WKTV Journal

In this episode of Locally Entertaining, David Lorenz, vice president for Travel Michigan, talks about the many boat cruise options available in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

In this episode of Locally Entertaining, Jeff Genova, general manager for Big Lake Brewing, talks about the brewery's collaboration with Tulip Time Festival for the festival's first-ever beer, Spring Lager.

In this episode of Locally Entertaining, Noddea Skidmore, the marketing and communications director for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, highlights the theater company’s 2023-2024 season along with staff changes and new programs.

Host Nathan Slauer sits down with Michigan author Britney Cavallaro to talk about her newest book “Muse.” Cavallaro discusses how she got started in writing and how she created her two most famous characters Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson.

WKTV's Joanne Bailey-Boorsma sits down with Circle Theatre's Marketing and Outreach Specialist Ashlee McGreevy and Mike Hull, director of Circle Theatre's first 2020 summer production "Disaster!." The group talks about the many Circle Theatre offerings which includes its theater season, concert performances and its children's company, Magic Circle Theatre. 

Caitlin Horrocks is an author and  an associate professor at Grand valley State University. They talked about her book, the Vexations. The book is about French composer and pianist Erik Satie. According to Wall Street Journal, the Vexations, is the best book of 2019. 

In this episode host Janne Bailey-Boorsma talks writing with Randy Otterbridge of Randy Austin Publishing and Media.  Randy shares the process and purpose behind his love of writing.  He details how anyone with the ability to create content through the written word can share that creativity by working on their craft.  He also talks about the upcoming "Men Who Write, and Win" which showcases male writers from West Michigan and across the country.

A bit of a departure from the usual Locally Entertaining topics as host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma sits down with certified financial coach, and creator of 1428 Financial Wellness, Dondrea Brown.  Dondrea explains how a little financial planning allows you to enjoy the many entertainment opportunities offered in West Michigan.  He gives tips on planning for anything from a simple night on the town to an extravagant family vacation.  

In this episode, Joanne welcomes long time friend, and the Managing Director of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, Sara Bower.  Sara details how the Van Singel has become the blueprint for fine arts centers at school districts around the country.  They also talk about the myriad of events and opportunities the Byron Center facility offers to enthusiasts throughout West Michigan.

Host Joanne Bailey-Boursma is joined by New York Times best selling author Jennifer Armentrout to discuss her latest work, "The Burning Shadow".  We also get an in-depth look at the author's progression from math class to world renown writer and story teller.  

In this episode, host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma sits down with sculptor to J Brett Grill and independent film maker Daniel Joel Deal discuss the sculpture and documentary honoring Grand Rapids native Roger B. Chaffee. 

Host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma sits down with St Cecilia Center Executive Director Cathy Holbrook.  The two discuss the center's rich history and preview upcoming shows schedule for the fall and winter months.

Discovery is on the docket as host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma hosts representatives of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.  Joining Joanne are the museum's Vice President of Marketing and PR, Kate Kocienski, Vice President of Science and Education, Dr. Stephanie Ogren and Science Curator, Dr. Cory Redman.  The group discusses the fun and fascinating activities and exhibits at the museum.

In this episode, host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma introduces us to the Motherland House concert series.  A collection of artists, who together, take you on an exciting journey to Africa through live music, art, food and storytelling.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and her guests discuss the upcoming 25th season of The Picnic Pops.  Joining Joanne are Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau, and Senior Manager of Communications and Media Relations Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk.  They provide a brief history of this popular mid summer series and preview this year's performers.  John and Jeff also share memories of their favorite shows over the past quarter century.

Host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma introduces us to the newly appointed Opera Grand Rapids Executive Director, Emily Syrewicze.  Emily share with us the success of their latest show, and discusses the reasons why interest in opera is on the riser throughout West Michigan.  Emily also touches upon the upcoming season and future plans to ensure Opera Grand Rapids remains relevant and popular.

Host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma introduces a new exhibit opening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Joining her on the podcast are museum President and CEO, Dale Roberts and Vice President of Marketing and PR, Kate Kocienski. The exhibit is called Changing America and highlights two pivotal points in American history regarding slavery and its abolishment.  

Host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma sits down with long time friend and professional photographer Dianne Carroll Burdick to discuss the 2019 Festival of the Arts.  Both reminisce about their past involvement in the festival and highlight this year's events.

In this Episode host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma welcomes several cast members from stageGR's production of Les Miserables.  Joining Joanne in studio are GR City High School's Jack Reeves, Byron Center High School junior Alexa Wollney, Lowell High School's Jaclyn VerHulst and Byron Center Charter High School, and current foreign exchange student from Italy, Rocco Maggi.

In Episode 1, host Joanne Bailey-Boorsma gets a behind the scenes look at Grand Rapids Civic Theater's recent record breaking performance of Mamma Mia! Joining Joanne are Director Bruce Tinker, Choreographer Torrey Thomas and actors Heather Cregg and Breighanna Minnema.