Tag Archives: Van Singel Fine Arts Center

Van Singel goes rock ‘n’ roll with a night of Elton John, Billy Joel music

Entertainment, , ,
Matthew Banks as Billy Joel in “The Piano Men.”

By Kathy Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

 

“The Tribute to Sir Elton John & Billy Joel!” is a night of hit songs, energetic performances, and outrageous costumes. It’s a true rock n’ roll concert at its finest coming to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in Byron Center on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.

 

Sir Elton John and Billy Joel tribute artists have joined forces to create The Ultimate Tribute rock n’ roll show. Initial concert events have been highly successful with all involved raving about their intensity on stage. Just like the original tour, each artist performs a Solo Set with a killer rock n’ roll band, and then culminate the show with a “Face to Face” set which features both of them playing together on two pianos trading off lyrics on each song they perform. Both Capturing Billy Joel and Sir Eltons’ captivating entertainment prowess, piano skills and unbelievable outrageous costumes from the 70’s to present day!

 

Reserved seating is $37 for adults and $22 for students (high school and younger). Reserve seats by calling the Van Singel box office at (616) 878-6800 or purchase on-line at www.vsfac.com. The box office is open Monday – Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located on 84th Street & Burlingame Ave SW in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131 in Byron Center. The Fine Arts Center features free parking.

 

Please note: The Van Singel Fine Arts Center sits at the east end of the Byron Center High School which is part of a $68 million dollar bond construction project. Because of the construction, parking will be limited at the east of the facility where the Van Singel is located. Patrons attending evening events may have to park in the lots off Burlingame and enter the building on the west end (near the gym/swimming pool) and walk through the school to the Van Singel. Signage will be placed to help direct patrons.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

Quote of the Day

"Art is not a cleverness contest. It is an honesty contest to hone the capacity to truly be that which you are."

        ~ Ran Ortner, ArtPrize's first public vote winner

 

Take a ‘leep’ into art

 

“Pink House” by Kendra Postma

The Leep Art Gallery, in the Postma Center at the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, will be featuring the work of Kendra Postma in the exhibit titled “These Are A Few of My Favorite Things.”

 

“My paintings often take on a dreamlike or spiritual aura to me. Inspiration often comes from walks on the beach with the water lapping at my feet and fills me with a sense of peace, or sometimes it’s my chickens which influence what I create. I always have an intense desire or need to create something that nourishes my soul,” Postma said.

 

The exhibit runs Oct. 3 – Jan. 2. Find out more here.

 

 

Better Homes

 

The Frey Foundation is currently seeking innovative ideas to accelerate access to sustainable, quality housing opportunities in Kent County. The foundation is specifically focused on addressing housing access for people who are employed yet may be struggling to make ends meet.

 

The foundation will award a grant of up to $150,000 to an agency or partnership that submits an innovative, actionable plan, concept or collaboration that effectively reduces the number of ALICE families paying more than 30 percent of monthly income for housing. Submissions will be evaluated, and an idea selected, by an external, multi-sector advisory committee coordinated by the Grand Valley Metro Council.

 

Ideas are currently being accepted online. The deadline for submission is Oct. 29. More information is available at freyfdn.org/housinginnovation. Go here to learn more.

 

But Some Swing In It

 

Glenn Bulthuis with the Hark Up horns

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center has announced its upcoming season which kicks off with Swing Night at the Van Singel featuring Glenn Bulthuis and the Hark Up Big Band. The event is Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets $18 for adults and $12 for students (high school and younger. Click here, for more information.

 

 

Fun Fact:

Nov. 22, 1963

It was not only the day that American President John F. Kennedy died but also the day that "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" author C.S. Lewis died. On Oct. 6, Chicago-based Ballet 5:8 will perform a re-imagining of C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce." The performance is set for 7 p.m. at the DeVos Center for Performing Arts, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE.

Kelloggsville named a finalist for the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

Kathy  Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

 

A Kelloggsvile is among 60 Michigan high school students who were named as finalists in the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival. More than 300 videos were submitted for the annual film festival.

 

Tiler DeWitt, who attends Kelloggsville High School, is in the running for the 60 awards totaling $21,150 in prizes that will be awards to students on Saturday June 2, for the winning entires in the 2018 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival. The 10 a.m. awards presentation will be at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. 

