Tag Archives: family-friendly

Butterflies Are Blooming: Frederik Meijer Gardens announces 29th annual butterfly exhibition

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Common Morpho (Courtesy, FMG)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Enjoy an up-close encounter with thousands of unique tropical butterflies as they fly freely throughout the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory!

A global journey

Tailed Jay (Courtesy, FMG)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces the return of the much-loved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, now in its 29th year.

The largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States, this event showcases the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths.

Butterflies Are Blooming opens March 1 and runs through April 30. Visitors are invited to celebrate the unique spectacle of lepidopteran flight and the exquisite patterns of their wings in the lush environment of the Conservatory.

This year’s exhibition is a true global journey. More than 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America will be featured.

The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these vibrant world travelers. Featured species include dazzling blue morphos, stealthy clearwings, majestic Atlas moths and elegant tree nymphs. Each species adds its own unique brushstroke to this living canvas of color and motion.

The science behind butterflies

Butterflies are cold-blooded insects requiring a body temperature of 85–105 degrees Fahrenheit to take flight. The black markings on northern species are not just for show, they are nature’s solar panels, absorbing sunlight to warm these delicate creatures.

Red Lacewing (Courtesy, FMG)

The dual-wing design of butterflies is a marvel of nature’s engineering, providing lift and precise steering. Witness the distinct flight patterns of each species, from the powerful and swift swallowtails to the playful, zigzagging flight of the large-winged morphos.

Up-close experiences

Chrysalides and cocoons can be seen at the Observation Station (Courtesy, FMG)

In addition to the butterflies’ aerial ballet, the exhibition offers guests unique up-close experiences at feeding stations brimming with nectar plants. At the Observation Station, thousands of chrysalides and cocoons emerge and reveal the magic of metamorphosis.

Approximately 1,000 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens each week of the exhibition. This year, grapevine spheres adorned with flowering vines and other tropical plants were introduced, creating enchanting landing spots for the winged guests.

Begin your journey amidst the tranquil beauty of the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit.

(Courtesy, Aly Zuiderveen)

“As we eagerly welcome the return of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition for its 29th year, we invite guests to immerse themselves in the spectacular world of butterflies and moths here at Meijer Gardens,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture. “This year’s exhibition is more than just a display; it’s a celebration of the breathtaking beauty of flight.

“Each visit is a unique journey through the vibrant patterns and unique flight dynamics of these enchanting creatures. We’re also thrilled to enhance this experience with special events, educational programs and exclusive member activities.”

FMG invites guests from near and far to join us in celebrating the wonder of these magnificent creatures. The Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition is a vivid reminder of nature’s incredible artistry, the beauty of flight, and the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

(Courtesy, FMG)

Exhibition rules:

  • Please do not touch the butterflies.

  • During the butterfly exhibition, tripods are not allowed in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. While monopods may be used, please be courteous to other guests.

  • Per USDA regulations, no butterfly or plant materials may leave the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

Extended Hours & Exhibition Activities

  • Extended Spring Break Hours: Open until 9 pm March 29 and April 1–5.
  • Exclusive Member Early Hours: Members enjoy exclusive early open hours every Sunday morning in March and April, from 9–11 a.m.
All ages can enjoy the butterfly experience (Courtesy, FMG)

Volunteers

Various volunteers jobs and shifts are available. Contact Tony England at aengland@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5221.

Online Ticketing

Guests can visit MeijerGardens.org/tickets to reserve and purchase tickets online. When on-site, head directly to the Entry Desk for easy entry.

World of Winter: Largest winter festival in U. S. right in our own backyard

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Going Local, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
World of Winter boasts several activities for all ages to enjoy! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


World of Winter (WoW), the largest winter festival in the United States, is in our own backyard of Grand Rapids until March 10!

Open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., the WoW festival takes place throughout downtown Grand Rapids.

Various art installations tantalizing the mind and imagination using sound, lights, towering sculptures and inflatables.

Some installations are light-based and night-based: Plan your visit accordingly.

A scavenger hunt, walking tours, music, games, painting and craft workshops, and a Mardi Gras Glow Sidewalk Parade are a few WoW offerings.


