Northern Michigan's Charlie Millard Band performs at the Dogwood Center on Friday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box. The band is a mix of yesterday’s vintage and current musical Americana, with a really cool roots rock vibe. Always playing lots of festivals including Earthwork Harvest Gathering, BlissFest, FarmBlock Fest, Frederik Meijer Gardens, and venues, mainly across the Midwest and Canada, percussionist Will Harris, Jercat Millard on guitars, and Charlie on the keys/organ/Rhodes bass, give you a musical experience that they describe as "being like small movies for the ears." Music has been the driving force in Millard’s life. “Ray Charles, Greg Brown, Bob Dylan and Van Morrison are staples in the house along with a bit of blues,” said Millard, whose skills were honed with help from his guitar-playing father, two piano teachers – one from the classical side and the other steeped in jazz – and a diverse palette of musical influences. Join us for a great night in the Dogwood Black Box! Tickets are $17.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line by clicking here. Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.
0 Comments
Chicago based Melody Angel brings blues to the Dogwood Center Black Box on Friday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. Melody Angel is a gifted guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, vocalist, arranger, and producer. Along the way Angel also has found time to launch a successful theater and film acting career and received international acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in France. The Chicago Reader newspaper called her “The Future of the Blues.” The Southside Chicago artist has a forward-looking musical path while integrating the legacy of classic blues. Her music encompasses many 20th century American genres, including Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Folk, and Funk, all layered on a strong bed of Chicago blues. Growing up in Chicago, it was the guitar that obsessed Melody. Money was too tight to ask for an instrument and lessons, so she spent hours each day watching videos of her favorite guitar players, analyzing their styles and dreaming up her own licks. By the time she was 15 and her mother bought her a purple Fender at a local pawnshop, it took mere months with a guitar in her hands before she was winning open mic nights and forming her own band. Angel never got to play with her famous cousin Otis Rush, whose health failed just as she began her career, but she’s proud to carry on his legacy—and the legacy of the women in her family who were powerful soul and gospel singers. Join us for a great night in the Dogwood Black Box! Tickets are $17.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line by clicking here. Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. N3 note: If you are unfamiliar with the work of Django Reinhardt we highly recommend seeing this show because you have been missing out on a seriously fine listening experience.
And if you already know about the music? See you there. Michigan-based band, Djangophonique brings their hot club style jazz to the Dogwood Center Black Box on Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. The award winning band delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. Djangophonique has been described as “…the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” (Local Spins). Led by guitar player Andrew Brown, a true disciple of the style, the project has cultivated a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that the music demands. In 2022 the group released their first studio album, “Introducing Djangophonique,” which featured Tyler Rindo on Clarinet and Jorian Olk-Szost on double-bass and won Best Jazz Album, Traditions Award, as well as earning them Artist Of The Year at the WYCE Jammies. In 2023 guitarist Nicholas Martin joined the ensemble on rhythm guitar and the group began a new chapter with the addition of vocalist Katie Smith, who’s soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an unplaceable era. With a second studio album and a full concert schedule in the works for 2024, Djangophonique is poised to forge a connection with an expansive audience through the resonance of their artistry. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad. Tickets are $17.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA- Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line by clicking here . Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. Search Begins for NBFF’s 2024 Queen’s Court
Ok, it is definitely winter hereabouts since we’ve just been blanketed with a super-sized helping of the white stuff. Oh, and to make things even brighter we’re due for one of those runs of frigid temps when you wonder why you live in a place where the weather makes your face hurt. During these times it’s important to remember that following winter there is indeed a spring and it soon segues into the magical season of warmth, water, outdoor fun, festivals and nothing to shovel. In 6 short (except for February and March)) months the National Baby Festival hits Fremont and the quest has begun for candidates to serve on the event’s Queen’s Court. Interested? Here’s the skinny: The National Baby Food Festival Committee has begun their search for the 2024 Queen’s Court! This year the festival will take place during the week of July 17-20. The NBFF Queen’s Court Committee is looking for individuals who will enjoy representing the festival as a goodwill ambassador