenty)
“The dancing is amazing but it was the message that got me,” Dyk said. “It is how a group of young folks chose to be the change that inspired me, something that we are seeing today.
“They went against the big guys to make life better for everyone.”
It was the message that had Dyk sign up for auditions earlier this year and, well, the rest is already in print. And while Dyk admits he can’t do some of the dance movies that some of hist cast mates do — “These guys are incredible. They can do these crazy gymnastic choreography. It is just amazing” — he is holding his own.
“I love the song ‘King of New York,’” Dyk said. “There is a lot of tap dancing and it is all of us out there dancing, tapping, and having fun.”
Full of an array of songs including “Once and For All” and “Change the World” both of which carry that message of “be the change,” Disney’s Newsies is a high energy show. |
Bottomline: “If you like Disney musicals, this is a live action Disney movie on stage,” Dyk said.
Disney’s Newsies is May 31 — June 23 at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. Tickets for the show are $17 — $39. Tickets have been selling quickly for the show. For tickets, visit www.grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
The new entrance gates to the Meijer Gardens outdoor concert venue. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
If you were letting your summer schedule settle out before you bought tickets for the summer concert at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, there is some good news and bad news awaiting you at the box office.
The good news is that there are some great shows in a spectrum of genres with original-price tickets available through the Gardens, including this Sunday’s Rodrigo y Gabriela visit, with the fine alt-folkie Justin Townes Earle opening, as well as July shows by Andrew Bird, The Mavericks + Los Lobos, and Dawes + Margo Price.
Foreigner will strut their stuff on Meijer Gardens’ outdoor stage. (Supplied/Foreigner)
But if you waited to get your tickets for the likes of classic rock stalwarts The Beach Boys, Styx, and Foreigner, you are going to have to pay the price for indecision — tickets for the sold-out Aug. 11 show with Foreigner had an original ticket price of $84 and now the cheapest we see are $155 on StubHub.
In all, and including the Nahko and Medicine for the People show on June 6, 15 of the 30 shows were sold out as of this week — but that means tickets are still available for (in addition to the one’s mentioned) Buddy Guy + Kenny Wayne Shepherd, June 10; Steve Miller Band + Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, June 24; Gipsy Kings with Simi, July 21; An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, July 26; JJ Grey & Mofro + Jonny Lang, Aug. 14; Stray Cats, Aug. 15; Mandolin Orange, Sept.4; Tash Sultana with Leo James Conroy, Sept. 8; The B-52’s + OMD + Berlin, Sept. 11; and the season closing show of Calexico and Iron & Wine, Sept. 18.
The three aforementioned “great shows”, in our humble but semi-knowledgable opinion, are worth the ticket price and worth deeper preview discussion.
Andrew Bird (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)
Anybody who saw Andrew Bird last year probably already have their tickets for his show. Bird has been around but you may only know him from his 2016 solo release “Are You Serious” and the single “Capsized”. His visit last year to Meijer Gardens with Esperanza Spalding was, arguably, the hippest night of the season.
Los Lobos in 2014 (Supplied by the band)
Los Lobos, the hard working, constantly touring band – led by David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin – rolled into their fifth decade with 2015’s “Gates of Gold”, their first full length studio album since 2010’s “Tin Can Trust” — a great collection constantly on my playlist.
Margo Price. (Supplied/Angelina Castillo for Third Man Records)
And Margo Price is, borrowed from someone else, country as is should be. Price has played with Jack White and Willie Nelson … is there two more diverse musical mentors? At her 2017 concert at St, Cecilia Music Center, my review noted that Price came to the stage wearing a pretty pink little dress perfect for the stage of the Grand Ole Opry but with her exposed shoulders showing off a big ole tattoo, and proceeded with a rough-edged if not intentionally alt-country set of often introspective, intimate original songs and covers of the who’s who of classic and outlaw country.
As the Gardens opens its season it will do so with more audience entry gates in an expanded plaza area, an expanded and modernized concession area, and access to new and expanded restrooms first from the outside for those lined up and then from the inside.
