Category Archives: Upcoming Events

West Michigan native, Kentwood favorite, singer/songwriter to perform in Kentwood’s final Winter series concert March 31

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Nicholas James Thomasma will bring his VW van full of music to Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series this week. (He won’t actually bring the van into the library!) (Supplied)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

Singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma, no stronger to the stage of Kentwood city concerts, will bring his family-friendly mix of Americana, folk, country, and rock music to the final Winter Concert Series show this week.

The City of Kentwood’s free-to-the-public concert is set for Thursday, Mar. 31, at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The songwriter, talking to WKTV, said he plans to combine stories and songs, creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all ages.

“What we do, as musicians … everything centers around gathering people together for experiences,” Thomasma said. “My music is applicable to, and can appeal to, all ages.”

The concert will take place in the library’s Community Room, from 6:30-8 p.m., and guests are invited to bring their own beer, wine, or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy during the show. Also available will be food from El Jalapeño, a local food truck featuring Mexican cuisine.

Though the singer frequently plays with a 6-piece band, The Bandwagon, Thomasma will be performing as a solo artist at the Kentwood show, incorporating acoustic guitar and harmonica into his performance, often playing both instruments at the same time.

Nicholas James Thomasma with his big band, Bandwagon. (Supplied)

A singer/songwriter’s journey

Thomasma’s journey into the music world began when the artist was in his twenties. Working as a radio DJ, Thomasma’s conversations with other musicians led him to the realization that he was on “the wrong side of the board.”

“What I really wanted to do was play music,” said Thomasma. “I started learning guitar. Almost as soon as I started learning how to play guitar, I started writing my own songs.”

When asked what inspires the songwriter and shapes his music, Thomasma said that he never forces his songs into a particular category.

“When I write songs, I try to treat them how they want to be treated,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a jazz song, sometimes it’s a folk song, sometimes it’s a country song, sometimes it’s a rock song. I just let that happen depending on what the song wants to be.”

Nicholas James Thomasma (Supplied)

Thomasma said he often jokes around at his shows that “This next song is a love song. Spoiler alert: they’re all love songs!”

Because of the emotions put into his work, Thomasma said there is a lot of love in all his songs.

“I’m writing songs from my heart, and whether they are love songs or not, they are often inspired by my real life.”

Keeping busy in unusual ways

Always looking for paying gig, Thomasma said he also creates custom songs upon request. And while he has written songs for various occasions, he said weddings are the most popular request.

“People will contact me shortly after they get engaged and say they want a song for their wedding,” Thomasma said, and that these songs create special moments that no one else has. “Other people can listen to it (the song), but the couple knows it is their song.”

Another unique service Thomasma offers music lovers and listeners are driveway concerts.

Nicholas James Thomasma, and his traveling VW van show. (Supplied)

“Driveway concerts are a pandemic pivot,” said Thomasma. “I’ve been playing house concerts as long as I’ve been performing, but during the pandemic we kind of switched to taking the house out of the equation.”

Thomasma said he doesn’t need a building to make music, traveling to outside venues and homes in his trademark orange 1973 Volkswagen Bus.

“I’ll pull up in your driveway, I’ll have the sound system, you invite your friends and your neighbors, and we’ll all sit in your front yard and have a good time,” said Thomasma, adding that the idea of driveway concerts has really taken off.

Finding various ways for community members to enjoy music isn’t the only way Thomasma honors his love of music. Future goals include helping other musicians find their footing in the music world as well.

Thomasma is currently enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College, working toward a degree in marketing.

“My goal is to help other artists survive similar to the way that I do,” he said. “I want to understand business and how the music business works so well that I can teach other artists how I do what I do in the hopes that they then can be successful on their own.”

To find out more about Thomasma and his music, visit nicholasjamesthomasma.com.

The public at Kentwood concerts are urged to follow current public health guidelines if attending the concert.

Sign of spring: Kentwood to resume brush and leaf drop-off for city residents

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A sign at the City of Kentwood Department of Public Works as the city’s fall leaf and brush drop-off programs returns in April. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood has announced it will resume its brush and leaf drop-off services beginning Saturday, April 2, when residents can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

Drop-off is available noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, through May 27.

The services are available to Kentwood residents only and proof of residency is required, according to the announcement. Materials that cannot be accepted include trash, paper and plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.

A past pile at the City of Kentwood Department of Public Works as the city’s fall leaf and brush drop-off programs returns in April. (City of Kentwood)

“This winter’s high winds and heavy snow have left behind tree debris that, if unchecked, can clog our roadways and storm drains,” Public Works Director Chad Griffin said in supplied material. “The City of Kentwood’s brush and leaf drop-off services provide residents with an easy and convenient way to clean up their yards and help keep our community’s infrastructure running smoothly.”

In addition to making yard maintenance easier, leaf and brush drop-off services also help residents stay in compliance with city ordinances, according to the city announcement. The accumulation of leaves and debris on a property or in the right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as well as burning leaves and brush.

More information about the City’s brush and leaf drop-off services is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.

St. Cecilia’s chamber music series finale examines ‘The Jazz Effect’ with works of Gershwin, Marsalis

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Several Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) musicians will perform, including pianists Anne-Marie McDermott and Zhu Wang, as well as violinist Ida Kavafian and the Orion String Quartet (violinists Daniel Phillips, Todd Phillips and Steven Tenenbom, and cellist Timothy Eddy). (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

St. Cecilia Music Center’s final Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concert of the 2021-22 season, set for Thursday, March 31, will present classical music influenced by “The Jazz Effect” and featuring works by composers Wynton Marsalis, George Gershwin, Maurice Ravel and Darius Milhaud.

Seven Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) musicians will perform, including pianists Anne-Marie McDermott and Zhu Wang — including in a rare “four hands” piece, as well as violinist Ida Kavafian and the Orion String Quartet (violinists Daniel Phillips, Todd Phillips and Steven Tenenbom, and cellist Timothy Eddy).

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) pianists Anne-Marie McDermott and Zhu Wang will perform in a “four hands” piece. (Pixaby)

“The Jazz Effect” program will include Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, Marsalis’ Selections from At the Octoroon Balls for String Quartet, Milhaud’s La création du monde for piano quintet, Op. 81, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for piano, four hands (arr. Henry Levine).

Tickets for the concert are available and can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.

While the series of short pieces by Marsalis may be among the more unique of the program — set to include “Come Long Fiddler”, “Mating Calls and Delta Rhythms”, “Creole Contradanzas”, “Many Gone”, “Hellbound Highball”, “Blue Light on the Bayou” and “Rampart Street Row House Rag” — the Gershwin work is set to close the night for good reason.

“In terms of pure musicality, George Gershwin was America’s Schubert,” according to promotional material. “He composed with a creativity and skill that immortalized his art, and hardly any of his works is more embedded in the world’s musical consciousness than Rhapsody in Blue, originally described by Gershwin as a “symphony” for piano solo and jazz band. This extraordinary chamber music program pays tribute to great composers who crossed the bridge between the classical and jazz idiom, with dazzling results.”

And having Ann-Marie McDermott and Zhu Wang, and their four hands, on the keyboard should be unforgettable.

Health and safety requirements 

According to supplied material, St. Cecilia currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Home tests are not accepted. All patrons will be required to wear a mask while in the building for the duration of the concert.

 

If patrons have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

Watch WKTV for tonight’s Wyoming City Council special meeting on proposed income tax and property tax decrease proposals

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By WKTV Staff

Wyoming City Council will hold a special session tonight, Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m., to inform voters about the May 3 vote for Proposals 1 & 2, the city’s proposed income tax and property tax decrease proposals for funding of the Wyoming’s Police, Fire and Parks & Recreation Departments.

Watch it live on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on WKTV’s Comcast Channel 26 or on Facebook at the WKTV Community Media Facebook page.

GR Ballet, supporting groups local and causes international, presents Jumpstart 2022 series

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The Grand Rapids Ballet will present a special donation-based performance of Jumpstart 2022 on Saturday, March 26 to support the refugees caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (which has its country colors being blue and yellow). (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


A performance of the Grand Rapids Ballet on the Peter Martin Wege Theatre stage is one of the most intimate experiences a viewer can have. And, yet, the world is much larger than that stage — a fact shown by the ballet’s special production of Jumpstart 2022, running March 25-27.

Grand Rapids Ballet dancers in rehearsal for the Jumpstart 2022 program. (Supplied)

Not only is the ballet again collaborating with various Grand Rapids-area arts and education institutions — including Grand Valley State University and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University — to create eight world-premiere performances that bring “new artistic elements to the forefront.”

But with their hearts and minds clearly on the humanitarian crisis in Europe, the ballet will present a special donation-based performance of Jumpstart 2022 on Saturday, March 26, at 2 p.m., to support the refugees caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

James Sofranko. (photo by Andrew Weeks)

“The conflict in Ukraine and resulting refugee crisis is a horrific tragedy that the world is currently enduring. As artists, we sometimes feel helpless to make a difference, but one thing we can do is use our art to promote the common good,” James Sofranko, artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, said in supplied material. “Please come support this cause and join me in thanking the dancers, actors, musicians, and crew members who are all donating this performance to the people of Ukraine displaced by war.”

All tickets for the special performance will be “donate what you can” (with a suggested $20 minimum donation) with all proceeds benefiting United Way’s United for Ukraine Fund to “support an immediate delivery of food, shelter, transportation, and childcare supplies to those fleeing the conflict.”

While the performance is a ”first-come, first served” event, even with a sellout the ballet will accept online donations for the cause.

Grand Rapids Ballet dancers in rehearsal for the Jumpstart 2022 program. (Supplied)

Ballet members ‘creating” with local groups

The ballet’s Jumpstart series is also an opportunity for the company to become actively involved with not only the artistic creation of new works but also logistical creation of new works — and working with community groups to do so.

“We are an organization dedicated to our community, and I am especially excited this year, in honor of our 50th anniversary, to be able to incorporate collaborations with multiple organizations from around the city, adding yet another layer of creativity and shining a light on how Grand Rapids can come together to create art,” Sofranko said.

In preparation for Jumpstart 2022, eight of the company’s dancers were challenged to “refocus their creative energies, moving into the role of choreographer, building works for other company dancers,” and not only created world premiere works but collaborated with local organizations, including GVSU, KCAD, Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, and Opera Grand Rapids.

(Two Jumpstart 2022 works also will be revived from ballet’s 2020-21 virtual season, including a reworking of the film, “Amiss,” choreographed by resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and “Brothers” by Jennifer Archibald.)

The company dancer choreographers include Isaac Aoki, James Cunningham, Zach Manske, Alexandra Meister-Upleger, Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Emily Reed, Nigel Tau, and Adriana Wagenveld.
 

While rehearsals officially began in early March, the works have been well underway for months as the various community partners began their preparations.

 

The Grand Rapids Ballet worked with students from the Fashion Studies program at KCAD’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion on costume design. (Supplied)

Students from the Fashion Studies program at KCAD’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion began visiting in January, working in the costume shop, creating custom costumes that will be featured in Wagenveld’s work, “Peri physeōs,” based on Empedocles’ poem of the same name, which translates to “On Nature”.

“I am excited for our students to be working with GRB again this semester,” Lori Faulkner, Fashion Studies program chair and associate professor at KCAD, said in supplied material. “Collaborations are an important part of our program’s learning environment.”

In addition to costuming, community partners were also involved in production and visual elements of Jumpstart 2022. Eighteen students from GVSU worked on animation and movement exercises, which are being applied to Reed’s work, “No Longer Left Outside,” which centers around two pieces of music and includes excerpts from “A Conversation with Myself” by Alan Watts.

 

“The GVSU Department of Visual and Media Arts is thrilled to be partnering with GRB,” Julie Goldstein MFA, assistant professor at GVSU, said in supplied material. “The students in our second-level animation class are collaborating with Emily Reed to generate an immersive imaginary landscape for the Jumpstart performance.”