Large and colorful frog inflatables with informational plaques are located in front of the Ford Museum (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

WoW hotspots include:

  • Ah-Nab-Awen Park
  • 555 Monroe
  • Canal Park
  • Sixth Street Park

For a complete calendar of events, click here.

Transportation

The Rapid transit system provides a seamless bus network connecting visitors to and from downtown Grand Rapids.

DASH offers free rides around downtown every 15 minutes. Download the ‘Transit‘ app for the nearest stop and real-time info.

Area 9 Parking is also available for just $3 a day, and offer use of a free shuttle.


Many installations have lights that give a different look and feel to the exhibit during night hours (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Accessibility

It is advised to refer to each individual event for accessibility information.

Crowd sizes fluctuate and may impede visibility of certain installations for individuals with mobility issues. Most locations provide sidewalk accessibility. However, some installations are in park areas without pavement pathways. Please use caution during your visit.

WoW continues to work to make the festival experience as accessible as possible for all visitors, and are looking at accessibility improvements for the 2025 WoW festival.


Plan your visit ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any fun activities or art installations (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Snow gear tips

Elevate your WoW experience by being prepared with winter essentials! See the recommended list of gear from the WoW team.

This list is recommended but not required to attend or enjoy the festival.

Snow gear checklist:

  • Base Layers like leggings or long sleeved shirts (Wool/Silk/Polypropylene over Cotton)
  • Snow Pants (or a pair of pants over your bottom base layers)
  • Water Resistant Coat
  • Water Resistant Boots
  • Hat, Gloves, Scarves

Kids & Family Expo on Jan. 27 will feature new attractions – and a lot of fun!

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The Kids & Family Expo will have some new attractions this year (Courtesy, MHF)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


New and exciting attractions are adding fun to the Kids & Family Expo at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

At the helm of the Expo will be the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and be nice. program.


A dedication to community and family wellness

Though the MHF has participated in the Expo for 10 years, this is the first time the Foundation will host the event.

“The reason that we decided to take it on after we were approached last year was because this is a winter event that focuses on family, togetherness and community connection,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for MHF. “Those are all aspects of our organization that we promote within families.

The Expo will focus on overall family wellness (Courtesy, MHF)

“We’re really trying to tap into the community and promote good mental health.”

The Expo will look similar to previous years with additional enhancements and a focus on overall family wellness. Community resources information, hourly wellness presenters, and fun interactive and educational experiences for the entire family will be available during the event.

“The Expo helps provide that little bit of escape from the winter,” said Jones. “Families are trapped inside together if the weather hasn’t been great. Changing the scenery in the winter can be more empowering than we realize.

“This gives the family an opportunity to get out, be together and have some fun.”

What to expect: new and original features

A new aspect to the Kids & Family Expo will be that all attractions and rides are included in the ticket price.

All attractions and rides are included in the ticket price (Courtesy, MHF)

“There’s no extra nickel and diming once you’re in, which was really important to us,” said Jones.

New attractions will include the Pirate’s Revenge swinging boat and Turbo Tubs, which can accommodate both kids and adults.

A cakewalk sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes will take place every hour near the Empowerment Stage presented by Forest View Hospital.

“The Empowerment Stage is something new this year, and we have a rotation of fun things that are happening there,” said Jones.

Included in that rotation is WOOD TV8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca presenting the popular Weather Experience. There will also be several story times for children.

John Ball Zoo will be providing animals for patrons to enjoy (Courtesy, MHF)

“We’re going to be pushing out the be nice. action plan: notice, invite, challenge, and empower,” said MHF Founder Christy Buck in an interview with eightWest. “We’re going to be reading books to kids, and they can sit and listen to a book being read and how N.I.C.E. is implemented in this book.”

Additional activities include: a petting zoo, ponies, jumbo activities, a fire engine and police car, a photo booth, archery, face painting, snake petting and more.

Various information from community organizations will be available at the Expo in addition to activities and rides. Each resource distribution station will also feature an activity.

“We’ve got all this good information, all these great resources packaged, and a whole lot of rides and fun and games for the whole family,” said Buck on eightWest.

Expo = Positive Impact

Activity and FUN can help improve mental health (Courtesy, MHF)

Everything that we do in our lives, Buck said, has to do with our overall health and mental health.

