Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
12/11/2014 – Karen Cameron Trio
Thursday, December 11 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from the Karen Cameron Trio. There is a $5 cover charge. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
12/12/2014 – 12/28/14 Hackley & Hume Historic Site Holiday Tours
The Hackley & Hume Historic Holiday Tours are offered on December 12-13- 5:00pm to 8:00pm, December 14 – 1:00pm to 4:00pm and December 26 & 27 – 5:00pm-8:00pm and December 28 – 1:00pm to 4:00pm Admission at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., is $5 for adults, guests 12 and younger are free. Admission is FREE at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, 504 W. Clay Avenue and the Fire Barn Museum, 510 W. Clay Ave. www.lakeshoremuseum.org
12/12/2014 – 12/13/14 Live Christmas and Holiday Music
You’re invited to the Lakes Mall Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 for live seasonal music performed by a variety of bands and choirs!
Friday, December 12
1pm – 3pm: Lakeshore Music Lessons – Music by staff and students of Cohea Academy of Music
3pm – 5pm: Fruitport High School Choir & Wind Ensemble
5pm – 6pm: Whitehall Jazz Band
7pm – 7:45pm: Life Change Church
Saturday, December 13
10am – 10:45am: Mona Shores High School Orchestra
10:45am – 11:30am: Churchill Elementary Rockstar Choir
11:30am – 12:30pm: Salvation Army Band
1:00pm – 1:45pm: Shelby Jazz Band
2pm – 3pm: A-Cappella Bella & The Muskegon Shoreline Chorus (four-part acapella harmony singing)
4pm – 5:30pm: Grace Assembly of God
6:30pm – 7:30pm: Muskegon Regional Police Pipes & Drums (bagpipe & drum music)
7:30pm – 9:30pm: The Leffring Sisters & Whitehall Advanced Choir
12/12/2014 – Plain Jane Glory CD Release Party
Friday, December 12 at 7:00pm, come to Unruly Brewing Co. for the “Plain Jane Glory” (formerly Fiddle Face) CD Release Party! Help support one of Muskegon’s favorite local bands as they celebrate the release of their first original CD. Special guests performing including RJ Nordlund and friends along with Lou Faino. Music begins at 7:00pm. This is a free show with no cover. For more information, call 231) 288-1068.
12/12/2014 – The Knicknacks
Friday, December 12 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from the Knicknacks. No cover. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
12/12/2014 & 12/13/14 Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
Come to the L.C. Walker Arena Friday, December 12 at 7:15pm as the Muskegon Lumberjacks take on the Sioux Falls Stampede. www.muskegonlumberjacks.com
12/12/2014 – West Michigan Symphony Presents: ‘Christmas Magic’
The West Michigan Symphony will take the Frauenthal stage on Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm as Clyde Mitchell returns to conduct the WMS. Featuring Monique Creber- vocalist, Michael Creber- pianist/musical director, Norse Singers and the WMS Children’s Choir with Beth Slimko, director. www.westmichigansymphony.org
12/13/2014 – Reindeer Super Saturday
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art Saturday, December 13 from 10:00am-3:00pm for a “Reindeer Super Saturday Free Family Fun Day”! The MMA and Hackley Library are partnering once again to celebrate reindeer. Make your own reindeer ornament, check out the arctic film and meet a REAL reindeer. Super Saturday admission & activities are free!
10:00am & 1:00pm Film: Arctic Tale (86 mins.) This film is based in the Arctic wilderness and is a saga of survival that follows the epic struggle of a young walrus and a polar bear.
11:00am-1:00pm Make & Take: Transform wooden parts and pieces into your own reindeer ornament.
11:00am-1:00pm Guided Tours: Explore the Essential Elijah Pierce and Branching Out with an MMA docent.
12:00pm-2:00pm Visit a REAL reindeer at Hackley Public Library.
Call 231-720-2574 for more information.
