Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Local Black business owners unveil heart behind their businesses in Pitch Black Grand Rapids competition Sept. 28

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The Michigan Small Business Development Center presents Pitch Black Grand Rapids, a pitch competition for Black business owners (Courtesy, MI-SBDC)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

In an effort to uplift the Black business community, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) has announced a Grand Rapids pitch competition on Thursday, Sept. 28.

The Pitch Black competition began in 2021 in response to the detrimental effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on Black-owned businesses in Muskegon County. Pitch Black is now coming to Grand Rapids and will focus on Black-owned businesses operating in Kent County.

Business owners will have a chance to present their pitch to a panel of judges for a chance at a cash prize (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

“It’s sort of like Shark Tank meets America’s Got Talent,” explained Ed Garner, West Michigan Regional Director for the MI-SBDC. “It will be on an auditorium stage in a game show style fashion.”

Twenty Black business owners were selected from a pool of applicants to be Pitch Black contestants. All contestants received pitch training in preparation for a preliminary round presentation to a panel of Black Judges.

Five to seven contestants will then be chosen as finalists and pitch for their share of $10,000 in front of a live studio audience.

“It’s our way of uplifting the Black business community and is part of our DEI initiative called Uplift Michigan™, a strategic movement designed to ensure equitable access for all diverse entrepreneurs across Michigan,” said Garner.

Bringing culture and personal awareness

Bertina Polk, owner of My Little Love Bugs Childcare LLC, applied for Pitch Black to bring awareness to early childhood education in the African American culture.

Polk remembers being teased because of the darkness of her skin, kinkiness of her hair, and her broad nose.

“It always made me wonder if I was good enough,” said Polk.

Seeing her own traumatic childhood memories repeated in following generations of children as young as preschool age bothered Polk.

Bertina Polk’s childcare business teaches children to have confidence in who they are (Courtesy, Bertina Polk)

“It hurts my heart that these babies are going to school not knowing who they are, the importance of their existence, their value, and being proud of their culture and the skin they are in,” said Polk. “I pride myself on the fact that my daycare has a strong emphasis and focus on making sure that our children know that their black is beautiful.”

Polk does this by building a daily childcare routine that focuses on self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

“Childhood trauma can turn into adulthood trauma,” said Polk. “Being hurtful and mean to children can ruin self-esteem in the very early stages of life.”

Whether Polk is a winner of a cash prize or not, she considers it a blessing to bring awareness to issues that young African American children encounter. She is also thankful for the opportunity to gather information that will help her grow her business.

“I’ve learned a lot after doing research about the African American culture and how it affects our children in the Early Childhood stages,” said Polk.

If Polk receives a cash prize, she plans to use it to move and expand her childcare facility.

Having located the building she wants for the new facility, Polk is already working with other agencies to provide funding for a playground, educational materials for children, as well as training for staff.

“This will give me the opportunity to grow from the family group daycare into a center, and I’ll be able to provide more services to our community and our African American children,” said Polk.

More than just a business

Reggie Macon, owner of martial arts school Battle Ground JKD LLC, joined the Pitch Black competition after it was suggested to him by a client.

At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“Of course, the [prize] money sounds good, but I was also intrigued by the information I could potentially get from [the competition],” said Macon. “If anything, I can get some great information on how I can move forward with the business.”

Macon’s primary objective, however, is to share his passion of martial arts with youth and women.

Macon founded Battle Ground out of a desire to keep his two daughters safe. Having recognized and researched the dangers of human trafficking, Macon is focused on using his 17 years of personal training experience to help others learn how to protect themselves.

“I started out training my daughters and training a couple of kids out of my garage, and it kind of went from a passion to something I can see myself doing as a living,” said Macon.

Battle Ground features classes for youth, women’s self-defense, strike classes for MMA boxers, and Sweat It Out Saturdays – a co-ed group of various ages geared toward participants attending with a friend or partner to gain accountability in their weight loss goals.

With countless self-defense and martial arts schools available to the public, Macon differentiates himself by being more hands-on than most.

All ages are welcome at Battle Ground martial arts school (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“It’s not just technique and that’s it,” said Macon. “I teach how to read body language, situational awareness, how to create separation to escape in certain instances, and how to build confidence in oneself to know that just because I know how to fight doesn’t mean I have to. I can walk away confidently enough to know I won’t have to cause any harm.”

During the course of the Pitch Black competition training, Macon feels the information contestants have received has been helpful in showing how and what they can apply to their businesses.

“It’s been great information throughout the competition.”

Macon hopes to purchase more safety equipment for the gym if he wins a cash prize, and also to increase marketing for Battle Ground.


“Hopefully Battle Ground will be a household name pretty soon,” Macon said.

Showcase and competition details you don’t want to miss

A business and resource showcase will be held before the competition (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

Prior to the Pitch Black competition there will also be a business and resource showcase featuring all 20 contestants as well as selected organizations that support Black-owned businesses.

The competition and showcase will take place Thursday, Sept. 28 in Loosemore Auditorium at Grand Valley State University’s DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. The showcase opens at 5 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m.

Three cash prizes will be presented by the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at GVSU. The Grand Prize is $5,000, with a 2nd place prize of $3,500, and a 3rd place prize of $1,500. The prize money can be used for any legitimate business purpose.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged due to space limitations. All audience members are asked to dress in casual black attire.

For more information or to register, visit https://michigansbdc.org/pitch-black-gr/.

Minority-led ballet company Ballet 5:8 to present BareFace dance production in Grand Rapids Oct. 7

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Ballet 5:8 will present the dance production BareFace at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship during Hispanic Heritage Month (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

BareFace is a fresh and enthralling dance production that delves deep into thought-provoking themes and evocative storytelling.

Ballet 5:8, a female and minority-led Chicago ballet company, will present BareFace at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship during Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

The complexities of human existence

Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.

Rubio Slager’s choreography portrays the power of human connection and relationships (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)

The dancers embody the complexities of human existence, peeling away societal expectations to confront their true selves. Through Rubio Slager’s innovative choreography, the journey of self-discovery unfolds on stage, inviting audiences to reflect on their own identities and the masks they wear.

The power of human connection and relationships takes center stage in BareFace. Just as Cupid and Psyche longed for each other, the dancers’ movements intertwine and interact, portraying the intricacies of love, longing, and the universal desire for connection.

“With technical precision and graceful beauty,” writes Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review, “the talented artists of Ballet 5:8’s dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”

A captivating story that embraces the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity, BareFace challenges us to confront our own masks and delve into the rawness of our emotions. Set in the Grecian fairytale world of Glome, the production captivates with its cinematic storytelling, sweeping stage pictures, and gliding sets.

A lasting impact

BareFace showcases Rubio Slager’s choreography that, as described by D’onminique Boyd-Riley from See Chicago Dance, “Flows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal.”

Dancers rehearse a previous Ballet 5:8 production. (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)

The athletic prowess of Ballet 5:8’s dance artists, along with the work of costume designer Lorianne Robertson, scenic designers Sarah L. Freeman and Graham Louthan, and projections by Sarah L. Freeman and Julianna Rubio Slager, bring this full-length story ballet to life.

Artistic Director, Co-Founder and Chicano Resident Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager co-founded Ballet 5:8 in 2012. She is known for engaging audiences in discussions of life and faith through exquisite choreography, and for empowering minority women to command space in the professional ballet scene.

Since its founding in 2012, Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation.

For more information about Ballet 5:8, visit Ballet58.org and connect on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

Ticket pricing and links

Tiered single tickets are available ranging from $15 to $45 based on seating and available online at: https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/bareface-gr. Specific children, student and senior ticket prices are available. For groups of 10 or more adults, patrons can use the code: B58GROUP to redeem $5 off each ticket.

Sunday Night Funnies competition draws large crowds for standup comedians

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The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition is in full swing and is packing the house (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition at Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) is delivering weekly standup comedy routines and drawing large crowds.

From here, there, and everywhere

Located at Woody’s Press Box inside the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, SNF is a free admission weekly standup comedy show that is geared toward featuring comedians from around the Midwest. However, Brian B. has had several comedians travel from out of state to participate.

Kingpin of Comedy previous winners (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)


Brian B. remembers comedians driving up from Alabama just to do the show. “They did it for the trip experience. I picked up a woman at the airport who flew in from New Jersey to do the show,” Brian B. added.

SNF regularly draws comics from Detroit, Chicago, and Toledo, with the Kingpin of Comedy competition featuring a comedian from Canada.

Brian B. said many comics are willing to do a routine “for the stage time and to perform before a good-sized audience. It’s a very low-key, low-budget kind of thing.”

Voting system encourages audience participation

A comedian himself, Brian B. opens each show and serves as emcee.

With only three more quarterfinal rounds, the competition will soon be moving into three weeks of semifinals, with finals taking place Sunday, Oct. 29.

Sunday Night Funnies’s 2022 Kingpin of Comedy winner Seth Lee holds his winnings (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)

The Kingpin of Comedy winner will be determined with a voting system, so the audience is encouraged to participate.

Audience members are given a ballot at the beginning of the show – the only requirement is that they vote for three comics, “no more, no less.”

This helps ensure that the comics work to win over the entire audience, not just friends they bring along, Brian B. explained.

As for comedic content, Brian B. said adult situations and swearing do occur.

“It’s not a clean comedy show, and I don’t bill it as that,” said Brian B.

“I don’t censor the comics,” Brian B. continued. “That is a slippery slope and I won’t do that. [Content] is subjective – you don’t know what offends people and what doesn’t offend people.”

Filling a comedic void

Brian B. began SNF to fill a gap for local comedians.

“At the time, the only place local comics could get face-time was Dr. Grins, and that was only on Thursday nights,” Brian B. said. “They’d get three-minutes of time and could only perform every three months. There was a void that needed to be filled for local comedians.”

That void has been filled with approximately 1,200 different SNF comics over the years.

Sunday Night Funnies presents the 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition, now in full swing (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)

The SNF stage has found a home at several different locations since its inception in 2008, with the first being in Douglas, MI. Shortly after, however, Brian B. wanted to bring the show closer to home.

He approached Bob Sullivan, who was owner of the Radisson Hotel on Ann Street in Grand Rapids at the time. A partnership was born, and SNF took the stage for eight years.

When the hotel changed ownership, all entertainment was disbanded and Brian B. was once again on the hunt for a stage.

While having lunch at Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Brian B. began exploring and found Woody’s Press Box. Thinking it would be a good place for a comedy club, Brian B. approached the owner and SNF resumed in February 2018.

Audience attendance was slow-moving at first, with a recent uptick in numbers as former audience members realize the show is still in Grand Rapids, just in a different location.