The physical changes conclude a two-year effort of significant expansion and improvement of the venue while maintaining the 1,900-seat general seating area.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater tickets are general admission. Concertgoers are welcome to bring a blanket or low-rise chair to sit on. Low-rise chairs are defined as 12-inch maximum from ground to front of seat bottom and 32-inch maximum to top of chair back in highest position — these rules are strictly enforced. No other chairs will be permitted in the venue. A limited number of standard-height chairs will be available to rent for $10 (located in designated area-may not be removed) on a first-come, first-served basis.
All concerts take place rain or shine, and weather delays possible. Concertgoers are also welcomed to bring their own food, sealed bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages in their original sealed containers.
For more information and tickets for non-sold out shows visit meijergardens.org . For those seeking aftermarket tickets, you are on your own.
Laurence Juber not only knows hot to handle an electric guitar — and he has two Grammys to prove it — he also knows how to handle a camera lens.
Both talents will be on display at the Muskegon Museum of Art this month as, first, “The Photography of Laurence Juber” — photographs from his 2014 book, Guitar with Wings, which showcases the intimate photographs of his days as guitarist with Paul McCartney’s band Wings — is currently on display through September.
Then, on Friday, June 14, Juber will be in concert at the museum’s Frey Auditorium starting at 7 p.m., with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m.
At the time of the book’s release, Vintage Guitar magazine called it “A treasure trove for fans of McCartney, Wings or pop music in general,” accord to the book’s website, while Beatlefan magazine said: “Juber’s book chronicling the last years of Wings is a fitting tribute to an under-examined period of McCartney’s career, and Wings fans in particular will find both his pictures and the eloquent text an enjoyable addition to their library.”
As far as Juber’s musical talents? If Pete Townshend, of The Who, no slouch with the guitar himself, called him “a master”, you got to believe. And then there are those Grammys.
Juber is a music graduate of London’s Goldsmith’s College, he was featured guitar soloist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra before becoming established as a studio musician in the mid-1970’s, according to supplied material. As lead guitarist in McCartney’s Wings he won his first Grammy. After Wings broke up, Juber has gone on to released 27 solo albums. The latest, “Downtown”, is a 2018 collection of standards. His solo arrangement of “The Pink Panther Theme” earned him a second Grammy.
As a studio musician, he has worked with artists such as Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Seal, and the French chanteuse Sylvie Vartin. He also co-composed the soundtrack of the award-winning video game “Diablo III”, scored the NBC Dateline documentary “Children Of The Harvest” and was also featured in the Ken Burns’ documentary “The Tenth Inning.”
That is what you call not resting on your laurels.
And while you are at the MMA, catch “Lights, Camera, Rock ‘n’ Roll: Music Photography by Paul Jendrasiak”, which spans the career of the veteran Michigan concert photographer and includes “stunning front-row photographs of rock stars performing at venues throughout the state over the past two decades,” accord to supplied material. The exhibition also runs through September.
Tickets to the Laurence Juber in concert are $25 in advance (for non members) and $30 at door, and the ticket includes the pre-concert reception with a cash bar. The Muskegon Museum of Art is locate at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information call 231-720-2580 or visit muskegonartmuseum.org .
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced an exciting Planetarium Double Feature coming to the Chaffee Planetarium. This summer only, catch a double feature of The Queen Light Show and Dark Side: The Light Show!
On Thursday, June 6 and Thursday, August 1, music enthusiasts will rock out to the music of Queen and Pink Floyd paired with stunning visuals on the planetarium dome.
The Museum’s doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first show, The Queen Light Show, starting at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available before the first show and during a short intermission.
Tickets to the Planetarium Double Features will include both light shows, and are $8 for non-members, $4 for members. Tickets may be purchased at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.
The Queen Light Show
New life is brought to the wildly popular classic rock light show format with an original production set to the music of Queen. Experience 10 of Queen’s greatest hits, including favorite like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust and You’re My Best Friend. The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love! is brought to the Chaffee Planetarium from Longway Planetarium in Flint, MI.
