Muskegon County Calendar of Events 09/25/17 – 10/02/17

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

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra
Through 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.

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.

A Call to Artists: Dias de los Muertos
Through 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 25 @ 6:00 pm
September 25:  75th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. THE DESPERATE DEFENSE OF “OPERATION SHOESTRING”. THE DECISIVE FIRST DAYS ON GUADALCANAL THAT SAVED AMERICA’S FIRST OFFENSIVE OF WORLD WAR II FROM COLLAPSE
David Kolb for many years was the Editorial Editor of the Muskegon Chronicle. He is also a published independent historian and scholar, with special expertise concerning the Battle of Guadalcanal. He will relate to us the complexities and exceptional sacrifices of this historic battle. Several Muskegon area veterans fought at the Battle of Guadalcanal.

October 2:  From the Dugouts to the Trenches – Baseball in the Great War
From Columbus, Ohio, our speaker, James Leeke, is a Navy veteran and writer and editor. He is a former journalist who covered Major League Baseball as a reporter and author. He has written several books, including Manila and Santiago:The New Steel Navy in the Spanish-American War, and his latest book just published by the University of Nebraska press, From the Dugouts to the Trenches: Baseball during the Great War. This is a story that has many unexpected twists and turns, and will especially be enjoyed by all baseball fans.  Many of us do not realize how many of the great stars of America’s pastime served in World War I. This book will be available for purchase and for signing by Jim.

October 9: World War II Muskegon
Richard Mullally continues to share with us compelling  information about the thousands of World War II veterans who served from Muskegon County. His speech will focus on approximately 32 World War II veterans, whose stories may be humorous or may be tragic, but all of which are captivating. These veterans served in various branches of the military, and in different theaters of the war. Special note: all World War II veterans and their family members, including family members of deceased veterans, have free admission to this lecture.

October 16:  America’s First Actual World War
Donald Johnston is the Chief Circuit Court Judge of Kent County, and his ancestry dates back to colonial times. He is an independent historian and scholar with a special interest in pre-revolutionary American history. He is an authority on what we call the French and Indian War (1754-60), which was the North American phase of the world-wide Seven Years War (1756-62), that was fought on several continents.  The French and Indian War was the crucible in which many colonists first experienced war, and was the training ground for many of our military leaders in the following Revolutionary War. From a viewpoint that will be new for many of us, Judge Johnston will speak on the involvement of the great powers of those times and the global impact of that earlier war on our soil that still reverberates today.

October 23: The Movies Go to War
Bill Iddings is the most respected movie critic, scholar, and film history instructor in Western Michigan. He also has appeared on stage and screen himself, as well as having written scripts. From the time film was invented, movies always have played a major role during wars, especially in the nations involved in those conflicts. Bill will be showing film clips to illustrate the impact of movies upon society and the real truth during times of war, and we will be learning much unexpected information from his presentation.

October 30:  Flight 93- The Story, the Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11
Tom McMillan has spent a lifetime in media and communications – as a newspaper sportswriter, columnist, radio talk show host and for the past 21 years, as Vice President of Communications for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. And history is another of his passions. He serves on the board of trustees of Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center, on the board of directors of the Friends of Flight 93, on the marketing committee of the Gettysburg Foundation, and as a tour guide at the Civil War room at Carnegie Library. He also is a co-director of the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing at Point Park University, his alma mater. He is the author of the book entitled Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers.  He will present this lecture based upon his best-selling history of the tragedy of Flight 93 on 9/11 and its aftermath. His Flight 93 book will be available for purchase and signing. All sale proceeds are donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial.  And, yes, Tom may predict the Penguins will win yet another Stanley Cup this season, and in all humility he may mention his 3 Stanley Cup rings.

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 tomatos 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 .

Author Happy Hour: Drew Philp
September 26 @ 5:30 pm
Tuesday, September 26 at 5:30pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for an “Author Happy Hour” with Drew Philp!  Enjoy $1 off wine and beer getting to know this published author from Detroit.