 

High School students from throughout the state, submitted more than 300 :30 public service announcement videos promoting positive choices in the areas of Character Education, Healthy Living, and Celebrating Diversity. There are two different audiences that the young filmmakers targeted in their PSA’s: Kindergarten through 6th or 7th through 12th grades. DeWitt submitted his film in the K-6 Celebrating Diversity category. The Meijer Great Choices competition was designed for Michigan student film makers to exhibit their creative talent in audio/visual communications and to share their messages with K-12 schools throughout Michigan. 

 

High school students working on a film. Photo courtesy of School News Network.

Audio/Visual/Advertising students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Ferris State University, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, Northwood University and Western Michigan University were the preliminary judges and choose the anonymous finalists based on specific criteria. High school students throughout Michigan have been notified that they are finalists and are invited to participate in the June 2nd awards presentation activities. There are eighteen 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners that will be announced at the awards presentation who will receive prizes of $1,500, $1,000, or $500 in the form of a gift card to Meijer. The 42 runners up (fourth through tenth place winners) will each receive a gift card for $75. All of the finalists in attendance will receive an award and gift at the awards presentation. 

 

All 60 of the top PSA’s will be shown at the Awards Reception at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. In September, the winning PSA’s in each category will be reproduced on DVDs and distributed to schools across the state as tools for their Character Education, Health Education and Diversity programs. 

 

The Meijer Great Choices Film Festival also awards 12 classroom grants totaling $3,300 to K-8 classrooms who submitted video entries in the Meijer Great Choices Junior Film Festival competition. These PSA videos will also be recognized at Saturday’s Awards event. 

 

The purpose of the film festival is to highlight the talent of the state’s audio/visual students while allowing these students to make a positive impact on Michigan’s K-12 youth in the areas of Diversity, Character Education, and Healthy Lifestyles. The festival is in partnership with Meijer, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, The Vander Laan Family Foundation, and the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. 

Van Singel Fine Arts Center marks 20th anniversary, announces upcoming season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , , , ,
The gang’s all here: “Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up O Men” comes to Van Singel Fine Arts Center. Photo compliments of Troupe America, Inc.

By Kathy Richards

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is celebrating 20 years. In honor of that, the Van Singel will be presenting a series of shows featuring professional local talent, national concert artists, a national touring musical comedy and, of course, great jazz.

 

This season’s shows are (in order of presentation):

 

SWING NIGHT AT THE VAN SINGEL with GLENN BULTHUIS and
the 17-piece HARK UP BIG BAND
Saturday, October 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Glenn Bulthuis returns with the 17-piece Hark Up Big Band for an evening of 24 Swingin’ Hits. For more than 10 years, Glenn Bulthuis and his bands have thrilled audiences with the Music of the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and James Taylor on the Van Singel stage.  Now he returns with an all new 17-piece “Big Band” line up to perform the songs of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Michael Buble, and many, many more.  Tickets are  $18/adults and $12/students including college students with proper ID.

PIANO MEN A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John
Thursday, November 29, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
The Sir Elton John & Billy Joel tribute show is a night of hit songs, energetic performances, outrageous costumes, and true rock ‘n roll at its finest. Tribute Artist David James (Billy Joel), and Jeffrey Allen (Elton) each performs a solo set before joining together on stage in a dueling-piano style, with Piano2Piano rockin’ out to their Greatest hits. …… also adding funny performance bits, sing-a-long parts, and spontaneous humor. The show spans the the 1970s to current day. Tickets are  $37/adults and $22/students including college students with proper ID.

 

CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES Rise Up O Men
Tuesday, March 26, 2018, 7:30 p.m. 
Fans of the musical comedy series Church Basement Ladies will finally get to know more about the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church, in the new musical comedy, “Rise Up O Men.” This sidesplitting, uplifting peek into the lives of the rural Norwegian Lutherans who audiences first fell in love with in 2005 is the sixth chapter of the story begun in the original Church Basement Ladies. “Rise Up O Men” features familiar faces: Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson, Mrs. Vivian Snustad, and Mrs. Karin Engleson who would never leave the basement kitchen unattended, of course (who would make bars for the youth group meeting?). But as they busy themselves with preparations for the town’s 1964 Centennial Celebration, we get to see their coming-and-goings from the eyes of the menfolk, who have their own problems to solve. Karin’s husband Elroy, farmer Carl and Great War vet Arlo are joined in brotherhood by series staple, Pastor E.L. Gunderson. Their camaraderie unites them as they deal with furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, the Pastor’s bad jokes, and Arlene’s even-worse cooking. Tickets are  $35/adults and $22/students including college students with proper ID.

