 Iris during her duet with Simone Marijic on The Voice A short convo with Newaygo’s chanteuse If you happen to have caught local songstress Iris Herrera’s performance on The Voice this past week you witnessed her advancing to the knockout round after her duet with Simone Marijic. The twosome were mesmerizing with their cover of Lizzy McAlpine’s ‘ceiling’ and after accolades from the judges for both singers coach Kelsea Ballerini chose iris to move forward in the competition. “I chose Iris because she really knows her voice and knows how to use it to show how unique she is,” explained the multi platinum artist. John Legend had high praise for Iris stating,“Iris, your tone is really glorious. I love the power in it. I love the rasp in your style. I think you carry yourself on stage with the presence of a star.” We caught up with Iris once again to get a few words about her ongoing success. What was different about being that stage this time? I had a little more confidence. Having someone else on stage, someone you love, helped. Simone is a great friend. We hung out a lot, did lunch and girl things together and got really close. Tell us a bit about your coaching. Kelsea has been great. The help from her and Little Big Town working with Simone and I made it come together beautifully. It’s been amazing hanging out with a celebrity like Kelsea. She is so cool and down to earth and gave us such great advice. How do you settle your nerves? You know I read once that feeling nervous and excited are the same thing. Anxiety tells you that nervousness means you’re out of control, but it isn’t. It’s anticipation. It’s a good thing. When you learn to shift that focus and feel the excitement the nerves aren’t a problem. What’s the next step? The Knockout round. Same idea as the Battles. I’ll get paired with a partner for two different songs and we’ll be going against each other. I’m totally excited for the Knockout. You’ve been appearing locally the past few weeks. Yeah, I love the crowds who have come out. The Shamrock was packed the night we played. It was amazing. This weekend we’ll be at the (Riverstop) Saloon and I hope people will turn out. It will be my last gig for a while. I’ve been under the spotlight a lot and I’m taking some time to pause and recoup a bit. I hope to be back home and performing again in May. What do you want to say to your supporters? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing up and being supportive. This has been overwhelming for a small town girl and I can’t thank people enough for their encouragement. Iris will be performing with guitarist Christian McNeese Friday at the Riverstop Saloon in downtown Newaygo. Show starts at 8:30pm but I have a hunch you might want to get there early Real, real early.  "Simone is a great friend. We hung out a lot, did lunch and girl things together and got really close." 
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 Want to know what’s happening in the area? We pick one event per day (except Saturday when we choose two) to feature with an emphasis on variety. If you have an event coming up send us an email at [email protected] and you may see it in this weekly offering. Monday It’s Oberon Day! The ‘welcome to spring’ brew served up chilled with a slice of orange begins its 2025 run and this year a new version makes its debut. Oberon Light Ale promises a somewhat less caloric (and less ABV) offering for those concerned about such things. The Blind Squirrel in Fremont will be hosting a release party from 4-6pm with Bell’s folks on hand to dish out some swag. Tuesday Want to learn pyrography? Not sure what it is? Well it’s not the study of pyromaniacs, a subject I found fascinating after seeing the late Donald Sutherland in the movie ‘Backdraft’. It is the art of decorating wood or other objects by applying a heated object to it. That’s right, wood burning. Croton Township Library is hosting a workshop on the art at 4:30pm. All you need to bring is your creativity and they will supply the rest along with instruction. But give them a call so they can know how many are coming. Wednesday Discover an American alligator, Blue-tongued Skink, Tortoise, a large snake and more with Wild World Biodiversity Center on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Community Room at Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Twp. Library in Howard City. This event is FREE and open to all ages. No registration is required. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bonus event! Who out there would savor the taste of some fresh Florida strawberries? I favor the Michigan variety of course but until they arrive here’s a way to get your strawberry fix without getting the tired offerings currently on hand in the stores. There’s a truckload of the crimson cuties arriving Wednesday in White Cloud via The Fruit Truck. 