Comics are also flocking to the stage, with 91 comedians participating in the opening round of Kingpin of Comedy.

“I don’t want to leave anyone out who wants to be in it, so the opening round was 14 weeks long,” said Brian B.

Brian B. works to encourage novice comedians, especially those who are unsure about participating in competitions.

Brian B.’s response: “Just do it. It’s still stage time, so you still get to get up before an audience, and – who knows – you might hit right with the audience and advance.”

Don’t miss out – be “in the know”

SNF is located at 5656 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming (between Meijer and Craig’s Cruisers), and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before start time, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Watch the SNF Facebook page for updates and announcements about start times, comedian participation, and competition results.

To find out more about SNF, visit these sites: GRTV, YouTube, Facebook.

Up north folk rock band, Troll for Trout, to perform at Valley Field Sept. 16

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Troll for Trout will take the stage at Valley Field on Saturday, Sept. 16 (Courtesy Photo)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Troll for Trout, an “up north folk rock band” will be at Valley Field (Sullivan Field) Saturday, Sept. 16.

The vintage ball park is hosting a Back to the 90’s Ballpark Jam festival-style show that will feature several musical artists.

Kicking off at 2:30 p.m. and running until 10 p.m., the show will consist of continuous music, beer, food trucks and of course – fun!

Troll for Trout will play alongside Papa Vegas, Domestic Problems, Knee Deep Shag and Craig Griffith. Between band acts, guests will be treated to solo performances by Adam Mikrut, Glen Danles, Ed Dupas, and more.

Troll for Trout is celebrating their 30th anniversary of colorful musical history. Over the years, the Michigan band has earned a diehard following and generated an impressive array of recordings.

“Troll for Trout and our music has always been about a lifestyle,” Michael Crittenden, founding member and chief songwriter, says on their website. “It’s that excited feeling of leaving work early on a beautiful Friday afternoon and pointing your vehicle North where there’s no schedule. It’s about finding and reconnecting with the peace that resides in all of us, but gets buried by the day to day grind.”

“Reboot” is a benefit for the restoration of Valley Field. A portion of the proceeds will also go toward the GVSU Aris Hampers Broadcasting Scholarship.

Tickets are available via Troll for Trout’s website at www.troll4trout.com.

Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute to commemorate 22nd anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

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The annual Sept. 11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute will take place at six Michigan locations

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

The Sept. 11  Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute will be commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

This event has been held from sunrise to sunset on the plaza at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (GRFPM) since Sept. 11, 2002.

In addition to the GRFPM location, the Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute will include activities at the Albion Legion Post 55, the Muskegon USS Silversides Submarine Museum and the USS LST 393 World War II landing ship, the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, at the USS Edson located at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City, and the Walter Sundquist Pavilion at Riley Park in Farmington.

Those who cannot make it to the activities scheduled around the state of Michigan can participate by sharing photos of themselves saluting or by viewing the activities at the Michigan Cross Roads Council BSA Facebook page.

Those unable to make the scheduled activities can still participate by sharing photos of themselves saluting the American flag (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

Events Schedule

GRAND RAPIDS: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

All events will be held outside. Those wishing to visit the museum must purchase tickets in advance at www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

  • For the 22nd year, the community is invited to join the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America as they lead the West Michigan community in a day-long “Scout Salute” at the GRFPM to pay respect to all those who died during the terrorist attacks.
  • At sunrise and sunset honor guards from the Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments will lower and raise the flag outside of the museum to commemorate the opening (7:18 a.m.) and closing (8 p.m.) of day’s events.
  • The Scout Salute will begin at the opening at 7:18 a.m.
  • At 7:50 a.m. retired Firefighter Ken Chudy will share events of the day.
  • GRFD will ring the bell at 8:46 a.m. for the South Tower.
  • GRFD will ring the bell at 9:03 a.m. for the North Tower.
  • GRFD will ring the bell at 9:37 a.m. for the Pentagon.
  • GRFD will ring the bell at 10:03 a.m. for United Airline Flight 9.
  • At 5:30 p.m. the Salvation Army Band will perform.
  • At 6 p.m. there will be a program featuring speakers Grand Rapids Police Chief Erick Winstrom, Grand Rapids Fire Chief Dr. Brad Brown, and Salvation Army Major Tim Meyer.
  • The final salute will take place at 7:59 p.m. with Echo Taps closing the event at sundown (8 p.m.).

ALBION:

  • At American Legion Post 55 in Albion activities will run from 4:30-6p.m.
  • A short program will be held during which Scouts and members of the public are welcome to salute the flag at the Legion post.

MUSKEGON:

  • At the USS Silversides a salute will coincide with Patriot Day activities from 4-5:30 p.m. At 4p.m. there will be a flyover, and at 5:30 p.m. the engine of the Silversides will be started to pay tribute to lives lost on Sept. 11.
  • At the USS LST 393 a program and salute will run from 6-8 p.m. with remarks being made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel at 6:30 p.m. 

TRAVERSE CITY:

  • At the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station, a ceremony will begin with the Fire Honor Guard and Boy Scouts lowering flags to half-staff at 8:30 a.m. and will continue with Scouts and community members saluting the flag until 9 a.m.

BAY CITY:

  • In Bay City, Scouts and the public are invited to honor those who died during the attacks of Sept. 11 at the USS Edson located at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum beginning at 4 p.m. with a service starting at 5p.m.

FARMINGTON:

  • Scouts and community members are encouraged to join activities sponsored by the Groves-Walker American Legion in Farmington. The event will be from 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Walter Sundquist Pavilion at Riley Park in Downtown Farmington Center. During the ceremony, Officer of the Year honors will be presented to police officers, public safety officers and firefighters from Farmington and Farmington Hills.

Various activities from all locations will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganCrossroadsCouncil.

“Garden Guru” Alysia Babcock to teach modern conservation, natural beauty with native plants Sept. 16

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTERS, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
Native plants flourish in Andrea Belden’s urban garden (Courtesy, Andrea Belden)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Native plants not only beautify yards and natural habitats, they increase safe havens for pollinators and decrease effects of climate change.

A trillium flower flourishes in its natural habitat (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com, Nicholas A. Tonelli)

Friends of Buck Creek and Alysia Babcock, “The Garden Guru,” are hosting a free public event to teach the “hows” and “whys” of inhabiting land without damaging it.

“Gardens with native plants provide habitat for many organisms such as pollinators, birds, and small animals,” states Babcock on The Garden Guru Kzoo website. “These pocket gardens are safe havens that help reverse the effects of climate change. We need pollinators for our food crops, birds to distribute seeds, and small animals to keep garden pests at bay resulting in healthy viable plants.”

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, Babcock will give an hour-long presentation titled “Cleaning Our Watershed and Beautifying Your Property with Native Plants” at Grandville Kent District Library. This presentation will teach how to beautify personal properties while cleaning stormwater and providing food and shelter for pollinators.

“I have always been an advocate for nature and find nature’s beauty everyday,” said Babcock on her website.

Native plants and flowers provide a natural habitat for many organisms (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

An Advanced Master Gardener, Conservation Steward and Master Naturalist, Babcock also has a Master’s Degree in Education, and is part of a newly formed Strike Team with the Rockford Sustainability Committee. Babcock is also the owner of The Garden Guru Kzoo LLC, a company dedicated to designing and implementing garden makeovers that specialize in native plants.

“I’d say [that] using native perennials in a landscape is a win-win-win-win,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC). “Less money, less work, more beauty, healthier habitat.”

Vermeulen went on to explain that in the first year, native plants “sleep,” growing deep, water-cleansing roots. The second year they “creep,” beginning to beautify, and the third year they “leap” to their full glory.

Daisies come in several shapes, sizes, and colors (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

“Since caterpillars are a primary food source for our dwindling bird population, nibbled leaves mean the garden is doing its job,” said Vermeulen.

Native plants will be available for purchase after Babcock’s presentation.

Parking is available on the south side of the KDL Grandville Branch. The building is wheelchair accessible.

For more information or questions, contact Martha Stout Vermeulen at seasister8@gmail.com.

12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest inspires creativity in all ages

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What’s Your Story: Write Michigan’s annual short story contest provides a chance for all ages to be published and win money (Courtesy, Kent District Library)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter the 12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest. 

Kent District Library is pleased to present this annual contest that drew 1,250 entries in 2022. The Write Michigan contest offers separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Winning entries will be published, and the top writers will receive cash prizes. 

“This contest gives writers the opportunity to reach their goal of getting published,” said Katie Zuidema, Marketing Communications Specialist at KDL. “Not only do writers have the chance to win $500, but their story could also be available to the masses on bookstore and library shelves across the state.”

Winners of the Write Michigan contest will be published and earn cash prizes (Courtesy, Kent District Library)

Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Thursday, Nov. 30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online. 

Three cash prizes will be given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.

Gary Schmidt, multiple award-winning author and Michigan resident, will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Write Michigan awards ceremony in March. Schmidt will also be writing the foreword to the anthology, which is published by Chapbook Press. 

“Write Michigan is truly a statewide effort,” says Josh Mosey, one of the organizers of the contest. “Kent District Library couldn’t put on the short story contest without our partners, including Schuler Books, Michigan Learning Channel, Capital Area District Library and Canton Public Library.”

Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer. 

Those interested can join an online community of writers through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Get encouragement, writing tips, challenges and more while you plot out your award-winning short story.

Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like getting published, freelance writing, self-editing and creating compelling characters. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.

For more information on Write Michigan, visit  writemichigan.org.  

Monarch butterflies will be celebrated and released at John Ball Zoo on Sept. 9

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Monarch butterflies play an important role in supporting our natural environment (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)

By John Ball Zoo

deborah@wktv.org

Monarch butterflies will be released into the wild at John Ball Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 9 as part of a wildlife conservation celebration.

During Monarch Day at the Zoo, butterflies will be released at one hour intervals amid family-friendly events designed to teach participants why the butterflies are so important. Butterfly releases will take place at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Monarch Day at the Zoo will feature several family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about the butterflies (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)

“We are so excited to welcome guests to experience the wonder of releasing monarch butterflies into the wild so their population can improve, and they can migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico,” said Dan Hemmann, area curator at John Ball Zoo. “People of all ages can enjoy the events of Monarch Day while learning about why this species is so important.”

From 9 a.m.-6 p.m., John Ball Zoo is offering fun, family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about monarch butterflies and how pollinators help support our natural environment. Characters including Mirabelle, Rapunzel, Tinkerbell and Fawn will be present throughout the day to help spread the message on conservation efforts everyone can take to contribute to a healthy environment for pollinators.

