The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) continues its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concerts with a Classic Melodies concert performed by Brett Valiant, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.
Teleport back in time with the GRPM to pay tribute to the Roaring 20s, during a lively concert performed by Brett Valliant. Enjoy listening to classics such as Ding Dong Ding, Dream Lover, Bye Bye. Valliant is a popular American organist with the ability to perform different genres of music on the dynamic instrument. Critics across the world have defined his performances as “exciting,” “refreshing”, “unorthodox”, and “astonishing.”
Valliant is currently the main organist at the famous Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, where he’s been for several years, playing the world’s largest Wurlitzer on a weekly basis. Valliant has played nationwide and at concert venues ranging from Australia to Russia.
Organ concerts are offered virtually and in person. Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting organists playing the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys. The in person concert experience allows attendees to immerse themselves in the dynamic sounds and acoustics of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Limited capacity; masks required for in person concerts.
The Classic Melodies Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link needed per household or group. In person tickets are $10 per member, $15 for the public. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616-929-1700.
Additional Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts – Virtual and In person!
The third and final artist in the 2020 series will be Lance Luce performing a collection of seasonal favorites in a Holiday Classics concert on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.
The above image shows where Jupiter and Saturn will be around 8 p.m. Halloween night in the southern sky (right side). In the eastern sky (left) is Mars and the Blue Moon. (Supplied)
While many people are discussing the Blue Moon happening this Halloween, there is even a rarer astronomical occurrence taking place right now: the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.
“The last time that Jupiter and Saturn were this close was in 1623,” said Chaffee Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “That was when Galileo was alive and he was the first person every to point a telescope to the moon.”
According to earthsky.org, astronomers use “conjunction” to describe the meeting of planets and other objects in the sky. The term “great conjunction” is used to describe the meeting of Jupiter and Saturn, the two biggest worlds in our solar system.
Because Saturn and Jupiter are the slowest-moving visible planets in the solar system — it takes Saturn 29.5 years to move around the sun and Jupiter about 11.89 years —their conjunctions are the rarest. Jupiter and Saturn meet up on average about 19.6 years and the last time that happened was in 2000.
A closer look at Saturn and Jupiter on Halloween night. (Supplied)
However, what makes the 2020 meet up special is that the two planets will be about six minutes or .1 degrees apart. That distance is about a fifth of the diameter of a full moon.
“So if people look to the southern sky, just after the sun sets, they will see Saturn and Jupiter,” Daleske said. The two planets will continue to move closer and closer until Dec. 21. On that date, astronomers will be able to point a telescope at Jupiter and see Saturn behind it.
“Unfortunately for us, the planets will be right on the horizon in our area, so it will be difficult to see,” Daleske said. “This means we will have to relay on others who have a better view.”
This makes for a good reason for people to head out now to see the two big planets together.
“Even in the city with the light pollution making it difficult to see the stars, the planets are brighter and should be visible,” he said.
Also, local weather focusers and the National Weather Channel are showing Halloween to be a clear night, making it a great night —and also a COVID safe activity — to look at the stars.
Blue Moon and Red Mars
While outside, Daleske said people should be able to see that famous red planet, Mars, in the eastern sky.
And of course, there will be that Blue Moon.
“First, the moon won’t be blue,” Daleske said. “Because it is harvest season which means there is a lot of debris in the air which tints our atmosphere, the moon will be more orange.”
Mars and the blue moon will be visible in the eastern sky. (Supplied)
The cycle of the moon is how the current year-calendar was created with there being one full moon a month. A Blue Moon simply refers to two full moons in one month, which Daleske noted shows how the human calendar is not completely accurate (which is the reason some months have 30 days and others have 31 and one month can’t decide between 28 or 29 days). The Blue Moon, which has a host of names depending on when it appears, happens on average about 2.7 years.
What makes the October 2020 Blue Moon unique? Well, it happens on Halloween, the first time in about 76 years according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
“I’m sure it will make it more spooky this Halloween,” Daleske said with a laugh. The real truth? “To be honest, it is just chance. Pure chance,” he added.
Downtown businesses and restaurants in St. Joseph will host Pumpkins on Parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, Oct. 23 through Nov. 1.
Visit participating locations and vote for your favorite pumpkin online! Voting will be available at stjoetoday.com/vote from 10:00am October 23 to 11:59pm November 1. The top three winners will be announced on Monday, November 2 on the St. Joseph Today Facebook page.
Stop by these participating locations to check out their pumpkin display: 221 Main, Baroda Founders, Bistro on the Boulevard, Chartreuse, City of St. Joseph Public Works Department (located at City Hall), Edgewater Bank, G&M Variety, Grins of St. Joseph, Krasl Art Center, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Perennial Accents, Plank’s Tavern on the Water, ReVive Spa, Schu’s Bar & Grill, Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph Today, Statements Style Lounge, Sturgis Bank & Trust Co., The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Toy Company, Third Coast Surf Shop, Tim’s Too, Waterfront Framing & Design, and White Pine Winery.
Special thanks to Silver Beach Pizza and Prillwitz Fruit Farms for the coordination and donation of pumpkins for this event.
Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:
Luminary: Friday, Nov. 20 (5:00pm-8:00pm)
Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov. 28 (all day)
Window Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 4 (7-8:30 pm)
Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming fall and winter events and details call St. Joseph Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
Starting this week, the John Ball Zoo has added music to its IlluniZoo — A Glenlore Tale!, which runs through Nov. 15.
