Lexibaby

It's already all over the Gazette, but don't forget to put it on your calendar: The world premiere of the new movie Lexibaby happens this weekend at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, fruit of the labors of Gull Lake alumnus Jon Petro, who directed the film. See it this Friday and Saturday night, January 2 and 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 at the State Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster. The film's intertwined stories deal with themes of violence and its effects. You'll definitely recognize some of the filming locations: First Presbyterian Church in Richland, the Blackhawk Grill, Bronson Hospital, and other local landmarks. It's not rated, but the film does contain violence and adult language. More details at the film's website.

Celtic Concert and Tea, Sunday, December 28

I know this is a busy week, but picture yourself NEXT weekend, after the eggnog is all gone and everyone is still hanging around the house going stir crazy. It's Sunday, December 28. Just an empty, gray day. But wait!

You can cheer up everyone--young, old, and all others--with a festive afternoon at the Richland Area Community Center, where Erica Holcomb will be playing Celtic harp and singing songs both traditional and original. And, after the concert, there will be a fabulous, festive tea, including little sandwiches, scones, and pastries, served by Tudor House Tea. Tickets for the whole event cost $15 and benefit the Performing Arts Foundation. Yes, us! No, not us personally, but all the great arts education projects we support.

Erica graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2005, studied traditional music in Appalachia, and then moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where she's continuing her studies. She is best known for her skills on the clarsach, or Scottish harp, but she also plays mandolin and guitar. The event celebrates the release of her new CD, Birds, Ghosts and Lifeboats, which will be available for sale at the concert, along with her previous CD, Eightsongs.

It all happens at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2008, at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue in Richland. See you there!

Meanwhile, you can check the websites of:
Erica Holcomb
Tudor House Tea

Go wild in December

Okay, there's almost too much going on for any one person to get to, so let's split up and cover all this territory, because it's all fabulous.

For starters, this weekend is your last chance for two stage treats:

Willy Wonka, an extravaganza made possible in part by assistant stage manager Lisa Watson and property master Stacy Bartell, is at the Civic Theatre downtown. Call the box office (269-343-1313) or check their website.

Familiar Faces and Peculiar Places, four one-act plays by different authors, features one directed by Adam Carter. Shows are at 11 p.m. at the Whole Art Studio, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall. Tickets are only $5, which includes coffee and doughnuts.

For your visual arts and Christmas shopping enjoyment:

"More Small Work," the Blue Water Gallery's holiday show, opens Friday, December 12, with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. and continues through January 7. Note, though, that the gallery will be closed from December 28 to January 4. It's located at 8860 N. 32nd Street.

And, of course, there's music:

Friday, December 12, Dave Marlatt, as part of Marlatt and Woodworth, plays traditional Irish music at the London Grill Singapore in downtown Kalamazoo from 8 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, December 13, 'round 9 p.m., Jordan Lunardini plays blues at the Stagecoach Barn, behind the Blackhawk Grill at that intersection of M-89, M-43, and C Avenue.

Insider's tip: On Sunday, December 14, at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, veteran New York Metropolitan Opera basso Kenneth Young will sing a selection from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Trumpeter Mike McMinn will accompany him, and that's also the day that the church choir presents its special annual festival of Christmas music and the spoken word. That's all during the regular church service at 9:45 a.m.

And Monday, December 15, the Gull Lake High School Choir sings for the season at the High School cafeteria at 7 p.m.

That should keep us all busy and happy all weekend. More to follow!

Please note, Performing Arts Foundation folk, that at Thursday's meeting, our longtime regular meeting day was changed. Notwithstanding what's printed in the Footlights newsletter that you're about to receive, the new meeting time for PAF will be 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, starting in January. So our next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center. But we'll surely see you all before then!

Wassail away!

Richland will be decked out for the holidays on Thursday, December 4, when the village's 35th annual Wassailing Night begins at 5:30 p.m. All the businesses will be offering goodies and activities for all ages, and, in the square, you'll have a chance to hear almost all of our schools' fabulous musical ensembles: GLHS Band, GLHS Choir, the Middle School Minors, the Ryan Chorus, and the Ryan Singers. The festivities continue until 8 p.m. and are sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association.

Pre-Thanksgiving Blues

Nah, not that kind. The fun kind. Come on out. Everyone will be in town Wednesday night, and most of them will, no doubt, be found at the Stagecoach Barn (behind the Blackhawk Grill at M-89/M-43 and C Avenue), having a lovely beverage and enjoying some good blues with our own Jordan Lunardini. The festivities get under way about 8 p.m. See you there!

Jordan plays there again on Saturday, December 13.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

Check out the Chocolate Factory

Don't miss the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre's production of Willy Wonka, November 21 to December 13! Gull Lake's Stacy Bartell is in charge of properties--which must be quite a creative coup for this show--and Lisa Watson is assistant stage manager--again, that's quite a stage to manage. Check the Civic's website for performance times and ticket info. This one's not to be missed.