Events also include story time with Circle Theatre at 11 a.m., as well as an aerial performance provided by Gemini Circus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Day will also feature live music by Kohns from 4-6 p.m., face painting, and animal activities throughout the day.

Tickets are available online or at the Zoo. 

Grand Rapids Ballet to launch Summer Series with annual Summer Dance Festival

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Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual Summer Dance Festival will kick off with performances beginning Aug. 25 (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

A dancer performs onstage at the outdoor Summer Dance Festival (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) will perform outdoors at their second annual Summer Dance Festival Aug. 25-26, and at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Aug. 29, as part of its annual Summer Series.

GRB is delighted to welcome the West Michigan community to the Summer Dance Festival. Individuals can enjoy two evenings of world-class dance, tasty food and beer tents outside Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

“Last year, our Summer Dance Festival was such a success that we knew we wanted to bring it back again this year,” said James Sofranko, Artistic Director at Grand Rapids Ballet. “This community-focused event showcases the art and talent that lives right here in Michigan, on one stage, celebrating our dance community.”

Performances in a variety of styles

The Summer Dance Festival features a variety of dance styles (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Audiences will enjoy performances in several styles each evening. Dance styles range from classical to contemporary, and ballroom to hip-hop. This specially curated, one-of-a-kind event begins at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to Grand Rapids Ballet dancers and Grand Rapids Ballet School students, attendees can enjoy performances by professional companies and dance ensembles from across Michigan.

A dancer performs onstage during Summer Dance Festival (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

“This event is so special to me because it brings together dance enthusiasts, art lovers and people from all over Michigan to celebrate dance together,” said Sofranko. “There’s nothing else like it.”

GRB’s Summer Dance Festival is free to attend. Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase. This year’s food trucks include Being Cheesy, Los Jalapeños, Arcane Pizza, Frostbite Shaved Ice, Patty Matters, and Ice Box Brand.

A new addition to GRB’s Festival this year is a children’s tent featuring games, crafts, face painting, and Gracie the Clown. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family and a chair, and enjoy an evening of outdoor performance.

Frederik Meijer Gardens Performance

On Aug. 29, Grand Rapids Ballet returns to the outside amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Performance tickets are free for Meijer Gardens members and included in general admission on performance day for guests.

A large crowd gathers to watch an outdoor ballet performance (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Featured works at Frederik Meijer Gardens include Elemental Brubeck with choreography by Lar Lubovitch, music by renowned jazz composer Dave Brubeck, and the return of Who Cares? from their 2022-23 season. With choreography by George Balanchine featuring the entire company and romantic pas de deux set to Gershwin tunes such as “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “The Man I Love,” the performance will surely be entertaining for attendees of all ages.

“I love providing new and unique experiences for our audiences by stepping outside the traditional theater, hopefully reaching new audiences along the way,” said Sofranko. “These events present the perfect opportunity for any member of our community to experience the ballet, and dance, in a new light.”

For a complete list of dance festival performers, performance times, and more information about the ballet’s Summer Series, visit grballet.com.

Beacon Hill at Eastgate annual summer celebration moved to Aug. 24

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is inviting members of the community to enjoy live music and curated food during its Summer Celebration, an annual culinary showcase and appreciation event featuring hand-held bites prepared by the retirement community’s award-winning chefs.

The annual event, which has been a tradition for more than 50 years, will take place 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 on the front lawn at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St. SE. Booths will line the parking lot, inviting foodies to enjoy cuisine from the retirement community’s kitchens and gardens that includes everything from global fusion and plant-based delights to bold flavors and gourmet comfort food.

The Moonrays, a Grand Rapids-based band that has opened for B.B. King and other prominent artists, will play a blend of instrumental surf, rock and blues with incredible vintage tone.

Beacon Hill’s food truck, The Traveling Plate, will also be on-site serving dishes from its rotating menu as a part of several dining stations. The Traveling Plate is serving up a culinary adventure this summer 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday outside Beacon Hill.

“The Summer Celebration is one of our favorite ways of thanking our residents, their loved ones and the surrounding community for their support,” Beacon Hill at Eastgate Marketing Director Ashley Edwards said. “Our culinary team has prepared an incredible selection of dishes for this year’s event – and what better way to come together with our neighbors than through carefully curated dishes made using ingredients grown in our own backyard.”

Beacon Hill Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Last year’s event welcomed over 800 attendees. The event is open to the community, and food and beverages are free. Limited on-site parking is available; street parking is available and carpooling is encouraged.

This year’s showcase will feature over a dozen handpicked dishes made from scratch by Beacon Hill’s award-winning chefs and will include a variety of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items will include homemade mac and cheese bites, freshly prepared smoked sausages, Thai noodle salad, panzanella salad, meatballs, watermelon and berries, a full dessert station and much more.



Beacon Hill has a strong commitment to local ingredients, relying on its half-acre community garden to supply produce for its imaginative and appetizing meals that are acclaimed by guests and visitors alike. When the Beacon Hill chefs can’t produce ingredients themselves, they source from local purveyors, such as AP Baked Goods, Field and Fire, Louise Earl Butcher and Rowsters.

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Eastgate neighborhood, Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home to four restaurants, which include an upscale Dining Room, Club Room, Garden Café and Bistro – all featuring world-class cuisine made using ingredients grown on-site. Each one has favorite dishes that are always available, as well as ever-changing daily and seasonal specials. Beacon Hill’s Garden Café and Bistro are open to the public.

Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration started in the 1970s as the Strawberry Festival, a fundraising event organized by the Women’s Auxiliary of Michigan Christian Home, the name under which Beacon Hill at Eastgate was originally established. The Strawberry Festival raised thousands of dollars for the retirement community through the sale of homemade strawberry shortcake, sundaes and other treats. Since then, the Strawberry Festival has shifted to a culinary showcase paid for by Beacon Hill to thank its residents, their loved ones and the community for their support.

“What started as a fundraiser organized by a small group of volunteers has blossomed into a community-favorite tradition that has brought together thousands of new and old friends for evenings full of great food and entertainment,” Edwards said. “Decades later, the Summer Celebration upholds the original event’s mission of using exceptional, homemade food to build community and enrich the lives of our residents and neighbors.”

To learn more about Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration, click here.

About Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home, family and security, dedicated to engaging seniors in an active and fulfilling retirement. Its state-of-the-art campus is a life plan retirement community that offers the complete continuum of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Beacon Hill integrates a more highly defined service model characterized by best practices in the areas of social and clinical services with excellence in hospitality.

For more information, visit beaconhillgr.org. 

Woodland Mall to collect food donations for students at back-to-school event Aug. 19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Education, Food, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall, , , ,
Families are getting ready for the start of a new school year (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Woodland Mall and The Salvation Army in Kent County are helping local students get ready to go back to school with a fun event and food drive 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.

The event will serve as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s emergency food pantry. It will also feature a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy in Woodland Mall’s Macy’s Court.

On a monthly basis, The Salvation Army feeds 550 people, including 145 children, and that number is increasing daily.

“We used to provide people with enough food to last three to five days,” said Victoria Arnold, director of Kent County Social Services. “Due to increased demand, we now provide enough food for six days. And we predict we will need another $10,000 alone to stay at that level, just for the next year.”

An increasing number of families are in need food during the school year (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

Attendees are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations to the event or make a monetary donation online to support Salvation Army Kent County Social Services, which provides food pantries, warm meals and sack lunches for community members in need. Personal care items, household products, clothing and baby essentials are also accepted.

“Countless families struggle to access nutritious food, and most affected are children,” said Mikia Ross, interim Senior Marketing Director for Woodland Mall. “To help address this issue, we’re focusing on promoting nutrition for children and families during this year’s back-to-school season and encouraging the community to participate by donating to our charitable partner, Salvation Army. Together, we can help students get the fuel they need to start their academic year out strong!”

Suggested items for donation include:

  • Canned goods, including meats, fruits and vegetables, with a pop top.
  • Pasta and pasta sauces.
  • Ramen noodles.
  • Macaroni and cheese.

While supporting the nonprofit, event attendees will be able to meet special characters like Princess Tiana and Captain America, enjoy DJ music and games, get their faces painted, make friendship bracelets, view back-to-school fashion displays and get makeover consultations. Those who make a monetary or food donation will also be able to capture memories with a photo booth.

More information is available at ShopWoodlandMall.com/events.

Old World Christmas searching for family in need of holiday cheer

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Old World Christmas has over 1,500 ornament designs, and adds more each year (Courtesy, Old World Christmas)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Old World Christmas is the country’s premier ornament brand (Courtesy, Old World Christmas)

As Christmas in July ends and the countdown to Christmas begins, premier ornament brand Old World Christmas® is looking to give back – with help from communities nationwide.

“Old World is looking for a family or an individual who needs a little extra cheer this holiday season,” said Sarah Dyne, Master Decorator for Old World Christmas and owner of Sarah Dyne Creates. “By giving somebody a tree that brings them joy, looks beautiful, and is something that they can hold on to for years to come is one way to do that.”

Old World Christmas is asking for nominations of families or individuals in need of holiday cheer to receive the ultimate in-home Christmas tree treatment, where Dyne will “deck” the halls of their home in Christmas cheer.

Something for everyone

With over 1,500 different ornament designs bearing Old World Christmas’ signature colorful blown glass and glitter accents, there is something for everyone.

“It is a stunning array you can choose from,” said Dyne. “You can find something for anybody. Truly unexpected and interesting things.”

Dyne went on to say that even though each ornament is uniquely different, together they all create a cohesive look.

“Even with a wide variety of interests and objects and colors, it all somehow works together because it’s a similar style throughout,” said Dyne.

Giving back and making memories

A lifelong personal fan of Old World Christmas ornaments, Dyne is excited to work with the company to provide this special experience for a deserving family or individual.

Travel tree design with Old World Christmas ornaments by Sarah Dyne Creates (Courtesy, Sarah Dyne)

“I’ve been involved with lots of different volunteer work over the years, and this combines two of my favorite things – giving back and decorating for the holidays,” said Dyne.

President and CEO of Old World Christmas, Neal Applefeld, said that the company’s ornaments are all about making memories and putting smiles on people’s faces.

“No matter what is going on in the world or in someone’s personal life, we truly believe that everyone deserves a little Christmas cheer,” said Applefeld.

How to nominate someone you know

Nominations are open through Aug. 20. Upload a video, photo or written entry about why you think a family in your life is in need of some holiday cheer. Old World Christmas will select one family to receive the ultimate Christmas tree treatment from Dyne, and five lucky finalists will receive a $100 Old World Christmas prize package.

To nominate a family, visit https://gleam.io/GJhOy/old-world-christmas-gives-back. Winners will be announced in September.