The illuminating journey is designed to tell the tale of the connection between wildlife and wild places. Discover vibrant lighted creatures that come alive at night to help tell the tale and experience a magical show of lights and sounds. IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale is a mile-long, outdoor nighttime journey through the upper and lower realms of John Ball Zoo. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through.
All music nights are on Thursday and are from 9 p.m. to midnight. The schedule is:
Oct. 29: Electronic Dance Music Night
Nov. 5: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Music Night
Gun Lake Casino will host an outdoor family-friendly movie event that is designed to help collect toys for the annual Marine Corps Reserve’s holiday campaign, Toys for Tots.
“Gun Lake Casino has been an ongoing and loyal sponsor of Toys for Tots for many years,” said Jeff LaFrance, director of marketing for Gun Lake Casino. “In 2019, more than $35,000 in new toys were collected for children of Michigan at Gun Lake Casino.
“This year, the number of parents in need of support has grown tremendously. We are hopeful that through our ongoing efforts, Gun Lake Casino will be able to alleviate some of the stress local families feel this holiday season.”
To kick off the annual initiative, Gun Lake Casino will host “Wheels and Reels,” an outdoor fundraiser for all ages. From the comfort of their car, families may watch showings of holiday-themed movies, the first at 6 p.m. and the second at 9 p.m. The large, double-sided screen will be located at the west entrance of the casino where guests will be welcomed by the Marine Corps Reserve ready to collect new, unwrapped toy donations.
Starting this week, those wishing to support Toys for Tots may purchase tickets at gunlakecasino.com/toysfortots. Event tickets must be purchased online, prior to the start of the movie. For a minimum donation of $15 per vehicle, every ticket will include a package of concession-style snacks. All proceeds raised at the event will be used to purchase toys for this holiday season.
Following the family event, until the end of November, guests with new unwrapped gifts, accompanied by a receipt, may receive up to $50 in free slot play for their donation. Gun Lake Casino will participate in the collection of toys for local children until Dec.15. For more information, visit gunlakecasino.com/toysfortots.
Farmers Alley Theatre will feature the original one-woman show, The Conviction of Lady Lorraine, written and performed by Dwandra Nickole Lampkin. The play will be on the online streaming platform BROADWAY ON DEMAND, available thru Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and your PC beginning Oct. 29 and available for streaming thru Nov. 5.
Set in Memphis, TN near the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated—a writer has a brief but powerful encounter with a homeless woman, Lady Lorraine. She finds herself transformed by Lady Lorraine’s more than 20-year quest to right a social wrong. One year later, the writer returns to Memphis, hoping that Lady Lorraine will share her full story of conviction. But the writer quickly finds herself asking new questions about many things, and finding that Lady Lorraine is not the only one on a quest for recognition.
Dwandra Nickole Lampkin is as an associate professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University. Local audiences will remember her from the Farmers Alley stage in the productions of Doubt, a parable, The Christians, and Clybourne Park. Lampkin had previously performed Lady Lorraine, to a sold-out weekend of houses at Farmers Alley Theatre in January of 2018.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, also known as the Haffner Symphony, began life as a serenade to be used as background music for the ennoblement (i.e., having nobility conferred upon) of Sigmund Haffner, a well-to-do bigwig back in the 1770s. It eventually morphed (with the help of Mozart) into the Haffner Symphony, which was first performed on March 23, 1783, at the Vienna Burgtheater.
On Friday, October 21 at 8 pm with John Varineau conducting, Rick Britsch on horn, Erich Peterson on horn and Daniel Hass on cello, the performance will begin with a gracious earlier symphony written when Mozart was seventeen and had just started working for the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg. As a special treat, Israeli cellist Daniel Hass, winner of the 2016 Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo, will make a guest appearance.
Before the advent of humankind, whales roamed the oceans unfettered by humans and dangerous, man-made noises. It is said that back then, a whale in the Pacific Ocean could hear a whale singing in the Atlantic Ocean. What a world that must have been.
Sadly, those days are long gone and we have become far removed from our huge mammal friends. But the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) wants to change that. The GRPM’s Whales: Giants of the Deep exhibition’s unique blend of science, storytelling, and innovative interactivity gives visitors the opportunity to discover more about the world of whales.
Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, including an impressive 58-foot male, Whales showcases amazing and rare specimens from New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum’s whale collection, one of the largest in the world. Visitors will see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.
They’ll also learn about whale biology, the extraordinary evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, and the history of whaling in New Zealand.
Children can even crawl through a life-size replica of the heart of a blue whale, the Earth’s largest living creature.
Interactive, immersive, and featuring the latest in international cetacean research, Whales: Giants of the Deep is an experience that brings adults and children eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures.
Here are some of the exhibition highlights:
See life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, including a beaked whale skull and a massive 58-foot, fully-articulated sperm whale skeleton.
Learn about the intricacies of whale biology, the history of whaling in New Zealand, and efforts being made by scientists and others to protect whales from threats of entanglement, shipping and sonar use, and the continuation of whaling practices in some parts of the world.
View casts of fossil whale ancestors, which show the evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.
Encounter whales through video portholes, be transported into their underwaterworld via two immersive projections, and enjoy a moving film experience that tells the stories of three whale-riding traditions in New Zealand, including the famous story of Paikea featured in Whale Rider.
See ancient and contemporary works of art and hear stories from people of the South Pacific illustrating the powerful influence these creatures have had on human culture.
Tune in to a range of whale sounds and discover how scientists and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.
Gain a true appreciation of the physical and behavioral traits that enable whales to make a living in the challenging and dynamic marine environment.
