Category Archives: Local Entertainment

Embracing art, horticulture and education, Meijer Gardens newly expanded Wege library readies big plans

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Jess Hart, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s director of education, discusses planned and possible educational programing available in the new Peter M. Wege Library and the unique public area outside its doors. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There is a work of art on the grounds of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Bill Woodrow’s “Listening to History”, that speaks to many people about the importance of knowledge as much as it does the imagination of the artist. And the importance of knowledge is not lost on the visionaries at “The Gardens” as well.

 

As Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park laid out its ambitious expansion plans in 2017 much of the talk was about the new education center and the rooftop garden, the upgraded outdoor amphitheater and the crown jewel of the new “Welcome Center” entrance. All rightly so.

Bill Woodrow’s “Listening to History”, on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied)

Tucked away in the design plans for the entrance, which opened early this year with a few pieces yet to be place — most notably the placement of Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s Utopia — was the relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library.

But then again, education in general and art history resources in specific was important to Fred Meijer and continues to be important to the mission of the sculpture park named for him.

Located on the lower “Courtyard” level of the Welcome Center, along with “Mimi’s Garden”, a unique garden area seemingly located inside a glass terrarium, the library is intended to not only be a “go to” educational resource center but also a focal point for the Meijer Garden’s community and educational programming.

A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

While the old library was nice — tucked into a corner just as you entered the old entrance building — both Jess Hart, director of education, and Shelly Kilroy, librarian and archivist, could barely contain their joy at the new space when WKTV visited recently.

“The thing I really enjoy most about it is that it is a space not only for information and learning but for curiosity,” Hart said to WKTV. “We have a really professional staff here at Meijer Gardens and wonderful volunteers, and guests are constantly asking those volunteers and staff questions about our collections and our gardens.

“But occasionally there is a question that a staff member or volunteer cannot answer. And in those instances we often encourage guests to come down to the library to find that information. It is wonderful to have that resource.”

And what a resource it is.

“We are used by the general public, researchers — particularly researchers of a particular artist — or someone who just wants to come in and browse,” Kilroy said to WKTV. “Also for our staff, for inspiration and research for their programs, especially the education staff and our sculpture staff. And, of course, volunteers as well, to learn more about all the Gardens has to offer.”

Library a key element in the expansion

Built using funds from the $115 million Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign, the 69,000 square-foot Welcome Center of which the library is only a small but important part, was designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects/Partners.

And the importance of the library and adjacent space to the overall mission of Meijer Gardens was not lost on the internationally known building designers — nor was it to David Hooker, president of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

“Fred Meijer grew to truly enjoy contemporary art through education and the understanding of the principles behind much of the artwork he gave to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park,” Hooker said to WKTV. “The Peter M. Wege Library is a fantastic resource for information about our artwork and gardens. Making use of the Wege Library promotes understanding and appreciation.”

And how extensive is that resource?

Shelly Kilroy, librarian and archivist at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in the Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The collection is approximately 4,500 books and magazines, Kilroy said. And they cover the spectrum of all of what makes Meijer Gardens famous in several ways.

“Some art history, primarily sculptures and sculptors, and then we also have a small poetry collection, actually. … But also plant and insect and bird identification books, and then plant care in general,” Kilroy said. “Also general (garden) design, if you want to design a Japanese garden or an English perennial garden, we have the books here.”

There are also books on using plants in cooking and crafts, she said, as well as a children’s collection — “so the kiddos can learn more.”

The focus, though, is the art and the artists, and the horticulture, represented at the gardens.

“Any of the artists, the sculptures we have here, there are resources in our collection about that artist and about the art we have here. If you want to learn more about sculpture, broadly, or about a specific sculpture we have here, you can come in and we are more than happy to help.”

  • An community area at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • A scene from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s relocated and expanded Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Present and (hopefully) future educational plans

Hart, the director of education, leads a department which oversees Meijer Gardens’ archives as well as library space. And she considers the library’s learning space to be both inside the Wege library and the community area adjacent.

Jess Hart, director of education at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, outside the Peter M. Wege Library. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“With that new space, we are able to support new programs as well,” she said. “We are really looking forward, in the future, to hosting our quarterly book groups here. Also some Sunday drop-in programs, and potentially our very popular Cozy Tales for Chilly Days for preschoolers and families. Which we can now hold in the library and in this beautiful seating area outside or the library as well.”

And while the current pandemic has led to some pauses in programming and restrictions on programming planned, Hard is hopeful.

“We are hoping to hold all our regular programing upcoming, but I think that remains to be seen with what happens with COVID this winter and any restrictions that may go into place,” she said. “A lot of our programs that are library centered are fairly small, so we do hope to be able to hold some of our story-time groups and some of our drop-in programming.”

For information on the Peter M. Wege Library visit here. For more information on Meijer Gardens educational programming visit here.

‘Hamilton’ tickets go on sale next week

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Leslie Odom Jr. originated the part of Aaron Burr in “Hamilton.” (supplied)

Tickets for the revolutionary musical about the American Revolution — “Hamilton” — will go on sale to the public Thursday, Oct. 14.

Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. online at BrodwayGrandRapids.com or Ticketmaster.com or by calling Broadway Grand Rapids at 1-616-235-6285 or Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2782. Tickets will be for performances Feb. 8 — 20, 2022.

There is a maximum purchase limit of eight tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale prices will range from $49 to $189 with a select number of premium seats available from $249 for all performances. There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement.

“It’s tempting to get tickets any way you can,” said “Hamilton” producer Jeffery Seller. “There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchase for the Grand Rapids engagement should be made through Broadway Grand Rapids.”

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” blends an array of music styles, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, to tell the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The music has received Tony, Grammy, and Oliviers Awards, the pUlitzer Prize for Drama and a special citation form the Kennedy Center Honors.

For more information about the “Hamilton” Grand Rapids performance, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com. 

Used book sale this Saturday at KDL Wyoming branch

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Calling all book lovers, there will be a used book sale this Saturday at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

The sale will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the library. An array of titles will be available. The $3 a bag of books will start at 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Friends of the Wyoming Library.

Kentwood Glow in the Park returns with fun run, Glow Dance Party and other themed activities

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The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In 2019 the City of Kentwood hosted its initial Glow in the Park 5K and the community liked it so much the upcoming Glow in the Park event, set for Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more activities in addition to a fun run/walk, including games, crafts, music, food and dancing.

As always, however, community members are invited to “illuminate the night” — participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories — for the event, taking place 7-9 p.m., at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.

Among the glow-themed activities planned are light-up playground games and crafts, music, food — and, of course, the self-timed fun run/walk.
 

Proceeds will help keep Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs affordable for all children to participate, have fun and learn with their peers, according to a city announcement. Donations also will be accepted during the event.

The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

“Ever since the great turnout we had for our first after-dark running event in 2019, we have been looking forward to offering another Glow in the Park night in Kentwood,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “This time, we’re including a variety of additional activities to encourage all ages to dress up and join us outside with friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“In addition to being a fun way to soak up the fall weather before winter comes, our Glow in the Park event is also for a good cause — helping more families be able to participate in our youth programs.”

The “lighthearted” — pun intended — run/walk will start at 7:30 p.m., with on-site packet pickup beginning at 7 p.m. Participants can choose to do either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. Volunteers in glow wear will also help light the way. A water station will be provided at the course start/finish line.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after-party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event with a goody bag full of glow supplies, registration costs $5. For those who also want to take part in the fun run/walk, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag, T-shirt and race medal.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events.

For more information on City of Kentwood event’s visit kentwood.us.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Local History, Non-Profits, Recreation, Restaurants, , , , ,

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” 

Albert Einstein

Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)

Two words: Pulaski Days

After a year off due to COVID, Pulaski Days returns this weekend with three days packed full of fun. There are eating contests, a Saturday parade, a Sunday mass and of course plenty of food and drink. A total of 14 halls will be open offering an array of activities, food, and souvenirs. For more, check out John D. Gonzalez’s latest story.

Who could resist? (KC Animal Shelter)

Expand the Family

The Bissell Pet Foundation’s fall national “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, running Oct. 4-10, is a quarterly effort that has helped more than 61,787 pets in shelters find their “forever homes” by sponsoring reduced adoption fees for $25 or less. This fall’s event will be hosted in more than 180 shelters in 38 states, including about 11 in West Michigan such as the Kent County Animal Shelter and Crash’s Landing. So this weekend is a perfect time to start looking for that new family addition.

One Last Look

ArtPrize officially closes on Sunday, which means you have a few more days to check out the pieces, including the winners, which will be announced on Friday. There are items both inside and outside. A popular spot has been the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which features a number of outdoor pieces including the one pictured above, or just travel along Monroe Avenue and Monroe Center for some great “eye candy.”

Fun Fact: The Polish/American Hero

Kazimierz Michal Wladyslaw Wiktor Pulaski or Casimir Pulaski, was a Posh nobleman, solider and military commander. After being driven into exile for helping with an uprising in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Pulaski came to America at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin. He would help in the American Revolutionary War, first by saving the life of George Washington and second helping to create the American cavalry. Pulaski died in the Battle of Savannah in 1779. He is buried in Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia. Today, many events and places have been named after this war hero, including Grand Rapids’ Pulaski Days. 

Walker Boy Scout facility to host family fun event in October

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Adventure Point is hosting family fun days in October. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Outdoor adventure center Adventure Point, the region’s premier youth and adult adventure center focused on team building, sustainability, STEM, leadership and outdoor adventures for all ages, is hosting Fall Harvest Days Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10 at the 35 acre campus at 3213 Walker Avenue, just 2 miles northwest of downtown Grand Rapids.

Visitors must purchase tickets in advance for a morning or afternoon session. Saturday has two sessions: 9am-Noon and Noon-5pm. Sunday’s session runs from 11a-5pm.

