Muskegon County Calendar of Events 05/30/17- 06/05/17

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Story of the John V. Moran
May 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, May 30 at 6:00pm, join underwater explorer and author Valerie van Heest at Hackley Library as she travels back in time and deep beneath Lake Michigan to explore the wreck of the John V. Moran, holed and sunk by the ice in February 1899 off West Michigan.  She will share the trials of research, the frustration of the search, and the excitement as she and fellow teammates of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association discover and explore the most intact shipwreck in Lake Michigan.

Arts Council of White Lake’s Music Presents
May 30 @ 7:00 pm
The “Arts Council of White Lake’s Music Presents” Series for 2017 will feature wonderful and engaging presenters the last Tuesday of the month from January – May.  Mark your calendar for these engaging and enlightening presentations:

  • January 31 –  Robert Swan, Retired Chicago Symphony violist
  • February 28 – Artist Scott Mack, “Through an Artist’s Eyes”
  • March 28 – Poet Garrett Potter, “The Spoken Word”, in celebration of the upcoming Poetry Month in April
  • April 11 – Favorite Poetry Event hosted by Foley Schuler at the Book Nook & Java Shop
  • April 25 – The Nuveen’s Artist in Residence
  • May 30 – Mark Singer, “Portraits of the Mind”

Each 7:00pm presentation will take place at Arts Council of White Lake at the Nuveen Center.  Admission is $5 at the door.  Refreshments will also be served.  For more information, please call 231-329-3056.

Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
“Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun” is playing at the Carr-Fles Planetarium Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 4 – April 21 and May 16 – June 8, 2017 (closed April 22 – May 15 for semester break) from 7:00pm-7:35pm
With rapidly improving technology, the discovery of other planets brings us one step closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. (Watch the trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWYFEok7nh4) This free program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm.  Doors open by 6:45pm and no reservations are needed.  The planetarium is in room 135 of Muskegon Community College.  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.

Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian
   Ongoing
The Muskegon Museum of Art is one of the finest regional art museums in the Midwest with a 104-year history and an impeccable reputation.  The Museum also owns a complete edition, identified as the 70th of the planned original sets, of The North American Indian, by Edward S. Curtis, internationally recognized as the most comprehensive ethnographic and photographic historical record of Native Americans ever produced.  The astounding work is comprised of twenty volumes of research (containing 2.5 million works of text and thousands of photographs) and 20 portfolios containing an additional 723 photogravures.
May 11 – September 10 of 2017, the Muskegon Museum of Art will present a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of national significance: Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian.
Documenting the lives of western Native American peoples, the stunning portraits and landscapes of The North America Indian, which were created from 1907 through 1930, are considered to be both the greatest artistic collaboration and photographic achievement in history.  A renowned successful celebrity photographer, Curtis threw it all away to pursue a 30-year obsession that nearly destroyed him. In the end, he lost his wealth, fame, marriage, and health, but left behind a monumental achievement: The North American Indian.  For more information, visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place
May 31 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place are back every Wednesday (weather permitting) from 5:00-8:30pm.  Antiques, customs, classics and novelty vehicles are all welcome.  Enjoy oldies music and door prizes, too!  Come on down and check out some unique cars and enjoy some Fricano’s pizza and Sweet Treats from Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe!  All Cruise-In participants will be given a coupon for $3 off a dine-in or take-out Fricano’s Pizza purchase.  For more information, call 231-722-7775.

Taste of White Lake
June 1
Thursday, June 1, come to the Howmet Playhouse for the 9th annual Taste of White Lake, a Michigan-themed street fair!  Enjoy an eclectic mix of local businesses who are joining forces to provide an evening of fun featuring great food, Michigan beers & wines, live music, art and silent auctions.  It’s all to benefit the Howmet Playhouse!  Don’t miss out on this delicious event!  For more information, visit www.tasteofwhitelake.com.

Thursday Evenings are FREE at the Muskegon Museum of Art
June 1 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00pm, admission is free at the Muskegon Museum of Art!  One of the most highly respected art museums in the Midwest, the marbled halls of the MMA offer a full schedule of permanent collection displays, traveling exhibits and a lovely museum gift shop.  Be sure to check out Edward S. Curtis:  The North American Indian, an event of national significance celebrating the artistic genius and lasting cultural legacy of Edward Curtis, an early-1900s photographer who sacrificed everything for his art, died in obscurity, but left behind one of the greatest artistic collaborations and photographic achievements in history.  The exhibition will run May 11 through September 10, 2017.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Through the Lens: Exploring the Photographic Techniques of Edward Curtis
June 1 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 1 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to a reception and panel presentation at the Muskegon Museum of Art called “Through the Lens: Exploring the Photographic Techniques of Edward Curtis.”  This program will focus on the photography methods and techniques of Curtis, including printing processes for photogravures, and dry and wet plate photography and its challenges in field work.  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Red Shield Scramble
June 2 @ 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
The Salvation Army’s 1st Annual Red Shield Scramble on June 2 is taking place at Westwind Golf Course with an 18-hole shotgun start at 9:00am.  The format will be a four-person scramble and the price is $50 per golfer and $200 per team.  This fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, snacks at the turn, lunch, awards and prizes.  For more information, call (231) 773-8814.

Local Sports Journal: Hole in One Challenge
June 2 @ 9:00 am
Hit a hole in one, win a Jeep Renegade!  A brand new car is just one of the prize offerings at the 1st Annual LSJ Golf Outing on June 2.  This year’s event is taking place at Oakridge Golf Club with an 18-hole shotgun start at 9:00am.  The format will be a four-person scramble and the price is $100 per golfer and $400 per team. This fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch at the turn, dinner, awards and prizes.
For more information, contact the LSJ by calling 231-638-7307 or by sending an email to sports@localsportsjournal.co

Party in the Park: Stolen Horses
June 2 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For more than 30 year’s Parties in the Park has been a Muskegon institution providing Friday evening entertainment, free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere!  Be a part of the tradition and enjoy a summer evening with us downtown in Hackley Park.  There are always five local Muskegon food vendors at every party, there’s something for everyone to purchase.  June 2, the band is Stolen Horses, hosted by the Muskegon County Fair Association.  Happy hour is from 5:00pm-6:00pm with the night ending at 9:00pm.  For more information e-mail info@partiesinthepark.com.

Living the Beach Life Art Exhibit
June 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Muskegon Center for the Arts celebrates the beach with the “Living the Beach Life” art exhibit during the month of June!  Come check out what their members have created in honor of one of Muskegon’s favorite destinations.  You’re invited to the Luau Party opening reception June 2 from 6:00-8:00pm. Wear your Hawaiian shirts. Refreshments will be provided.  For more information, call 231-206-0426.

1st Fridays in Downtown Muskegon
June 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday, June 2 from 6:00-8:00pm, come to downtown Muskegon for 1st Fridays!  This event showcases local talent, brings people downtown for a fun, family-friendly event, and enhances our downtown community.  Artists will be stationed all along Western Ave. on the sidewalks and stages.  For more information, check them out on Facebook!

Swing Dance Aboard the USS LST 393
June 2 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday night, June 2 from 7:00 – 11:00pm, board the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum for a Swing Dance with music from the Reeths Puffer Jazz Band!  There’ll be domestic beer, wine and soda available as well as a Home Brewers’ Competition hosted by the Muskegon Ottawa Brewers Club between 5:00 – 8:00pm.  Get free sample with your souvenir mug ($8).  The cost for the dance is $10 for singles and $15 for couples.  12 years and under are free!  For more information, visit www.lst393.org.

The Great Outdoor Youth Rendezvous
June 3 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Pheasants Forever Great Outdoor Youth Rendezvous event takes place on the first Saturday of June at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds.  June 3 from 9:00am – 3:00pm, over 15 organizations come together to create spectacular hands-on outdoor experiences for everyone of all ages.  Food will also be available. Don’t miss the free family fun!

  • Alcoa Trout Pond
  • Michigan Anglers Association Archery
  • Sporting Dogs
  • Flying Duck Targets
  • Mountain Man Camp
  • .22 & Air Rifle Range
  • Big Buck Display
  • Young Kids Nerf Targets
  • Flying Geese Targets
  • Sporting Clays
  • Reloading Station
  • Turkey Targets
  • Fly Tying and Casting
  • Laser Shot
  • Paintball

For more information, visit www.pheasantsforevermuskegon.com.

