Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/18/17 – 09/25/17

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

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
September 15 – September 30
September 15 – 30, the Muskegon Civic Theatre performs “My Way” in the Beardsley Theater!  This tribute to Frank Sinatra includes 57 pop, jazz and swing standards of the man whose storied career spanned nearly 60 years and during which he earned the nicknames “Chairman of the Board” and “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”  For more information, call 231-727-8001.  For Civic Theatre season tickets, visit http://www.muskegoncivictheatre.org/component/content/article/12.

A Call to Artists: Dias de los Muertos
September 8 @ 10:00 am – September 26 @ 5:00 pm
The Muskegon Center for the Arts and the Red Lotus Gallery are taking submissions for the next Gallery Presentation of Dias de los Muertos, to honor those who have passed.  “Day of the Dead” (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States.  It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures.  The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died and help support their spiritual journey.

Submit your creation of artwork or bring in pictures of your loved ones who have passed.  A wall will be created to pay homage to these people in your life who have inspired you.  The art submissions deadline is September 26 by 5:30pm.  To obtain a submission form for this event, visit muskegonca.org.  There is a small fee of $5 if your piece of artwork is not for sale when you submit it.  See the submission form for more information.

Fall Lecture Series at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
September 18 @ 6:00 pm
All lectures are on Monday evenings at 6:00pm at the Museum. September 18, the lecture is, “Defeat is an Orphan – Kennedy and the Bay of Pigs.” One of their most popular presenters, US Army Colonel Ronald Janowski (Ret.), returns to speak on this topic, which he studied intensely in his advanced military education and career. You will learn many surprising things that you didn’t know before about this defeat and what followed. For more information, call 231-755-1230.

Summer Ain’t Over Yet!
Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesdays in September from 6:30-8:00pm, come to the Goodrich Park gazebo for the “Summer Ain’t Over Yet!” free concert series.  Bring your folding chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the show.  Entry is free, but donations will be accepted for the White Lake Food Pantry.  For more information, call 231-894-4048.

“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
Now that the eclipse is over, let’s learn more about the sun with “Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium!  This groundbreaking, 35-minute presentation will lead you into solar tornadoes, magnetic fields, super-hot plasma, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections.  Free, public shows are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug 29-Oct 31, at Muskegon Community College.  No reservations are needed.  For more information, or to schedule a private show at other times for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.

Frauenthal Center 2017-2018 Season Launch Party
September 20 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Wednesday, September 20 from 5:30 – 8:30pm, you’re invited to a celebration of Muskegon’s culture and vibrancy at the Frauenthal Center.  This event is free and open to everyone and features an evening of dynamic entertainment!

The historic Frauenthal Center, located in downtown Muskegon, invites everyone to join them in a free celebration of community, culture, and the launch of their new season!  “This evening will be filled with an eclectic array of performances,” said Ricki L. Levine, managing director of the Frauenthal Center. “We are excited about this opportunity to welcome our community, meet our neighbors, and make new friends.”

The open house event will feature over a dozen local performers from a gospel choir, the historic Barton theater organ and classical music, to R&B Funk, a mariachi singer, bucket drumming, an electronic-dub band and poets with performances located throughout the entire Frauenthal Center facility.
The evening will include tours of the historic Frauenthal Theater, free light refreshments, and a cash bar.

“This is a chance for the community to explore our entire Center,” said Levine. “We are so much more than just the theaters and entertainment. We’re home to weddings, conferences, art exhibits, business meetings, and special events. Our staff can create memorable celebrations and welcoming events.”
Parking will be available in the Morris Street lot, the Muskegon Chamber parking lot, and along city streets.

The complete list of event performers includes:

  • Jim Fles, the Barton Theater Organ
  • Brandon Davis & Victory in Praise Gospel Choir
  • Gabriel Estrada, Mariachi singer
  • The B Sharps, Acapella Singers
  • Poetry by Gemini DaPoet, D’Ericka Nichols-Lewis and Rozelia Patino
  • Cassidy Briggs, guitar
  • Musical numbers from Muskegon Civic Theater’s current production, “My Way”
  • The Lafayette Woodwind Quintet
  • Jonny Lawton, piano
  • Skee-Town Stylee, electronic dub band
  • Shoreline Symphony
  • Big Daddy Fox & Friends
  • Garret Riley, acoustic guitar
  • Jeremey Church, bucket drumming

The Frauenthal Center Celebration event is made possible by the generous sponsorships made by John and Linda Hilt, Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Peters, Mike and Kay Oltfhoff , Nancy Waters, Muskegon County Clerk, Jan and Chris Deur, Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services and PNC Bank, Dr. F. Remington & Ginny Sprague, Above & Beyond, Bella Maria’s, Chalet Floral, Fatty Lumpkins, Hearthstone, Ryke’s Catering, Smash Wine Bar and Bistro and Teddy Spaghetti’s.

