Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Marketing Monday
January 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Monday, January 14 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Innovation Hub for the discussion, “5 Biggest Marketing Mistakes Businesses Are Making (And How to Avoid Them),” presented by Jason Piasecki of Revel. Did you know that over half of businesses lack a formal marketing plan or that many companies have no idea who their ideal customer is? Learn how to avoid those mistakes and take back actionable items you can apply to your business today.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses are passionate about the products and services they provide. Translating that passion to sales requires a strategic focus on marketing and promotion. Marketing Mondays at the Muskegon Innovation Hub will provide sound tools, techniques and knowledge that every small business owner and entrepreneur needs to know to effectively engage with customers and increase revenue from sales. Join them for the Lunchtime Series every second Monday of the month. Lunch is included. You must register in advance as no walk-ins will be accepted. The cost is $10. For more information call 616-331-6900 or visit www.gvsu.edu/hub.
Special Presentation at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum
January 14 @ 6:00 pm
Monday, January 14 at 6:00pm, you’re invited to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum to meet and hear WWII veteran, Richard Thelen!
The loss of the USS Indianapolis was a tragic moment following the completion of a secret mission that directly contributed to the end of World War II. After a successful high-speed run to deliver atomic bomb components to Tinian, the decorated Portland-class cruiser continued to Guam. Indianapolis was en route from Guam to Leyte when she was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-58 within the first hour of July 30, 1945. Only 317 of the 1,196 men onboard survived. Richard Thelen is one of those survivors.
The cost to attend the presentation is $5 per person or free with your USS Silversides Submarine Museum membership. For more information call 231-755-1230.
Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.
Pianist Steve Thielman
January 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, January 15 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop to enjoy coffee and beautiful music played by master pianist Steve Thielman! For more information call 231-894-5333.
Planetarium Show: Edge of Darkness
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit West Michigan’s only free planetarium! Carr-Fles Planetarium on the main campus of Muskegon Community College is showing “Edge of Darkness,” January 15 – March 28 (no shows on March 5 and 7) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00pm – 7:35pm. Using groundbreaking discoveries from recent space missions, this program will take viewers to the dark depths of space across comets, Pluto, and its moons. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex: Free Ice Skating Lessons for Kids
Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesdays from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, kids ages 4 – 16 can learn how to ice skate from skating coach Mark Jastrzembski! Mark has over 40 years of coaching experience. Kids from 4 – 7 meet from 5:30pm – 6:00pm and kids 8 – 16 meet from 6:30pm – 7:00pm. Free skates and helmet rentals will be available. For more information call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.
Snowshoe Icebreaker Wednesdays
Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm
January 16 and February 13 at 7:00pm, come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex for Snowshoe Icebreaker Wednesdays! Go on a guided snowshoe hike in Muskegon State Park with friends and a local expert who will explain the history of the area. Trail passes and rentals are extra. For more information call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.
Youth Luge Development Program
Thursdays @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursdays, January 10 – March 7 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, kids ages 8 – 16 can learn how to luge during the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex’s Youth Luge Development Program! They will learn fundamentals of the sport and have an opportunity to visit the USA Luge training facility in Lake Placid. For more information, call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.
Cinnamon Rolls and Sticky Buns with Chef Char
January 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 17 from 6:0pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Cinnamon Rolls and Sticky Buns with Chef Char!” This easy baking class will focus on making successful yeast-raised dough with a sweet, cinnamon and butter layer rolled into each biscuit. You will make the rolls two ways, one a traditional cinnamon roll with a homemade vanilla cream cheese frosting and the other a caramelized pecan topping for the best sticky buns ever. Wow your family or friends! The cost is $45. To register or for more information, call 231-769-2202 or visit www.eventbrite.com.
New 4-H Family Orientation
January 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Have you thought of signing your children up to be 4-H members, but aren’t really sure what 4-H is or even how to sign up? Have you been in 4-H for a couple years, but still have questions about participation fees, the county fair, Exploration Days, and more? Thursday, January 17 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at 97 E. Apple Ave., learn how to get involved and have your questions answered by 4-H staff and volunteers. Contact Tonya Pell, 4-H Program Coordinator, at pelltony@msu.edu or 231-724-4739 for more information.
Lecture Series: Great Depression
January 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
January 17, February 21 and March 21 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, join the Lakeshore Museum Center at the Scolnik House of the Depression Era for a three-part lecture series highlighting the economic struggle across the United States known as the Great Depression! Learn more about why the stock market crashed, how people used their resources to the fullest extent, and the hobos, hitchhikers, and Hooverville’s in Muskegon. Light refreshments will be served using 1930s recipes! This event is free for museum members and only $3 for non-members. Please RSVP to Aaron Mace at 231-724-5534.
Jazz Night: Checkers Morton
January 17 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, January 17 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Jazz Night featuring Checkers Morton! For more information call 231-894-5333.
Learn to Luge Weekend
Friday – Sunday
Come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park and learn to luge! Public luge sessions are scheduled Friday – Sunday each weekend of the winter, January 4 – March 3 (weather permitting). Each luge session includes a brief lesson from an experienced luge coach, all necessary equipment, plenty of free sliding time and a fun competition with a medals ceremony. Passes for the luge track must be purchased online in advance of your visit and are $49. For more information call 1-877-TRY-LUGE or just visit www.msports.org.
Calvin College January Series
Through January 23 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
The award-winning January Series of Calvin College is coming to downtown Muskegon! From January 3 – 23, the Beardsley Theater in the Frauenthal Center will broadcast a live stream of one of the nation’s leading lecture and cultural arts series, weekdays, from 12:30pm – 1:30pm. These lectures are free and no tickets are required.
