Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Bake Sale: Polish Festival Fundraiser
January 27 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, January 27 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, the Muskegon Polish Festival invites you to a Bake Sale Festival Fundraiser at the Polish Union Lodge! Support this awesome, burgeoning festival by purchasing sweet treats such as cakes, cookies, pies, bread, Pierogi and much more! For more information, e-mail polka@muskegonpolishfest.com.
Wedo Robotics
January 27 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Monday, January 27 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for “Wedo Robotics!” Explore LEGOs and coding with these special WeDo kits. Instructors will be on hand to teach the group and guide individual learning at this free program for kids ages 7-14. For more information call (231) 722-8000.
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.
Storytime at The Coffee Factory
January 28 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hackley Public Library and The Coffee Factory in Muskegon are teaming up for special Story Times! They’ll have fun with reading books and singing songs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. These special Story Times will occur on January 14 and January 28, from 10:00am – 10:45am and are free to the public. For more information call (231) 722-8000.
Ancestry Basics
January 28 @ 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 28 at 1:00pm, come to the Muskegon Township Library for “Ancestry Basics!” Get going on your genealogy journey with an introduction to US Census records. You’ll get an overview of the rich family detail these sources contain and how to search for them on MADL’s newest online genealogy resource: Ancestry.com. Hands-on experience using Ancestry included. Bring family names and dates to help you get started. Call 231-760-4329 to register.
Black History Month Kick-Off Event
January 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 28 at 6:00pm, join Hackley Library for an evening of inspirational music and some Black History as they kick-off their Black History Month events! The Kingdom Embassy Covenant Church Praise Team will share their singing talent that is sure to warm the heart. There will also be a special Praise Dance performed by Tiffany and Triniti Jones. This free event is recommended for all ages. For more information call 231-722-8000.
We Are Stars
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm
January 14 – February 27, and March 10 – March 26, (no shows on March 3 and 5) come to the Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the free show, “We Are Stars!” What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life. Narrated by Andy Serkis. This is a 35-minute presentation. For more information call 231-777-0289.
White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2020 Lecture Series: Jack Ridl “Saint Peter and the Goldfinch”
January 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society’s Winter 2020 Lecture Series will feature engaging and stimulating presentations! The last Tuesday of the month, from January through March, will showcase a wide variety of expertise and talent. All presentations will take place at 7:00pm at the Book Nook & Java Shop. Admission is $7 at the door. For more information, please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 or visit www.musicwhitelake.org.
On January 28, Jack Ridl will present “Saint Peter and the Goldfinch: A Reading with Commentary and Invited Questions.” An early reader of Saint Peter and the Goldfinch said it best: “Ridl’s books are all treasures, as is he, and his poetry has always been trout-quick, alternately funny and wondrous, instantly intimate, and free of pretense. All these characteristics can be found in this book, and there is something else, something extraordinary: at an age where most poets are content to roll out an imagined posterity, he’s decided to push and refine the art, to see out the day and live it fully, because art and life settle for no less.”
Jack Ridl taught at Hope from 1971 until retiring in 2006. He is the author of several collections of poetry, and has also published more than 300 poems in journals and has work included in numerous anthologies. He has given readings of his work and led workshops at colleges, universities, art colonies and other venues around the country.
Before the Blues with the Reverend Robert B. Jones Sr.
January 28 @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 28 at 7:00pm, join the Norton Shores Library for “Before the Blues!” 2018 Kresge Arts Fellow, Rev. Robert B. Jones, shares the amazing variety of music that existed before traditional African American music became the cliché of 12 bar guitar blues. Rev. Jones plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle using folk, blues, spirituals, and other American Roots music to champion the history, beauty, and power of our shared culture. For more information call (231) 780-8844.
Muskegon Heights Library Open House
January 29 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, January 20 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, the Friends of the Muskegon Heights Library invite you to a free community open house to see recent improvements made to the library. A light dinner will be served and there will also be a silent auction. For more information call 616-844-3066.
Ice Breaker Wednesdays
Wednesdays @ 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday, January 8 – February 26 at 6:00pm, enjoy “Ice Breaker Wednesdays” at the Muskegon Luge & Adventure Sports Park! This is your chance to learn how to skate and cross country ski with free skate and ski lessons for beginners. Whether young or old, all beginners are welcome to participate. A $5 rink or trail pass is required for each activity. Rental equipment is also available for $5 inside the lodge. Lessons begin promptly at 6:00pm. All participants should arrive early enough to purchase a pass and get equipment on. For more information, visit www.msports.org.
Before the Blues with the Reverend Robert B. Jones Sr.
January 29 @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30pm, come to the North Muskegon Library for “Before the Blues!” 2018 Kresge Arts Fellow, Rev. Robert B. Jones, shares the amazing variety of music that existed before traditional African American music became the cliche of 12 bar guitar blues. Rev. Jones plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle using folk, blues, spirituals, and other American Roots music to champion the history, beauty, and power of our shared culture. For more information call (231) 744-6080.
Comedy Night at Smash
January 30 @ 8:00 pm
Thursday, January 30 at 8:00pm, it’s Comedy Night at Smash!” There’s no cover as Fresh Ghost Comedy and Smash Wine Bar & Bistro present Gerrit Elzinga! Reservations are recommended by calling (231) 246-7910.
Growing up in various small towns outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gerrit Elzinga had nowhere else to turn besides stand-up comedy. At 14, he began writing and performing around school in classrooms and at talent shows. Upon graduating, he frequented local comedy clubs, bars, restaurants and any other location with a microphone to craft his jokes. Social commentary, clever observations, and personal stories are featured throughout Elzinga’s act.
