Tag Archives: Tibbits Opera House

Two West Michigan theaters host showings of the 2020 Oscar-nominated shorts

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The 2020 Oscars are quickly approaching but you do not have to wait to see some of the nominated films.

Starting Feb. 7, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts will be hosting the “Oscar Shorts 2020: Animated” and “Oscar Shorts 2020: Live Action” and on Feb. 21, will hosts Oscar Shorts 2020: Documentary A and Oscar Shorts 2020: Documentary B.


Or if you would like to take a little road trip on Feb. 9 — the day of the Oscars show — the Tibbits Classic Film Series will once again showcase the 2020 Academy Award nominees for best animated and live action short films on at Tibbits Opera House.

A short film is any motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits, per guidelines set forth by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In the past, short films generally relied on exhibitions at festivals to reach an audience. This is still the case for the most part, with the short films being shown at Sundance and Cannes, the biggest festivals.

Animation really took advantage of the short film format when Warner Brothers and Disney began putting short cartoons before all of the studios’ feature length films. This is a tradition that Pixar has carried over to the present day by screening a short along with each of its feature films during its initial theatrical run since 1995.

Showtimes for UICA, located at 2 W. Fulton St., vary. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for UICA members. Visit uica.org for more information on the Oscar nominated shorts film series, other film series, exhibitions and events.

The Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hancheet St., Coldwater, will be Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. the cost is $8. Tibbets Classic Film Series showcases Hollywood classics from such genres as sci-fi, film noir, musicals, comedies, and mysteries. All other showing to the Classic Film Series are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.

Michigan’s own ‘The Accidentals’ to perform live at Tibbits Nov. 30

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Courtesy The Accidentals

By Stephanie Burdick, Tibbits Opera House


Named one of Yahoo Music’s “Top ten bands to watch,” The Accidentals, a Michigan-based band with a unique style of music, will play in concert on the Tibbits stage on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7pm.


Traverse City’s female-fronted, multi-instrumentalist power trio The Accidentals (Sav Buist, Katie Larson, and Michael Dause) have been called “Defiant, young-powerful, and undaunted,” by Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Quickly growing regional attention, The Accidentals bring an eclectic blend of Indie, folk, pop, and rock that melds their orchestral roots with classical, jazz, bluegrass, country, and alt-rock influences. This genre-hopping trio puts on an interactive show that has been wowing audiences across the globe.


This regional phenomenon is rising in popularity with a just-released self-titled LIVE album and tour of the UK. They are currently scoring an indie film, teaching workshops across the country, playing with symphonies, and recording their much anticipated Vessel Album to be released in 2020.


Savannah Buist (Sav) was born in Nashville, TN and her love of music began on a tour bus with her multi-instrumentalist father and R&B vocalist mother when she was three months old. At 11, she picked up violin and dove headfirst into improvisational folk and jazz, reggae, funk, and rock. By sixteen, she’d become a versatile session player, composer, arranger, and performer. Later she followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming proficient in a wide range of instruments. Sav has been described by IPR as “one of the most compelling songwriters of our day.


Katie Larson grew up in Northern Michigan. Her musical family encouraged a range of eclectic influences, and in 2006 she started playing cello in her elementary school’s music program. Now she is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer, who participates in film, design, art, and culinary adventures. Katie graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in 2014, and has since been a full-time studio session player, songwriter, and touring musician. In 2017 she started cataloging her stories about the food she finds on the road in a visual food blog.


Hailing from the suburb of Northville, in Detroit, Michael Dause banged on pots and pans at the early age of one. At the age of four, Dause’s grandfather got him a full-sized drum set and at seven, he began his first lessons. In middle school, Dause taught himself how to play the guitar, and began writing his own songs. Dause joined the Accidentals in 2014 after they met at a Michigan music festival. “They’re fantastic musicians, and I love being able to lock in with them on stage,” Dause said about playing with Larson and Buist.


This one-night engagement will be at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. Tickets range from $15-28 including fees, with a discount for Tibbits members. There is also an “on your feet” section for those who want a livelier concert experience. Tickets are currently on sale and are available at Tibbits.org, at Tibbits administrative offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or by calling 517.278.6029. This event also features a cash bar.



Healthcare and the arts open mental health dialogue with rock musical ‘Next to Normal’

Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Stephanie Burdick, Tibbits Opera House


In a unique collaboration between healthcare and the arts, ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, Pines Behavioral Health, and Tibbits Summer Theatre will bring the dramatic rock musical Next to Normal to the Tibbits stage for six performances September 6 to 14, 2019.


Mental Health issues affect more American families than can be accurately measured. It is a disease which is highly misunderstood and filled with stigma. Theatre has long been a means of bringing attention to issues, dispelling stigmas or at least opening up dialogues.


According to Randy DeGroot, President of ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, “Bringing this play to the community is hoped to reduce the fear and stigma of mental illness — a biological disease — that requires the same level of treatment and follow up as any other health condition.”


Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama as well as three 2009 Tony awards including Best Musical Score, Next to Normal is a very real depiction of the effects of mental illness, both for the affected and their families. Pines and ProMedica have teamed with Tibbits to present the show as a means of opening the dialogue on the very real issues of mental health. Whereas newspaper articles and public town hall forums can convey awareness information, watching the lives unfold during this play creates a much deeper understanding of mental illness.


According to Sue Germann, Chief Executive Officer for Pines, “Through this artistic and entertaining vehicle we can bring awareness to the mental health issue and deepen the dialogue of a very serious biological disease.”


One in five Americans experience a mental health condition; for one in 25, the condition is serious mental illness, yet less than half receive the needed treatment. Among the barriers is lack of education or awareness and social stigma. Both of these barriers can be addressed through this artistic and entertaining professional show.


ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit integrated healthcare organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Driven by its mission to improve health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. Pines, as the Community Mental Health Authority for Branch County, specializes in assisting those with serious mental illness such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Severe Anxiety and other brain conditions that impair functional abilities due to the severity of symptoms.


Tibbits has been producing professional theatre for 55 years and has established its reputation for quality productions.


This collaborative activity is sponsored by ProMedica with additional support from Pines. The performance also received support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program administered by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.


Next to Normal will be presented September 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm and September 8 and 12 at 2 pm. Theatre has long been a means of bringing attention to issues, dispelling stigmas or at least opening up dialogues. To encourage the open dialogue each performance will include informal discussions and Talkbacks to engage audience members in the dialogue. A Talkback is a discussion of the show with the performers and others involved. Discussions will include health care professionals available for questions, information and assistance.


The goal for ProMedica and Pines is to promote the health and well-being of the community. With the involvement of Tibbits and this shared experience of experiencing Next to Normal, the three organizations hope to build important connections with all of the people involved with or attending the show.


Tickets go on sale April 22nd for ‘Journey Through Time’ with BritBeat Beatles Tribute Show, July 20th

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Stephanie Burdick, Tibbits Opera House


Relive and experience the sight and sounds, moods and emotions of the Beatles’ influence on music and pop culture on Saturday, July 20, 2019, when the Beatles tribute band BritBeat brings their multimedia show to Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater, MI 49036.

Courtesy BritBeat

BritBeat has spent countless hours to create a show that tells the story of the Beatles that is compelling, accurate, thought-provoking, fun and filled with the passion, moods and emotions of the sixties. Every detail has gone in to the creation of BritBeat – A Multimedia Concert Journey through Beatles Music History. Each era of the Beatles history is recreated on stage covering the early days at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, The Ed Sullivan Show, the Shea Stadium Concert, the psychedelic Sgt. Pepper era, the Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road Studios recording sessions with six costume changes. Dedicated to offering a unique and different look into the music and history of the Beatles, BritBeat is more than a tribute band, it is a theatrical event.


Highlights of BritBeat’s touring history include performing with Herman’s Hermits, The Buckinghams, The Rascals, Jefferson Starship, Micky Dolenz, Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Beach Boys, The Guess Who, The Grass Roots and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. One of the Beatles actually performed with BritBeat at U.S. Cellular Field for the 40th Anniversary of the Beatles at Comiskey Park. That Beatle would be Pete Best, the drummer for the Beatles before he was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962.


In 2014 BritBeat was chosen by the State of Indiana to recreate the 1964 concert by the Beatles at the Indianapolis State Fair. In the same building, on the same stage, with the same microphones used by the Beatles, BritBeat performed a 50th Anniversary Concert at the Indianapolis State Fair Coliseum for thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom had attended the 1964 concert there 50 years earlier. It was quite a moment for a band paying tribute to their musical icons.


The concert at Tibbits on July 20 caps off a day full of fun in Coldwater, with the downtown ArtWalk that will feature artists, vintage vendors, hands-on art stations for kids, food trucks, and live entertainment leading up to BritBeat, which begins at 7:30pm.


This event includes a cash bar along with an ‘On Your Feet’ section for audience members who enjoy a livelier viewing experience. Ticket prices range from $20 to $34 (including fees). Tickets go on sale to Tibbits members on April 22, and are available at the Tibbits Admin offices at 93 W. Chicago St in Coldwater or by calling 517-278-6029. Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 29 and may also be purchased by visiting Tibbits.org at that time. This performance will be held at Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater, MI 49036.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming weekend news you need to know

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WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin."
          - Linus from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

 

Here’s the Trick

 

A peek into the Vox Sanitarium

It’s the last weekend before Halloween, which makes it a perfect time to visit Wyoming’s newest business, The Haunt. Now located at 1256 28th St. SW in the former Showplace/JoAnn Fabrics location of 28 West Place (formerly the Wyoming Village Mall), The Haunt has a number of special events coming up as the attraction wraps up its season.