Walk among the giant—and not-so-giant—articulated skeletons of an astoundingly diverse collection of whale specimens, and then explore the evolutionary paths that gave rise to this unique group of mammals.
Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, Whales: Giants of the Deep tickets will be $2 for member adults and children, and $13 for non-member adults and $8 for non-member children. Admission to Whales: Giants of the Deep includes general admission to the Museum. Get tickets here.
Come to the Special Opening Party, Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Visitors of all ages will have first access to the exhibit at this party coming eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures. Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, visitors are able to see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, discover how scientists identify whales on their migration process and interact with a life-size replica of a blue whale, the world’s largest living creature.
Tickets to this event will include admission to the exhibit, as well as hands-on activities and performances including live animals from the John Ball Zoo, performances by traditional Maori dancers, admission to Dynamic Earth in the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium and lunch.
Use your ticket for lunch between 11 am and 1:30 pm to eat lunch at the Museum. Lunch will include hot dogs, chips, fruit with a drink and dessert.
Non-members: Receive incredible savings for the Opening Party! Purchase a one year family membership plus 4 tickets to the event for only $80 (saving $57). To purchase a membership package call 616.456.3977.
Members are $10 for adults and FREE for member children. Non-member event-only tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Limited tickets available.
Pennsylvania-based pointillism artist Brian Delozier made the Top 100 for his 2-D ArtPrize Eight entry “Dot Nation” — a 3-by-17-foot banner that consists of 7.3 million colorful dots. The piece took 1,600 hours over the course of eight months to complete. You can see the piece at 99 Monroe Ave. NW.
More than 180,000 votes were cast in the first seven days of ArtPrize Eight.
“I am thrilled to be competing in ArtPrize this year and overjoyed to make the Top 100,” said Delozier. “Dot Nation is an ode to the unexpected events that shape our lives. This piece is my biggest accomplishment to date and no words or pictures can describe how challenging yet rewarding a process it was creating Dot Nation.”
Delozier has limited mobility due to a serious accident that left him paralyzed in 2002. Several years after Delozier’s accident, he went to Hawaii where he discovered pointillism and his passion for creating dots. Since then, Delozier has created dot art that consists of hundreds of thousands of dots, with some of his pictures having more than 600,000 individual dots.
“Instead of allowing my injury to become a barrier between me and pursuing art, I have used it to fuel my passion,” said Delozier. “I’ve met so many amazing people this first week of ArtPrize, and I hope that people who see Dot Nation will become inspired to follow their passions and become excited about art.”
“We are truly honored to have Brian’s work on display at 99 Monroe for this year’s competition,” said Jessica Geerling, Director of Marketing for Vision Real Estate Investment. “Brian has a unique story that I think a lot of people can connect with, and we encourage everyone to stop by 99 Monroe to view this incredible piece and learn about Brian’s story.”
“Dot Nation” will be displayed at 99 Monroe Ave. NW through Oct. 9. Voting ends Saturday, Oct. 1 and his ArtPrize vote code is 62794. Delozier’s work has appeared in art competitions across the country. For more information about Delozier and his work, visit briansdots.com or facebook.com/briansdots
About Brian’s Dots
Brian Delozier, owner and founder of Brian’s Dots, is dedicated to spreading his love for art throughout the world. Brian discovered his passion for pointillism after a serious ski accident in 2002 that left him with limited mobility. Today, Brian’s Dots has appeared in art festivals across the country including the Parallax Art Fair in Manhattan, the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis and the Northern Tampa Art Festival. To learn more about Brian’s journey, visit briansdots.com.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will open its doors free of charge to families affected by autism and other sensory-processing challenges on Tuesday, October 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors will receive free general admission on this night to explore the Museum’s three floors of core exhibits at no cost.
Visitors will enjoy a sensory-friendly museum environment, special ArtPrize-themed activities and a free planetarium show. The Museum and the Chaffee Planetarium will adapt sounds, lighting and activities within the current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for all.
“We are excited to be able to offer a night at the Museum to those with autism and family members to experience our exhibits in an environment comfortable for them. This allows more community members that wouldn’t usually be able to visit the Museum an experience to create lifetime memories from our sensory-friendly exhibits and artifacts,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM.
The Museum is able to host this Sensory Friendly Museum Night thanks to a sponsorship from Behavioral Health.
The GRPM offers fun, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages through a variety of core and traveling exhibits. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids; and West Michigan Habitats that showcase the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.
Rhapsody in Blue, which launched composer George Gershwin’s career, inaugurates the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2016/17 season, which welcomes to town Marcelo Lehninger as the new music director of the Grand Rapids Symphony. The Brazilian-born conductor will be on the podium later this season.
Associate conductor John Varineau will lead the opening concerts of the 2016-17 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series at 8 pm Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16th and 17th, in DeVos Performance Hall (303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Spectrum Health is the Concert Sponsor.
In its earliest days, jazz was the music of brothels and bars in the “red-light” districts of cities such as New Orleans. But in the Roaring 20s, bandleader Paul Whiteman commissioned songwriter George Gershwin to write a piece merging classical music with elements of the newly emerging sounds of jazz.
The sensational premiere of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in 1924 in New York City brought jazz from the streets and the speakeasies into the symphonic concert hall and elevated the song plugger from Tin Pan Alley into the ranks of serious composers.
That same year, George Antheil, the original “Bad Boy of Music,” caused a minor scandal when his propulsive A Jazz Symphony was premiered at Carnegie Hall. Hear for yourself what caused all the fuss in New York City in 1927.
Americana continues with Aaron Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring Suite, drawn from his music for the ballet that celebrates the simple life of pioneers in the 19th century as they build a house, witness a wedding and treasure the gift to be simple.
