Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Mondays @ 6:00 pm
Monday evenings at 6:00pm, January 29 – April 2, come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for The Vietnam War by Ken Burns! Each episode will be followed by a discussion. Admission is free with the purchase of museum admission. Members are free. For more information, call 231-755-1230.
5×5 Night Muskegon
January 30 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
5 x 5 Night is back at the Muskegon Innovation Hub on Tuesday, January 30 beginning at 5:00pm. Got a great idea you’d like to pitch? Visit 5x5night.com to submit your idea or to vote for your top five picks. The top five ideas with the most votes will then be selected to give a five minute pitch before a panel of 5 judges. The winning idea wins $5,000! The public is welcome to attend. For more information, call 616-331-6900.
Holy Trinity Inspirational Choir and Victory in Praise Choir
January 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 30 at 6:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library to hear some of the best Inspirational/Gospel singing along the Lakeshore! Holy Trinity Inspirational Choir from Holy Trinity Church, led by Michelle Harris, will grace the Hackley Public Library stage. Joining them on the program will be Brandon Davis and the Victory in Praise Choir, a community choir comprised of Christians from various denominations from the greater West Michigan area. The choirs will perform individually and together for a truly great evening of vocal music. You won’t want to miss this!
Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore. WUVS 103.7 “The Community Station” the Beat is the media sponsor.
Planetarium Show: Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
January 16 – March 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for “Faster than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight!” The impulse to strike out into the unknown, to see what’s over the horizon is as old as humanity. Today, a whole new horizon beckons. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to 9 billion Sun-like stars with planets similar to Earth. Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun. But if we find one, how will we ever get there? How long will it take? What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space? Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future. This is a 35-minute presentation. (The campus will be closed March 6 and March 8 for College Spring Break) For more information, call (231) 777-0289.
The White Lake Winter Lecture Series
January 30 @ 7:00 pm
The White Lake Winter Lecture Series, presented by the White Lake Music Society, begins Tuesday, January 30, 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop! Blue Lake Radio host, Foley Schuler, will speak on “From Bugs Bunny to Stanley Kubrick – Classical Music Goes to the Movies.”
Mr. Schuler will share his love of both classical music and cinema in this examination of the nexus of the two art forms in the work of several master film directors in whose hands certain works from the classical music repertoire become much more than mere accompaniment to the images, but are organic to the ultimate vision itself. Through a selection of iconic and unforgettable scenes, we’ll see how these works have been essential in advancing the narrative, creating dramatic effect (at times almost acting another character), and, in general, contributing to an aesthetic synergy in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Other lectures include:
• February 27 – In honor of Black History Month, Lazaro Vega will present “The History of the Blues.”
• March 27 – Enjoy a presentation by Chef Jill Hansen as she speaks on “The Art of Taste.”
Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit them online at www.whitelakemusic.org.
Muskegon Museum of Art: Postcard Salon
February 1 – February 15
Don’t miss the “Postcard Salon” exhibition happening February 1 – 15 at the Muskegon Museum of Art! Over 1,400 cards from artists from West Michigan and beyond were on display last year, offering a huge range of materials and subject matter to enjoy. Now in its 12th year, the Postcard Salon reflects the Muskegon Museum of Art’s commitment to Michigan artists, a chance for people of all ages and skill levels to share their work with the public.
The exhibition is free to enter and all submitted cards are installed, making the show a true community endeavor. The exhibition is also a great opportunity to support the area arts community by purchasing an original work of art. Join them this year for the first ever juror awards, singling out four remarkable cards. Artwork must be delivered to the MMA by January 29, 2018.
Beginning at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 15, all of the postcards on display in the Wiener Gallery will be for sale at $30 apiece. Don’t miss this opportunity to own an original artwork by your favorite regional artists. Buyers will be able to take the works directly from the walls and pay for them at several locations throughout the museum. Muskegon Museum of Art members will be given a five-minute head start beginning promptly at 6:55pm. The sale ends at 8:00pm, so don’t miss out! Memberships can be obtained in the Museum Gift Store, or in the gallery on the 15th. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by MMA docents, compliments of Meijer! For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Cooking with an Electric Pressure Cooker with Chef Char
February 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Did you get an electric pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot) for Christmas? Or, maybe you have had one and afraid to use it or want new recipe ideas? Or, maybe you want one but wondering what to use it for? Thursday, February 1 at 6:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market as Chef Char demonstrates the use of an electric pressure cooker and makes three different recipes for your tasting during this two hour class. Recipes will be shared as well as lots of tips on using a pressure cooker. These new appliances will help you get dinner on the table faster and they are a major upgrade from the pressure cookers that we might know from our past. The cost is $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202.
