Organizer Patty Williams hangs with the Jaded 8 band members.
Jaded 8 provided the music as many enjoyed picnics during the show.
Organizer Patty Williams helps record the show.
Having a swinging good time at last Thursday’s Jaded 8 concert.
Lots of dancing and fun taking place.
Mark Pawlak on lead vocals and guitar
Jeffrey Post on bass and vocals
Jeffrey Post on bass and vocals
The crowd was dancing up a storm last Thursday.
ByPatty Williams P. Williams Production
P. Williams Productions featured rock night at the Thursday evening free concert series Sounds of Summer held in Cutler Park last Thursday.
Picnic baskets lined the park tables as fans awaited the 7 p.m. show. The playground was filled with children and laughter with their front row swing seats enjoying the classic rock tunes.
Jaded 8 band had the audience singing and dancing along to the timeless hits by Kiss, Journey, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams just to name a few. The three-piece band rocking the park was lead by singer/guitarist Mark Pawlak with Lee Nelson on drums/vocals and Jeffrey Post Bass/vocals.
The July 29 Sounds of Summer Cutlerville grand finale show features national headliner Audie Blaylock and Redline bluegrass band. Show time is at 7 p.m. A food truck and beverages will be available at this week grand finale concert.
According to organizers, it has been such a great season with exceptional bands and large crowds in the park this year. The familiar faces at each week’s concert feels like family.
The Sounds of Summer is produced by P. Williams Productions and sponsored by Byron Township.
“Have you really read all those books in your room?” Alaska laughing – “Oh God no. I’ve maybe read a third of ’em. but I’m going to read them all. I call it my Life’s Library. Every summer since I was little, I’ve gone to garage sales and bought all the books that looked interesting. So I always have something to read.”
John Green, “Looking for Alaska”
Circle Theatre presents “Cabaret” through July 31. (Supplied)
Head to the Cabaret
One way to beat the heat is to head into a cool theater. We don’t know how cool the Aquinas College of Performing Arts Center will be with the red-hot performance of “Cabaret” being presented by Circle Theatre, but it is worth a try. The timeless classic has been reimagined to tell the story of 1930s Germany through minority voices as it follows the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with cabaret performer Sally Bowles. All of it is set against the backdrop of 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Tickets for shows are available at circletheatre.org or call 616-456-6656.
Take a Pass
Now through Oct. 31, area residents can get the free digital pass, Craft Pass GR, to visit about 25 different local breweries and distilleries. The pass includes specials for each of those locations and when a patron checks in they have the opportunity to win prizes. The main purpose behind the Craft Pass GR, according to Experience Grand Rapids, is to celebrate the wide range of quality adult beverages offered by the Grand Rapids-based breweries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies.
A mosquito’s bite could lead to infection with West Nile virus. (CDC)
The Uninvited Guest
Heading outside for the weekend? Then make sure to grab some mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET. Why? Because those pesky uninvited guests, mosquitos are on the rise this summer according to the Centers for Disease Control. Mosquitos are known carriers of the West Nile Disease and Eastern Equine Encephalitis or Triple E. While for most people, illness is related to West Nile is rare, according to the Kent County Health Department, it is still advisable to take precautions such as where a mosquito repellant, going in at dusk when mosquitos are activity, and changing water in such items as pools and bird baths.
Leland Blue
Fun Fact: Michigan’s Leland Blue
Sounds like a reference to the color of Lake Superior’s water but it is actually the name of a stone, which really isn’t a stone. Leland Blue is slag. Northern Michigan was known for its iron ores and through the process of separating the metal from the ore, the slag (a waste product) was usually put into the Great Lakes. The result is some pretty stones. The most famous place to search for Leland Blue is in Leland, Michigan (which is off of Lake Michigan not Lake Superior), but it can also be found along other Northern Michigan beaches. There are different slag colors depending on the Great Lake and area the mining operation was located. For example, slag from Lake Superior can look green, purple or black.
Hip-hop, rap, reggae, contemporary R&B, teen pop, and dance-pop — there is no denying that the music of the nineties was eclectic.
And while categorizing the era may be nearly impossible, it’s cross-pollination of sounds left a boundary-break legacy that remains today. One of which was grunge music, an alternative forum of rock music that bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains were most known for.
It was, according to West Michigan band PROJECT 90, “the last golden decade of guitar-driven rock” which is the reason the five residents came together in 2016 to form the West Michigan-based group.
The nineties rock tribute band performs at Lamar Park Tuesday, July 27, as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. The concert is at 7 p.m.
PROJECT 90 comes to Lamar Park on Tuesday, July 27. (PROJECT 90)
“I thought it was an amazing crowd for the first night out there and in fact, I think it is the biggest opening crowd that I have seen,” said Mayor Jack Poll as he commented to the council at its Monday night council meeting about the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. “It seemed to kick off really well.
“They are only doing four or five of them this summer…I always wander before time and talk to a lot of the folks that were there and there was just real enthusiasm to have it back and some of it may be due to COVID, but everyone wants to be outside and communicating with other people. So I thought the attitude and the response there for (the first week) was wonderful.”
Part of the goal of the Wyomig Community Enrichment Committee, which hosts the concerts for the city, is to offer a variety of music, according to LeighAnn TeBos, chair of the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. The second week featured the Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos with members performing an array of cover songs from such performers as Journey, Queen, Lady Gaga, and Elton John. This week is nineties music and the last concert, Aug. 3, will be country as local group Mustang Band performs.
In its five years, PROJECT 90s has racked up a number of awards including being named as best cover band in 2018 by “Revue” magazine. The group’s catalog includes an array of music from some of the leading nineties performers such as blink-182, Green Day, Bon Jovi, Radiohead, Smash Mouth, Cracker, Alice in Chains and 3 Doors Down. The five-piece rock band features lead vocals and corny jokes by Mark Gardner, guitars by Nolan Romzek and Brian Zeemering, bass and vocals by Matt Vail, and Stephen Legg on drums.
Lamar Park is located at 2561 Porter ST. SW. The concerts are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.
They are a familiar sight to the outdoor summer concert series: two guys with two pianos better known as the Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos.
The group is headed to Wyoming next week for the second Concerts in the Park series set for Tuesday, July 20, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The concert starts at 7 p.m.
The Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos perform Tuesday, July 20, at Lamar Park. (Supplied)
“We are very excited to be able to bring the concerts back,” said LeighAnn TeBos, chair of the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission. The commission oversees the annual Concerts in the Park. “It is truncated this year, but it is all about getting Wyoming back into the grove of things.”
That was definitely the case with the July 13 concert featuring The Soul Syndicate. Despite the threat of rain, there was a big crowd and lots of dancing.
“When there are dance tunes, people definitely come out,” TeBos said with a laugh.
And there will be dance tunes Tuesday, July 20, as Grand Rapids only traveling dueling piano show takes over the Lamar Park stage. The duo performs a number of rock classics from such groups as Queen, Journey, Lady Gaga, and, of course, Elton John. There also will be lots of audience participation time as the group performs iconic songs that anyone will know the chorus to such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Margaritaville,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
Next up for the Concerts in the Park will be the Project 90 (featuring favorites from the nineties), July 27; and country and classic rock covers from the Mustang Band, Aug. 3. All concerts are free. Concerts start at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park.
The concerts are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.
After great success during the first two events in 2018 and 2019, the Great Lakes Surf Festival is back and will be holding their third annual event on Aug. 14 at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon Michigan. For 2021, event goers will be able to learn how to surf and paddleboard, along with practicing in yoga directly on the beach. Music, food, and a raffle will also take place. Several surfboards and paddleboards will be given away along with a trip to Costa Rica.
No waves? No problem! The Great Lakes Surf Festival in conjunction with Tommy’s Boats of Grand Rapids Michigan will be making artificial waves. Tommy’s Boats will be able to generate waist high waves to simulate ocean waves. These conditions will be ideal for those seeking a gentle way to learn a variety of boardsports.
“We are excited to see the Great Lakes Surf Festival grow and to have the support from our sponsors and from the surf and paddleboard industry,” said Event Co-Founder Joe Bidawid. “We have one of the most beautiful venue locations on the Great Lakes, in Pere Marquette Beach, and we encourage anyone interested in a fun and family friendly beach day to come out and join us.
