Muskegon County Calendar of Events 01/29/19 – 02/04/19

With a Winter Storm Warning in effect and the state of Michigan being under a state of emergency, you will definitely want to call ahead to make sure your event is still happening.  Be careful out there!
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Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Postcard Salon Exhibition
January 29 – February 7
The Postcard Salon is a celebration of creativity, happening Thursday, January 24 – Thursday, February 7 at the Muskegon Museum of Art!  Now in its thirteenth year, the Postcard Salon reflects the MMA’s commitment to Michigan artists.  It’s an opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to share their work with the public.  Routinely, over 1,000 cards by artists from West Michigan and beyond are on display, offering a huge range of materials and subject matter to enjoy.  There is no fee to enter and all submitted cards will be 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 for a low cost at the Salon Sale on February 7.  For more information call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

Watch Muskegon Family Night at the Winter Sports Complex
January 29 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, January 29 from 4:00pm – 10:00pm, the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is hosting a Watch Muskegon fundraiser! Bring the family out for special pricing on activity passes, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Watch Muskegon campaign.
Enjoy 2 acres of outdoor ice rink or the 1/4 mile ice skating trail through the woods. Learn to luge at one of only four luge tracks in the entire United States!  Try cross country skiing or snowshoe on the beginner trails through the state park!
The ice rink and trails will be lit until 10:00pm. Rental equipment is available for all activities in sizes toddlers to adult men.  Spectators are welcome to enjoy the scenery, stay warm around the bonfire or grab a hot chocolate inside the heated lodge! For more information visit www.msports.org or call 1-877-TRY-LUGE.

5X5 Night at the Hub
January 29 @ 5:00 pm
5 x 5 Night is back at the Muskegon Innovation Hub on Tuesday, January 29 beginning at 5:00pm.  Five creators will pitch their ideas for a chance to win $5,000, no strings attached.  Join them at Muskegon Innovation HUB for May 5×5 Night.  The public is welcome to attend.
• 5 Votes!
• 5 Ideas!
• 5 Minutes!
• 5 Judges!
• 5,000 to the winning pitch!
For more information visit www.5x5night.com.

Christ Temple Inspirational Gospel Choir & Poetry by Gemini daPoet
January 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 29 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, visit Hackley Public Library for an inspired night of music with the Christ Temple Inspirational Gospel Choir. Directed by Doll Cook, this event will kick off Black History Month with a rousing performance that will get every heart singing!  This event will also showcase poetry that makes history.  This program is free to the public!  For more information call (231) 722-8000.

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.

White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2019 Lecture Series
January 29 @ 7:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2019 Lecture Series will feature three engaging and stimulating presentations! The last Tuesday of the month, from January through March, will showcase a wide variety of expertise and talent.
On January 29, Scott Speck, Music Director of the West Michigan Symphony will present “A Symphony for West Michigan”. Join them as Scott discusses the West Michigan Symphony’s journey from its community roots to its current status as an esteemed regional orchestra.  You’ll also learn how the Symphony is evolving to become an indispensable musical resource for all of West Michigan.
On February 26, Blue Lake Radio host, Foley Schuler, will speak on “An American in Paris: Gershwin’s Europe.” February 2019 marks the 95th anniversary of the premier of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a watershed event in the history of music.  Drawing upon a nearly lifelong fascination with Gershwin and his work, Blue Lake Public Radio’s Foley Schuler takes the American composer’s music as a point of departure for exploring another of his favorite themes, the relationship between classical music and what is thought by many to be America’s classical music—jazz—tracing the influence of this uniquely American art form on European composers of the 1920s and beyond, through a combination of anecdotes, analysis and musical excerpts.
On March 26, Kirk Hallman, Executive Director of the Muskegon Art Museum, will speak on “The Muskegon Museum of Art: Past, Present and Future.”  Mr. Hallman is a native of Muskegon who moved away in the late 1980s only to return in 2013 to take the position of Development Officer at the Muskegon Museum of Art.  He attended Michigan State University and before joining the Muskegon Museum of Art, served 20 years as Executive Director of a non-profit musical arts organization in Lafayette, Indiana.  He is now leading this great organization, the Muskegon Museum of Art, with great vision, impacting the West Michigan community!
All presentations will take place at 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop. The suggested donation is $7 at the door.  For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit them online at www.whitelakemusic.org.