Snowfest
February 2 – February 3
The Greater Muskegon Jaycees annual Snowfest event will return to downtown Muskegon Friday, February 2 – Saturday, February 3. Enjoy Cornhole and Snow Volleyball Tournaments, the popular Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-off and much more. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on getting involved or event details, visit the website at www.muskegonjaycees.org/snowfest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MuskegonJaycees.
Friday, February 2
• First Fridays6:00pm – 8:00pm (Western Ave. between 3rd & 4th streets)
• Moonlight Movies: Happy Feet (PG)6:10pm – 8:00pm (Western Ave. between 3rd & 4th streets)
Saturday, February 3
• Cornhole Tournament/$30 for a team of 2 (Western Ave.)
Registration 9:00am, Start 10:00am, End 2:00pm
• Snow Volleyball Tournament/$60 for a team of 4 (Western Ave.)
Registration 9:00am, Start 10:00am, End 2:00pm
• Battle of the Bloodies/$25 pre-sale or $30 at the door (Racquet’s Bar & Grille)
Registration 9:30am, Start 10:30am, End 1:30pm
• Battle of the Bowls/$10, $5 – Full/Half Pre-sale or $15, $10 Full/Half at Door (SMASH Bistro)
Registration 9:30am, Start 11:00am, End 2:00pm
• Snowfest Downtown Pub Crawl/FREE (Register at Racquet’s Bar & Grille)
Registration 3:00pm – 5:00pm, End 2:00am
Learn to Luge Weekend
Friday – Sunday @ 6:00 pm
Every Friday – Sunday at 6:00pm (weather permitting), you can learn to luge at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, offering one of only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the United States! Although shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks in New York and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon Luge track provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and two starting areas. For more information, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit the website below to make reservations.
Safe & Easy to Learn
Safety is the number one priority when teaching new sliders or conducting races with seasoned sliders. All participants must be at least 8 years old at the time of their session. Participants are outfitted with elbow pads, a helmet and a well-maintained luge sled. An instructor carefully goes over each part of the sled with a beginning slider and teaches easy to learn methods of steering the sled. Over three decades, the program has instructed thousands of sliders from age 8 to 80 to safely and successfully luge. While luge is referred to the fastest sport on ice, this track is designed for the novice slider at slower speeds than an Olympic track, where sliders can reach speeds of 90+ mph. The top speeds at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex track are approximately 30 mph on a “good ice” day although to most new sliders it still feels like 90 mph!
Get Some Physical Activity in the Winter
The sleds weigh between 25-40 lbs. and are transported up a flight of stairs to the top of the luge track by human power…you! Small children will most likely need adult help to get their sled back up the hill. If you have heart troubles or health issues that may be complicated by climbing stairs or participating in adrenaline pumping outdoor thrill sports, this activity may not be recommended.
What to Expect
The size of each session is limited, so participants can expect to get 3-6 runs depending on weather conditions and efficiency of the group and personal pace. The first 20 minutes of the session you will receive instruction from an experienced luge coach about safety and equipment. During free sliding time, coaches will be positioned along the track to give you instruction throughout the session. The last 15 minutes of each session is set aside for participant certificates and a medals ceremony.
Comedian Mitch Fatel – Shoreline Stix Fundraiser
February 2 @ 6:30 pm
Friday, February 2 at 6:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Mitch Fatel! You’ve seen him on Comedy Central, HBO, The Tonight Show and more! Doors open at 6:00pm, with dinner at 6:30pm and the opening act taking the stage at 7:30pm. This is a fundraiser for the Shoreline Stix team and includes raffles and a silent auction. All tickets include dinner and are $25 a person. A table for 10 is $250 or get the V.I.P. table for 10 for $350. For more information, call (231) 755-1258.
Sweetheart Ball
February 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, February 2 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Sweetheart Ball at the Watermark 920! This is a date night for dads & daughters, moms & sons, grandmas & grand kids, aunties, nieces, nephews…everyone is welcome! Dance the night away with your little one! Dressy attire is encouraged but not necessary. Enjoy crafts, a dessert bar, cookie decorating, dancing and more!