 

COOL JAZZ
Friday, April 26, 2018, 7:30 pm
Get ready, set and go once again for a hot night of Cool Jazz featuring the nationally recognized Byron Center Jazz Ensembles along with an international jazz a musician. Tickets are  $18/adults and $11/students including college students with proper ID.

 

VICTORS OF CHARACTER
Thursday, September 27, 7:00 pm
Van Singel patron bonus! Patrons who purchase a ticket to any show in the 2018-2019 Van Singel season have the option to receive up to four free general admission tickets to the Gerald R. Ford Foundation’s presentation of Victors of Character. The powerful true story is turned into a live, on-stage performance that tells the narrative of a young Gerald Ford, his friend and teammate Willis Ward, and the 1934 football game that both tested and shaped their character. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is proud to partner with the Ford Foundation to present Victors of Character: A Story of Loyalty, Integrity, and the Courage to Make a Difference.

 

All shows are reserved seating. Van Singel ticket patrons can design their own season and save from 5% to 15% off the cost of a full price ticket depending on the number of shows purchased. Groups also receive ticket discounts depending on the number of tickets purchased per performance.

 

To reserve seats, call or visit the Van Singel Fine Arts Center box office Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. or call 616-878-6800. Because of construction at Byron Center high School, the Van Singel box office will be closed from May 21 through August 27.  Patrons may email boxoffice.vansingel@bcpsk12.net anytime. Patrons can order tickets on-line through our website beginning July 1st at www.vsfac.com.

 

Less than 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids, the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, is located at 84th & Burlingame SW, just 1.5 miles west of US-131 in Byron Center.  The venue is at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex. For more information go on-line to www.vsfac.com.

Grammy nominated musician performs at Van Singel’s Cool Jazz program

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,
Alphonso Horne with the Byron Center Jazz Orchestra. Horne performs with the group on Friday.

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center finishes its 2017-2018 season with two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter Alphonso Horne in “Cool Jazz” on Friday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. Horne played and recorded with Marcus Roberts and has performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, and Michael Feinstein. He’ll be joined by Edye Evans Hyde and Max Colley III, along with the nationally recognized Byron Center Jazz Ensembles. The performance is underwritten by Owen-Ames-Kimball, Inc and TowerPinkster Architects.

 

The Byron Center Jazz Orchestra, directed by Marc Townley, has competed at the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, Georgia every spring since 2014. The Jazz Orchestra has also competed at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition and Festival at Lincoln Center in New York.

 

Reserved seats are $18.50 for adults and $11.50 for students. Reserve tickets in person at the Van Singel box office or by calling (616) 878-6800, Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 5 pm. Tickets are also available at www.vsfac.com.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, at 8500 Burlingame SW (84th Street and Burlingame SW) in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131. The Van Singel features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.

 

East Kentwood grad returns home for concert with her band The Moxie Strings

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , , , ,
The Moxie Strings

By Kathy Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

 

An East Kentwood graduate, who makes up one third of The Moxie Strings, will be heading to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center for a pre-Patricks Day celebration.

 

Set for Thursday, March 15, Alison Lynn along with her bandmates, Diana Ladio and Fritz McGirr, will be performing at 7 p.m. The trio brings its high energy show filled with traditional melodies and rock-influenced rhythms in one unique concert. The group will be joined by the Byron Center Orchestra ensembles.

 

Lynn performs on a newly-invented, electric cello, and Ladio plays a contemporary five-string violin, both through a variety of audio effects pedals. McGirr is the percussionist wizard. This nationally recognized group is known for its unique sound and redefining strings’ role in contemporary music.

 

Hailed by The Grand Rapids Press as “top-notch, instrumental wizardry,” The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience several of the world’s best known musicians. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many traditions, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.

 

Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings members were inspired not only to perform, but also to teach. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and musical creativity, the three have now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition. The Moxie String clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the music classroom. They have taught clinics in more than 100 schools throughout the US, and also present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music education professional development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic. The Moxie Strings deliver its message in a fun, accessible way, and stand before students as the illustration of the many opportunities that music holds. The musicians will conduct a daytime workshop with Byron Center orchestra students.

 

Tickets for The Moxie Strings, $12 for adults and $10 for students, can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information go to www.vsfac.com or  www.themoxiestrings.com. Tickets will be available at the door.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, located at 8500 Burlingame SW, 84th Street and Burlingame SW, in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131 and only 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.

Who says ‘bah humbug’? Not Van Singel as it presents ‘A Christmas Carol’

Entertainment, , , , , ,

Once again this December, PerSeverance Productions in conjunction with CMI Entertainment in New York, will present their national touring production of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” across the United States including one performance at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 pm.