8 lbs. for thirty bucks, first come first served, cash or check at the truck. White Cloud United Methodist Church 1125 E Newell St 3:30-4pm. I’m digging out the recipe for shortbread as we speak. Thursday It’s Ladies Golf Night at The Bunker at Water’s Edge from 5:30-7:30pm. No experience necessary.Learn and play golf with Tim Hurja and Hoersten Paul. The first hour is for learning and the second hour is a scramble format play for $15. No pressure, no worries, just fun. Friday No, we don’t get an agent's fee when we mention Iris Herrera’s local performances but after seeing her on The Voice Tuesday here’s another chance to listen to her sparkling voice accompanied by guitarist Christian McNeese. Personally I think her music would go well with a couple of the newly arrived Oberon drafts. 8:30pm at the Riverstop Saloon in downtown Newaygo. Saturday And now our two for Saturday. At 10am MRWA Exec Director Paul Haan will be delivering the skinny on Dam Removal in a presentation at the Museum in Newaygo. Here’s the info: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/rivers-reimagined Then later on from 2-9pm head south and hit the Biertent at Cedar Springs Brewery for Starkbierfest. Great music, good food, and a fun atmosphere. It’s a bit like Octoberfest and focuses on the arrival of Bockbier. Historically, monks brewed strong beer or Bockbier which was higher in calories and a bit stronger to substitute for food during Lenten fasting and the CSB crew keeps the tradition afloat with this little celebration.  Stage Door Players Left to right- Back row: Clint Reed, Nichole Chaffee, Abbey Kooiman, James Briggs II. Front row: Beverly Guikema, Wynter Groenke, Laurie Deater. Comedy coming to White Cloud in April
Bridget (Nichole Chaffee) and her Grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite Nana in New York for the summer, quickly turns into an experience she'll never forget. Unknown to her landlord, Gil Schmidt (Clint Reed), her granddaughter Bridget and even her best friend Vera Walters (Laurie Deater), 83 year old Sylvia Charles (Beverly Guikema) is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area! It gets complicated when Officer Tom (James Briggs II) gets involved. Then a delivery mix-up with the UPS man (Wynter Groenke) makes matters worse. In an effort to help correct the mix-up, Heather VanPree (Abbey Kooiman) offers her services. Sylvia's best client, Clair (Denise Gray) appears on the scene to pick up her order and a few other specialty items. Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested - or worse! - evicted? Director Summer Groenke invites you to come and enjoy this hilarious adult comedy. Nana's Naughty Knickers will be performed on April 4, 5, 11 and 12, 7:00pm at Stage Door Players Theater, 1147 Wilcox, White Cloud, MI 49349. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Cash or check only.  Community theater group offers a workshop for newcomers
Getting involved in community theater can be a rewarding experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, creative expression, and community engagement, while also providing a fun and social outlet. One local community theater group is offering local folks a chance to learn more about what goes into these entertaining events. "Behind the Play," a free production workshop, is being offered by Stage Door Players of White Cloud on April 24th at 7pm. Anyone interested in theater - actors, stage managers, set designers, directors, costumers, etc are welcome to attend and learn all the things that go into a production. Find out what happens "behind the scenes," before, during and after a show. Production includes everything from choosing a play and the appropriate script to striking (taking down) the set and cleaning up after the show is completed. To register for this free workshop, please go to Stage Door Players Theater Facebook page and sign up under the "Behind the Play" Post. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054274099846
The Fremont Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Fremont Area District Library and NCCA-Artsplace, is hosting the Newaygo County Poetry Contest 2025. We invite you to compose and share an original poem! The contest is open to people ages 11 and up who live in Newaygo County. There is a limit of one entry per person. Entries may be mailed, brought to the Fremont Area District Library, or submitted by email no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Poems do not need to follow a particular format. Submissions should be limited to one page, and poems may be selected to be read live at the Newaygo County Poetry awards event on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Fremont Area District Library. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of poets, creative writers, educators, and philanthropists. All winners will receive a cash prize: $250 for the winner of the 11-17 age group, $100 for the two runners up of the 11-17 age group, $500 for the winner of the 18 and over age group, and $250 for the two runners up of the 18 and over age group. Program information sheets and application forms may be picked up at the Fremont Area District Library, 104 E. Main in Fremont or just click here! This contest for Newaygo County is the dream and vision of the late renowned artist James Magee. Let's help share his dream and vision! For more information contact Fremont Area District Library, 104 E. Main St., Fremont, call at 231-924-3480, or email Jackilyn Roseberry at [email protected].  Want to know what’s happening in the area? We pick one event per day to feature with an emphasis on variety. If you have an event coming up let us know and you may see it in this weekly offering. Monday Wildflower Friends Nature Group holds a Toddler Walk at Branstrom Park beginning at 10am. Looks like a cool way to meet other parents of young ones in an outdoor setting. Here’s their fb page for more info. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565938545386 Tuesday How about a peek at some Newaygo County History with an emphasis on the influence of women? The Fremont Library is hosting a pair of speakers in celebration of Women’s History Month. Rachel Jaunese and Pamela VandenBerg will be delivering the goods and here’s the skinny... https://www.nearnorthnow.com/leisure/fadl-hosts-2-events-for-womens-history-month Wednesday CORRECTION: The scheduled Town Meeting in Fremont for March 19th with U.S. representative John Moolenaar that we posted on March 15th was inaccurate, per Representative Moolenaar’s office. The meetings set up by his office in the district are primarily for case consultation with constituents to help resolve difficulties they might be having with regard to Social Security or other issues requiring assistance from the Representative. There are no planned Town Meetings sponsored or arranged by his office scheduled in our area at this time. Thursday A unique program at Newaygo Brewery. Join Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited, Orvis Grand Rapids, and the local community for a casual get-together to talk trout and coldwater conservation, learn to tie a fly (or hone your skill), and support an awesome local brewery. All are welcome to join us for this free gathering. Good company! Cold beer! Free fly tying lessons! All are welcome Please reserve your spot so they can get a head count: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/.../Tie-One-On-With-Tu-106208 Friday The LionHeart production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” is at the Grant Fine Arts Center starting at 7pm. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/lionheart-productions-presents-the-play-that-goes-wrong Saturday Hit up the Community Expo at the Fremont Rec Center from 9am-3pm then Saturday night head for the Shamrock Pub & Grill in White Cloud where Iris Herrera will be putting her pipes of perfection on display with Christian McNeese on guitar. Truly fine acoustic sound. ETA of around 8:30pm.  The West Michigan festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually, looks to continue to grow its impact in the community. MUSKEGON, Mich. - The Michigan Irish Music Festival, presented by Family Financial Credit Union, is rolling out a new look that celebrates its role as one of the Midwest's premier cultural celebrations. The refreshed brand comes as the festival continues to make major economic and cultural contributions to West Michigan. "Our festival has been bringing a slice of Ireland to West Michigan for over 25 years, creating connections that last far beyond our annual celebration," said Chris Zahrt, Past President and Founding Board Member of the Michigan Irish Music Festival. "Our new brand identity reflects who we are - a welcoming community that celebrates authentic Irish culture while remaining true to our volunteer-driven roots." The festival is part of Muskegon County's thriving arts and cultural sector, which generated a $70 million economic impact in 2023, representing 18.4% of the county's overall tourism impact. The festival has also demonstrated its commitment to community enrichment, having donated more than $450,000 and over 20,500 pounds of food to local charities since 2008. Morgan Witmer, Marketing Director for MIMF, explained the vision behind the rebrand: "This refresh represents our commitment to being both authentic and accessible. While we're proud to showcase genuine Irish culture and heritage, we want everyone to know they're welcome here, whether they're Irish or not. The new look captures that spirit of inclusion while honoring the traditions that make our festival special." Now in its 26th year, the festival serves as a gathering point for Michigan's significant Irish-American population, which comprises approximately 11% of the state's residents. Michigan Irish Music Festival has grown to feature six major stages and over 30 artists, reflecting the region's growing appetite for Irish culture and entertainment. 