Rounding out the program is the Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloe by French composer Maurice Ravel, who later became a great admirer of jazz himself. Unlike Copland’s setting in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, Ravel’s musical tale is set in a country side in ancient Greece where the shepherd, Daphnis, woos his beloved Chloe with the help of the mythological god, Pan.
Tickets start at $18 and are available at the GRS box office, weekdays 9am to 5pm at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)
Tickets are also available at the DeVos Place box office, weekdays 10am to 6pm or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.
Full-time students of any age may purchase tickets for only $5 on the night of the concert by enrolling in the GRS Student Passport program. This is a MySymphony360-eligible concert.
The nationally renowned Niles Scream Park is ready to officially start autumn by scaring the “yell” out of you with six different haunted attractions. This year marks the 43rd consecutive year of their annual fright festival. The gates will squeak open on Friday, Sept. 16. Beginning in October, the Park will be open all weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) plus Monday, October 31st.
Celebrity guest, Eileen Dietz, will visit the Park on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1. Ms Dietz played the demon in the thriller classic The Exorcist. She will appear on the midway to sign autographs and be available for pictures. For full details on her visit, please go to the website.
The Niles Scream Park is not just scary, it is considered by many to be one of the top haunted attractions in the country. Certainly one of the largest, the Niles Scream Park offers 44 acres of blood-curdling fear!Unlike other haunted houses, Niles rebuilds each room of all three interior haunted houses each year to provide participants with completely new and unique shows. The professionally designed sets and ingenious scare-tactics led the Niles Scream Park to be recognized by Haunted Attraction Magazine as one of the “Top 31 Must-See Haunted Attractions” nationwide for the last three years running.
For those with the courage to tour all six attractions, here is the line-up for 2016:
Niles Haunted House — This season the main attraction features classic horror films from the 1930s. With over 100 possible routes, there is no telling just how final the final the act will be.
Krampus: A Christmas Curse — From German folklore comes Krampus, the evil horned helper of St. Nicholas. Naughty or nice, you may be on Krampus’ list this year as you tour this new attraction.
Cabin 13 — In 1962, the bodies of a group of friends staying in Cabin 13 were found scattered across the back woods. Every year courageous (or foolhardy) students attempt to stay a night in the same woods. Some never return to tell the tale of the Cabin 13 killer.
The Field of Screams — Considered one of the most popular attractions, even a GPS won’t help you find your way of out this outdoor maze.
The Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride — With a new route and new sets, this Fall ride through the woods will have puzzling mysteries, intense action and unimaginable creatures.
Zendor Presents: Murphy’s Law — A stage show where if something can go wrong, it will.
An improved midway will feature old favorites like “Fry Freddy” and the “X-terminator.” Back by popular demand, the “Scream Machine,” where you get to pick the next victim, and the popular buried alive simulator–the “Last Ride.” The midway also features several food concessions that provide enough variety to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The Gore Store will let you shop till you drop for the latest Halloween paraphernalia.
The Niles Scream Park is located on Mayflower Road, south of Niles-Buchanan Road just off Exit 5 of the US 31 Bypass. More information on prices, times and dates of operation can be obtained by visiting the Niles Scream Park website here or calling 269.687.FEAR.
Brewery Vivant presents its 6th annual Wood-Aged Beer Festival (WABF) on Saturday, September 17th, 2016. Showcasing over 20 wood and wild beers, Brewery Vivant will take over its parking lot once again with tents, taps and two sessions. Beers range from light to dark, sweet to sour, and rest in wood from bourbon barrels, wine barrels, scotch barrels, cognac foeders and more.
This year’s annual autumn event not only celebrates the art of wood-aging beer but also serves to celebrate this past summer’s launch of the brewery’s Plein de Vie series.
“It’s been so exciting to bring some of these wood-aged beers out into the Michigan and Chicagoland markets,” said Kate Avery, Abbess of Beer and Director of Sales & Marketing. “This festival is like a capstone to our launch and also it serves as a testing ground for what is to come in the series. Get your first sips here. Maybe get your only sips here!”
Several Plein de Vie beers got their start at WABFs of yore: Angelina, Habanango and most recently, Paris.
Brewery Vivant’s farmhouse tradition lends itself to exploring the complexities wood-aging beer. Since its very first year of production, the brewery siphoned off a few gallons here and there from batches of beer to experiment with wood aging. As the brewery grew in volume, so did the barrel program. Now in its sixth year, three 40-barrel wooden foeders, 240+ barrels, and three stainless wild fermentation tanks, the creativity brewing for this festival is boundless.
“Thinking up flavor profiles and the guiding the recipe from beer to barrel is part of the fun,” says Master of Wood, Brian Kuszynski, “Of course, drinking these wood-aged beers is the other part of the fun.”
Of all the beer festivals in Michigan, WABF resonates with taste trippers, explorers and fans of community building. Recently voted “3rd Best Beer Festival” in West Michigan in a reader’s choice poll, Wood-Aged Beer Festival not only offers the unique beer tasting experience but also festival foods from the acclaimed Brewery Vivant kitchen.
The brewery will offer two identical sessions: Afternoon 12pm-3pm and Evening 5pm-8pm. Tickets are $35 and include 10 tasting tokens (good for food as well) and a collector’s tasting glass. Space is limited due to physical parking lot size and small-batch, rareness of beer. Get tickets at www.breweryvivant.com or WABF16.BrownPaperTickets.com.