 

For many years, more than 100,000 audiences young and old have been delighted by this spectacular adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens tale, filled with humor, heart, and humbug.  Written by director and star, Scott H. Severance, this large cast musical features dozens of well-known Christmas Carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and a gorgeous a cappella version of “O, Holy Night.”  The script is full of surprises and special effects, the performances are genuine and heartfelt, and the ghosts are alternately frightening and hilarious. Bring the whole family for a chance to meet Scrooge and Tiny Tim after the show. Show information can be found at www.perseverance-productions.com.

 

This special holiday favorite has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future. With the music of 26 beloved traditional carols of the season woven throughout this classic tale.

 

Reserve seats now by calling the Van Singel Box Office at 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday 12 to 5 pm. Ticket prices are $30.50 for adults and $15.50 for students/children. More information can be found at www.vsfac.com. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at 8500 Burlingame SW at 84th St in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131.

 

WKTV Journal: Local election, leaf disposal, and ‘Willy Wonka’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , ,

The 2017 elections have come and gone with Kentwood residents re-electing Stephen Kepley to a second term as mayor and Emily Bridson as the new First Ward City Commissioner. The rest of the Kentwood City positions, including newcomer Tom McKelvey as Second Ward City Commissioner, were unopposed. Also both The Rapid’s and the Wyoming Public School’s millage proposals were approved. Passage of The Rapid millage means continuing bus service in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. The Wyoming Public School’s millage will allow the district to invest $79.5 million in infrastructure over the next two decades. Fall has arrived and the big question on everyone’s mind now is what to do with all those leaves.

 

If you live in the City of Wyoming, you have a number of options for disposing of leaves and other yard waste materials. One is curbside pick up with takes places Dec. 2 in the City of Wyoming. All items must be placed in paper bags and be out by 6 a.m.

 

We are quickly moving into the holidays which are full of many sweet delights. One of those cooking up something tasty is Wyoming’s Master Arts Theatre. The company has partnered with the Van Singel Fine Arts Center to present “Willy Wonka the Musical,” which will run Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. Visit www.vsfac.com for more information.

 

And another holiday favorite is the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s parade will be Dec. 2 starting at 10 a.m. on South Division Avenue from 34th Street to Murray Street. Santa will be available for pictures at Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grill at 4132 S. Division.

 

Other annual holiday events are Wyoming Gives Back set for Dec. 7 at the Rogers Plaza Mall; the Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Dec. 8 at the Kentwood Richard L. Root Library and Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt set for Dec. 9 at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

 

WKTV Journal’s newscast premiers biweekly on Monday at 8 p.m., and then is broadcast at various times and dates on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and 26, and on AT&T Channel 99 Community channel.  Stay connected to your community by visiting wktvjournal.org.

Two local theater groups sweeten up the holidays with ‘Willy Wonka’ the musical

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,

WKTV Journal Nov. 16

Recent interviews with the cast of “Willy Wonka the Musica,” at Van Singel Fine Arts Center next week, has us asking what is your favorite candy?

Posted by WKTV Community Television on Monday, November 20, 2017

 

Everyone has his/her favorite candy, but have you ever heard of how good the scrumdidlyiscious candy bar is? You will if you come to the upcoming production of “Willy Wonka” the Musical at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2.

 

The musical is a fun-filled burst of kids, candy, and song, but it’s also a major milestone for the Van Singel Fine Arts Center and the Master Arts Theatre company. The two organizations came together to combine the skilled direction of Master Arts Theatre with the magnificent stage of the Van Singel. Both groups were excited about the partnership, and look forward to other possibilities.

 

“This one is unique and not because we don’t have community theatre, because we have several which is cool,” said Chris Knoblock who portrays Willy Wonka in the holiday offering. “This is a special conglomeration when you take two different organizations and they blend their strengths. You’ve got Master Arts Theatre bringing us the script and the direction and then you’ve got Van Singel bringing us everything they have to offer with the Dan Pfieffer stage and all of the set pieces and all of their expertise.

 

“It is going to be really, really cool and anyone who comes is going to enjoy it.”

 

When choosing their holiday production, the directors wanted something family friendly and community oriented. They wanted families from the community to be able to come to the shows with their children in tow and walk out with everyone singing the same cheerful songs.

 

“[When selecting the show, we wanted] something that was going to be appropriate for the season with the holidays coming up and one that was really going to strike a cord that families could enjoy and come and see together,” Master Arts Executive Director Timothy Van Bruggen.