This fun, family-friendly event is 100% outdoors and will incorporate safe social distancing and strict safety guidelines. Masks will be worn/required upon entry and in any area where 6 feet of distance cannot be guaranteed while on property.

Visitors are invited to come explore the beautiful 35+ acres that is Adventure Point during Fall’s most beautiful color display, with a wooded campus where Mill Creek runs along groomed trails.

ACTIVITIES (included with admission)

  • Apple Target Practice on the Archery Range –  Test your skills or learn a new one!
  • Apple Cider and Doughnut Cafe -Your admission includes a delicious snack of cider and freshly made doughnuts!
  • Fall Harvest Photo Shoot  – We will provide a beautiful Photo Shoot area where we will take your Fall photo and send you the digital copy, or bring your camera!
  • Visit Pumpkin Hollow – For guests 5 and under.  Games, Climbing Wall and even some tasty snack prizes!
  • Trick or Treat Trail  – Follow the clues and you can’t lose!  Trick or Treaters will love finding treats along our non-scary trails! 

EVENT PRICING

Family Pass – $75

  • Up to 6 members of same household.
  • Includes cider and doughnut for each person.
  • Includes visit to Pumpkin Hollow, Fall Photo Booth and Trick or Treat Lane.
  • 10 activity tickets (good for zipline, climbing wall, choice of shooting sports).

Individual Pass – $15

  • Admission for 1 Adult and 1 minor (4-17) child. 
  • Children under 4 admitted free.
  • Includes cider and doughnut.
  • Includes visit to Pumpkin Hollow, Fall Photo Booth and Trick or Treat Lane.
  • 2 activity tickets (good for zipline, climbing wall, choice of shooting sports).

Additional activity tickets can be purchased on site for $5.

Registration and more information can be found here: https://scoutingevent.com/272-FallHarvest2021

https://scoutingevent.com/272-FallHarvest2021

On Tap: Oktoberfest-style beers take center stage at Horrocks Market Tavern

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Horrocks Market Tavern offers a ranger of fall beers from local breweries and beyond. (John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

It’s fall, which means colorful foliage, brisk mornings and homecoming football games.

But if you’re a craft beer fan, it also means fall beers, namely – Oktoberfest!

“I’m a huge Lager and Pilsner fan,” says Carley Morrison, manager at the Horrocks Market Tavern, “so I like that Oktoberfest has a little bit more than that.

“It’s such a good style, and a lot of people agree because we sell so many of them. It’s a huge hype.”

The change of seasons, especially for craft beer lovers, is a good opportunity to try new styles and break out of your comfort zone.

Horrocks Farm Market, 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, is the perfect place to do it with more than 50 taps of cider, seltzers and beer, of course. In addition, you can find aisles of packaged beers and singles, as well as wine from all over the world.

Morrison’s goal is to keep the taps rotating, “and always craft,” with a huge variety of Michigan beer. But she also works hard to get brands from popular breweries across the country, such as 3 Floyds Brewing Co., in Munster, Ind., which just began distribution in Michigan.

Horrocks is one of a few places in the Grand Rapids area to have 3 Floyds’ “Munsterfest” on tap.

And it’s tasty.

“It has a lot of bready notes to it,” Morrison said. “It’s super crisp and clean; a little bit of an Amber flavor. I think 3 Floyds really knocked it out with Munsterfest.”

Morrison was also able to snag some of Rake Beer Project’s “FESTIVōL,” an anticipated beer from the popular Muskegon brewery.

“It’s a little unique; a Farmhouse style,” Morrison said. “It’s not too funky, just a little different. It’s really good.”

Other popular Oktoberfest beers available this weekend:

On Tap:

3 Floyds “Munsterfest” Oktoberfest

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest”

In Bottles or Cans:

Fair State “Festbier” German Style Festbier 

Rake “FESTIVōL” Oktoberfest Style Farmhouse

Hacker Pschorr “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Brew Detroit “Corktoberfest” Marzen Style Lager

And there are always new beers coming in, so be sure to ask Morrison or anyone in the taproom about new releases.

If you’re not familiar with “Oktoberfest” (also known as a German Marzen-style), Morrison recommends you try some of the German beers – “at least a couple of them” – to better understand the style.

Fall offerings are available on tap and in bottles and cans. (John D. Gonzalez)

“It’s nice because at Horrock’s you can buy singles, so you don’t have to commit to a full pack of anything,” Morrison said.

You can’t go wrong with Oktoberfest beers from Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner and Hofbrau.

“All of those are going to be great,” she said.

Horrocks Market Tavern also offers samples at the bar, a beer garden, and a dining area to enjoy pizza, sushi, soups and salads, and beverages, too. It has a separate entrance on the west side of the parking lot off Breton Road SE.

Even if you’re not a craft beer fan, this is a perfect time to check out Horrocks Farm Market, Morrison said.

“In addition to all the great seasonal beers, we also have all the fun seasonal items like mums, caramel apples, and popcorn…you’re definitely going to find something you love.”



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at

Muskegon Museum of Art opens contemporary art awards exhibition, plans appraisal fair

Entertainment, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
2nd Place, “Under Siege”, by David Feingold. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Friends of Art Award, “Rain After Dark”, by Carolyn Sowa of Caledonia. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition this fall continues the museum’s “well-established legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals in the longest running juried show of its kind in Michigan.”

The exhibit opened Sep. 23, with a public reception and awards program, and the show will be on display until Nov. 10. Also coming up at the museum is its annual Appraisal Fair fundraiser on Oct. 16. (See more information later in this story.)

“The (contemporary art) exhibition presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists,” Art Martin, MMA Director of Collections and Exhibitions/Senior Curator, said in supplied material. “The artwork is meant to engage, challenge, and inspire conversation.”

Best of Show winner, “Kellie Looks Left”, by Bryan Hoffman of Saugatuck. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

Several west Michigan artists are among the artists honored and having their works on display.

The Best of Show winner, “Kellie Looks Left”, is by Bryan Hoffman of Saugatuck; Honorable Mentions of the exhibition include, “silenceINsojourn” by Ralph “Nunzi” Annunziata of Grand Rapids, and “Ebb and Flow” by Henry Droski of Grand Rapids.

The Curator’s Choice, “The Waters Began at Home,” is by Lee Ann Frame of Fruitport. The Friends of Art Award, “Rain After Dark”, is by Carolyn Sowa of Caledonia. The West Michigan Potters Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Ceramics Award went to Jamey Limbers of Lowell (for Untitled #2), and the Docent’s Choice Award, “Desperate Times”, is by Nathan Margoni of Benton Harbor.

Juror (and artist) of exhibition

Juror Karen Hampton selected the works in the exhibition. Hampton is an internationally recognized conceptual artist whose work “addresses issues of colorism and kinship within the African American community,” according to the announcement.

Hampton is a weaver, dyer, painter, embroiderer, storyteller, and teacher whose work exhibits nationally and internationally. She taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 2007-2011, and in 2017 was an assistant professor and Critical Race Issues Resident Artist at Michigan State University.
 

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org or by calling 231-720-2570. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays.

MMA Appraisal Fair returns October 16

The Muskegon Museum of Art will host its returning (usually annual) Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Oct.16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appraisers from DuMouchelles Art Galleries in Detroit will be at the event to evaluate collectibles, jewelry, art, and antiques. DuMouchelles appraisers combine decades of professional experience in many areas and have regularly appeared on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.

Director’s Choice. “Dream Lake Sunset”, by Peter Blackburn. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

The event provides an opportunity to help participants decide if a formal appraisal (apart from this event) should be sought for high-value items.

All proceeds benefit the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Appraisals will be available by advance-ticket reservations only as the system should decrease wait times and crowding. The cost is $30 per item for non-MMA member ($20 per item for members) and tickets are available at the Museum Store counter or by calling 231-720-2580.

Each ticket includes a 10-minute verbal evaluation for one item, one museum admission, and free coffee and cookies. Ticket holders must check in at Museum Store upon arrival. Customers will receive notification of their turn with a text message from museum staff.

Fall Fest set to return to downtown Holland in October

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Professional pumpkin carvers will be helping to decorate Holland for the fall season during Fall Fest. (Supplied0

By Kara de Alvare
City of Holland

After being cancelled last year due to Covid, Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest is back…and this year is bigger and better than ever before! Downtown Holland and the Holland Farmers Market have partnered with the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens to expand this year’s Fall Fest offerings. During this two-day event held Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, the entire community is invited to celebrate everything there is to love about fall, with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, family hayrides, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and more.

Fall Fest kicks on Friday, Oct. 8, with Community Tulip Planting from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., hosted by Tulip Time. Visitors and community members can visit the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) to sign up for a time slot to help plant 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window On The Waterfront in Downtown Holland. All volunteers will be treated to complimentary donuts from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market and coffee from Biggby Coffee of Holland. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided onsite.

Fall Fest continues on Friday, October 8 with eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, appearing in Downtown Holland from 3 – 7 p.m. The carvers will spend the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. that night for visitors to explore while strolling through Downtown Holland.

The professional carvers also will be assembling 3D pumpkin sculptures. (Supplied)

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the professional pumpkin carvers will appear at the Holland Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., carving 3D sculptures onsite. Children can also paint their own pumpkins to bring home during that time for just a dollar per pumpkin, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland. Market vendors Visser Farmers also will be offering hayrides from the Holland Farmers Market to Downtown Holland and back again from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hayrides are just $3 per person for the round trip.

The Holland Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. that day. Visitors will find seasonal décor items, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn shocks at the Market, along with apples of every variety, squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. And as always, you can pick up bread and baked goods, farm-raised and fresh caught meat, honey and maple syrup, and a wide variety of specialty foods and beverages while you’re there.