Brewery Vivant is located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in a renovated funeral chapel built in the early 1900s. Its staff of around 60 employees specialize in Belgian/French-inspired beers and fare in a unique setting.
Husband and wife partners Jason and Kris Spaulding opened the doors for business in December of 2010. Vivant beers are distributed throughout Michigan and the greater Chicago area. It’s the first commercial brewery in the nation to receive Silver LEED Certification from the USGBC. Additionally they are 100% renewable powered, a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business, and are a certified B Corporation.
On September 15 at 7 pm,Tulipanes presents Latin Grammy Nominee, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, the first and only established female mariachi band founded in New York in 2008.
When: Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 pm
Where: Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland, Mich.
Members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States. The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over their audiences not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion.
While working to preserve centuries-old traditions of Mariachi, their mélange of the traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mariachi music to new audiences. Sponsored by Hope College.
El 15 de Septiembre, 2016 en la noche, Tulipanes presenta el grupo nominado por un Grammy Latino, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, el primer y único conjunto Mariachi de mujeres exclusivamente fundado en Nueva York, EU, en 2008. Miembros vienen de culturas diversas como México, Puerto Rico, Republica Dominicana, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Alemania, Italia, y los Estados Unidos. El resulto de este ramo cultural es una versión de música tradicional de México con un sonido nuevo y fresco. Se fusionan como una banda de hermanas con una belleza graciosa y vibrante que embruja sus audiencias como la legendaria Flor de Toloache que se usa hasta este día para ser una poción de amor. Mientras preservan las tradiciones Mariachi de cienes de años, sus mezclas de estilos tradicionales y modernos amplían los límites del género y lleva música Mariachi a nuevas audiencias.
Founded in 1992, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids (JTGR) is dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions with Jewish themes that are universal in appeal.
In doing so, JTGR hopes to enrich the Jewish experience in West Michigan, and inform, educate and engage both the Jewish and non-Jewish community with stage productions that will entertain, engage and enrich people of all faiths.
BRILL
September 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 2016 @ 8 pm
September 11, 18, 2016 @ 3 pm
Written by David Wells
Directed by Jason Marlett
Brill is based on a building in New York that was a factory of popular music in the early ’60s. Carol King, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach and even Elvis, had offices and studios in that building. This play, with musical elements, is a fictionalized story of a 16-year-old girl who shares a studio with an older songwriter from the Tin Pan Alley days.
IRENA’S VOW
January 12, 14, 19, 21, 2017 @ 8 pm
January 15, 22, 2017 @ 3 pm
Written by Dan Gordon
Directed by Jason Marlett
Irena’s Vow is the true story of a young Polish woman who is the housekeeper of a Nazi officer. She risks her life by hiding a couple of Jewish families in the basement of the Major’s house.
SENIORS OF THE SAHARA
May 18, 20, 25, 27, 2017 @ 8 pm
May 21, 28, 2017 @ 3 pm
Written by Barbara Pease Weber
Directed by TBA
Seniors of the Sahara is a raucous comedy about an arthritic genie encountering the residents of a New Jersey senior’s apartment complex. What could go wrong? It’s a sort of “Golden Girls” meets “I Dream of Jeannie.”
You don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids!
Though the productions may have Jewish themes, they are always universal in appeal. The goal is to enrich the Jewish experience in West Michigan, while informing, educating and engaging patrons. It’s live theatre to learn, love and laugh with.
PERFORMANCES are on Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm. Due to the smaller venue, BRILL will also include 8 pm. Wednesday evening performances.
Tickets generally go on sale 2 weeks prior to a production. Call the Box Office at 616.234.3946. If the BUY TICKETS NOW button is enabled on the sidebar you may purchase tickets online for the current show.
Season Subscribers should always book through the Box Office in order to redeem their passes.
What’s a girl to do? “The Great American Trail Park Musical” returns to Mason Street Warehouse Aug. 12 – 28.
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” is returning to Mason Street Warehouse (MSW) Equity Theatre from Aug. 12 – 28. Back by popular demand, “Trailer Park” debuted on the MSW stage 10 years ago and is the most requested musical in Mason Street’s history. Tickets ($29 – $46) are available online at sc4a.org or by phone at 269-857.2399.
Called “…one of the most laugh-out-load shows in town!” by Broadway.com, the musical takes place in Armadillo Acres, the most exclusive mobile home community in Stark, Florida, where mullets, spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancies and mud flaps reign supreme.
This hilarious comedy follows Pippi, a stripper on the run, who comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her toll-collector husband, Norbert. Featuring tastefully distasteful songs, witty dialogue, and far-out situations, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” “is more fun than a chair throwing episode of Jerry Springer set to music!”
Broadway talent is coming to the stage along with MSW “alumni.” Chris Blisset, playing Norbert, comes from New York City and was on the national tour for “Stand by Your Man”twice and was the musical director for this summer’s production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Alyssa Malger is playing Pickles, and is making her Mason Street Warehouse debut. She performed in the national tour of “Hairspray.” Mary Mossberg, who is playing Betty, was awarded an “Outstanding Individual Performance” award for her role in the musical “What Do Critics Know?” in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.
“Both Broadway Equity talent and familiar faces are coming back to our stage, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Executive Director Kristin Armstrong.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be at Mason Street Warehouse from Aug. 12 – 28. Tickets are available online, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts box office, and by phone at 269 857 – 2399.
Mason Street Warehouse is located in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.
When words simply won’t do… Lynn Strough takes us on a visual journey of Venice.
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About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.
“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents “Murder for Two” starting July 22.