“Imagine a late summer day on an amazing beach, doing what you love and surrounded by so many people from all over the Great Lakes, who share the same passion. That is our goal.”
John Ball Zoo’s popular Adult Night Out continues with the third of the six event series this Thursday, July 15.
Adult Night Out gives guests ages 21+ the opportunity to experience the Zoo at night without any kids. There will be select animal encounters for guests to enjoy, along with beer and wine selections, including a specialty brew from Two Guys Brewing, and delicious food options throughout the Zoo.
For July 15th, a tropical-themed menu will be offered at the Zoo’s Monkey Island Café featuring cilantro lime rice mixed with juicy pulled pork served in a pineapple bowl, a classic Cuban sandwich, jerk chicken wrap with rice, greens, jerk chicken and the Zoo’s signature sauce, along with pineapple Dole Whip.
John Ball Zoo will be hosting three additional Adult Night Out evenings on July 29, and August 12, 26. They are a perfect date night, an opportunity to network, or to enjoy a friends’ night out.
Each Adult Night Out is 6 – 9 p.m. The Zoo offers four times to enter at 6, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45 p.m.
Tickets for all dates are available online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Limited tickets are available for each evening. Both events in the month of June did sell out, so the Zoo highly recommends reserving tickets before the event.
John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.
Classic cars in the parking lot and ladies dressed up to the nines, the Wyoming Moose Lodge definitely had a Metro Cruise vibe this Saturday.
The service organization once again hosted the Miss Metro Cruise, organized by Kentwood’s JA PR Group. The annual competition is a lead up to the Metro Cruise, which is set to take place Aug. 27 and 28 at Wyoming’s Roger Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
“This is just an amazing event,” said Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan about the Miss Metro Cruise competition. The Chamber organizes and hosts the annual Metro Cruise. “After COVID, people are just so excited to be out and have an opportunity to participate in something.”
A sentiment that was shared by contestant Bee Bee Von Schweetz, whose real name is Molly Sheehan, of Cleveland, Ohio.
“I was involved in the preliminaries in 2019 and I loved the spectators and the friends I made,” finalist Bee Bee Von Schweetz said. “Unfortunately, the world shut down last year but this year, as things started to open up, I decided to give it a shot. So this is my summer of being a pin up.”
The Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries contestants pose with Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan (middle, blue shirt) and JR PR Group owner Jessica Ann Tyson (far left). (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
There were a total of 15 girls who competed in the Saturday preliminaries. The final 10 will compete for the title of 2021 Miss Metro Cruise during Saturday’s events at the Roger Plaza staging area. The top ten moving on to the finals are (all are pictured above): Bee Bee Von Schweetz, Dr. Joules Kelvin (Julliet Brown), of Lansing; Trudy Blue (Beth Miller), of Three Rivers; Victoria Jean (Cathy Jean Swanson), of Grand Rapids; Margaux Monroe (Raluca Simion Theron), of Romania; Gigi Martini (Sarah Gillman), of Grand Rapids; Maelynn Mitten (Jaime Collick), of Port Huron; Sweet Caroline (Caroline Kelly Wright), of Rockford, Ill.; Teena Marée (Krystina McNamara), of Mecosta; and Aurora Re’Belle, (Erin Wiseman-Parlein), of Jenison.
Chamber President Bob O’Callgahan thanks Wyoming Moose Lodge and the lodge administrator Sean Smith for hosting the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary contest. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“This is my first year competing in pin-up contests,” said finalist Dr. Joules Kelvin, who already had a win as Ms. Lakeview. “I have heard wonderful things about the Miss Metro Cruise and that it attracts a large crowd, so I decided to dip my toes into the big leagues.”
Through the efforts of the JA PR Group, the Miss Metro Cruise has increased in popularity over the past five years the local communications company has been running it, according to O’Callaghan. The competition attracts a packed house for the event with people cheering for their favorites. Afterwards, constants pose with the classic cars and talk to fans.
“My neighbor, Morgan Harrington, who was a former contestant and winner, had done this particular contest and she just inspired me to enter the world of pin-up and to come here and be a part of Miss Metro Cruise,” said finalist Sweet Caroline.
Finalist Maelynn Mitten has been participating in pin-up contests for the past four and half year, including Miss Metro Cruise. She is happy to be able to return this year since the event did not fit in her 2019 schedule and everything was shut down in 2020, adding with a laugh, “It is like the year didn’t even happen.”
“I love doing this and I think it is a lot of fun,” finalist Teena Marée said. “Everyone works to make sure that it is a positive experience.”
Positivity about women is what finalist Aurora Re’Belle, a historian, believes that pin-up competitions help showcase.
“I believe this is a good role for women as it shows beauty can be strength and strength can be beauty,” she said. “I think it is important for people to be able to see that we can be strong, beautiful women who are intelligent as it helps everyone to advance.”
If you take a look at the Soul Syndicates Facebook page, it is a list of about every local summer concert event: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Turtle Lake Resort, Kentwood Summer Concerts, and the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts.
“It has been the best thing,” said drummer Tom Taylor. “First of all, we love to play and we get to do this every week and well after COVID, we just appreciate the opportunity to do what we enjoy and to give everyone a show.”
Next week the group will add the Wyoming Concerts in the Park to its concert schedule as the group is set to open the popular series on Tuesday, July 13. The free performance, hosted by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, will at at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
The Soul Syndicate at a recent Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park performance. (Supplied)
“We love to see the energy from the crowd,” Taylor said. “It is really about seeing the people and having fun.”
Started about seven years ago, The Soul Syndicate pays tribute to some of the most influential R&B artists by not just performing R&B, funk and soul music, but going a step further by wearing vintage fashion.
“We have that classic dress where as we kind of have that look and feel of a big band,” Taylor said. “So from the trumpeters to the spinners, we all dress alike.”
The group is not small, with up to a 11 musicians. Besides Taylor, there is Mike Coon on guitar, Matt Fouts on bass, and John Neil on keyboard. Male lead vocal is Collin Tobin who has performed in several Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions and splitting female lead vocal duties are Katie Sarb and Merrin Bethel. Rounding out the group is Nate Hansen and Tim DeBesten in the horn section and trumpeter Jeff Carroll.
Through the years, the group has been able to perform with such artists as The Temptations, The Spinners, The Countours, Kansas, The Guess Who, The Beach Boys, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, Rosemarie Clooney, Elvis Presley Jr., and The U.S. Navy Commodores Band.
The group also is no stranger to the Wyoming area, having performed at the Concerts in the Parks series several times.
“It is always a great crowd in Wyoming,” Taylor said. “We just look forward to everytime we can play and be with people.
The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission will be hosting four Wyoming Concerts in the Park performances this year. Next up will be the Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos, July 20; Project 90 (featuring favorites from the nineties), July 27; and country and classic rock covers from the Mustang Band, Aug. 3. All concerts are free. Concerts start at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park.
The concerts are recorded by WKTV and rebroadcasted on Comcast Channel 25 at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.
Through the 1970s and into the 1980s, the Wyoming Rodeo was one of the most popular events in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The annual event was kicked off by a parade, shown here in this 1971 photo from the Wyoming Historical Commission’s collection. Pictures is a local children’s icon, Bozo the Clown.
The parade was in the City of Wyoming while the rodeo was at Lamar Park. Wyoming Historical Commissioner Bill Branz said the rodeo participants would have to race back from the parade to Lamar Park to get ready for the show.
St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 16-18. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show kicks off the weekend on Friday, July 16, from 4- 8 p.m. in downtown St. Joe. View classic cars from days gone by as they line up along Lake Boulevard. Attendees will “cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits spun by local DJ Mark Durocher, as they take in more than 150 eye-catching vehicles in this charming lakeside town.
Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1 p.m. on Friday. Cars need to be in place no later than 4 p.m., please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park Street. All participants must register day of between 4 – 6 p.m. at the Honor Credit Union tent located on the corner of Lake Boulevard and Broad Street. For more information or to sign up for participant reminders, visit stjoetoday.com/mikeyore. The Mike Yore Memorial Car Show is sponsored by Honor Credit Union, Edward J. Todd, JVIS USA, Wojtowicz Law PLC and SWMI Brew Tours.