In addition, company dancer Tau’s work, “What Remains”, takes inspiration from Hwa-Jeen Na’s photography collection at GRAM, which depicts people in their daily lives, capturing “the fleeting moments of introspection,” Tau said.

All the creativity and collaboration also leads to very unique works, ballet artistic leader Sofranko said.

“Jumpstart is a program that I look forward to every season because the dancers always astound me with their abundant creativity and talent,” Sofranko said. “In a performance consisting of all world premieres, I never really know what the show is going to look like until opening night, and that makes for a very exciting process!”

For more information about Jumpstart 2022, and all Grand Rapids Ballet performances and programs, visit grballet.com.

Three groups face-off for final round of Battle of the Bands

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Local group Whorled performing at The Stray Cafe. The group is one of the three finalists. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It has been last minute solo decisions to all out phenomenal performances as Wyoming’s The Stray hosted its first-ever Battle of the Bands.

This Friday is the final round as the three remaining bands/performers, Whorled, Daisybox, and Epitones compete for bragging rights along with cash prizes, a free photoshoot and an opportunity to record at Dogtown Studio. First place will receive $300 while second and third will each receive a $100. The show is set to start 6:30 p.m.

“Whorled is a relatively new band, so we thought [Battle of the Bands] would be a fun way to meet other musicians and bands that we have not yet connect with,” Thom Jayne of Whorled said, adding the group heard about the competition from the staff at The Stray Café.

Epitones’ Matt DeRuiter said the group felt the Battle of the Bands would be a great way to showcase the band’s music. (Photo by Jessica Darling)

Grand Rapids-based Whorled (pronounced “world”), offers a unique twist on Celtic, gypsy, jazz, Brazilian and American folk music. The trio performs on a variety of instruments, violin, accordion, guitar, banjo, whistles, and occasionally a didgeridoo, which is a wind instrument.

“When we came across the Battle of the Bands, we knew that it would be a great networking opportunity and avenue to showcase our music,” said Matt Deruiter who is the drummer for Epitones. “We have each participated in Battle of the Bands events in the past with different groups which sparked our interest in this event.

“We’re grateful to be part of such a well organized event with so many great acts.”

Epitones is also based in Grand Rapids and is a three-piece band. The group’s music is original and unique, focusing on progressive instrumental structures and soulful vocals.

Taylor Hottenstein said it was his first time performing Daisybox material live. (Supplied)

Taylor Hottenstein, who is Daisybox, had a tough start as his backing band fell through leading up to his March 4 performance. Despite that, he went on with what has been described as a “raw and emotional” solo performance with just an acoustic guitar. Hotternstein’s music can be best described as soft rock with him focusing on originals and an occasional cover. (In his March 4 performance, he covered Mac Miller’s “Circles.”)

On Friday starting at 6:30 p.m., each of the groups will be performing for 45 minutes. Guest judge is John Sinkevics, who is a career journalist, musician and founder of Local Spins, the state’s fastest-growing music website that covers the West Michigan music scene.

“This was actually my first live performance doing the Daisybox stuff,” Hottenstein said. “I had been mulling over getting these songs out in front of people other than just through releasing singles. So when I saw this pop up, it felt like the right time. So glad I did!”

The Stray Café is located at 4253 S. Division Ave. For more information about upcoming events, visit The Stray’s website or Facebook page. 

Spring arrives at Woodland Mall with photos with a fun bunny, special Tea Party

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A spring bunny will be available for photos and visits at Woodland Mall starting this weekend. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

Photos with Santa are always a winter holiday family treat at Woodland Mall, and now a spring fling in the same vein is returning as starting March 26 photos with a big, fun “Springtime” bunny will be available through April 16.

And that is not all of the local family springtime events as the Mad Hatter Tea Party is set to return on Saturday, April 9.

“Seasonal family portraits are a beautiful way to capture memories of your loved ones,” Alyson Presser, marketing manager for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “You can either pose with the bunny or choose a spring-themed portrait area for a seasonal photo with your family, friends and pets.”

Pets can have their photo taken with a springtime bunny at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)

Bunny and family photos will be available in the Macy’s Court from noon to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m., Sundays. (For the last weekend before Easter Sunday, there will be extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16.

Pets can join in for photos noon-7 p.m. every Monday. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash or in a carrier at all times. (Owners must also sign a release.)

Reservations are encouraged and can be made online. Walk-up visits are permitted when space is available.

And that Mad Hatter Tea Party

On April 9 guests are invited to attend the Mad Hatter Tea Party from 10 a.m. to noon. The Alice in Wonderland-themed event will include special appearances by the Mad Hatter himself, as well as Alice and the Red Queen. There will also be spring-themed crafts, snacks and games.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who attend the tea party are encouraged to reserve their bunny photos the day of to win a $10 gift card to The Children’s Place, a children’s specialty apparel retailer.

“Our Mad Hatter Tea Party makes celebrating the arrival of spring and taking photos with the bunny all the more magical,” Presser said. “We welcome everyone to enjoy this fun and interactive take on a Lewis Carroll classic story with activities that bring out the child in all of us.”

Mall hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

After renovations, Meijer Gardens sculpture galleries reopen with artistically commanding works of Yinka Shonibare

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  • Yinka Shonibare’s “Eden Painting”, courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (Supplied)
  • Yinka Shonibare’s “Eden Painting” (detail),courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Yinka Shonibare, the featured artist as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park reopens its sculpture galleries after more than a year of renovations, is commanding in his artistic vision and, yet, undoubtedly playful as well.

Shonibare — with “CBE” (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) attached to his name when necessary — is a self-proclaimed “postcolonial hybrid” of British-Nigerian heritage who has emerged as one of the leading artists in the global art world, with his works maybe best known for a playful combination of colorful Dutch wax-fabric patterns popular in West Africa with the fashion of upper-class Victorian culture.

Yinka Shonibare “Moving Up”, courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery, New York. (Supplied/Photo by Stephen White & Co. Supplied)

When the Garden’s remodeled sculpture galleries reopen in April, Shonibare’s works of the past three decades, many never shown in the United States, including sculptures, paintings, photographs, collages, embroidery, and film, will be featured in the exhibition “Yinka Shonibare CBE: Planets in My Head.” The show will run thorough October.

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is thrilled to host this major exhibition, one of Yinka Shonibare’s largest in the United States,” David Hooker, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, said in supplied material. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of thousands of guests to experience works never before seen in the U.S. and learn more about this fascinating artist.”

The man and his works

Born in London to Nigerian parents and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where he spoke Yoruba at home and English at the private school he attended, Shonibare has a bicultural heritage, according to supplied material. “His identity is shaped by the postcolonial experience of being in two places at once; of growing up located between center and margin of the British Empire.”

Yinka Shonibare in his studio in 2014. (Artist’s website photo by James Mollison)

Postcolonialism and hybridity define his artistic and political identity, and are major themes in his artistic output. While Shonibare embraces cross-cultural mixing and exchange in his work, he never shies from alluding to the postcolonial scars of cultural imperialism and exploitation.

“As this exhibition reveals, Shonibare thinks globally and uses his artistic imagination to comment on colonialism, art history, environment, education, knowledge, food justice, and other subjects of universal concern,” the Meijer Gardens’ announcement states.

Shonibare, born 1962, studied Fine Art at Byam Shaw School of Art, London (1989) and received his MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London (1991), according to the biography on his website.

Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Hybrid Mask (Fang Ngil). Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. (Supplied/Photo by Stephen White & Co.)

His interdisciplinary practice uses “citations of Western art history and literature to question the validity of contemporary cultural and national identities within the context of globalisation. Through examining race, class and the construction of cultural identity, his works comment on the tangled interrelationship between Africa and Europe, and their respective economic and political histories.”

In 2004, he  was nominated for the Turner Prize and in 2008. In 2013, he was elected a Royal Academician, and was awarded the honour of ‘Commander of the Order of the British Empire’ in 2019. His installation ‘The British Library’ was acquired by Tate in 2019 and is currently on display at Tate Modern, London.

More recently, Shonibare was awarded the prestigious Whitechapel Gallery Art Icon Award. His works are in collections of, in addition to the Tate, the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C; Museum of Modern Art, New York; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

  • Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Creatures of the Mappa-Mundi – Bonnacon’. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. (Supplied photo by Mark Blower)
  • Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Creatures of the Mappa-Mundi – Bonnacon’ (detail). Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. (Supplied photo by Mark Blower)

Exhibit-related special events

Among the many exhibition-related events are:

“A Fashion in Contemporary Art” — Saturday, June 18, a discussion by Suzanne Eberle, PhD, Professor Emerita, Kendall College of Art and Design.

“Abundance and Scarcity: Yinka Shonibare CBE and Food Justice” — Saturday, July 16, a discussion by Jochen Wierich, PhD, Assistant Curator & Researcher at Meijer Gardens and Associate Professor of Art History at Aquinas College.

“Complex Embodiment: Yinka Shonibare and Disability” — Saturdays, Sept. 3 and 10,  with Jessica Cooley, PhD candidate in the art history department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Yinka Shonibare and the Pan-African Imagination” — Saturday, Oct. 1, 1with Antawan Byrd, PhD candidate in the art history department at Northwestern University, Weinberg Fellow, associate curator of photography and media at the Art Institute of Chicago.

A full list of exhibition activities can be found at MeijerGardens.org/Shonibare.

For more information about Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, visit meijergardens.org.

Local YMCAs, including Wyoming’s, seeking lifeguards, offering training — and not just for young adults

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  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

By WKTV Staff

With many employment opportunities across the city and region, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids invites current and “future” lifeguards to join their team and launch a fulfilling career, according to a recent announcement.

And while most lifeguards are high school and college students, the ranks are also made up of professionals, retirees and stay-at-home parents.

Maybe the Y’s greatest lifeguarding success story is YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids CEO Scott Lewis. Lewis began his tenure at the YMCA as a lifeguard at a New Jersey YMCA in 1986 where the organization “invested in his leadership potential,” according to the announcement.

“The role of lifeguard is one that can launch a great career, and I know from experience,” Lewis said in supplied material. “Providing a safe and exceptional experience, working with a diverse customer base, problem solving, and having an exceptional attention to detail are all skills that serve professionals long term.”

YMCA lifeguard training at an outdoor, summertime venue. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

The organization has increased wages, according to the announcement, now offering $14.61 to $16.44 per hour, opened free training opportunities, and “invested in creating year-round, flexible hours for these aquatic leaders to develop life-long professional skills.”

 

However, maybe the most rewarding work as a YMCA lifeguard is the satisfaction of knowing you actively make an impact in the lives of others, while working with and guarding a group of diverse individuals.

“Becoming a YMCA lifeguard provides you a support network to be successful from the day you decide to pursue the opportunity,” YMCA Human Resources Director Peter Reiff said in supplied material.  “What’s more is that at the YMCA you are part of a larger team of leaders and health and wellness service providers that work together to meet the needs of the community year-round, every year.”
  

For more on the Y’s four lifeguard training classes planned between now and May, visit https://www.grymca.org/aquatics-careers/#training. For those already trained and wish to apply, visit www.grymca.org/careers. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids visit grymca.org.

Art auction will raise funds for Mel Trotter, Heartside Ministries

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By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

Julie Ashba started working in stained glass 18 years ago. Her stained glass sculpture was inspired by the waters of Michigan. The piece will be at the Art & Experience Auction. (Supplied)

A capital campaign to bring improved services to people experiencing homelessness will get a boost from an upcoming auction.

Mel Trotter Ministries is hosting its first Art & Experience Auction on Thursday, March 24, featuring 85 items up for bid in both live and silent auctions.