 

The musical is based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which has had two films, a 1971 version with Gene Wilder as Wonka and the 2005 version with Johnny Depp as Wonka. (Note, Knoblock said he is channeling his inner Gene Wilder for the upcoming production.) The story follows a very poor boy, named Charlie, who is one of five lucky children to find a golden ticket giving him a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour the elusive Wonka factory and receive the ultimate reward: lifetime supply of chocolate…or is it?

 

Nate Knoblock, who plays Phineas Trout, and brother Chris, who plays Willy Wonka.

“Willy Wonka the Musical” was also chosen because of the special way it involves kids, according to the show’s director Cathy VanLopik, adding it gives adult actors a chance to work with and mentor the next generation. In fact, Knoblock said it was his daughter, Kylee, who wanted to try out for a musical with her dad that brought Knoblock to Van Singel for the July auditions.

 

“My own father tried out with me for a musical when that wasn’t even his thing and we got to be in a musical together when I was a kid and I thought what fun to do it with my own daughter,” said Knoblock who actually got an extra treat with brother Nate being casted as reporter Phineas Trout.

 

More than 100 people tried out for parts in the production with residents from a number of areas, including Wyoming and Kentwood, being cast. Being this is a first-time venture, Van Singel Fine Arts Center Managing Director Sara Pass said they were pleasantly surprised at the turnout along with how well tickets have been selling at the box office.

 

“We figured we could not go wrong with anything that involves kids, candy, and song especially too because Willy Wonka is so timeless,” Pass said.

 

Showtimes for “Willy Wonka the Musical” is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2 and 2 p.m Dec. 2 at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW. The Van Singel is adjacent to the Byron Center High School at the corner of 84th Street and Burlingame Avenue. Tickets are $22 for the prime seating (which is selling fast for all shows) $19 for all others, $17 for students and seniors and $8.50 for children 10 and under. For more information call 616-878-6800 noon- 5 pm. Monday-Friday or visit www.vsfac.com.

Wyoming’s Master Arts Theatre teams up with Van Singel for a special production of ‘Willy Wonka’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , , ,

Wyoming’s Master Arts Theatre is partnering with its neighbor to the south, Byron Center’s Van Singel Fine Arts Center, to co-produce Roald Dahl’s music comedy “Willy Wonka” for the winter holiday.

 

The production will include four performances Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. Auditions have been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, and 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 26, at Van Singel Fine Arts Center, which is part of the Byron Center High School at 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW or the corner of Burlingame Avenue and 84th Street.

 

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in providing opportunities to feature local artists and actors in this wonderful venue, and look forward to collaboration with an organization that shares our dedication to serving the Byron Center and South Grand Rapids community with wholesome family entertainment and high standards of artistic excellence,” said Master Arts Theatre Artistic Director Pricilla McDonald.

 

Plans are underway to give subscribers from both non-profit organizations the ability to purchase advance seating and add the show as part of season packages. The two groups believe that this new alliance will be the beginning of many future community theater productions presented at the Van Singel. In fact, Van Singel Managing Director Sara Bower said she is thrilled to be creating this new partnership.

 

“We are so excited to partner with Master Arts for ‘Willy Wonka’,” Bower said. “Engaging the community is paramount to both of our organizations, and with a collaboration like this, there is so much opportunity to change lives through the arts – especially through a musical that everyone knows and loves.”

 

Based on the Gene Wilder film, this classic family musical follows world re-known and mysterious candy man, Willy Wonka, who hosts five young Golden Ticket contest winners at his magical candy empire. While on their tour of the surreal confectionary factory, the young winners and their families journey through the delicious art of candy making, where four of the children plunge into mischievous escapades. However, little do the five children and their families know that their dreamlike adventure is really a test of character and Willy Wonka is actually seeking an heir to his massive chocolate kingdom.

 

Bower said they are looking forward to “a multi-generation cast, having a lot of fun, working to put on a fantastic show; that that’s our goal for this production and for any potential future collaborations. We want families and neighbors to create memories from these experiences…whether it’s through performance, volunteering n the theatre, or coming to see the show.”

 

Tickets for “Willy Wonka” are $22 for reserved seating in sections II and III. Reserved seating in all other sections of the theatre are $19 for adults, $17 for students and senior citizens and $8.50 for children 10 and under. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center box office is open weekdays, noon to 5 p.m.

 

For more information abut auditions or the show, call Master Arts Theatre at 616-455-1001 or visit the company’s website at masterarts.org or call the Van Single Fine Arts Center at 616-878-6800 or visit vsfac.com.