To buy an Old World Christmas ornament today, visit local West Michigan retail stores, Fruitbasket Flowerland in Wyoming, Frederik Meijer Gardens Gift Shop and Gallery 154 in Grand Rapids, or visit www.oldworldchristmas.com.

The Reverend Jesse Ray takes the stage at Lamar Park with his Americana Rock N Roots experience on Aug. 15

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
The Reverend Jesse Ray sings with soul at Ramshackle Brewing in Jonesville (Courtesy, Paul Jensen)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The Reverend Jesse Ray will wrap up the Concerts in the Park summer series with an Americana Rock N Roots experience at Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.

Patty Matters – Food Truck will have gourmet burgers available to purchase during the concert, and attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the summer evening and live music.

The beginning of it all

The Reverend Jesse Ray has always enjoyed music, singing with his mom and grandparents as a child and learning to play the ukulele under the tutelage of his paternal grandfather (who Ray called “Gumpy”) at 8 years old.

“It’s the ultimate form of self-expression,” said Ray about music.

Ray moved on to guitar at age 12, when “Gumpy” showed him that guitar chords were quite similar to ukulele chords.

The Reverend Jesse Ray performs in Grand Haven (Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)

Ray went on to say that his mother accompanied him to bars in the evenings that same year so he could participate in open mic nights.

His music repertoire moved on to include playing trumpet in high school jazz band, marching band, and concert band. For his senior year of high school, however, Ray decided to join choir and play guitar in the jazz band instead.

“That was a riot,” said Ray. “I really liked trumpet, but I really wanted to keep singing.”

“I would do open mics as a senior three or four days a week, and then go sleep in my car during lunch period,” said Ray.

College brought experiences in street performance and an interest in rockabilly blues and roots music, leading Ray to start the high-energy band, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, in 2013.

A life pivot

When asked if he pursued a degree in music, Jesse responded, “I was a music major for one whole day. The next day I skipped all of my classes, went to the counselor, and said no, we’re going to focus on history.”

Ray said that he felt unable to focus on what he wanted to do musically while being a music major. With a love of history as well, Ray pursued that interest during his college tenure instead.

“I really like American History,” said Ray. “I’ve been fascinated by it since I was a kid, how things got to be the way that they are. You can understand a lot if you look into the past.”

However, “I kept music as my love, my passion,” said Ray.

Lyrics and secrets

Ray said that a lot of his music stems from personal experiences, and that he tends to hide things in his song lyrics, some of them personal.

The Reverend Jesse Ray performs at outdoor venue in Grand Haven (Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)

“Some people get it, some people don’t,” said Ray. “Sometimes it’s a joke, and sometimes it’s something really deep and personal.”

Ray went on to say that music helped him process events and experiences in his life when he was younger.

“I write a song and put it out there, and then I feel a lot better when I walk away,” said Ray.

The Reverend: master of his own destiny

Always looking for new and creative musical opportunities, Jesse Ray brought forth The Reverend Jesse Ray, an Americana Rock N Roots experience.

But the moniker did not feel natural at first.

Coined “The Reverend” by a studio producer and then by band drummer Dingo, Ray said he didn’t care for the nickname. However, the nickname stuck as a way to set his music apart from other musicians bearing the name Jesse Ray.

“There were lots of Jesse Rays, but no Reverend Jesse Ray,” said Ray.

The Reverend Jesse Ray was born, and performs at venues all across Michigan.

Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish are also going strong with plans to release a new album Sept. 29th, and with at least 30 tour dates already in place across the United States.

To find out more about The Reverend Jesse Ray, visit: Facebook – The Reverend Jesse Ray and JRCC Band – The Reverend Jesse Ray.

To find out more about Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, visit: JRCC Band.

Great Start Collaborative of Kent County giving away free child development goodie bags on Aug. 12

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Family resource organization Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is hosting a free in-person event to help parents learn more about the importance of play and developmental screening in children.

Taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 at Alger Head Start in Grand Rapids, the 4th annual “Books, Blocks and Balls” event will offer fun activities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Participants will receive a goodie bag filled with items proven to help with child development. Every child that attends, regardless of age, will receive a free book.

Families will also have the opportunity to complete a developmental screening onsite, which can help parents know what to look for at certain ages and stages in their children.

(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

There will be a variety of activities, food options and family fun onsite, including: raffles for free prizes every 30 minutes, food trucks offering free food to participants, games and movement activities with The Zumba Lady, face painting and balloon twisting, interactive activities at each vendor table, and more.

Participating alongside Great Start Collaborative will be dozens of community organizations providing additional giveaways and resources to families in attendance.

One such organization is First Steps Kent, an independent non-profit that works to strengthen and coordinate the system of early childhood services through research and innovation.

First Steps Kent is leading a community-wide effort to develop a system of support for children ages 0-5 (and their families) that ensures every young child in Kent County will enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life.

This event was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage that provides dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five in Kent County.

Volunteers will gather at Lemery Park in Wyoming on Aug. 19 for annual Buck Creek Clean Up

2-row, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Volunteers with trash pulled from Buck Creek 2021 (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the family-friendly 10th Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.

Event team leaders will assist in finding sites that meet volunteer needs and will provide necessary information.

Breakfast will be provided for volunteers by Marge’s Donut Den and Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery, along with Littlefoot Coffee Roasters. Volunteers are also invited to a post-clean up lunch at Wedgewood Park, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.

“It has been said that an individual’s effort is a single drop, but when a community gives effort, it is a tsunami,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).

Trash lines a portion of Buck Creek near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

FOBC began as a grassroots group of concerned citizens that has evolved into a nonprofit watershed organization with hundreds of followers on Facebook and Instagram. FOBC’s focus is to inspire, initiate, promote, and engage in activities that improve and enhance both the environmental quality and the beauty of Buck Creek.

Over the past decade, Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC) and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) have partnered to remove trash from the Buck Creek watershed in Grandville by organizing the annual Buck Creek Clean Up. On Aug. 19, current FOBC President Becky Dykhuis will extend the clean up into Kentwood and Byron Township.

Volunteer numbers have grown steadily since the event’s inception, with several tons of trash removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters. Tires, shopping carts, microwaves, 55 gallon drums, and scary-looking dolls are only a few items removed from the creek.

The most frequent, and toxic, trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.

A portion of Buck Creek after clean up near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

Vermeulen says she has observed several benefits resulting from the annual clean up, and a definite reduction in trash in areas that have been frequently cleaned.

“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen. “Indeed, it takes a community to love a creek!”

Volunteers can register at: Volunteer – Buck Creek Clean Up.

A full schedule of the event can be found at: Facebook Buck Creek Clean Up.

If you are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s clean up, email mibuckcreek@gmail.com.

More information can be found at: mibuckcreek.org.

Magnus Capital Partners’ free-to-attend Summer Market set for Aug. 12 in Wyoming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
Annual Summer Market hosted by Magnus Capital Partners (Courtesy, Magnus Capital Partners)

by Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Magnus Capital Partners (MCP) will host its third annual, free-to-attend Summer Market featuring more than 25 vendors at HōM Flats at 28 West Saturday, Aug. 12.

Open to the public and HōM Flats residents, the event will take place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 1401 Prairie Parkway SW in the City of Wyoming. Community members are invited to enjoy live music and browse items for sale from local food trucks, artisans and other vendors.

“This is the perfect fit of bringing people out of their apartments, gathering, and building those bonds with each other and with the community,” said Jason Chronowski, Magnus Marketing Manager.

In addition to bringing community members together, the Summer Market also works to support local artists.

“Our Summer Market at HōM Flats creates an opportunity for people to strengthen their community by supporting local small businesses, gain an appreciation for the depth and breadth of emerging local artists, and engage in a positive atmosphere that recognizes our most basic need to create connections with others,” said Magnus CEO Vishal Arora.

(Courtesy, Robert Couse-Baker at pxhere.com)

Chronowski said that feedback on the Summer Market has been positive, with residents saying they enjoy the event and meeting their neighbors.

“It’s nice that this has both elements to it where it’s not only for our residents, it’s for the public too,” said Chronowski.

Attendees are encouraged to park at the south end of the 28 West Place Mall parking lot, located just east of HōM Flats at 28 West off of Prairie Parkway. Overflow parking will be available at Wyoming High School.

More than just a summer market

The event will serve as the main annual fundraiser for the Magnus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating art, culture and community-building in the areas where Magnus Capital Partners operates.

Focused on building connections with artists and local communities, the Magnus Foundation often utilizes funds to pay local artists to give HōM residents free art classes. The Foundation also commissions artwork from West Michigan artists to be used at various MCP locations.

Though the Magnus Foundation is a recent addition to MCP, Chronowski says it is off to a “really good start,” and that events like the Summer Market help “develop that momentum” in keeping the Foundation moving forward.

To learn more about the Magnus Foundation or to make a contribution to the Foundation, email info@magnuscapitalpartners.com.

Event sponsors

The sole platinum sponsor for this year’s Summer Market is Hooker DeJong, Inc. Other key sponsors include Coldbrook Insurance, Merchants Capital, Rohde Construction and Highpoint Community Bank.

Wyoming Concerts in the Park brings big sounds of Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Kent County, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps: Patty, guitarist Lucas Powell, and original drummer Alec Klinefelter. (Courtesy of the band)

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

Listening to Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps’ latest EP release, it is clear why they called
it Perpetual Motion Machine. The five-song release is all about power pop, with a fair
amount of rockin’ blues blasting through, and continues the band’s drive to its own
sound and popularity.

“Not slowing down in 2023, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps are stepping hard on the
gas pedal and touring more cities and music festivals than years prior,” the band states
on its website. “The trio have plans to record their next full-length album within the year.”

So expect a fast ride on a summer night when the band hits the stage Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m.

A wild ride for Patty and her music

Michigan native Patty PerShayla hit the scene as a singer, songwriter, and multi-
instrumentalist after winning the 2019 WYCE Jammie Award for Best Rock/Pop Album
for her solo EP, Oracle Bones, according to a bio on her website.

Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps’ latest EP, Perpetual Motion Machine (Courtesy)

But later in 2019, she joined forces with guitarist Lucas Powell and drummer Alec
Klinefelter to form Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps. After road-testing their music, they released their “blues-infused, riff-driven debut album,” Cheap Diction, in 2021. (Current band drummer is Chris Thomas.)

A music video from that album went on to win Best Music Video at the 2022 Grand
Rapids Film Festival, and another was featured at the 2023 Michigan Music Video
Awards.

When Patty is not touring with the Mayhaps, she plays solo gigs and even toured with the equally great local band of multi-instrumentalists, The Accidentals, in 2021. For more information on Patty’s musical journey, visit: Patty PerShayla at home in Nashville.

For more information about Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps and a video of the song “Spill” from the new EP, visit pattypershayla.com.

About the concert and venue

The Tuesday evening concerts feature a food truck with food and beverages available
for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, however alcohol is not
permitted in the park.

“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab
your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn
Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier in introducing the concert
series.

For more details visit www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec


Grand Rapids Ballet to perform outdoors at Millennium Park Aug. 5

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kent County, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Nigel Tau (left) and Rowan Allegra of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), Michigan’s only classical ballet company, announces their first partnership event with Trail.Club, a nonprofit focused on propelling fun on West Michigan trails through grants that support unexpected events and experiences on community assets.

See Grand Rapids Ballet in a new light as it presents a unique outdoor performance at Millennium Park in Walker, Michigan, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The performances will be held on one of West Michigan’s most pristine walking trails – the Hansen Nature Trail – and will feature three different duets ranging in length from three to five minutes. The entire outdoor experience will last for just under an hour.

GRB dancers will move through the trails and trees, giving the audience the feeling of being part of the performance.

James Sofranko, Artistic Director of GRB, said that he crafted the event in such a way that each duet is a progression to the next.

“You’re going on a journey down this path, but you’re going on a journey with the man and woman who are dancing the duets as well,” said Sofranko. “The dancers are different for each duet, but they represent the same couple at a different point in their relationship and their journey together.”


With the beauty of nature surrounding them, audience members can walk alongside the dancers and experience the ballet up close from a perspective like never before.

A new experience for everyone

While audience members will be gaining a new experience and perspective, so will GRB dancers.

“Usually we have a stage, and usually we are in ballet shoes or pointe shoes or jazz shoes, but we are going to be in sneakers now,” said Sofranko. “That will be a different challenge for us.”

Sofranko said that dealing with the limited space has been fun for him as a choreographer.

Rowan Allegra and Nigel Tau of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)

“It’s unusual and different,” said Sofranko. “In some ways, it’s fun for us as choreographers to try to fit an idea to a limitation. When you have a blank slate, you can do anything you want. That’s almost harder because there are so many ideas. But when you’re forced into a specific boundary like the trail itself or the terrain, you can’t do certain things. It gives you problems to solve which sometimes makes it easier in the creative process.”

Sofranko engaged two other GRB dancers to choreograph the other two pieces, something he does regularly so they can become attuned to what it means to be a choreographer.

“We need the next generation of artists to experience and to practice,” said Sofranko. “I try to give opportunities throughout the year for them to choreograph. I feel really proud of the talent that has been cultivated throughout the ranks of our dancers.”

Family-friendly and free

This event is great for adults and children alike. Attendees can plan to bring family and friends along to enjoy this free performance, sponsored by Trail.Club. The three performances will take place at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday morning.

“We are excited to bring this unique, one-of-a-kind performance to Millennium Park and the people of West Michigan,” said Sofranko. “Ballet is a living and breathing art form, which this community event aims to capture. We hope those who are able will come out to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a new and engaging way.”

For more information, please visit GRBALLET.COM/TRAILCLUB

Grand Rapids’ Black Impact Collaborative presents three-day event designed to cultivate healing in the Black community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
The Black Experience (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The Black Experience is a family-friendly three-day event put on by the Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) that will focus on spreading Black Joy and cultivating healing in the Black community by providing influential information in several key impact areas. Taking place on the campus of Calvin University, The Black Experience runs Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.

“We know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy–things that inspire, support and uplift Black culture. This is an event that will do that,” said Lesa Hardiman, Program Director for BIC.

The Black Experience will promote intellectual, cultural, and thoughtful leadership and innovation in the areas of education, economics, health and well-being, serving elders, and ensuring protection in an environment that is empowering, entertaining, and exciting.

“We will be celebrating rich culture and wonderful things that are happening with our BIC partners in so many other ways here in the city,” said Dallas Lenear, BIC Board Chair. “We wanted to highlight and celebrate the joy of what it means to be Black in Grand Rapids and Black in America.”

Lenear also commented that The Black Experience is not just for the Black community.

“We invite any and all people who would want to attend, to do so,” said Lenear. “We believe it will be fruitful for the entire community.”

What to expect at The Black Experience

The Black Experience will kick-off with a 70s Party at Calvin University’s Prince Conference Center on Friday, Aug. 11 and will feature the live band Entyce: featuring Bedrock, activities, prizes, and more.

“[The 70s] are such a great microcosm of the Black experience in America,” said Lenear. “It was right at the height of the civil rights movement. You have all this vibrant culture and art and expression, even in the clothing, that demonstrates this new era of blossoming out of this painful past and dealing with the struggles then. There was a reclamation of identity that was eminent in the styles and in the music.”

The Black Experience keynote speakers (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)

Saturday, Aug. 12 will bring workshops with keynote speakers Melody Shari, Dr. Steve Perry, Chris Sain Jr., and Dee Dee Taylor. The day will also feature local speakers, Kids’ Corner, Vendor Expo, COVID Memorial Walk, food, and more.

The event concludes Sunday, Aug. 13 with The Black Experience Jazz Brunch Invasion where people are encouraged to patronize one of three participating Black restaurants and partake in delicious food.

Evolution of the Black Impact Collaborative

The genesis of the Black Impact Collaborative stemmed from negative aspects of the Black experience in the world during the pandemic.

“We wanted to identify, to illuminate, and even to change the disparate outcomes that Black people were experiencing related to COVID-19,” said Lenear.

BIC began meeting daily in April 2020 to develop an immediate response to the pandemic.

Partnering with Cherry Health, BIC undertook several endeavors to help the Black community, including hosting multiple COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination events, and organizing a livestream interview with health professionals to discuss facts pertaining to COVID.

BIC also instigated an online tutoring program for students.

“We developed a program that continues to support students regardless of their learning format,” said Lenear.

While BIC no longer believes there is a need to meet daily, Lenear said, “We still have a vibrant board and active partners, and are still seeking to make a long-term impact in the city.”

To learn more about the Black Impact Collaborative, visit: https://bicgr.com/

To learn more about The Black Experience, visit: https://bicgr.com/the-black-experience/

Soul Syndicate will hit the stage in Wyoming’s Lamar Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,


The Soul Syndicate is coming to the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

The on-stage lineup of local Funk/R&B+ powerhouse Soul Syndicate may change each year it makes its annual visit to Wyoming/Kentwood community concert stages, this time as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park on Aug. 1, but one thing that doesn’t change is the “heart and soul” they bring to the stage.

The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m. Running since June 13, the remaining concert is Aug. 8 with Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.

A cool look and masterful musicianship

On stage for Soul Syndicate are 10 or more musicians. Regulars include Colin Tobin and Katie Sarb on lead vocals, Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboards, Tom Taylor on drums, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen on baritone and alto saxophone, Jeff Carroll on the “bone” (trombone), and Danny Giacobassi on tenor saxophone.

The Soul Syndicate has some pretty cool swag too (Supplied)

The Soul Syndicate, according to its website, pays tribute to the most influential Funk, Soul, and R&B artists “with a sophisticated look, masterful musicianship, and a crowd-pleasing act…The group delivers an experience that will keep the audience dancing all night long, with a dedicated horn section and male/female vocalists, the group masterfully combines the best, classic dance music into multi—song medleys.”

Members of The Soul Syndicate have performed with such diverse artists as Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie and the Blowfish, The Cars, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Spinners, Kansas, The Guess Who, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, and Rosemarie Clooney.

For more information about Soul Syndicate and a list of shows, visit www.thesoulsyndicte.com/shows.

Concert and venue features

Each Tuesday evening concert features a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is not permitted in the park.

“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier while introducing the concert series.

For more details visit www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec.

City of Wyoming to celebrate National Night Out with community and neighborhood events

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.



An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn
on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire
personnel.



Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across
the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to
explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency
response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can
also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.



“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”

Give me five: A resident gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)



Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.



The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.

  • Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water
    activity at 5:45 p.m.
  • Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.


“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters
as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public
Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and
meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members
across our city.”



Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”



National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers,
neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from
porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build
relationships with public safety.



To learn more about the National Night Out, visit natw.org

Power of love underlying theme in ‘Hadestown’

3-bottom, Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Maria Christina Oliveras plays Persephone in the national tour of “Hadestown,” which comes to Grand Rapids this week. (Photo by T. Charles-Erickson)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributor


Maria-Christina Oliveras, who plays Persephone in the Broadway national tour of “Hadestown,” said the premise of the musical is life changing:

 “Love is the greatest force of the universe and can recalibrate (us)!” she said in a recent phone interview with WKTV while on a tour stop in Milwaukee.

As the Greek goddess of the underworld ruled by Hades, Persephone may know a little bit about the universe, especially as it pertains to “Hadestown,” the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that tells a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Overall it won eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic, Depression-era America, where the world is plagued by poverty and despair. Orpheus, a talented musician, falls in love with Eurydice, a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet. As they navigate their relationship and the challenges of their world, they are drawn into the dark underworld of Hadestown, ruled by the charismatic but ruthless Hades.

It’s that storyline of “love” and its power to “recalibrate” the universe that makes the musical so powerful, Oliveras said.

“(Love) is the biggest force of reckoning in the universe, and I think we do that through our music and through the story we tell,” she said. “We all need to reconnect again.”

In this Greek tragedy, the story explores themes of love and sacrifice, as well as temptation, and the power of music to inspire hope and bring people together.

Written by Anaïs Mitchell, the score blends elements of folk, blues, and jazz, and features memorable songs such as “Way Down Hadestown,” “Wait for Me,” and “Why We Build the Wall.”

Because it’s based on a Greek tragedy, Oliveras said “we all know how the story ends,” but it’s their goal as a cast “to tell it again with hope, in hopes that it may turn out a little different.”

“Hadestown” is a musical presented primarily in song with the ensemble performing as a Greek chorus and the three Fates, the mythical personifications of destiny, to assist Hermes in telling the story. Most of the show’s seven-member band performs onstage on risers, perched on a setting that resembles New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Hannah Whitley as Eurydice and J. Antonio Rodriguez as Orpheus with the company in “Hadestown.” (Photo by T. Charles Erikson)

Oliveras, a classically trained actor, singer, educator and activist from the Bronx, New York, said it’s the show’s innovation, especially in staging, that has resonated with audiences and made it a Broadway hit.

Also, its wide range of music from New Orleans jazz to folk has made it appealing “even to people who don’t like traditional musical theater.”