The Community Tulip Planting will continue on Saturday morning at Window On The Waterfront from 8 a.m. – noon. Tulip Time also will be offering guided fall walking tours throughout Downtown Holland that day from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Each tour is approximately an hour and a half long and covers one and a half miles. Tour highlights include Hope College, Dimnent Chapel, Pillar Church, Centennial Park, and unique architecture sites. Tours are $25 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tuliptime.com.

Tulip Time will also be hosting an all-new Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. as part of Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9. More than 50 local artisans and crafters will be selling their works as part of this juried show. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted jewelry, home décor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods, and more. Entry to the Artisan Market is just $5 per person, which also includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens at Windmill Island and to visit the Dutch attractions, including the DeZwaan Windmill, the historic Dutch carousel, the miniature Dutch village, and much more. Professionally-carved pumpkins will also be on display throughout Windmill Island Gardens during the Artisan Market.

The Fall Fest fun continues in Downtown Holland on Saturday, October 9 too! The professional pumpkin carvers will return to 8th Street from noon – 7 p.m. that day to continue carving 3D pumpkin displays. Watch these talented artists at work all afternoon long, then be sure to return later on in the evening from 7 – 10 p.m. to see their finished masterpieces. To add to the fun for families, street performers will also be performing on 8th Street from noon – 4 p.m., including musicians, face painters, balloon twisters, and more.

GR Public Museum hosts virtual backyard stargazing in prep for James Web Space Telescope Launch

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
The fully assembled James Webb Space Telescope with its sunshield and unitized pallet structures (UPSs) that fold up around the telescope for launch, are seen partially deployed to an open configuration to enable telescope installation.
Credits: NASA/Chris Gunn

By WKTV Journal
joanne@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will host another installment in their Backyard Stargazing virtual program will take place Oct. 21 at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming launch of NASA’s James Webb Telescope.

Virtual attendees will join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium staff to learn about the James Webb Space Telescope’s current mission to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope, its history, and the potential risks of this endeavor. The James Webb Space Telescope has a 6.5-meter-wide mirror with a honeycomb-like pattern of 18 gold-coated mirror segments; these hexagonal segments will unfold in space to form the largest and most powerful space telescope. This ambitious space telescope is expected to open doors to a new field of possibilities in infrared astronomy, although the project has undergone numerous delays, including a major redesign in 2005. The expected launch date is set for Saturday, December 18, 2021.

“We’re excited to continue expanding on the space and science curriculum we present for our virtual Backyard Stargazing programs,” said Jack Daleske, the GRPM’s Planetarium Manager. “Our planetarium team is so excited about this historic mission and we want to share as much information as possible leading up to the launch, while providing viewers with the tools they need to continue expanding their curiosity about this topic.”

 

Backyard Stargazing programs 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 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. 

The Chaffee Planetarium is open with shows playing daily for all ages. To see the current show schedule and learn more, visit grpm.org/Planetarium. 

Special forces: West Michigan non-profit to hold benefit comedy night to support American hero

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Jaeger, and The Jaeger Foundation founder Jonathon Jacobs. The non-profit works to provide services dogs like Jaeger to other veterans. (The Jaeger Foundation)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

What West Michigander James McCloughan went thorough in Vietnam in 1969-70 was no laughing matter — and he has the scars and Congressional Medal of Honor to prove it.

But local non-profit The Jaeger Foundation will be holding a “Special Farces” comedy night Oct. 8 in Muskegon to help provide McCloughan with a service dog as part of the foundation’s continuing efforts to provide service dogs to veterans and first responders who need them.

James McCloughan is presented the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam — specifically in the May 13-15, 1969, battle of Tam Kỳ  and the Nui Yon Hill — by then Secretary of Defense James Mattis (U.S. Defense Department)

“Mr. McCloughan is a true American Hero,” Jonathon Jacobs, chief executive officer of The Jaeger Foundation, said to WKTV. “He was an Army Medic in Vietnam. Mr. McCloughan took two blasts of shrapnel to his back and was shot through the arm and still never quit and kept going back for more wounded.”

The Jaeger foundation was born out of a need to provide service dogs to veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD and other disabilities, Jacobs said. And the planned comedy night is one of many ways the foundation raises money to do so.

 

One event is the Special Farces Comedy Competition, which will be held at Back Alley Comedy Club in Muskegon, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on the Back Alley Comedy Club website at backalleycomedyclub.com and the event page on Facebook.

The night will feature 9 stand up comics, battling head-to-head for the title of “Funniest Comedian”, as well as other prizes. The night will also include a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. The Jaeger Foundation also has t-shirts and decals on their website to raise funds to pay for the purchase and training of the service dogs.

For Jacobs, the goals of the foundation — even the foundation’s name — is personal.

Jaeger, at rest. (The Jaeger Foundation)

“The foundation was created in 2019 after going through to the journey to get my own service dog,” Jacobs said. “Naturally the foundation was named after my Service Dog, Jaeger.  After reaching out to many programs, and not fitting within the limits of their program, we decided to start the foundation with the goal of getting service dogs in the hands of veterans and first responders with as little red tape as possible. So far we’ve helped about 15 People to receive service dogs at no charge to them.”

And “Mr. McCloughan” certainly deserves a service dog for all he has done, during wartime when he earned his Medal of Honor, and for what he has done for the community in West Michigan.

McCloughan was born in South Haven in 1946, was a four-sport varsity athlete at Bangor High School and went on to wrestle and play football and baseball at Olivet College. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a teaching certificate in 1968, he accepted a teaching and coaching position with South Haven Public Schools. Three months later, McCloughan was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 22.

James McCloughan with a military dog in Vietnam, likely dated 1969. (U.S. Defense Department)

His service in Vietnam — specifically in the May 13-15, 1969, battle of Tam Kỳ  and the Nui Yon Hill, which earned him his Medal of Honor — was nothing less than heroic. And deserves a completely separate story. (Which is detailed here.)

Following his service in Vietnam, McCloughan returned to his teaching and coaching profession. In 1972, he earned a Master of Arts in counseling and psychology from Western Michigan University, and then taught sociology and psychology at South Haven high until his retirement in 2008 earning him the Michigan Education Associations’ 40 years of Service Award.

He was also the recipient of the Wolverine Conference Distinguished Service Award for 38 years of coaching football and baseball in addition to 22 years of coaching wrestling.

He was inducted into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993, Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame 2008. McCloughan was also a Michigan High School Athletic Association wrestling official for 25 years.

For more information on The Jaeger Foundation visit here.

GRAM features iconic American artist in upcoming exhibit

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Flags I, 1973, screenprint on paper (Jasper Johns/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

You don’t have to head to New York City to see the work of iconic American painter and printmaker Jasper Johns. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is set to open an exhibition of his prints only a couple of days after New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art opens its exhibit of Johns’ paintings.

Souvenir, 1970, Lithograph on paper, has a self portrait of Jasper Johns in the lower left corner. (Photo by Gene Pittman for Walker Art Center.)

“An Art of Changes: Jasper John Prints, 1960-2018,” will be on display at the GRAM from Oct. 2 through Jan. 8. The exhibition surveys six decades of Johns’ practice of printmaking through a selection of about 90 works in a wide range of techniques.

 

“‘An Art of Changes’ is one of the most beautiful exhibitions I have seen at GRAM,” said GRAM Chief Curator Ron Platt. “Making prints was just as important to Johns as making paintings, and over his long career he mastered the full range of printmaking processes and materials. Johns is rightly known as a deep thinker, but this exhibition proves how much he also loved working with different materials and processes to create works that dazzle the eye.”

Johns, who at the age of 91 continues to work at his Connecticut studio, became well known for his American flag and targets. In 1958, Johns had the opportunity for a solo exhibition at the famed Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City, where the Museum of Modern Art purchased three of his pieces, according the artist’s bio.

 

“The truth is sometimes scorned but it is that one night I dreamed I painted a large American flag and the next day I got up and went out and bought materials to begin it,” Johns said in an interview about his art.

 

Always more focused on the process of art, Johns transitioned to print making with his first print, a lithography of a target, released in 1960. Since then, he has reworked many of his paintings in print form using strategies and techniques such as fragmenting, doubling, reversing, and varying scale or color. To date, Johns has created more than 350 prints in intaglio, lithography, wood and linoleum cut, screen printing, lead relief, and blind embossing.

 

Target, 1974, screen on paper (Jasper Johns/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY)

The exhibition follows Johns’ deep fascination with printmaking and is organized in four thematic sections: “Signs & Systems,” “In the Studio,“ “Surfaces,” and “Traces.” Viewers will see examples of the artist’s recognizable flags, targets, and numerals as well as images that incorporate the tools, materials, and techniques of mark-making; abstract works derived from images of flagstones and hatch marks; and more recent works that teem with autobiographical and personal imagery.

 

The GRAM is located at 101 Monroe Ave. NW. For museum hours and admission, visit ArtMuseumGR.org or call 616-831-1000.

Grand Rapids Ballet turns tragedy into dance to raise awareness about homelessness

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

When tragedy happens or circumstances become extreme, we’re all just one or two steps away from homelessness.

For more information about the performance, visit https://grballet.com/ or https://degageministries.org/ For more about ArtPrize, visit https://www.artprize.org/.

That’s part of the message of “Created by Circumstance,” a collaboration between the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Dégagé Ministries as part of ArtPrize 2021, which continues through Oct. 3 in downtown Grand Rapids.

Three performances of the six-minute show — created by GRB professional dancer Gretchen Steimle — are planned beginning at 5:30 tonight (Sept. 22), with additional shows Sept. 24 and 26.

The goal of the show, and collaboration, is to share a message of hope, help and awareness, said Thelma Ensink, executive director at Dégagé Ministries.

She said more than 800 people a night experience homelessness in Grand Rapids.

“It’s such a variety of circumstances that places someone in that position,” Ensink said. “I am constantly amazed at the stories I hear from the people we serve; some have Masters Degrees and above, and then experience a traumatic event in their life or struggle with mental health or whatever it may be… All of us are vulnerable to being in this position.”

