Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
02/01/2016 – Hackley Handycrafts: Valentine Book Art
Come to Hackley Public Library Monday, February 1 at 6:00pm for Hackley Handycrafts: Valentine Book Art! Using a discarded book, Nancy Hartman will take you through the steps to make a truly unique work of Valentine art. For more information, call 231-722-7276.
02/02/2016 – Victory in Praise and Church of the Living God Choirs
February 2 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the Victory in Praise and Church of the Living God Choirs as they celebrate Black History Month. These two great choirs return for one awesome concert. Brandon Davis and the Victory in Praise Choir is a community choir in the Muskegon/West Michigan Area. They are comprised of Christians from various denominations. The Church of the Living God Choir is well known as a wonderful church choir in the greater Muskegon area. Brandon introduces the pieces with a bit of history. Brought to you through the generous bequest of Bess Commodore. For more information, call 231-722-7276.
02/02/2016 – White Lake Classical Series
Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00pm, you’re invited to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the White Lake Classical Series featuring Steve Thielman & Friends, featuring Sondra Cross, clarinet; Michelle Vallier, violin; Bryan Uecker, piano; Becky Parks, violin! The cover is $5. If you like, get their at 6:15 to enjoy a wonderful dinner of garlic and peppercorn encrusted pork tenderloin with a strawberry green pepper sauce; creamy polenta; sauteed kale and shallots; glass of house wine and chocolate ganache topped olive oil cake with roasted grapes for only $17. RSVP to The Book Nook & Java Shop by calling (231) 894-5333.
02/02/2016 – Pianist, Dr. Solee Lee-Clark
Tuesday February 2 at 6:30pm, you’re invited to Walker Memorial Library for beautiful piano music! From Carnegie hall to Walker Community Center, Dr. Solee Lee-Clark will present a classical recital on their restored grand piano. Dr. Clark, organist and accompanist at First Congregational Church and staff accompanist for Hope College, played at Carnegie Hall in 2014. For more information, call 231-744-6080.
02/04/2016 – 02/07/16 Rebel Road Winter Burnout
February 4-7, it’s the Rebel Road Winter Burnout to benefit the Muskegon Child Abuse Council! Come help them keep the fire burning on Rebel Road (Western Ave.) with all of your favorite food, beverages, vendors, live bands and burning barrels!
Thursday:
Cards Against Humanity – Racquets Downtown Grill, 7:00pm, $20 per team
Friday:
Full Service Open Air Bar with burning barrels – 6:00pm-11:00pm
Band – Pop Fiction, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Disk Golf – 6:00pm
Saturday:
Full Service Open Air Bar with burning barrels – 10:00am-11:00pm
Band – Whoopee Cat, 8:00pm-11:00pm
Corn Hole – 10:00am
Chili Cook-Off – $0.50 per sample, 11:30am-2:00pm, 3rd Floor of the Hilt Building, vendors, games for the whole family, auction
Disk Golf – 6:00pm
Sunday:
Motorcycle Swap Meet – 10:00am-5:00pm, L.C. Walker Arena
02/04/2016 – 02/18/16 Postcard Salon Exhibition, Reception & Sale
February 4 – 18, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the Postcard Salon Exhibition, Reception & Sale! The MMA’s popular Postcard Salon returns in 2016 with the opportunity to view hundreds of small-scale artworks by artists throughout the region. The short exhibition ends with a free Postcard Salon reception and sale on February 18. The reception starts at 5:30pm with complimentary refreshments and a cash bar. Starting at 7:00pm that night, guests can buy the artworks for $30 each. The Postcard Salon is sponsored by G&L Greek Chili Dogs and WGVU Public Media. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
02/04/2016 – Happy Hour Painting
Thursday, February 4 from 6:00-8:00pm, enjoy Happy Hour Painting with Instructor Marlan Cotner at the Muskegon Museum of Art! The cost is $30 or $25 for members, and includes materials and your first beverage. This class is for ages 21 & up and is for all skill levels. Join them for another round of painting and spirits focusing on The Kiss, the famous painting by Gustav Klimt. This golden painting embraces the viewer and the subjects. Pre-registration is required by calling 231-720-2571 by January 28.