Weather, nutrition and finances are also factors that play into mental health. The Expo will have presentations and information about each of these factors.

Jones said that events like the Expo can help improve mental health for some people.

“Being active, having things to look forward to, feeling empowered following some kind of activity or event, anything that makes you feel good,” said Jones.

“For kids, these are memories that they’re going to make as they have fun with the rides. Parents are going to make memories by being with the kids and providing this experience for them.”

Families can find a multitude of resources at the Expo (Courtesy, MHF)

Resources and links

Tickets for the Kids & Family Expo can be purchased at the door or online here or here.

For more information on the Mental Health Foundation and be nice. program, click here.

Grand Rapids Christmas Lite Show a tradition for many West Michigan families

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The Christmas Lite Show at LCMU Ballpark is the largest light display in West Michigan (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Christmas Lite Show has been a holiday tradition for most West Michigan families for the past 25 years.

With over 50,000 visitors each year, the Christmas Lite Show (CLS) has grown to be the largest lite show display in West Michigan.


(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

How it all began

A family-owned business, the CLS was founded by American veteran William (Bill) Schrader after returning to West Michigan as a wounded war veteran.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Schrader and his family would spend the days leading up to Christmas driving through neighborhood decorated in lights. It was a cherished family tradition by Schrader, his wife and their three children.

After sharing those memories with family friends, Schrader approached the LMCU Ballpark office and asked to lease the parking lot so he could bring a unique and fun holiday attraction to West Michigan.

Comprised of a 30-person team of mostly veterans, the CLS has grown from generators, gas cans, and mile-long extension cords to transformers, power boxes, and 100% LEDs, and from one semi trailer full of lights to eight.

The mission

The CLS 40-night season (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31) brings new displays and experiences every year – and is the result of a year-round effort by Schrader and his team.

“The whole mission is to bring a smile to the kids,” Schrader says on the CLS website. “It’s all about the kids.”

Schrader and his team are dedicated to spreading joy and good fortune to our community. They carry out this spirit through the CLS and by supporting and donating to local organizations like the Grand Rapids Veterans Home.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Wyoming Police Department officers joined in the fun at Wrap Up Wyoming

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Holidays, Kids Activities, Our Cities, , , ,
Wyoming Police Department Officers Tyler Zbikowski and Jack Tromp showed off their decorating skills at Wrap Up Wyoming (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Wyoming PD officers helped children with their crafts – and made their own! (Courtesy, Becci Schumaker)

Wyoming Police Department Officers Zbikowski and Tromp showed off their cookie decorating skills at the first annual Wrap Up Wyoming holiday event!

Formerly known as Wyoming Gives Back, the City’s reimagined annual holiday event bore a new name and location on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Wrap Up Wyoming took place at the Wyoming Senior Center, and featured musical and storytime performances, live reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, crafts, and cookie decorating. Donations of winter clothing items were collected and will be distributed among students at local schools.

Merriment and holiday cheer filled the Senior Center halls as families and City officials took part in holiday festivities!

Wrap up and get festive! Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department to host Wrap Up Wyoming holiday event Dec. 1

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A new Wyoming holiday tradition focuses on giving back during the holiday season (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Wrap up and get festive at the City of Wyoming’s new holiday event, Wrap Up Wyoming!

Hosted by the Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department, Wrap Up Wyoming (WUW) is a free, family-friendly event that will be held Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Wyoming Senior Center (WSC), 2380 DeHoop Ave SW.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

WUW will be the kickoff event to a donation drive that runs throughout the month of December. Attendees are asked to donate new, warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.

Meeting a need through change

“This is a reimagining of Wyoming Gives Back, [with] some of the same elements that were there previously,” said Martin, adding that the most noticeable variation is the giving element.

Previously, donations consisted of toys that were then given to the Salvation Army. Martin said the City is still accepting toy donations internally, with drop-off sites located at all City buildings.

After talking with school partners and other community members, however, a greater need was revealed.

“What a lot of the schools need more than anything are coats, hats and boots for their students,” said Martin. “Things that go well beyond the holidays into the colder months.”

What to expect at WUW

(Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Rec)

The WUW event will feature musical acts from Godwin Heights High School Percussionists and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, and several crafts.