“Love Local Weekends are jam packed with summer fun,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joe Today. “Area residents and visitors are sure to enjoy extended shopping hours, free gift wrapping, new products, featured menu items, specials and a wide variety of area events.” Visit stjoetoday.com/lovelocal for a complete list.
As part of the Love Local Weekend, the Friday Night Concert Series showcases area talent. This free, hour-long concert, which starts at 7 p.m., will be held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell and will feature Lake Effect Jazz Big Band.
Then on Saturday, July 17, the Love Local Weekend continues with the Race for YMCA 5K/10K presented by TCF Bank held at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum at 8:30 a.m. Money raised will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. That same morning, head over to Lake Bluff Park for two events – the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended hours) and the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free tote bags will be handed out to the first 250 attendees at the St. Joe Farmers Market. For more information, visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarketand stjoetoday.com/artisanfair.
Saturday evening, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts Belting Out Broadway at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion at 6:30 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m. Ticket information and details can be found at smso.org. That same night, visitors and residents will enjoy the Summer Movie Series, hosted by the City of St. Joseph. Saturday’s movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), will begin at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph High School (Drive-In). Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule.
On Sunday, July 18 the Love Local Weekend wraps up with a free Municipal Band – Jazz Band Concert held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell at 7 p.m. Zapal said this weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate the summer season, “Whether you enjoy the beaches, our beautiful downtown shops and restaurants, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, area events, or local wineries and breweries there is something for everyone!”
More than 400 people attended the first Sounds of Summer concert. Supplied)
Kimmy Martens on lead gu The 6 Pak was (Supplied)
Mary Arbranas on guitar for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
Ruthann Scott on lead vocals for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
Kristen Hartnagel welcomes everyone to the Sounds of Summer concert series (Supplied)
Denise Pietri on bass for The 6 Pak
Barb Bean on piano for The 6 Pak (Supplied)
Cindy Obetts on drums for The 6 Pak
It was a hot night with cool music as the The 6 Pak kicked off the first Sounds of Summer concert last week. More than 400 people came to Cutler Park in Byron Township to hear the popular girl group perform hits from the sixties. Performing this Thursday will be Muskegon’s Tommie Foster and The FAN Club, which will be performing Americana music. The free concert is at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and a picnic. Beverages and an ice cream truck will be at the park.
The rest of the series includes popular local country western group Bootstrap Boys, July 15; rock and roll band The Jaded 8, July 22; and national headliner, bluegrass artist Audie Blaylock and Redline, July 29. Cutler Park is located at 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW.
What was important wasn’t the fireworks, it was that we were together this evening, together in this place, looking up into the sky at the same time.
Japanese writer Banana Yoshimoto
There will be a lot bangs and booms this weekend as communitiie’s celebrate the Fourth of July. (Pxhere.com)
Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks
Considering the last year and half and how we have not had much to celebrate, we thought this week’s Snapshots would be a little different since this week is the nation’s biggest birthday celebration of the year.
Yes it is July 4th weekend, so haul out those sparklers and get ready for some booms since the COVID restrictions are lifted. The bonus is July 4th is on a Sunday with many people having Monday off as well. With that in mind, there will be fireworks throughout the weekend.
Leading the celebrations will be the City of Kentwood, which has a day full of activities and fireworks for Saturday, July 3. Highlights include a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.
City Hall will be the main hub this year with a carnival from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and an evening celebration from 4 – 10 p.m. with the fireworks capping off the night.
Other cities with July 4th events are:
Caledonia: The township will have a day-long celebration Saturday, July 3, starting with a parade at 11 a.m. and stepping off from the Duncan Lake Middle School and with the festivities concluding at 10 p.m. with fireworks.
Dorr: The township will be hosting a three-day event starting on July 2. The parade is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and will go through downtown Dorr. The fireworks will be around 10:20 (ish) on Saturday as well. Sunday will include more live entertainment and the movie “Back to the Future” in the park.
Grandville: Will have a two-day celebration with a 5k run, baseball and softball games, and tours of the one-room school house at Heritage Park on Saturday, July 3; and a carinval and other activities including fireworks on July 5.
Grand Rapids: The city will have a jam-packed evening of activities from 6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, July 3, that will include entertainment and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
While fireworks have been around for thousands of years, the one color that no pyrotechnician has been able to perfect is the color blue. In order to get the right distinctive colors, there are two main components that are use and packed tightly. One is an oxidizer that is an oxygen-rich chemical and a fuel source like charcoal or sulfur that can burn. The reason few have been able to get the color blue is because if the temperature is too high for the emitter, which is copper, it washes off the light and stops emitting. If it is too low, there is no intensity and you do not get the right blue color. Because there are so many colors in the sky producing an array of patterns that most people do not notice the missing blue.
Cutler Park will be rocking Thursday night as the Sounds of Summer returns for its 13th year.
The 6 Pak, which opens the five-concert series, has a strong following with Sounds of Summer organizer Patti Williams expecting a good turnout for the first concert.
“What’s the buzz?” Williams said. “Well, The 6 Pak has a big following so we are expecting a large crowd, probably around 400 people.”
The 6 Pak is an all-girl group that performed in the 1960s in and around Grand Rapids. Some years later, the band got back together and have continued performing an array of sixties classics. The group is set to perform at 7 p.m. at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW.
“I just enjoy getting bands that maybe people haven’t heard before,” Williams said as her reason behind putting together the annual Sounds of Summer. “I also like doing things for the community.”
The goal always is to bring a large range of musical genres to the series in an effort to exposure residents to the different types of music that is available, she said.
Along with the sixties tunes from The 6 Pak, July 8’s concert will be Muskegon’s The FAN Club, featuring Americana music and fun, according to Williams. July 15 will be the popular local country western group Bootstrap Boys. The Jaded 8, which was supposed to perform last year but got rained out, will bring some rock and roll to Cutler Park on July 22.
Audie Blaylock and Redline perform July 29. (Supplied)
To wrap up the series, Williams dipped into her own bluegrass experience and was able to have nationally recognized Audie Blaylock and Redline perform on July 29. Blaylock has played with Harley Allen, of the Allen Brothers and who also was a country music songwriter for Garth Brooks and John Michael Montgomery.
“I just thought it would be really great to have Audie come to Michigan,” Williams said. “While he is a national headliner, not many people may be familiar with him so it is a chance to for him to broaden his audience and expose residents to Audie’s music.”
All the concerts, which are sponsored by Byron Township, are free to the public. Williams said she encourages those who are attending to bring a chair or blanket and picnic food. Beverages and an ice cream truck will be at the park as well.
On Sunday, July 11, The Sunday Night Funnies stand-up comedy show returns with the Kingpin of Comedy competition at a new location after sixteen months on hiatus because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“After I found out that the Spectrum Entertainment Complex wasn’t going to have us back after the COVID restrictions were lifted, I started to look for a venue to hold the show,” said comedian Brian Borbot, the founder and host of the Sunday Night Funnies. “I have a place interested in hosting it next year, but I didn’t want to wait until then to do the weekly show let alone two years without doing the Kingpin competition.”
The Kingpin competition is a 19-week contest where the audience members votes who’s the funniest person in town. The competition includes prizes and a kingpin trophy.
“The good news is that SNF regular Laura Szczepanek, owner of The Guest House, has stepped up and is letting us do the show at her banquet facility. It’s going to be a great place to hold the Funnies- the room seats 200 people and we’re back on the westside of Grand Rapids, which is the side of town we spent the first eight years on. It’s been one year, three months, and 26 days since we’ve done the Funnies (not that I’m keeping track.) So, I’m looking forward to seeing all the comics, all the new friends we made at Spectrum, and of course everyone who’s been with us since the Radisson & Riverfront Hotel days!”
Laura Szczepanek, owner of The Guest House added, “As a long-time fan of the Sunday Night Funnies, many of the comics, and Brian, I am beyond thrilled to open the doors and welcome the show. It’s been a long year and a half of COVID and its time we got together again and laughed in person.”
The Sunday Night Funnies are a free weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the Midwest. The show is in its eleventh year. The Guest House is located at 634 Stocking NW.
One of the longest running and oldest July 4th parades in the state is the Grand Rapids’ Hollyhock Lane Parade. Started in 1934 as a low cost way to entertain children during the Depression, for 87 years children and adults have been following that route to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Above is a 1978 picture from the Grand Rapids Public Musuem‘s Collection of four unidentified children getting ready to march in the parade.