GEM Theatrics Presents: My Dearest Friend
January 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, January 30 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the North Muskegon branch of the Muskegon Area District Library for an evening of theater!  “My Dearest Friend,” by Michigan playwright Mary G. Kron, chronicles the true story of the lives of John and Abigail Adams.  Using primary sources, the play is a touching flashback of the high points of their life together, making history come alive as it gives new insight into this most modern of historical couples.  Enjoy their love, strength and remarkable relationship, while learning things you didn’t learn in history class.
This 2 act play is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission and is sponsored by the Michigan Humanities Council, Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, and Friends of Walker Library.  For more information call 231-744-6080.

Ragnar Run in the Dark
January 30 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday, January 30 from 6:30pm – 9:00pm, join Pigeon Hill Brewing for a Night Run Challenge sponsored by Ragnar! A Ragnar Warrior will be there with giveaways, some awesome raffle prizes and discounts to any @Ragnarrelay event!  See them all at http://bit.ly/2QvyeJS.  The first 40 people to check into the run will get a free Ragnar reflective neck gaiter!  For more information call (231) 375-5184.

XC Ski Icebreaker Wednesdays
January 30 @ 7:00 pm
January 30 and February 27 at 7:00pm, come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex for XC Ski Icebreaker Wednesdays!  Get a free cross country ski lesson from an experienced ski instructor and go on a group ski with other winter sports fans on their 5K trail.  Trail pass and rental are extra.  For more information call 1877-TRY-LUGE or visit www.msports.org.

Opening Reception: A+ for Educators
January 31 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 31 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm, bring the kids to enjoy the opening of an exhibition of all original artworks by family favorite illustrator: Patricia Polacco! “A+ for Educators” celebrates great teachers everywhere.  The night will include remarks from our MMA Assistant Director Catherine Mott, followed by a reading of one of Polacco’s books on display.  Books are available for purchase in the Museum Store.  Patricia Polacco will be at the MMA for a book signing in April.  This event is free and open to the public.  Cookies and cocoa will be provided.  For more information call 231-720-2570.

Youth Luge Development Program
January 31 @ 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.

Winter Blues Euchre Tourney
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
Every Thursday, January 24 – February 28, come to Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. for a Winter Blues Euchre Tourney! Games start at 7:00pm.  This is a progressive style tourney so they need a minimum of 8 individuals to play and no partner necessary.  They’ll have tables reserved just for those playing euchre, score cards, decks of cards and of course, beer!   For more information call (231) 375-5184.

Comedy Open Mic Night
Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Come out to the Tipsy Toad Tavern every Thursday at 7:00pm for Comedy Open Mic Night featuring live comedy from some of the funniest stand-ups currently working and touring! The cost is only $3 at the door unless you are performing!  It’s a great time with good food and cold drinks!  For more information call (231) 725-7181.

Jazz Night: In the Blue
January 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, January 31 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Jazz Night featuring music from In The Blue!  This jazz ensemble provides exciting live music including everything from jazz standards to Motown, rock and funk.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Learn to Luge Weekend
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
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.

Pine Street Mercantile: Launch Event
February 1 – February 2
Pine Street Mercantile is an exciting new venue for occasional sales! Four experienced pickers curate vintage, antique, upcycled and found items.  Love junk?  This market is for you!  Their launch event is happening Friday, February 1 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm through Saturday, February 2 from 9:00am – 3:00pm! The market will be held bi-monthly and dates are listed on their Facebook event page.  Expect a wide variety of goods from project pieces to delightfully up-cycled furniture.  Various price points make it affordable for every budget!  For more information call (231) 830-4255.