“Created by Circumstance” offers a glimpse into the lives of those experiencing homelessness in the Heartside neighborhood.

Steimle, a member of the Grand Rapids Ballet, began the project last winter, where she communicated with staff, as well as musicians Thomas and Isaac, who knew first-hand of the resources that Dégagé provides the community.

She was at first “overwhelmed with the idea” of creating an artistic piece of work from their struggles.

Gretchen Steimle, a member of the Grand Rapids Ballet, was the creative force behind “Created by Circumstance.” (Supplied)

“I can only create from my perspective,” Steimle said, “so I really tried to find the ways we were connecting, and the commonality we were finding together in what we shared.”

And what they shared was “hope, and dance, and music, and art, and all of those things that all humans experience,” she said.

The six-minute, music and movement piece includes four dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company, as well as saxophone and vocals from patrons Isaac and Thomas, who have been served by Dégagé.

Words in the piece are actual testimonials and quotes from patrons, as well as songs and rhythms.

“It’s really this big, community movement piece,” she said.

It’s a testimony of an organization that strives to keep up with the demand, especially after being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to ongoing services, Dégagé added new services such as job creation for patrons, hotel stays, extended shelter hours and PPE, according to reps.

In 2020, Dégagé served more than 60,000 meals, provided more than 7,200 loads of laundry, nearly 6,000 showers, and helped 52 women move into housing.

To see their community work turned into art is an awesome experience, Ensink said.

“I love that ballet and homelessness came together,” she said.

“That isn’t something you often think about as coming together…. Dance is an ancient art form, and I love that dance is expressing homelessness, It’s raw, it’s human. And that’s what homelessness is, it’s raw and it’s human.

Grand Rapids Ballet dancers and musicians Thomas and Isaac will perform “Created by Circumstance,” an ArtPrize 2021 entry. (Supplied)

“I love that dance is expressing this in such a beautiful way. I think people will be truly moved by this performance.”

As for ArtPrize, “Created by Circumstance” is included among other artist entries as a recipient of one of ArtPrize’s curatorial grants.

Each of the three performance locations also will include a QR code for visitors to scan with a chance of finding cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,500 each to award to any participating artist which would directly impact Dégagé by supporting its mission.

In addition, Ensink said Dégagé is expanding and is in the middle of a $7.3 million capital campaign. Each performance will have information about the campaign available via QR codes.

Ensink hopes ArtPrize attendees will see all the good things they do for the community through their ministry.

“We are all people created in God’s image, and we are all connected,” she said. “We all have the potential of being friends, of being neighbors and of being a community that supports one another.”

For more information about the performance, visit https://grballet.com/ or https://degageministries.org/ For more about ArtPrize, visit https://www.artprize.org/.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

The six-minute performance will be done at three different locations in the city on Sept. 22, 24, and 26. (Supplied)

‘New Grass’ legend Sam Bush and his band kick off St. Cecilia’s ’21-22 folk series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Sam Bush and his band will be St. Cecilia Music Center in October. (Supplied/SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Call it what you will — Folk, Americana, blue grass or new grass — mandolin master Sam Bush has played ‘em all and played with ‘em all.

And Bush will bring his new band to Grand Rapids Oct. 6 as St. Cecilia Music Center kicks off its 2021-22 season of return-to-live performances by folk, jazz and chamber music artists.

Mandolin virtuoso Bush will usher in a new season of the Acoustic Café Folk Series, with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m., after a drought of live concerts with a live audience during a 19-month closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets for Sam Bush are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.

Sam Bush.(Courtesy of the artist)

Sam Bush has released seven albums over the past two decades, but his fame is rightly grounded in his live performances with the “who’s who” of Americana and bluegrass. Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Greensky Bluegrass are just a few present-day bluegrass vanguards among so many musicians he’s influenced.

In 2009, the Americana Music Association awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist.

 

“With this band I have now, I am free to try anything,” Bush said in supplied material. “Looking back at the last 50 years of playing “new grass”, with the elements of jazz improvisation and rock-n-roll, jamming, playing with New Grass Revival, Leon, and Emmylou; it’s a culmination of all of that. … I can unapologetically stand onstage and feel I’m representing those songs well.”

St. Cecilia’s deep, impressive folk series lineup

After the Sam Bush concert Wednesday, Oct. 6, the St. Cecilia Muisc Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series just does not stop through the fall, winter and into spring 2022.

This fall, Rodney Crowell is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 12; Leo Kottke on Friday, Nov. 19; the Milk Carton Kids on Thursday, Dec. 2; and Watkins Family Hour on Thursday, Dec. 16.

“During this coming season we will be featuring most of the artists who were scheduled to appear last season and had to be sidelined due to COVID-19,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “These great artists are looking forward to getting back out on tour to perform in front of live audiences and to bring music back to concert stages in the U.S. and worldwide. … (And) we so missed seeing our loyal supporters and music lovers in person.”

Things really get cookin’ in the Acoustic Café in 2022 as well, starting with local fave May Erlewine on Thursday, Feb. 17 — if you didn’t catch Erlewine’s late 2019 socially/politically charged release “Second Sight”, which was unjustly lost in the shuffle of the pandemic, you missed one of the best local releases in years.

Following Erlewine, Shawn Colvin will make a much-delayed return on Thursday, May 12; followed by the incomparable Judy Collins on Wednesday, May 18.

Special note: as of this day/time, SCMC will require proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.

 

Also, given the current pandemic status, SCMC also “highly recommends” that all attendees wear a mask while in the building.

“We will continue to monitor the COVID environment and may change policies at any time if necessary,” according to a SCMC statement. “Please note that individual artists may issue mandated mask requirements and we will honor their request.”

All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.

For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit SCMC-online.org.



Nearing halfway point in prep football season, here is the Wyoming/Kentwood team report

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
From WKTV Featured Game action from Sept. 10, South Christian in a goal-line stand against Middleville T-K. @WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The 2021 high school football season, and WKTV’s Feature Game coverage of local teams, are about at the halfway point of the season — and, after a week off for the WKTV crew, we will be catching up with the East Kentwood High School Falcons this week.

With most Kentwood and Wyoming area high school football team having played their fourth game of the season last week and prepping this week for the halfway point in their schedule, WKTV brings you a look at where the teams are standing.

And speaking of Week 5 schedules, WKTV will be at East Kentwood this week for a WKTV Featured Game with the Falcons hosting Holland West Ottawa.

WKTV Featured Games available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, and the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood).

Upcoming games on the WKTV Featured Game schedule include the Friday, Oct. 1, Kenowa Hills at South Christian game (also at East Kentwood); the Friday, Oct. 8, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights game; and the Friday, Oct. 15, Union at Wyoming High game.

The final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will select a game of more importance to local fans.

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

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

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons (0-4) lost at home last week, 9-35, to Caledonia (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Red action.

After starting off a brutal early season schedule with a home loss to state power Muskegon (7-47) on Aug. 27, followed by two road losses: at Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (0-33) — another state power — on Sept. 3, and then falling to open OK Red play at Rockford (0-48) on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Caledonia and Rockford are both 2-0 in OK Red standings, with East Kentwood at 0-2. The Falcons (0-2) host Holland West Ottawa (0-2 OK Red; 0-4 overall) this week.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-4) saw their offense kick into high gear but could not break into the win column at home last week during a 49-52 loss to Holland (1-3) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Green action.

The Wolves started the season with a 13-37 loss at home to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern on Aug. 27, then lost a road game at Grand Rapids Northview, 0-24, on Sept. 3. Last week, on Sept. 10, Wyoming was also on the road to open OK Green action with a 12-48 loss at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer.

After last week’s action, Muskegon, Muskegon Mona Shores, and Zeeland East are all 2-0 in OK Green action (and all 3-1 on the season). The Wolves are 0-2, with a home game this week against Muskegon.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (2-2) saw their up-and-down season continue last week with a 6-28 road loss at OK Conference Gold leader Grand Rapids Catholic Central (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Gold action.

The Sailors started the season, in non-conference action, with a 27-7 win on the road at Grand Rapids Christian Aug. 27, then lost 21-30 at home to East Grand Rapids on Sept. 3. South Christian then got back into the win column Sept. 10 with a 35-14 home win over Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg.

After last week’s action, Central Catholic and Cedar Springs (3-1) are both 2-0 in OK Gold action. The Sailors are 1-1 in conference with a road game at Wayland (0-2; 0-4) coming this week.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (2-2) saw their season record fall to .500 last week with a 18-59 road loss at OK Conference Silver leader Comstock Park (4-0) on Sept. 17 in OK Silver action.

The Wolverines started the season, in non-conference action, with a 34-7 win at home over Manistee on Aug. 27, then followed that up with a 27-21 overtime win on the road at Fowler on  Sept. 2. Godwin opened its OK Silver slate with a 28-40 loss at home to Hopkins on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Belding (4-0), Comstock Park, and Hopkins (2-2) are all 2-0 in OK Silver action. Due to an open week in the Wolverines schedule, Godwin will next play on Oct. 1 at Sparta (0-1; 2-2).

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (0-4) also saw their offense crank it up last week but lost at home 38-42 to Hopkins (2-2) on Sept. 17 in OK Conference Silver action.

The Rockets started the season, in non-conference action, with a 28-49 home loss to Owosso on Aug. 26, a 8-55 road loss at Ionia on on Sept. 2, and then opened its OK Silver schedule with a 26-67 loss at conference co-leader Belding on Sept. 10.

After last week’s action, Belding (4-0), Comstock Park, and Hopkins (2-2) are all 2-0 in OK Silver action. Kelloggsville, this week, will be at Calvin Christian (0-1; 1-3).