02/04/2016 – Live Music: Third Coast
Thursday, February 4 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Third Coast. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
02/05/2016 – 02/06/16 Michigan Anglers Association ‘Ed Subler’ Fishing Derby
Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, come to the Lakeside Eagles for the Michigan Anglers Association “Ed Subler” Fishing Derby! Friday’s event is their opening social time with a fish & chicken fry and fun raffles. Saturday’s derby begins at 10:00am with weigh-in time before 3:00pm. Tickets are available at local bait stores and the Lakeside Eagles. The cost is $2 and includes a raffle for prizes after 3:00pm.
02/05/2016 – 02/06/16 Polar Plunge & Pre-Registration Party
The Muskegon Polar Plunge takes place at Fricano’s on February 6, 2016. Registration starts at 12:00pm. The Plunge will start at 2:00pm, with the awards and After Splash Bash at 4:00pm. There is free admission to the After Splash Bash for plungers. There will be a $10 fee for guests which includes pizza. If you would like to avoid the registration lines on Plunge Day, there will be a Pre-Registration Party on Friday, February 5 at Fricano’s to come in and get registered and turn in your donations. You can come any time from 4:00 – 8:00pm. For more information, visit https://www.firstgiving.com/polarplunge/Muskegon16.
02/05/2016 – Black History Community Choir Concert
Friday, February 5 from 6:00-7:30pm, come to Collegiate Hall at MCC for “Celebrating Black History through Song, Poetry and the Spoken Word: Community Choir Concert.” Students and community members, accompanied by Robert Moore and Greenbrook, will share the struggles and successes of African Americans through song, poetry/spoken word and dance. For more information, call 231-777-0582.
02/05/2016 – Honoring Our Heroes featuring The Accidentals
Come to the Watermark 920, Friday, February 5 at 6:00pm for the “Honoring Our Heroes” event featuring live music from The Accidentals with special Guest Muskegon’s Christopher C. Cordle. This event will be free with donations being accepted at the door for the 501(c)3 charity organization, Finish The Mission, a veteran relief fund. Along with the concert, there will be silent auctions and 50/50 raffles to raise money for our area veterans in need. For more information, call 231-865-3332.
02/05/2016 – First Friday Fan Fun-Raiser
The first Friday of the month, The Book Nook and Java Shop features a celebrity bartender and encourages their fans to show up and raise money. Tips and 20% of all proceeds will benefit the charity of their choice. Friday, February 5 at 7:00pm, the celebrity bartender will be Whitehall Mayor, Ed Whalen! This Month’s Charity is the White Lake Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Muskegon County. Enjoy live music from Serita Crowley & Jon Hayes, winners of the WYCE Jammie Award, and Three Time Eclipse Award-Winning Singer Serita Crowley, also known as “Black Rose” is a Funk, Rock, Blues, Neo-Soul Songstress Extraordinaire from West Michigan. Dinner will have a Mardi Gras Theme, featuring Chicken Creole over Rice, Homemade Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, Mai Tai Margaritas, Rum & Cokes, Hurricanes, Cafe Royale Lattes and New Holland “Dirty Bastards” Craft Beer. Laissez les bon temps rollez! For more information, call 231-894-5333.
02/05/2016 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game!
After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season to win it and tonight they will go against the Bloomington Thunder. They will back to back games both Friday & Saturday with the Thunder this week. The puck drops at 7:15pm both nights. Friday is $1 beer and hotdog night. Saturday is Beard Night! Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street, downtown Muskegon.
02/05/2016 – West Michigan Symphony Presents: Viva Italia!