In addition to art works, auction items include a trip to Mexico, a signed guitar from Christian recording artist Matthew West, wine tastings paired with a local restaurant, a sports package, and a private chef experience in the winning bidder’s home.

Beth Fisher, chief advancement officer at Mel Trotter Ministries, said auction proceeds will go to an ongoing capital campaign to benefit Day Center operations at Heartside Ministries, which merged with Mel Trotter Ministries in 2020.

Art pieces were donated from personal collections and local artists, including guests of Heartside Ministries.

“Heartside Ministries has a longstanding art therapy program,” Fisher said. “Many of the pieces that will be at the auction were created by Heartside Ministry guests in the art ministry program.”

‘Mission Point’ is one of three photographs Ben Dykhouse donated to the auction. (Supplied)

Interested bidders can already browse through silent auction items online. A link to the auction site is online at meltrotter.org/events.


Items not included in the silent auction will be auctioned live at the event on March 24.

Auction organizers reached out to artists who had a connection to Mel Trotter Ministries or Heartside Ministries and found many who were willing to donate their art to the cause.

Ben Dykstra, who specializes in fine art, architecture and portrait photography, donated three of his photographs. He said he was on Mel Trotter Ministries’ mailing list because he volunteers every year at the organization’s Thanksgiving dinner. He was happy for the opportunity to “pay it forward” by donating the photographs, which had been on display in his home.

“Service, to me, is something that’s vitally important. I think it’s the hidden ingredient in any blessed life,” he said.

Shannon Andrus, a mixed media artist based in Rockford, is on the leadership committee for the auction. She donated two pieces as well as a “Brushes and Brews” event at Hearts for the Arts, her studio. Ten people will get a two-hour art class along with pizza and beer from Mitten Brewing Company, which is owned by her husband.

‘Be a Legend’ is one of two pieces donated to the auction by Shannon Andrus, owner of Hearts for the Arts studio. (Supplied)

Andrus founded the art studio in 2008 as a place for students with cognitive and physical disabilities to get art therapy, skill building and entrepreneurial training.

Two of her students, Bradley Spidell and DJ Pezzato, donated pieces of their art to the auction.

“Homelessness has  been an ongoing issue, especially during Covid, and now more than ever people need to give back and help,” she said.

The Art & Experience Auction will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24 at The High Five GR, 19 LaGrave Ave. SE. The event is free, but space is limited. To RSVP, or to become a sponsor, go to www.meltrotter.org/auction. 

Kentwood Winter Concert Series returns March 17 with unique sounds of cellist/vocalist Jordan Hamilton

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Jordan Hamilton, with his favorite instrument, at rest. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


West Michigan cellist and vocalist Jordan Hamilton is a busy man, even when he is alone on the stage … as he will be at Kentwood’s District Library, when he brings his unique sounds to the City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series this week.

 

Previous concert at the Kentwood Winter Concert series. (City of Kentwood)

Hamilton will be on stage Thursday, March 17, as part  of The City of Kentwood’s free-to-the-public Winter Concert Series is held at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

WKTV will record the concert and replay it, as scheduled, on our cable channels as well as on WKTV.org (by hitting the “Watch Live” button), and also later on-demand at WKTVlive.org. Visit wktvjournal.org/wktv-on-air-schedule/ for a schedule of replays.

Hamilton “merges songwriting, loop pedals, sample machines, and vocals to create a sonic landscape of experimental hip-hop, folk, soul, and classical music,” according to his recording label’s website.

Jordan Hamilton, with his favorite instrument, in action. (Supplied)

“The Western Michigan University graduate aims to find new ways for the cello, a traditional instrument, to relate to a modern audience where it can be found playing the music of Bach, the Beatles, or Chance the Rapper. Filled with an eclectic range of songs, Jordan’s set is sure to capture the heart and mind while reflecting on new horizons.”

Hamilton is a member of Last Gasp Collective and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, he can be found performing primarily in the Midwest, where he has opened for national acts.

The Last Gasp Collective, out of Kalamazoo, according to the group’s website, is a “diverse group has been brought together by a mutual love of art. Their live arrangements are reminiscent of The Internet, The Roots, and Hiatus Kaiyote and Tank and The Bangas …  (the) Last Gasp Collective continues to debunk stereotypes one melody at a time, their music spreads to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.”

Recording cover of “Vibrations”, the latest release by Jordan Hamilton. (Supplied)

Their most recent album, “Seen Not Heard”, earned two WYCE Jammies for Best Album by a new artist. Among his other projects, Hamilton has released three recordings: “ForRenLand”, “My Thoughts Are” and most recently “Vibrations” — a “compilation of feelings expressed in sound with no words.”

For a taste of Hamilton’s music and stage presence, see video here.

For more information on Hamilton visit his website and/or his Facebook page.

After Hamilton’s concert, the final concert will be Thursday, March 31, with singer and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas James Thomasmaperforming a mix of Americana, folk, country and rock music.

The concerts will take place in the library’s Community Room from 6:30-8 p.m. Guests are welcomed to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show. Also, according to the city announcement, “residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

More information is available at kentwood.us/WinterConcerts.

HarborFest scheduled to return in June

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

HarborFest returns in 2022. (Supplied)

South Haven recently announced that its popular HarborFest would return for 2022.

According to chairs Ken and Kelly VanHorn, it was their goal to come back strong in 2022 with amazing music, vendors, activities and fun. Popular activities will be back including craft vendors, food vendors, kids’ area, beer tent, and dragon boat races and, of course music.

The dates for this years HarborFest are June 17 and 18. For more details, visit www.southhavenharborfest.com.

Wyoming Wolves rain 3s, knock out host Caledonia to advance to District title game Friday

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Wyoming high’s Alyjah Chandler shoots over Caledonia’s Nic Bender in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action. (WKTV/Pat Moll)

By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

Caledonia hosted the Michigan High School Division 1 boys basketball District tournament this week and they welcomed Thom VanderKlay and his Wyoming Wolves Wednesday night in semifinal action.

The Fighting Scots won the opening tip to start the game and the first quarter 13-8, but the Wolves took control after that, hitting 14 3-pointers on the night, and prevailed in the end by a score of 80-61 to improve to 14-7 on the year.

They will play East Grand Rapids for the championship Friday night, after the Pioneers defeated Byron Center, 53-52, to improve to 11-10 on the season. (For complete local district action, see a WKTV update here.)

Wyoming high’s Gene Atkins shoots for 3-pointer in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action. (WKTV/Pat Moll)

The Wolves opened the scoring with the first 4 points before Caledonia got on the board with a free throw by senior Liam Mulnix with just over 6 minutes remaining.  After another Wyoming basket by their own senior, and leading scorer, Ramere Draper, the Scots would score the next 12 to go up 13-6. Wyoming’s Jordan Love would score the final 2 points to cut the deficit to 5 just before the buzzer.

Nick Henry led the way for Caledonia coach Phil Visser’s team with 6 and Mason McKenzie chipped in 4.  In addition to Draper’s 2, the Wolves had 4 points from Jaleil Holt.

The momentum gained from Love’s late basket continued to start the second quarter as Wyoming went on a 14-0 run of their own as the Wolves offense started to gel as the taller Scots would stay in their zone defense, only to have Draper, Holt, and Alyjah Chandler combine for 5 triples in the quarter.

That helped the Wolves take a lead, and control of the game, that they would not relinquish.
 

After a Henry basket for the Scots, Holt was fouled attempting a 3-point shot and would make all three free throws to make the score 23-15.  Caledonia’s Elijah Holt would cut that lead down to just 5 with a triple of his own, but the Wolves would quickly respond with another 11-0 run to take a 16-point lead into the locker room, 34-18.

Draper, aided by his three triples, would finish with 15 points at the half. Holt was close behind with 12, while the Scots were led by Henry with 8.  Wyoming outscored Caledonia 26-5 in the quarter.

The third quarter was a repeat of the second, even though Caledonia would double their first-half total with 18 points, Wyoming would put up 31 to increase the lead to 29 at the buzzer, 65-36.

Wyoming high’s Ramere Draper shoots over Caledonia’s Mason McKenzie to connect on one of his seven triples on the night in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action., (WKTV/Pat Moll)

After exchanging points early in the final stanza, the Wolves would again run off 12 consecutive points to stretch the lead to 52-25.  Caledonia senior Gavin Hurst came off the bench to score 8 points in the quarter, but his team again had no answers for Draper, who connected on another four 3-pointers giving him seven makes on the night, 14 points in the quarter, and a game-high 29 to close it out.  He had help from Qua’dir Hatchett who chipped in 9 points after being shut out in the first half.

 

The final quarter was just a formality, but the Scots would continue their fight and were able to outscore VanderKlay’s Wolves 25-15, as he had subbed most of his key players by early in the quarter. Caledonia, again led by Hurst with 8 more points in the quarter, and 7 by Mulnix, while the victors were led by Hatchett and Jameson Lamrouex, each with 5 points.

The leaders on the night for the Wolves were Draper with 29, Holt with 15 and Hatchett  with 14, while the Scots were led by Hurst with 16, Mulnix with 11 and Henry with 10.

The Wolves combined for 14 triples on the night while Caledonia had 5. Unofficially, Caledonia had 25 turnovers for the game and Wyoming took advantage of them by scoring 28 points off them, while Wyoming had 13 turnovers of their own, but only gave up 4 points off them.  Caledonia concludes their season at 11-11.

 

Wolves, Sailors, Defenders advance to final games of respective MHSAA District tournaments

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


The Wyoming High School and Grand Rapids South Christian boys basketball teams won semifinal games in their MHSAA District tournaments Wednesday, March 9, and advanced to district title games Friday in tournaments being played at Kelloggsville and Caledonia high schools.

Wyoming Tri-unity Christian also advanced in a tournament at Climax-Scotts high. Godwin Heights, West Michigan Aviation Academy and Wyoming Potter’s House Christian each saw good seasons come to an end in semifinal action.

Action at Kelloggsville

In the D2 Boys District 44 tournament at Kelloggsville, South Christian (now 16-5 on the season) defeated Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy, 73-35, as the Aviators fine season came to an end with a 15-7 overall record.

In the other semifinal game at Kelloggsville, Grand Rapids Christian (17-4) defeated Godwin Heights, 73-50, as the Wolverines also ended a winning season with a 10-9 record.

South Christian and Grand Rapids Christian will play for the District 44 title at Kelloggsville Friday, March 11, with the game scheduled for 7 p.m. The winner will advance to the D2 Regional 11 at Ada Forest Hills Eastern, with opening round play set for Monday, March 14.

Action at Caledonia

At the D1 Boys District 12 tournament at Caledonia, the Wyoming high Wolves (14-7) defeated the host Fighting Scots (11-11), 80-61, in semifinal action and will now face East Grand Rapids (11-10), which defeated Byron Center (6-16), 53-52. The District 12 title game will be at Caledonia, Friday, with tipoff at 7 p.m. The winner will advance to the D1 Regional 3 at Grand Haven, with opening round play set for Monday, March 14.

For WKTV Sports coverage of the Wolves vs. Fighting Scots game Wednesday, see a story by WKTV Volunteer Sports Director Mike Moll here.

Other local teams in action

Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (15-6) advanced Wednesday in semifinal play in the D4 Boys District 114 Tournament at Climax-Scotts with a 58-44 win over Kalamazoo Phoenix (10-6). The Defenders will now play Martin (7-15) in the District 114 title game at Climax-Scotts, Friday, with tipoff at 7 p.m. The winner will advance to the D4 Regional 29 at New Buffalo, with opening round play set for Monday, March 14.

In the D3 Boys District 76 Tournament at Grand Rapids Covenant Christian, Wyoming Potter’s House’s season came to an end with a fine 15-7 record after the Pumas gave the host Chargers (17-3) all they could handle in a 67-62 overtime loss.