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Movies on the Lawn returns with two Halloween classics

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre partner up to bring back Movies on the Lawn. (Supplied)

Circle Theatre will partner with Wealthy Theatre once again to bring back Movies On the Lawn events. Halloween movies include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2 and “Hocus Pocus” on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

 

Get in the Halloween spirit – bring your picnic baskets, blankets and beach chairs, favorite costumes, friends and family, and join Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre for a spooky night of Halloween fun on the lawn at the Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to supporting local theatre through Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre. Masks will be required when indoors at our Performing Arts Center. 

For “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” tickets are $20 and include a prop bag. Cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a concession stand with popcorn and candy will be available. Picnic style food is welcome. Patrons can get into the spirit and join in all the fun with complimentary prop bags, as well as enjoying Circle Theatre’s very own Shadow Cast performing on both nights. Doors open at 7 p.m., costume contest at 7:45 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

For “Hocus Pocus,” tickets are $15. This special, family-friendly showing for all ages will feature a concession stand with popcorn and candy. Picnic style food is welcome. Patrons can get into the witching spirit with $5 Witches Bags for kids featuring everything your kids will need to put a spell on your friends and family. Doors open at 7 p.m., Costume Contest at 7:45 p.m., Show Starts at 8 p.m.

 

Local theatre has taken a deep hit this summer with multiple postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19. These intermissions have left both Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre with renewed commitments to keeping theatre alive through safe and entertaining community events. These events are just one of the many ways that you can help support Circle Theatre and Wealthy Theatre.

 

For more information on the Movies On the Lawn events or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org. Find more information about Wealthy Theatre and its upcoming events at grcmc.org/theatre. 

Meijer Gardens to provide a flora feast for autumn eyes with fall mum (and more) exhibition

Entertainment, Environment, Food, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The beauty of fall is on display with Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributing Writer

As West Michigan enters the fall season, the local community can enjoy an annual floral feast — an exhibition that literally spans thousands of blossoms across 158 sprawling acres.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is presenting its fall horticulture exhibition, Chrysanthemums & More!, opening to the public Sept. 17 and on display through Oct.31. The largest of its kind in Michigan, the exhibition not only features expansive displays of chrysanthemums and fall foliage, it also offers family-friendly activities.

“This year’s theme for Chrysanthemums & More! is Autumn Glow,” Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture, said in supplied material. “We hope that guests will notice how the low light of autumn softens textures and cast long shadows and see how some leaves and plants appear as if they are glowing from within, illuminating fall’s beauty.”

Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a flower show and so much more. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

Outdoor pathways offer a treat for your senses, allowing you to peruse various gardens aglow with vibrant fall plantings while breathing the crisp fall air. Be sure to pay attention to changes in texture, hue, and mood as you move from the intensity of sun-filled spaces to the understated low light of autumn afternoons.

Stunning displays are also available for viewing indoors, with a notable and exciting weekly change in the BISSELL Corridor as different local floral designers create a singular arrangement highlighting the chrysanthemum as its primary element.

Other activities offered during the horticulture exhibition include local gourd art, The Fall Bonsai Show, music and dancing, and Hallowee-ones.

Chrysanthemums & More! at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a flower show and so much more. (Supplied/by Johnny Quirin)

Starting off will be the Herb & Gourd Fest on Sept. 18-19. Participants will discover many ways to use herbs and gourds at this event, including how to create gourd art using locally available supplies.

Tuesdays at the Farm will occur Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 and feature the James & Shirley Balk Café pop-up with fresh local fare, West Michigan beer, and an adult cocktail. Dance to local music in the barn and enjoy an Autumn Glow display featured at Michigan’s Farm Garden.

For young visitors, Oct. 22 boasts Hallowee-ones, a special event designed for your “wee ones” from 10 a.m. to noon, with a parade at 10:15 a.m. Children are encouraged to be creative and dress as a sculpture, fish or flower, or in any other way that highlights the Children’s Garden. No tricks. No treats. Just fun!

All exhibition programming activities are included with admission. For a full listing of events visit https://www.meijergardens.org/.

Opera Grand Rapids seeking volunteers

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Opera Grand Rapids is looking for volunteers to help in a number of capacities from greeting patrons to helping with administrative needs.

Ushers and greeters are needed for the company’s upcoming productions which are “Don Giovanni,” Oct. 22 and 24; “Stinney: An American Execution,” Feb. 25 and 27; and “Turandot,” April 22 and 23. Time commitment is usually two to four hours totals. Ushers and greeters are called one hour prior to the start of the show in order to check in with the Opera Grand Rapids staff representative, to ask questions and prepare for the performance. There are clothing requirements to serve as an usher.

Other volunteer positions include artist services helping to transport artists and provide host homes; load-in/load-out team for the sets; special events that have check-in tables, coat check and other needs; and administrative tasks such as mailings, data entry, filing, and courtesy calling. Volunteers do earn two free complimentary tickets to productions that they assist with.

For complete details on these volunteer opportunities, visit www.operagr.org/volunteer/. 

Fallasburg Arts Festival returns this weekend

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Erin Murphy
Fallasburg Arts Festival

LowellArts invites you to the 53rd annual, 2-day arts festival held in picturesque Fallasburg Park, located approximately 20 miles east of Grand Rapids in Lowell, MI. The event features fine art and fine craft booths, food booths, children’s activities, and music performed on an outdoor stage. Fallasburg Park is located at 1124 Fallasburg Rd, Lowell. The event is free and parking is $5 per car.

On a central, outdoor stage, a variety of musical live entertainment will be showcased both days of the event. Saturday’s performers include Eli Roe Music, Hawks and Owls, The Weatherheads, Paddy’s Cure, and the Bruce Matthews Band. Sunday’s performers include Easy Idle String Band, Blue Water Ramblers, B-Side Growlers, The Adams Family, and The Wild Honey Collective.

Join in the great activities happening throughout the weekend, including:

  • Annual Raffle: Enter to win this year’s beautiful quilt, by Mary Kidwell Tobin, or one of over 75 artist-made items donated by this year’s festival artists.
  • Children’s Activities: Free pumpkins will be available, one per child, for kids to take home to decorate. Children are also invited on a Fallasburg Scavenger Hunt!
  • Food Booths: The Fallasburg Arts Festival is a major annual fundraiser for LowellArts as well as for many other community non-profits who raise funds through food sales and donations.

For the safety of the guests, volunteers, and artists at the Fallasburg Arts Festival, it is recommended that guests wear a CDC approved face mask to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. Free masks will be available at the LowellArts Information Booth. Due to additional precautions this year, hands-on children’s crafts will not be provided and the indoor pavilion will be closed.

More information can be found at: lowellartsmi.org/fallasburg-arts-festival

Calvin’s Covenant Fine Arts Center opens eclectic fall concert season with Andy Shauf

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
An Evening with Dawes is coming to Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center. (Supplied by the band)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University is known for being a great venue for live music as well as being a place to see acts the “college crowd” is getting into these days.

A prime example is Andy Shauf — whose “The Neon Skyline” recent release has gained praise from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR Music and The Atlantic, with NPR calling him “A gifted singer-songwriter. More than that, a gifted storyteller.” Shauf opens the center’s fall 2021 season with a concert this week.

Local faves The Accidentals is coming to Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center. (Supplied by the band)

But Shauf’s visit is just the beginning: on Sept. 25, the center will present An Evening with Dawes, with West Michigan favorite The Accidentals (with Sawyer Fredericks) coming Oct. 9, David Ramirez on Oct. 20, Joy Oladokun on Oct. 28, and Major Murphy on Nov. 5.

While Dawes is no stranger to the national stage — remember “Time Spent in Los Angeles” and “All Your Favorite Bands”? Yes you do …  And Traverse City’s own The Accidentals is no stranger to the local area (although the will be a special show with a new release coming out this fall), some of the other names may be new to people.

Bur probably not to the Calvin “college crowd.”

The Calvin’s Covenant Fine Arts Center shows are open to the public. Some performers may may require specific audience guidelines — Shauf required all concert attendees to wear a mask while inside the venue and show proof of vaccination (with the final shot at least two weeks before the concert date) or a negative COVID test from the last 72 hours.

For more information on concerts at calvin.universitytickets.com/w/.

ArtPrize 2021: Meijer Gardens exhibition of Virginia Lee Montgomery’s works includes ‘Sword in the Sphinx’

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects
  • A view of VLM’s “Sword in the Sphinx”. (Courtesy of the artist)
  • VLM’s “Andromeda” marble ponytail. (Courtesy of the artist)
  • A scene from video “Cut Copy Sphinx” by VLM. (Courtesy of the artist)
  • VLM’s “Medusa” marble ponytail (Courtesy of the artist)
  • A scene from the video “Pony Hotel” by VLM. (Courtesy of the artist)
  • A view of VLM’s “Sword in the Sphinx”. (Courtesy of the artist)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Art and history will blend, or maybe meld tougher, at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as the venue’s 2021 contribution to ArtPrize 2021 will be selected works of Virginia Lee Montgomery including her modern take on an ancient work, “Sword in the Sphinx”.

The exhibition, which includes other sculptures and videos located in Meijer Gardens’ new Welcome Center, will open on the opening day of Artprize, Sept. 16, and close Oct. 31. The exhibit of the work is supported by a Project Grant from ArtPrize.

Meijer Gardens is an official ArtPrize venue as part of the 11th annual ArtPrize competition. (And WKTV Voices will be present at ArtPrize.) ArtPrize exhibition areas will be free and open to the public during regular Meijer Gardens business hours. All other areas will observe regular hours and standard admission fees.

The sculpture by Virginia Lee Montgomery (VLM, as artist is often called), “Sword in the Sphinx”, is a surreal adaptation of a French 18th century statue often found in gardens.

VLM (Virginia Lee Montgomery). (Supplied/Ka-Man-Tse)

VLM, according to her website (virginialeemontgomery.com) is a multi-media artist who described herself as: “Working across video, performance, sound, and sculpture, her artwork explores atomic consciousness from a metaphysical feminist POV. Her artwork it surreal, sensorial, and symbolic.