12/13/2014 – Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, December 13th from 10:30am – Noon, Santa’s elves will be at Walker Memorial Library to help you with your project. All supplies are provided! Make sure to bring your list for Santa! He will be making a special appearance at this event! Call 231-744-6080 for more information.
12/13/2014 – Skate with Santa
Jumping Jupiter has a special roller skating time planned for kids 10 and under with parents to roller skate with Santa on Saturday December 13 from 11:00-1:00pm. Admission is $6 but skate rental is FREE! www.jumpinjupiter.net
12/13/2014 – Free Photo with Santa!
Come to Hot Rod Harley-Davidson Saturday, December 13 from 11:00am-2:00pm to get a free photo with Santa! They’re located at 149 Shoreline Dr. Call 231-722-0000 for more information.
12/13/2014 – Muskegon Railroad Historical Society Holiday Open House
FREE admission! Bring the entire family to this one day event at the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society Holiday Open House Saturday December 13 from Noon – 4:00pm. You can view 3 operating model train layouts, see railroad artifacts, visit the library and become a member if you would like to. Refreshments will be available and donations are always accepted. www.mrhs-online.org/news.php
12/13/2014 – Reindeer on the Lawn
Saturday, December 13 from 2:00-3:00pm, join us on the lawn at Hackley Public Library to see and pet a real reindeer! Expert “reindeerologist” Carol Borton will tell us all about reindeer, and answer your questions about Santa’s friends. For more information, call 231-722-7276 ext. 230.
12/13/2014 – West Michigan Lake Hawks Basketball
The West Michigan Lake Hawks will be playing at home against the Indy Naptown All-Stars, Saturday, December 13 at 6:00pm (location TBD)! Tickets are $8 per person, or ask about special family pricing. www.lakehawksbasketball.com
12/13/2014 – RJ Nordlund
Saturday, December 13 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from RJ Norlund. No cover charge. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
12/13/2014 – Creber. Christmas. Cabaret.
Saturday, December 13 at 7:30pm, come to The Block at 360 W. Western Ave. for “Creber. Christmas. Cabaret.”! Michael & Monique Creber are joined by singing sensations Michelle Creber & Gabriel Brown as they present a stop on their collective Christmas tour. At Home is an “unplugged” performance of Christmas classics, originals, comedy and covers in an intimate house-party setting with great singing, beautiful harmonies, outstanding piano playing, plenty of audience interaction and guaranteed laughs! Tickets are $20. For more information, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org.
12/13/2014 – Christmas in Ireland with Tony Kenny
Saturday December 13 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal as Bob Scolnik presents Christmas in Ireland with Tony Kenny. Tickets $21.25 – $36.25 available at StarTickets 800-585-3737 or the Frauenthal Box Office 231-727-8001. Frauenthal Box Office Hours Monday – Friday 11:00am – 5:30pm. www.frauenthal.org
12/14/2014 – An Evening with C.S. Lewis
Sunday, December 14 at 2:30pm & 6:30pm, Gold Label Live! presents “An Evening with C.S. Lewis” on the Beardsley Theater stage featuring David Payne. This is a one-man show describing the life of C.S. Lewis, one of the literary giants of the 20th Century. General admission tickets are $31.20 and available at the Frauenthal Theater box office or through StarTickets at www.startickets.com.
12/14/2014 – Howl N Blues
”Howl N Blues” is a winter, six concert, blues party series held the 2nd Sunday of each month, November 2014 through April 2015 at the Watermark 920. There’ll be a cash bar, food, 50/50 raffles, dancing, and good times guaranteed! There’ll also be printed information about the plight of the shelter animals, the importance of spaying and neutering, adoptable dog pictures etc. All shows will benefit PoundBuddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center. Doors open at 1:00pm with music from 2:00-6:30pm. December 14 from 2:00-7:00pm, it’s MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY with Special guests (Phil Chester * Nick Archer * James Beegle * Bryan Michael Fischer * and a mystery Sax Player) including 2 Saxophones, Trumpet, Harmonica and two singers with the Howlin’ Blues Band. Find out more at www.watermarkcenter.com.