A graduate of Yale University, with an M.F.A. in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory, Oliveras said the show is also relevant to today’s audience, weaving in themes of “immigration, community and climate change.”

“It’s got this depth, and it really hits where we are at this moment in the world, and in America specifically,” Oliversa said. “The combination of all of that…. you can’t resist.  It’s really a phenomenon.”

It also captures what it is like to be human, in the spirit of “we’re in it together,” she said.

Overall we are inspired by these young lovers, in song and creativity.

“It’s about the power of art to really transform and change, and reginate and reinspire, particularly in those moments where we’re disconnected, which is really prevalent in the world today.”

Tickets are available online at BroadwayGrandRapids.com or at the Broadway Grand Rapids box office located at 122 Lyon St. NW. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 616-235-6285.

Upcoming: FROZEN, July 11-24, 2023

More info, including season ticket information for the 2023-2024 season, at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com.

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. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. Find his Channel on YouTube. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Circle Theatre spells success with its opening production

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By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor

Circle Theatre presents the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” through May 20. (Courtesy, Circle Theatre)

How do you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S?  One only has to be in the audience for Circle’s musical comedy to find out. The season opener is successful with tremendous audience appeal, superior talent, innovative staging and musical delights.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows six nerdy and eclectic tweens who are definitely quirky, interesting and share their life stories with effortless humor and emotion.  It’s a small cast with big voices.

  

“What is the language of origins?”  “Can you use that in a sentence?”  “What’s the definition please?” These phrases take us back to some of the spelling bees of our school days. But what is the most memorable are the life stories of every cast member. The stories emotionally connect us throughout.

Kudos to co-directors Chris and Jenna Grooms for directing what seem to be young characters, but has a cast of all ages portraying that specific age group. They all try to spell their way through words like “capybara,” qaymaqam” “Cystitis” and other words I have never heard of.

Who will win the spelling championship of a lifetime? Audience members are on the edge of their seats just waiting to find out. There is no intermission which just adds to the suspense of the plot.

The show was a winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book. Well-deserved as the jokes, storylines, and content are relatable, emotional, funny and as clever as the characters themselves.

 

Zachary Avery, in the role of Leaf, doesn’t know how to spell, but when he goes into a trance, the results are correct and humorous. (Courtesy, Circle Theatre)

Another interesting aspect of the show is four audience members are called upon to compete in the bee. This provides an audience immersion delight and tests the casts’ improvisational techniques.

 

Each cast member has their own unique way of competing to win the spelling bee. Braden Bacon, portraying the role of Barfee, spells the word out on the ground with his foot. He gets the visual and then speaks it. Zachary Avery, in the role of Leaf, doesn’t know how to spell, but when he goes into a trance, the results are correct and humorous.

Usually there are stand out performers in musicals. This cast are all stand outs. Impeccable comedic timing, excellent voice and diction skills, in depth characterizations and gifted singers make this show one of the best I have seen in a long time.

Choreographer Mary Lohman and Music Director Scott Patrick Bell should also be commended on their creative efforts and in-depth talents.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs at Circle Theatre through May 20. Tickets and information available at circletheatre.org.  The show runs May 4-6, 10-14 and 17-20, with May 14 being a matinee showing. Tickets are available for $26 – $30 at circletheatre.org. This season, Circle Theatre will present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Pippin,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”  Definitely a winning season and one that we have just come to expect from Circle Theater.

GVSU summit explores non-violent solutions to political flashpoints

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Our Cities, Religion, Upcoming Events

By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor

Former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer

What do former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer and current Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer Dr. Adam London have in common?

Both have seen first-hand the dangers of political polarization in today’s society. Both will be offering West Michigan Perspectives on Political Violence as speakers at the Progressive/Conservative Summit 2023 presented by Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University.

The Hauenstein Center event, presented as part of its Common Ground Initiative, will take place Wednesday, April 19, from 2-8 p.m. at GVSU’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required and available here.

 

Meijer and London will talk on their experiences as leaders working in our current divisive sociopolitical world, and likely the costs they paid for their actions on political flashpoint issues. Meijer, who was one of a few Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump, lost his his re-election bid for the Michigan 3rd Congressional District, which was won by Democrat Hillary Scholten. London received repeated verbal attacks and even personal threats for his department’s handling of COVID-19 restrictions.

Kent County Health Department’s Administrative Health Officer Dr. Adam London

“We believe that all elected, appointed, and professional government officials at all levels of government should be able to carry out their duties without threat of violence against themselves or their friends, families, and colleagues,” said Kahler Sweeney, Common Ground Initiative program manager. “While we all have public servants who we disagree with, we must advocate against violence as a means of political action.

“By sharing the stories of these elected officials, we hope to showcase the harm that political violence has on our political system and learn what can be done to promote a politics of nonviolence.”

In addition to Meijer and London, other speakers at the event include Professor Javed Ali, former Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent and former Michigan State Rep. David LaGrand.

“Of course, there is the political divide we are all familiar with, that between Democrats and Republicans, progressivism and conservatism, but we also recognize the diversity of ideologies that our speakers and audience represent,” Sweeney said. “This event will offer insight on the topic of political polarization and political violence from various viewpoints, including practitioners and scholars, Democrats and Republicans, and a diversity of lived experiences.”

Schedule of speakers/topics/events

2-3 p.m. — Contemporary Political Violence & New Policy Approaches with Professor Javed Ali 

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Public Service in Polarized Times with former Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) (virtual) and former State Rep. David LaGrand (D-MI)

4:30-6 p.m.— Reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages

6-7:30 p.m. — West Michigan Perspectives on Political Violence with former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) and Dr. Adam London

7:30-8:15 p.m. — Community conversations and dessert 

Virtual attendance available

To attend a digital alternative for the summit visit gvsu.edu/hc for the livestream that starts about 30 minutes before the event or join via a zoom link, which is provided in the confirmation email after registering.

The Common Ground Initiative, according to its website, reinforces the Hauenstein Center’s mission to “raise up a new generation of men and women committed to the ethical, effective leadership and public service that Ralph W. Hauenstein exemplified throughout his life.”

Spotlight on Seniors Expo set for this month

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and Georgetown Seniors once again will be hosting the Spotlight on Seniors Expo, Tuesday, April 18.

The Spotlight on Seniors Expo returns to the Kentwood Activities Center April 18. (WKTV)

The 24th annual event, which will take place at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, is designed to connect the community with senior-focused resources. The free indoor event features more than 50 vendors from a variety of community businesses, free health screenings, door prizes, free lunch and more. 

“We’re fortunate to have many community resources focused on healthy living for all ages in and around Kentwood,” said Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Shelby Henshaw. “The Spotlight on Seniors Expo gives older adults and other community members an opportunity to come together to celebrate successful aging and learn more about available services.

 

“We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Georgetown Seniors on this community-favorite event, as well as our sponsors.”

Vendors represent a wide variety of industries, with professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and hearing services to recreational opportunities and retirement planning.

“Active, connected lifestyles are key for our seniors to lead happy, healthy lives,” said Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center. “We are pleased to partner with Kentwood Seniors once again to host this successful event and are grateful to the vendors who help make it happen.”

The gold sponsors of the 24th annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo are HAP, Humana, Tim Hortons, The Oaks at Byron Center and We Care 4 U, LLC. United Healthcare is a silver sponsor.

Vendor space is available. Vendors interested in participating can fill out a vendor registration form online or contact Shelby Henshaw at 616-656-5323 or henshaws@kentwood.us.

Additional event information can be found at kentwood.us/SpotlightOnSeniors.

Upcoming forum looks at the future of mobility in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Disability Advocates of Kent County will host a Kent County Transportation Forum on Monday. (WKTV)

Disability Advocates of Kent County will host the Kent County Transportation Forum on Monday, April 10 in the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St. SW. This event will bring together stakeholders to discuss options for countywide mobility.

“There is so much planning going on for the future of mobility in our community,” said David Bulkowski, executive director of Disability Advocates of Kent County. “We need to make sure people are informed about plans being considered and organized to deliver the best outcomes.”

In Michigan, 19% of people with disabilities live within the federal poverty rate and 48% of people with disabilities struggle to afford basic costs of living. Unemployment remains a driving factor behind this high level of economic instability; only 34% of adults with disabilities in Michigan have a job. Those who have a position often work part-time without a living wage.

Expanding Transportation Options

One way to address financial hardship among people with disabilities is to expand accessible public transportation options. Many individuals rely on public transit for their work commute and other common destinations.

Public transportation access remains scarce outside of the six cities in The Rapid service area: Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Walker, Grandville, and Kentwood. Those who live in places like Cedar Springs, Rockford, and Lowell often struggle to find a bus route and must rely on specialized services like Hope Network, but usually options are limited to expensive rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, assuming these services can even be found in these areas.

Community Organizer Michael Williams, who leads the Concerned Citizens for Improved Transportation (CCIT) advocacy work group, believes the community could deliver better results for people with disabilities. He calls for greater connectivity between transportation systems in cities instead of having a series of distinct, fixed bus routes.

“There is not one perfect solution to this challenge,” Williams said. “However, solutions start at aligning current efforts to better compliment each other, rather than repeating each other.”

Building on the past work of Faith In Motion and CCIT and a strategy session conducted during Disability Advocates’ Disability Awareness Day, Williams will host the Kent County Transportation Forum. State and local elected officials, municipal organizations such as Mobile GR, and transportation providers such as Hope Network will have a presence at the forum.

Everyone Welcome to Join the Discussion

The Kent County Transportation Forum seeks to coordinate local, state, and federal approaches toward achieving countywide mobility. Representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, The Rapid, and Kent County Mobility Task Force will discuss their transportation plans and seek ways to find agreement between plans. Kent County recently appointed its County Wide Mobility Task Force. Connecting current efforts will better help identify the needs for Kent County’s new team.

“We’re bringing riders, transportation providers, and planners to one place,” Williams said. “How can we work together and connect people in Kent County and beyond? This forum is a fantastic opportunity to align current planning processes into a coordinated regional effort.”

Those interested in learning more about accessible transportation or getting involved with CCIT can contact Michael Williams at michael.w@dakc.us.

More information can be found at www.dakc.us/event/transportation-forum.

‘Terence,’ the Red Storm Robot gets rolling March 31

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, , ,
Red Storm Robotics includes 40 East Kentwood High School students, four coaches and four mentors. (Courtesy, Red Storm Robotics)

By Trot Best
Red Storm Robotics

Terence, the Red Storm Robotics FRC Robot, is rolling into Kentwood’s home tournament on March 31 and April 1 to take on 37 other FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Teams’ robots for a chance to advance to the state tournament. In this Charged UpSM competition, the Red Storm Robotics team reimagines the future of sustainable energy and powers its ideas forward to victory.