“It shifts in subject matter from ponytails to particle accelerators, to syrups, stones, moths and machines as VLM deploys an idiosyncratic visual vocabulary of repeating gestures like drilling, dousing, or reaching and recursive symbols like circles, holes and spheres. Her diverse artistic movements interrogate the complex relationship between physical and psychic structures.”

 

Visitors to Meijer Gardens will, in addition to the ArtPrize entry, will see additional sculptures by VLM located in the Courtyard Level of the new Welcome Center, as well as two short videos shown in the O-A-K Orientation Theater. The additional sculptures, “Marble Ponytails”, are named after ancient deities, including Aurora, Andromeda and Medusa.

Additional exhibition programing

While the ArtPrize exhibit is free and open to the public, there will be additional drop-in exhibition programs which are included with admission but do not require advance tickets or registration.

“VLM is a brilliant creative mind who works across different media, including sculpture and film,” Jochen Wierich, assistant curator and researcher at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. Her “Sword in the Sphinx” work “is a contemporary interpretation of an ancient figure that blends with our gardens and sculpture collection in stimulating ways and will be a big draw for ArtPrize visitors.”

“History, Hair, and the Body: Conveying a Feminist Perspective” will be presented Sunday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m., with Suzanne Eberle, PhD., Professor Emerita of Kendall College of Art & Design.

The talk, according to supplied material is described as: “Like Virginia Lee Montgomery, many contemporary artists layer historical references and elements of the human form to address personal, social, and political issues related to feminism. Join us as we explore how and why these artists embody a complex feminist perspective in exciting, moving ways.

“Composite Creatures: A Brief History of Monsters” will be presented Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m., with Amber Oudsema, Meijer Gardens curator of arts education.

The talk, according to supplied material is described as: “Part human, part animal: Images of composite creatures date back to prehistoric times. Their function in evolving cultures varies from the malevolent monster to the benevolent protector. Join us for a brief exploration of how these mythical beasts have appeared in art, from the ancient to the contemporary.”

For more information about ArtPrize 2021 visit artprize.org.

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

New classical concert series showcases piano-baed chamber music

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A new classical concert series curated by a Grand Valley State University piano faculty member will present chamber music in venues both on campus and at locations throughout West Michigan.

The inaugural GV Piano Chamber Series will showcase more than a dozen musicians, including several GVSU faculty members, in a series of free, open-to-the-public concerts. The performances start Sept. 20 at the Haas Center for Performing Arts on GVSU’s Allendale Campus and extend into 2022.

The series will feature the totality of German composer Johannes Brahms’ chamber music work written for piano and other instruments, segmented into six programs, said Sookkyung Cho, the associate professor of piano for GVSU who curated the series. Besides the on-campus location, the off-campus concert venues include locations in Grand Rapids as well as along the lakeshore.

Cho will be joined by musicians playing violin, viola, cello, clarinet and horn. These acclaimed musicians have vast experience performing at venues across the globe; many also are current members of, or have appeared, with symphony orchestras in West Michigan.

BrahmsFest, as the series is called, is an opportunity to present piano-based chamber music on some of the most beautiful pianos in the West Michigan area, Cho said.

“This will give us a rare opportunity to explore one composer’s musical world throughout the year, and Brahms’ chamber works are some of the most beautiful music ever written,” Cho said. “The timing also just seemed perfect to me — chamber music is all about coming together, being in harmony with one another, and conversing with each other.

“Most of all, I would just love for audiences to indulge in and enjoy beautiful music.”

Find out more about the series and schedule by visiting the GV Piano Chamber Series website.

Cascade Township to host inaugural Cascade Heritage Day on Sept. 25

3-bottom, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Cascade Township is inviting the West Michigan community of all ages to its inaugural Cascade Heritage Day, a daylong event that will celebrate the township’s history.

(Cascade Township)

Cascade Heritage Day will take place 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, outside at the Kent District Library – Cascade Township Branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE.

The event will feature a 5K and Fun Run in the morning, a cornhole tournament, festival rides and food from local restaurants in the afternoon and live music in the evening.

The Cornhole tournament and community festival featuring kids’ rides and activities, food from local restaurants and a book sale will run from noon to 4 p.m. There will be live music from Signal Point from 5-9 p.m.


Throughout the event, attendees will be able to learn about the township’s history by visiting booths set up by the Cascade Historical society and viewing facts and historic photos on signage along the 5K course and throughout the library property.

“We are delighted to gather with the community and celebrate what makes Cascade Township such a special place to live, work, eat and play,” Ben Swayze, Cascade Township manager said in supplied material. “With a 5K, cornhole tournament, festival rides, local food and live music, Cascade Heritage Day has something for everyone, and we cannot wait to start this tradition in the township.”

While event admission, festival rides and live music are free, there are costs for the 5K, Fun Run, cornhole tournament and food and beverages. Food and beverages are cash-only.

To register for the 5K, Fun Run and cornhole tournament or for more information about Cascade Heritage Day, visit cascadeheritageday.com.

The 5K and cornhole tournaments are managed by Athletic Timers of Michigan, and 10% of each entry supports Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of service members who have died or who are disabled.

South Christian hosts familiar foe Middleville in WKTV’s Feature Game

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team at practice before the Middleville Thornapple Kellogg game Sept. 10. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

As Grand Rapids South Christian High School prepares to play its first OK Conference Gold game of the season, head football coach Danny Brown just wants his 1-1 Sailors to continue to improve when they host Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.

And despite Middleville coming in with a 0-2 record, including a forfeit loss last week due to COVID-19 concerns, coach Brown knows his team will have a challenge as they seek improvement and to be “paying our best at the end” of the season.

“Middleville always plays hard. We know they are going to play hard,” Coach Brown said this week to WKTV. “Last year we beat them 28-7, but we had to fight, and scratch for everything we got. I would not expect this week to be any different.

Grand Rapids South Christian High School head football coach Danny Brown. (WKTV)

“I think, for us, I just want us to get better week in and week out. We do not want to play our best football in week two or week three. We want to be paying our best at the end. As long as we continue to progress and we keep playing, we can continue to do what we have been doing and get better.”

WKTV will cover the South Christian vs. Middleville game as we  continue our 2021-22 Featured Game coverage season. This week’s game will be at East Kentwood with kick off at 7 p.m.

“We are feeling good about where we are at,” Coach Brown said, reviewing the Sailors’ 27-7 win at Grand Rapids Christian followed by a 21-30 loss at home to East Grand Rapids Sept. 3. “We felt like we got better last week, it just didn’t come to fruition at the end of the game. In the first half last week, we played good outside of one minute. We were up 7-0 with one minute to go. … All of a sudden it went from 7-0 to 13-7.”

Overall, coach Brown said, his team has been physical but needs to create and stop  “explosive plays” more often, and it needs to get healthy.

Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team at practice before the Middleville Thornapple Kellogg game Sept. 10. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I think physically, we are good. We are physical. We are playing hard. So, as far as the football piece, we’re doing very well,” he said. “Offensively, we have to start creating some explosive plays. We have to limit, with our defenses, their explosive plays. I think if we can get those two things figured out, I like where we are headed.”

In pointing out some of his key players, he also pointed out the team’s early season injury issues that are working themselves out.

“Jake DeHaan (junior quarterback) has maybe started a little slow, but obviously he is big part of what we do,” coach Brown said. “Jace DeMann (senior cornerback and wide receiver) … “He’s already scored a touchdown on an interception … We are going to get him in on some offensive stuff because he is just a really good player.”

He also pointed out Colton Schreur, a senior linebacker and wide receiver, and Cameron (Cam) Post, a junior offensive lineman and linebacker as players to watch — “They are both inside linebackers and play offense as well. They have been out with injuries. … If we can get healthy, that’s a big thing. We are missing some guys but when we can get healthy we should be in a good spot.”

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

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

GVSU to resume community arts celebration with events throughout the year

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
“Cat Painting” by Reb Roberts (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Grand Valley State University is resuming its community arts celebration with a revamped timetable that will feature free art-related events throughout the year.

The GVSU Arts Celebration, formerly known as the Fall Arts Celebration, in 2021-2022 is set to feature art, music, poetry and an academic lecture in events that start in August with a GVSU Art Gallery exhibition and finish with a lecture in April.

Organizers said that spreading the events throughout the year will allow more people to access them, said Amorak Huey, chair of the GVSU Arts Celebration’s steering committee. He noted that commitment to wide community participation is important to the celebration.

 

Huey also said a central theme for this year’s celebration is relevance and a reflection of the current climate, one dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the holiday concert will focus on music from countries that are particularly affected by the pandemic.

“It seems like it’s important for the events we have to feel timely and have contemporary urgency,” Huey said.

“Identity Mask” by Jerry Coker (Supplied)

Responses to those current issues are prominently displayed in the Art Gallery exhibition, “Honest and Unrefined: Art Outside the Academy.” It runs from through Nov. 5 at the GVSU Art Gallery in the Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Allendale Campus.

 

The exhibition is the culmination of a nearly five-year effort to collect pieces that reflect the work of artists who ignore convention and tell their stories without the constraints of what others might think, said Nathan Kemler, director of GVSU Galleries and Collections.

“These are true voices coming through very directly,” Kemler said. “Art tells a story, and the story that this kind of artwork tells is usually more immediate and unfiltered.”

The rest of the celebration’s schedule is below. For more information, visit the GVSU Arts Celebration website.

Belated Birthday Party: Tesla String Quartet Performs Music by Beethoven

Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Cook-DeWitt Center

Allendale Campus

“Coming Together to Celebrate the Holidays,” featuring multiple choirs and orchestras

Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Fountain Street Church

24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Poetry Night: an evening with Danez Smith, Ericka “Kyd Kane” Thompson and Marcel “Fable the Poet” Price, all of whom also perform their work

Mar. 14, 2022 at 7 p.m. 