around West Michigan. The 2024 Queen’s Court will consist of three very eager and outgoing individuals willing to be involved in various events around Newaygo County as well as during the week of the National Baby Food Festival. A scholarship will be awarded to the Crowned Queen of the court. Interested individuals must be between 16 – 20 years of age and a resident of Newaygo County. Please submit a letter of introduction, along with a current photograph to: NBFF Queen’s Court 7 East Main Street Fremont, MI 49412 Letters of introduction and photograph must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 7, 2024, to be considered in the 2024 NBFF Queen’s Court search. If you have any questions, please contact the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce at (231) 924-0770. Applicants will then be interviewed, and a three-person court will be announced this spring. The 2024 Queen will be crowned during the Festival’s Friday night entertainment on July 19th. Her first official duty will be presiding over the National Baby Food Festival Grand Parade on Saturday, July 22nd. As we swing into what promises to be yet another year of fun and frolic here in our slice of bi-penindular paradise, a busy week awaits. On Tuesday you can take in a bit of local history when longtime Croton resident Dick Gillespie shares stories, photos and more in a look back at the Croton of yesteryear. The presentation starts at 1pm and will be held at the Croton Township Hall. Jake vs. Jayk will make their first appearance in the River Stop Cafe’s Thursday night series. 6:30pm-9pm downtown Newaygo. Rather tap into your creativity than listen to music? Shamrock Pub & Grille in White Cloud is hosting a Paint and Sip Thursday from 6-9pm featuring Highland Cow. On Friday World of Winter kicks off in GR a 2 month celebration of our coldest season. There are winter people and there are those who escape to warmer climes. This ongoing funfest put on by our metro cousin to the south is for those of us who choose to live in the Mitten year round, not retreat south at a little dip of the thermometer. https://worldofwintergr.com! On Saturday the Dogwood brings in John McEuen for a 7:30pm concert. Ever been to Wheatland? Well, the venerable mid Michigan gathering likely got its roots from the efforts of McEuen and his mates from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. When they released Will The Circle Be Unbroken the album spawned an explosion of new fans to the genre and a proliferation of bluegrass festivals across the country. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/bluegrass-country-rock-legend-coming-to-town Kropscott Farm will be hosting their Winter Workshop Saturday 1-4pm. Free, but pre-registration is required. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/leisure/kropscott-farm-to-host-winter-workshop. Want to learn how to sow your seeds in the winter for your springtime garden planting? On Saturday The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) will host a native plant event at Brooks Township Hall beginning at 11am. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/native-plant-seeds-wild-ones-chapter-jan-13. John McEuen at the Dogwood on January 13
I first recall hearing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band when they covered the classic Jerry Jeff Walker creation Mr. Bojangles, a captivating ballad involving a rather remarkable chance meeting behind bars. It took off on the pop charts and the album it came from ‘Uncle Charley and His Dog Teddy’ had a couple other cuts that showcased some of the outstanding string work of John McEuen. Then a couple years later, if memory serves, the band merely changed the course of music when they arrived in Nashville, not exactly a hotbed of long haired musicians in those days. They recorded the groundbreaking ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ an absolutely extraordinary collaboration that gave rise to a whole new Bluegrass revival (area folks close to my age might recall the popularity of Cabbage Crik in the mid-late 70’s). The 3 record set has been a personal favorite long enough to have owned incarnations of it in vinyl, 8 track, cassette, CD and once again back to vinyl. Band member John McEuen was the driving force for this meeting of the musical minds when the likes of country music legends like Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Jimmy Martin, Vassar Clements, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter and others agreed to participate. I cannot even fathom how those sessions must have gone down. McEuen is renowned for his multi instrumental artistry. He is a true icon who took the music he loved and carried it into the mainstream. And he is coming to the Dogwood. Our Dogwood. In Fremont. Soon. If you are interested in hearing some seriously fine music, mark this one down. It’s already on my calendar and I might even see if I can find that old 8 track . Never know when a possible autograph opportunity might arise. -Ken De Laat Here’s the skinny on the concert: Multi-instrumentalist John McEuen, best known as a member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will perform on the Dogwood Center Main Stage on Saturday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m. McEuen, a key figure in the history of American folk music, will be performing with The Circle Band. McEuen brings with him 45+ years of worldwide performing with his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. Often dubbed ‘the String