WKTV sports coverage and on-demand 

WKTV recorded several regular season Featured Games which will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All 2021-22 Featured Games, both football and basketball, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand at wktvlive.com.

Tea time anyone? GR Ballet School’s Junior Company will stage ‘Aladdin’ after a two-year postponement

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  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
  • A scene from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

The talented young dancers of the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s junior company were all set to “recreate” the ballet “Aladdin” back in 2020, and then like many stages, their’s went dark as the pandemic dropped its curtain.

And while that moment was bitter for cast and crew, young and old, “Aladdin” will finally fly in, starting this weekend — with a special tea party available.

The ballet school’s junior company will take the stage March 11-13 and March 19-20 at Peter Martin Wege Theatre to “share the familiar story of ‘Aladdin’, an impoverished boy living in Agrabah who falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine.”

A crop of promotional material from Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company production of the ballet “Aladdin”. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Choreographed by Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) Director and Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the ballet “Aladdin” was inspired from the folktale in the book, “One Thousand and One Nights.” The adventure features a thrilling quest with mysterious characters along the way including a fierce dragon, a magic genie, and a powerful sorcerer.

“It will be an amazing production of dancing and performance,” Mosolygo told WKTV.

This production, actually, has been two years in the making after GRBS had to cancel their planned performance on opening night in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“The students have been working extremely hard the past three months helping me recreate this ballet and they are thrilled to be given this second chance to perform it,” Mosolygo said in supplied material.

Keeping ‘Aladdin’ ready to fly

The path to this opening night, however, was not an easy one.

The planned opening night of “Aladdin” in 2020 was one that GRBS dancer Serafina Wagneveld remembers well.

“There we were, at the height of excitement, ready to go,” said Wagenveld, who will perform the role of Jasmine in the 2022 production. “At the beginning of the day we still didn’t know if we would go on.”

Then came the announcement that “Aladdin” would be postponed.

“Even then, we didn’t fully grasp what was happening,” Wagenveld said. “We were sad but hadn’t lost hope.”

As the pandemic continued, however, it became obvious that the performance GRBS Junior Company had worked so hard for would not be taking the stage anytime soon.

Attila Mosolygo. (GR Ballet)

Mosolygo told WKTV that, due to pandemic restrictions, it was more than five weeks before he was allowed back into the building after the cancellation. Walking on stage with every curtain ready to be pulled, every prop in place, Mosolygo said — “I could almost hear the music — but nothing happened.”

 

Online classes began but were difficult for the dancers, many of them improvising in their homes by performing ballet on stairwells and on kitchen counters. “It was all new and we were doing our best,” said Wagenveld.

Mosolygo said he noticed a definite shift in the mindset of students over the last two years.

“Virtual classes work in some ways, and they don’t in others. When you come to an art form that is so hands-on, to try to learn anything off your iPhone, off your tablet, off your computer — over time it’s not fun. Their attention and willpower went away.”

Wagenveld personally felt the hardship of the ongoing pandemic — “There was nothing you could be sure of anymore.”

Because of the mental and emotional toll, the dancer decided last year to take a break from dancing. But she couldn’t stay away for long.

“It wasn’t long before I came back,” said Wagenveld. “It (dancing) brings out my creativity. It is a unique way of expressing myself that not all people get to experience.”

And the junior company’s leader understands his dancer perfectly.

“Ballet is an art form, a self-expression of who you are,” Mosolygo said. “Dancing goes beyond words.”

Through the hardships the pandemic brought, Wagenveld and her classmates were able to find a silver lining. And the ability to have in-person classes again this school year and the chance to perform “Aladdin” has created excitement among the dancers and staff, healing some of the heartbreak that came with having to set aside the performance two years ago.
 

“We are more appreciative of what we have, not taking them for granted,” Wagenveld said.

Tea with Aladdin & Jasmine

For an added experience, GRBS Junior Company is hosting Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea, a “unique and memorable event, fit for both princes and princesses alike,” on Sunday, March 13, at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market in the Greenhouse space. 

The event features a photo booth, a meet and greet with “Aladdin” characters,” a kid-friendly craft, all topped off with a brunch built for kids and adults. After the Royal Tea, attendees will travel to the land of Agrabah at Peter Martin Wege Theatre to experience the thrills of “Aladdin” beginning at 2 p.m.


Tickets for “Aladdin” are available now for $18 online, via phone at (616) 454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at GRB’s Box Office. Tickets to Aladdin & Jasmine’s Royal Tea are available for $49 per person.

Wolverines advance, knock Rockets out, on opening night of local boys MHSAA District basketball play

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


As the Wyoming High School Wolves and Grand Rapids South Christian boys basketball teams waited to start action in two of several MHSAA District tournaments being played around the area, several local teams were in action Monday, March 7, including at Kelloggsville high where the host Rockets and neighborhood rival Godwin Heights battled for the third time this season in D2 Boys District 44 opening round action.

After splitting two OK Conference Silver contests during the regular season — both tight, highly competitive games — Godwin (10-8 overall) defeated Kelloggsville (12-9), 87-78, to take the season series 2-1, and advanced to the semifinals, Wednesday, March 9, at Kelloggsville, against Grand Rapids Christian (16-4). The game will have a 7 p.m. tip-off.

In other action in the D2 Boys District 44 at Kelloggsville, Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy (15-6) defeated Kentwood Grand River Prep (6-9), 66-51, to advance to a March 9 semifinal game against South Christian (15-5), which had bye in the opening round. The game will have a tip-off of 5:30 p.m.

In other action involving local teams, East Kentwood opened play Monday in the D1 Boys District 12 tournament, hosted by Caledonia but with this game being played on the Falcons home floor. The game, against neighborhood rival Byron Center, was a close contest but the Bulldogs (6-15) ended the Falcons season with a 54-53 win. East Kentwood finished with a 6-15 record.

Byron Center will now play East Grand Rapids (10-10) in semifinal action at Caledonia Wednesday, March 9, with tip-off at 7 p.m. Wyoming high (13-7), playing in the same District 12 tournament but with an opening round bye, will play at 5:30 p.m., against host Caledonia (11-10), which won a 55-48 opening round game over Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills.

Wyoming Potter’s House (15-6), playing the D3 Boys District 76 Tournament at Grand Rapids Covenant Christian, advanced to a Wednesday semifinal game with a 56-24 opening round win over Saugatuck (8-13) on Monday. The Pumas will now play the host Chargers (16-3), which had an opening round bye, in a semifinal game March 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Wyoming Lee (5-15) saw their season come to an end Monday in the D2 Boys District 43 Tournament at Grand Rapids West Catholic, with a 68-16 loss to the host Falcons (16-5).

Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (14-6) will play in the D4 Boys District 114 Tournament at Climax-Scotts, with a semifinal game scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, against Kalamazoo Phoenix (10-5). 

WKTV sports coverage and on-demand 

WKTV recorded several regular season Featured Games which will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All 2021-22 Featured Games, both football and basketball, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand at wktvlive.com.

Jazz ‘fearless voyager’ Dee Dee Bridgewater joins fellow GRAMMY winner, pianist Charlap, at St. Cecilia concert

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Dee Dee Bridgewater’s “Memphis … Yes, I’m Ready” cover. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


Dee Dee Bridgewater — Michigan native, GRAMMY winning jazz vocalist extraordinaire, Tony winning actress, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador — will need little or no introduction when she is introduced before hitting the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium stage later this month.

And her accompanist, GRAMMY winning jazz pianist Bill Charlap, is not far behind in jazz star power.

So it is sure to be a night of superb “re-envisioning jazz classics” when the two perform as the next concert in the St. Cecilia Jazz Series Thursday, March 10, with tickets still available.

Dee Dee Bridgewater. (Supplied)

“Over the course of a multifaceted career spanning four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning Jazz giant Dee Dee Bridgewater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, putting her unique spin on standards, as well as taking intrepid leaps of faith in re-envisioning jazz classics,” it states on her record label website.

Ever the “fearless voyager, explorer, pioneer and keeper of (jazz) tradition,” the three-time Grammy-winner most recently won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee” — Eleanora Fagan was Holiday’s actual name.

Her latest CD release, in 2019, created as part of her induction in the Memphis Music Hall of Fame was, appropriately titled “Memphis, Yes…I’m Ready.”

“These were songs I listened to on the famous Black radio station WDIA, where my own father, Matthew Garrett, was a young on-air DJ,” Bridgewater said about the release in supplied material. “I was born in Memphis, but my family migrated north to Flint, Michigan when I was 3 years old. The South has always remained buried in me and coming back for this recording project has brought me full circle in my life.”

Bill Charlap. (Supplied)

Charlap, considered one of the world’s premier jazz pianists, has performed and recorded with many leading artists of our time, ranging from jazz masters Phil Woods and Wynton Marsalis to singers Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand.

In 2016, Charlap won the GRAMMY for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Since 1997, he has led the Bill Charlap Trio, now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz.

“We are thrilled to bring the amazing Dee Dee Bridgewater to St. Cecilia Music Center to hear her gorgeous voice and unique spin on beloved jazz classics and her own new music “Memphis”, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director Cathy Holbrook said in supplied material. “It will certainly be a special evening to see Dee Dee and Bill Charlap performing together within our intimate Royce Auditorium setting.” 

Bridgewater’s history of music, activism

Bridgewater earned her first professional experience as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band, and throughout the 1970’s she performed with such jazz notables as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie. After a foray into the pop world during the 1980s, she relocated to Paris and began to turn her attention back to jazz.

Bridgewater, who produces all of her own recordings, boasts a series of critically-acclaimed releases, with almost all having received GRAMMY nominations.
 

Bridgewater also pursued a parallel career in musical theater, winning a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz in 1975 but continuing with playing Billie Holiday in the off-Broadway production of “Lady Day”, and numerous her other theatrical credits.

As a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater continues to appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger.

In April 2017 was the recipient of an NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. and that same year she was presented with the ASCAP Foundation Champions award acknowledging her charitable contributions.

What’s next; what protocols to expect

The final concert of the St. Cecilia’s 2021-22 Jazz Series will be April 14, as, Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra perform a night of big band favorites.

Tickets to Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, and Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.

St. Cecilia currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Note: Home tests are not accepted.

All patrons are required to wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building.

If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

District basketball action: WKTV has your up-to-date schedule of girls finals and boys openers

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Grand Rapids South Christian’s girls basketball, shown here from a Feb. 9 home game, will be battling for a District title Friday, March 4. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


The 2021-22 high school basketball post-season is in full swing with three local girls teams heading into MHSAA District tournament finals Friday, March 4, and all the local boys teams set to open District play next week.

In the only girls District tournament on a Wyoming-Kentwood high school home floor, the East Kentwood High School girls (12-9 overall) look to continue their post-season run against Byron Center (18-2) in the D1 Girls District 12 finals at East Kentwood. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m.

The Falcons girls, who closed the regular season winning of 10 of 13 games after a slow start, rolled past Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills, 81-14, to open District action Feb. 28; then defeated Caledonia, 50-36, on March 2. Byron Center enters the District finals 18-2 and with an OK Conference White title after a 14-0 conference season.
 

In other District finals action involving local teams, Grand Rapids South Christian (18-3) will challenge Grand Rapids Christian (15-6) in the D2 Girls District 44 finals at Grand Rapids Christian, while Wyoming Potter’s House (16-5) will play Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (11-8) in the D3 Girls District 76 finals at Fennville. Both tip-off at 7 p.m.

To get both the District finals, the Sailors girls defeated Wyoming Kelloggsville (7-15 final overall record), 54-27, on March 2. (For a WKTV feature on South Christian visit here.)

The Pumas of Wyoming Potter’s House girls, in early District games, first defeated Holland Black River, 50-25, on Feb. 28, and then defeated Saugatuck, 44-33, on March 2.

Boys Districts begin with big games at Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville High School will be the place to be in the local area for boys District play, beginning with opening night action Monday, March 7, as OK Conference Silver foes Wyoming Godwin Heights (9-7 overall, with a “stay sharp” game schedule for March 3) and Kelloggsville (12-8) play the deciding third game in their 2021-22 season in D2 Boys District 44 opening round action with tip off at 5:30 p.m. (See a WKTV feature on the two teams here.)

Kelloggsville high boys basketball team senior Damario Montgomery during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

The District 44 tournament at Kelloggsville is loaded with quality local teams as well. In addition to the Wolverines and the Rockets, Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy (13-6) will open play on March 7 at 7 p.m. against Kentwood Grand River Prep (6-8). Then, set to start play Wednesday, March 9, Grand Rapids Christian (15-4) will play the winner of the first opening round game, while Grand Rapids South Christian (15-5) await the winner of the second opening round game. The finals will be Friday, March 11, at Kelloggsville at 7 p.m.

Two local teams, Wyoming high and East Kentwood, will be in action at Caledonia in the D1 Boys District 12 tournament. The Falcons (6-14) will open play Monday, March 7, against Byron Center (5-14). The Wolves (13-6 overall, with a “stay sharp” game at home against Benton Harbor March 3) get a first-round bye and are set to play the winner of Monday’s game between Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills and host Caledonia on Wednesday, March 9, at 5:30 p.m.

Wyoming Lee (4-13 overall with at least one game scheduled this week at the Battle Creek Academy Tigers Tournament) will play in the D2 Boys District 43 Tournament at Grand Rapids West Catholic, starting opening night, Monday, March 7, against the host school at 5:30 p.m.

Wyoming Potter’s House (14-5 overall, with a “stay sharp” game at North Muskegon March 3) will play at the D3 Boys District 76 Tournament at Grand Rapids Covenant Christian, starting with an opening round game Monday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. against Saugatuck (8-11).

And Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (14-5, with a “stay sharp” game scheduled at Grandville Calvin Christian March 3) will play in the D4 Boys District 114 Tournament at Climax-Scotts, with a semifinal game scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, against Kalamazoo Phoenix (10-5). 

WKTV coverage and schedule/scores 

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores.

WKTV featured games covered throughout the season, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand at wktvlive.com. You can also follow all WKTV sports programing at wktk.org/sports.

Phoenix Theatres at Woodland Mall to open April 14 — and Hollywood style marquee will show the way

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Early renovation work at Phoenix Theatres, the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)

By Philip Janowski, WKTV Contributing Writer

Old and new marquee sign at Phoenix Theatres, the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)

High-quality moviegoing experiences — in sight, sound and all-reclining seats — will soon be coming to Woodland Mall as Phoenix Theatres has announced it will be opening its planned 14-screen complex on the mall’s south side in April.

The recently installed vertical marquee, spelling out PHOENIX, is sure to show moviegoers the way.

Phoenix Theatres owner Cory Jacobson, right, and local executive Jordan Hohman, in front of the new marque at the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The marquee, composed of more than 200 light bulbs, was designed with a classical 1920s and ’30s style in homage to the Chicago Theatre, Jordan Hohman, local executive, recently told WKTV during a backstage tour. The building overall carries a refined art deco style that makes “going to the movies” special again, honoring “tradition” while still providing a “new, modern experience.”

“The theatre can’t just be a ‘box’. You really have to have some character, a face to this business,” Cory Jacobson, owner of Phoenix Theatres, said.

The location is expected to open to the general public Thursday, April 14, after special opening events early that week.

Nearly complete renovation work at Phoenix Theatres, the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)

Construction is progressing rapidly, with carpeting almost completely fitted and reclining seats added on the daily. At the location there will be four large, three mid-sized, and seven small auditoriums. And, management says,  those 14 screens at this location will be the most screens of any Phoenix Theatres location, and will be the 50th screen of the Michigan-based company.

“Like celebrating a fiftieth wedding anniversary,” Jacobson said.

 

Phoenix Theatres will screen films utilizing the powerful Dolby Atmos sound system, making for some of the highest cinema sound quality in the country, Hohman said.

Phoenix Theatres local executive Jordan Hohman checks out a newly installed camera at the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/Philip Janowski)

From above, numerous speakers shape sound moving throughout the room. Below, subwoofer speakers in every seat bring the frequency of film audio directly to your chair. This extensive, detailed sound system makes Dolby Atmos the doorway to “improved immersion in films,” Hohman said.

Jacobson actually told a story that Douglas Trumbull, the famous photographic effects supervisor for the classic “2001: A Space Odyssey”, said Phoenix provided the best presentation of the film he had ever seen — and heard — in 50 years.

To promote its new place in the community the theatre is planning to have a ticket giveaway, which can be entered on the company website. First prize is a VIP ticket giving admission to 52 films in the first year, followed by second and third place prizes as well.

Phoenix management is also reaching out to news media and holding press conferences, to make a big initial spash.

When it comes to a grand opening, “You only get one bite at the apple,” Hohman said.

 

Phoenix Theatres owner Cory Jacobson, left, and local executive Jordan Hohman, check out newly installed seats at the soon-to-(re)open movie house at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Phoenix Theatres also plan to offer unique experiences through Fathom Events, including Turner Classic Movie showings, anniversary films like celebration of the classic “Casablanca” on its 80th anniversary, and live showings from the Metropolitan Opera.

Fathom is a good chance for many to “explore an interest in operatic shows that would otherwise be difficult to access,” Hohman said. Large sports games and other “live events” may also be shown.

The lobby will include self-serve drinks for faster service, as well as a new lounge with a grand piano. Additionally, the halls are to be lined with photographs of historic local theatres.
 

Despite advanced sound and video systems, and a retro aesthetic, Phoenix Theatres will carry “friendly” film prices.

“You shouldn’t have to pick between a trip to the movies or a trip out of town,” Hohman said.
 

For more information visit Phoenix Theatres’ website at phoenixmovies.net.

OK Silver battle-tested Godwin, Kelloggsville renew boys basketball neighborhood rivalry as district tournament looms

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Kelloggsville high boys basketball team senior Caleb Balsitis during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


For many local basketball teams not fighting for a conference title in the last week of the season, the OK Conference Silver boys basketball finale between Godwin Heights High School and Kelloggsville high might have meant little as both ended winning regular seasons and readied themselves for their MHSAA district tournament.

But the Friday, Feb. 25, clash between the visiting Wolverines and the host Rockets — a neighborhood rivalry if there every was one — was not a game without meaning.

Godwin Heights entered the game comfortably in third place in the always tough OK Silver (at 8-3, 9-6 overall) but Kelloggsville also entered in the upper half of the conference standings with a very similar record (8-5 in OK, 11-7 overall). But one of those losses was a 73-67 defeat at Godwin on Jan. 28.

Kelloggsville high boys basketball team senior Cameron Mosley Jr. on the defense during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

In Friday’s game, the Rockets gained a measure of revenge against the Wolverines, taking a highly competitive, back-and-forth contest that wasn’t settled until the final horn, 76-74. But both coaches agree that their neighborhood rivalry is good for both schools, both teams and really good to prepare each for the coming tournament.

“I think the neighborhood rivalry is an excellent thing,” Kelloggsville head coach Troy Ricketson said. “I graduated from Kelloggsville in 2009, I have played in this rivalry, so I have experienced firsthand the excitement it brings to the communities. The players know each other and have grown up together in some cases. Every time the two schools play in any sport, it brings a big crowd.”

Godwin head coach Tyler Whittemore agreed, and said he knows his team will always get tested when they play the Rockets.

The Godwin Heights high boys basketball team breaks huddle during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

“We have always got Kelloggsville’s best games against us and we can tell that the intensity is increased,” Whittemore said. “It’s important that we understand the intensity in the rivalry so that we play as hard as we can each possession — no plays off.”

Whittemore also said that in games like the Feb. 25 visit to Kelloggsville, his team needed to be poised and stay “true to all of the things we’ve taught them throughout the season and move the basketball fast on offense without turning the ball over.”

But, speaking before the game, Whittemore also said he team could not “get out-worked (because) Kelloggsville talent will be able to put up lots of points quick.”

And that may well have been a key factor in last week’s contest — a Rockets offensive explosion to open the game and the fact that the Wolverines had to constantly play from behind.

Kelloggsville jumps out, then holds on

In the Feb. 25 win, the Rockets — and senior Corey Patton-Ivy — came out to make a early statement and jumped to a 28-16 lead after one quarter, with Patton-Ivy scoring 11 points including a three. Demoni Gamble, Brendon Tuinstra and Harry Knowling also hit from long range in the quarter.

But Godwin’s Jakhary Towns and Jabari Crump-Moore answered the call in the second quarter, scoring nine points each, as the Wolverines battled back to make is close at the half, 39-36.

The second half was a back and forth affair as Kelloggsville extended their lead to eight points after three quarters, 58-50.

Kelloggsville high boys basketball team senior Damario Montgomery during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

But the Rockets then had to weather a determined Wolverine attack in the fourth quarter, when Godwin’s offense came alive with 28 points. But Kelloggsville made enough free throws in the final period — nine of them — and eventually survived to even the series at one game apiece with a 76-74 win.

For the game, Patton-Ivy led the Rockets with 21 points, while big-man Caleb Balsitis added 14 points, including six in the final period, and Marc Whitfield Jr. and Tuinstra added nine points each.

Godwin received a great game from Towns, who led all scorers with 26 points, followed by Jeremiah Drake’s 16 points and Crump-Moore’s 15. 

Tough schedule needed to be ready for tournament

Irregardless of the outcome of the Friday game, both coaches say their senior-led teams have benefited from their tough OK conference schedule, and their overall non-conference schedule, to prepare them for next week.

The Kelloggsville high boys basketball team huddles during a game Feb. 25 at Kelloggsville. (WKTV)

“When we were trying to create the schedule for this season, we wanted to make sure we were playing competition that was going to challenge us and make us better,” Rockets coach Ricketson said. “We have had some success and have also been humbled throughout. I think that has definitely prepared us for what we will see come district time.”

Throughout the season, the Rockets have been led by senior Demario Montgomery and sophomore Marc Whitfield Jr., both of whom have been averaging more than 10 points-per-game, but also getting great leadership, good rebounding and 7-to-8 ppg. from seniors Patton-Ivy and Balsitis, and junior Tuinstra. Other seniors on the team include Demoni Gamble, Kevin Gaddis Jr., Harry Knowling, Jaevyon Turnbull and Cameron Mosley Jr.

Wolverines coach Whittemore also thinks the tough schedule during a sometimes up-and-down season has helped his team grow.

“This season has been tough and a great learning experience for our players,” Whittemore said. “Most of our games have been very close, on both sides of the winning, and each game has pushed our players to improve and work hard in practice.”

Godwin, too, is a team lead by seniors but with a high-scoring underclassman.

Junior Towns, now in his 3rd year playing varsity, is averaging 20 ppg., and, according to his coach, “is our best offensive player.” But senior Drake — he of the “high-motor and intensity” his coach says, averages about 14 ppg. and 7 rebounds per game. And fellow senior Jordan Norman, a “very good shooter from the outside” who can “guard the opposing teams guards or big guys,” averages 13 ppg. and 5 rebounds.

Other senior leaders include Mark Dolo, Crump-Moore, Kaleil Harris, and Javeon Lyons. While junior Jamarion Collins has been a force on the defensive end.

“Playing Godwin Heights basketball comes with some pressure and the understanding (that) due to the program’s history of success, even before I became the coach, that we will get every team’s best effort. We embrace that and has raised the level of all of the players we have in the program and we are hoping to peak at our performance now that the tournament is approaching.”