Tickets are $5 (plus service fees) per person in advance online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3233650 or physical tickets will be available at The Coffee Factory beginning January 19. Tickets at the door are $7 per person with kids 2 and under admitted free!
An Evening with Groucho
February 2 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, February 2 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for “An Evening with Groucho!”
Award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante ignites his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the funniest Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Marx foil Margaret Dumont.
This show is not recommended for children under age 8. If you choose to bring a child 7 or younger, please purchase a youth ticket. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 for adults. Youth tickets (8-18) are $15. All ages need a tickets. For more information, call 231-727-8001.
Indoor Farmers’ Market
Saturday @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter! They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, November – April. They will be closed Saturday, December 30. For more information, call (231) 722-3251.
Wild about Wings and Other Super Bowl Snacks with Chef Char
February 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, February 3 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “Wild about Wings and Other Super Bowl Snacks with Chef Char!” Do you like to tailgate or eat and entertain while watching your favorite sporting events? Score big points with fellow sports and food fans with game day style crispy wings and an assortment of rubs, sauces and dips. Experiment with baked, fried, battered and crumb-coated wings in class, toss wings in one of four from scratch sauce recipes (Buffalo, Asian Zing, Parmesan Garlic or Spicy BBQ) or dip your own yogurt version of ranch or avocado dips.
Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $40.
4th Annual Black History Month Trivia Contest
February 3 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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 or visit https://hackleylibrary.org/events/locally-hosted-events/hpl/black-history-month/26680-4th-annual-black-history-trivia-contest to register your team by February 2.
On February 3, at 2:00pm come to Hackley Public Library to see the contest. Teams will be asked questions on Black History and will win prizes for First, Second, and Third place as well as some consolation prizes. Cheer on your friends and family!
Brought to the community through a generous bequest from Bess Commodore. WUVS 103.7 “The Community Station” the Beat is the media sponsor.
West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
February 3 @ 5:00 pm
The West Michigan Lake Hawks strive to provide a professional level of sports entertainment and to enrich the lives of student athletes. Home games are played at Reeths-Puffer High School. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and season passes are $90 which saves you 25%. Ages 4 and under are free. Call 231-769-9617 for group ticket sales.
Catch their next home game Saturday, February 3 at 5:00pm as they take on the La Crosse Showtime!
Muskegon Humane Society Pizza for Paws
February 3 @ 6:00 pm
Join the Muskegon Humane Society on Saturday, February 3 at 6:00pm for their largest annual fundraiser, “Pizza for Paws!” Held at Fricano’s in Muskegon, this event will include all you can eat Fricano’s pizza, along with salad & breadsticks. There will be raffles and auctions with lots of must have items available. For the sports fan in your life, there will be the opportunity to purchase a SIGNED Red Wings jersey by Justin Abdelkader! Foodies will love packages from Pekadills, Chateau Chantel & Fetch (both of which feature wine tastings). For the traveler, there will be hotel stays offered from Little River Casino and the Spring Lake Holiday Inn. Many more “pawsome” items will be on hand as well! The night will be emceed by Andy O’Riley and will also feature dancing, a cash bar and a photo booth! Make it a date night with your sweetheart! Tickets are $40 per person, or bring a group and reserve a table for $250. To order your tickets or for questions, call (231) 773-8689.
Winter Try-Athlon
February 4 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
February 4 from 10:00am-4:00pm, come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex for your opportunity to try three Winter Olympic sports; luge, ice speedskating and cross country skiing. This event is family friendly and geared toward those who may have never done at least one of these sports. Of course, serious competitors are welcome as well. The MWSC recognizes that many people may have very little experience in some of these sports and will teach you everything you need to know in continuous 20 minute clinics at each venue. For more information, call 231-744-9629.
The Best Italian Pasta Sauces with Sofia
February 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, February 5 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm you’re invited to Kitchen 242 for the culinary class, “The Best Italian Pasta Sauces with Sofia!” In this informative and fun class, Sofia will unveil the secrets of the authentic “al dente” pasta and sauce, then show you how to pair a variety of pasta shapes with their ideal sauces. Instructor Sofia Occhialini moved here with her family from Italy four years ago.
Sign up for classes at Eventbrite.com or call 231-769-2202 for more information. The cost is $40.