Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Edward S. Curtis: Community Read Program
March 6 – May 16
A Community Read program will set the stage for “Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian,” an exhibit coming to the Muskegon Museum of Art May 11 through September 10, 2017. The exhibition celebrates the artistry and cultural legacy of early-1900s photographer Edward Curtis. The entire collection of 723 portfolio photographs from The North American Indian will be on display. This in-depth survey of Curtis’s iconic body of work will also examine the challenges and controversies that the work generated from the start.
The MMA is collaborating with area library branches to offer free copies and discussions of the book Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward S. Curtis by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Timothy Egan. Egan’s book tells the riveting, cinematic story behind the most famous photographs in Native American history and Edward S. Curtis—the driven, brilliant man who made them. This is all in conjunction with Timothy Egan’s visit to the Frauenthal Center theatre in Muskegon on May 17 to discuss his book.
Book Give Away:
Area libraries will give away books, while supplies last, compliments of the Muskegon Museum of Art. Books are available at Muskegon Area District Library branches including the Hackley Public Library, White Lake Community Library, Loutit District Library and Spring Lake District Library. Books may also be purchased at the MMA.
Book Discussions:
Book discussions will take place through May 4 at the library branches, the Muskegon Museum of Art and at the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague.
Schedule:
May 2, 10:00am at North Muskegon – Walker Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
May 3, 6:30pm at Ravenna Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
May 4, 2:00 pm at Hackley Public Library
May 4, 10:30 am at Norton Shores Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
An Evening with Author Timothy Egan:
The Community Read program is organized ahead of an evening with the award winning author Timothy Egan on May 17 at the Frauenthal Theater. A book signing will follow Egan’s program. Tickets are $10. For tickets, visit frauenthal.org/event/author-timothy-egan.
For more information about the Community Read program, call 231-720-2580.
Alter-Ego
April 14 @ 11:00 am – May 13 @ 5:00 pm
April 14 – May 13, come to Art Cats Gallery for the “Alter-Ego” show. Watch what happens when a group of artists work outside their comfort zone and work in a different style, medium or event a different persona. This exhibit will feature Lee Brown, John Hopson, Jeff Blandford, Chris Willis, Renae Hesselink, Mike Miesch, Louise Hopson, Lisa Wilkerson, Cat Jackson, Dee Dwight and Gloria Kirk-Hanna, as well as the mysterious ladies Kay Allen* and Marie DuBreuil*! The artist meet and greet will be April 21 from 5:00 – 7:00pm. For more information, call (231) 755-7606.
Body Works Yoga
May 1
Mondays in May, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center’s “Body Works” exhibit for a baby and toddler yoga! Babies from newborn to 12 months will enjoy a special bond with their adult through this relaxing yoga class, toddlers will learn yoga poses in a fun and engaging way. Baby classes are from 11:15-11:45am and toddler classes are 12:00-12:30pm.
Remember to wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing. Please arrive a few minutes early as class will start promptly. Bring a yoga mat for adult and child to share for the baby class or two mats for the toddler class. Please also bring a blanket for the child to use during the closing relaxation exercise. The cost is $32 for a 4-week session or $10 for individual sessions. Registration is required by calling 231-722-0278.
Historic Sites Open for the Season!
May 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Muskegon County Historic Sites will open for the season May 1! Tour the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era and Michigan’s Heritage Park at Hilt’s Landing. Hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm.
Hackley & Hume Historic Site
Adults and Teens $7, Seniors $5 (65 and older)
Youth (2 – 12) FREE
484 W. Webster Ave., 231-722-7578
Fire Barn Museum
FREE Admission for all ages
510 W. Clay Ave., 231-722-7578
Scolnik House of the Depression Era
FREE Admission for all ages
504 W. Clay Ave., 231-722-7578
Michigan’s Heritage Park
Adults and Teens $10, Youth (2 – 12) $5,
Seniors $8 (65 and older)
8637 N. Durham Rd., 231-894-0342
Behind the Book Talk: Gary Slaughter’s Sea Stories
May 1 @ 6:00 pm
The USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites you to join them Monday, May 1 at 6:00pm to hear Gary Slaughter who will present a Behind the Book talk on his new book, Sea Stories: A Memoir of a Naval Officer (1956 -1967).
Sea Stories brings to life 60 vignettes from Slaughter’s naval service including his experience during the Cuban Missile Crisis where Ensign Slaughter was credited with playing a key role in defusing a potential nuclear confrontation between his destroyer and a Soviet submarine armed with a nuclear torpedo. His adept handling of this dangerous situation was featured in two documentary films aired in America and abroad on the 40th anniversary of the incident in 2012.
Other stories include Slaughter’s service in the Mediterranean tour aboard a destroyer on which Lieutenant Slaughter was serving as Engineering Officer, a boiler explodes. And the time when after too many beers, a sailor returns to the ship and jumps into the icy waters off the coast of Portland, Maine. You will also hear his memories of being transferred by high-line from his destroyer to an aircraft carrier, and how he nearly drowned when he was dropped into the rough sea while trapped in a closed metal cage.
As a writer, Slaughter has the unique skill to see humor and likability in the people and the situations he encountered during his Navy days. His writing skills are on full display in Sea Stories, as well as in his previous series of five award-winning Cottonwood novels set on the World War II home front.
Midwest Book Review predicts what you can expect from Sea Stories: “Slaughter is an undeniably talented writer, a master at describing lovable characters and an engaging story-telling narrative enriched with humor and originality.”
For more information, visit www.silversidesmuseum.org.
White Lake Classical Series
May 2 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 2 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the White Lake Classical Series featuring soprano, Rachael Gates accompanied by Robert Cornwell on piano. “Anchored in the Lord,” is an evening of spirituals and soul food. Get there by 6:15pm if you would like to enjoy a dinner of smoked pork loin with tangy Carolina gold sauce, baked grits, braised greens, a glass of house wine and peach cobbler. The cost for dinner is $17. The cover charge is $5.
Rachael Gates is a Soprano, Opera Director and Singing Health Specialist who has sung in Germany, Russia, Italy and throughout the United States. She has taught at Northwestern University, The Hartt School of Music, Yale University, Michigan State University, and is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Voice and Pedagogy at Grand Valley State University. She is the voice specialist for the CMS Committee on Musicians’ Health and is published in the NATS Journal of Singing. Her book, The Owner’s Manual to the Voice (Oxford) is available on Amazon and at The Metropolitan Opera Shop.
Robert Cornwell is an accomplished pianist and accompanist with degrees in performance from Oberlin College and the University of Michigan. He has a private studio in Okemos, MI.
RSVP to The Book Nook & Java Shop by calling (231) 894-5333.
Century Club Open House
May 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Century Club Retail Center will be having an open house from 6:00-8:00pm the first Tuesday of every month, offering different specials every week. For more information, e-mail renae@oceanawinery.com.
Mary Poppins
May 4 – May 7
May 4 – 7, Muskegon Civic Theatre invites you to the Frauenthal for “Mary Poppins!” The jack-of-all trades Bert introduces us to England in 1910, and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary Poppins must teach the family how to value each other again. She takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon.
Tickets are $22 & $24. For more information, visit www.frauenthal.org.
13th Annual “Fashion & Frolic” Charity Event
May 4 @ 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce is setting a $40,000 goal for its 13th annual “Fashion & Frolic” charity event May 4 at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center Downtown Muskegon.
The four-hour event features a style show, marketplace with local businesses and a silent auction. It’s also the WDCC’s largest fundraiser for its general fund, which helped support more than 30 community projects and nonprofit organizations last year.
In total, the Fashion & Frolic events generated more than $270,000; last year’s event alone netted more than $36,000 for the WDCC to provide assistance to local organizations and charities.
This year’s event, themed Springtime in Paris, will be held from 4:30-8:30pm May 4 and includes:
- A style show featuring more than 50 models showcasing apparel from 12 local clothing stores and boutiques
- A marketplace to purchase items and services from more than 25 local businesses
- A silent auction with exotic and exciting trips, dining & entertainment, art & décor, and much more
Tickets cost $35, which also includes dinner. To reserve a seat, please call 616-550-6084.
Norton Shores Library Used Book Sale
May 5 – May 6
The Friends of the Norton Shores Library invite you to their Spring Book Sale, Friday, May 5 from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday, May 6 from 9:00am to 3:30pm in the Library’s Community Room. This semi-annual sale offers a wonderful selection of used books in hardbound and paperback. Prices range from .25¢-$3.00. They include men’s and women’s adult fiction and nonfiction; children’s books; cookbooks; books on military, sports, religion, gardening and travel; as well as interesting and beautiful “coffee table” books. On Saturday, May 6 from 1:30-3:30 there will be a $3.00 bag sale. Stop at this book lover’s paradise, where all proceeds benefit the Norton Shores Library, a branch of the Muskegon Area District Library. For more information, call 231-780-8844.
LST 393 Veterans Museum Volunteer Fix-Up Weekend
May 5 @ 9:00 am – May 6 @ 5:00 pm
It’s time to get the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum ready for the season! Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 from 9:00am – 5:00pm, volunteers are needed aboard this historic warship, moored at the Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon.
“We have a lot of projects we need help with” said museum board President Scott Grant. “You don’t have to be handy, you just have to be willing to lend a hand.” Grant said there are have several projects to work on from landscaping to building. Equipment will be supplied, but anyone with their own tools will be gratefully welcomed. Anyone interested in helping for any part of the weekend or with questions can call Grant at (231) 740-3503.
Muskegon Community Art Artists’ Reception
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
You are invited to the Muskegon Community Art Artists’ Reception at the Muskegon Center for the Arts open house every first Friday night of the month from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Every month there is a different display and art event for the month. Come meet and talk with the artists and view the creativity of awesome art work. www.facebook.com/redlotusgallery
First Fridays
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Each First Friday of the month in Downtown Muskegon, we will have Family Friendly Fun! It may be a dance party, or street performers or something more! May 5 from 6:00 – 8:00pm, come to the Muskegon Farmers’ Market as First Fridays partners with Mercy Health’s Safe Kids Day to provide fun, family-friendly activities and information regarding how to keep kids safe! There will be games, activities, important information, demonstrations and more! For more information, call 231-722-3751.
First Friday Fan Fundraiser
May 5 @ 7:00 pm
The first Friday of the month, the Book Nook & 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. This month, the celebrity bartender is Mitch Coleman and the charity is Hope Scarves whose mission is to share scarves, stories and hope with women facing cancer (www.hopescarves.com). Enjoy live music from Legal Rehab and a delicious dinner of Bourbon-Glazed Pork Ribs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans and Toasted Pecans for only $9.25. The drink special is a Mint Julep for $5.00. For more information, call 231-894-5333.
Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers
May 5 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, May 5 at 7:30pm, come to the Howmet Playhouse for Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers! One of Scotland’s premier traditional bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can’t get better … yet continue to do just that.
The Tannahills have turned their acoustic excitement loose on audiences with an electrifying effect. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable. As the Winnipeg Free Press noted, “The Tannahill Weavers—properly harnessed—could probably power an entire city for a year on the strength of last night’s concert alone. The music may be old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.”
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, call (231) 894-4048.
Hero Mud Run
May 6 @ 9:00 am
Saturday, May 6 beginning at 9:00am, come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for the Hero Mud Run! This military style obstacle course consists of 40+ muddy, extreme, push you to your limit obstacles and intense terrain. Three, six, and eight mile courses are available, all for the same price. There will also be competitive and fun run heats, a health expo, free health screenings and a beer tent with music and Budweiser products. Race entry includes a t-shirt, medal and one free beer for those 21 and older. Spectators are free! Register now at www.heromud.com.
Murder on the Grill – A Murder Mystery Event
May 6 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 6 from 5:00 – 8:00pm, come to Amanda’s Bequest B & B and Cooking School for “Murder on the Grill – A Murder Mystery!”
This murder mystery is themed for a grilling dinner party in the 1950’s. “Could it be Ivan Spudnik, the Russian rocket scientist, or maybe Chubby Cheddar, the hit rock ‘n’ roll musician with a secret? Somebody put a barbecue fork through car dealer Tom Dooley, and that somebody is at your dinner party…!”
Solve the mystery with Acts centered around delicious food courses.
Participants act out the roles with scripts and as much hilarity as they wish! You will be emailed your character, costume suggestion (easy and optional) and role prior to arrival. You do not have to be a lodging guest at Amanda’s Bequest to participate…but why not! It will enhance the fun and remove night time driving.
Hurry, there’s limited seating! To register, email relax@amandasbequest.com or call 231-740-4065.
3rd Annual White Dinner Event
May 6 @ 5:30 pm
Saturday, May 6, the Watermark Presents the 3rd Annual White Dinner Event to benefit the Muskegon Humane Society and Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven. “A Casual White and Tan Affair” begins with cocktails at 5:45pm, then dinner at 6:30pm catered by the Hearthstone Bistro. There will be live music by Modern Entertainment, live and silent auction, prizes and craft beer tasting. The cost is $40 per person, so reserve your table or tickets today! For more information, call Carolyn at 231-780-3826.
