 Local actress to join Director in post film discussion
The Dogwood Center is proud to present a special screening of "Old Heart" on Sunday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. This powerful film, adapted from the award-winning novel and produced by West Michigan's Heartland Independent Film and Drama Forum, offers audiences a moving portrayal of love, war, and the enduring power of human connection. "Old Heart" tells the compelling story of Tom Johnson, an American soldier participating in the Allied liberation of the Southern Netherlands in fall 1944. Working alongside Jewish translator Sarah van Praag, Tom helps smuggle food and supplies to starving residents of northern cities trapped behind Nazi lines. As they risk their lives to help others, Tom and Sarah fall deeply in love. The narrative spans six decades, following Tom's journey to the summer of 2005, when the elderly veteran foils his family's plan to move him to assisted living by taking a flight to the Netherlands. Determined to reconnect with Sarah—the love of his life—Tom embarks on a poignant quest that bridges past and present. Following the screening, audiences will have the unique opportunity to hear from Director Kirk Wahamaki and local actress Martha Kallenbach, who will share insights about the film's production and participate in a Q&A session. "Old Heart" has garnered significant attention across multiple venues, screening at theaters, museums, festivals, universities, performing arts centers, libraries, and conferences throughout the United States, as well as in numerous Dutch cities, Belgium, and Canada. Tickets are $10 and 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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May Erlewine at Dogwood on June 27
The Dogwood Center is pleased to announce that celebrated Michigan songwriter May Erlewine will perform in the intimate Black Box theater on Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Known as one of the Midwest's most prolific and passionate songwriters, Erlewine brings her gift for crafting songs of substance that feel both fresh and soulfully familiar to audiences far beyond her Michigan roots. For this special concert, Erlewine will be joined by Chicago guitar virtuoso Packy Lundholm, forming what fans have come to know as a heart-forward power duo. The collaboration between May and Packy creates something truly special on stage – an authentic connection that comes from their willingness to offer the depth of their hearts to audiences, making room for genuine feeling and human connection. Erlewine's songwriting draws from a rich tapestry of influences, creating a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization. Her lyrics are rooted in hard-wrought wisdom, exploring themes of joy and sorrow, simplicity, and stories drawn from everyday experiences. Musically, these heartfelt messages are wrapped in traditional folk roots, Americana, old-time country swing, soul, and rock and pop sensibilities, creating a sound that resonates with diverse audiences. The artist's ability to emotionally engage with listeners has earned her a dedicated following throughout the region and beyond, establishing her as a compelling voice in contemporary folk and Americana music. 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. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont.  An Elvis tribute, deck tunes and more
Any Elvis fans out there? Of course there are. The King’s followers are legion despite his departure nearly half a century ago, though rumors to the contrary over the years have remained one of the enduring conspiracy theories. In 1987 it was claimed he was spotted at a Burger King in Kalamazoo and former Houston Oilers Head Coach Jerry Glanville was known to leave Elvis tickets at will call for home games. The popularity of Elvis’ music has experienced a recent revival among young folks in recent years and Elvis tribute performers continue to draw crowds. This Thursday the wonderfully diverse Summer Concert Series in Fremont will present one of the best with Ron Short taking the stage at Veteran’s Park starting at 7pm. Get there early because the Fremont Rotary will have some eats on hand for purchase starting at 5pm with dessert options delivered by Elsie’s Ice Cream. Great venue, fun time and if you have little ones they can frolic in the newly opened splash pad. Now that the Farmers Market in Newaygo is hitting its stride, take advantage of the opportunity to score some local produce this Friday. While there, catch the music of Grace Theisen who serves up a mix of blues and Americana with a dollop of soul. She will be joined by Carolyn Koebel beginning at 2pm and as a bonus the Hola Arepa food truck will be parked and prepping their outstanding offerings. The Denise Anderson Connection will be rocking the Riverstop Saloon Friday starting at 7pm. Always a good time with Ms. A. and the weekend afternoon deck lineup at the Driftwood has Top Shelf Saturday 4-8pm and Dennie Middleton Sunday 3-7pm. Great venue, epic view of the pond, good bar food and cold drinks. Northern Trails will have Zach Lentine on their deck Wednesday from 6-9pm and if you want to take a short drive, Cedar Springs has downtown music with the Sun Dogs starting at 7pm. It’s summer so get out there and grab some tunes.Itis, after all, a short season. “I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.”- Lucy Maud Montgomery  You’re Invited to Celebrate the Fremont Library’s 25th Anniversary
The Fremont Area District Library is thrilled to invite the community to a special celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the newest part of its building, which first opened its doors on February 14, 2000. The anniversary party will be held at the library on Wednesday, June 25th, and promises a day full of fun for all ages. The festivities will kick off at 10:00 AM with a special Elephant & Piggie Family Storytime for children ages 0–5, featuring a special appearance by Elephant & Piggie themselves! From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, patrons will have the chance to meet and greet the beloved characters up close. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, visitors can cool down with free frozen yogurt from Jams (while supplies last) and enjoy the talents of an animal balloon artist, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. All day long, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt for a fun prize and try their luck at guessing the number of M&Ms in a jar to win a cuddly Warmie plush toy. The Friends Gift Shop is also joining the fun! The 100th, 200th, and 300th visitors to the shop during the celebration will each receive a free adult sweatshirt. This is a milestone worth celebrating, and the library staff is proud of the role the library has played in our community over the past 25 years. We hope everyone will join us for this special day of gratitude, family fun, and community spirit. |
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