Mason Street Warehouse continues its 2016 season at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street, Saugatuck) with the hilarious whodunit musical Murder for Two. The show opens Friday, July 22 and runs through August 7. Tickets for adults, seniors, and students are available online at sc4a.org, at the SCA box office, or at 269-857-2399.
New York Times calls the show, “Ingenious! A snazzy double-act that spins out a comic mystery animated by funny, deftly turned songs.”
Murder for Two is the perfect blend of musical comedy and madcap mystery. Every character is a suspect in this witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. 90 minutes, 13 characters, 4 hands and 1 piano make Murder for Two “a giddy romp” (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Don’t miss this killer musical that puts the laughter in manslaughter!
Mason Street Warehouse brings Actors Equity Union talent to West Michigan every summer, and Equity actors Tom Vendafreddo and Brian Walters bring the double-act of Murder for Two to life.
“I saw the show 2 years ago Off Broadway in New York and knew immediately that it would be a great show for Mason Street,” said Artistic Director Kurt Stamm. “It’s the perfect family evening out because the show is appropriate for ages 8 to 80!”
“We’re thrilled to bring Tom and Brian to West Michigan for this wonderful Off-Broadway hit,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “Murder for Two is terrific summer entertainment with these two very talented professionals.”
The acclaimed The Great American Trailer Park Musical wraps up MSW’s sizzling summer lineup. For more information and tickets visit sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399. Tickets are selling as fast as the cast is able to find new suspects – grab yours before they’re gone.
MSW’s summer season is sponsored by Premiere Sponsor G. Thomas Boylan, plus Great Lakes Manor & Cottages, Edward Jones / George Stoutin, Coldwell Banker / Gregg Smith, Shoreline Realtors / Dan & Sandy Shanahan, Mill Pond Realty / Laura Durham, Holland Doctors of Audiology, Hilliard Lyons / Stephen Kiss, Cunningham Dalman, Coldwell Banker / Mike Bojko, Shoreline Realtors / Jim Sellman, Miller Johnson, Lakeshore Allergy / Julie Hutson, Frattallone Wealth Management Group / Carlton Technologies, and the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.
About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.orgor call 269.857.2399.
Welcome to this week’s chapter in the ongoing series by our world traveler, Lynn Strough. More Croatia is in store…
Hvar is glitzy and high-rolling, and it’s where the yachting crowd comes to see and be seen. On Hvar, you might go for a morning stroll and be so mesmerized by the scenery, that you’re still in the same spot at sunset. The Hula Hula Bar offers comfy lounge chairs for a pittance, with a view to die for.
I stopped for a breakfast orange juice, stayed for a salad for lunch, and found myself sipping a glass of wine watching the sun sink into the sea several hours later, and I wasn’t the only one. I met lots of people from all over the world who were also tethered to their chairs for the day, other than to periodically take a dip in the crystal clear, freezing cold water.
If you prefer to be on the water, rather than in it, there are plenty of opportunities, from ferries to water taxis, power boats to boats powered by wind. Sailing is my preference, so my new friend Roma (from California) and I headed out for a half-day sail. They take up to 10 passengers on this 35′ racing boat modified as a cruiser, but we got lucky as it wasn’t peak season, and had the boat and Captain Bronco all to ourselves.
The gods provided great wind, and at 15 knots we were sailing. It was blowing 30 knots farther out, but Captain B decided to keep it a little less exciting and more comfortable, as it turns out Roma had never sailed before.
We sailed to a nearby tiny island, to Palmizana on San Clemente, for lunch. It’s a gorgeous spot, with a beautiful harbor to protect the yachts, and a few small restaurants. It’s a real life Garden of Eden, where if you look carefully, you might even spot Adam and Eve.
Back on Hvar, we got ambitious and climbed the hill to the fortress for some spectacular views of the harbor and rooftops below. Hvar is a medieval city, with walls started in 1278. There’s a strong Venetian influence in the architecture, as the Venetians ruled here on more than one occasion.
Besides the walled old town and famous harbor, Hvar is also known for its vineyards and wines, olive groves, and especially its lavender fields, and it’s one of the sunniest islands. With a population of over 11,000, it’s the fourth most populated of the islands of Croatia.
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As with all of the water I’ve seen in Croatia — inland lakes, rivers and waterfalls, as well as the sea — it’s crystal clear and the most breathtaking shades of blues and greens.
You can spend a small fortune staying at one of the fancy hotels, or a very affordable $50 per night for a good-sized room that sleeps three, if you’re willing to stay out of town and walk a bit. I stayed at an “apartman,” a room in a guest house, about a 15-minute walk from the center of town, but I didn’t mind as the walk was along the sea with scenic views the whole way.
And this location put me about half-way between the old town in one direction, and another fabulous beach in the other direction, also with a scenic walk to get there.
The town itself is filled with great little restaurants and shops, full of enticing things. Other than food, my one souvenir was a couple of little sachets of fragrant dried lavender to tuck into my well-worn hiking boots, a big improvement in their scent.
There are plenty of night clubs and bars if you want a vibrant night-life. And on Hvar, as in all of Croatia, I felt very safe, even walking around alone after dark, with the moon and stars and lamplight to guide me back to my temporary home.
About Lynn Strough
Lynn is a 50-something-year-old woman whose incarnations in this life have included graphic designer, children’s book author and illustrator, public speaker, teacher, fine art painter, wine educator in the Napa Valley, and world traveler. Through current circumstances, she has found herself single, without a job or a home, and poised for a great adventure.