Several holiday displays will highlight different holiday traditions reflected in the Wyoming community.

Wyoming Public Safety will be in attendance with their vehicles for a Touch-A-Truck opportunity, and attendees can look forward to a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus – and live reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm.

“We are going to utilize the whole space,” said Martin of WSC. “Most of the crafts and musical performances will take place inside, but we’ll have a staging area set up outside with the reindeer. It will be a good opportunity for kids and families.”

A community effort

The Parks & Rec Department is working with several local organizations to ensure WUW is a success – and to also provide a unique opportunity for a certain group of community members.

Empower U, a Kent ISD program for individuals with special needs who have aged out of the K-12 system, provides specialized instruction, employment opportunities and independent living skills.

“They have been coming and doing some volunteer work at the senior center, providing them with job training,” said Martin. “After the event, they are going to come and go through all of the warm items and sort things for us so they are ready for us to take out to the schools.”

Let the festivities begin!

Lend a hand, give back, and ring in the holiday season at WUW (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

WUW is open to everyone to attend, so come join in the spirit of giving and fun festivities.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, WUW donation bins are available at City Hall now through the month of December.

“This event is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and spend quality time with friends and family,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ones about the importance of lending a hand and giving back to your community.

“We hope to create a fresh, even newer holiday tradition for everyone in Wyoming.”

For more information about Wrap Up Wyoming, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation team at 616-530-3164, parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or www.wyomingmi.gov.

Wyoming community invited to celebrate fall with annual Trick-or-Treat Trail

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Wyoming’s annual Trick-or-Treat Trail is a free family-friendly event with a variety of activities (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department)

By Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department

deborah@wktv.org

The spooky season is almost upon us! The City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is excited to host its annual Trick-or-Treat Trail Saturday, Oct. 7 from 4 – 6 p.m. in Lamar Park, 2561 Porter Street SW.

This family-friendly, free event promises an afternoon filled with candy, costumes, face painting, music, bounce houses and more. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will be handing out treats as attendees stroll through the beautiful park.

“The Trick-or-Treat Trail was created to be a fun, safe event for the fall, providing an alternative to traditional Halloween events,” said Krashawn Martin, Director of Wyoming Parks & Recreation. “Trick-or-Treat Trail gives families an opportunity to interact with neighborhood businesses while enjoying all the amenities of Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”

In previous years, the event has welcomed over 65 local businesses and organizations, and more than 6,000 attendees.

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

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, Kids Activities, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
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 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

Senior Living: Thanks and Giving: Volunteer opportunities for older adults

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11219609266_eefc176691_b

By Amanda Haberlein

Public Relations/Communications Coordinator

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

This time of year many may reflect on what they have to be thankful for and for some, this includes a desire to volunteer their time to help others. While older adults are able and welcome to volunteer anywhere, some find it more appealing to volunteer with organizations that cater specifically to older adults. The following agencies either utilize senior volunteers throughout the community or use volunteers to serve older adults specifically.

 

Friendly Visitor Program – This program pairs volunteers with older adults who feel extremely isolated, lonely or are homebound. Volunteers make weekly social visits with the goal of providing companionship and helping seniors remain mentally and physically active and connected to their community. The Friendly Visitor program accepts volunteers of all ages who want to make a positive impact on the life of a senior. They are partnered with an older adult for flexible one hour weekly visits and are encouraged to commit to at least one year with the program, although many build lasting relationships

 

To find out more, contact Spectrum Health Visiting Nurse Association Volunteer Services at 616-486-3956.

 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – This organization pairs older adult volunteers with non-profit agencies within Kent County.  Senior volunteers can work in a number of ways including transporting older adults to medical appointments, providing other older adults with companionship, serving in food pantries and tutoring early elementary grade students to increase literacy, and much more. RSVP staff can help volunteers identifying opportunities within these focus areas that best match with their interests and/or skills.

 

For more information, contact Senior Neighbors’ RSVP program at 616-459-9509

 

congregate_20meal_20high_20res-2Senior Companion Program –The program trains and provides a stipend for low-income seniors to care for older adults who are homebound, frail or who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Volunteers may come to the home to provide companionship for the senior, a break for a family caregiver, or companionship and support at a congregate meal site where seniors eat together. These visits often help older adults overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation some older adults experience.