PAF meeting November 13--and a heads-up!

The Performing Arts Foundation has much to discuss at its regular meeting, Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Such as . . . new marching band uniforms, new uniforms for the high school choir, the December newsletter (please send items along asap to PerformingArtsFoundation@gmail.com) and--here's your heads-up--arrangements for a fabulous Celtic concert and tea during the holidays.

Mark your calendar now for Sunday, December 28, at 2 p.m. when, at the Richland Area Community Center, our own Erica Holcomb will give a concert of traditional Celtic and original music. Erica now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she has built a reputation as a singer and harpist, and we're very fortunate that she will be home during the holidays and willing to do a benefit show for PAF. Check her latest CD, Birds, Ghosts, and Lifeboats, on CDbaby. A festive tea will be served that afternoon by Tudor House Tea, and ticket sales (price to be set at our PAF meeting!) will benefit the Performing Arts Foundation.

Hope to see you at Thursday's meeting . . . and please let us know if you have items for the newsletter or can help with the fun on December 28!

Arts and Crafts--to buy and to do!

The Richland Area Community Center will hold its gala Richland Community Craft Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists and crafters will be selling their wares--wonderful gifts and holiday decorations. A silent auction of some of their best items will benefit the Community Center. You don't have to be present to win! Meanwhile, crafty classes will be taking place in the sun room. You can make your own holiday decorations, and there will be creative projects for kids, too. And high school students from the Gay-Straight Alliance will hold a bake sale to raise money for their winter dance. So that's food, art, shopping, creativity, and fun. Check. Come get in the holiday mood!

Boo!

Happy Halloween! Bring the kids for a safe evening of trick-or-treating at the Richland Village Green, in front of the library, on Friday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It's all fun and it's all free, sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association.

Hoot Owls!

The Hoot Owls will play their great mix of traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country music this Sunday, October 26, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, next to the library on the village green in Richland. The performance is part of the Village Green Arts series, so admission is free, but donations are welcomed. After the show, you can meet the Owls--including PAF's own Robin Nott--at a reception with lovely refreshments. What could be more fun on a fall afternoon?

Richland is Hopping!

Have you noticed that the second Friday of the month has become a Richland Art Hop night? It's happening again from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 10, when the Blue Water Gallery hosts an opening reception for its new exhibit, Stolen Souls. The show, which runs through November 12, features metal work by Pam Nivala, paintings by Michael Dunn, and photography by T. C. Nihart. Music for the festive opening will be provided by DJ Chris Pappas. The Blue Water Gallery is at Clocktower Green, 8860 North 32nd Street, just north of the village of Richland.

And there's more . . .

Don't forget the last few sessions of the Richland Farmers' Market, every Wednesday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. The Market continues on October 15, 22, and 29, when it wraps for the season. The weather may be chillier, but there are plenty of apples, squash, gourds, mum plants, jam, honey, greens, beets, and more.

Speaking of the Community Center, RACC has a great ballroom dance session two Sunday afternoons a month, from 2 to 5 p.m. There's live music by the Swing Masters and lessons available before the dance. You don't need a partner--just come and dance! Admission is $7. Upcoming dates are October 19, November 2 and 16, and December 8 and 22. On Sunday, October 19, you can help to decide what kinds of dance lessons you'd like to see offered at RACC. Come from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a demo of different styles: line dancing, ballroom, Latin, and square dancing. Then cast your vote!

Finally, be sure to make a special note on your Halloween agenda to visit the annual safe trick-or-treat in the village park, sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association.

Share the Harvest at Kellogg Biological Station

It's supposed to be a cool and crisp fall weekend, so why not spend your Sunday afternoon (1-5) enjoying all the fabulous outdoor and indoor resources of MSU's Kellogg Biological Station? The Bird Sanctuary, the Dairy Center, the Farming Systems Center, Kellogg Forest, and the Manor House will all have great activities and tours--hay rides, milking demos, cider and doughnuts, crafts, pumpkin decorating, duck banding, face painting . . . they've got it all going on. Bring a food item to donate and they'll give you some corn to feed the birds at the Bird Sanctuary. Go here for more info, and then have yourself some fall fun!

A Chorus Line at the Civic, featuring PAC folk

You'll want to see the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning musical A Chorus Line at the Civic Theatre downtown, and, when you do, don't miss the Gull Lake connections. Performing Arts Company alumna Stacy Bartell is the props master for this production, and Hannah Homnick plays the role of Tricia. The production opens Friday, September 19, at 8 p.m. and runs through a final matinee performance on Sunday, October 5, a 2 p.m. Check the Civic's website for the full schedule and ticket info!

Whistlestop Barbershop

You're in for a harmonic treat this weekend at the Kalamazoo Barbershop Harmony Society's 67th annual show, Whistlestop Barbershop. