The Fremont Area Community Foundation invites you to experience a wonderful concert by the Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series on Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the Dogwood Center's Black Box! Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series continues with another program of "To Be Dvořák," featuring Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata, Janácek's Pohádka, and Dvořák's Trio in F minor. Written for a short-lived string instrument called the arpeggione, the Arpeggione sonata has been arranged for many other instruments including the flute, which you will hear at this concert. Janácek's Pohádka, written for cello and piano, is filled with captivating sonorities, while Dvořák's F minor trio reflects his both serious and folk-inspired sides of his musical talent. Come on out and enjoy pianist Sookkyung Cho, violinist Grace Kim, cellist Andrew Laven and flutist Dominique Kim as they perform wonderful pieces by Franz Schubert, Antonin Dvorak, and Leos Janácek. Grand prize winner of the 2021 National Flutist Association Young Artist Competition, Dominique Kim was recently appointed principal flute of the Grand Rapids Symphony. In addition to previously serving as principal flute with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Dominique has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Houston Symphony. Grace Kim started serving as assistant concertmaster in the Grand Rapids Symphony in 2017. She started her violin studies at the age of 10, when her family immigrated from South Korea to Yakima, WA. Her performances a soloist, chamber, and orchestra musician include a debut at the Kimmel Center with Philadelphia all city orchestra concerto competition winner, Medomak Conductors retreat musician in-residence, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony, Spoleto Festival Orchestra(Charleston), Amalfi Coast Music Festival. Andrew Laven was appointed Assistant Principal Cellist of the Grand Rapids Symphony in 2019. He received his Master’s degree from Rice University under Desmond Hoebig and Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music under Steven Doane. An interest in historical performance led Andrew to study baroque cello with Phoebe Carrai and in 2021 he was a finalist at the Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition. An enthusiast for chamber music, Andrew has collaborated with Ying Quartet first violinist Robin Scott, violist Roberto Diaz, and pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Artistic Director of the GV Piano Chamber Series, Sookkyung Cho is Associate Professor of Piano at Grand Valley State University. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has appeared in venues such as Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, Conservatoire d'art dramatique de Montréal in Canada, Château de Fontainebleau in France, Bilkent Piano Festival in Turkey, and Xi’an Conservatory in China. Dr. Cho received a bachelor’s degree from Juilliard, where she was honored with the John Erskine Graduation Prize, and earned a master’s degree at Peabody and a doctorate at Juilliard as a C.V. Starr fellow. Her debut CD, Schubert’s 1817 Sonatas, was released on Centaur to critical acclaim in April 2021. The Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series (GVPCS) was founded in 2021 to share the joy and beauty of classical piano chamber music with all in West Michigan and present performances of the highest caliber. The concert is free to attend! What a treat to have these talented musicians perform right here in Newaygo County! Join us for a great Sunday afternoon at the Dogwood! For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.
0 Comments
 Leslie Mendelson will perform in the Dogwood Center's Black Box on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. Join us and you will experience great live music at the Dogwood! Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson is riding a wave of acclaim for her most recent studio album ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ as well as a solo acoustic EP ‘In The Meantime.’ Described by Relix Magazine as an artist with “a loyal, cross-generational audience that hugs the hippie, hipster, coffee shop and society crowds,” Leslie’s timeless musicality and evocative songwriting indeed cuts a wide swath. All Music writes that Leslie evokes “1970s songwriter influences in the vein of Carole King and Carly Simon,” while The Aquarian calls her “the closest thing one can get to a truly honest musical experience.” Leslie Mendelson’s previous work, including 2009 Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Swan Feathers’ and 2017 album, ‘Love & Murder’ dealt with matters of the heart. However, when it came time to compose material for her most recent studio album, ‘If You Can’t Say Anything Nice…,’ she and her longtime writing partner Steve McEwan set out to examine the anxiety stemming from the current socio-political climate with songs like “Medication,” “I Need Something To Care About” and “Would You Give Up Your Gun.” It’s fitting extension of a more socially conscious outlook offered on “A Human Touch” - Leslie’s duet with Jackson Browne for the documentary film, ‘5B,’ which is also included on his 2021 Grammy Award-nominated album, ‘Downhill From Everywhere.’ If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison’s standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who has invited her to open shows in the U.S. and U.K. With some of rock music’s most important voices seeking to collaborate with Leslie, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist. Tickets are $17.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here. The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.  