Dark Side: The Light Show
Experience Pink Floyd’s iconic album as never before in this one-of-a-kind light show, featuring stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences, and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound. Dark Side: The Light Show is a GRPM original production, first launched at the Chaffee Planetarium in Spring 2015.
The Grand RapidsPublic Museum (GRPM) just announced that tickets for the annual Front Row for the Fireworks celebration are on sale now! Join the GRPM for the Independence Day fundraiser on Saturday, July 6, to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids’ fireworks show.
In addition to having the best seats in Grand Rapids for the fireworks, visitors will be able to explore all three floors of the Museum, including the Changing America and TOYS! exhibits, enjoy rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, hear patriotic music on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, and see a Chaffee Planetarium show. At dusk, visitors can head outside to the enclosed lawn seating areas or stay inside the Museum for air-conditioned comfort to watch the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River.
During the event, the Museum will offer affordable meal deals and ice cream treats available for purchase.
Tickets for Front Row for the Fireworks are $15 for the general public and $10 for Museum members. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at grpm.org/FrontRow or by calling the Museum at 616.929.1700.
Sponsor a Child to Attend Front Row for the Fireworks
By sponsoring a child for Front Row for the Fireworks, you are giving local kids in foster care the opportunity to see the fireworks from one of the best viewing locations along the river, bringing a fun and memory-making experience into their lives.
The GRPM is once again working with Samaritas, West Michigan Ronald McDonald House, D.A. Blodgett St. John’s Home, Bethany Christian Services, Kids Food Basket and Catholic Charities of West Michigan to bring foster children, who might otherwise not be able to attend, downtown to the Museum to enjoy the event. Children can be sponsored with a $15 ticket donation that includes event admission and a meal for the child.
Changing America
This exhibit examines the relationship between two great people’s movements, which both grew out of decades of bold actions, resistance, organization and vision. In addition to artifacts from the GRPM Collections, many artifacts on display are on loan from the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. Local stories are told through the eyes of our community in the form of oral histories, and the exhibit includes a space for visitors to reflect and share their own story. Find out more at grpm.org/ChangingAmerica
TOYS!
TOYS!is an interactive, multi-generational exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones. This GRPM original exhibit features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from the community, allowing visitors to imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations. Find out more at grpm.org/Toys.
From a recent Jazz In the Sanctuary concert at Grand Rapids Fountain Street Church, Xavier Davis, Matt Brewer and Robin Connell. (Supplied/Robin Connell)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Local jazz mainstays Robin Connell and Paul Brewer have plenty to be proud of with the jazz music baselines being put down by two members of their family tree, and local audiences will get a chance to hear evidence of their pride over the next few weeks.
First, Connell and Brewer’s young son Benny Brewer will be on the bass Thursday, May 30, from 8-11 p.m., as the Robin Connell Trio hits the stage at downtown Grand Rapids’ One Trick Pony, with Connell on keyboards and Tim Froncek on drums. (For more information on One Trick Pony, visit here.)
Also, expected to sit in at the gig will be Paul Brewer on trombone, Peter Sage on trumpet, Evan Davis on trumpet and “maybe some other friends.”
Then Paul’s son and Connell’s step-son, Matt Brewer — a big-time jazz bassist who has played with the likes of Terence Blanchard, to name just one — will be featured in the upcoming Aquinas Jazz Camp faculty concert on June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Aquinas College’s Kretchmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Building. Admission to the concert is free.
“Matt is a world renown jazz bassist performing and recording with artists such as Antonio Sanchez, Ben Wendel, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, among many others,” Connell said to WKTV. “Matt has been doing his dad a favor by teaching (at the jazz camp) every year for the past several years … (but) Paul (Brewer) is retiring so the Aquinas Jazz Camp will be changing … so this will be the last time Matt teaches at the camp. Therefore its very likely this is the last time he will perform in Grand Rapids.”
Matt Brewer, according to a supplied biography, was born into a musical family and was surrounded by music from an early age — both his father and grandfather were jazz musicians, and his mother an avid music lover and radio DJ (who, even before Matt was born, would play classic jazz albums for him).