Drew Philp’s work has been published both nationally and internationally and has appeared in publications including BuzzFeed, The Guardian, The Detroit Free Press, De Correspondent, The Metrotimes, and The Michigan Daily. In 2017 Scribner published his first book of nonfiction, A $500 House: Rebuilding an Abandoned House and an American City. His essays and profiles have appeared in books and collections in the United States and Europe, and he is a 2016 11th Hour Food and Justice fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, under the direction of Michael Pollan. He is also a writer in the film industry, having written two feature length dramas on contract, including collaboration with an Emmy Award winning producer. His advertising copy has been used for national and regional campaigns, including overseeing 40,000 plus word website messaging.

In addition to writing, Drew built his house in Detroit with his own hands; hitchhiked across the United States; taught writing, literature and theater extensively in prisons and juvenile institutions; taught a class about racism at the University of Michigan; and is a graduate of the New England Literature Program. Drew graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is 30 years old. He lives in Detroit with his dog, Gratiot.

For more information, call 231-894-5333.

Arts and Craft Beer
September 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
September 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the Lakeshore Museum Center presents “Arts and Craft Beer!  Create your own piece of string art using a piece of 120 year old mill debris from Muskegon Lake.  String, nails and mallets will be provided.  Templates will be available or bring your own.  This adult-only event is at Pigeon Hill.  The cost is $20 which includes a beer.  Buy tickets at www.lakeshoremuseum.org/events/arts-craft-beer.

Summer Ain’t Over Yet!
September 26 @ 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.

Meals on a Budget with Chef Jamie
September 26 @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday, September 26 at 6:30pm, come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Meals on a Budget with Chef Jamie!”  For this class, you will be learning how to make Pasta with a Meat Sauce and Beef Stroganoff for a family of four for approximately $10.  Chef Jamie demonstrates how to make both before turning you lose for a hands-on experience and tasting.  Plenty to take home as well.  The cost is $30 and class size is limited to 15.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

“Solar Superstorms” at the Carr-Fles Planetarium
Tuesday 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.

Grand Opening of Blue Horizons Wellness
September 27 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, September 27 from 4:00pm -7:00pm, celebrate the launch of  Blue Horizons Wellness, Lakeside’s only wellness studio offering yoga, movement, meditation, breath, and inspiration classes with owner and instructor Vicki Schneider.  Join them for Ribbon Cutting at 4:30pm, followed by free refreshments, conversation, and giveaways.  For more information, call 231-755-7771.

Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference
September 28 @ 8:00 am – September 30 @ 5:00 pm
Thursday, September 28 from 8:00am – 5:00pm, come to the Maranatha for the Christian Writers’ Conference!  Packed with inspiration, information, and networking, the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference attracts novice and experienced writers from across the nation.  If you have a story to share, this conference has the proven record to help you find publication success.  For more information, call 231-798-2161.

89th Michigan Regional Exhibition
September 28 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Celebrate the artists of the 89th Michigan Regional Exhibition with refreshments and an award ceremony, Thursday, September 28 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

The juried 89th Michigan Regional Exhibition, featuring 156 works from 145 artists, returns to showcase some of the best contemporary art in Michigan.  Juried from a wide pool of entries, the Michigan Regional is comprised of representational and abstract painting, sculpture, drawing, textiles and fibers, ceramics, mixed media and photography.  Visitors will be engaged and challenged by objects both traditional and experimental, and can explore issues of technical skill, artistic inspiration, social and political discourse, and how others perceive the world around us.  Many of the artworks on display are for sale, creating the opportunity for guests to collect original art and directly support a vital Michigan artist community.

For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Mums the Word: Naked Cake with Kathy DeHoag
September 28 @ 6:00 pm
Thursday, September 28 at 6:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Mums The Word: Naked Cake with Kathy DeHoag!”  What is a naked cake?  What makes this a naked cake?  Learn how to frost, stack and to use fresh and silk flowers to decorate the Wilton way.  Take a beautiful fall naked cake home with you.  The cost is $40 and class size is limited to 15.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

3rd Annual Halloween Harvest Weekend
September 29 – October 1
The 3rd Annual Halloween Harvest Weekend at Pioneer County Park will take place this year Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1.  During Friday night check-in, there’ll be goody bags for the kids, s’mores and a bonfire at the Lodge and a Glow in the Dark Bike Parade!  Saturday,  enjoy breakfast in the Lodge, free pumpkins and pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, hayrides, face painting, Trick or Treating, site decorating contest, obstacle course and a Haunted Trail.  Sunday is check-out.  Reserve your campsite now for only $28 per night (2 night minimum).  For more information, call 231-744-3580.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Ravel and Gershwin Piano Concertos
September 29 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, September 29 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents Ravel and Gershwin Piano Concertos!

