By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Spring is marching in as two popular summer activities, the John Ball Zoo and the area’s oldest outdoor free concert series, announce opening dates.
This past week, John Ball Zoo announced it would officially open March 25 for its 2022 season and will feature the “Washed Ashore” collection. Turning discarded plastics found on the beach into beautiful pieces of art, “Washed Ashore” artists create large powerful sculptures that captivate all ages and teach environmental conservation and sustainability.
Tickets for the zoo are available online, www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets, or at the zoo. Admission tickets are on sale now for opening day, March 25, through April. Spring hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the zoo’s website at www.jbzoo.org, all 616-336-4300, or email info@jbzoo.org.
Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts
The area’s oldest outdoor concert seres, the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts, marks its 20th anniversary this season. the Lowell concerts are offered with the Lowell Showboat as a backdrop, commemorating the history of the showboat for the City of Lowell.
To commemorate the series’ history, this year’s concerts feature many groups who originated in Michigan and are now heading nationally and internationally.
Groups scheduled to perform are Mungion, The Acidentals, Stone Street Revival, Kari Lynch Band, The Adams Family Band, and the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines with the Great Lakes Chorus.
The series runs June 16 to Aug. 25. Thursday evening concerts begin at 7 p.m. along the Flat River, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, in downtown Lowell.
Food and spirts are available for purchase. Admission to the concerts and parking are free. the concerts draw upwards of 1,000 visitors each week. The concert venue is wheelchair accessible. Bleacher seating is available or attendees can bring their own folding chair.
For more about the series, visit www.lowellartsmi.org.