Wizard’, he weaves stories of his travels and family life, taking the audience through where his musical path has taken him. A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen initiated the band’s classic 1972 album Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which brought together icons from bluegrass, country, and West Coast country-rock and holds a place in the Library of Congress as one of America’s most important recordings. His Circle Band includes Les Thompson, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Danny Knicely and Bryan McDowell. Tickets are $20.00 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA- Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com or make it easy and click here! For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. Shopping With Ken revisits River City Well, here we are Near Northians. Days, just days, remain until the arrival of Christmas. And yet those of us who share the chronic curse known as procrastination likely have yet to wrap a single present, primarily because we have yet to make a single purchase, right? In addition there are the shoppers who begin early with a couple of buys. Teeming with confidence they kind of coast along though early December until suddenly realizing scant time remains before the shopping ops come to a close and much of their list is untouched. The staff of Shopping With Ken (aka SWK) can not only sympathize with you, we empathize because we have been in the same leaky boat and have been known to be frantically floundering about on Christmas Eve, hoping for an intervention of inspiration. Today we not only present a plethora of presenting possibilities, but opportunities that do not involve heading down Alpine Avenue or fighting the traffic at Woodland or Rivertown malls. The following finds are each within walking distance of each other and nestled in the wonderful downtown Newaygo shopping district. Newaygo Brewing Co. Not only is NewBrew a much favored stop for those of us who enjoy the awesome adult beverages they have on hand (*Seven Cousins IPA) and their unique and pleasing menu (*Buddha Bowl) but they are also an ideal spot for gifting. There are many NewBrew regulars who would enjoy the practicality of their triple insulated mini keg style growlers to be sure, but the Brewery’s swag goes far beyond that with cozy crew neck sweatshirts, bright colored t shirts, cuffed and uncuffed beanies, crowler and wine bottle koozies, stickers and more. All their retail stuff is 15% off, If you buy one bottle of wine, you get half off a second one and should you go with gift cards (always a judicious move) a $50 purchase also gets you a $10 card that you could stick in a sock or while there use the free card to relax with a glass or two of some seriously savory suds because shopping can be a grueling task. Timbered Spirit This well stocked store provides an eclectic array of items to be sure, but if you have a cottage or cabin dweller on your list drop in on Brian and Alyssa Locke’s place. We loved the lake art featuring our local waterways, particularly the clocks. They have a large selection of coffee mugs (always a good fallback item because if you change your mind or find something else you can keep it for yourself), kitchen gadgetry and we really felt attracted to the wide variety of jigsaw puzzles. After all, during our far too long winter every home should involve an ongoing effort at completing one (or 4) of the larger ones by spring. Northwoods General Store What a find for gift seekers! Cool, cool stuff at every turn and the veritable motherlode of Yeti products which will make you a hero no matter who the giftee might be. Being a septuagenarian who might be a bit out of the loop, we learned about Muck Boots (50% off) tart melts and Cotopaxi T Shirts (buy one get one half off). If you know someone well enough to get them underwear they have the ever popular Saxx line that some have called ‘life changing’. Flying Bear Books & Creperie The hottest of the downtown hot spots has gifted the community with a wide variety of artistry with music, art, poetry, comedy and dance all the while serving up the culinary creations that emerge from their kitchen known as to-die-for crepes. Oh and they have books. Aisles and seemingly miles of books in a wide swath of genres with both new and gently pre read offerings. To SWK, one cannot go wrong with gifting a book. They’re easy to wrap (we have an issue with wrapping), cover a variety of interests, and can be a way to introduce a friend to a favorite author you think they might like. SWK once gave occasional N3 contributor Charles Chandler a Jim Harrison book and he has since devoured nearly all of the Michigan writer’s works. Suggestion: Should you have a true bibliophile on your list a gift certificate here is highly recommended. Why? Because for a true book lover part of the adventure is in the hunt. Finders Keepers New and used items galore with over 50 vendors supplying the store with their wares. Located in the old Masonic Temple this is a prime spot for discovery shopping, where you enter with barely a clue what to get a particular person and find something that just seems to fit for them. Like the Gerber Baby Doll seen above. Can’t get that at Target. Other Places