“You could consider me homeless and unemployed, but I prefer nomad and self-employed, as I pack up my skills and head off with my small backpack and even smaller savings to circumnavigate the globe (or at least go until the money runs out). Get ready to tag along for the ride…starting now!”
All images copyright Lynn Strough and Travelynn Tales
Father’s Day is June 19th — this Sunday! — and the West Michigan Tourist Association has some excellent suggestions for making it the perfect day for any father in your life. Enjoy great meals, fun events, and give gifts DADicated to that special man. Show your appreciation for your dad 365 days a year, but make sure to celebrate in style on June 19th with Father’s Day in West Michigan.
Golf
Here’s just one idea: Take dad for a round of golf at one of the four championship courses at Shanty Creek Resorts. The tight fairways, formidable doglegs, and elevation changes will challenge any golfer. Or if you’re looking for a new unique way to experience golf, why not try FootGolf at Shanty Creek’s Summit Golf Course. This hybrid between soccer and golf has you trying to kick a soccer ball into a 21-inch diameter cup.
The Heatherwoods Course at the Charlevoix Country Club is another ideal place for golfing with dad. Their Father’s Day special includes $29 for 18 holes and $15 for 8 holes. Their Golf & Dine special is perfect for making this an all inclusive day of golf. The dining package is valid at both Sports Grill and the Triple C Clubhouse Dining Room. Book your tee times online at their website.
Coldwater Country Locomotive
Family Fun
Enjoy a trip through the countryside on the historic Little River Railroad steam locomotives in Coldwater Country. Dads ride free with purchase of a regular ticket. The round trip train ride lasts an hour and forty five minutes and takes you from Coldwater to Quincy where you’re given the opportunity to see the locomotive switch around for your return trip. For times and reservations, visit their website.
South Haven’s Harborfest falls on Father’s Day weekend. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music by the river, dragon boat races, a classic boat show, and more. If you want to give the gift of relaxation, the beaches of South Haven offer a great “no agenda” day to enjoy with dad.
Harborfest
The Port City Princess in Muskegon will have a special Father’s Day cruise to celebrate dads all over the world. Enjoy a champagne brunch with local microbrew beers and a live bluegrass band. You’ll also be able to watch the powerboat races that are going on all weekend.
St. Ignace is perfect for planning a trip for Father’s Day. Take a day trip to Mackinac Island and enjoy the summer weather. Then spend the day in St. Ignace, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. Plan a golf or fishing trip during your stay.
Gaylord offers family fun year-round, and Father’s Day is no exception. Head to Gaylord to experience the Air Show with jaw-dropping aerobatic aerial performances, jets and vintage war birds performing and on display.
The 38th Annual White Lake Area Father’s Day Arts & Crafts Festival will be June 18th and 19th at Goodrich Park in Whitehall. The family favorite festival features 75 talented artists, crafters, food vendors, live entertainment, and children’s activities.
Hit the waters of Mackinac Island with dad at Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Choose between kayaking or standup paddle boarding and explore the waters together. This is a fun and outdoor family activity that everybody can participate in. For more information and reservation options, visit their website.
The Historic Charlton Park hosts their 35th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 19th. Admire vintage cars and the craftsmanship of yesteryear throughout the park’s 310 acres. You know you’re getting the best of the best when every car is from 1990 or earlier and must be able to drive itself to the park.
The Muskegon CVB also wants you to celebrate Father’s Day with them. On June 19th, dads enjoy a free tour of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. Explore the grounds and see the beauty that went into this historic location. If powerboats are more your speed, then check out the Chase Charity Powerboat Event from June 17th to the 19th at the Muskegon Yacht Club. You can either race or watch the boats while enjoying refreshments at the club.
Charlevoix is ready to help you create special moments with dad for Father’s Day. Take a hiking trip through their great trail system or golf on one of their five area courses. Kayak or boat on the lakes and rivers where you can go fishing. There is also skydiving, trail biking, and more adventures to be discovered and had.
Charlevoix Lighthouse
Lemon Creek Winery’s 32nd Annual Father’s Day Festival features live music, a classic Corvette car show, kids’ games, hayrides and more. Of course, food and wine will play a big part in the celebration. The entry fee is $12 for adults 21 and older and includes free parking, admission to the event, a souvenir wine glass, and three free wine tastings. Those under 21 get in free when accompanied by a family member over 21.
Beer, Dine, & Wine
Head out to the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula this Father’s Day to try some award-winning wines from nine distinct wineries along the peninsula. Each of the nine wineries has their own distinct tasting rooms, patios, and beautiful decks. Stop by all of them and find which one you like the best.
Journeyman Distillery will be hosting a Father’s Day brunch and Three Oaks Single Malt release on June 19th from 10am to 10pm. There will be both a special steak sandwich that has shaved prime rib and a full brunch menu to choose your meal. The whiskey won’t last long on the shelves, so make sure to check out this special release while you’re at it. For more information on the event and the Three Oaks Single Malt, visit their website.
Food is on the mind of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance for Father’s Day weekend. Their farmers market will be open June 18th and is great to get some fresh produce for cooking your Father’s Day feast. If dining out is more your style, Schuler’s Restaurant will have their Father’s Day Brunch on June 19th from 9:30am to 2pm. The dinner menu begins at 1pm if you would rather have an evening meal together.
Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo celebrates Father’s Day the best way they know how: delicious beer and meat-centric food dishes. All Father’s Day long, dads can enjoy $5 off growler fills of any draft beer. At 5pm, live entertainment will be provided by Roma Ransom who traveled all the way from Colorado to perform.