Eberhard Center, second floor 

Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Lecture: Hanif Abdurraqib with Louis Moore, associate professor of history, to moderate an interview/conversation. Abdurraqib is author of the book, “A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance.”

April 5, 2022, 7 p.m.

Eberhard Center, second floor

Pew Grand Rapids Campus

‘Ultimate Truck Show’, honoring first responders, coming to Gilmore Sept. 10-11

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Gilmore’s Ultimate Truck Show will include pickup trucks, 4x4s, Jeeps, big rigs, tow trucks, emergency response vehicles, and military vehicles. (Gilmore Car Museum)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Gilmore Car Museum and Tow Community are joining forces to present the Ultimate Truck Show, a celebration of “the trucks we all love and rely on,” on the Gilmore Car Museum campus this weekend.

The event will run Friday, Sept. 10, from noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a/m. to 4 p.m. The Gilmore is located on M-43, just north of Gull Lake, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Tow Community is an online member community of thousands of towing services professionals and emergency responders, promoting roadway safety and the “Slow Down, Move Over” national industry campaign. For more information visit facebook.com/thetowingcommunity

The Ultimate Truck Show, according to a announcement from the Gilmore, will include activities like Touch-A-Truck, a Kids Zone with games, swap meet, bake sale, silent auction, Light Up The Night with the lights from First Responder vehicles, a school bus extrication demonstration, helicopter landing, and more.

Present for viewing will be a wide range of pickup trucks, 4x4s, Jeeps, big rigs, tow trucks, emergency response vehicles, and military vehicles in the show fields, alongside the historic barns and classic dealership buildings containing the Gilmore Car Museum’s indoor car collection.

There will also be live concert performances on both Friday and Saturday, included in the admission price, with Schlitz Creek Bluegrass Band on Friday, starting at 5 p.m.; and  Barefoot Blonde Country Rock Band on Saturday, starting at 2:30 p.m.

There will also be an onsite fundraising efforts at the show which will directly benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Burn Injured Children. (glbcforkids.org)

For general information about the Gilmore Car Museum visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org, call 269-671-5089 or email info@gilmorecarmuseum.org.

Hackley and Hume Historic site presents ‘An Evening with the Hackleys’

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Hackley and Hume Historic Site, one of the sites of the Lakeshore Museum Center, is hosting “An Evening with the Hackleys” on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 6-9 p.m.

Come party like it’s 1899 at the Historic Site at 484 W. Webster Ave in Muskegon. “An Evening with the Hackleys” will start with fifteen-minute tours of the Hackley and Hume homes and will showcase traditions of parties in the 1800s. Tours will be followed by dinner in the courtyard at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be created from the menus of parties hosted by the Hackleys during the Victorian Era.

“This is certain to be a unique event and experience for those who are passionate about history,” says Historic Site Director Erin Schmitz. “We want people to feel like they are being transported through time, back to the era of Charles and Julia Hackley, having a dinner party like they would have had in the late 1800s. We are excited to use the menus from their actual parties and bring a little bit of bygone time to current-day Muskegon. We think this will be unlike any other party people have been to before.”

Tickets for the semi-formal “An Evening with the Hackleys” are being sold by the table for a minimum donation of $1,000. This includes a tour of the houses, dinner for six guests, and three drink tickets per guest. Individual tickets will not be sold for this event.

Please call to reserve one of the remaining tables for this exclusive event. Guests will have the option to pay by credit card or be invoiced later. Contact Graciela at 231-724-5522.

For more information about the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, visit lakeshoremuseum.org/hackley-hume-historic-site/.

City of Kentwood to close out its summer events with Food Truck Festival

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival will return Saturday, Sept. 11. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will again partner to offer a Food Truck Festival with more than 20 vendors to both help the community support small businesses and make the most of the end of the summer season.

The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 11, in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, according to a Sept. 7 statement from the city.

The free-to-attend community event will run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and feature 24 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent.

This year’s event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The event will include a moment of silence led by Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, at 5 p.m., to honor the victims of 9/11, followed by a brief performance by local bagpiper Tom Bradley. There will also be posters from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York on display in the Library Community Room.

“We’re looking forward to the return of our Food Truck Festival, which has become one of our community’s favorite events to enjoy great food and music as we near the end of summer,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. said in supplied material. “We’ve developed a great lineup of food trucks with GR8 Food Trucks, as well as several musicians for a full day of fun outdoors.”

There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase, according to the statement, with participating food trucks including Bigfoot Burger, Big Mike’s Kettle Corn, Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, El Jalapeño, Fire and Rice Paella, Kool Breze, Kona Ice of Lowell, Lazy Man BBQ, Mapocho Fresh Sanwishes, Mexcellente, Nick’s Gyros, Olly’s Donuts, Patty Matters, PJW Creole Cuisine, Pressed in Time, Saladino Smoke, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch, Arcane Pizza, Whipped, a Brunch Truck, and UCC Desserts.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Bucket O’ Maybes, followed by DJ Snax, Moonshot Band and Last Gasp Collective.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, according to the statement, which may require changes to the event. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more (and the the latest) event information visit kentwood.us/FoodTruckFestival.

John Ball Zoo transforms for Wizarding Weekends

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Wizards and wizards-in-training can visit the magical world of John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

As the season turns to fall and school begins, a magical change begins to occur at John Ball Zoo. It’s a time when the distinguished magical Zoo staff give lessons in caring for fantastical beasts. It’s time for magic.

John Ball Zoo is officially inviting all wizards, witches, and muggles alike to Wizarding Weekends. For two enchanting weekends, the Zoo will magically transform for this family- friendly event. From entering Nocturnal Alley, to exploring the Forbidden Forest, there is much for every wizarding fan to enjoy.

Visit the realms, hollows, and platforms throughout the magical grounds. Time to renew your imagination and brush up on your spells. Costumes are highly encouraged so put on your robes and grab your wand, and visit the fantastic beasts of the muggle world.

Wizarding Weekends at John Ball Zoo happens for two weekends starting Sept. 11 – 12 and again Sept, 18 – 19, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.

It is recommend purchasing your tickets online prior to arrival. This will make your entry quicker and easier by not having to visit the ticket window first to purchase a ticket before entering the Zoo.



For daily admission tickets and more information about the event, visit jbzoo.org/wizardingweekends. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Avenue, one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, call 616-336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.

Fall Peddlers’ Market set for Sept. 11 in Zeeland

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Zeeland will host its seventh Fall Peddler’s Market, an artfully curious faire downtown on Church Street between Main Street and Central Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. brought to you by Back to Health Chiropractic.

The market will house a number of different curiosities, including but not limited to locally handmade children’s clothing and accessories, screen printed clothing, art prints, flowers and botanicals, handmade women’s jewelry, household gifts and goods, vintage furniture and décor, architectural salvage, handmade specialties including, fresh bread, handcrafted outdoor furniture, live music, food trucks, antiques and repurposed finds.

“This event has attracted a variety of vendors. From brand new businesses to well established ones – even young entrepreneurs! It’s a fresh open-air lifestyle market for all of your favorite things in one setting,” says City Events Coordinator Kerri VanDorp. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll Church Street and shop or enjoy an adult beverage as the event is within the downtown Social District.

You will be able to not only grab some great flowers, but also rummage through antique shop booth, check out the handmade jewelry, one of a kind artwork, refurbished furniture, and come home with some interesting and creative finds all in one place. To view a complete list of vendors online, visit the Peddlers’ Market Facebook page, and the Feel the Zeel Instagram account: @feel_the_zeel.

This event has attracted more than 60 different vendors from around the area, offering a large variety of items available for purchase, as well as special order. For more information, visit the City of Zeeland’s website.

Exhibit of ‘lost photographs’ of Alaskan photographer opening at Muskegon Museum of Art

Books, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
  • Diomede Mother and Child, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)
  • Edward Curtis and daugher Beth in a kaiak, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)
  • Nunivak Man on sled rails, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)
  • Cliff houses on King Island, viewed from Jewel Guard, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)
  • Ju-kuls Nunivak, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On June 8, 1927, Edward Sherriff Curtis, one of America’s premier photographers and ethnologists, set sail on the steamer ship Victoria towards Nome, Alaska, accompanied by daughter Beth Curtis Magnuson and newly employed assistant Stewart C. Eastwood.

Curtis took hundreds of images on his journey, only part of which were ultimately published. The rest sat, unseen, passed down through the family until the recent publication of a book and the curation of an exhibit detailing this “lost photographs.”

On Sept. 16, the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) will open the exhibit “Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, the Lost Photographs”, with the exhibit running through Jan. 9, 2022.

This exhibition accompanies the 2021 publication of the complete journals by Curtis’ descendants, John and Coleen Graybill, in the book “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska.”

The exhibition’s opening event — on Sept. 16, with a reception at 5 p.m., a book signing 6 p.m., and a lecture at 7 p.m. — will feature Graybills in attendance. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

“Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska, The Lost Photographs” presents, for the first time to the public, images made from the unused original negatives. Over 100 images will be included in the exhibition, along with excerpts from the personal journals of Curtis and his daughter Beth that describe their often harrowing adventures in the Bering Sea.

Curtis, his history, and ‘The North American Indian’

Born in 1868 near Whitewater, Wisc., Edward Sheriff Curtis was to become one of America’s premier photographers and ethnologists, according to the Edward S. Curtis Gallery website.

When the Curtis family moved to Port Orchard, Wash., in 1887, Edward’s gift for photography led him to an investigation of the Indians (now more properly called Native Americans) living on the Seattle waterfront. His photograph “Homeward” won Curtis the highest award in a photographic exhibition contest.