Downtown is also home to Parsley’s, if you have a fisherperson on your list, 37 North where one can find sporting apparel and recreational buys, Jerkie’s because for many no Christmas would be complete without jerky in your sock, and Sui Generis if your giftee’s desires are home furnishings (few would be disappointed by receiving a recliner). There you go folks. We’ll be wrapping things up (other than presents) this week so if you have a final suggestion or two let us know. And get going on the last minute shopping because we have some serious reveling in front of us. Oh and here’s a link to seeing the story behind SWK’s wrapping woes... https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/the-view-from-here-wrap-session Story and photos by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Bands brought holiday magic with its annual Winter Concert on Thursday, December 14. The musical extravaganza featured four student bands across Newaygo Middle and High Schools, each showcasing their musical talents to the capacity crowd. The High School Jazz Band opened the show with “It Swigs Upon a Midnight Clear.” Their rendition enchanted the audience, setting the evening’s festive mood. Then, Director of Bands, Branden Listh, took to the stage, welcoming the community and expressing joy with the student musicians’ hard work and dedication. Mr. Listh then introduced Assistant Band Director Megan Funk, who led the 6th Grade Band in its inaugural performance together. The students began with the first song they learned in class, “Rain, Rain.” They then progressed through rousing renditions of “Hot Cross Buns,” “Go Tell Aunt Rhodie,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Jolly Old St. Nick,” ending the show with “The Dreidel Song.” The order of tunes highlighted the 6th graders evolving skills. As Mr. Listh noted, the 6th graders began their musical journey only a few months ago, with no knowledge of their instruments or the music, but now they can perform for the community. As the 6th graders left the stage, and the combined 7th and 8th Grade Band took their places, the High School Jazz Band played a moving rendition of “Silent Night.” Then, the 7th and 8th graders claimed the spotlight, with Mr. Listh conducting. Building on the energy of the previous performances, the 7th and 8th Grade Band played three upbeat numbers: “Christmas Encore,” “Christmas Angels,” and “Santa’s Blizzard Escape!” All three tunes demonstrated the young musicians’ developing skills. As the stage was set for the High School Symphonic Band, the Jazz Band played its two final songs. “Deck the Halls with All Sorts of Funky” and “Trombones Under the Tree” energized the room, with several concert goers dancing along to the familiar holiday music. The High School Symphonic Band gave the final performance of the night, crowning the evening with three songs that demonstrated tremendous range and talent. “Wintertide” was up first, followed by “Celebrations for Christmas,” and concluding with “An American Christmas.” The Symphonic Band’s sophisticated and polished performance brought the crowd to its feet, with several in the audience offering standing ovations. The Winter Concert is special, bringing the middle and high school bands together to showcase the immense growth that happens over the course of their musical education at Newaygo. Moreover, the concert marks the specific culmination of individual and collective practices and rehearsals. Said Mr. Listh, “The students did such a fantastic job. The middle school was able to showcase their three months of work. The high school was able to put together their pieces in only one month, and they pulled them together. The students' attitudes have been excellent this year, making sharing the joy of making music enjoyable. The kids have out-performed themselves this year and are a joy to work with." The Newaygo Bands program has been very successful over the years, regularly earning top spots in local and state contests. Most recently, the Newaygo Marching Band took 3rd place in November’s MCBA State Finals at Ford Field. In the coming months, the Jazz Band will perform at the Alma College Jazz Festival and the Hastings Jazz Festival. Meanwhile, the Symphonic Band is preparing for the District Festival in the first week of March.
By Ken DeLaat Ever since that Christmas Eve long ago (circa 1957) when I was almost certain to have caught a glimpse of him in action there has been a personal desire to shed a little light on the enigmatic world of…you guessed it…Santa Claus. In many ways it led to pursuing an interest in journalism with one goal always in the back of my mind. An interview with The Big Guy. After countless requests for a sit down over the years, each denied via form letter, N3 got notice recently that old SC himself would be able to squeeze in a few minutes from his mind-boggling busy seasonal schedule. We found him relaxing in his chair having just knocked down a bit of cocoa after prepping for yet another appearance. It seems we see you almost everywhere these days.With the reindeer resting for the Big Day how do you travel? With the main 9 reindeer always in training for Christmas Eve, I use my other reindeer. This also keeps those reindeer in shape if they are needed to replace another reindeer. Although your main job involves a once a year endeavor you obviously need to be in good shape to perform a delivery day that would make Amazon blush. What kind of physical regimen keeps you ready for the task? Mrs. Claus helps me stay slim and trim with a healthy diet; especially after eating all those cookies on Christmas Eve. I also help out the elves making toys and mucking out the reindeer stables Is it true like in the movie Miracle on 34th street you’re fluent in all languages? If so,which was