Featured presenters include author and former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager; NFL player and former astronaut Leland Melvin; Oscar-nominated costumer designer Ruth Carter (Black Panther); Craig Detweiler, author of “Searching for God in the Digital Age,” and Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to report and speak against Larry Nassar.
These experts will offer informed perspectives on a wide range of today’s most relevant topics including storytelling, climate justice, forgiveness, global journalism, and cancer research, among many others. For a full list of speakers and topics, visit www.calvin.edu/january-series/speakers.
• January 14: Nicholas Kristof – Lessons from 30 Years of Covering the World
• January 15: Leland Melvin – Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace & Second Chances
• January 16: William Powers – Sustainability, Happiness & the “Slow” Movement
• January 17: Erik W. Carter – Incomplete without You: The Church & People with Disabilites
• January 18: Ruth Carter – The Art of Storytelling Through Costume Design
• January 21: Willie Jennings in celebration of MLK Day – The Christian Imagination: Theology & the Origins of Race
• January 22: Rachel Denhollander – A Time to Speak: Addressing Justice and Forgiveness
• January 23: Mary Robinson – Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience & the Fight for a Sustainable Future
Friday Family Fun Night: Colors
January 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Friday, January 18 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, come to the Lakeshore Museum Center to bring a little color to your family date night! Explore color in science, art, and nature. Stations around the museum will feature hands-on activities and demonstrations including one led by their friends at the Muskegon Museum of Art! This event is free for Muskegon County residents and museum members. The cost is just $3 for non-members. For more information call 231-722-0278 or visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.
Live Music: Silverado
January 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, January 18 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from the Silverado Band! This West Michigan country music band regularly performs at various venues, including private clubs, bars, stage shows, campgrounds, weddings and private parties. Their music styles range from old time country to polkas, waltzes and line dances! For more information call 231-894-5333.
The Old Settler
January 18 @ 7:30 pm – January 26 @ 7:30 pm
January 18 – 26, come to the Frauenthal Theater as the Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “The Old Settler!”
Old Settler: A woman who is pushing 40 who’s never been married and has no prospects…
Sparks fly in a 1943 Harlem tenement between 55-year-old spinster, Redwood Elizabeth Borny, and her skeptical sister, Quilly McGrath when Husband Witherspoon, a handsome young Great Migrator arrives on their doorstep. Husband’s quest to find his long-lost love, Lou Bessie, is thwarted when he finds an unexpected new romance with an Old Settler. Full of humor and grit, this story of American love and survival reverberates with timelessness and warmth.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. The Sunday matinee is at 3:00pm. Tickets are $22 – $24. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.
Back Alley Comedy Club: Darren McCarty
January 18 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, January 18 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Red Wings legend Darren McCarty and his comedy troupe! Darren takes off the gloves and shares a night of stories, jokes, new memories, and an audience Question & Answer session. After the show, there is a full meet ‘n greet and time for selfies with D-Mac!
This show is a fundraiser for Junior Jacks Pee Wee AA. VIP tables are available. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are $35 each. For more information, call Don at 616-570-8765.
Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
November 24 – April 27, visit the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm. For more information call (231)722-3251 or visit www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com.
Live Music: Wood Song
January 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, January 19 from 7:0pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Wood Song! This contemporary folk/pop singing duo brings blended harmonies to popular music spanning several decades. Chris Loughrin performs acoustic and electric guitar, as well as lead vocals and harmony. Susan Loughrin brings her soft, expressive voice to the mix. Together they are Wood Song! For more information call 231-894-5333.
Performances @The Block: Matt Beck
January 19 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 19 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for Matt Beck! West Michigan Symphony principal percussionist Matt Beck is joined by Andrew Spencer, percussion, Patrick Johnson, piano and Alexandra Mascolo-David, piano, in a concert featuring Bartok’s gripping Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion. Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm.
Comedy: Andy Beningo with Allen Trieu
January 19 @ 9:30 pm
Saturday, January 19 at 9:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for stand-up comedy from Andy Beningo and Allen Trieu!
Andy Beningo has appeared on AXS Gotham Comedy Live, as a final four finalist on CMT’s Next Big Comic and regularly on the Bob and Tom radio show. His new CD ‘Quiet Coyote’ regularly plays on XM Sirius radio on Laugh USA. Beningo has been hailed for his clean style of comedy, resulting in being named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming comedians in the country.
Allen Trieu is a native of West Michigan who has molded his experiences into an eclectic act which has been described as unique and open-minded. His witty observations and personal style touch on many subjects including college, race, and pop culture…even going green.
Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. To buy them online visit www.shermanbowlingcenter.com/back-alley-comedy-club.
Star Party: Lunar Eclipse
January 20 @ 10:30 pm – 1:30 am
Sunday, January 20 from 10:30pm – 1:30am, the Muskegon Astronomical Society invites you to a Lunar Eclipse Star Party at their observatory! You will be viewing the lunar eclipse and the night sky through the society’s telescopes. You may also bring your own telescope. They will help you get started and show you how to make adjustments. They will also provide printed materials. If weather conditions are questionable, contact Dennis Allen at 231-777-1013 to find out the status of the event. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 21 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday, January 21 from 10:00am – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free community day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! The MMA will open their doors to welcome the community for free. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Tours
• 10:00am – 1:00pm/Led by MMA docents
• 1:00pm – 3:00pm/Led by Muskegon High School art students
Films & Crafts
• 10:00am – 3:00pm/Enjoy films in the auditorium and crafts in the classroom.
• 6:30pm – 8:00pm/Panel Discussion – Come to the auditorium for a panel discussion on local and regional issues moderated by Jon Covington with panelists from the community.
Trivia Night at the Book Nook & Java Shop
Mondays @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, January 14 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Trivia Night! Join a team and test your wits. For more information call 231-894-5333.