Suggestion Box: Native Culture, Seuss in Song and An Annual Art Affair

​Too many folks try to do too much.
I mean sure there’s always work to be done and even if it’s not staring you in the face it’s looming out there somewhere because there is always and I mean Always stuff to be done. The key word here is ‘done’ because the reality is, it’s never really done, right?
Given this, the goal of a weekend should ultimately be able to kick back Sunday evening with the work week looming ahead and say “Yep. That was a good one.”

For your consideration we at N3WH offer  a few helpful hints toward achieving that goal.

Close to home the Native Circle of Newaygo County is holding their second “We Are Still Here” event at Brooks Park in downtown Newaygo Saturday and Sunday (see ad on home page).
The gathering is a celebration of Native culture and tradition and will feature drumming dancing singing and  storytelling. You can witness beadwork and basket-making and hear from a number of speakers who will explore topics   from sacred fires and indigenous plant medicine to  traditional values and perspectives on native education.
For those following the captivating Ken Burns series ‘Vietnam’ on PBS Gene Reid will talk about his experience as a native veteran of that war.
Great family event, with a chance to learn more about the culture of the people who inhabited this whole hemispheric part of the world before being ‘discovered’.

I have to admit I have not been to the Kent Theater in Cedar Springs to see the Cedar Springs Community  Players perform but I have heard wonderful things about their shows over the years. This weekend they are putting on “Seussical”
“This is a fun show based on the stories of Dr Seuss, that has great songs,” said Director Lori Koester. “We have some really talented singers and great acting skills!”
There are 28 kids ages 7-14 in the cast and four others helping on the technical end of the production And 10 of the cast members are  from right here in Newaygo County.
“With so many lead roles,  many younger kids get a chance to really shine,” added Ms. Koester.
This is a show filled with vibrant colors, snappy tunes, and creative costuming and will appeal to all who are familiar with the stories penned by the good Dr.
Besides, when you go, you can check out the Schnitzelbank-inspired menu at the Cedar Springs Brewing Co. Make sure you get the side of hot potato salad.
Shows are at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday. Check out their facebook page for details.

And ArtPrize is back!
This is perhaps one of  the absolute coolest things in our region and that says a lot because we have a lot of really cool things around these parts.
Oh and if you hate crowds?  Don’t go during the weekend.
Why? Because if you go with someone  like say,  me for example, who doesn’t mind crowds as long as they’re not giving chase across a field of sunflowers with pitchforks raised while  wearing purple  shirts (a somewhat disturbing recurring dream but that’s for another time perhaps) we don’t wish to hear how crowded it is. Like when it’s hot. I don’t mind hot. But I don’t want to hear about how hot it is. What’s the point?
So, rant aside, prepare to see a lot of people as well as a lot of really splendid art pieces of every imaginable genre.
And make sure you visit the amazing “Walk a mile in my shoes – Kindness Newaygo County” piece,a true community collaboration  led by local artist and wonderful person Jane Stroschin (see article on home page). You’ll find it at  the City Water Building by the Richard App Gallery located at 1101 Monroe Ave. NW.
N3 will be posting stories from our Art Prize correspondents who, while not embedded in the event, nonetheless will offer some personal takes that should prove interesting so stay tuned.
ArtPrize goes until October 8 which seem s like a long time away but really isn’t.

Ok folks, three fam-friendly fetes for you. A chance to hit the Seuss show Friday evening (maybe after a little Mettwurst) check out the doings at the park Saturday and slide down to our metropolis to the south on Sunday to take in some fun funky and fantastic displays of artistic excellence.

And should you choose to forego any activity throughout the weekend  that does not involve being close to or partially submerged in water?
Well, who can blame you?
It’s hot out there.

Suggestion Box is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. home of the best beers in the Near North and beyond