District 44 tournament preview

Both Godwin (now 9-7 overall) and Kelloggsville (now 12-7 overall) will play non-conference “stay-sharp” game this week — strangely enough, both against Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (14-3 overall) — with the Rockets at home March 1 at 7 p.m., and the Wolverines at home March 3 at 7:15 p.m.

But things get real in a big way Monday, March 7 as the two look to keep their seasons alive in their Division 2 District 44 tournament, with games scheduled March 7, 9 and 11, and which includes Grand Rapids Christian (15-4 overall), Grand Rapids South Christian (14-5 overall) and Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy (12-6 overall), as well a Kentwood Grand River Preparatory Academy (6-8 overall).

The good news for both is that the tournament will be in their neighborhood — at Kelloggsville. The bad news is that the Godwin and Kelloggsville will play the 2021-22 series-deciding game on opening night, at 5:30 p.m.

“Our district is a gauntlet, but I am excited to have it on our home floor,” coach Ricketson said before last week’s game. “I feel like we are playing some of our best basketball, and like the confidence these guys are showing.”

Special student tickets available for St. Cecilia WinterFest Jazz with Christian McBride

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Christian McBride, from a 2008 concert, is no stranger to St. Cecilia Music Center. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

By WKTV Staff

St. Cecilia Music Center has announced that special $10 student tickets are available for the this weekend’s three-day WinterFest “jazz festival”, Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 24-26, all shows with headliner bassist Christian McBride.

To redeem student priced tickets visit scmc-online.org/winterfest/ and click on the night(s) you would like to attend. Go through the process of finding your seats and buying tickets. When you check out, enter the discount code STUDENTWF22 and it will adjust the price to $10. There is a $3 ticketing fee per ticket.

On Thursday, Christian McBride & Friends will offer up a unique pairing with fellow bassist Edgar Meyer for a “double bass extravaganza”; then on Friday The Christian McBride Trio takes the stage with special guest jazz singer Cyrille Aimée; and on the final evening, Saturday, McBride and his award-winning quintet, Inside Straight, will hit the stage.

For a WKTV Journal story on the concert series, visit here.

For more information call St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224. 

And the rules at St. Cecilia

St. Cecilia currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Note: Home tests are not accepted.

All patrons are required to wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building.
 

If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

Kentwood’s MLK Unity Walk rescheduled for March 5, inside at Woodland Mall

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One of the entrances to Woodland Mall (on a nice weather day). (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

After frigid temperatures in January resulted in the postponement of the City of Kentwood’s Unity Walk to Honor Martin Luther King Jr., the city announced this week that the event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 5, and moved indoors at Woodland Mall.

Residents of all ages are invited to gather at the food court inside Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, at 9:30 a.m., for a walk that will end at 10 a.m., in front of the inside entrance to Von Maur.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. (Wyoming High School)

A ceremony will immediately follow and feature a proclamation, live music, coffee and cake. The event is free and open to the public.

Donations of canned goods and other nonperishable items will be accepted to stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which began as an MLK Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. Since then, the city has continued to host food drives to keep the pantry well-stocked.

“While MLK Day serves as a timely, annual reminder of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., every day is a great day to celebrate his legacy and take part in activities that honor his values,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to host our Unity Walk to Honor MLK at Woodland Mall. It is the perfect local venue for us to be able to gather together, no matter the weather.”

Woodland Mall marketing manager Alyson Presser stated that the event is “in line with the spirit of the mall’s ongoing initiatives and events that encourage guests to support the Black community throughout the year,” according to the announcement.

“We are committed to celebrating and supporting the Black community beyond Black History Month and other annual observances,” Presser said. “We’re honored to work with the City of Kentwood to bring another meaningful opportunity for the local community to celebrate the historic achievements and continued advancement of Black Americans.”

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The second Little Free Pantry was opened last year at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch for the community to visit during library hours. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry.

For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall and practicing physical distancing.

For more information about the March 5 event, visit kentwood.us/MLKUnityWalk.

Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ adds to company’s rich history

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By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

The Grand Rapids Ballet starts the celebration of its 50th celebration with the production of “Cinderella.” (Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert)

As Grand Rapids Ballet celebrates the opening of its 50th anniversary season, the company is looking both forward and back with its upcoming performance of “Cinderella.”

 

When the dancers take the stage at DeVos Performance Hall this weekend, Feb. 25-27, it will be significant in many ways.

 

Thirty-five years ago, “Cinderella” was the first full-length ballet that the company performed.

And aside from the annual performances of “The Nutcracker,” the shows this weekend will also mark the first time in a decade that the Ballet has done a full-length production with the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Performance Hall.

 

“We love the magic of the theater, we love having the live music, and the fact that it has been in our history is special too,” said James Sofranko, artistic director at Grand Rapids Ballet.

Full-length ballets like “Cinderella” are the pinnacle of what classical ballet is all about, he said.

“It has a beautiful orchestral score, beautiful sets and costumes, and utilizes classical ballet steps, so this is what we’ve been training for our whole lives,” he said. “It’s a very challenging thing to make it look effortless and hone every detail.”

This version of “Cinderella” was created more than 50 years ago by Ben Stevenson, former director of the Houston Ballet. Renowned companies like The Washington Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet have all performed the work, and Sofranko feels the significance of that history for both the individual dancers and the company as a whole.

 

The Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of “Cinderella” is set for Feb. 25-27. (Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Ballet)

“You’re adding to your own personal repertoire as a dancer, and as a company, these ballets elevate us and our stature in the dance world,” he said. “These dancers are relishing this moment, and these ballets bring us to our next level. So to do this in our 50th anniversary year is fitting, and shows that we are moving ahead pretty boldly into the future.”

  

The Grand Rapids Ballet’s home stage at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre provides an intimacy that is perfect for many shows, he said, but the size of the DeVos Performance Hall stage allows bigger sets that give an immersive, storybook quality to “Cinderella.” The immediacy of the live music by the Symphony enriches the performance as well, he said.

“For the dancers too, it feels grander, so you dance bigger,” he said. “You want to raise your dancing to match it. It elevates the performance in many ways.”

Students from the Grand Rapids Ballet School will join the 19 professional dancers on the stage.

As the community continues to feel the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic, Sofranko said he’s glad people are buying tickets and supporting the Grand Rapids Ballet, which is the only professional ballet company in Michigan.

“We’re very thankful that people are still wanting to support the arts and not watch everything on TV,” he said.

“Cinderella” takes place Feb.25-27 at DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets start at $20 and are available online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in person at GRB’s Box Office. 

Rotary Club of Grand Rapids names Dave and Karen Custer for annual community service award

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Dave and Karen Custer (supplied)

Anyone who meets Dave Custer will probably eventually hear the story of faced with his father’s story closing, he was able to support the tuition at the then Grand Rapids Junior College.

“Grand Rapids Junior College had lower tuition and allowed me to stay at home and helped me get a start on a college degree,” he said in article from the Grand Rapids Community College. “And having that degree allowed for better opportunities of employment, which molded by career.”

Because of the difference that GRCC had made in the CEO and founder of Custer Inc., Custer and his wife, Karen, have dedicated their time and abilities to ensure current GRCC students get the same opportunities that he had.

This month, the couple is being recognized for their service to the the Greater Grand Rapids community as this year’s Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award presented by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.

 

“We are pleased and excited to honor the Custers as the 2022 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners for their contributions to our community,” said Meijer, Inc. Executive Chairman Hank Meijer, who is the son of Fred Meijer. “Dave and Karen’s generous and gracious spirts embodies the true meaning of this award.”

The Custers have been involved in a number of organizations such as the WMU Foundation, Chairman of GRCC Foundation, Hope on the Hill Foundation, Clark Retirement Community Capital Campaign Chair and Board Trustee. Dave Custer is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, member and past chairman of the Grand Rapids Economic Club, member and past president of Cascade Hills Country Club and director at Irwin Seating.

“We are honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer and believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can,” Dave Custer said. “We are humbled by this recognition which is truly an honor to us.”

The Custers join City of Wyoming’s Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Den, along with several others who have received the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award.

 

The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor the Custers at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration May 10 at 6 p.m. at The Cultural Center, 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. Tickets are on sale at grrotary.org or by calling 616-429-5640.

Kentwood’s 62-B District Court judge to host judicial outreach event March 2

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The Kentwood Justice Center which houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

In conjunction with National Judicial Outreach Week, the City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court has announced that residents are invited to meet Judge Amanda Sterkenburg and learn more about the court during a hybrid public/online event Wednesday, March 2.

National Judicial Outreach Week was created in 2017 by the American Bar Association to encourage judges to invite community members to their courthouses to meet with them, share information about the rule of law and talk about the work courts do every day. Every year, it is held March 1-10 and features a “Preserving the Rule of Law” theme.

The City of Kentwood Justice Center houses both the city’s police department headquarters and the 62-B District Court. (Supplied)

The 62-B District Court will host its event inside the courtroom at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, and online via Zoom from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

During the event, Judge Sterkenburg will give a presentation on the importance of the judiciary and how the court preserves the rule of law. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions on how the court can better serve the community.

62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg. (Supplied)

“National Judicial Outreach Week is a perfect opportunity for the court to foster a greater understanding of our role in government,” Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to hosting our first-ever judicial outreach event at the 62-B District Court in that spirit and to connect with our community.”

Community members are asked to RSVP for the event online or by calling 616-554-0715.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, in-person attendance will be limited to the first 40 who register, and face coverings will be required for all regardless of vaccination status.

The event will also be available via Zoom. Virtual participation information will be emailed to registrants prior to the event. Attendees who require interpreter services or other accommodations are asked to contact the court at 616-554-0715 by Friday, Feb. 25.

Sterkenburg began presiding over the 62-B District Court in January 2021, for a six-year term. In her prior practice as a solo attorney, she represented criminal and civil defendants, landlords, tenants and litigants with many different types of claims. Her experience includes successful jury trials on assault, theft and retail fraud offenses. She has more than 90 hours of mediation training and has handled matters in many local circuit and district courts, including the 62-B District Court.

The 62-B District Court, according to the announcement, “strives to earn the public’s trust and confidence by providing a fair and just forum for the resolution of civil and criminal disputes, providing services in a professional, timely and efficient manner with respect and courtesy, educating and providing services in an understandable and user-friendly fashion, being accountable for the resources invested in the court and recognizing the changing needs of the judicial system and the people it serves.”

 For more information contact Court Administrator Michele White at 616-554-0715 or whitem@kentwood.us.

Local voices will add to the story as Opera Grand Rapids premieres new work focused on racial justice

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer

As Opera Grand Rapids gets ready to stage the world premiere of Stinney: An American Execution, a companion piece will bring together local artists to talk about Stinney’s story through a variety of additional art forms.

The new opera tells the true story of the execution of George Stinney Jr., a Black teen who died in the electric chair at age 14 after he was wrongfully accused of raping and murdering two White girls. His conviction was overturned in 2014, 70 years after his 1944 execution.

The Stinney Artistic Collaborative, being performed the night before the opera opens, will showcase Ebony Road Players, Dr. Eric Williams from the Smithsonian Museum of African American History, The Diatribe, student artists from WMCAT, and other independent artists, in addition to performances by Opera Grand Rapids. 

“It’s essentially an open invitation for those artists to create after being inspired by George Stinney’s story,” said Emilee Syrewicze, executive director of Opera Grand Rapids.

In 1944 George Stinney Jr. became the youngest American executed. His conviction was over turned in 2014, 70 years after his execution. (Public domain)

“It’s a significant artistic achievement to get a world premiere opera, and particularly one that is so highly regarded,” she said. “That it speaks to a social issue like racial justice is something we wanted to elevate.”

She said after securing the rights to the opera in June, they knew they wanted to do more with it than just perform the opera. They reached out to organizations represented by artists of color and found several that were interested in taking part in a collaborative event.