 

On Saturday, Oct. 27, there will be a Trunk or Treat from 3 – 5 p.m. and a Kids Haunt from 4 – 6 p.m. Also organizers noted that the last two days of The Haunt’s season, Nov. 2 and 3, all be very special and definitely not for scaredy cats. The Haunt is open through Nov. 3. Sundays and weekday hours are 7 – 10 p.m. (note it is not open on Mondays and Nov. 1.) and Friday and Saturday hours are 7 – 11 p.m. Because of long lines, The Haunt has been opening a half hour earlier. Check the website, https://www.the-haunt.com/ for specific details and ticket information.

 

And Here Are the Treats

 

South Kent Community Expo is this week.

Also this weekend is the South Kent Expo hosted by Cutlerville-Gaines Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is this Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

 

The event is an opportunity to learn about the businesses in the community and what services they have to offer including home improvement, home financing, home services, senior services, library services, colleges, fitness, health and wellness, pet care, banks, retail, hospitality, transportation, volunteer opportunities and employment services.

 

Or get an early start on your Christmas shopping as Holland Home’s Breton Woods will be hosting its annual holiday market this Saturday, Oct. 27, at its Breton Ridge facility, 2772 Pfieffer Woods Dr. SE. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature more than 20 vendors. Homemade cookies made by residents also will be on sale.

 

Some ‘Great Pumpkin’ Picks

 

Henderson Castle hosts a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Looking to have a Halloween adventure this weekend? Then the West Michigan Tourist Association has a few ideas for you. There is a murder mystery event at Kalamazoo’s Henderson Castle to the Michigan Heritage Park (in Whitehall) becoming The Haunted Trail.

 

There are number of family activities as well, such as the Monsterfest 3 film festival at the Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest opera house in the state. By the way, the Monster 3 event is free.

 

For more ideas, visit WMTA.org.

 

 

Fun Fact:

6.2 million

That is the number of Americans who misuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the Drug Administration Enforcement (DEA). The study also stated that the majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. It is why the DEA created the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is this Saturday, Oct. 27. Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are participating in the program, accepting all drugs with no questions asked at local law enforcement offices and at Metro Health-University of Michigan Health facility.

West Michigan packs in ‘Hallo-Fun’ in the last weekend of October

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Henderson Castle hosts a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It’s the last weekend to get your Halloween on and the West Michigan Tourist Association has a few suggestions on just how to do that.

 

Round Barn Winery hosts a HalloWine Party on Oct. 27.

For Those ‘Wine-ers: Round Barn Winery in Baroda, which is south of South Haven, will be hosting its HalloWine Party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. The event features all the treats of food and wine along with some rockin’ local bands such as Steve Foresman and the JGJ Band. The HalloWine Party is part of a series that goes for 26 weekends with 68 bands and 108 live performances. Dress in your best Halloween costume and vote for “best costume.” Admission to the event is $5. For more information, visit https://www.drinkmichigan.com/round-up.

 

The Party Ain’t Over Until the Monster Sings: Coldwater is home to the state’s second oldest opera house, Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. The Tibbits will host its annual sppoktacular film festival, Monsterfest 3, Saturday, Oct. 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature B-movie monster classics such as “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” “Monster on the Campus,” and “The Mole People.” The Monsterfest 3 is part of a 10-part month double feature showcasing Hollywood classics and it’s free. For more information, visit tibbits.org.

 

The Whodunnit: Here is a twist for Halloween, head over to Kalamazoo’s Henderson Castle and be part of a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The story goes, there is a towering Castle located in the heart of Scotland. Spend the days walking the Scottish Moors and the evenings in the front of our large and spacious fire place as we’ll assail you with days of valor in a time when Knights walked the land protecting the weak and the innocent. Fair warning: everything is not as it seems.

 

The evening is $142 and includes the dinner game, a three-course dinner with a special Halloween Spirit Drink for each course. Also, the event is Halloween themed so dress in the  costume of your choice or best match your given character. For more information, visit hendersoncastle.com.

 

Saugatuck has a lot of Halloween fun planned for Oct. 27.

The Big Blowout: One area that really knows how to celebrate Halloween is Saugatuck, which hosts two events for all ages on Saturday, Oct. 27. Activities start at 3:30 p.m. with the annual Halloween family and pet parade. Judges will determine the winners and will distribute cash prizes at the end. After the parade, stay for an array of activities that include music, a puppet experience, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more.

 

Hit the Trail: The Lakeshore Museum’s Michigan Heritage Park turns into the Haunted Trail Friday and Saturday, Oct,. 26 and 27, from 7:30 – 10 p.m. The park partners will the Muskegon Civic Theatre with actors telling legends, myths and tales from the 1600s to 1900s as participants walk through 10,000 years of horror. Due to scary elements, this event is recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $15 per person.

 

For more ideas, check out the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide that is available at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park SW, or visit WMTA.org, There is also still plenty of time to follow the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map and Circle Tour, also available at the station.