Scott Speck, conductor
Guest Artist – Aldo López-Gavilán, Piano

Wagner – Overture to The Flying Dutchman
Ravel – Piano Concerto in G major
Aldo López-Gavilán, Piano
Gershwin – An American in Paris
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Aldo López-Gavilán, Piano

Inspired by Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, Ravel incorporated a lot of American jazz into his Piano Concerto in G major.  Gershwin in turn lent a suave French flair to An American in Paris.  Brilliant Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán makes his WMS debut in two concertos.  For more information, call 231-726-3231.

C.O.O.K Competition for Adults with Chef Jack Page
September 30 @ 9:00 am
Saturday, September 30 at 9:00am, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the C.O.O.K Competition for Adults with Chef Jack Page! This is a culinary competition for adults!

Three teams of adults are paired with local chefs to create dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients along with a mystery ingredient chosen by their judges. Common cooking ingredients will also be available to all teams.  Teams will be given tokens to shop in the Muskegon Farmers Market.  After shopping, teams return to Kitchen 242 to prepare their masterpieces with the guidance of their chef.  Local celebrities will judge the dishes and present the winners with a mystery prize.  Participation is limited and the cost is $35 to enter.  Adults only.  For more information, call (231) 769-2202.

Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Walk 2017
As September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Suicide Prevention Coalition will be holding their 4th annual Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Walk in downtown Muskegon, Saturday, September 30 from 11:00am – 2:00pm.

Gather at Olthoff Stage near the roundabout at Western Ave. and Third St. to hear a few words from speakers, and then make the one mile walk around downtown.  There will be live music by Kwame Kaume, and food available for purchase at Olthoff Stage following the walk.

Please join them to help raise awareness, spread the message of hope, give remembrance to those they have lost, and increase healing within the community. Tickets are not required.  For more information, call (231) 724-1111.

Antique Car Show
September 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, September 30 from 1:00 – 3:00pm, come to The Cove assisted living facility for an antique car show!  There’ll be dash plaques for the first 40 cars, music and lunch items available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.  For more information, call 231-981-0624.

Muskegon Center for the Arts September Workshops: Gemstone Beading
September 30 @ 2:30 pm
Join talented artists for the September Workshops at the Red Lotus Gallery!  Saturday, September 30 at 2:30pm, it’s “Gemstone Beading!”  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.

Lighthouse Tours
Saturdays @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Saturdays in September from 4:30-7:30pm.  The cost is $2 – $4.  For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Performances @The Block: Aldo López-Gavilán – Jazz Duo
September 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 30 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for a performance from jazz duo, Aldo López-Gavilán!  Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán is joined by brother Ilmar Gavilan on violin for an electrifying jazz concert featuring original works as well as pieces by jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Churchill and Billy Strayhorn.  Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.  Doors and bar open at 6:45pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm.

Hackley and Hume: Free Tours for Muskegon Residents
October 1 – October 29
Tours of the homes of Muskegon’s most well-known lumber barons are free for Muskegon County residents on weekends during the month of October.  Saturday hours are 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday hours are 1:00-4:00pm.  For more information, call 231-722-7578.

Port City Princess Fall Color Tours
October 1
October 1 from 2:00pm – 3:30pm and October 8 from 12:00pm – 1:30pm, board the Port City Princess for a Fall Color Tour!  The cost is only $10 per person or $30 for a family of four for either cruise.  Limited tickets are available by calling 231-744-1619.

Fall Seniors’ Retreat
October 1 @ 8:00 am – October 4 @ 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 1 from 8:00am – 5:00pm, Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference Tabernacle invite you to enjoy several days of Bible teaching, worship, fellowship and fun with other adults aged 55 and older, featuring speaker, Knute Larson.  Group discounts are available.  For more information, call 231-798-2161.

Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’
October 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday, October 1 from 8:00am – 10:00am, board the Port City Princess to watch the implosion of the Sappi smokestack!  A Champagne Breakfast is included and the cost is only $38.  For reservations or more information, call 231-744-1619.