This year, the parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. between Calvin and Giddings avenues on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. Keeping with tradition, there will be floats and children riding decorated bikes. There is a Hollyhock Lane Ceremony at 9 a.m. behind 847 Giddings Avenue.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a Backyard Stargazing virtual program will be offered to the public on Thursday, July 29, at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower.
Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts to learn about the characteristics of meteors, how to spot the Perseid Meteor Shower and more. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-August and is considered to be the best meteor shower of the year, frequently leaving long “wakes” of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower will peak Sunday, Aug. 11, but will be visible for a few days before and after.
“We’re thrilled to continue offering virtual programming as an extension of the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium experience,” said GRPM’s Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “Our team strives to create engaging science programming for all ages to enjoy, that prompts them to continue their quest for knowledge about science and space exploration.”
Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar.
Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation.
This summer, both the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum explore America’s culture — from pop to folk — through different lenses.
Grand Rapids Public Museum: POPnology and Pollinators
The Grand Rapids Public Museum takes a futuristic approach to American culture with its “POPnology” summer exhibit along with giving visitors a ground view of the life of pollinators in “Amazing Pollinators.”
“This summer, you won’t want to miss these two exciting additions to the experience at the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” said Kate Kocienski, the Public Museum’s vice president of marketing and public relations. “Great for all ages, these exhibits will entertain while teaching about nature, science, technology and engineering.”
A featured item in the “POPnology” exhibit is the DeLorean time machine car from “Back to the Future.” (GRPM)
“POPnology” is three floors of exhibit space featuring the DeLorean time machine, androids, and extraterrestrials from far-away galaxies and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and see how technology has been featured in movies, books, television, art, and created by futurists. Four featured areas explore science and technology in everyday lives, where we’ve been, and where we’re going: How We Play, How We Connect, How We Move, and How We Live and Work.
Among the highlights of the “POPnology exhibit are:
Local Motors showcasing the Strati, the world’s first 3D printed car
Two interactive state of the art game that allow you to explore our fascination with the red planet – the Mars Rocket Builder and Mars Lander
Virtual projection games
Futuristic musical instrument technology
Jetpack from Disney’s “The Rocketeer”
Autopia car from Disney World’s Tomorrowland
Artistic renderings from visual futurists who created the look of such movies as “Blade Runner,” “Star Wars,” “Alien”
Moving from futuristic to the real world, “Amazing Pollinators” is a bilingual and playable maze that has hundreds of interactive flowers spread across nine environments like lotus flowers in the rain forest, saguaro cactus in the desert, and moon flowers glowing in the black lit night room.
Visitors explore the “Amazing Pollinators” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (GRPM)
In the maze, visitors take on 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. There are six missions for each group that increase in complexity and difficulty, putting players in the shoes of different species like the hibiscus bee, soldier beetle or ruby-throated hummingbird.
Both exhibits will be available through the summer season. Tickets for “POPnology” are $5/person and $3/GRPM member and are in addition to general admission to the Museum. “Amazing Pollinators” is included in the general admission. Kent County residents receive discounted admission to the Public Museum, including free general admission every day for Kent County kids ages 17 and under.
Advance ticket purchase is required before visiting the museum. Visitors are required to wear masks properly during the duration of their visit. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit grpm.org.
Cotton, with pencil quilt by Jessie B. Telfair (1913–1986), 1983; Jessie B. Telfair, (1913–1986); Freedom Quilt; 1983; Textile; Quilt; Cotton, with pencil; 74 x 68; American Folk Art Museum; Parrott, Georgia, United States; 2004.9.1
Grand Rapids Art Museum: American Perspectives
More than 80 American folk art objects, spanning from paintings and pottery to quilts, needlework, and sculpture, are on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum through Aug. 28.
“‘American Perspectives’ offers our visitors a chance to look at America through the eyes and experiences of folk artists,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The diversity of experience and perspective is what strengthens our community, and we look forward to sharing a platform for stories that have often been untold throughout history.”
“American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection” is organized into four sections: Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers. Within each of these sections are themes of nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy.
Many of the works in the exhibit present the perspectives of groups that are largely unseen in museums, such as enslaved people, immigrants, and people with disabilities. It reinforces how many of our society’s current issues — immigration, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and loss of personal liberties — have been a concern in the past and remain topics of significance today.
“‘American Perspectives’ include traditional art works like portraiture and landscape paint to more unexpected pieces like carousel figures, wood carvings, and dolls,” said GRAM Assistant Curator Jennifer Wcisel. “The craftsmanship and beauty of each work is remarkable, but what truly makes them come alive are the diverse stories behind them.
“From Felipe Archuleta who was unable to find work as a carpenter and began creating life-size animal sculptures to Jessie B. Telfair, a black cook in Georgia who created her ‘Freedom Quilt’ after being fired from her job when she tired to register to vote — I hope visitors will find stories that relate to their won lives and the social and political issues of the present.”
The exhibit is included with the general admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit artmuseumgr.org.
They have been a longtime member and this month, Wyoming’s Two Guys Brewing will be giving back to the John Ball Zoo by providing the zoo a specialty brew for its Adult Night Out event series.
“To be a part of this is just an honor,” said Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne.
Payne said the zoo was one of his family’s main sources of entertainment, especially during their times as a young struggling family.
“We would give the family the gift of a zoo membership,” Payne said. “We would do the Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Public Museum and the zoo. So it was three big bills at Christmas time but we would have entertainment throughout the entire year.”
Payne said they were approached by the zoo about the opportunity for the specialty brews because zoo officials had been impressed in how the brewing company handled the pandemic, working with residents by offering pack-and-go meals and other options.
The Adult Night Out series is designed to give guests age 21 and older the opportunity to experience the zoo at night without any kids. There will be select animal encounters for guests to enjoy, along with beer and wine selections.
Payne said the brewery decided to pair some of its well known beers with the themes of each program. For example, for this Thursday’s program, the John Ball Zoo will be featuring barbecue on its menu, something that Two Guys Brewing offers and that brewery’s IPA Mosaicquest pairs well with.
John Ball Zoo will be hosting six Adult Night Out evenings throughout the summer with Two Guys Brewing pairing a beer with each night’s theme. Besides this Thursday, there will be Adult Night Out events on June 24, July 15 and 29, and August 12 and 26. Each Adult Night Out is from 6 to 9 p.m. The zoo offers four times to enter, 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 6:45 p.m.
Tickets for all dates are available online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Limited tickets are available for each evening, and capacity is limited, so the zoo officials highly recommends reserving tickets before the event. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
John Ball Zoo is located 1300 Fulton St., about a mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information about John Ball Zoo or upcoming activities, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.
Adults 21 and older have the opportunity to enjoy the John Ball Zoo without children present during the Adult Night Out series. (Supplied)
The new playground at Jackson Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
This Saturday, the City of Wyoming will be hosting a reopening event for Jackson Park, located at 1331 33rd St. SW, right next to the Wyoming Intermediate School. The event will start at 10 a.m. and include the official opening of the park’s new splash pad. The park has a new playground, shelter area, bathrooms, and parking lot. Also taking place will be a free yoga class at 11:15 a.m.
Festival Returns
Festival of the Arts will be a little different this year.
The first weekend in June has always meant Festival of the Arts, which has returned this summer albeit a little different. Because of uncertainty in social distancing guidelines, the organization is offering Plein Air and performances this weekend. Artists will be out Friday, Saturday and Sunday with musicians performing on Saturday only on Monroe Center and Ottawa Avenue. Saturday is scheduled to be a beautiful day to walk around downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday and Sunday to soak it all in. Oh, and if you are out on Saturday, we recommend Total Eclipse of the Harp featuring Emily Smith, who will perform at 10 a.m., 3 and 6 p.m.
Splash Pads Now Open
The splash pad at Oriole Park.
Summer is here! How do we know? The splash pads in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are now open. The City of Kentwood has two splash pads, one at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Dr. SE, and Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE. Both are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Wyoming has three splash pads, Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW; one at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW., and the third is at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson SW. Wyoming’s splash pads are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A fourth splash pad at Jackson Park is set to open on Saturday during the park’s reopening ceremony.
