 The GRS receiving a rousing ovation from an appreciative Dogwood crowd last Spring The Grand Rapids Symphony returns to the Dogwood Center on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. for a sure to be incredible performance! Join us and you will experience a world-class orchestra performing for you live at the Dogwood! The evening's performance will be conducted by Marcelo Lehninger, and feature Rossini Overture to L’italiania in Algeri (An Italian in Algiers), Bottesini Concerto for Double Bass, and Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”. The 19th century Italian Giovanni Bottesini, known as the “Paganini of the Double Bass” for his acclaimed virtuosity, composed music especially to show off his considerable skills as a soloist. William McGregor, the winner of the 2017 Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo, is guest soloist in this program of music by two Italian composers plus Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, which the German composer wrote to evoke the sights and sounds of Italy. The Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. The Grand Rapids Symphony presents more than 400 performances each year, touching the lives of some 200,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. Their mission is “to share great music that moves the human soul”…..and that is what they will be doing right here in Newaygo County! This program is funded in part by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Nestle Nutrition/Gerber Products and the Jeff Kinzbach Family. Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $5 children 18 and under and seating is reserved. Tickets are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont. The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.
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Suggestion Box: Free Flick. Wild Rice, Touching Tunes, Curiosity And Here Comes Countryside3/29/2019  Kaitlyn Zittel will be performing at Newaygo Brewing Co Saturday afternoon 12-4pm There are a few things going on here and there but the finest of these right now is the weather and though we are staring at the possibility of a bit of snow this weekend and cooler temps, the very back of winter has been broken as has the ice on area lakes so get thee outside for a little hike and de-cocoon a bit. Have some lunch at one of our fine local eatatoriums, browse through a few local shops, and cruise the county pausing to ponder the huge difference in gas prices between Newaygo and Fremont. (Overheard citizen: “Seriously? Over 30-40 cents a gallon some days. It’s like they were selected as a test town for the proposed gas tax increase.”). Whatever you do get out and shake off a little winter. Here’s a few ideas. The Movie Indian Horse is presented by the Native Circle of Newaygo County. It will be shown Saturday March 30 2019 at 4:00 PM at the Loomis Lodge located at 198 Croton Drive Newaygo, MI. Admission is free and the movie is recommended for those 14 and older. This a drug and alcohol-free event. Please read the exceptional review of this film that was penned by Charles Chandler https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/indian-horse-a-movie-review Barbara Barton will present her Michigan Notable Book, Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan. This is the first book of its kind to bring forward the rich tradition of wild rice in Michigan and its importance to the Anishinaabek people who live here. Fremont Library 10:30am Saturday. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/manoomin Newaygo Brewing Co. continues to deliver on some really fine listening at their Saturday Acoustic Lunch series (12-4pm). This week prepare to be enchanted by the compelling lyrics and fine melodies brought forth by Kaitlyn Zittel. Her poetic lyrics give listeners much to contemplate while her simple melodies and broad vocal dynamics bring a relaxing enchantment. Downtown Newaygo. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time! A play by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon will be presented at Williams Auditorium at Ferris Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. The story concerns a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbor's dog that is investigated by young Christopher Boone, who has an autism spectrum condition, and his relationships with his parents and school mentor. And the day those who have been waiting to get their hands into some dirt have been waiting for… Countryside Greenhouses opens Monday at 8am.  Suggeston Box is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. Fine Food, Fine Drink, Good Times. Suggestion Box: Wiz, Wicks and Watercolors; Jazz , B3, The Taffs and Escanaba in Da Dogwood3/22/2019  Spring is here! Ok maybe just officially but there’s been a hint of the warmer weather to come, a lot of the white stuff is gone, albeit replaced by enough water to make our fair county an official disaster area, and robins, those harbingers of the new season have been sighted here and there so take heart it seems to truly be on its way. Think of it, the Tigers (Detroit variety) open play next week and our ever optimistic high school schedulers have baseball games on tap as well, though the Tigers (Grant variety) have already needed to cancel a couple set for this past Thursday we hear. But enough already. Here’s a few things to brighten your spirits as we make the turn and head for what we believe will be a most glorious season of rebirth lying quietly in the wings. I’ve been a Wizard of Oz fan since Margaret Hamilton scared the bejeebers out of me and forever planted the image of what a witch should look like in my brain. Hesperia High School will be delivering their version of this truly timeless story this weekend and the time and effort put forth by these young folks deserves a large and enthusiastic audience. Showtimes are Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and tickets are just $5 for adults, $3 for elders and a mere buck for students. The arts are such an integral part of education so let’s get out and support the kind of drama we welcome in our schools. Time to channel your inner Andrew Wyeth? Saturday the Newaygo Area District Librarywill be hosting Lori McElrath Eslick, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This latest cool thing offered by our NADL friends will give attendees the opportunity to learn watercolor technique from a local artist. We don’t know if it;s already filled because space is limited so contact the library find out. The Saturday afternoon acoustic series at Newaygo Brewing Co. has brought some fine music to the downtown scene and this week Dale Wicks tkes to the stage bringing his mellow rock sound that will include some time honored covers as well as his original music. Noon to 4pm. The nearly legendary Braunschweiger Blues Band makes its 2019 debut at the Fremont Moose Lodge Saturday starting at 7:30pm. If you’re familiar with the BBB you’ve already made plans but should you perhaps be unacquainted with this energetically eclectic assembly of merrymaking musicians stop at the Moose in downtown Fremont. Saturday night Christian Music fans will want to check our Russ and Tori Taff performing at Fremont First Christian Reformed Church starting at 6pm. Escanaba in Da Moonlight moves to the Digwood for three more shows Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. See our Ms. Megan’s review and then decide to go. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/fun-fare-for-fudge-sucking-flatlanders-a-review And Monday there is no basketball and likely your bracket is already broken so hit the Grant Fine Arts Center for the annual White Cloud Rotary Newaygo County Jazz Festival featuring some great local high school jazz ensembles. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/all-that-jazz 7pm. Great music, great cause.  Suggestion Box is sponsored by the folks who make the bountiful brews on tap at Newaygo Brewing Co.  Fans of the story can see "Beauty and the Beast" ballet performed by Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company at the Dogwood Center on Saturday, April 13 at 3:00 p.m. Don't miss the classic tale as old as time that's perfect for the whole family! Treat your little ones to this special performance they'll never forget. "Beauty and the Beast" features a talented cast of student dancers, inventive choreography by school director Attila Mosolygo and delivers a professional-level show that is fun for all ages. The school company is completing successful performances of the "Beauty and the Beast" ballet in Grand Rapids during March, and are excited to bring their production for a Newaygo County audience in April. This program is funded in part by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Gerber Foundation, and the Ted and Nancy Johnson Endowment Fund at FACF. Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $5 for children 18 and under and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.  Wild Rice in Michigan Book Talk at Fremont Library
Live @ the Library, a series of events including author visits and writing workshops is welcoming Barbara Barton to the Fremont Area District Library to present her Michigan Notable book. Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan is the first book of its kind to bring forward the rich tradition of wild rice in Michigan and its importance to the Anishinaabek people who live there. Manoomin focuses on the history, culture, biology, economics, and spirituality surrounding this sacred plant. Barton discusses historic wild rice beds that once existed in Michigan, why many disappeared, and the efforts of tribal and nontribal people with a common goal of restoring and protecting Manoomin across the landscape. Barbara is an endangered species biologist; member of the State of Michigan's wild rice working group, Michigan Water Environment Association, and western Upper Peninsula's wild rice team; and academic affiliate of the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science and the Arts Biological Station, where she collaborates on the state's wild rice map. This free program will begin in the Community Room on Saturday, March 30th at 10:30 a.m. The Fremont Area District Library was established in 1996 and serves the City of Fremont; the Fremont Public School District, Dayton Township, Sheridan Township, and Sherman Township. The mission of the Fremont Area District Library is to provide library service for community learning, growth, and enjoyment. For more information visit the library’s website at www.fremontlibrary.net.  Northern Parula photo courtesy of Darrell Lawson. Beaver Island Birding Trail Festival—Warblers on the Water-May 24-26, 2019 The 6th annual Beaver Island Birding Festival, Warblers on the Water, will be held on May 24-26, 2019, on Beaver Island, in northern Lake Michigan. The island is a spring migratory song and shore bird mecca with over 200 species of birds recorded from the island. Registration is limited and birders are urged to register early through the Beaver Island Birding Trail website at http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org. Transportation to the island is via ferry or air taxi. Lodging is available on the island, and transportation for the various field trips will be provided to registered participants. More information about transportation, food, and lodging is available on the website. Researchers and expert field trip leaders will lead trips to some of the island’s 30+ birding sites. Whether you are a novice or expert birder there will be something for you during this Memorial Weekend event. The birding trips are flexible and use local guides to get the most out of your exploration of the northern Lake Michigan islands’ history, natural resources, and scenery. A featured field trip to High Island which lies to the west of Beaver Island is scheduled for registered participants. Presentations on the history of Beaver Island and the night sky are also scheduled. For more specific information about Warblers on the Water visit http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/warblers.html. Information about transportation to and accommodations on Beaver Island can be found at http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/accommodations.html, and for information about the island visit the Chamber of Commerce’s website at http://beaverisland.org.   Escanaba in Da Moonlight is hilarious By Megan Wirts Photos by Catalpa Photography I can look you right in the hairy eyeball and tell you that Escanaba in Da Moonlight is a must see show. LionHeart Productions has done it again with this uproariously funny comedy written by Michigan native, Jeff Daniels. Under the direction of Mike Gesler, this hilarious show about a deer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will leave any “fudge-sucking flatlander” cracking up. I brought my 11 year old son with me to this show since he is an avid hunter and outdoorsman, plus he has seen the movie, so I knew he’d love it. While he hasn’t been to deer camp yet (and neither have I), he has been to fish camp and he tells me that fish camp is pretty much just like Escanaba in Da Moonlight, especially the snoring and the farting, except with fish. This show does have some adult language, but with me as a mother and his time at fish camp, he’s probably heard worse. Even with our lack of deer camp experience, we both were rolling with laughter the entire time. I imagine those that have been to deer camp will relate to this on an even more personal level. I’m more of a bargain hunter than a deer hunter, or any other animal for that matter, and I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The cast is comprised of familiar faces from past LionHeart productions along with a couple of new faces. The patriarch, Albert Soady, is played by Mark Walters, a Grant High School teacher who recently played George Banks in LionHeart’s Mary Poppins. With his excellent delivery and timing, Walters set the scene and had us in the palm of his hand as he spun the tale of the eve of November 15, 1989, or as they like to call it, “Christmas with guns”. His son Reuben, played by Jamie M. Evans, is about to become the oldest Soady to never bag a buck at the age of 35. Evans, has also been on the stage with LionHeart in the past and is fantastic as the somewhat doltish Reuben. Armed with not just a gun, but with a few potions and incantations from his wife Wolf Moon Dance, played by newcomer Caitlin Phillips. Reuben hopes that with her help, this is the year he breaks his curse. As the night before opening day goes on, strange things start to happen as the other deer camp attendees arrive. First we have Remnar Soady, Reuben’s younger brother and much better shot. Remnar is brought to life by Devon Conley, another Grant High School teacher and first timer with LionHeart. Conley seems right at home up there on the stage. His portrayal of the superstitious and hilariously dim-witted Remnar was spot on and so funny. Add to the mix LionHeart veteran Jim Bowman, as Ranger Tom T. Treado the DNR ranger that believes he saw God in the woods, and the laughter continues. Then there is Jim Jenkins. Jenkins is absolutely hilarious as Jimmer Negamanee, the wackadoodle local that was abducted by aliens and hasn’t been quite right ever since. Jenkins, who has been part of LionHeart since 2004, had me snorting with laughter. His onstage shenanigans as the loveable loon had the audience laughing out loud almost the entire time he was on stage. This show is full of Michigan references and yooper culture, that many of us here in Newaygo County can relate to. The characters are our uncles, neighbors and cousins and is an ode to life in the north or near north. Go see this show and laugh until your stomach hurts! It’s worth it! You can see the show March 16 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm at the Grant Public Schools Fine Arts Center and March 23 at 2:00 pm 7:30 pm and March 24 at 2:00 pm at the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online at the Grant Fine Arts Center and the Dogwood Center for the Performing Arts or at their box offices. Don’t miss your chance for a night of fun!  There is a cartoon by B. Kliban that inspired a personal motto. It is also the title of his book of what can only be called...uh.. unusual humorous sketchings. The title and philosophical sub-category? “Never eat anything bigger than your head.” Like I said, it became a personal dieting guide since I didn’t want to establish a too rigid approach to gastronomical moderation. Well, Friday is the annual St Patrick’s Day Potato luncheon at the Commission on Aging and having been to several over the years those potatoes come awfully close to bridging those pretty liberal boundaries. They’re 8 bucks and come with a veritable plethora of toppings and cole slaw (who doesn’t love a good dose of slaw?) dessert and music provided by those fine folks from the Wheatland Music Organization (Happy Wheatland!). The monies raised support the work of the COA so while savoring your substantial spud you can feel good about contributing to some well needed programming. 