Edye Evans Hyde, executive director of Ebony Road Players, will be performing songs relevant to the theme of the opera at the Stinney Collaborative.

She said in the current climate around the United States, with books about racial injustice being banned in schools, the arts community is the only place left to telI stories like Stinney: An American Execution.

“The arts still have the ability to further the conversation about equality and inclusion and racism and all these things that we still need to talk about,” Evans Hyde said. “I’m just really proud of the Opera and other Institutions taking on the subject matter so that we can continue to talk about these things, not just in February but the whole year long.”

G. Foster,  a teaching artist and co-founder of The Diatribe, will be performing a poetic work at the Stinney Collaborative.

G. Foster,  a teaching artist and co-founder of The Diatribe, will be performing a poetic work at The Stinney Collaborative. (Supplied)

He’s frustrated by the lack of progress toward racial justice not only around the United States, but in the Grand Rapids community.

“We still have so many problems that need to be addressed,” he said. “In 2021, Mayor Bliss announced that racism is a public health crisis in Grand Rapids. I haven’t heard anybody talking about it. We haven’t been putting in the work to make sure it’s preventable. We have ‘diversity, equity and inclusion.’ These are amazing words, but when you go to the table, there’s no diversity at these tables. It’s usually done by people who don’t look like me.”

He’s participating in The Stinney Artistic Collaborative in hopes that the event will help put words into action.

“We have to know our history, but we have to be able to change our present and our future,” he said.

The Stinney Artistic Collaborative takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 17 Pearl St. NW.

Stinney: An American Execution will be staged Feb. 25 through 27 at the Peter Martin Wege Theater, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Tickets for Stinney and the Stinney Artistic Collaborative are available online at www.operagr.org or by calling the box office at 616-451-2741.

Christian McBride shows off versatility, friends with St. Cecilia WinterFest Jazz Series

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One of Christian McBride’s many musical “hats”, rejoining “A Moodswing Reunion” for a new release and a 2022 tour with, from left, drummer Brian Blade, McBride, saxophonist Joshua Redman, and pianist Brad Mehldau. (Nonsuch Records)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It is no secret that bassist Christian McBride wears many hats — a good number of photographs have him wearing one. But the “many hats” metaphor applies not only to his headgear but where his head is at, musically.

Over his legendary and GRAMMY filled career, dating back now more than 30 years, McBride has slid his stand-up bass in alongside artists ranging from Chaka Khan to Shanghai Quartet; he has effortlessly excelled in jazz, pop, rock and classical, all with little or no real meaning to labels or genres; and he and his bass, it seems — to morph an old phrase — can lead, follow, but never get out of the way.

Christian McBride, from a 2008 concert, is no stranger to St. Cecilia Music Center. (St. Cecilia Music Center)



McBride’s many music hats, and many musical friends, will be on full display at St. Cecilia Music Center’s three-day WinterFest “jazz festival” Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 24-26.



First, Christian McBride & Friends will offer up a unique pairing with fellow bassist Edgar Meyer for a “double bass extravaganza”, then The Christian McBride Trio takes the stage with special guest jazz singer Cyrille Aimée, and on the final evening, McBride and his award-winning quintet, Inside Straight, will hit the stage.

Tickets for the series, and individual shows, are still available — $123 for the full series, $40 to $55 per single concert — and tickets can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224. 

Man with many hats

McBride moved to New York in 1989 to pursue classical studies at the Juilliard School, but he was quickly recruited to hit the road with jazz saxophonist (and composer, arranger and educator) Bobby Watson. From there he gained masterclass after masterclass from the who’s who of music until he, himself, became the master.

 

Christian McBride. (Artist’s Facebook Page)

He leads his own bands, starting in 2000 with the formation of what would become his longest-running project, the genre-bending Christian McBride Band, to the 2009 formation of his more “straight-ahead” Inside Straight quintet, to the later Christian McBride Big Band, whose 2012 release The Good Feeling won the GRAMMY for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Album.

He joins other groups, jazz and otherwise, all-star and Young Lion-filled, including the modern who’s who of straight ahead jazz in the legendary 1994 “MoodSwing” quartet of saxophonist Joshua Redman, McBride, pianist Brad Mehldau and drummer Brian Blade — a group that will hit the road again in “A Moodswing Reunion” this spring including a stop in Ann Arbor in April.

Along the way, McBride was named the artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival, arguably one of the top three jazz festivals in the world; he hosts and produces “The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian” on SiriusXM satellite radio and National Public Radio’s “Jazz Night in America”; and, with his wife, vocalist Melissa Walker, he formed Jazz House Kids, the nationally recognized community arts organization dedicated to educating children through jazz, but developing musical potential, leadership skills, and academic performance.

Oh, ya. And he has made a lot of musical friends.

Three nights; three vibes

McBride’s opening-night friend, GRAMMY winning bassist Edgar Meyer, is both a unique performer and an accomplished composer, and as The New Yorker says, he “is the most remarkable virtuoso in the relatively un-chronicled history of his instrument.”

Edgar Meyer. (Supplied photo by Jim McGuire)

His musical uniqueness was on full display in 2011 when Meyer joined cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolinist Chris Thile, and fiddler Stuart Duncan for the recording The Goat Rodeo Sessions which was awarded the 2012 GRAMMY Award for Best Folk Album.

As a composer, his uniqueness was also on full display as he has collaborated with Béla Fleck and Zakir Hussain to write a triple concerto for double bass, banjo, and tabla, which was commissioned for the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

The pairing of McBride and Meyer will also, to say the least, be unique.

Cyrille Aimée. (Supplied)

The next night, McBride’s trio will team with vocalist Cyrille Aimée, who, the story goes, grew up singing at gypsy camps in her native France and on street corners around Europe, graduated to facing audiences at the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, not the least of which was the Montreux Jazz Festival.

But her singing is only part of her story. As an actress, Aimée co-starred with Bernadette Peters in a Stephen Sondheim tribute at New York’s City Center, which inspired her to dig deeper into Sondheim’s repertoire, resulting in her fourth and most recent album, “Move On: A Sondheim Adventure.”

And then, on the final night of the WinterFest, McBride will be on stage with his Inside Straight cohorts — drummer Carl Allen, saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist Peter Martin (who replaced the band’s original pianist Eric Reed) and now joined by young vibraphonist Warren Wolf.
 

Inside Straight’s “Christian McBride & Inside Straight Live at the Village Vanguard” is his quintet’s newest recording and, to some, can be thought of as a companion to the GRAMMY Award-winning Christian McBride Trio Live at the Village Vanguard album released in 2015. 

And the rules at St. Cecilia

St. Cecilia currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. Note: Home tests are not accepted.

All patrons are required to wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building.
 

If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

Lee Legends to induct four into Hall of Fame between basketball games Feb. 18

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By WKTV Staff

Wyoming Lee High School athletic department will add four distinguished alumni to its school’s athletic department Hall of Fame Friday, Feb. 18, with a ceremony scheduled between a 5:30 p.m. girls basketball game and a 7 p.m. boys basketball game, both against Byron Center Zion Christian.

The Hall of Fame includes members of both Rebel and now Legends athletics as well as high school distinguished persons. David Britten, former Lee principal and Godfrey-Lee Public Schools superintendent, will speak at the event.

Among the 2021 inductees are long-time teacher Thomas Wier, who taught at the school from 1980-2020; and Larry Landstra (Class of 1956), a student leader at Lee who was captain of his football team and selected in 1955 to the First Team of the Grand Valley Conference. (Landstra is not expected to attend in-person.)

Two other distinguished Lee high persons will also be inducted posthumously: Miss Agnes Noel, who as a teacher from 1892-1932; and Bernard Raterink, who as a Lee teacher, coach, counselor, athletic director and principal — and also played football at Lee and Michigan Site University in the 1950s.

Staying healthy in 2022 — Woodland Mall set to host Health & Wellness Expo on Feb. 19

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One of Woodland Mall’s entrances. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

Woodland Mall has announced plans to help those “looking to maintain your resolutions to stay fit and healthy in 2022” with a free Heath & Wellness Expo planned for Saturday, Feb. 19.
 

A dozen or more vendors will showcase their products and services from noon to 7 p.m., according to an announcement this week from the mall. From exercise equipment to better sleep, and workout clothing to healthy eating, shoppers will be able to connect with experts focused on promoting an active, engaged and healthy lifestyle.

“We’re all looking to improve our health and well-being,” Alyson Presser, marketing manager for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We have drawn from our own retailers and invited a curated collection of West Michigan’s top organizations for this year’s Health & Wellness Expo, which can help shoppers keep their resolutions and live their best and healthiest lives.”

The event is free and open to the public. Booths will be set up throughout the mall.

Among the vendors expected to be at the Health & Wellness Expo are Aerie, Atman Collective, Black Impact Collaborative, CycleBar, EYEQ.ITY, Jamba Juice, JCPenney, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, Offline by Aerie, Orangetheory Fitness and Tempur-Pedic.
 

The expo will also feature demonstrations by Mayweather Boxing + Fitness and CycleBar, along with a fashion show from Aerie and Offline by Aerie and several workout demonstrations.

Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall and practicing physical distancing.

Regular mall hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Woodland Mall is located at 3195 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Lexi Adams and her Nashville sounds opens City of Kentwood’s Winter Concert Series

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Lexi Adams. (Supplied by the artist)

By WKTV Staff

Lexi Adams, who will open the City of Kentwood’s free-to-the-public Winter Concert Series this week, is a singer/songwriter who offers up a mix of covers and original music that are “stories of life experience carefully crafted through each melody and lyric.”

The concert, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, will take place at the Community Room of Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, from 6:30-8 p.m. Guests are welcomed to bring their own beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy at the show.

Each concert will also have a food truck outside offering a range of cuisines and available for purchase, with Patty Matters Food Truck available on Feb. 17.

Michigan home but Nashville bound

Originally from southwest Michigan Lexi moved to Nashville Tennessee in 2008 to “pursue her love and passion for music,” according to her website. She moved back to Michigan with the intent of taking three months to immerse herself in her newly recorded EP but “she received many opportunities to play her music in the west Michigan area and that hasn’t stopped since.”

Lexi Adams. (Supplied by the artist)

Three months turned into 12, and she continues to pursue her love and passion for music in the local Michigan music scene. And while she hopes to eventually return back to the Nashville — “the city that stole her heart” — for the meantime, “Michigan is where it’s at!”

Lexi Adams’ sound, according to her website, “is Ryan Adams on a cool summer night, smoking cigarettes while leaning in for a kiss with Taylor Swift. It will leave you hurting and longing for more; wishing you had said what you really wanted to say to the love of your life before they walked away.”

For more information on Lexi Adams, visit her website here.

Can’t be there? WKTV will be 

WKTV will record all concerts and will replay them, as scheduled, on our cable channels as well as on WKTV.org by hitting the “Watch Live” button, and also later on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

Tentative run time for Lexi Adams’s concert will be The concerts will air on WKTV 25 Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 9 p.m.; and  Saturday, Feb. 26, at 10 p.m. Visit wktvjournal.org/wktv-on-air-schedule/ for a schedule of replays.

More information is available at kentwood.us/WinterConcerts. Also, according to a city announcement, “residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

WKTV to spotlight Lee high basketball feature games, Legends and Wolves Hall of Fame nights 

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org



The WKTV Feature Game coverage crew will pay a visit to Lee High School Friday, Feb. 18, as both the boys and girls teams will be in action in an evening which will also be the athletic department’s Hall of Fame night. (See a preview story on the Lee high Hall of Fame night here.)

While the truck crew will be at Lee, we will also have cameras at Wyoming high on Feb. 18, as the Wolves athletic department also holds its Hall of Fame night at the halftime of a girls basketball game and as part of a special community night celebration. (See a preview story on the Wyoming high Hall of Fame night here.)