Fun Fact: I’m Your Venus
With NASA’s recent announcement that it is planning two missions to Earth’s other neighbor, Venus, we thought it might be fun to share a few facts about the second planet closest to the sun. Besides the fact that it is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty:
Venus is hotter than Mercury despite the fact that Mercury is closer to the sun.
A day on Venus is longer than a year on Earth.
Venus has about 90 times the atmospheric pressure of Earth, which is the same pressure at about 1 km depth in the Earth’s oceans.
It is believed that Venus had a celestial collision early in its history which caused the planet to get flipped upside down. This resulted in the planet rotating clockwise unlike the rest of the planets in our solar system which rotate anti-clockwise.
Humans have been studying Venus since the second millennium BC because it is one of the brightest objects in the sky and easy to spot with the naked eye. In the upcoming Venus explorations, which are scheduled to launch in 2028-2030, NASA aims to understand how Venus became an inferno-like world when it has so many other characteristics similar to ours – and may have been the first habitable world in the solar system, complete with an ocean and Earth-like climate.
Dust off your dancing shoes because the seasonal kick-off celebration Jump Into Summer at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is right around the corner. Join SCA on June 4 for a free, socially-distanced event featuring live music, visual arts, community art projects, all-ages activities, local vendors and, most importantly, opportunities to connect with community members and friends.
Mike Mains and The Branches
After a cold-weather pause on live music at the SCA, the Outdoor Plaza Stage is ready to be rocked by Mike Mains & The Branches at 6 p.m.. Texas-born, Michigan-bred and Nashville-based, this electrifying indie-pop outfit has built a reputation on intricate instrumentation, aggressive vocals, and unforgettable live performances.
While dancing isn’t required, the music of Mike Mains & The Branches will have you moving and grooving, which is enthusiastically encouraged in the designated dancing areas.
“We are so excited to be bringing this festive, celebratory event back to Saugatuck,” says the Center’s Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This event is a step closer to what we have always known and loved about gatherings, including safe social distancing practices.”
In addition to the tunes, don’t miss the opportunity to meet esteemed Chicago muralist Sandra Antongiorgi, who will be on site for the opening of the SCA’s summer exhibition, “Elevating Humanity: Forging Healing Through Connection.” This collection of works encourages visitors to recognize what we all share and open their minds and hearts to connect with those most marginalized by systemic oppression.
Sandra Antongiorgi
Want to leave your mark on the SCA space? Visitors of all ages have the chance to be a part of a community art project inspired by Antongiorgi’s work. The SCA Education Team invites guests to join a collaborative project building a magnet mural, inspired by Sandra’s work, on the SCA’s soaring arches. Add your unique piece and see the mural grow! There will also be make-and-take activities available if families prefer to create at home.
Guests can also follow the dancing, costumed crossing guards across the street to Coughlin Park for a variety of family-friendly art activities as well as booths, manned by community volunteers, featuring fun games, engaging learning opportunities, and giveaways.
Soak up the Saugatuck sun while enjoying this event on the SCA’s newly-renovated and refreshed Outdoor Plaza Stage. Grab a drink from the bar and a delectable snack from an array of food trucks then relax with your family and friends and dance to live music – all in the fresh air.
Keeping the community’s safety in mind, safe distancing will be strictly enforced and thorough cleaning procedures implemented throughout the event. Masks are mandated for all guests over the age of 2.
For additional information about Events at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, exhibits and resources, visit sc4a.org or contact Megan Scheerhorn by email megan@sc4a.org
Landscape photographer and nature enthusiast Thomas Hegewald, hosts a series exploring what West Michigan has to offer in form of nature parks and preserves. The new series, called “Exploring, will air on WKTV Channel 25, at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 7:30 p.m. Fridays starting June 1.
“Exploring” features nature parks and preserves in Kent and Ottawa counties. Each exploration features simple photography tips and techniques for capturing different aspects of the locations. Hegewald’s landscape photographs have been featured in numerous regional art exhibits over the years. The series actually got its start in 2019 when Hegewald was creating pieces for “Preserved!,” a bi-annual show for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. As one of the featured artists, Hegewald traveled around West Michigan exploring and photographing some of the nature preserves that LCWM manages.
“I was so impressed with the work that the Land Conservancy of West Michigan was doing at Wege Natural Area, in the form of forest recovery, that I wanted to share that story,” Hegewald said.
With the introduction in 2020 of lockdowns and social distancing due to Covid-19, Hegewald turned to nature parks and preserves as a way of counter-acting the stress.
“Life slows down out in nature,” he said. “By sharing my appreciation for nature and vision as a photographer, I hope viewers seek out new nature parks or preserves to explore.”
With the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lifting Covid-19 capacity restrictions for outdoor events beginning June 1, Downtown Holland has announced that the annual Street Performer Series will indeed return this summer. The 2021 Street Performer Series will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. from June 17 through August 19 and will feature a diverse line-up of performing artists each week The Street Performer Series is supported by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) through the Holland Area Arts Council.
“We’re very excited to be able to host the Street Performer Series again this summer after having to cancel last year’s event,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “We know that so many members of our community and visitors to the area look forward to the event each summer. The Street Performer Series is a great opportunity for young and old alike to experience the performing arts in a fun and accessible way while enjoying all the shopping and dining options Downtown Holland has to offer. The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority and we’ll be taking steps to make the event a safe one, including closing 8th Street to vehicular traffic to allow for social distancing, limiting the number of performance locations and encouraging performers to mask up if they can.”
Downtown Holland is currently accepting applications from performing artists and groups who are interested in participating in the Street Performer Series this summer. Interested performers must complete the online application found at https://bit.ly/3tVW59g. A link to audition materials (such as a video or audio recording) must also be submitted as part of the application process. Applications are due by this Friday, May 28.
Performers that are accepted into the Series will be notified by email and given set performance dates and locations. Performers must be 18 years of age or older to apply and groups are currently limited to no more than four members to allow for adequate social distancing.
Performers that are accepted into the Series must obtain a Downtown Holland Street Performer Permit from the Downtown Development Authority prior to their first performance date. The permit application is available online at www.downtownholland.com. Permits are $15 for individuals and $25 for groups. Permits are valid through the end of the calendar year and also allow performers the opportunity to perform at their leisure and busk for tips outside of Thursday nights in the approved performance locations. In addition to busking for tips, performers that participate in the Street Performer Series will receive a stipend of $20 for each performance date. Payments will be made at the conclusion of the Series. Performers can contact the Downtown Holland office at downtown@cityofholland.com or 616-796-0472 with questions about the application process.
If you think you know about turtles, you’ve got plenty to learn when Lakeshore Museum Center opens Turtle Travels, a fun-filled, interactive exhibit that gives visitors a turtle’s-eye view of life in the “slow lane.”
Research shows turtles actually live in and travel through a surprising diversity of habitats. Their journeys are filled with challenges! These findings— and many other turtle studies—come from the use of radio telemetry that tracks how animals move around their habitats. You’ll have a chance to check out this science and see how it works.
You’ll start your journey at the exhibition entrance, where kids can pose as a turtle in front of a marsh habitat backdrop. There’s a child’s bench to sit on and take a photo. After all, you’ll need to rest up for your journey! Once you step onto the giant board game, follow the instructions and you’ll be detoured to interactive games. Find out what it’s like for a turtle trying to cross a road or traverse changing habitats. Be a turtle tracker and see how real field biologists track animals in the wild. The lively setting has plenty to keep children busy as they play the game. For example, an underwater video shows how a sea turtle swims. Trek along this turtle terrain and you’ll find out that slow and steady not only wins the race, but takes turtles on some amazing journeys!
You’ll also discover cool turtle and tortoise facts— how their bodies and shells have adapted to many different habitats, why they need shells, the hazards they encounter in the wild, how they are important to many different cultures, and more. Turtle Travels provides unusual perspectives on these amazing reptiles.
Does your child want a pet turtle? Wait! First find out what kind of care they need— and how the pet trade isn’t always the best deal for the turtle.
The exhibition has a variety of family-friendly components, including:
● A Swiss Army turtle with moveable feet illustrating how turtles’ limbs are adapted to fit their environment ● A station to build the arch of a turtle’s shell ● A restful spot to lounge on a turtle and discover the many turtles that star in children’s tales
Admission for the Turtle Travels exhibit is free for Muskegon County residents and Museum members. Non-residents ages 3 and up admission is $5.