Hosts: KPS Red Storm Robotics, FRC Team #3875

Where: East Kentwood High School, 

When: March 31 and April 1, 2023 

Teams & More: https://firstinmichigan.us/FRC/miken/

Terence, the Red Storm Robotics’ robot. (Courtesy, Red Storm Robotics)

This is a free event for everyone starting at 10:30 am on Friday, March 31. WKTV Community television crews will be at East Kentwood both days providing television coverage of the FIRST Robotics competition. WKTV’s coverage will be available for broadcast on WKTV and streamed via WKTV’s on demand service in the month of April.

The public is encouraged to attend and cheer our Red Storm Robotics team, or their favorite local team, as they demonstrate “gracious professionalism” through their application of mechanical engineering, computer-aided design, electrical engineering, programming, systems integration, website building, animation, and fabrication/machining skills. Red Storm Robotics’ Terence utilizes autonomous and driver-assisted modes, optical sensors to help guide it to targets, an elevator arm with a mechanical cone-grabbing claw, and gyroscope-assisted balancing to help it perform in this year’s 2022-2023 competition. The KPS FRC Team #3875 is made up of approximately 40 high school students, four coaches, and four mentors from the Kentwood Public Schools and nearby communities.

Project-based, hands-on FIRST® programs introduce students to engineering and coding in an engaging, inclusive, and creative after-school environment where students work collaboratively to solve an annual robotics challenge centered around a yearly theme. Boosted by a million-strong global community of students, mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, and alumni in over 100 countries.

Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company present ‘Wizard of Oz’

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ will run March 10-12 and 18-19. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Grand Rapids Ballet School’s (GRBS) Junior Company is ready to fill the Peter Martin Wege Theatre stage with its performance, “Wizard of Oz.” The hour-and-a-half-long ballet is ideal for all Munchkins, young and old.

The ballet, with choreography by Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, follows the story of the original book “The Wonderful Wizard of OZ” written by L. Frank Baum, yet follows the same storyline of the well-known movie, directed by Victor Fleming, throughout the ballet. Follow Dorothy as she travels to the Land of Oz, meets three faithful friends, confronts the Wizard of Oz, and fights off the Wicked Witch of the West.

  

“I am excited to see all of the GRBS Junior Company students showcase their talents as we bring this classic story to the stage,” Mosolygo said. “The students have been working hard the last two and a half months.”

Rehearsals for Wizard of Oz began in December. Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company members have been attending class weekly at Grand Rapids Ballet’s Meijer Royce Center for Dance, and in many cases, depending on the role they are cast as, rehearse multiple days per week leading up to the performance. “The production involves more than 50 dancers of the Junior Company. As you can imagine, it can be challenging at times to bring that big of a cast together,” Mosolygo said.

Premiered initially in 2018, Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company is excited to bring back this well know the classic tale. Although the props and set design are the same, you may see some differences in the choreography, “As I revisit the ballet, I do tweak each scene and make changes as we go along,” Mosolygo said, “the sets and the costumes were originally created when the premiere happened in 2018. I designed and built the sets myself, based on my interpretation of the story.”

 

GRBS Junior Company is hosting Dorothy & Friends’ Tea Party on Sunday, March 12, at The Rutledge on Ionia. At the events, families will make themed crafts, pose for the photo booth, and meet and greet with characters from the Wizard of Oz; along with having brunch.

 “Wizard of Oz” runs March 10-12 and 18-19, at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Tickets are $20 online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 110, or in person at GRB’s Box Office. Tickets to Dorothy & Friends’ Tea Party are available for $54 per person on the Grand Rapids Ballet’s website. 

Public Museum’s popular concert series returns

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Earth Radio will be kicking of the Concerts Under the Stars series on Jan. 26 and 27. (Courtesy, Public Museum)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum popular series: Concerts Under the Stars, returns this January with performances set for Jan. 26 and 27 at the museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, located at 272 Pearl St. NW.

The immersive full-dome concert experience highlights local musicians and visual artists. Concerts Under the Stars has quickly become a staple of the underground West Michigan music scene. This year, it kicks off with two shows with Earth Radio.

The Grand Rapids-based Earth Radio has a sound that invokes elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz, reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, Radiohead, and Knower, melded together into a sound that is uniquely Earth Radio. 

Video artist Nate Eizenga will be accompanying Earth Radio for the Jan. 26 and 27 performances. (Courtesy, Public Museum)

Local video artist Nate Eizenga will accompany Earth Radio on Jan. 26 and 27. Eizenga is a Grand Rapids native who moonlights as a video artist, focusing on accompaniment for live musical performances.

Attendees will sit back and experience the wonders of the cosmos alongside captivating music with Concerts Under the Stars. This winter, three West Michigan bands will perform their music, enhanced by the unique environment created by the dome and seating of the Chaffee Planetarium. Completing the immersive experience will be area visual artists weaving their digital art to the music being performed.

  

“We’re excited for the return of Concerts Under the Stars at the Chaffee Planetarium,” said Jack Daleske, the GRPM’s Planetarium and Theater Manager. “This year will feature a broad range of musical talent from local musicians in combination with local digital artists for an incredible full-sensory experience unique only to our location.”

 

Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., including access to the Museum’s first two floors of exhibits. Performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer, and other beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20, with discounted pricing of $16 for GRPM members. To learn more about this series or to purchase tickets, visit grpm.org/concerts-under-the-stars.

Additional Concerts

The 2023 Concerts Under the Stars series will continue on Feb. 23 and 24 with a set of shows performed by the DIY group, Phabies featuring KB Brown, and will conclude on March 23 and 24 with a unique blend of folk-soul music performed by Jordan Hamilton featuring visual artist Emily Hromi. 

KDL Let It Snow: Going local on the local indie/Michigan author book list

3-bottom, Books, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Kent District Library

Photo by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Angeline Boulley’s debut novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” skyrocketed to the top upon release earning several awards including a Printz Medal Winner, William C. Morris Award, American Indian Youth Literature Award Best Young Adult Honor, and was a Reese Witherspoon x Hllo Sunshine Book Club YA Pick.

Set in Sault Ste. Marie, the story follows Daunis Fontaine, a half-native, half-white young adult who witnesses her best friend’s murder by the hand of her friend’s boyfriend. She decides to protect her family and her culture by becoming involved an FBI investigation revolving around a new drug that mixes meth with Ojibwa herbs.

Boulley, who is enrolled member of the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was born in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has worked in Indian education at the tribal, state and national levels including becoming the director fo the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Boulley’s book is just one of the many recommendations on the KDL Let It Snow Local Indie/Michigan Authors. Other books on the list are Jenison author Tobin T. Buhk’s “Cold Case Michigan,” a look at several unsolved Michigan murders, and Shona Buchana’s “Black Indian,”  a memoir of being African American with American Indian roots and how her family dealt with not just society’s ostracization but the consequences of this dual inheritance.

Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes. 

Popular film series returns with new home

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor

Roll out the red carpet, as a staple of the Grand Rapids film scene is set to return. Since its founding in 2005, the Chiaroscuro International Film Series has sought to promote its mission of “connecting world cultures, promoting greater understanding of diverse peoples, and celebrating the universal human spirit through exceptional international cinema.”

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chiaroscuro operated a virtual “Greatest Hits” season in 2021, while the 2022 season was cancelled outright out of an abundance of caution. The upcoming 2023 season – the festival’s 18th overall – marks the first full, in-person season in three years.

“I believe I speak on behalf of the entire organizing board when I say we are immensely excited for the Chiaroscuro International Film Series to be returning,” said Chiaroscuro Board President Spencer Everhart.

What is the Chiaroscuro International Film Series?

Per Chiaroscuro’s official website, the organization’s purpose “fosters a deeper understanding of world cultures through the medium of film. Chiaroscuro enriches the West Michigan cultural landscape by presenting films in a setting that encourages discussion and enjoyment through a shared social experience.”

The series’ dates of operation run every other Sunday from January through March, with films beginning at 2:00 pm. Each international film is selected based on its availability, level of critical reception, specific country of origin, and runtime, among other factors.

“With theatrical film distribution as competitive as it is, important movies from around the world don’t always get a chance to be shown in Grand Rapids, so we definitely view Chiaroscuro as providing the region with a connection to films and filmmakers that are not necessarily always represented on our local big screens,” Everhart said.

Following the film, a moderator leads a discussion between two panelists. One panelist brings the perspective of a film scholar, while another offers insights into the given country’s history and culture. Chiaroscuro also invites audience members to ask questions.

Food and refreshments related to the film’s country of origin are available following each week’s discussion.

“The collective experience of watching a film in a theater is part of what makes Chiaroscuro special, but it’s the post-screening discussion panel and audience Q&A – followed by a reception featuring food related to the movie’s country of origin – that makes it a unique cinematic experience that is only possible when we gather together,” Spencer said.

Run by a group of volunteers consisting of local artists, educators, and others, admission to the series is free and open to the public. Support from those local volunteers, along with contributions from universities and businesses, enables the series to remain free.

From 2011 to 2020, Chiaroscuro operated out of Grand Rapids’ Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) auditorium. However, during Chiaroscuro’s Covid-induced shutdown, the UICA moved to a new location that no longer accommodates a theater space. It was recently announced that UICA would be closing at the end of Feb. 11. Therefore, in 2023, Chiaroscuro will relocate to the Wealthy Theatre at 1130 Wealthy St. SW. There is a potential for a larger turnout at the Wealthy Theatre, as it nearly doubles the seating capacity of UICA.

“While we are sad to no longer be hosting these events at our old home, the UICA, we are proud to be partnering with the historic Wealthy Theatre to continue Chiaroscuro into a new era” Spencer said. “It’s a beautiful venue run by passionate folks who have an interest in our mission of sharing global film culture with West Michigan.”

The 2023 Season

Each year’s films are all tied together with one unifying theme, and 2023’s theme is Absence/Presence. Chiaroscuro intends for that theme to reflect the shared human experience of moving on and coming together after a global pandemic.

The 2023 season begins on January 8 and runs every other Sunday through March 5. Per board member Kerri VanderHoff, the film schedule is as follows:

January 8 

Waru (Gardiner et al, 2017) New Zealand  

Following the death of a child, eight Māori women risk everything for the greater good of their community.

January 22 

Quo Vadis, Aida? (Zbanic, 2020) Bosnia and Herzegovina  

Ma Aida is a UN translator. When the Serbian army takes over her town, her family shelters in the UN camp.

 

February 5 

Asako I and II (Hamaguchi, 2018) Japan  

Asako loves Baku, a free spirit who suddenly disappears. Later, Asako meets Ryohei, who looks just like Baku.