Gifts
Give dad a membership to Club Mich for Father’s Day. A membership to the Michigan Breweries T-Shirt Club is a perfect gift for dads who love craft beer. As a member, he’ll receive a shirt every month featuring a different Michigan brewery. You can buy it as a monthly plan or purchase the plan in various increments.
The Art Gallery of Algoma will be having a Father’s Day Gallery Shop Sale from June 14th to June 18th. Get dad the perfect gift or get him an AGA Membership which helps support the gallery and its efforts. Or you could visit the gallery and take a tour with your loved ones. Check out the Art Gallery of Algoma when you are out shopping and planning for Father’s Day.
A Little Bit of Everything
Treat dad to the perfect day at Crystal Mountain. If he loves golf, send him to the Callaway Club Fitting from 10am to 3pm on June 18th for a 15-minute fitting. Then, on June 19th, buckets of driving range balls are buy one, get one free! Plus you can golf at Mountain Ridge for $45 and Betsie Valley for $35. If golf isn’t his thing, on Father’s Day, dads get free entrance into the pool, a free Alpine Slide Pass, or free bike rental with purchase of a child pass or rental.
Pierce Cedar Creek has a great Father’s Day dinner, program, and artist’s reception on June 19th. Enjoy dinner at 5pm expertly prepared by Chef Paul. After dinner, artist Laura Christensen will present her photography titled “The Wildlife and Waters of Barry County.” Enjoy a reception and an optional hike out to Cedar Creek afterward for an evening view of the Institute’s wetlands. There is a fee for dinner, but the program, reception, and hike are free and do not require attendance at dinner to be enjoyed.
No matter what you end up doing, you’re sure to have tons of fun!
Summer’s still quite a way off, but it’s never too early to get excited about good jazz!
GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation returns to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., this Aug. 20 and 21, for the fifth annual festival. The popular family-friendly festival, which attracted more than 10,000 people last year, is West Michigan’s only free, weekend-long jazz festival. The two-day festival will again be free because of Presenting Sponsor DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids and other sponsoring organizations and individuals.
Edye Evans Hyde performed last year
“Grand Rapids and West Michigan have embraced GRandJazzFest,” founder Audrey Sundstrom said. “We’re proud to say GRandJazzFest is one of the most diverse, community-oriented festivals for people who live here, who travel here, and who want to enjoy two days of great live music in a vibrant downtown setting. THIS is what community is all about.”
Each year, GRandJazzFest has been held at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids to enable festival-goers to take in all that downtown has to offer: restaurants, clubs, museums, microbreweries and shops. The festival typically occurs during Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids. The festival’s location provides easy access to those who ride the bus, walk or bike, and is also close to parking.
The 2016 festival lineup will be announced on April 27 at the House of Entertainment and Music (H.O.M.E.) at The B.O.B. That night at H.O.M.E., the band Evidence led by saxophonist Michael Doyle takes the stage. Evidence performed at the 2014 GRandJazzFest.
Like last year’s reveal, festival organizers will coordinate with leaders at International Jazz Day to include GRandJazzFest’s reveal announcement as a sanctioned International Jazz Day event.
At the 2016 festival in August, 11 diverse jazz artists and bands will perform, including a student jazz band and two major headline acts.
Walt Gutowski performed last year
Free face painting by Fancy Faces will be available for kids and, if lines aren’t too long, for “kids at heart.”
GR and Jazz (the non-profit, all-volunteer-run producer of GRandJazzFest) is pleased to announce a special collaboration with the Grand Rapids Art Museum: Under an agreement with GRAM, the festival’s VIP area will be located on the GRAM front terrace where refreshments and snacks will be provided. The VIP area is for sponsors of GRandJazzFest. Additionally, GRAM will have an outdoor bar area set up at the base of its front steps adjoining Rosa Parks Circle for attendees who would like to purchase and consume refreshments and enjoy the festival.
Grand Rapids city commissioners approved GRandJazzFest as one of 24 events that it will co-sponsor in 2016, a distinction only given to events that have proven to be successful and enrich the community. GRandJazzFest 2015 received distinction as a Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Signature Event along with two other festivals, ArtPrize and LaughFest.
In addition to DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids, and GRAM, sponsors for the 2016 event to date include GR and Jazz, IntentPR, Gilmore Collection, Comcast, Hilger Hammond, Amway Hotel Corporation, Experience Grand Rapids, ICON Sign, Meijer, Moxie Men Incorporated, Hungerford Nichols, WGVU, Steelcase and Clark Hill. Sponsorship opportunities are here.
Grupo Aye performed last year
“We are so grateful to all of our sponsors for their support – we could not do it without them,” Sundstrom said. “We’re seeking additional sponsors to help us bring a full weekend of FREE, family-friendly live jazz performances to West Michigan!”
Get a taste of past GRandJazzFests by viewing the “recap” videos here.
More information on the 5th annual GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation can be found here and at the festival’s Facebook and Twitter sites.
Of all the beer festivals in Michigan, WABF resonates with taste trippers, explorers and fans of community building. Recently voted “3rd Best Beer Festival” in West Michigan in a reader’s choice poll, Wood-Aged Beer Festival not only offers the unique beer tasting experience but also festival foods from the acclaimed Brewery Vivant kitchen.
About Lynn Strough
Back on Hvar, we got ambitious and climbed the hill to the fortress for some spectacular views of the harbor and rooftops below. Hvar is a medieval city, with walls started in 1278. There’s a strong Venetian influence in the architecture, as the Venetians ruled here on more than one occasion.
About Lynn Strough
Hit the waters of Mackinac Island with dad at 
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