Kelloggsville student finalist in 2017 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

A Kelloggsville High School student has been named a finalist in the 2017 Meijer Great Choices Film Festival.

 

Kolton Toothman is among the 60 finalists. He submitted a film for the K-6 Celebrating Diversity category. He is in the running for awards totaling $21,150. Awards are scheduled to be presented on Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m. at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, located at the corner of Burlingame Avenue and 84th Street. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is part of the Byron Center High School.

 

Students from throughout the state submitted nearly 400 thirty-second public service announcement videos promoting positive choices in the areas of Character Education, Healthy Living, and Celebrating Diversity. There are two different audiences that the young filmmakers targeted in their PSAs: kindergarten through sixth grade or seventh through twelfth grades. The Meijer Great Choices competition was designed for Michigan student filmmakers to exhibit their creative talent in audio/visual communications and to share their messages with K-12 schools throughout Michigan.

 

Audio/Visual/Advertising students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Ferris State University, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, Northwood University and Western Michigan University were the preliminary judges and choose the finalists based on specific criteria. High school students throughout Michigan have been notified that they are finalists and are invited to participate in the June 3rd awards presentation activities. There are eighteen first, second, and third place winners who will be announced at the awards presentation who will receive prizes of $1,500, $1,000, or $500 in the form of a gift card to Meijer or Apple. The 42 runners up (fourth through tenth place) will each receive a gift card for $75. All of the finalists in attendance will receive an award and gift at the awards presentation.

 

All 60 of the top PSAs will be shown at the Awards Reception at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center. In September, the winning PSAs in each category will be reproduced on DVDs and distributed to schools across the state as tools for their Character Education, Health Education and Diversity programs.

Byron Center student returns to her roots for benefit concert

3-bottom, Entertainment, , , ,
Mallory Skilling

The sweet sound of country is coming to the Van Singel when homegrown music artist Mallory Skilling returns to West Michigan, performing a benefit concert for the Van Singel Fine Arts Foundation. Former Byron Center native and former Cornerstone University student is set to perform with her band at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.

 

As a young girl, the singer/songwriter, attended Byron Center Public Schools. She studied contemporary music performance at Cornerstone University, completing her degree at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tenn. During her time at Cornerstone, Skilling released her first EP, “Spitfire Heart.” Since the release of her first EP, Mallory has added several singles to her collection, which can be found on both iTunes and Spotify. Her music is inspired by many artists including Patsy Cline, Miranda Lambert, Alison Krauss, The Band Perry, and the Civil Wars.

 

Currently, Skilling is working toward her master’s degree in elementary education at the University of Georgia and plans to graduate this December. She is, “looking forward to teaching students and sharing my love of music in the classroom.” She added, “I have many fond memories attending shows at the Van Singel as a child.” The Van Singel Fine Arts Center was the core to Skilling’s inspiration for the love of music and theater. She found that she was greatly impacted by her experiences through events presented at the center. She is thrilled to be returning to her roots and performing at there.

 

Skilling continues to pursue her music endeavors and has recently recorded a small EP composed of four songs that will soon be released.

 

Band members include former Cornerstone University student Ben Hoppe (acoustic guitarist), Cornerstone University graduate Jake Milo Partridge (drummer), Evan Profant (electric guitarist) and Daniel Schuler (Bass) from Ann Arbor.

 

Reserved seats are $25 and include a post-performance dessert buffet where patrons can meet the artist. Reserve tickets in person at the Van Singel box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available at www.vsfac.com.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, at 8500 Burlingame SW (84th Street and Burlingame SW) in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131. The Van Singel features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.

International jazz musician Tim Warfield comes to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,
Tim Warfield

International Jazz Saxophonist Tim Warfield, Jr. joins the nationally recognized Byron Center Jazz Orchestra for COOL JAZZ on Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center as part of the  2016-2017 Chemical Bank Series.

 

Tim Warfield, Jr., a native of York, Pennsylvania, began studying the alto saxophone at age nine. He switched to tenor saxophone during his first year at William Penn Sr. High School where he participated in various musical ensembles winning many jazz soloist awards, including second out of forty competitors at the Montreal Festival of Music in Canada. After high school, Warfield attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. for two years before leaving to lead and co-lead groups in the Central Pennsylvania and Baltimore/Washington areas.