West Michigan Ironmen Home Game
May 6 @ 7:00 pm
Michigan’s only professional indoor football team, the Ironmen strive to be champions in the community and champions in the arena. They strive to provide the highest level of competition and entertainment at an affordable price for the whole family. Saturday, May 6 at 7:05pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Bloomington Edge!
Ticket Prices:
• $15.00 Adult Advance Rebar ( Rows A – D)
• $20.00 Adult Day Of Game Rebar ( Rows A – D)
• $8.00 Adult Advance Iron ( Rows E and up)
• $12.00 Adult Day of Game Iron ( Rows E and up)
• $7.00 Youth ( 10 and under) Advance Iron Only
• $9.00 Youth ( 10 and under) Day of Game Iron Only
STUDENT/SENIOR/MILITARY and BADGE PARTNER DISCOUNTS ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE with Badge/ID Present
10th Annual White Lake Blues Fest
May 6 @ 7:30 pm
Killer Blues presents the Soul Syndicate at the Howmet Playhouse Saturday, May 6 at 7:30pm!
The Soul Syndicate’s vintage vibe is inspired by the mid to late 60’s/early 70’s Soul and R & B scene and is a crowd favorite wherever they perform. The band’s look and sound replicates artists such as Sam and Dave, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Wilson Pickett, just to name a few. When the band hits the stage the magic starts to happen. It’s a high energy show that spotlights the hugely talented Diego, whose soulful vocals drip with passion and grit. His commanding stage presence keeps the crowd dancing and partying through the evening whether he is bellowing out a highly charged upbeat number or a beautiful ballad.
This is a fundraiser for the Killer Blues Headstone Project which exists to provide headstones for blues musicians lying in unmarked graves. Doors Open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 plus a $3 processing fee. Adult beverages will be available for purchase and provided by Fetch Brewing Company. For more information, call (231) 894-4048.
Thursday Night Music Club: Raion Taiko
May 7 @ 2:00 pm
The Norton Shores Library hosts Japanese ensemble drum group Raion Taiko, Sunday, May 7 at 2:00pm in the Library’s Community Room.
Japanese Taiko drumming combines music, communication skills, teamwork and a touch of martial arts to create a fun and unique art form. Taiko drumming, which uses Japanese drums, or Wadaiko, to make rhythmic sounds, has mythological origins in Japanese folklore and has been around since the sixth century. The use of the drums has shifted back and forth throughout history, from communication and military uses to the more performance-based and social purposes they fulfill today. The modernized style of Taiko playing utilizes several drums and performers at the same time, for a big bombast of sound. It’s impressive, both for the musicians’ skill in working with the drums and their audio dynamics, and for the sheer volume of the rhythms.
This special Sunday event is part of the Thursday Night Music Club concert series, where you can join your fellow music lovers at the Norton Shores Library for free live music events. This free concert starts at 2:00pm. For additional information, call 231-780-8844 or e-mail apurgiel@madl.org.
Freshwater Dunes Summit
May 7 @ 3:00 pm – May 8 @ 4:30 pm
Lauded by poets as the Midwest’s Grand Canyon or Yosemite, and named “the Most Beautiful Place in America,” our Great Lakes coastal dunes drive a thriving and diverse economy and offer a unique lifestyle! May 5 – 8, the Freshwater Dunes Summit will be held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Muskegon. Registration is now open for this first-time event welcoming outdoor adventurers, sand dune advocates, academic researchers and tourism professionals with a casual mix of recreation, information, and local food and beer, all in celebration of the beauty and value of our amazing natural asset. It’s a chance to learn more about the dunes, connect with other people who research, advocate for, and promote their enjoyment, and get out and have some new dune adventures of your own. For more information, call (517) 487-9539. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/freshwater-dune-summit-registration-32067319215.
Body Works Yoga
May 8
Mondays in May, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center’s “Body Works” exhibit for a baby and toddler yoga! Babies from newborn to 12 months will enjoy a special bond with their adult through this relaxing yoga class, toddlers will learn yoga poses in a fun and engaging way. Baby classes are from 11:15-11:45am and toddler classes are 12:00-12:30pm.
Remember to wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing. Please arrive a few minutes early as class will start promptly. Bring a yoga mat for adult and child to share for the baby class or two mats for the toddler class. Please also bring a blanket for the child to use during the closing relaxation exercise. The cost is $32 for a 4-week session or $10 for individual sessions. Registration is required by calling 231-722-0278.