Snapshots: things to check off your to-do list this weekend

Wit is the key, I think to anybody’s heart, because who doesn’t like to laugh?
Julia Roberts

Last Weekend for IllumiZoo

Don’t miss out on the last chance to see IllumiZoo at the John Ball Zoo! IllumiZoo is a Glenlore Tale about our connection to the earth and its wildlife around us. The the colorful trail goes dark after Sunday, Nov. 15. It is open from 6 p.m. to midnight. The final night will feature an array of symphonic music from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and Beethoven to lead you through the display of colors and lights.

The Comedy Project is located at 540 Leonard Ave. NW (The Comedy Project)

See a Comedy Show

After a long week we all just need a good laugh sometimes. The Comedy Project is hosting a reduced capacity show Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 9 p.m. The show will include a mix of improv and “best of” comedy skits. The seats may be limited but the bar is not, so grab a friend and treat yourself to some well needed laughter.

Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Ballet

Watch a Virtual Ballet Performance

The Grand Rapids Ballet is kicking off its virtual season this weekend with it’s program Business as (un)Usual. The program includes a piece by Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie as well as a selection by Grand Rapids Ballet’s Artistic Director James Sofranko with features a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn. Also featured in the performance is company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana and more. “Tickets” to watch the virtual program can be purchased online for $15.

Fun fact: Getting all the marbles

You think counting absentee ballots is tough, how about marbles? Since the 1960s, the Africa country Gambia has been voting with marbles. Color-coded drums with the candidates picture affixed on them are placed at each voting place. Voters put their marble in the drum of the candidate they want. A bell rings to let the official know a ballot has been cast. If the bell rings more than once, the official knows the person has cheated. At the end of the voting period, the drum is emptied and the marbles are counted to determine who won or rather, who got all the marbles.