 

Warfield has made several television appearances including the “Today Show,” “Bill Cosby’s You Bet Your Life” (where he was a member of the house band until 1992), and Ted Turner’s 1998 Trumpet Awards. Additionally, he has made numerous stage appearances with such names as Donald Byrd, Michelle Rosewoman, Marcus Miller, Marlon Jordan, James Williams, Christian McBride, Winard Harper, Dizzy Gillespie, Leslie Burrs to name a few, along as having been on several Grammy-nominated recordings.

 

Most recently, Warfield was recognized as the Clef Club of Jazz and the Performing arts Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. His newest recording is “Spherical,” which is a Criss Cross Jazz recording, is dedicated to piano genius and jazz icon Thelonious Sphere Monk and features trumpet legend Eddie Henderson, pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Clarence Penn.

 

Warfield currently serves as a board member, and music committee chairperson, for the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz and also serves as “artist-in-residence” at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa, and an adjunct music faculty member at Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pa. Warfield recently joined the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, under the direction of Terell Stafford.

 

Byron Center Jazz Orchestra

The Byron Center Jazz Orchestra, directed by Marc Townley, has competed at the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, Georgia every spring since 2014 and this year ranked third out of  12 high school bands from throughout the nation. This May will be the orchestra’s second time competing in New York at Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition and Festival at Lincoln Center in New York.

 

Reserved seats are $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for students. Reserve tickets in person at the Van Singel box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available at www.vsfac.com.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, at 8500 Burlingame SW, located at 84th Street and Burlingame SW in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131. The Van Singel features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.

Grand Ole Opry meets American Bandstand in national tour of ‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,
Have some pie with that music in “Pump Boys and the Dinettes”

By Kathy Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

 

Set in a gas station and diner, the “Double Cupp Diner,” on Highway 57 somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, NC, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” stars four gas station attendants (L.M., Jackson, Jim, and Eddie) and two waitresses (Prudie and Rhetta Cupp) who perform onstage with guitars, a piano, bass and, yes, even kitchen utensils. The music is a quirky, highly imaginative blend of country, rock-a-billy, swing, rock and roll, and jazz. Best of all, this terrifically fun national tour is set to make a pit stop at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center Jan. 26.

 

On February 4, 1982, “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” boasted as the  “friendliest, happiest show in town,” opened on Broadway at the Princess Theatre. There had been nothing like it before and audiences and critics fell in love with its downhome, earthy celebration of friendship and the simple things in life. With songs that celebrated the gifts of friendship, vacations, hard work, fishing, and color TV, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” garnered three Tony Award nominations and two Drama Desk Award nominations. One of the songs from the show, “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine,” reached number 67 on the Hot Country Songs charts.

 

“Pump Boys and Dinettes” was created by two friends, Jim Wann and Mark Hardwick, who experimented with the concept while playing five nights a week at a New York steakhouse. The idea took off from there and with the help of contributors and fellow performers; John Foley, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, and John Schimmel, they made their way from Off-Broadway to the bright lights of Broadway and on to London’s West End. Subsequent productions have been seen across the country including long runs in Chicago and Minneapolis, and an award-winning run at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

 

Pumping out the tunes in “Pump Boys and the Dinettes.”

“Pump Boys and Dinettes” will be at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seats are $42.50 for adults and $22.50 for students (high school and younger). Reserve tickets in person at the Van Singel box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. or by visiting www.vsfac.com.

 

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center sits at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, located at 8500 Burlingame SW, at the corner of 84th Street and Burlingame Avenue, in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131. The Van Singel features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.

Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival ready to receive entries for 2017

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

 

The Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival kicks off its ninth year of encouraging young film makers from around the state to create short PSAs that inspire K-12 students to make positive life choices!

 

The Meijer Great Choices Film Festival offers two levels of competition:

 

HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION

 

Public Service Announcements submitted by high school students are part of a state-wide education initiative promoting positive lifestyle choices. Students in grades 9 through 12 are asked to create a PSA that is no more than 30 seconds in length and address one of three topics: 1.) Building Character 2.) Healthy Living or 3.) Celebrating Diversity. Each student must also specify a target audience for their PSA(s) as either K-6th or 7th-12th grade.

 

Entries (:30 PSAs) submitted on DVDs will be accepted now through Feb. 10. The cost is $10 per entry or $5 per entry if submitted by the Jan. 19 Early Discount Deadline. Judging will take place March thru April and winners will be announced in late April. An awards event will be hosted for the 60 high school finalists, their families and friends on June 3, at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, when more than $21,000 in prizes will be granted in the form of gift cards to Meijer or Apple. Six students will receive top prizes of $1,500, six second place winners will receive $1,000, six third place filmmakers will receive $500 and 42 semi-finalists will each receive $75.