12/14/2014 – Candlelight Concerts
The First Congregational Church of Muskegon will present its 77th Candlelight Concert: “Magnificat” a Musical Celebration. Two performances will be given on Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 pm and at 7:00 pm. Highlighting the event will be a newly composed “Magnificat” by Mark Hayes featuring the sixty member Motet Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and guest conductor Dr. Nina Nash-Robinson of Central Michigan University. The music presented will be from the unique perspective of Mary and the role the angels played in proclaiming Christ’s birth. Joining the performance will be the Canterbury Handbell Ensemble and the Shema choir.
In addition the 3:00 pm concert, there will be a performance by the young voices of the Youth Alive Choirs. A goodwill offering will be taken and a reception will follow each performance. Come and join in this Muskegon Christmas tradition; all are welcome. The church is located at 1201 Jefferson St. For more information you may call the church office at 231-726-3254.
12/14/2014 – Feeding the Soul of the City
”Feeding the Soul of the City” lunch hour concerts began at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as a memorial to local musician John Robert Welsh. These concerts are free and open to the public in this beautiful, historical, downtown church. December 14 at 5:00pm, it’s the Grand Rapids Choir for Men & Boys, “Festival of Lessons and Carols”. For more information, call (231) 722-2112.
12/14/2014 – Max & Ruth and Friends Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14 at 7:00pm, come to the Howmet Playhouse for West Michigan music legends Ruth & Max Bloomquist as they return for their fourth annual holiday concert. Playing a blend of your favorite Ruth & Max tunes and traditional folk Christmas music, this evening is sure to lift your holiday spirits! Joining Max & Ruth are local favorites, Karin and Eric Smith who will be singing original holiday songs as well as traditional favorites. Tickets are $10 and available at City Hall or at the door. www.howmetplayhouse.org
12/16/2014 – Christmas Collage
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 7:00pm, West Michigan Christian High School will present their collage concert on the Frauenthal stage. (Doors open at 6:30pm) All Seats are General Admission. Tickets: Adults $10 Students $5 Available through StarTickets 800-585-3737 or the Frauenthal Box Office 231-727-8001. Frauenthal Box Office Hours Monday – Friday 11 am – 5:30 pm.www.frauenthal.org
12/16/2014 – Truth in Jazz Orchestra
Come to the Watermark 920 for the Truth in Jazz Orchestra, December 16 from 7:30-9:30pm. Tickets are available at the door only and are $5 or $2 for students. Fronted by West Michigan’s legendary drummer, Tim Fronceck, this group of 16 of the area’s top musicians plays charts from the classic era of the big bands up to today’s best charts from the hottest writers. Call 231-727-0805, Ext. 4201 for more information.