Newaygo County winner Karsen Wagenmaker advances to Greater Grand Rapids Bee 2025 Newaygo County Spelling Bee Hosted by NC RESA Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NC RESA) hosted the 2025 County Spelling Bee on February 18 with 18 district-level winners and runners-up (grades 4 through 8) competing at the county level. Congratulations to winner Karsen Wagenmaker from Fremont Middle School, who was the overall winner by correctly spelling the word scrum in Round 18. Karsen will now advance to The Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee on March 19 in Grand Rapids. We also extend our congratulations to Sanskriti Parihar who was the runner-up. Sanskriti also attends Fremont Middle School. These students are commended for their determination in preparing for the different levels of competition at their local school District Bee, Newaygo County RESA County Bee, and The Greater Grand Rapids Bee. The winner from The Greater Grand Rapids Bee will have the opportunity to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. For a detailed national competition schedule, please visit Scripps National Spelling Bee website at www.spellingbee.com. We are proud to acknowledge the district level spellers. Danielle Rogers White Cloud Elementary Easton Hornbrook Hesperia Middle Emerson Ashcraft Newaygo Middle Evelyn Connell Grant Elementary Georgianna Van Popering Grant Middle Giovanni Chuchoque Grant Elementary Harley Pinnell Hesperia Elementary Izzabella Holden Newaygo Elementary Jack Parsons Hesperia Middle Jeremy Fowler Newaygo Middle Karsen Wagenmaker Fremont Middle Lennox Wells Newaygo Elementary Liv Kartes Fremont Daisy Brook Madelyn Frisbie White Cloud Elementary Sanskriti Parihar Fremont Middle Silas Nelson Grant Middle Sparrow Forbes Hesperia Elementary Sukriti Parihar Fremont Daisy Brook   Jake Allen will perform in the Dogwood Center's Black Box on Friday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. Join us and you will experience great live music at the Dogwood! Allen, from northern Michigan, crafts a kaleidoscopic sound that plunges the curious listener into a world of endless sonic possibilities, incorporating progressive pop, waves of ambient instrumentals, and complex musical layers. Allen showcases the guitar, harnessing every nuance of the instrument and transforming it into an ethereal, shape-shifting creature that bends both notes and time. Allen explores numerous musical styles with his guitar wizardry, ranging from lullaby-like dreams to burgeoning anthems. The constant groove of driving drums, bewitching guitar hooks, and the whisper of a longing voice spark wonder, evoking similarities to pop music’s golden ‘90s era. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show. Steeped in years of live performance and well-versed in an array of instruments, Allen’s dexterity is only amplified when he wields a single guitar. In an almost hypnotic display, he explores every inch of the instrument with unwavering confidence and creativity. Strings dance as they are plucked awake from their resting tension; percussive rhythms echo; harmonics ring brightly; and intricate chords emerge from each warm strum. Recently, Allen played the role of Ben in the critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway, one man musical "The Lion" with residencies in Boise, ID and Eugene, OR. Allen has shared the stage with The Accidentals, Keller Williams, Mike Dawes, Andy McKee, and Guthrie Govan. His performances have included NAMM, Hoxeyville Music Festival, Blissfest, and Winnetka Music Festival. At the 2022 WYCE Jammie Awards, Allen was awarded the Listeners’ Choice Award. Tickets are $17.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885  Iris Herrera-Photo by: Danny Ventrella/NBC Newaygo's Iris Herrera explodes on the national scene at The Voice
By Ken DeLaat Our first introduction to Iris Herrera was a few years back when the Varsity basketballer turned heads during her sparkling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Now it seems she is turning chairs as well. During blind judging 3 judges from The Voice turned and delivered the “I Want You” sign indicating their desire to have her join their team and receive their coaching. With John Legend, Michael Buble’ and Kelsea Ballerini as her options Iris chose Country/Pop singer/songwriter Ballerini, a 5 time Grammy nominee and Grand Old Opry member. We were able to catch up with a very busy Iris following her stunning performance on The Voice. You tried out for The Voice before. What was different this time? Iris: Yes I auditioned in season 26 performing a Stevie Nicks song (Gypsy) and I didn’t get any chairs but I received some wonderful feedback and was encouraged to come back. I came home and worked on my skills just as an athlete might do, putting more time and effort into it. I gigged around town continued to practice and came back with a lot more confidence You did a version of "You Are My Sunshine” , an old tune covered numerous times. Why that song? I worked with the Voice music team and decided to try something outside of my comfort zone and not just play it safe. I knew the song would connect and resonate with the audience and it allowed me to make it my own using my vocal range. What does it mean being on Team Kelsea? Holy cow! She is a phenomenal artist and songwriter. I was hoping for one chair because it only takes one but I never prepared for getting 3 from Kelsea, John Legend and Michael Buble. Kelsea felt like someone I could connect with the most. She gave off this kind, safe vibe and really pulled at my heartstrings. Working with her is just so cool. What has been the biggest challenge? Truthfully, coming from a small town. For the first time in my life I’ve been immersed with people with vast experience and musical knowledge and it was intimidating.. The hardest was adjusting and the biggest battle was convincing myself I was good enough to be here. It helps that The Voice creates a true family dynamic with the artists all encouraging each other. Just to be working on a professional stage as a professional singer was great. What has been the most surprising? My ability to overcome those feelings I had. I didn’t know how insecure I could be before this. I had to be brave and believe in my ability so instead of sinking I needed to swim. Also how welcoming The Voice people are. This can be pretty fast paced and The Voice does a great job of encouraging, making you feel safe and convincing that you belong here. The people here are phenomenal especially for younger artists just embarking on their career. When you were in high school you did the Anthem a few times including once, as I recall, in your basketball uniform. You also ran track and were involved in the Fremont Area Community Foundations Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), correct? Yes. For four years. I loved being part of YAC. I joined as