11am-1:30pm at 93 S. Gibbs in White Cloud. Community theater at its finest unfolds this weekend as LionHeart Productions puts the classic tale of Buckquest on stage with “Escanaba In Da Moonlight” the Jeff Daniels creation guaranteed to stimulate your ulnar nerve. If you have never seen this prime piece of Yooper yuckery it is not to be missed and anyone who has hunted, knows someone who hunts or has ever heard of deer camp will find it hilarious. We have been to numerous LionHeart presentations over the years and they have never disappointed so support community theater and make plans to attend this weekend Shows are Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm at the Grant Fine Arts Center. What? Got a busy weekend? Never fear the show moves to the Dogwood next weekend for performances at 2pm and 7:30pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday. http://www.lionheartproductions.org/current.php We love the Michigan Irish Music Festival that arrives at our Metro sister to the west each fall and as a way to support this magical musical medley organizers will hold their annual St. Patrick’s Party March 15 and 16 at Bella Maria’s Ristorante & Event Center, 513 West Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores. Featuring live entertainment both nights. Good way to get your Irish on so sláinte Hibernophiles. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/come-get-your-irish-on Newaygo Brewing Co. continues its Acoustic Lunch series with Jack Leaver making an appearance from Noon-4pm. BONUS: NBCo is offering their own St Patty’s culinary creations featuring Two House Beer Brats, Homemade Mash Potatoes, Stout ‘n Onion Gravy, Caramelized Onions and Cheddar Beer Bread. Tunes and Treats. Can’t beat it. This Irish inspired dish will be available from Friday through Sunday only so grab your appetite and get moving to one of downtown Newaygo’s destination spots.  The Michigan Irish Music Festival 2019 St. Pat’s Party & Fundraiser
The Michigan Irish Music Festival will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Party March 15 and 16 at Bella Maria’s Ristorante & Event Center, 513 West Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores. will feature live entertainment both nights. West Michigan-native band CrossBow can be heard at Irish and Scottish music festivals across the Midwest. Apparent from the moment they hit the stage, these high-energy musicians naturally feed off of one another, creating a dynamic, wholly unique performance that shouldn’t be missed. Other highlights of the event include performances by Brother Crowe, a Detroit-based duo that plays Indie folk music in a traditional Celtic style, and traditional Irish dance performances from the Ardan Academy of Dance. Additionally, the silent auction returns both nights with several new exciting formats and ways to bid on the variety of items. Back by popular demand is McGovern’s Corned Beef and Irish fare, plus Irish soda bread and soft pretzels from the Village Baker. Pigeon Hill Brewing Company’s MI Irish Stout, Magner's Irish Cider, Irish cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Budweiser products will also be served. Doors open at 5:30 pm both nights with music starting at 6pm. Tickets are available at the door for $8, and kids 12 and under get in for free. The mission of the Michigan Irish Music Festival is to produce a quality Midwest Irish Music Festival that promotes Irish culture and heritage while enhancing the community through entertainment, tourism, education and philanthropy. The festival is proud to support Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Kids’ Foot Basket with gifts of non-perishable food items and cash donations. Since 2008, due to the success of the St. Pat’s Party and the Festival, the Michigan Irish Music Festival has donated over $266,000 in cash and 21,000 pounds of food back to the community. The Michigan Irish Music Festival will return this fall, September 12-15, 2019, at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. The festival kicks off with a Pub Party on Thursday, September 12th. The festival and the St. Patrick’s Party are sponsored by G&L, Budweiser, Van's Car Wash & Quick Lube, and Family Financial Credit Union. For complete festival information, visit www.michiganirish.org.  Event to feature local high school talent One of the coolest events of the early spring (can spring ever be too early?) is coming to the Grant Fine Arts Center on Monday March 25th at 7pm when the White Cloud Rotary hosts the Newaygo County Jazz Festival. The concert features each of our 5 area school jazz bands who will put forth a lively evening of music guaranteed to set your toes to tapping and bring some smiles to a March Monday. This annual event has been a favorite of N3 and has grown from it’s early days when just 3 schools began showing their syncopatic skills on the GFAC stage. Now in its 7th year the “Night of Jazz” showcases the musical accomplishments of our local students from White Cloud, Newaygo, Fremont, Grant and Hesperia. Admire the sound of swing? Enjoy a little bebop? Savor some occasional blues? Well this gathering of youthful talent will be right up your alley with some serious sounds being delivered to an appreciative audience in a superb setting. These young folks will blow you away with the level of musicianship emanating from the stage, And as a bonus, emcee (and former preeminent DJ) Jim Jones will once again man the mike to keep things rolling along. Tickets are an absolute steal at a mere $10 and if you’re 18 or under a mere fin ($5) gets you in. Said tickets are available from any Band Director band student or White Cloud Rotary member so get them while they’re hot and get ready settle in for an evening of entertainment well worth the price of admission. |
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