The West Michigan Symphony invites you to the Frauenthal Theater Friday, February 5 at 7:30pm to take a mid-winter Italian vacation with WMS! Nearly every piece Gioacchino Rossini wrote was full of humor and warmth, and none more so than The Italian Girl in Algiers. Next, in what is regarded as one of the greatest violin concertos of all time, Philippe Quint performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor. Finally, inspired by his travels to Italy, Felix Mendelssohn described his joyful and extroverted Italian Symphony as “the jolliest piece I have ever done.” Call Rita at 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex and Smash Wine Bar & Bistro have partnered to provide this year’s Dine and Glide. February 6th for a progressive dinner and XC skiing. Each ticket includes your meal, 1 drink ticket, trail pass and rental equipment. You’ll enjoy a 5 course meal and beverages as you ski from course to course on the lighted trails at the Sports Complex. This is perfect for a romantic date night or fun evening out with friends. Menu
1st course The starter- white chocolate macadamia brownie bits 2nd course Easing in- hot beer cheddar soup served in an fresh baked bread bowl. 3rd course Hit em’ hard- Cajun sausage & shrimp jambalaya served over white rice 4th course Will I make it- 1/2 lb. Thai Asian chicken wings 5th course Finish line- Wine, Fireball or Blue Tahitian snow cones
02/06/2016 – Hearty Bread Bowls and Soups with Chef Char Morse
Saturday, February 6 from 9:00am-11:00am, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the adult cooking class “Have Your Bowl and Eat It Too: Hearty Bread Bowls and Soups with Chef Char Morse!” Learn the basics to homemade stocks and broths as the foundation to several soup possibilities. Demo and discuss: Tips for making clear stocks, understand difference between stock, broth and bisque. You will be making hearty bread bowls to go along with two soups made in class. Your recipes packet will include however: Homemade Chicken Noodle with Vegetables, Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil, Vegetable Bean, Classic French Onion and Curried Butternut. The cost is $38 and you can register at www.eventbrite.com.
02/06/2016 – Black History Month Trivia Contest
So you think you know your Black History? Form a group with your friends (up to 4 per team, 6 teams total) and pit your knowledge against other teams. Call Hackley Public Library at 231-722-7276 to register your team by February 5. On February 6, at 2:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library to see the contest, hosted by a surprise celebrity. Teams will be asked questions on Black History. They’ll have prizes for First, Second, and Third place teams, as well as some consolation prizes. Cheer on your friends and family! Brought to you through the generous bequest of Bess Commodore. www.hackleylibrary.org
02/06/2016 – Pop Star Party: A Family Dance Party Fundraiser
The Muskegon Lakeshore Figure Skating Club presents “Pop Star Party: A Family Dance Party!” This fundraiser features Digital Joes Mobile Entertainment, games, food, a costume contest and photo booth. It’s all happening Saturday, February 6 from 5:00-8:00pm at the Elks Lodge in Grand Haven. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, email sk8mlfsc@gmail.com.
02/06/2016 – West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
The West Michigan Lake Hawks ABA basketball team will play a home game against the Team NetWork at Reeths Puffer High School Saturday, February 6 at 6:00pm. For more information, visit lakehawksbasketball.com.
02/06/2016 – Dance the Night Away
Door prize drawings for advanced ticket purchases. B.Y.O.B. – appetizers and water provided $12.00 per person. Dress to Impress or Classy Casual Complimentary dance lessons – ballroom, swing and line dancing. Proceeds to benefit Greater Muskegon Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.
02/06/2016 – Live Music: Knick Knacks
Saturday, February 6 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from the Knick Knacks. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
02/06/2016 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game!
After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season to win it and tonight they will go against the Bloomington Thunder. They will back to back games both Friday & Saturday with the Thunder this week. The puck drops at 7:15pm. Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street, downtown Muskegon.
02/06/2016 – Concert @The Block: Philippe Quint, violin
Award-winning American violinist Philippe Quint is a multifaceted artist whose wide range of interests has led to several Grammy nominations for his albums and performances with major orchestras throughout the world. Quint studied at Moscow’s Special Music School for the Gifted and made his orchestral debut at the age of nine. After moving to the United States, he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School. Philippe Quint plays unaccompanied in a solo performance at this mid-winter concert at The Block.
Call Rita at 231.726.3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:30, concert begins at 7:30 PM.
02/07/2016 – Michgian Winter Triathlon
Come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Sunday, February 7 beginning at 10:00am for the Michigan Winter Triathlon! This is your opportunity to try out three exciting Winter Olympic sports (luge, ice speedskating and cross country skiing) in a family-friendly competition smack in the heart of “Pure West Michigan.” The event is geared toward those the have never done at least one of these sports. There are no big awards. There is no pressure to win. You’ll simply have fun doing a sport you would not normally think about trying. Learn everything you need to know to get through this competition in continuous 20 minute clinics at each venue.