hardest to learn? There are over 7,000 languages spoken on Earth today. Through Christmas magic I am able to understand and speak the language of the country I am in at the time. The Christmas magic is a big help as in Papua New Guinea, a country on the border between Asia and Australia with historically numerous trade relations in large parts of Asia, Australia and Oceania there are over 800 individual languages there. Are the elves you employ specialists in certain areas or generalists? Are they unionized? How are they recruited for the job? Most of our elves are specialists as they enjoy making and creating certain things, or other specialties. We also have some generalist elves with massive skill sets who can pitch in when an elf gets ill or is on vacation. They are not unionized and have never asked to be unionized. Almost all of the elves are recruited through other elves at the North Pole. We have numerous large families of elves here. Living in an isolated area with an army of elves, how do you and Mrs Claus handle any of the inevitable arguments that can arise in long term relationships? Well, mainly we never go to bed mad at each other. We have been together for over 400 years and that has enabled us to work as a great team. Any truth to the rumor that Superman’s fortress is a North Pole neighbor? And speaking of life at the NP do you and Mrs. Claus ever vacation in warmer climes during the offseason? If so, where do you go? Superman's Fortress of Solitude is very well hidden. We respect his need for peace and quiet away from the world's troubles and leave him alone most of the time. Mrs C and I do like to vacation in warmer climates. Since we get recognized even when not wearing red and white, we select out of the way places so we can relax and rejuvenate. So, I'm going to keep where we go a secret if you don't mind. When it comes to cookies do you have a favorite? How about milk. Prefer whole, skim or lactose free? My two favorite cookies are store bought and homemade ones. With all the cookies I eat on Christmas Eve I stick with skim milk. Referencing the Rudolph animated story…is there still an island of misfit toys or has quality control improved? There are always times when a toy may get put together wrong and we have kept up with modern quality control methods. We fix the toys on the spot and they go to deserving children's homes. Thankfully, we no longer need the Island of Misfit Toys. Speaking of Rudy, does he participate each year or is he held back for more challenging weather? Since we are travelling the world Ruudolph always travels with us. As a Michigan resident, you know how quickly the weather can change, don't you? We understand music is important to you.What song that features you is your favorite? Mrs Claus and I love all Christmas music from many countries; and one of my favorite English songs would be "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". Has there been any major shift in the Naughty/Nice list? Any significant increases on either side? A little known secret is that I only keep a Nice List. Half the work of keeping two separate lists. The percentage on the nice lists stays mostly the same. Speaking of the List, can you give a hint which side Lil and I might fall? Hmmmmm; right now Lil is definitely on the nice list. As for you, you know what you need to improve on, don't you? Anything you’d care to add? Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. KD Post script: Well, what can I say? He was kind, he was jolly, he was everything one might expect and the twinkle in his eye never wavered. But after all... He was Santa. Final Fremont stop yields treasure trove of gift giving Perhaps the ultimate ‘buy local’ enterprise is the NCCA-Artsplace “Holiday Artist Market” in downtown Fremont. Those familiar with this oasis of creativity have likely already paid a visit to this emporium of artistry. However, if you have never been through their doors during this time of year you have been missing out on the opportunity to be gifting some truly unique items to the favorites on your list all from local and regional artists and makers. Here at Shopping With Ken we can’t say enough about the Holiday Artist Market known as HAM (to nobody but it sounded funny) so we’ll let the photos do the talking for us. Here’s what the folks in charge have to say. Make your selections from handmade functional or decorative pottery, unique paintings, prints, textiles, candles, photography, wood turning, sculpture and jewelry. Decorate your tree this year with a variety of handmade ornaments or give them as the perfect holiday gift! Whether you’re looking for fine hand made jewelry for the special someone, new ornaments for the tree or an original painting, you’ll find it all at NCCA-Artsplace Holiday Artist Market. And you can give the gift of creativity this holiday season with NCCA-Artsplace’s gift cards available in any denomination and can be used towards original art and future classes. Here's the skinny: The NCCA-Holiday Artist Market will be open through December 30. Regular hours are Monday- Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information stop by or call NCCA-Artsplace, 13 E. Main, Fremont, 231.924.4022 or check out www.ncca-artsplace.org. And here are the promised photos. |
Features and FunConcerts, Plays, Happenings, Local Recipes, Gardening, Entertainment, Charities, Fundraisers, upcoming events, Theater, Activities, Tech, and much more. Categories“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.”
- Eric Qualman |