a Freshman and served as President when I was a senior. Being part of that group brought me such joy and I love the Foundation. I believe you also performed at the first Pride Festival in Newaygo. Yes, I loved being part of helping to spread awareness and love in my community and it was great to be a part of it. You recently performed the Anthem at a couple of local basketball games. Yes. One was for the schools’ Snowcoming and I was honored to be asked. I also sat in with Backwoods Express at the Driftwood on Saturday. They are playing this coming weekend at the Shamrock in White Cloud and you know, there just might be someone making an appearance with them again. Beyond the help you get from The Voice, who do you go to for support? My sweet Mom, all my immediate family and my aunt. When I’m in California in my hotel room practicing I call my Mom. She keeps me grounded and I can always count on her to be there for me. Anything to add? Just a shout out to my community who really show up for me and are there for me. I just want all the little Iris’s out there to dream big. To be brave and not afraid to go for what you want.  Photo courtesy of Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park  Emerald Swallowtail- Photo courtesy of Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces the return of the much-loved Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, now in its 30th year. This highly anticipated event, the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States, showcases the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths. Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, opening March 1 and running through April 30, invites visitors to celebrate the unique spectacle of thousands of tropical butterflies flying freely within the lush environment of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. This exhibition represents a global journey, featuring more than 60 butterfly and moth species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these vibrant world travelers. Guests will experience species; from dazzling blue morphos and stealthy clearwings to majestic Atlas moths and elegant tree nymphs. "Butterflies at Meijer Gardens have always been a cherished part of spring in West Michigan, and this year’s 30th annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition promises to be more engaging than ever,” said Steve LaWarre, Senior Vice President at Meijer Gardens. “This year we are expanding butterfly-themed elements beyond the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, creating opportunities for discovery both inside and out. We are thrilled to celebrate three decades of connecting our guests with the wonder and beauty of tropical butterflies in exciting new ways." In addition to showcasing the butterflies' aerial ballet, the exhibition offers guests unique, up-close experiences at feeding stations with nectar plants and at the Observation Station, where thousands of chrysalides and cocoons emerge and reveal the magic of metamorphosis. Approximately 1,000 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens each week of the exhibition. This year’s milestone exhibition celebrates the tropics with vibrant flora displays of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Guests can look forward to layered beds of bulbs, fresh hues of hyacinths, unique tulip varieties, and North American natives like Camassia quamash. The conservatory will also feature new elements, such as suspended feeding stations with tropical fruit slices and colorful arrangements of air plants, bromeliads, and orchids.  Does singing bring you joy? For 37 years a community choir in Newaygo has been a source of happiness for folks who like to sing spiritual songs. Participants hail from all points in Newaygo County sing in the River Country Community Choir. Singers are looking forward to starting practice at Newaygo United Methodist Church on Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm beginning February 4. Their goal is to perfect their spring performance with 12 Tuesday practices concluding with a Sunday afternoon concert April 27. The director is the vivacious Aileen Matheson. If you are looking forward to spring and believe singing will help you get through the next few months, join these welcoming musicians on February 4. No tryouts needed.  Hypnotist and comic, Flip Orley will perform on the Dogwood Center Main Stage on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since Flip Orley burst onto the comedy scene he has single-handedly reshaped the image of hypnosis from its Vaudeville image, to an act hip and edgy enough for all ages. Flip’s appearance on the “Today Show” brought rave reviews and stopped traffic in midtown Manhattan. His one-man show has set comedy club attendance records from coast to coast. Faithful fans and new comers alike find themselves screaming with laughter as Flip ignites his volunteers’ subconscious minds and transforms reality. What sets Orley apart from others in his craft, is his true comedic ability, delivering a hilarious stand up set before unleashing his volunteers’ creative imaginations. The Dallas Morning News reports, “It’s difficult to remain skeptical after seeing Flip transform a panel of well-behaved audience members into a family of trailer-park dwellers from Arkansas, Southern accent and all!” Flip is adamant about not embarrassing his volunteers. He shares this about his performance – “I want the audience to laugh with them, not at them,” he says. “This is the purest form of improvisational entertainment you will ever see as the show rewrites itself every night, and the volunteers are my partners, not my victims. Each subject is treated with respect and gentility.” When Flip takes the stage and rolls up his sleeves, his audience can expect two hours of FUN and an experience they will never forget. This performance is generously sponsored by Great Lakes Bee Company. 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 at www.dogwoodcenter.com. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. |
Features and FunConcerts, Plays, Happenings, Local Recipes, Gardening, Entertainment, Charities, Fundraisers, upcoming events, Theater, Activities, Tech, and much more. Archives
March 2025
Categories“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.”
- Eric Qualman |
RSS Feed