ENTRY FEE: $20 Ages 12 and under
$25 Ages 13 and over
$50 Family rate (mom/dad and children living in the same house)
10:00-11:30am: Check in and registration in the lodge. YOU MUST HAVE PROOF OF HEALTH CARE INSURANCE!!!
10:30am: Clinics held for beginners at the three venues. 20 minute continuous sessions. For safety reasons, it is mandatory that everyone attend a luge clinic. You do not have to attend the ski or skate clinics unless you want extra training.
Noon-2:30pm: Begin the skating and luge competitions. Do whichever one you want first then go to the other event when done. It is up to you to manage your time so you can participate in both the luge and speedskating competitions before the start of the ski race. The ski race goes off at 3:00pm sharp whether you are finished or not at the other two venues!!!
3:00pm – Cross country ski race begins (mass start)
4:00pm – Awards presented
For more information, call Mark Jastrzembski at 231-828-4627.
02/07/2016 – Motorcycle Swap Meet
Paragons Promotion in conjunction with the Rebel Road Winter Burn Out present the 1st Annual Muskegon Motorcycle Swap Meet. Sunday, February 7 from 10:00am-4:00pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena to buy, sell or trade bikes, parts, leather and more, all to benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon! Food and beverages will be available. For more information, call 1-800-800-6034.
Ongoing Events:
Pennants from the collection of Peggy Tully are now on display in the Collectors Corner at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Her collection showcases pennants collected in the late 1940s and early 1950s from all over the United States and Canada. Starting with the collector’s hometown of Marshall, Michigan all the way to the Grand Canyon and beyond. This collection will be on display through the end of February 2016. The museum is open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. For more information, call 231-722-0278 or visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
The Holocaust: A Ripple in Time
When you have survived one of the greatest tragedies imaginable, where do you go from there? Walk through an exhibit that explains life before, during and after the Holocaust. Cost is $5.00 per person or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. The exhibit will run through February 22, 2016. For more information, call 231-755-1230.
Storytelling through the Mail: Tall Tale Postcards
The Lakeshore Museum Center invites you to explore the exhibit “Storytelling through the Mail: Tall Tale Postcards.” Imagine a land where corn grows to the size of tree trunks; where the lakes are so cold the trout have fur coats; where deer have become the hunters and men are their prey. These assorted oddities come vividly to life in this exhibit at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Tall tales are humorous stories of exaggeration that often involve ludicrous or absurd imagery. The exhibit features over 80 tall tale postcards demonstrating this unique form of popular humor. The exhibit is on loan from the Michigan State University Museum. The Lakeshore Museum Center is located at 430 W. Clay Ave. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
A Bridge Between: Whitehall and Montague .
The Lakeshore Museum Center invites you to view the exhibit, “A Bridge Between: Whitehall and Montague.” Artifacts and photographs tell the story of the early days of Montague and Whitehall when the cities got their start during the lumbering industry. Lumber mills attracted workers who needed housing, food, and supplies so stores and hotels were built. Businesses like tanneries and shingle mills which made use of the excess bark and wood from lumbering also moved into the community. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org
The history of Marsh Field is explored in a small display at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Photographs and text recount 100 years of baseball played at this Muskegon park. Marsh Field has hosted everything from community events to Major League affiliate baseball teams. Baseball Hall of Fame Players, like Satchel Paige, have played there as well as hometown heroes like Earl Morrall. Learn more about the history of Marsh Field now through June of 2016. The Lakeshore Museum Center is located at 430 W. Clay Ave. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
88th Regional Exhibition Artwork Entry Registration
Through March 19, 2016, the 88th Regional Exhibition Artwork Entry Registration is open. The Muskegon Museum of Art has established a digital artwork entry process for its 88th Regional Exhibition, for the first time in the competitive Regional’s long history. Online entry is available through the callforentry.org (CaFÉ) website. Search keyword “Muskegon” to find the show. Free CaFÉ registration is required for entry. The 88th Regional will run from May 12 through August 3, 2016. The deadline for entry is March 19, 2016. Hand delivery days for accepted artwork will be April 21, 22, and 23.
Reading by Any Means Necessary
You’re invited to the James Jackson Museum of African American History for the “Reading…by any means necessary” program, every Monday through Saturday from 2:00-5:30pm. The museum is located at 7 E. Center St. in Muskegon Heights. Call 231-739-9500 for more information.