Edward Curtis and daugher Beth in a kaiak, from “Edward Curtis: Unpublished Alaska”, on display at Muskegon Museum of Art starting Sept. 16. (Supplied)

Having become well-known for his work with Native Americans, Curtis participated in the 1899 Harriman expedition to Alaska as the lead photographer. He then accompanied George Bird Grinell, editor of Forest and Stream, on a trip to northern Montana. There they witnessed the deeply sacred Sundance of the Piegan and Blackfoot tribes. Traveling on horseback, with their pack horses trailing behind, they stopped at the precipice. Below them, the view of the valley floor stretched with over a thousand teepees — an awesome sight to Curtis.

This event would transform his life and inspire him to create “The North American Indian”. Consisting of over 700 large portfolio images, over 1,500 volume size images, and over 7,000 pages of text, “The North American Indian” is a part of American history in both its imagery and its creation.

Begun in 1906, “The North American Indian” was the defining passion of Curtis’s life, an attempt to record, in writing and photography, the lives of the indigenous peoples of the Southwestern, Western, and Northwestern United States. This trip, planned for a single season, would be the final voyage to complete his epic quest.

The MMA is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily; 11 a.m. to 8 a.m., on Thursdays, and closed Mondays. Visit muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.

10th annual writing competition, Write Michigan, returns

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Kent District Library, Schuler Books and three other libraries from across Michigan announce the tenth annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew almost 1,000 Michigan writers last year.

 

Writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens, adults and Spanish language (12 and younger). Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes.

 

“Writing is powerful for storytelling and artistic expression, but also has healing power,” said Katie Zuidema, Marketing Communications Specialist at KDL. “Research shows that writing can be an important release for emotions and stress, but first and foremost, writing is a beautiful form of expression that we celebrate with Write Michigan.”

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

Winners are chosen by public vote for the Readers’ Choice award and by a panel of judges for the Judges’ Choice award. Voters and judges choose winners from the top ten semi-finalists. The top honor in each category receives a $500 cash prize and a Judges’ Choice runner-up in each category will receive a $250 cash prize. In addition, judges will award one writer a slot in Johnathan Rand’s 2022 Author Quest writing camp for kids ages 10-13.


Winners will be honored during an awards ceremony in March and their story will be published in an anthology by Chapbook Press. KDL is pleased to welcome author Stephen Mack Jones as the Write Michigan keynote author for 2022.

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

  


Joining KDL this year in the Write Michigan competition as partners are Hancock School Public Library, Traverse Area District Library and Canton Public Library.

Blandford Nature Center celebrates its founder with tribute Sept. 8-11

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Many of the historic buildings at Blandford will be open during the tribute set for Sept. 8 – 11. (Supplied)

By Jess Bitting
Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center will be hosting a celebration of the life and achievements of founder Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, who passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on August 18, 2020. She was 93 at the time.

From Wednesday, Sept. 8, through Saturday Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public can view an exhibit about Dockeray’s life in the auditorium of the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center. This multiple-day exhibit will highlight her passions and accomplishments over the span of several decades. As a pioneer in environmental education, Dockeray was a local icon who had a passion for inspiring people of all ages to fall in love with and protect nature; and this exhibit documents her journey in doing so. During this four-day exhibit, Blandford’s Historic Buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Dockeray will be remembered for many things, but she is perhaps best known for her classroom visits and lectures with her ancient slide projector. With this machine in hand, she brought nature to life through vivid imagery and stories that enthralled children and adults alike. Visitors will be able to see some of her slides, as well as view a documentary about her life and a digitized version of one of her most iconic presentations, “These Things are Ours.” Visitors will be encouraged to share their personal memories of Dockeray.

Prior to Dockeray’s passing, Blandford Nature Center, in collaboration with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, purchased the Highlands Golf Club and is in the process of implementing the master plan for that property. Dockeray always called this “our last great land conquest” and was proud to be part of saving that property from future development. Now everyone can use the new barrier-free trail that connects the Visitor Center to The Highlands to experience the beauty that Dockeray always imagined could exist on that property.

COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and required masks for all attendees, will be in place to ensure a safe experience. The Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW.

ArtPrize early: Yellow Ribbon sculpture, inspired by local veterans art project, to be unveiled at public event

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , ,
  • Retired Chaplain John Hooglund, from Holland Home at Breton Woods, produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • Veteran Jurgen Nitzsche produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)
  • A scene from veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County Veterans Services had planned an in-doors Yellow Ribbon Gala this week to unveil the selected works of more than 100 local veterans created during veteran art workshops in 2020 and 2021, and led by local artist Pamela Alderman. But pandemic concerns caused that to be canceled.

But Alderman will still be showing off selected works which inspired and are included as part of her Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize work at an event Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind Grand Valley State University’s L.V. Eberhard Center, on the Blue Bridge, in Grand Rapids. The program starts at 10:30 a.m.
 

The event will include Alderman’s Yellow Ribbon sculpture, made in collaboration with several veterans, as well as other individual art pieces made by veterans during the art workshops and also led by Alderman.

There will be live music performed by singer/songwriter and Navy veteran Drew Nelson. There will also be snacks and activities for kids, and county Veterans Services Officers on site to answer questions and set up future appointments for veterans and their families. Additionally the Veterans Services office will have a pop-up shop for making Kent County Veteran ID cards.

But the stars of the show will be the works of the veterans and how their works — and their stories — inspired Alderman’s work.

Pamela Alderman, the lead artist of the veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry, with her son, who is in her first year in the military. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

“The community veteran ArtPrize work took two years to develop,” Alderman said to WKTV. “Over 100 veterans participated. Some families participated with three generations.”

About 14 veteran art workshops were held throughout the pandemic, some indoors and some outdoors in the Veterans Services parking lot. Some art supplies were event delivered door to door.

 

“The finished work (Alderman’s sculpture) showcases four Kent County veterans pieces, but on Saturday, we will highlight the work of over 100 veterans and family members, plus loved ones,” Alderman said.
 

The Saturday event will also highlight how Yellow Ribbon evolved into a bigger ArtPrize project with Michael Hyacinthe from [Has Heart] at Veterans Memorial Park. This ArtPrize venue, co-curated by Hyacinthe and Alderman, will host the work of 21 veteran entries along with the Yellow Ribbon work.

For Alderman, the two-year project was as much a passion as a project.

“I’m a veteran wife. My husband served as a Naval Officer for 20 years,” said. “I’m also a Blue Star Mother. My youngest son is training as a Navy pilot, and son-in-law also serves as Navy helicopter pilot.”

Artworks tell veteran’s stories

One of the works to be displayed, an abstract vision including a helicopter flying, was created by retired Chaplain John Hooglund from Holland Home at Breton Woods.

According to suppled material, Hooglund worked as an U.S. Army chaplain for 30 years. In Vietnam, he travelled by helicopter with two gunships. Stateside, he helped integrate church services across racial and gender lines. At the Pentagon, he worked with more than 1,400 chaplains — and assisted them in performing their most difficult duties.

“Once, when he walked into a bar wearing his chaplain’s uniform to deliver some sad news, the father burst into tears as soon as he saw him,” Alderman relayed to WKTV in an email. “Those kinds of experiences still follow John decades later.”

Another work, another abstract vision of a flag and a service member saluting, was created by Jurgen Nitzsche, who detailed his service in a statement relayed by Alderman.

“I served in the U.S. Army 394th station hospital unit for six years,” Nitzsche said. “In 1969, I was honorably discharged … During my time in service, I learned mechanical engineering and people skills, which helped me to become an engineer and plant manager. I believe the military is a great start in life for any young person. I’m 80 years old, and I am proud to have served in the United States Army, to help keep our country free and safe.”

Many local veterans groups helped

In addition to the support of Kent County Veterans Services, Alderman also thanked several local groups for their assistance with the workshops and with her project.

Among the groups supporting the project were 92 For 22 and the Kent County Veterans Treatment Court; Ottawa-North Kent Blue Star Mothers and Marne American Legion; Blue Star Mothers of South Kent and American Legion 305; Blue Star Mothers of Ionia, Kent and Montcalm and Ray I. Booth American Legion; Grand Rapids Home for Veterans; Holland Home; Finish the Mission; WINC: For All Women Veterans; and the GVSU Veterans Upward Bound Program.

Mackinaw City gears up for 32nd annual Corvette Crossroads Auto Show

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The Corvette Crossroads Auto Show is Aug. 27 and 28. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

An American automotive classic, the Corvette is cause for celebration in Mackinaw City at the 32nd Annual Corvette Crossroads Auto Show. We invite you to join us on Saturday, August 28, 2021, just before Labor Day Weekend. G-Man Entertainment will be on site all day offering his commentary, music and enthusiasm.

Friday, Aug. 27, Corvettes of various vintages arrive, cruise and prepare for Saturday’s festivities.

Saturday, Aug. 28, hundreds of Corvettes will be on display at the Odawa Casino – Mackinaw, 1080 S. Nicolet St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Winners are selected from several categories by “People’s Choice” – this is not intended to be an intensely competitive event, rather a fun gathering for enthusiasts. The award presentation begins at 3 p.m. The corvette parade will cross the Mackinac Bridge at 7 p.m.

The Corvette Crossroads Corvette Parade across the Mighty Mac is open to everyone with a Corvette. Participants should start arriving at the Odawa Casino parking area at 6 p.m. The fee for non-show registered ‘Vettes to participate in the parade is $10 and all participants are responsible for their return bridge fare of $4.

Participants will follow the parade route through Mackinaw City and across the Mackinac Bridge where they will be able to enjoy St. Ignace and return to Mackinaw City at their leisure. The Village of Mackinaw City Police Department and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Officers will provide traffic control along the parade route. Spectators can enjoy the show and cheer on the ‘Vettes beginning at 7 p.m. along the parade route – South Huron Ave. to Central Avenue, right on Nicolet St., to cross the Mackinac Bridge.

For more event information or to register your Corvette, visit www.mackinawchamber.com.