Montague Artisan Market
June 3 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The first Saturday of the month, June through September from 9:00am – 1:00pm, come enjoy family-friendly fun and lively environment at the Montague Artisan Market, adjacent to the Farmers Market.  A variety of vendors will be selling their handmade items including soap, jewelry, crafts and other art items. Come support local artists and find unique gifts for yourself or a loved one!  For more information, call 231-893-1155.

White Lake Nature Walks
June 3 @ 10:30 am
Discover the beauty of the White Lake area!  Local naturalists will lead guided tours of local natural areas and cover a variety of topics relating to native plants and wildlife.  The walks are appropriate for adults and families;  no children allowed without parents.  Walks will take place the first Saturday of the month, beginning in June and continuing through October.  Walks begin at 10:30am sharp and last until approximately noon.
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.  Bring water and snacks if needed.  Other optional items include:  sunscreen, hat, umbrella, binoulars, sketchpad, and pencils or pens.  Walks will take place regardless of weather, unless conditions are unsafe.  Please call 231-893-4585 to confirm or if you have questions.

D-Day Plus 73 Memorial
June 3 @ 11:00 am
The D-Day Plus 73 event is happening Saturday, June 3 beginning at 11:00am aboard the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum!  This community-wide commemoration of the sacrifices made by America’s heroes in World War II is sponsored by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4 veterans support group and USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, a ship that was at Omaha Beach on D-Day 72 years ago for the invasion of Normandy.  All proceeds benefit the museum.
The day will include a pancake breakfast with the Lions, a caravan of World War II era vehicles, motorcycle escort of the Michigan version of the Vietnam War Memorial, a classic car show and a motorcycle run throughout the county that any vehicle is welcome to join.  There will be veteran and military displays, local food vendors, a free kids zone area with games, free tours of LST 393, an aerial display by historic aircraft, a Muskegon D-Day Pinup Contest, “Movies on Deck” Friday and Saturday nights and much, much more!  Call David Johnson at 231-777-1016 for more information.

Vintage Camper Gathering
June 3 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is inviting campers to take a step back in time with the annual Vintage Camper Gathering, happening from 11:00am – 4:00pm June 3.
This first weekend of June, there will be more than 90 vintage campers and RVs camping at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park and both campers and day use visitors are invited to come tour them all!  The trailers include Airstream, Spartan, Vagabond, Shasta, Holiday Rambler and Serro Scotty models from the 1930’s to 1980’s and will give you a first-hand look at the evolution of camping.
This year’s show includes a campground-wide potluck and live entertainment open to all campers. Campers with a vintage trailer, tent or RV who would like to participate in the Open House are encouraged to make early reservations and camp in or near campsites 133-230.  Come join the fun, take that walk back in time and reminisce.  Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com.
To learn more about the event, call the park at 231-798-3711 or e-mail Brandon at brandon_morrison@hotmail.com.
Please Note: A Recreation Passport is required for entry into all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Check “YES” when you renew your license plate. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Lakeshore Kidney Walk
June 3 @ 1:00 pm
The Lakeshore Kidney Walk is happening Saturday, June 3 at Pere Marquette Beach!  Registration is at 1:00pm with Walk Festivities from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and the walk beginning at 3:00.
The Kidney Walk is not about kidney disease.  It’s about people with kidney disease coming together, united in one cause: to celebrate life and each other!  Kidney Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness of kidney disease and raise funds to support lifesaving programs for patients, their families and those at risk.  Because funding builds the future, it helps build a world where kidney disease is caught “early” and treated before it causes significant damage.  It builds a world where people don’t have to get a dialysis treatment to stay alive.  It builds a world with no wait list for people seeking a kidney.
Be a part of a community of 85,000 individuals at more than 100 Kidney Walks who share a determination to end kidney disease.  For more information, call the National Kidney Foundation at 1-800-482-1455.
Earn prizes while fundraising:
Raise $100: Get an official Kidney Walk t-shirt on walk day
Raise $250: Pick an additional reward after the Walk
Raise $1000 or more: Earn the title of our Top Fundraiser Club member, as well as:
• Personalized support from the Kidney Walk staff
• Official Kidney Walk Top Fundraiser T-Shirt
• Shout out from the stage on Walk day
• Certificate of Achievement
• Invitation to a Walker appreciation event