A fury is building on the surface of the sun, with high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, and rising loops of electrified gas. What’s driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find the answers as we venture into the seething interior of our star. “Solar Superstorms” is a major new production that takes viewers into dramatic flares, violent solar tornadoes, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections. The program features one of the most intensive efforts ever made to visualize the inner workings of the sun, including a series of groundbreaking computer visualizations. This NEW 30-minute program will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, January 12 – March 31 (except: closed Mar 1 & 3 for spring break), and will be followed by a brief constellation demonstration projected on the planetarium dome. As always, the show is free, and no reservations are needed. Doors open for seating at 6:45. For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15-44, please call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.
COMMON GROUND: African American Art
December 10, 2015 through March 20, 2016, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the exhibition, “COMMON GROUND: African American Art from the Flint Institute of Arts, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Muskegon Museum of Art”! Common Ground is a collaboration between three Michigan art museums showcasing the best of each institution’s renowned collections of African American artwork combined in one exhibition, including some of the most important African American artists from the nineteenth century to present day. Common Ground is divided into five thematic areas that will give a broad overview of the history of African American art, showing its diversity as well as its commonality. The exhibition includes more than 60 top-rated works in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and works on paper. Common Ground is underwritten by DTE Foundation with additional support from Fifth Third Bank and the Nancy A. Waters and Mark Waters Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. MLive/Muskegon Chronicle is the Common Ground media sponsor. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
I, TOO, AM AMERICA: The Art of Bryan Collier
January 18-April 17, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the exhibition, “I, too, am America: The Art of Bryan Collier.” This exhibition features 15 large scale original artworks created by Bryan Collier for his picture book, I, Too, Am America, which illustrates the seminal poem, I, Too by Langston Hughes. Collier graduated from the Pratt Institute and was a former Program Director at the Harlem Horizon Institute. His accolades include the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, Caldecott Medal, and Jane Addam’s Children’s Book Award. He was also a nominee for an NAACP image award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work. Underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
Art Talk: Regional Ekphrastic Poetry Competition
All adult/college area writers residing within the state of Michigan are invited to create original ekphrastic poems based on one of 10 artworks selected from the permanent collection and the Common Ground exhibition. Cash prizes, Muskegon Museum of Art memberships, and gift certificates will be awarded to the winning poets. Guidelines, images of selected works, and entry forms are available at the MMA gift store or may be downloaded from the MMA website at muskegonartmuseum.org. Entries must arrive at the MMA by March 24. Award winners will read their poems and be recognized at a ceremony on April 21. Questions? Call the MMA Education Department at 231-720-2587 or email: cmott@mpsk12.net.
Kids are invited to Walker Public Library at 3:15pm every Thursday (except for when there is a half-day or no school) for “After School Movie Madness!” Age appropriate movies are shown and popcorn is provided while supplies last! Call 231-744-6080 or visit the library to find out what movie is playing each week!
Art & a Glass: Thursday Happy Hour at the MMA
Every Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Art & a Glass!” Bring your friends to a museum-style happy hour! Take a break and enjoy the art with a glass of wine or a great craft brew. General admission is free Thursday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, so take advantage of the opportunity to discover your Museum at no cost. There will be a cash bar. You must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Muskegon Civic Theatre Saturday Classes
The Muskegon Civic Theatre offers wonderful enrichment classes for kids every Saturday from January 2-February 6. There are three different levels based on your child’s age:
Kreative Kids and Characters
Grades 2–3
Saturdays 10:00-11:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
Characters Create
Grades 4–6
Saturdays 10:00-11:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
Exploring Characters
Grades 7–12
Saturdays 9:00-10:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
They accept cash, check or credit card for tuition payment. Bring or mail your registration and payment to:
Muskegon Civic Theatre
425 W. Western Avenue, Suite 401
Muskegon, MI 49440
For more information, call (231) 722-3852.
Taco Saturday at Mona Lake Boating Club
The public is invited to the Mona Lake Boating Club every Saturday September 5 – May 28 from 11:30am-2:00pm for their famous homemade tacos, taco salads and nachos! Call 231-798-4011 for more information.