2025 Festival Details ● Dates: September 11-14, 2025 ● Location: Heritage Landing, Muskegon, MI Ticket Information, sponsored by Lascko Services ● St. Patrick's Day Festival Pass Flash Sale ○ Monday, March 17, 2025 (midnight to midnight) ○ Festival Pass: $50 ○ 24-hour sale only ● Festival Pass includes: ○ Thursday Pub Preview Party ○ Entry to full Festival Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ○ Children 12 & under are free (ticket code required) ● Early Online Sales ○ May 1 through August 31, 2025 ○ Discounted Festival Pass and Single-Day tickets ○ Prices increase on September 1, 2025 Major Sponsors include: Langlois Home Furnishings, Budweiser, G&L Chili Dogs, and The Sand Docks. Host hotels are Delta by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center and Shoreline Inn. Our ticket sponsor is Lascko Services. You can find more information about the Michigan Irish Music Festival on our website. https://michiganirish.org    Lions Club members will be serving up some righteous eats at the Fremont Expo The Fremont Lions Club will be offering their famous pancake breakfast again this year at the Fremont Community Expo March 22nd from 8am-11am. The price is $10 per person and kids 5 and under eat free. Breakfast will include eggs, sausage, pancakes and a beverage. This year CBD Store of Michigan will be donating all of the eggs. The Fremont Lions Club aims to empower volunteers to serve the community of Fremont. To improve health and well-being and foster understanding through humanitarian services with the focus on vision, hunger, diabetes, cancer and the environment. The Fremont Lions Club also supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with volunteers reading to children. They also put up flags along Main St. for many of the holidays. One of the biggest projects The Fremont Lions Club does every year is (SINE) Students In Need of Eyecare. Offering free eye screening to all students. For more information or to learn how you can get involved go to: https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/fremontmi/index.php or find Fremont Lions Club on Facebook.   What’s Going On?
Tuesday: Karan Casey at the Dogwood. If you are a fan of Irish music and haven’t gotten a good fix since last fall’s doings at the Muskegon Irish Music extravaganza or if you are simply a fan of really really fine singing, get yourself to the Dogwood Tuesday. Karan Casey is simply a delight to listen to. 7:30 Here’s the skinny. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/karan-casey-at-the-dogwood-on-march-11 Wednesday: The Ripple Effect at the Grant Fine Arts Center. This documentary will provide insight into the heartbreaking issue of suicide with an emphasis on prevention and recovery. 6 pm and here’s more info. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/documentary-to-highlight-suicide-awareness Thursday: Want to hear some great recorded music that is spun on real records on a real turntable while enjoying a couple of brews and some righteous eats? It's Vinyl Night at NewBrew in downtown Newaygo from 6-8. Spinner Mark Petz promises “80s-90s “alternative college rock,” cosmic/psych Americana vibes, and a bit of soul.” Friday: If it’s Lent it must mean Fish Fry Fridays. Belly up at All Saints in Fremont 5-7pm, or St. Bart’s in Newaygo 4:30-7pm. Saturday: If you’re a Hiberophile still needing a little more Irish music flowing through your veins and don’t mind a pleasant drive, Kennedy’s Kitchen is playing at The Playhouse at White Lake in Whitehall. If you’ve hit the Irish Fest in Muskegon you have undoubtedly heard this group. If nt, an evening spent listening to the music and stories will undoubtedly be memorable and you will likely be making plans to head to Muskegon come September. Got an event coming up? Send us the skinny at [email protected]  Celebrated Irish singer Karan Casey will perform in the Dogwood Black Box on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Her career has spanned twenty five years from the early days as a jazz performer in George’s Bistro in Dublin, to her heady days in New York with the band Solas, to her now established solo career and she has sold over half a million albums. Casey has toured constantly throughout North America, Europe and Japan, performing solo, with her own band and with many other artists, often from outside the realm of Irish music. Her adventurous spirit results from the varied influences--classical music, jazz, and American pop that Casey has made her own since growing up amid Irish traditional music in Ballyduff Lower, County Waterford. Karan Casey, says the Associated Press, has "a voice so beautiful, it's almost impossible to avoid falling under her spell." She comes to the Dogwood Center as part of a U.S. tour to New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. This concert is generously sponsored by Jim and Donna Hieftje. Tickets are $22.50 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. |
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