For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Artists’ Reception: “Going Beyond the Obvious”
September 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The month of September brings the artworks of Barbara Schilling, Connie Kuhnle and Kathleen Bechtel.  The three artists have been friends for years, and often have painted together.   In the show, they will have pastels and oils of landscapes, still lifes and portraits.  Please join them for the reception September 20 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the exhibit in the Reception Gallery in the Frauenthal Center to celebrate their work.

Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm with extended hours on show nights.  For more information, visit www.frauenthal.org.

Mighty Omegas: Heart Healthy Fish of the Great Lakes with The Fish Monger’s Wife
September 20 @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, September 20 at 6:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Mighty Omegas: Heart Healthy Fish of the Great Lakes with The Fish Monger’s Wife!”  Did you know Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout and Lake Cisco have two, three and four times the amount of omegas that salmon have? Fresh Herbs and simple baking techniques will be used to create a Heart Healthy meal that your friends and family will love.  Class size is limited to 15 and the cost is $35.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Hackley and Hume Site All Access Tour
September 21 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
September 21, visitors will have an opportunity to view areas of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site that are not normally included in the tour of the lumber barns homes.  See the basements, attics and porches for a whole new perspective of Muskegon’s most well-known mansions.  There will be two sessions of the tour: 5:00 – 6:00pm and 6:30 – 7:30pm. The cost of the All-Access Tour is $15 for Museum members and $20 for non-members.  Pre-registration is required due to limited group size.  For more information, call 231-722-7578.

Thursday Night Music Club: Blue Water Ramblers
September 21 @ 7:00 pm
The Norton Shores Library hosts the Blue Water Ramblers Thursday, September 21 at 7:00pm as part of the Thursday Night Music Club!  The Blue Water Ramblers write their own songs and take turns harmonizing with each other to create a colorful tapestry of sounds.  “Banjo-Jim” Foerch on his acoustic and electric banjos and R.H. “Bear” Berends on his big Martin guitar are the core of the Rambler vocal and writing team.  The Blue Water Ramblers’ repertoire comes right out of Michigan life experiences and the history of the Great Lakes region.  It includes lake shanties, lumberman ballads, union rallying cries, farmers’ paeans, Michigan humor, love songs, gospel music and children’s ditties.  Everyone agrees that these combine into a versatile repertoire to the delight and entertainment of their audiences.  “I think my hero, Woody Guthrie, would approve,” opined Banjo-Jim.  “We’re singing the people’s songs about the people’s lives and they can join right in and sing along.”

This event is part of the MADL Thursday Night Music Club concert series, where you can join your fellow music lovers at the Norton Shores Library for free live music events.  For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .

1st Annual Golftoberfest
September 22 @ 11:00 am
Friday, September 22, it’s the 1st Annual Golftoberfest at Lincoln Golf Club!  This fun golf outing is a lead up to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex’s Oktoberfest, featuring the World’s largest beer tasting trail, happening October 6 – 7.  It’s also a fundraiser for their new Zip-Line Canopy Tours and Rock Climbing attraction.  Every golfer will be the first to receive one of MWSC’s beer tasting mugs and a complimentary ticket to Oktoberfest.  There’ll also be a ceremonial ‘Tapping of the Keg’ with a German inspired beer before the start of the scramble.

This is a 4 person scramble that will commence with an 11:00am shotgun start.  Each person hits a shot and the team takes the best shot.  This process is repeated until the hole is finished.  Men under 65 play from the black tees.  Men 65 and older play from silver tees.  Women play from the gold tees.

Each golfer’s registration includes unlimited lunch, a ticket to the 6th Annual Oktoberfest and an official Oktoberfest Beer Stein.  The first 15 teams to register before July 15 will receive a $50 discount so don’t delay!  For more information, call 231-744-9629 or just register at the website below.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s
September 23 @ 9:00 am
Saturday, September 23, come to Heritage Landing for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and join the fight for Alzheimer’s first survivor.  Registration is at 9:00am, followed by the ceremony at 10:15am and the Walk at 10:30am.  For more information, call 231-750-5787.

Muskegon Harvest Fest
September 23 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers Market will hold its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 23 from 10:00am – 1:00pm with music, giveaways, food samples and crafts for sale! Regular market hours will be the same from 6:00am – 3:00pm. For more information call 231-722-3251.

Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery: Creative Saturday
September 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Muskegon Center for the Arts in a creative exchange of ideas, inspiration and camaraderie as you work on your own project or create a new one on the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Red Lotus Gallery!  “Creative Saturdays” are for ages 12 and up and are free to the public, but donations are always welcomed.  Bring a new or current working project and your own supplies for your artwork; whether it be sewing, drawing or painting projects.  Artists’ trading cards are also available.  For more information, find them on Facebook.

The Red Lotus Gallery is located at 356 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon in the Century Building’s basement.

Museum Day Live!
September 23 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
September 23 from 10:00am – 4:00pm, it’s Museum Day Live!  Enjoy a free tour of Michigan’s Heritage Park in Whitehall as part of Smithsonian Magazine’s 13th Annual Museum Day Live.  One ticket for two free admissions can be downloaded per email address.  To obtain free admission, download tickets via: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-live-2017/tickets/.  Tickets must be presented in paper or digital form.

Muskegon Center for the Arts September Workshops:
September 23 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Join talented artists for the September Workshops at the Red Lotus Gallery!  Saturday, September 23 from 2:30pm – 4:00pm, it’s “Earrings 101!”

Students will acquire the basic skills, tools, and materials needed to create their very own pair of dangle earrings.  Materials for one pair of earrings will be provided.  Students must pre-register for workshops by contacting Sabryna at registration@muskegonca.org.  Tools will be available for use for all workshops, however you may bring your own if you have them.  All workshops are ages 10+.  Students ages 10-12 must be accompanied by an adult.  The cost is $10 or $8 for MCA members.  For more information, visit muskegonca.org.

Lumber Barons’ Ball
September 23 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 23 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center for the annual Lumber Barons’ Ball!  Back by popular demand, the event will take place at the iconic Hackley Administration Building for a night of Steampunk fun in support of Museum programs.  If you missed the event two years ago, now is your chance to enjoy the Industrial/Victorian theme of Steampunk!  If you attended, now is the time to embellish your steampunk costume from two years ago so you have a chance at winning the costume contest.  For more information, call  231-722-0278.

Muskegon Lumberjacks Pre-Season Home Game
September 23 @ 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running!

Catch a pre-season game Saturday, September 23 at 7:15pm as they take on Team USA U18 at the L.C. Walker Arena.  Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.

A Musical Tribute to John Denver
September 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of great music and help make a difference for struggling families on the lakeshore.  Saturday night, September 23 at 7:00pm, come to the Family Promise Day Center for your favorite John Denver songs performed by the fantastic Michael Snell, as well as food, soft drinks, and a cash bar.  Tickets are only $20 per person!

All proceeds will go to help Family Promise of the Lakeshore, the only shelter program that takes entire families and has a 88% success rate…usually with 90 days…of re-housing the families, getting them employed, teaching the basics of budgeting and finance and getting them back to self-supporting, productive lives once again.

To order tickets online, please go to www.fp-lakeshore.org or mail your check to Family Promise at 2160 Crozier Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441.

Jacks Classic Golf Outing
September 25
The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that their annual golf outing, the Jacks Classic, will be held on Monday, September 25 at Muskegon Country Club! The format of the event is a four-person scramble, and includes breakfast before the round, 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner afterward.  Prizes will be awarded throughout the day and the area’s best silent auction will be ongoing as well.  As always, the auction will be packed with hockey memorabilia, and this year the list includes two jerseys signed by Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine.

Join the Muskegon Lumberjacks players and staff as they get set to bring in the 2017-2018 regular season.  Teams that compete will have the opportunity to meet the Jacks players and even get some help from them on the course!

Breakfast and registration begins at 10:30am, with the shotgun start at 12:00pm.  Dinner and cocktails follow the completion of the golf.

The cost per team of four is $600. If you are interested in signing your team up or becoming a sponsor of the event, email Scott Bradford at sbradford@muskegonlumberjacks.com.

You “Can” Do It
September 25 @ 6:30 pm
On Monday, September 25 at 6:30pm, the Norton Shores Library hosts YOU CAN DO IT, a class on home preserving.  It’s tomato season and whether you are a canning newbie or looking for a refresher, this program is for you.  MSU Extension Food & Safety Educator Jane Hart shares safe methods to preserve the amazing taste of the garden fresh tomatoes and other seasonal produce.  This program is free and open to the public ages 18 and up, with registration required.  For additional information or to register, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .  Registration begins one month before the program date.