 

For more information on this program, contact Senior Neighbors at 616-459-6019.

 

Meal Drivers and Packers – Meals on Wheels Western Michigan is always looking for volunteers to either help package or deliver home delivered meals. Volunteers can be any age and ability who are interested in helping provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

 

For more information on this program, contact Meals on Wheels West Michigan at 616-459-3111.

 

Still want to volunteer, but none of the above opportunities seem like a good fit for you? Check out Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Volunteer Center for opportunities organized by topic, location and keywords. For more information, visit http://connect.hwmuw.org/

 

For more details on Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan or services specific to older adults, visit www.aaawm.org or call at 616-456-5664.

5th Annual GRJazzFest announces line-up April 27

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grand-jazz-logo

By GRandJazzFest

 

Summer’s still quite a way off, but it’s never too early to get excited about good jazz!

 

GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation returns to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., this Aug. 20 and 21, for the fifth annual festival. The popular family-friendly festival, which attracted more than 10,000 people last year, is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival. The two-day festival will again be free because of Presenting Sponsor DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids and other sponsoring organizations and individuals.

 

Edye-Evans-Hyde
Edye Evans Hyde performed last year

“Grand Rapids and West Michigan have embraced GRandJazzFest,” founder Audrey Sundstrom said. “We’re proud to say GRandJazzFest is one of the most diverse, community-oriented festivals for people who live here, who travel here, and who want to enjoy two days of great live music in a vibrant downtown setting. THIS is what community is all about.”

 

Each year, GRandJazzFest has been held at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids to enable festival-goers to take in all that downtown has to offer: restaurants, clubs, museums, microbreweries and shops. The festival typically occurs during Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids. The festival’s location provides easy access to those who ride the bus, walk or bike, and is also close to parking.

 

The 2016 festival lineup will be announced on April 27 at the House of Entertainment and Music (H.O.M.E.) at The B.O.B. That night at H.O.M.E., the band Evidence led by saxophonist Michael Doyle takes the stage. Evidence performed at the 2014 GRandJazzFest.

 

Like last year’s reveal, festival organizers will coordinate with leaders at International Jazz Day to include GRandJazzFest’s reveal announcement as a sanctioned International Jazz Day event.

 

At the 2016 festival in August, 11 diverse jazz artists and bands will perform, including a student jazz band and two major headline acts.

Walt-Gutowski1
Walt Gutowski performed last year

 

Free face painting by Fancy Faces will be available for kids and, if lines aren’t too long, for “kids at heart.”

 

GR and Jazz (the non-profit, all-volunteer-run producer of GRandJazzFest) is pleased to announce a special collaboration with the Grand Rapids Art Museum: Under an agreement with GRAM, the festival’s VIP area will be located on the GRAM front terrace where refreshments and snacks will be provided. The VIP area is for sponsors of GRandJazzFest. Additionally, GRAM will have an outdoor bar area set up at the base of its front steps adjoining Rosa Parks Circle for attendees who would like to purchase and consume refreshments and enjoy the festival.

 

Grand Rapids city commissioners approved GRandJazzFest as one of 24 events that it will co-sponsor in 2016, a distinction only given to events that have proven to be successful and enrich the community. GRandJazzFest 2015 received distinction as a Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Signature Event along with two other festivals, ArtPrize and LaughFest.

 

In addition to DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids, and GRAM, sponsors for the 2016 event to date include GR and Jazz, IntentPR, Gilmore Collection, Comcast, Hilger Hammond, Amway Hotel Corporation, Experience Grand Rapids, ICON Sign, Meijer, Moxie Men Incorporated, Hungerford Nichols, WGVU, Steelcase and Clark Hill. Sponsorship opportunities are here.

Grupo-Aye
Grupo Aye performed last year

 

“We are so grateful to all of our sponsors for their support – we could not do it without them,” Sundstrom said. “We’re seeking additional sponsors to help us bring a full weekend of FREE, family-friendly live jazz performances to West Michigan!”

 

Get a taste of past GRandJazzFests by viewing the “recap” videos here.

 

More information on the 5th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation can be found here and at the festival’s Facebook and Twitter sites.