classical - WKTV Journal

IllumiZoo Wild Hues at John Ball Zoo is announcing five themed music evenings on Wednesdays to mix up the fun for this popular illuminating event.

The first of the five music themed evenings begins with We Love the ‘80s on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Guests can take a totally rad step back as the top music of the 80s guides guests through IllumiZoo Wild Hues.

Set for Wednesday, Oct. 20 is the second music event with Here Comes the Beatles. Guests can twist and shout their way through IllumiZoo Wild Hues to the famous beats of the Beatles!

Grab a seat as we time travel back to the 1970s with a 70s Flashback set for Wednesday, Oct. 27. An evening of rock to disco and punk to funk, where the groovy music of the 1970s will transform IllumiZoo Wild Hues.

The fourth music theme takes a classical turn with It’s All Classical on Wednesday, Nov. 3. This evening of captivating selections of classical music will create a unique visual and auditory experience as guests make their way through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with rich lighting and sounds.

The final music themed evening is Wednesday, Nov. 10 with Boy Bands Unite!. This fun night will get guests movin’ and groovin’ to the iconic music of boy bands. Sharing the “stage” for this evening will be BTS, NKOTB, NSYNC, The Jackson 5 and more!

Along with the themed music, IllumiZoo Wild Hues will continue to tell a conservation story by creating illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places. Showcasing how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals, big and small, with the power to make a positive change in our world.

IllumiZoo Wild Hues tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under with Zoo members receiving a discount on admission. The themed music nights are the same admission price.

Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee their preferred date and time to experience these music nights at IllumiZoo Wild Hues. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org/tickets.

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301, or email info@jbzoo.org.

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

Grand Rapids Symphony is offering at-home live performances featuring the GRS musicians. (Supplied/GRS)

If you love live music, you already know that enjoying an evening’s entertainment means you first have to dress for the occasion and then drive to another location.

If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic or struggled to find a parking place, no doubt you’ve imagined about how wonderful it would be if, instead of going to a concert, the concert came to you.

Wonder no more. Grand Rapids Symphony unveils a brand new live musical experience in August – Sidewalk Serenades.

Enjoy a cozy concert just for you, in an intimate gathering of family and friends, as West Michigan’s finest musicians perform for you in the privacy of your own driveway.

An exclusive 30-minute concert of classical music, performed by musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, for you and up to nine guests can be yours for just $300.

A summer’s evening of beautiful, outdoor music is available at either 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-22, and again the following week Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-29.

Sidewalk Serenades are limited to an audience of 10. Masks are required upon arrival and during the performance. No food or drink will be allowed when musicians are present, and CDC-guidelines for social distancing are required.

Reservations are limited. Go online and fill out this form to enjoy Grand Rapids Symphony’s Sidewalk Serenades. For more information, call Julie Nystedt at (616) 454-9451 ext. 131 or email her at jnystedt@grsymphony.org

You’re sure to be the envy of your neighborhood when the musicians of the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony appear at your home.