An Evening of Elegance
June 3 @ 6:00 pm
You’re invited to “An Evening of Elegance,” Friday, June 3 at the Book Nook & Java Shop!  Enjoy an evening of fine dining to benefit the West Michigan Wine & Jazz Festival and the White Lake Chamber Music Festival.  This exquisite event begins at 6:00pm with an open cash bar, followed by hors d’oeuvres at 6:30pm with live music from the Timmy Johnson Trio.  Dinner will start at approximately 7:00pm.  You may choose your entrée from the amazing menu below! Wine will be served during dinner.  Support two great White Lake festivals while having a wonderful evening with friends!  Tickets are $95 per person until May 1, then $100 per person thereafter.  You can buy them online at www.eventbrite.com or in person at the Book Nook & Java Shop.  For more information, call 231-894-5333.

Menu:
Hors d’oeuvres
• Wild mushroom & goat cheese filo cups
• Shrimp & crawfish cocktail
• Heirloom cherry tomatoes stuffed with dill salmon mousse
• The artisan dipper station with tomato bruschetta, flavored oils, and whitefish dip
• Fried asparagus and bistro sauce
Salad
• Classic Caprese Salad on Baby Artisan Greens
Choice of Entrée
(Served with lemon and almond sautéed haricot vert and rosemary roasted potatoes)
• 10 oz roasted prime rib with cabernet demi glaze and crabmeat crown
• Chicken Oscar with poached asparagus, crab, and hollandaise
• Wild mushroom ravioli with forest mushrooms and roasted tomato ragout
Dessert
• TBD

Performances @The Block: Legal Rehab
June 3 @ 7:30 pm
Celebrate summer with pop/classic rock cover band “Legal Rehab” featuring West Michigan Symphony musician Britta Portenga along with bandmates Roy Portenga, Scott White and Pete Buchholz.
Call Rita at 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm, concert begins at 7:30pm.

John Gorka with Amilia K. Spicer
June 3 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 3 at 7:30pm, come to the Howmet Playhouse for an evening with world-renowned contemporary American folk singer-songwriter John Gorka.  With his soulful baritone voice and rich multi-faceted songs full of depth, beauty and emotion, Gorka has been filling concert venues throughout the United States and Europe for well over two decades.  Rolling Stone magazine called him “the preeminent male singer-songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  For more information, call 231-894-4048.

Movies on Deck: Monuments Men
June 3 @ 10:00 pm
Sunsets, sea breezes and superstars…they’re all on deck at USS LST 393 Veterans Museum for the popular “Movies on Deck,” most Friday nights this summer on Muskegon’s downtown waterfront.  The films are shown on LST 393’s huge screen on the top deck starting right after sunset, around 10:00pm.  In August, films start about 9:30pm.  There is no charge to attend “Movies on Deck” screenings, although donations to help support the ship’s restoration and veterans museum are always welcome. Moviegoers should bring their own chairs and weather-appropriate clothing.  Popcorn, soda and snacks are available for sale.
Inclement weather will mean a move down inside the giant tank deck of the ship for an indoor showing at 10:00pm.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Tour hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm seven days a week with the last tour starting at 4:00pm. For more information, call 231-730-1477 or visit www.lst393.org.
The movie, Saturday, June 3 is Monuments Men (rated PG-13).

Lighthouse Tours
Ongoing 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays in June from 1:00-5:00pm.  The cost is $2 – $4.  For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Muskegon Polish Festival: Give-Back Night
June 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Monday, June 5 from 5:00 – 9:30pm, come to Fricano’s for “Give-Back Night”, a fundraiser for the Muskegon Polish Festival!  There’ll be music and entertainment by the Bobby Atkinson & Friends polka band.  A percentage of the money generated by this night will be donated to the festival, so bring your family and friends for a great time.  For more information, e-mail polka@muskegonpolishfest.com.