Live Music: David Moul
February 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, February 1 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from David Moul!  David is a singer/songwriter who hails from Hart, MI.  Raised on church music, jazz, Broadway, classical and more, David began singing and playing piano at a young age.  His love for all genres is evident in his versatile performances, which feature songs ranging from pop hits and ballads to show-tunes and Gospel music.  David holds a Bachelor’s of Music from MSU College of Music, where he studied classical voice.  While at MSU, David also earned his minor in Piano Performance and is currently the Director of Choirs at Hart Public Schools.  Variety is the hallmark of David’s performances and he enjoys singing and playing a wide selection of music, connecting with a broad audience base.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

West Michigan Symphony Presents: Choral Fantasy
February 1 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, February 1 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents “Choral Fantasy!”  Forgotten for 200 years, Vivaldi’s sunny Gloria has become his most beloved choral work.  Italian pianist Alessio Bax performs the elegant Mozart concerto, known for its use in the movie Elvira Madigan as well as Neil Diamond’s “Song Sung Blue.”  Bax, chorus and WMS come together for Beethoven’s magnificent precursor to the Ninth Symphony.

Single ticket prices are $24-$60.  Student tickets are $10.  Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.

Scott Speck, conductor
Alessio Bax, piano
Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids

Vivaldi – Gloria
Mozart – Piano Concerto no. 21
Beethoven – Fantasia, Piano Chorus & Orchestra, op. 80 (Choral Fantasy)

Greater Muskegon Jaycees Annual Snowfest
February 2
The Greater Muskegon Jaycees Annual Snowfest will return to downtown Muskegon Saturday, February 2, 2019!  This downtown winter festival features a jam-packed Saturday including popular events such as the “Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-Off,” a “Battle of the Bloodies” competition, a Snow Volleyball Tournament and a Cornhole Tournament.  The day will conclude with a themed 80s Ski Party!
The Cornhole and Snow Volleyball Tournament will run simultaneously on Western Ave. between 3rd and 4th streets.  Registration begins at 9:00am and tournaments begin at 10:00am.  Trophies and cash prizes will be given to 1st and 2nd place teams in each tournament.  Pre-event registration is requested and the cost to play is $30 per cornhole team of 2, and $60 per volleyball team of 4.
Partnering with area restaurants and taverns is a key component in Snowfest.  The popular Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-off will take place from 11:00am – 2:00pm on at Frauenthal Center (Hilt Building 3rd Floor).  Area restaurants will go head to head to see who has the best Chili!  Chili samples will be sold in full (12 4oz. samples) or half sizes (6 4oz. samples).  Tickets are $10 and $5 during the pre-sale or $15 and $10 the day of the event.  Participating restaurants will be announced soon!
This year is the second year of the “Battle of the Bloodies,” a contest to identify Muskegon’s favorite Bloody Mary!  It will be held in conjunction with the Battle of the Bowls from 11:00am – 2:00pm at the Frauenthal Center (Hilt Building 3rd Floor).
The 2019 Snowfest activities will conclude with an 80s ski party in partnership with Racquets Downtown Grill.  Bring your best spandex winter gear, your big hair, and get ready for music and dancing!   For more information, call (231) 412-0705, find Muskegon Jaycees Snowfest on Facebook.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon!  Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s!  You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village.  For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

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.

Hearty Soups and Homemade Bread Bowls with Chef Char
February 2 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, February 2 from 11:00am – 1:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Hearty Soups and Homemade Bread Bowls with Chef Char!” Warm up with a hot bowl of homemade soup and a delicious pretzel-style bread bowl.  Two soups will be made to try and take home, including loaded baked potato soup and creamy roasted tomato basil.  Also learn the secrets to making a delicious bread bowl to serve your soup in.  You will go home with plenty for the next day or freezing too. The cost is $45.  To register or for more information, call 231-769-2202 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

5th Annual Black History Month Trivia Contest
February 2 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, February 2 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, come to Hackley Public Library for the 5th Annual Black History Month Trivia Contest hosted by Mickey Wallace!  Embrace a challenge, and grab your friends (up to 4 per team) to test your knowledge of Black History against other teams in trivia!  Prizes will be available for the winning team!  Not interested in participating in the contest?  That’s okay, just come and watch or cheer on friends and family.  This is a program for all ages!  Register your team by visiting Hackley Library’s online events calendar, or by calling 231-722-8011.