You can visit the Turtle Travels exhibit starting May 21 through September 4 at the Lakeshore Museum Center at 430 W. Clay Ave in Muskegon.
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council just released its Creative Connections game that will run through April 30, 2022. (Provided)
By Millicent Huminsky Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
The arts, music and theater scene is thriving in Southwest Michigan. Now it’s more fun than ever to discover this region’s creative side by playing Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council’s new Creative Connections game between now and April 30, 2022. Laugh, be awed, meet the artists and send your spirits soaring while earning cool, artsy prizes along the way.
“Our Southwest Michigan region is very fortunate to have a vibrant and comprehensive arts scene,” said Mike Nadolski, executive director of The Mendel Center, one of the 16 game destinations. “The arts add significantly to the quality of life for all by entertaining, educating and inspiring us. Creative Connections is a fun and easy way to learn more about some of the many varied arts organizations our region has to offer.”
Here’s how the game works:
Pick up a Creative Connections brochure. You’ll be able to request one online or at any of the Creative Connections destinations.
Visit the Creative Connections destinations (listed below). Each business will have a door decal or a flag signifying their role in the game.
Show your brochure and collect a stamp at each location you visit. Each destination has a personalized stamp.
Collect stamps to earn prizes starting at just three Creative Connections stops.
Return your brochure to the Tourist Council to be validated for prizes. Your prizes and brochure will be mailed back to you so you can continue playing.
All brochures must be sent for validation by May 9, 2022. You must be 18 years or older to play.
“It’s not always the case that you can play a game, be enriched and win prizes, too,” Nadolski said. “You already win just by dabbling or fully immersing yourself in an art museum, dance studio, performance, concert or gallery. Plus, you never know — you might find a piece of art or an experience that awakens a creative impulse and sends you into a new and exciting direction. That’s the transformative power of art.”
Creative Connections destinations include: The Acorn, ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Buchanan Arts Center, Citadel Dance & Music Center, Chartreuse Art Gallery, The Gallery at Harbor Shores, The GhostLight Theatre, The History Center at Courthouse Square (Berrien County Historical Association), JLN Studio, Krasl Art Center,The Mendel Center of Lake Michigan College, Silver Beach Carousel, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Players and Water Street Glassworks.
Learn more about each destination and the prizes you can earn at https://swmichigan.org/creative. You’ll also find helpful FAQs, game instructions, the online brochure request and more.
“I would love to see arts enthusiasts flock to our area and spend a night or more in one of our local hotels so they can experience the arts scene while also touring the countryside, visiting our wineries, shops, restaurants, shorelines and golf courses,” Nadolski said. “When you package it all up, we really have a spectacular and highly accessible arts scene with the quality and diversity you might expect to find in a region much larger than ours.”
The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council connects visitors and locals alike with things to do in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. View their curated itineraries, Makers Trail destinations, blogs, trail guides, newsletters and more online. For more information, visit https://swmichigan.org or https://www.facebook.com/swmtc/, or call 269-925-6301.
After primarily operating freight trains during the COVID-19 pandemic the Coopersville & Marne Railway announces the return of its popular passenger trains. A tentative schedule has been set for reopening in June; including EnterTRAINment excursions on Saturdays June 5 and 26; as well as Wednesday June 16. These train rides, featuring local musicians, depart the Coopersville station at 1:30 p.m.
According to Operations Manager, Nick Anderson, “We look forward to again offering our popular Vintage Train rides, while also assuring the safety of our passengers and volunteers.” In resuming passenger service, the railroad will follow all current CDC, MDHHS, and Ottawa County Health Department guidelines. Train capacities will be reduced to accommodate social distancing. Train crews and passengers over 2 years of age are required to wear masks; as mandated by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). All ticketing will be handled electronically, and passengers will be subject to temperature checks and COVID-19 screening before boarding the train.
Additional information regarding our June train schedule can be found on our website at mitrain.net. The website also features our COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
The Coopersville & Marne Railway is an ‘all volunteer’ vintage railroad located midway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon, offering 90-minute train rides between our namesake towns. Our train includes coaches dating to the 1920’s along with 1950’s era locomotives. And the route we follow originated with an 1848 charter for the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad. The Coopersville & Marne Railway offers EnterTRAINment Excursions, specialty Theme Trains and group charters during our normal operating season.
It’s been a wait – a long wait, but area residents can finally attend a live theater performance starting this Thursday.
Circle Theatre will open its season with the 1978 Pulitzer Prize winning play “The Gin Game,” featuring local radio personality Shelley Irwin and Stathi Afendoulis, May 6 – 16.
“We are thrilled to finally be able to present a live production again after such a long intermission,” said Circle Theatre Executive and Artistic Director Lynn Brown Tepper. “While it may look a little different, the excitement is the same. Nothing can replace the magic that takes place between the audience and the performers in a live theatrical performance and Circle Theatre is ready to celebrate that experience once again with our amazing community.”
Local theatre has taken a deep hit this past year with multiple postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19. These intermissions have left Circle Theatre with a renewed commitment to keeping theatre alive through safe and entertaining community events.
“The Gin Game is not only a powerful and prescient story, but will also be one of the very first live play performances in West Michigan since before the pandemic,” said Director John Vesbit.
“The Gin Game” tells the story of Weller Martin (Afendoulis) and Fonsia Dorsey (Irwin). The two nursing home residents strike up a friendship while learning to play gin rummy. The pair begin sharing stories about the lives they led in the outside world until Fonsia starts to win every hand. With Weller’s frustration, the nursing home porch quickly turns into a battleground.
“Circle Theatre provided me the opportunity to grow as an actor, and inspired my decision to move to New York and become a theater professional,” Afendoulis said. “Forty-two years later, I’m back home, on the stage that launched my career.”
The face off: Stathi Afendoulis and Shelly Irwin in “The Gin Game.” (Provided)
The production will be at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Road SE. Social distancing between groups and masks are required. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go directly to supporting local theatre through Circle Theatre.
Doors open at 6 p.m. “The Gin Game” will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, with matinee shows taking place on Sunday, May 9 and 16, at 3 p.m.
For more information on Circle Theatre’s 2021 season, to purchase tickets, or to find more ways to support Circle Theatre, call 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org.
All sorts of exciting things are happening out at Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA right now. As the pandemic begins to wane, and folks start to head outdoors again, the 400-acre centennial farm offers the hottest attractions available right now: fresh air and plenty of room to spread out.
As families begin to return, Cornwell’s is re-opening their well-known dinner theatre in May with a fresh vision and a brand-new producer, Dexter Brigham. Dexter comes to Cornwell’s from Midland Center for the Arts, where he served as their Director of Theatre Programs for the past eight years.
“When Patti and I first started talking about re-opening the theatre, we considered what we might want to look and feel different. We decided to use the downtime wisely. We upgraded our lighting and sound systems, so our audiences could enjoy the best experience possible, and we’ve worked really hard to assemble a cast of talented comic actors from all across the country for our first show,” remarks Brigham.
That first show is the bedroom farce, Right Bed, Wrong Husband, by the married playwriting duo, Neil and Caroline Schaffner. In the play, Ted is a young, penniless bachelor whose uncle holds the strings to his trust fund. In order to increase his meager allowance, Ted hatches a plan to convince his uncle he has gotten married, but when his uncle drops in unexpectedly, he has to work double time to convince his uncle that his best friend’s wife is, in fact, his own. The play is filled with slamming doors, misunderstandings, mistaken identities and the nearly naughty antics that is the hallmark of great farce.
The cast of the play will feature Micah Weese from Tulsa, OK as the beleaguered Ted; Dreaa Kay Baudy from Sarasota, FL as his fiancée, Ruth; Ptah Garvin, also from Sarasota, as his drunken neighbor, Hubert; Austin James Roach, from Chicago, as his writer friend Claude; Victoria Sasso, from New York City, as Claude’s resourceful wife, Evelyn; and Hana Park, from Pittsburgh, as Ted’s sarcastic housekeeper, Myra Tackleberry.
Right Bed, Wrong Husband will run from May 13 through June 26 at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, with matinees every Wednesday through Saturday at 2pm, and evening shows on Saturday nights at 8pm. Seating for the meal begins two hours prior to curtain. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, and include dinner, dessert, and the performance. For tickets, visit turkeyville.com, or call 269-781-4293.
In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail invites you to “Rosé All May” for a month-long, trail-wide event. Rosé All May is not a large-scale gathering but rather individual experiences at the area wineries. For an advance ticket purchase price of $35, ticket holders can enjoy a 3 oz glass of rosé at each of the 21 participating wineries in an event-themed souvenir glass. The estimated ticket value is $200.
While each ticket holder can travel along the peninsula at their leisure to receive their larger pour of rosé from each winery, reservations are highly recommended. The trail’s wineries offer a wide variety of rosé wines, including dry, sweet, sparkling, and still. They will include the wineries’ latest rosé releases made with local varietals, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
Sleeping Bear Loop: Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Laurentide Winery, Chateau Fontaine, Verterra Winery, Amoritas Winery, Soul Squeeze Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards, French Valley Vineyard, Boathouse Vineyards.
Tickets for this event are non-transferable and attendees must be prepared to show a valid, government-issued photo ID at each winery. The wineries will conduct business much in the same way that they are now with groups of no more than six people per party, socially distanced, with all precautions in place to create a safe environment for both guests and employees.
Tag us on social media @lpwines with your #RoséAllMay adventures and stay tuned for more information about our next trail-wide event, Sip and Savor, June 4th – 6th, 2021!
About Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail:
The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is divided into three trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop, and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers its own unique experience, from pure elegance with unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm. As you sip wines and chat with laid-back winemakers that produce them, you’re sure to find many reasons to love the trail!
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced it is taking the popular live Curator Battle regionally, starting with a competition against the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) on Tuesday, May 4 at 4 p.m., held via Facebook Live (@grmuseum). The GRPM launched the Curator Battle series in 2020 on its Facebook page as a way to connect with the community and share the Museum virtually due to closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GRPM/MiSci Curator Battle will have a special twist in celebration of the battle reaching Detroit — the presidents of both organizations will be competing: Dale Robertson, the President and CEO of the GRPM and Christian Greer, the President and CEO of MiSci.
Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center
“We’re delighted to join the Grand Rapids Public Museum in a fun and light-hearted competition that shows off how we put you at the center of science in everything we do,” said Christian Greer. “During the competition, we’ll challenge your perception of reality with our Ames Room, take a trip on the Apollo Capsule from the Rocket Garden in our Space Gallery, visit a Wind Tunnel, learn about sustainability with something called a ‘Fatberg’ and then swing back home to Michigan to land on our version of the Mackinac Bridge. We think it will be a lot of fun for everyone watching at home.”
Due to closures across the world in the beginning of the pandemic, the Yorkshire Museum, located in England, launched a weekly #CuratorBattle competition on Twitter to challenge other museums to showcase their collections based on a particular theme. Through this inspiration, the GRPM took the idea of a curator competition to Facebook in August of 2020 to connect with its online community in a fun and unique way, while also showcasing the Museum’s artifacts, specimens, and staff expertise. Since the launch, the Museum has partnered with local West Michigan cultural organizations including Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and looks forward to expanding to more regional partners and beyond to continue the friendly competition to educate and entertain each organization’s online audience.
“Currently, the GRPM is the only organization hosting live conversations of this type that we know of, and it’s been exciting to see the engagement of our community learning about the Museum and our Collections, as well as to see the partnerships that have come out of this idea,” said Alee’a Cherry, Marketing Manager at the GRPM. “Although the title of the event mentions “curator,” the Museum has found creative ways to incorporate organizations that don’t have curators on staff to be more inclusive so we can partner with a wider variety of organizations.”
Michigan Science Center in Detroit
Each Curator Battle is hosted by the GRPM and features five topics that the contenders will speak on for a few minutes each. The presentation is also complemented by high quality images and/or video. Viewers are encouraged to ask the contenders questions, leave comments and share the event to show support of the program. The Curator Battle videos will live on the GRPM’s Facebook page for later viewing.
The GRPM will continue to engage local cultural organizations in the Curator Battle as it continues to expand. Viewers can tune into the next local battle against the Grand Rapids Public Library on Thursday, June 24 at 4 p.m. on the GRPM’s Facebook page (@grmuseum). The GRPM’s Collections Curator Andrea Melvin will be battling against the GRPL’s Head of Grand Rapids History and Special Collections, Julie Tabberer.
Organizations interested in participating in one of the GRPM’s Curator Battles can inquire by reaching out to info@grpm.org.
Is it true that a painting conservator is also a detective? According to acclaimed conservator and art historian Barry Bauman, every painting has its secrets. During his 46 years of experience treating and analyzing damaged paintings, he has uncovered many of them—lost signatures, hidden dates, and entire paintings hidden beneath other works. Two of his discoveries were so phenomenal they landed on the front page of The New York Times. Bauman will uncover answers to mystery surrounding two of the Muskegon Museum of Art’s treasured paintings in a free Zoom presentation, “Solving the Cranach Mystery Surrounding the Portraits of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora,” hosted by the museum on Thursday, May 6, at 5 p.m.
Barry Bauman With Conserved Thomas Sully’s Portrait of George Washington and John Singer Sargent’s Portrait of General Lucius Fairchild
Bauman’s discoveries lectures have been his most popular, especially for a museum audience, where attendees interested in art, art history, chemistry, physics, history, and museum studies all overlap with conservation concerns. Most individuals are not aware of the conservation field and the rewards it has to offer.
At the beginning of his career, Barry Bauman worked for eleven years at the Art Institute of Chicago, departing as the Associate Conservator of Paintings. He then founded and directed the Chicago Conservation Center for 20 years, which was the largest conservation facility in the nation. In 2004, Bauman left the private sector to establish Bauman Conservation, America’s first conservation laboratory dedicated to offering complimentary services to museums and non-profit organizations. When he closed Bauman Conservation in 2018, it was estimated he had contributed more than $6,000,000 in conservation services to museums and nonprofits.
In August 2019, Barry Bauman opened Conservation Ventures (ConservationVentures.org), a company that focuses on presentations and CAP grants to assist museums with recommendations and priorities for long-range collection care. Bauman is an Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.
LowellArts invites visitors to GETAWAY, a new gallery exhibit opening May 1. The exhibit features artwork by 100 artists from Michigan that celebrates the places or moments in time that provide us a chance to retreat, relax, and recharge. Artists ages 14 and older were invited to submit artwork, in any medium, that fit this theme. Entries could be either representational or abstract depictions of locations, objects, or an atmosphere meant to inspire, uplift, and transport the viewer to a place of rest or renewal.
The artwork will be on display at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St., Lowell, from May 1 to June 12. Gallery hours are: Tues-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat noon – 5 p.m.
If you drove past Lamar Park lately, we just wanted to let you know that your eyes and ears were not deceiving you. Yes, those were the sounds and lights of a carnival you heard and saw.
The Wyoming Spring Carnival returned this year and will be operating through May 1. The carnival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This year, after reviewing safety measures, city leaders decided to host the carnival this year.
“What says family fun like a spring carnival?” said Wyoming’ Recreation Director Krashawn Martin, who added the decision was made to help with the overall mental health of the community which has had to deal with the COVID pandemic over the last year.
The carnival features various rides, games and food options. (Supplied)
The carnival will inlcude various rides, games and food options. To help keep all participants, employees, and vendors safe, TJ Schmidt & Company is operating under enhanced health and safety measures in response to the COVID pandemic.
All participants are required to wear masks while attending the carnival.
The spring carnival will run Monday – Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m.; 2 – 8:30 p.m Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA. Funds raised support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA distributes funds to the community through their annual grant awarding process.
For more information about the carnival, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation department at 616-530-3164.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is preparing once again for Collections & Cocktails, an annual fundraiser focusing on the Museum’s Collections and the stories, preservation and education efforts of artifacts within the Collections.
This year, the GRPM is offering a virtual event on Wednesday, May 19, along with small group, socially distanced, after-hours exploration of curated displays of furniture on May 19, 20 and 21.
2021 Collections & Cocktails will focus on the Museum’s Furniture Collection, and will feature rare and innovative pieces such as a handmade chair by Grand Rapids’ first furniture maker, William Haldane, pieces by iconic designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Eames, as well as examples of new techniques and materials pioneered right here in Grand Rapids.