 

JUNIOR CLASSROOM COMPETITION

Michigan K-8 teachers can win up to $500 for their classrooms by entering their class in the 2016 Meijer Great Choices Junior Competition. Teachers are asked to guide their students through the process of making a 0:30 Public Service Announcement(s) for K-6th grade audiences, addressing issues of Good Character, Celebrating Diversity, or Healthy Living.  PSA submissions will be accepted Feb. 1 through 24. Winning PSAs are determined by public vote and winners will be notified in April.

 

Students and their teachers can download registration materials and guidelines at www.meijergreatchoices.com.

 

The competition’s Legacy Partners, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, The Vander Laan Family Foundation, and the Van Singel Fine Arts Center will once again team up with Meijer in promoting positive choices for Michigan students.

 

Audio/Visual students and professors from Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Cornerstone University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Western Michigan University are the preliminary judges and will choose the finalists based on specific criteria.

 

In the Fall, the Film Festival makes 5,000 DVD copies of the winning PSAs for distribution to all schools in the State of Michigan (public, private and charter), to A/V teachers, students, and media. The schools are able to use as the DVDs as tools for their Character, Health and Diversity Education programs for the 2017-2018 school year.

 

For more information contact the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, at 616-878-6801 or 616-878-6135.

Reserve your seats now for the 2016-2017 Van Singel Fine Arts Center season

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , ,

2016-2017 vsfac lineup

 

Van Singel Fine Arts Center, at 84th and Burlingame SW in Byron Center, has an impressive line-up of performances for its 2016-2017 season. For more information or buy tickets, go to the website at vsfac.com. Reserve your seats now: 616.878.6800.

 

the_hit_men_for_homepagerevised
The Hit Men

Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at 7 pm: The Hit Men Time Travel Tour

Experience a fun evening of classic rock ‘n roll featuring legendary musicians who performed with Frankie Valli, Carole King, Jim Croce, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens and more.

 

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at 2 pm and 7 pm: Miracle on 34th Street

Celebrate the Christmas season with this time-honored crowd-pleaser — a fun, family musical based on a favorite holiday tale made famous by the 1947 movie of the same name.

 

pumpboys_landing_pageThursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at 7:30 pm: Pump Boys and Dinettes

Get ready for some high-octane fun with an evening of country western songs that received unanimous raves on- and off-Broadway. With heartbreak and hilarity, the group performs on guitars, piano, bass and kitchen utensils.

 

Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 7:30 pm: The Freddy Cole Quartet

It’s an unforgettable evening when Freddy Cole (piano/vocals), Elias Bailey (Bass), Quentin Baxter (Drums), and Randy Napoleon (Guitar) continues the legacy of Nat “King” Cole and niece, Natalie, with musical memories that will always be remembered. Now in his 55th year of performing, this great singer and pianist has developed a huge following of his own. The instantly recognizable Cole voice and his veteran quartet play the classics as well as new compositions and interpretations from a huge repertoire for one performance only.

 

onemanstarwars_for_landing_pageThursday, March 16, 2017, at 7:30 pm: One-Man Star Wars Trilogy

May the farce be with you… From the producer that brought you Potted Potter comes the only Star Wars parody permitted by Lucasfilm Ltd. Come see Star Wars fanatic, Charles Ross, single-handedly condense the plots from the films into one hilarious show.

 

Friday, April 28 at 7:30 pm: Cool Jazz

It’s a hot night of cool jazz featuring the nationally recognized Byron Center Jazz Ensembles performing alongside international jazz musicians.

 

mallory_skilling_landing_pageThursday, May 18, 2017, at 7:30 pm: Mallory Skilling: Back Home Again

The Van Singel Fine Arts Foundation presents homegrown singer/songwriter, Mallory Skilling in a benefit concert Thursday, May 18 at 7:30 pm. Mallory attended Byron Center Public Schools as a young girl and is a graduate of Cornerstone University. She is currently living in Nashville where she is pursuing her musical career. malloryskilling.com.

 

To reserve your seats call the Van Singel Fine Arts Center box office at 616.878.6800 or download the ticket order form and fax it to 616.878.6820.

 

Or you can mail the form to: Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

 

Season Subscriber Ticket Discounts:
Purchase 3 shows – receive a 5% discount
Purchase 4-5 shows – receive a 10% discount
Purchase 6 shows – receive a 15% discount

 

Group Ticket Discounts:
Purchase 10-19 seats – receive a 5% discount
Purchase 20-49 seats – receive a 10% discount
Purchase 50+ seats – receive a 15% discount