Gerrit has been seen on Laughs on FOX, at Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids, MI opening for Nate Bargatze, competing in the Laughing Devil Comedy Festival in New York City, is the cohost of the “This Better Be Good,” podcast and to date, has one comedy album, “Perspective,” recorded and released in 2015. His follow-up release entitled, “Bullet-Biter,” dropped on December 20, 2019.
Learn to Luge Weekends
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 27 – March 8, enjoy “Learn to Luge Weekends” at the Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex inside Muskegon State Park! They offer one of only four 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 for first timers. The track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and consists of six curves and speeds around 30 mph. www.msports.org
Black & White Show
January 31 @ 6:00 pm
City Center Arts, LLC (formerly known as The Red Lotus Gallery) presents the Black & White Show featuring the best classic art! It’s a new year, a new gallery and a new audience! They’re kicking it off with the bold, the beautiful, the stunning and the very best of art in every medium, from photography to 3D pieces. Come see what the new City Center Arts, LLC has for you. The exhibit opens January 29 and runs until March 7, 2020.
Be sure to be part of the Black & White Gala Reception, happening Friday, January 31 at 6:00pm! This fab event is free to the public and is a wonderful chance to dress up, go out on the town, meet artists, and talk art with others as you purchase locally-made pieces. For more information, call (231) 981-8525.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Games
January 31 @ 7:00 pm – February 1 @ 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. Catch home games Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Lincoln Stars. Friday, it’s “Jacks Sackpack Night” with free Sackpacks to the first 500 kids and Saturday is “Arconic Night!” Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.
West Michigan Symphony: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo
January 31 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater as the West Michigan Symphony presents “Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo!” Acoustic Guitar Music like you’ve never heard before!” is the best description of a concert with Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo. From Bizet and Rimsky-Korsakov to Led Zeppelin and The Police, Frank and Vinny take the audience on a journey of jaw-dropping guitar virtuosity. Tickets are $12 for students and $29 – $66 for adults. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.
35th Annual Greater Muskegon Jaycees Snowfest
February 1
The Greater Muskegon Jaycees Annual Snowfest will return to downtown Muskegon Saturday, February 1, 2020! This downtown winter festival features a jam-packed Saturday including popular events such as the “Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-Off,” a Cornhole Tournament and much more! “Bowls & Brews” will be added to this year’s Snowfest 2020 lineup! Over 20 breweries from all over the state of Michigan will be at the Mercy Health Arena to offer tastings of their unique craft brews. They’ll also be serving up local soup & chili from Muskegon’s favorites. For more details, keep an eye on their website at www.jcimuskegon.org/snowfest.
Black History Month Trivia Contest
February 1 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Do you know your Black History? Participate in Hackley Library’s annual Black History Month Trivia Contest! Form a group with your friends and family (up to 4 per team) and pit your knowledge against other teams. There’ll be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, as well as some consolation prizes. Not interested in participating? Come cheer on your friends and family! Please register your team for this free event by calling 231-722-8011, or by visiting HPL’s online events calendar.
The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long
February 1 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 1 from 7:30pm – 10:30pm, the Playhouse at White Lake presents The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long! This is a special sing-a-long screening, featuring subtitles for all of the songs. Hugh Jackman returns to his musical roots in a holiday biopic that tells the story of American showman P.T. Barnum. Sacked from a conventional job, Jackman’s family man, Barnum, devises a new idea for making a living. Along with a company of extraordinary individuals he recruits from all walks of life, Barnum creates a showcase of talent that eventually becomes the traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Highlighting the notion that what makes every person and their story different is what makes them all unique and special; Barnum becomes one of the first pioneers of the concept and universal appeal of “show business.”
You are invited, even encouraged, to come in costume! Tickets are $10 + $1 fee with all proceeds benefiting the Playhouse. For more information call (231) 894-4048.
Back Alley Comedy Club: Dwayne Gill wsg Rebekah Gibson
February 1 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 1 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for comedian Dwayne Gill with special guest Rebekah Gibson! Tickets are $7 and available through Eventbrite.com. For more information call (616) 570-8765.
Dwayne Gill: Feeling his job as a cop was way too serious for someone considered funny since birth, Dwayne found an outlet for his humor when he first stepped onto a comedy stage at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase in 1993. After only two more performances, he joined the ranks of professional comedians with his first paid booking. Dwayne’s topics range from current events, men and women relationships to the crazy situations he’s encountered as a police officer. Dwayne was voted “Best of the Fest” at the San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival 2013 and was the Wildcard Winner in the Stand Up its Miller Time National Comedy Contest with Kevin Hart 2012. So, if you have never met a cop with a sense of humor, then it’s obvious you haven’t met Dwayne!
Rebekah Gibson: Raised in Wisconsin, Rebekah Gibson started performing stand up in local Wisconsin bars and coffee shops. Now residing in Chicago, she is quickly making a name for herself performing in local Chicago bars and coffee shops. Movin’ on up, she recently opened for Gilbert Gottfried. Her comedy and style have often been called “very Midwest” so you know you’re bound to have a good time.
Winter Try-Athlon
February 2 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, February 2 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.
Poetry Open Mic Night & Black History Month Calendar Awards
February 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of poetry at Hackley Public Library. Read your own poetry, or read works from your favorite Black History/Black Experience/African American poet. If you wish to share a poem/piece, please register by calling 231-722-8011, or by visiting HPL’s online events calendar. Walk-ins are also welcome! Additionally, from 6:00pm – 6:30pm, those who have been selected for the annual Black History Month Calendar will be honored and the calendar will be distributed. All ages welcome!