The Wyoming Lee games, when Byron Center Zion Christian comes to the Legends home court for an Alliance League doubleheader, will feature a girls basketball game at 5:30 p.m., and boys game at 7 p.m.

The WKTV Feature Game coverage crew will wrap up the 2021-22 basketball regular season with planned coverage of East Kenwood boys basketball on Tuesday, Feb. 22, against Caledonia, and then a boys and girls basketball doubleheader Friday, Feb. 25, when Wyoming Tri-unity Christian visits Wyoming Potter’s House Christian.

A look-in at Wyoming/Kentwood area basketball

The Grand Rapids South Christian girls won a big game Wednesday, Feb. 9, 42-39, over visiting Grand Rapids Catholic Central — and then avoided a letdown on Friday, Feb. 11, with a home win over Wayland, 51-38 — to run their record to 13-3 overall and take control in the OK Conference Gold conference race with a 9-1 record. (The Cougars are also 9-1, but are 12-4 overall). (For a game story and a WKTV video, visit here.)

The Wyoming high boys (9-6, 6-4 OK) won an early week contest last week, defeating Holland, 81-36, at home Feb. 8, before falling to state powerhouse and OK Green leader Muskegon on Feb. 11. (For an on-demand recording of the Wyoming-Holland game, visit here.)

The South Christian boys (10-5, 7-3 OK) went 2-1 last week in a stretch of three-straight OK Conference Gold road contests, bouncing back from a Feb. 8 loss at GR Central Catholic to score wins over Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 59-45, on Feb. 9, and then defeating Wayland, 71-44, on Feb. 11.

The West Michigan Aviation Academy boys (10-4 overall) saw their six-game win streak come to an end in their only game last week, a 57-50 loss to Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, on Feb. 8. The two teams are still at the top of the Alliance League standings, however, as Wyoming Potter’s House Christian (10-4) leads the league title chase at 5-0, with Tri-unity at 4-0, and the Aviators at 5-1. In addition to the win over WM Aviation Academy, Tri-unity also defeated Byron Center Zion Christian, 72-31, on Feb. 11.

WKTV coverage and schedule/scores 

Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)

WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.

Wyoming Wolves to induct eight into Hall of Fame during basketball halftime ceremony Feb. 18

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The Wyoming High School athletic department’s Hall of Fame ceremony from 2020. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

By WKTV Staff

The Wyoming High School athletic department will add eight distinguished alumni to its Wolves Hall of Fame Friday, Feb. 18, with a ceremony at the halftime of a girls varsity basketball game against Zeeland East scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

The Hall of Fame includes members from both Rogers and Wyoming Park high schools, which combined to form Wyoming high.

Among the 2022 inductees are longtime Wyoming Public Schools teacher and Rogers high graduate (Class of 1986) Dino Paganelli, Rogers high (Class of 2002) student-athlete Ashley Heuvelman, Rogers high (Class of 1968) student athlete Jerry Hoag, Wyoming Park high (Class of 1980) student-athlete Rob Baker, Wyoming Park high (Class of 1997) student-athlete Amanda Hartman Schichtel, and Wyoming Park high (Class of 2012) student-athlete Lexi Popma.

Also to be honored are long-time Wyoming Park high athletic supporters Karen and Gary Stockdale, and the late John Wiggers, a huge supporter of athletics both at Wyoming Park and, later, at Wyoming high.

The game night, which includes a junior varsity game starting at 5:30 p.m., and the Hall of Fame ceremony, will be part of a special Community Night, with performances by the Wyoming high Pep Band, and Wyoming Dance Team led by Coach Meghan Dolata. There will also be a halftime hoop shoot, as well as a raffle, and senior shirts and yard signs available.

The senior all-night party committee will be sponsoring the halftime hoop shoot fundraiser when people will have the opportunity to shoot a half-court or 3-point shot. The 50/50 raffle will also support the senior all-night party.

The senior all-night party committee will be selling auction tickets, senior yard signs, and t-shirts as part of their fundraising efforts.

Circle Theatre set to host auditions in March for summer series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events
All are welcome to audition for Circle Theatre’s 2022 season. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Circle Theatre will host auditions for its Main Stage and Summer Concert series in March.

This year’s Main State productions include “RENT,” “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “The Music Man,” “On Golden Pond,” and “Little Shop of Horrors. Auditions for those shows will be held from 6:30 – 10 p.m. March 4 and from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 5.

Circle Summer Concert productions include “Nobody Does It Better,” “Get Ready:The Music of Motown,” “Divine Divas: Iconic Women of Pop,” “Soul Groove: The Hits of Soul and R&B, and “Under Pressure:The Music of Queen and David Bowie.” Auditions for these productions will be from 7 – 9 p.m. March 11 and noon – 3 p.m. March 12.

All auditions will be at the Aquinas College Art and Music Center, located on the Aquinas College campus at 1700 Fulton St. SW. Find audition notices, sides and resources, registration info, and more at circletheatre.org/auditions.

For more information on Circle Theatre’s auditions, to purchase 2022 season tickets and memberships or to find more ways to support Circle Theatre, call 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.o. 

Gonzo’s Top 5: Ice sculptures, country music, Disney, and Hamilton

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By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It’s Super Bowl weekend, and the entire state of Michigan is rooting for the LA Rams and Matthew Stafford. Are there any Bengals fans out there?

Well, the big game is not until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, which means you have plenty of time to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. We have a few ideas in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

John Gonzalez sits down with singer Scotty McCreery (John Gonzalez)

5. Scotty McCreery at The Intersection

I can’t believe it’s been more than 10 years since teen star Scotty McCreery won Season 10 of “American Idol.” It’s been watching him grow as an artist, and as a person. He’s released several hits, got married and even endured loss. Through it all we have we’ve stayed in touch. In fact, I got to spend some time on his tour bus last summer when he performed at an outdoor concert in Grand Rapids. Over the years he has carved out a solid career after his meteoric rise to fame, topping the country charts with hits such as “This is It,” “Five More Minutes,” “You Time” and his most recent video, “Damn Strait.” It’s a classic country song that pays homage to the legendary George Strait. If you’re a fan, you already know he’s in town tonight (Feb. 11) at The Intersection in Grand Rapids as part of his “Same Truck Tour.” Tickets are $39.50 at the door. I guarantee it’s going to be a great show. More info at www.sectionlive.com.

Disney On Ice returns this weekend. (Supplied)

4. Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends

Why not celebrate the Disney character we know and love by taking the kids to see “Mickey and Friends” at Van Andel Arena? You’ll spend time with Moana and Maui, Woody and the whole “Toy Story” gang, Anna and Elsa of “Frozen” and so much more! Performances are at 7 tonight (Feb. 11); 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Ticket information at  www.vanandelarena.com.

More than 100 some ice sculptures will be heading to Grand Rapids this weekend. (Supplied)

3. World of Winter in Grand Rapids

It’s a busy weekend in downtown Grand Rapids as World of Winter has several events, including:

  • ICE-Breaker from noon-5 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 12) at Rosa Parks Circle to witness the live carving of the publicly voted 5,000-pound ice sculpture by the Ice Brigade‘s Randy Finch. Also, check out a gallery of ice sculptures all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. You can also join one of the several guided ice sculpture walking tours led by Grand Rapids Running Tours. 
  • Movies on the Piazza: The Princess Bride, 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Studio Park. It’s a free showing, but ring your own chair and warm up by the fire pits.

     

Learn more about all of the events taking place now through March 6 at www.worldofwintergr.com.

Winter fun at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied)

2. Winter Family Day at Meijer Gardens

If you can’t make it downtown, Meijer Gardens is offering several activities as part of a Winter Family Day from 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 12). The kids can watch a sculptor transform a block of ice into a piece of ice art; create a winter-inspired craft; and discover how birds play and eat. The special activities are included with your admission to the gardens. Get more info at www.meijergardens.org.

Listen to “Episode 1: Hamilton returns to Grand Rapids, Feb. 8-20” on Spreaker.

1.Hamilton at DeVos Performance Hall

What is there to say? I think everyone knows that “Hamilton,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, is a groundbreaking Broadway show. It has been selling out since it first debuted in 2015, and tickets for the touring shows remain in high demand. A few tickets still remain for performances through Feb. 20 at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. Check the latest ticket availability at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/.

Also, listen to an interview with new Broadway Grand Rapids President and CEO Meghan Distel, who was a guest on my inaugural “Then By All Means, Lead the Way” theatre podcast. In the interview she said the show is “emotional,” “inspiring” and “the lyrics are so brilliant.” “I sobbed the first time I saw it,” Distel said in the podcast. “I was so moved. And you just want to see it again.” She also talks about the remainder of the Broadway Grand Rapids season and her new role. Please listen.

Well that’s it for this weekend’s Top 5.

Go Bengals!

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Fountain Street Church has history, and legendary acoustics, as 2022 concert series begins with Waxahatchee Feb. 14

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local History, Religion, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Waxahatchee (aka Katie Crutchfield) will bring songs from her new album, “Saint Cloud”, to be released on March 27, to Fountain Street Church’s historic Sanctuary. (Supplied/Artist website)

By WKTV Staff

The early U2 band poster in the “Green Room” at Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street Church is not there because the historic church once had a reverend who dug the boys from Dublin, the band actually played there in 1981.

The wide variance of concerts held at Fountain Street Church: U2 and the Vienna Boys Choir. (WKTV)

The walls of the Green Room, back stage where guests often await shows, are filled with evidence of the musicians, comedians and just flat interesting people who have visited the famous stain-glass windowed, pipe-organ dominated sanctuary of the church.

And that history of outside entertainers hitting the stage at Fountain Street will continue Monday, Feb. 14, with Waxahatchee (aka Katie Crutchfield) undoubtedly bringing songs from her new album, “Saint Cloud”, to be released on March 27. (The 7 p.m. show will have Madi Diaz opening.)

Fountain Street Church has served as a platform for a variety of performers since 1928 when senior minister Alfred Wesley Wishart debated Clarence Darrow over the topic “Is There a General Purpose in the Universe?”

Over the years, speakers such as Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt and Malcolm X have given talks. Notable musicians who have performed in the sanctuary range from Duke Ellington to Frank Zappa, from Alison Krauss to B.B. King.

Fountain Street Church is the venue only, not the promoter, of the entertainment scheduled — which will include comedian Fortune Feimster (currently seen on NBC series “Kenan”) visiting as part of Gilda’s Laughfest on March 18 as well as later shows by Needtobreathe and Welcome to the Night Vale.

Needtobreathe, with Patrick Droney, is scheduled for May 17. Welcome to the Night Vale, with Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin, is scheduled for June 13.

For more information about all shows, visit here.

Take a visit to Waxahatchee

Waxahatchee’s new album, “Saint Cloud” is “an unflinching self-examination,” according to the band’s promotional material.
 

“From a moment of reckoning in Barcelona to a tourist trap in Tennessee to a painful confrontation on Arkadelphia Road, from a nostalgic jaunt down 7th Street in New York City to the Mississippi Gulf, Crutchfield creates a sense of place for her soul-baring tales, a longtime staple of her storytelling. This raw, exposed narrative terrain is aided by a shift in sonic arrangements as well.”
 

Waxahatchee is a project fronted Katie Crutchfield, a singer and songwriter from Birmingham, Ala. She debuted the project in 2011 and has released three critically acclaimed albums under its name since 2012.

Since the age of 15 Crutchfield played in indie rock bands with her twin sister, Allison, the first was called The Ackleys, and the second was called P.S Elliot. That union and band(s) came to an end in 2011.

Around the same time Cruchfield needed to get away from the world, so she went to her parents holiday home in her native state of Alabama. She spent her week there writing the songs that would make up her debut as Waxahatchee, “American Weekend”.

“Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable,” it states on her website. “The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going.”

For more information on Waxahatchee, visit here. For a video visit here.