Ongoing Events:
Japanese Warriors Robots Exhibit
The Muskegon Museum of Art showcases selected robots from Schwartz’s collection of over 2,000 pieces produced from 1972-1982, during the peak of these action figures’ popularity. This show will thrill audiences of all ages! www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Visit Santa
You can visit with Santa at the Lakes Mall, November 15 through Christmas Eve, near Bed, Bath & Beyond! Monday through Saturday, hours are 11:00am-9:00pm. Visit Santa Sundays from 11:00am-6:00pm and Christmas Eve from 10:00am-6:00pm. www.thelakesmall.com
Armchair Archeology: From Hobby to History
”Armchair Archaeology: From Hobby to History” is on display at the Lakeshore Museum Center! The exhibit explores early archaeology practices and philosophies that would be considered controversial today and showcases the local men who did it right. The exhibit features ten Muskegon residents from the late 1800s to early 1940s who were working in the area to learn about who and what was living here before them. Artifacts on display from the local digs include pottery shards, arrowheads, projectile points, and tools. Visitors will have an opportunity to take a seat and spend some time reading books and journal articles written by and about the men featured in the exhibit. www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Collector’s Corner: Hat Pins
The Collector’s Corner exhibit at the Lakeshore Museum Center features the Hat Pin collection of Martha Giacobassi. Hatpins, the decorative yet functional objects that held women’s hats in place, have been popular since the 1800s. Styles range from plain and utilitarian to highly decorative and ornate. Hatpins grew in length as women’s hat styles grew in size, which meant that some hatpins were well over a foot in length. After injuries and attacks with hat pins began to receive news coverage in the 1910s, laws and ordinances were passed in many states limiting the length of hatpins and requiring that they have covered tips. The collection features 263 hatpins as well as hat pin holders, photos, and hats. Her collection will be on display through early March in 2015. www.lakeshoremuseum.org
Fall Into the Arts Exhibit
Open your eyes and let your mind wander as you enter the Nuveen Community Center for the Arts during the Fall into the Arts exhibit of 2014. Students from area schools have been given an upcycling challenge and what they are able to create with ordinary objects will blow your mind! Artwork from over a hundred students at ten area schools covers the Nuveen walls, reflecting the theme “Innovations: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary”. The exhibit will be on display beginning on November 13 through December 21, 2014. Community members are invited to view the artwork, donate to the school of their choice, and cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 in our NEW location at 106 E. Colby St. in Whitehall. The Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, the educational branch of the Arts Council of White Lake, is located at 106 E. Colby Street in downtown Whitehall. Exhibit hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-5:00pm. There is no charge for admission. Call 231-894-2787 for information about holiday hours.
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Mark your calendars for Carr-Fles Planetarium’s traditional holiday show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star,” at Muskegon Community College (room 135, 221 S. Quarterline Rd.). This film investigates the “star” and “sky signs” that declared the birth of Jesus Christ and caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem. Free public shows are 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 4 – December 11 (closed for Thanksgiving). This 35-minute program will be followed by a brief tour of the current night sky, using the planetarium dome. Reservations are not taken, but doors open for seating by 6:45pm, and the show will begin as soon as the auditorium is full. To schedule a private show of your choice for groups of 15-44, please call the Math and Physical Sciences Department, (231) 777-0289.
12/11/2014 – Thursdays are FREE at the Muskegon Museum of Art
Drop in for a free tour of the Muskegon Museum of Art every Thursday. If you prefer a guided tour, docents will lead you through the Museum’s new Centennial Collection every Thursday between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. No reservations needed! Call the museum for more information at 231-720-2574 or visit them online at www.muskegonartmuseum.org Located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon.
The Essential Elijah Pierce Exhibit
The Muskegon Museum of Art is pleased to present The Essential Elijah Pierce, an exhibition of more than 40 woodcarvings by barber, carver, and lay preacher Elijah Pierce! “Your life is a book and every day is a page,” Pierce believed. This is an exhibit you don’t want to miss! www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Muskegon Recreational Club Fish Fry
It’s Muskegon Recreation Club’s Fish Fry Time again! Every other Friday from September 19 – through Good Friday, April 3, you’re invited to take part in their popular fish dinner. Take out is from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Dine in from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. The cost is $9 for 1 lb. of Lake Perch, your choice of potato, coleslaw and bread. Onion rings are available for $3.00. The club is located at 1763 Lakeshore Dr. For more information, visit www.muskegonrecclub.com
Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Organically grown locally grown foods at the Sweetwater Food Market. They are open Saturday 9:00am- Noon. They pledge that the animal and vegetable products sold in this market were grown and raised locally- within the State of West Michigan! They are located at 6401 Prairie St. Norton Shores.
12/13/2014 – Indoor Ice Skating
Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy the change of the season with friends and family at LC Walker Arena for their public indoor ice skating! Listen to some “cool” music and enjoy the atmosphere from 1:00-2:30 for just $5.00 each. Skate rental is available and this is a great idea for birthdays and scouting events! www.lcwalkerarena.com