After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy, Matt attended the inaugural class of The Juilliard Jazz Program and studied with bassists Rodney Whitaker and Ben Wolfe. After spending two years at Juilliard, he decided to leave school to make embark on a busy touring schedule. Since then he has worked with artists such as Greg Osby, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Lee Konitz, David Sanchez, Terence Blanchard, Antonio Sanchez, Vijay Iyer, Adam Rogers, Steve Coleman, Dave Binney, Aaron Parks, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and many others.
He recently recorded his second album as a leader on the Criss Cross Jazz label. He is an adjunct faculty member at The New School, and has been a frequent guest artist/teacher at the Banff Center.
At the planned Aquinas concert, the other faculty performing include Paul Brewer, Connell, Benje Daneman on trumpet, Froncek, Mike Hyde on guitar and Tom Lockwood on saxophone.
By Eric Engelbarts, Meijer State Games of Michigan
The Meijer State Games of Michigan has added spikeball to its more than 45-sport lineup, and that’s not all — after last summer’s successful debut, ninja and paintball will be back.
Spikeball will take place during the main weekend of the Summer Games, on Saturday, June 22, at Douglas Walker Park (1195 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315); paintball on Sunday, June 23, at TC Paintball (2070 Waldorf St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49544); and Ninja on Saturday, June 29 at RockFit Ninjas (8830 Belding Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341).
Registration for these games is currently open. For spikeball, players can register in beginner or advanced divisions. Go here for rules, entry fees, schedule, and to register.
Ninja will have four age divisions: 7-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-17 years, and 18 years and older. Go here for rules, entry fees, schedule, and to register.
There are three divisions in paintball: rental only, novice and advanced. The rental-only division will include free equipment rental; the other two divisions will not include equipment. Each team will comprise 3 players. Go here for rules, entry fees, schedule, and to register.
About 8,000+ athletes will participate in over 45 sporting events at this year’s Summer Games. For more information about registration, please go here. Registration links are located on each sports page.
LowellArts announces the opening of a summertime exhibition titled Livin’ Is Easy. The exhibition consists of a collection of colorful paintings and drawings by six Michigan artists that will be on display at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331 from June 1 to Aug. 17. Gallery hours are Tues-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm.
The subject of the pieces range from depictions of beautifully weathered objects, local Michigan waterways, animal and aquatic life forms to whimsical figurative work. Artists include:
Justin Bernhardt, from Vicksburg
Lisa Mull, from Hudsonville
Kerry Rolewicz, from Rockford
Mariel Versluis, from Grand Rapids
Olivia Timmons, from Grand Rapids
Craig Cossey, from Eaton Rapids
A meet-the-artists reception will be held on Sunday, June 2 from 2-4pm. The event is free, and open to the public.
The family friendly Tuesday Evening Music Club is always an excuse to dance a little. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park recently announced its 10-show lineup for the Tuesday Evening Music Club, which brings local and regional musicians to the Amphitheater stage starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings throughout July and August, with a special “dress rehearsal” concert set for June 4 with the amphitheater plaza gates open at 5 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m.
May Erlewine and The Motivations, June 4 at 7 p.m. (Supplied)
Concert goers who are not members of the Gardens will need a regular admission ticket but they can purchase that at the new box office at the amphitheater. But for that one night only, the venue will feature 50 percent off all food at the new concessions building as the Gardens unveils the amphitheater expansion and upgrades.
The Tuesday-night concerts — free to Meijer Gardens members and included with gardens admission for other guests — feature with a diverse schedule of live bands and programming ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk, and even ballet. And there will be more to like off the stage as well.
The amphitheater has undergone significant expansion and improvement over the past two seasons, while maintaining the intimacy of the 1,900-seat venue.
A new concessions building has been added this season, with increased capacity for quicker food and beverage service, an improved point-of-sale system with quick chip technology to speed up purchases. and new restrooms outside of the entry gates for guests waiting in line. An expanded plaza area with additional entry gates will help shorten lines and wait times.
Meijer Gardens also announced two new series sponsors for the Tuesday Evening Music Club: Meyer Music and Michigan Radio 104.1 FM join WYCE and Corporate Live as partners for the series. Meyer Music will be bringing various instruments each week for guests to enjoy in a hands-on, “instrument petting zoo” at each concert.