Delicious Demise
February 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
From October – May, Amanda’s Bequest, a heritage farm-stay bed & breakfast, and Bygone Basics, a heritage farm to fork cooking school and bakery, offer special “Murder Mystery” events! Participants learn about cultural food differences and experience dishes that are authentic to the country or place the theme is based on.  You get food discovery, dinner, and “DEMISE!”
This is so much fun!  You will be emailed more detailed information about the event prior to arrival, including your role assignment and costume suggestions. The activities last from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturdays, with dinner served in courses.  These are themed murder mysteries based on the season, month and number of guests.  All are different, so keep coming back for the next one!  A minimum of 6 people are required.  Murder mystery dinners are adult themed and not suitable for those under 17 years of age.  (Not fully suitable for special diets.  Some foods are naturally gluten free or vegetarian and these are present, but no separate dishes can be prepared.) For more information, please call (231) 740-4065 or e-mail ICan@bygonebasics.com.  You can request no role, or small role if you are a little shy. Conversely, do request a big role if you are excited about doing this!
They reserve the right to change the posted theme to adjust to group sizes.  Please call or e-mail to register or visit the website below.  The cost is $45, or $35 if you’re staying at Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast.

DATES:
• 02/02/19
• 03/16/19
• 04/06/19
• 05/04/19

Back Alley Comedy Club: Donnell Rawlings
February 2 @ 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Saturday, February 2 at 6:30pm and again at 9:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Donnell Rawlings! Donnell is an overnight success a decade in the making. He made a splash in the DC comedy clubs going from a heckler in the audience to HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in a period of six months. You’ve seen him as ‘Ashy Larry’ on Comedy Central’s award winning and critically celebrated Chappelle’s Show, where he joined Dave Chappelle as both as a writer and performer.
Tickets are $25. For more information, call Don at 616-570-8765.

Muskegon Risers Home Game
February 2 @ 7:00 pm
Muskegon Risers SC was founded to help facilitate positive social and economic change along the Muskegon Lakeshore through the game of soccer. A Riser is someone who understands our community’s potential and who pushes themselves and others to realize that potential.  The ‘Risers’ name was inspired by the ‘Muskegon, Together Rising’ sculpture that stands in the heart of downtown Muskegon.  Risers are not limited to an era, industry or ethnicity.  Muskegon Risers SC strives to represent the spirit of our area’s people in past, present and future tense.
Catch the MKG Riser’s playing home against the Waza Flo FC at the L.C. Walker Arena on Saturday, February 2 at 7:15pm! You may purchase your ticket online or on game day at the field. All home games are $9.  For more information, call the arena at (231) 726-2400.

Live Music: Acoustic Oasis
February 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 2 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from Acoustic Oasis!  Phil Petersen and Glen Miller, AKA Acoustic Oasis, are two guys who love playing music.  Inspired by the music of such artists as CSNY, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Jack Johnson and Ray Lamontagne, they have created a playlist of covers and originals adding many instruments along the way.  Their sound now includes 6 and 12 string guitars, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, clarinet and harmonica.  For more information call 231-894-5333.

Performances @The Block: Alessio Bax
February 2 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 2 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for Alessio Bax!  Following his performance with the West Michigan Symphony, Alessio returns to the Block for an evening of classical piano that combines exceptional lyricism and insight with consummate technique.  Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information.  Doors and bar open at 6:45pm.

Winter Try-Athlon
February 3 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, February 3 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 231-828-4627 or visit www.msports.org.

Hackley Crafts: Mud Cloth Design Planters
February 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Are you impressed by beautiful art techniques?  Monday, February 4 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, join Nancy Hartman at Hackley Public Library as she teaches you how to create your own mud cloth inspired planter during this month’s Hackley Crafts!  Registration is required and will open one month before the class date.  Register at www.hackleylibrary.org/events or by calling 231-722-8011.  Materials are provided at this free program.

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.

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.