To participate in this year’s Collections & Cocktails, you can RSVP to the virtual event, purchase tickets to the self-guided, in-person tours, or to learn more visit grpm.org/2021Collections-Cocktails or call 616-929-1728.
The Collections and Cocktails events supports the museum’s collections. (Supplied)
“Collections & Cocktails provides the Museum an opportunity to showcase a specific category of its Collections, which helps to celebrate some of the special stories unique to our community,” said Amy Van Andel, Chair of the GRPM’s Collections & Cocktails Committee. “By supporting Collections & Cocktails, you’re contributing not only to the Museum’s efforts to enrich our local community but also to its goals of providing expanded educational opportunities and worldwide access to its Collections. As we are not able to host a dinner this year, everyone who purchases tickets to the self-guided, in-person tour will receive a gift card to support a local restaurant at their leisure. This is just another way the GRPM is giving back to our hometown.”
“The Museum’s Furniture Collection is vast and diverse, showcasing the history of furniture making in the city both in the past and currently,” said Alex Forist, the GRPM’s Chief Curator. “Grand Rapids began to build a reputation as the ‘Furniture City’ in the years following the Civil War with the creation of some of the world’s largest residential furniture factories. Over the course of the 20th century, the focus has shifted to the design and manufacture of fixed seating and office furniture, but Grand Rapids remains a Furniture City to this day. Raising awareness to support this popular Collection is crucial to continue to share the story of our city and make it as accessible to the broader community through our digital Collections and fundraisers like Collections & Cocktails.”
Funds raised during Collections & Cocktails support the Museum’s Collection of over 250,000 artifacts and specimens, caring for and preserving these pieces, including their stories and use in educational programs.
Thanks to the support of local furniture companies and partners, the Museum is adding several pieces of furniture into its permanent Collections including modern examples from companies like Haworth, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Irwin Seating Company, Grand Rapids Chair Company, IDA Design, Landscape Forms, Portobello Road, and others.
On May 19, 20 and 21, ticket holders can explore the GRPM’s iconic furniture artifacts, as well as displays by local furniture companies at a special time after the Museum’s regular operating hours. Self-guided tours will be timed entry to ensure social distancing, and small groups will be determined by ticket purchasers. Masks are required during the entire visit.
Along with the GRPM Collections, curated displays from local furniture partners will offer a full experience of Grand Rapids-made furniture. Furniture display partners include: Belwith Keeler, BOLD Furniture, Custer, Inc., Grand Rapids Chair Co., Grand Rapids Public Museum, Haworth, Herman Miller, Irwin Seating, Kendall College of Art & Design, Kindel Grand Rapids, Landscape Forms and Steelcase. Select furniture displays will be available to the public for viewing when visiting the Museum starting Monday, May 3 through Friday, May 21.
On their tours, attendees will have the opportunity to visit newly renovated classrooms within the GRPM. These state-of-the-art classrooms have been upgraded with furniture and design elements with the accessibility of all learners at the forefront, thanks to a grant from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) along with support from Steelcase and Custer. A gift bag featuring New Holland Brewing take-home cocktails and gift cards to local restaurants will be distributed to attendees.
Anyone interested in supporting the care of the Furniture Collections along with the thousands of other pieces in the GRPM’s Collections can do so through sponsorship of Collections & Cocktails or by purchasing tickets to the tours being offered. More information on funding opportunities can be found at grpm.org/2021Collections-Cocktails or by contacting Gina Schulz at gschulz@grpm.org or 616.929.1705. To register for the virtual program on May 19, visit grpm.org/Collections-Cocktails.
Bands, Brews and BBQ Festival will return July 10 at Big Rapids. (pxhere.com)
By Sandra Braden Mecosta County Visitors Bureau
The Bands, Brews and BBQ Festival committee are excited to announce that they will be back this summer at the Big Rapids Bandshell on July 10 from 2 p.m.- 10 p.m., for an amazing day of Bands, Brews and BBQ.
In an effort of looking for new and exciting ways to generate greater awareness of the Big Rapids Region, the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau (MCVB) partnered with the Big Rapids Lions Club in 2019 to bring back the highly anticipated Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival. “This has been a great partnership between the two organizations,” stated Connie Koepke – Executive Director of the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau. “The MCVB’s mission is to market the area’s tourism highlights in hopes of capturing overnight stays at area hotels, as well as return visits to the hotels,” which is where the Visitors Bureau receives its funding from. The Lions Club mission is to raise funds that can be used in support of a large variety of activities that improve their communities and help people in need. Dave Hamelund with the Big Rapids Lions Club states, “Some of the Lions Club projects include assisting the hearing impaired, providing diabetes awareness and education materials, working on environmental projects and developing youth programs.”
With the two organizations working together on this amazing event, they are able to not only accomplish both of the groups’ missions and goals, but also create an extraordinary event that can be enjoyed by all. “You may have noticed a change in the name of this year’s event, altering Blues to Bands.” This allows the ability to offer more variety of musical styles and bands as this annual event continues throughout the years to come,” noted Koepke.
The day of the event is set for Saturday, July 10, from 2 – 10 p.m., which is a great kickoff to fair week that begins on Monday the 12. The festival will not only include amazing music throughout the day but also local restaurants, offering at least one BBQ themed item, a beer tent as well as a vendor area for community businesses and/or crafters to sell their wares. Cost for a vendor table is just $25 for the day.
The Mecosta County Visitors Bureau, whom is once again sponsoring the event, noted that there is one other change in this year’s festival. There will not be a charge or ticket cost to attend. The festival will be FREE and open to public. “We are asking that those attending do offer a donation that will go towards the Lions Club and the organizations that they support along with a small portion going to help toward next year’s event expenses,” stated Dave Hamelund of the Big Rapids Lions Club.
Current schedule for the day includes: Kickoff with the Veterans Warrior Motorcycle Club and a Salute to our Veterans, National Anthem (performed by Alison LeVeque) and then a fun-filled day of nonstop Bands, Brews and BBQ.
This year’s musical lineup includes: Key West Permafrost Blues Band, Rochelle & the Spoilers, Brenda Loomis Band and Benzing-Graves Collective. The festival’s MC will be by local musical talent Kelly Quinn. Quinn will also performing during the bands’ transitioning between their sets/acts.
If you are interested in more details and/or to purchase a vendor table at the event, please reach out to the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau at director@bigrapids.org or by calling 231.796.7640.
Visitors have a limited time left to explore the popular Under the Arctic and Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks exhibitions at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). Under the Arctic’s last date to visit will be Sunday, April 25 and the last date to visit Wild Connections is Sunday, May 2.
“The Museum continues to offer an unforgettable experience for the community, and currently these popular exhibitions offer two distinct experiences allowing all ages to learn about science, ecosystems and the human impact on nature, in a fun and immersive way,” said Kate Kocienski, the GRPM’s Vice President of Marketing and PR. “Museums offer a low-risk opportunity for the community to get out of the house, spark their curiosity and create family memories, while learning and having fun. We encourage visitors to plan their trip in advance to see these exhibits before they leave Grand Rapids.”
Explore larger-than-life sculptures made with more than 2 million LEGO® bricks in Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks! Kids and adults are in awe of the stunning sculptures that teach about animal endangerment, ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. Favorites include the hummingbird that defies gravity, the mountain goats whose textured fur is made from small LEGO® brick people when you look closely at the detail, and the miniature cityscape. Wild Connections must be added in addition to general admission tickets for your visit.
Included with your admission tickets, Under the Arctic addresses climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic environment to educate visitors about permafrost’s fascinating characteristics and its greater implications. Featuring various interactive components, this exhibit includes a 30-foot-long Alaskan permafrost tunnel replica, fossil research stations and interactive games.
Visit grpm.org to purchase tickets today to see these fascinating exhibitions before they are gone. Kent County residents receive discounted admission to the GRPM, including Kent County kids aged 17 and under receiving free general admission everyday! Wild Connections tickets are only $4 for the public and $2 for GRPM members.
“Under the Arctic” is set to close on April 25. (Supplied)
Advance ticket purchase is required before you visit to ensure a seamless and contactless entry for each visitor. Visitors are required to wear masks properly during the duration of their visit. The Museum offers a low-risk environment with increased sanitization stations and cleaning protocols, hospital grade HVAC ion filters for air filtration, and limited capacity for daily entrance to ensure social distancing.