 

February 19 

Le Havre (Kaurismäki, 2011) Finland/France  

When a young African refugee arrives in the city of Le Havre, an aging shoe shiner welcomes him into his home.

 

Transit

March 5 

Transit (Petzold, 2018) Germany  

A man escaping occupied France falls in love with the wife of a dead author, whose identity he has assumed.

“We hope the return of Chiaroscuro brings back our usual attendees from the past, but we also hope it draws in new audiences who are invigorated by the possibility of seeing international cinema in a context that enhances our understanding and appreciation for filmmaking from around the world,” Spencer said.

For more information about specific showings and panelists, follow Chiaroscuro on their social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and check their official website for updates.

SIX The Musical makes its way to Grand Rapids

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

The cast of the North American “SIX” Aragon Tour. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)

The marketing of “SIX: The Musical,” is catchy, which makes sense because it’s a tragic story on first blush, but an empowering one as well.

It’s the story of six women, who are all fascinating, and their marriages to King Henry VIII during the Tudor era of England’s history.

The playbill simply says: “Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.”

The musical is a new take on history, and it’s a smash, says Jennifer Pascua, marketing director at Broadway Grand Rapids, which is bringing eight performances to DeVos Performance Hall, Jan. 10-15.

“People are ecstatic about it,” said Pascua, who expects the few remaining seats to be sold out relatively soon. “At the close of the run of the show you’re going to see just how many people were excited that this is coming to West Michigan.”

The Tony Award-winning show – which won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) – offers plenty of historical elements, Pascua said.

 

But the plot is modernized, and the queens are presented as performers at a pop concert. They contemplate the group’s leader over who has suffered the most while married to the king.

“Within the lyrics there are updates to make it more relatable to the 21st century,” Pascua said.

“What’s nice, in the playbill, it will give you a little history of all the wives, and it’s going to show you who their pop icons are, so it gives you a vibe to the type of songs each of the wives are singing.”

In a recent interview with The Omaha World-Herald, Storm Lever, who plays Queen Anne Boleyn in the show, said you don’t need to be an historian to enjoy this show.

Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn (center) in the North American “SIX” Aragon Tour. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)

“The history is really accessible,” she said in the interview with Courtney Brummer-Clark. “Whether you are a history buff or if you don’t know anything about these queens, they take the time to tell each of their stories and give you the context of what was going on throughout their lives. But they do it with a cheeky, 2022 sensibility. They have a modern edge to the way that they talk, they have a modern sense of humor, but they are still talking about history that happened centuries ago.”

West Michigan audiences will find the “show full of empowerment,” said Pascua, who saw the show last year in New Orleans.

“It is a cross between the British pop stars you see, and influence from this day and age pop stars, and they…each have a story, and throughout the show you will hear the six stories of the six wives.”

“I cannot wait to see the reaction of West Michigan!:

It’s almost better, she added, if you don’t know too much going in.

“Then you’ll be a little more blown away,” she added. “It is non-stop energetic, and I’m excited to see how everyone reacts to it.”

Everyone will be entertained, too. It’s only an hour and 20 minutes long with no intermission.

“If you’re going to the show as a date night, you’re still going to appreciate it,” Pascua said.

“All of these women have incredible stories of resilience, and these queens, wow…21st century girl power is how we are describing the vibe that you’re going to get into as you walk into DeVos Performance Hall.”

Rush Tickets

Although tickets are limited, Broadway Grand Rapids has announced $30 Student/Educator Rush tickets for all performances of “SIX.” A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per person. All tickets are subject to availability. Please be advised availability is extremely limited and seats may not be together. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office at 303 Monroe Ave NW in Grand Rapids. 

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 Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He is also on YouTube. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

ArtRat offers up its Heartside NYE guide

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By ArtRat Gallery

ArtRat Gallery is enjoying a long winter’s nap until Jan. 5, but our Heartside neighborhood is staying lit to welcome 2023 this Saturday night.

Whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, a costume party, a basement punk concert or a good old-fashioned bar crawl, check out a dozen New Year’s Eve events within a 5-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).

Apartment Lounge (33 Sheldon Ave. SW)

The Apartment Lounge’s first party of 2023 “is going to be a big deal,” manager Jason Martin told ArtRat. “My favorite part is seeing how much fun everyone is enjoying the performances.” For $10 cover, you can be a part of the festivities at Grand Rapids’ oldest LGBTQ-friendly bar. The event will be hosted by drag doyenne Jasinya Maria Sanchez, and the cover includes party favors and a champagne toast. Jason tells us there’s only one more booth available (which includes charcuterie and a bottle of bubbles), so reserve your front-row seats before it’s too late.

Beacon Corner Bar (38 Fulton St. W)

The Beacon Corner Bar has two reasons to celebrate, one is New Year’s Eve and the other is marking its first anniversary. (Courtesy, Beacon Corner Bar)

Grand Rapids’ new home for Long Island-inspired “sea and land fare” has two reasons to party: It’s celebrating both the new year and its own one-year anniversary with a three-course coastal dining experience that features live music by Mark Levengood. ($65)

Canopy by Hilton (131 Ionia Ave. SW)

Want to ring in 2023 from a rooftop? The Hilton invites you to head up to Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden, “Grand Rapids’ only rooftop lounge NYE experience.” There will be charcuterie and New York Sours, not to mention an amazing view. Tickets are available here. ($100)

Divani (15 Ionia SW)

“This year has gone by so fast, and we are looking forward to celebrating the beginning of 2023 with you!” The chefs at Divani have created a $75, three-course menu (with gluten-free options) to ring in the new year. Reserve your table here.

Dublin Hall (100 Ionia Ave. SW)

Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh! (That’s “Happy New Year!” in Irish Gaelic.) Raise a pint at Dublin Hall’s Glitter and Gold Party, with music by DJ Tony Banks. The event will include party favors, a late-night buffet and a champagne toast. Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets are $40 pre-sale or $50 at the door.

GRNoir Wine and Jazz (35 Division Ave. S)

Co-owner and sommelier Shatawn Brigham told ArtRat that GRNoir will offer “six to eight” varieties of bubbly for your New Year’s delectation, as well as live jazz from saxophonist Alain Sullivan and his quartet.

House of Wine kicks of the New Year with a champagne tasting. (Courtesy, House of Wine)

House Of Wine (53 Monroe Center St. NW)

Do you get a kick from champagne? House of Wine invites you to “treat yourself” by making a NYE reservation for drinks and small plates. They’ll be hosting an exclusive champagne tasting to help kickstart your New Year’s Eve celebration. (Book online here.)

Lilith’s Lair (25 Division Ave. S)

Heartside’s new queer-owned salon is proud of its creative and inclusive environment. On NYE, you can explore the space with an evening of glitter, local art vendors and pole performances. Stylists will be offering discounts on glitter-y makeup and hair applications from 6-8 p.m. so you can leave “ready for the countdown at your local gathering place!” Pole performances will run from 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Get your $10 tickets here!)

Rockwell Republic (45 Division Ave. S)

ArtRat’s neighbors at Rockwell Republic are looking back to the 1980s this New Year’s Eve: Sport your biggest hair and brightest windbreaker, and enter to win a $200 cash prize at the gastropub’s ‘80s-themed costume party. Book ahead for a complimentary champagne toast; the festivities begin at 8:30 p.m.

Rumors Night Club (69 Division Ave. S)

Head on down to South Division’s venerable LGBTQ+ nightclub, and celebrate the 2023 New Year with a snack buffet, party favors and a house diva performance, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Legendary Rumors DJ Monica Parker will be spinning tracks alongside DJ Timmy T. Doors open at 8 p.m., admission $25.

Skelletones (133 Division Ave. S) 

If you’re more the party-crashing type, there’s still a place for you (that isn’t your parents’ garage) this Saturday night. The all-ages, alcohol-free music venue is hosting its New Year’s Eve Trash Bash: a “big family reunion” featuring Chain Ripper, The Mollusks, The Sissy Boys, Dregs, American Cheese and Fetus Deletus! Come check out these Michigan punk/metal/hardcore bands from 7 p.m. till midnight. (The gnarliest NYE celebration in town costs just $10 a ticket!)

And if you prefer a lower-key start to 2023, stock up at Grand Vin (15 Ionia Ave. SW). Owner Kimberly Grimm told ArtRat, “We won’t have an event at the shop on NYE, but we do have more than 60 different types of sparkling wine available at every price point to help customers celebrate at home!” Stop in from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Saturday so house sommelier Thom Grimm can help you put the right fizz on your New Year’s Eve.

The Ford Airport will be filled with holiday music

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Area choirs will be performing that Gerald R. Ford Airport this week. (Pxhere.com)

As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Ford Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.

The 26th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place Dec. 5-9 in the airport grand hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A total of 20 West Michigan choirs from grades first through 12th are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day. All festival performances are free and open to the public.

Some of the local groups performing are 

Legacy Christian Honors Choir, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5

East Kentwood High School Varsity Voices, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5

Calvin Christian Chroale, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6

Lee High School School Choir, 11 a.m.. Dec. 6

Wyoming Junior High Concert Choir, 11 a.m., Dec. 7

Wyoming High School Honors Choir, 12:30 p.m, Dec. 7

Legacy Home School Alliance Choir, 2 p.m,, Dec. 7

U-Prep Choir, 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8

Potters House High School Choir, 2 p.m. Dec. 8

South Christiaan High School Madrigals, 2 p.m. Dec. 9

The full schedule of performing choirs is at FlyFord.org.

“Thank you to the many local school choirs for your preparation and participation in bringing joy to the Airport,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “We hope our passengers and guests can pause from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy these performances.”

Saturday is the day, for leaf pick up in Wyoming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Saturday is the day — the day that the City of Wyoming will host its once-a-year curbside yard waste pick up.

The City of Wyoming’s yearly curbside leaf pick-up is this Saturday, Dec. 3. (Pxhere.com)

Every year on the first Saturday in December, the City of Wyoming hosts a free curbside yard waste pick up for its residents. This year, that falls on Saturday, Dec. 3.

To participate, residents should have all yard waste out on the curb by 6 a.m. Leaves should be in paper bags. Brush should be tied in bundles and not more than four feet long.

Yard Waste site still open

The City of Wyoming’s yard waste site, located at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW., is currently open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Starting Dec. 12, the hours will change to 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

At the site, there is a leave and grass pile and a brush pile. Residents are asked to sort items accordingly. To use the area, residents are required to show proof of residency, such as a photo ID or a utility bill, to the guard shack. Residents should enter the site off of Burlingame Avenue.

For more information, click here.