The 2019 Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup includes:
May Erlewine and The Motivations, June 4 at 7 p.m.
Roosevelt Diggs and Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, July 2 at 7 p.m.
Big Sherb and Paddlebots, July 9 at 7 p.m.
Matt Gabriel and Kari Lynch Band, July 16 at 7 p.m.
Boy From School and Manhattan, July 23 at 7 p.m.
Franklin Park and 6-Pak, July 30 at 7 p.m.
The Hip Pocket and Soul Syndicate, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.
The River Rogues Jazz Band and Sam’s Swing Band, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.
Grand Rapids Ballet, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. This program will employ a full company of dancers performing works by some of today’s most in-demand choreographers. A mix of classical and contemporary ballets, including Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, featuring the music of Queen, Lou Reed, Felix Mendelssohn and many more.
Local favorite Ralston Bowles likes to share the stage. (Supplied)
Ralston & Friends, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Local favorite Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators from the community and beyond.
For more information on concerts at Meijer Gardens, visit meijergardens.org.
Take a trip down memory lane in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “TOYS!” exhibit.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced that this summer it will be participating in Blue Star Museums, a program which provides free admission to our nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families. The 2019 program will begin on Saturday, May 25, 2019, Memorial weekend, and end on Sunday, September 1, 2019, Labor Day weekend.
Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide. First Lady of the United States Melania Trump and Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence are honorary co-chairs of Blue Star Museums 2019.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of four museums in Grand Rapids participating in 2019. Other participants include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts. Military can find the full list of participating museums nationwide at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is located at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is thrilled to take part in Blue Star Museums for the fourth year in a row,” said Kate Kocienski, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the GRPM. “The Museum is looking forward to giving back to those in active-duty and their families who give so much for our country.”
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to celebrate the tenth summer of collaborating with Blue Star Families, Department of Defense, and especially the more than 2,000 museums across our nation that make this program possible,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Organizations such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum are providing wonderful opportunities for military families to share a memorable experience together this summer.”
This year’s participating organizations include fine art, science, history and children’s museums, as well as zoos, aquariums, gardens and more.
“We’ve seen the tremendous impact the Blue Star Museums program brings to our military families, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating a decade of support,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, chief executive officer of Blue Star Families. “Not only are museums fun to explore but are also great for making memories and strengthening military families as a whole.”
“The Defense Department congratulates Blue Star Families and the National Endowment for the Arts on reaching an incredible milestone: ten years of service to the military community though Blue Star Museums,” said A.T. Johnston, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. “We offer our sincere gratitude to the more than 2,000 museums across the country who open their doors through this wonderful program. Your patriotism and generosity have enriched the lives and experiences of our military families.”
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
Opera Grand Rapids presents tenor Zach Borichevsky in the role of Alfredo in the June 14 & 15 production of Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, at St. Cecilia Music Center. The heartbreaking true story of Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis, La Traviata is one of the greatest operas of all time. The classic novella inspired the films, Camille, Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge. Buy tickets here.
Below, Mr. Borichevsky shares some more details about himself and his life on and off the stage.
Where are you originally from?
Suburban Philadelphia, PA
Who has inspired you/been your greatest influence professionally? Why?
Pavarotti is a cliché answer, but he’s the finest vocal technician I’ve ever heard, while also being deeply, yet simply expressive.
Who/what brought you into the world of Opera?
Actually, Andrea Bocelli was my gateway singer—I sang his hit “Con te partirò” in a church basement at age 12 or so.
Where do you live now?
Near Tarrytown, NY, just north of NYC
What are your hobbies when not performing?
I’ve always been a bit of a political junkie (double majored in music and political science), but when I’m not reading or listening to every last piece of wonky policy journalism, I’m keeping up with the Philadelphia Phillies, who are looking formidable in 2019.
What is your favorite Role/Opera/Piece?
Has to be Rodolfo in La bohème.
What are your favorite things about being a professional musician?
Endless variety, yet comforting rituals remain between gigs. Working with new and old brilliant pianist friends, working with an orchestra for the first time, meeting new singer colleagues and seeing old friends after a long absence.
Least favorite?
Long absences from home (will be home a total of 100 days this year)
Where is your favorite place to travel/perform? Why?
Santa Fe is a beautiful place to spend a summer—both my summers there have been restorative (and I got engaged there!).
What performances/plans do you have in the next year?
I’ll be singing with Washington National Opera in the fall and very excited to sing in Rigoletto with my wife in both Nashville and Colorado in the spring/summer.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artists Series co-artistic directors and chamber music power couple Wu Han and David Finckel (on cello) will be on the same stage this season. (Courtesy St. Cecilia/Tara Helen O’Connor)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
West Michigan jazz and Americana/folk fans — and I count myself in that crowd — eagerly await the early summer announcement of St. Cecilia Music Center’s next concert music series, which came down Tuesday with its 2019-20 season line-up.
Judy Collins (Supplied)
And with a Spectacular Jazz Series that includes the The Clayton Brothers Quintet and an Acoustic Café Folk Series featuring the return of the incomparable Judy Collins, both live up to the center’s reputation.
But, truth be told, the concert of the season will be one of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artists Series, as CMS co-artistic directors and chamber music power couple Wu Han (on piano) and David Finckel (on cello) come to town together on a program titled “From Prague to Vienna” but maybe more appropriately called “From New York City, with Love.”
Performing with violinist Arnaud Sussman and violist Paul Neubauer, Wu Hann and Finckel will perform in a concert which “celebrates friendship and family with three composers who mentored and inspired each other: Brahms, Dvořák and Suk,” according to supplied material. “Brahms discovered Dvořák through a composition competition and helped him rise to international stardom, and became his lifelong friend and mentor. In turn, Suk was one of Dvořák’s favorite students and eventually became his son-in-law.”
Of course, seeing and hearing Wu Hann and Finckel perform together is worth the price of admission whatever the program.
While fans can pick their favorites, St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook shows no such favoritism.
Cathy Holbrook St. Cecilia (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“We are so excited about all of our concerts and the amazing artists coming to Grand Rapids to perform at SCMC this coming season,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “We’re happy to have three great series that appeal to everyone’s interests in music. The exquisite sound and intimate setting of the Royce Auditorium makes these chosen concerts at SCMC one-of-a-kind.”
Tickets are now on sale for all announced concerts including opening folk series concerts by Lee Ann Womack on Oct. 3 and Judy Collins on Oct. 20; the jazz series opener of Fred Hersch featuring special guest Julian Lage on Oct. 17; and “Great Innovators” – works by Stravinsky, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Smetana, on Nov. 21, to launch the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Series.
The chamber music series will continue with “French Enchantment” on Jan. 23, 2020, featuring the elegant works of Ravel, Fauré and Saint-Saëns; followed by the aforementioned “From Prague to Vienna” on April 30, 2020.
The Clayton Brothers. (Supplied by the artists)
The jazz series, after the Hersch/Lage pairing, will include Emmet Cohen’s Master Legacy Series featuring Ron Carter on Jan. 16, 2020; vocalist Luciana Souza on March 5, 2020; and The Clayton Brothers Quintet on April 16, 2020.
The folk series, after Ms. Womack’s and Ms. Collins’ visits, will continue with multi-Grammy Award winner Chris Thile on Feb. 25, 2020, immediately followed by “eclectic adventurist” singer/ guitarist Raul Midón on Feb. 27. (And, as in past seasons, additional Acoustic Café Series concerts will be announced at a later date.)
Season subscription tickets to the 2019-2020 Spectacular Jazz Series and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Concert Series are now available by calling 616-459-2224, visiting St. Cecilia Music Center at 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids, or online for new subscribers at scmc-online.org. Single tickets to chamber, jazz, and folk concerts are also on sale now and can be purchased by phone or online at the same.
For each concert, a post-concert party is open to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to possibly meet the artists and obtain signed CDs of their releases. There will also be pre-concert receptions for the CMS of Lincoln Center concerts and the Jazz Series concerts featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres for $15 per person.
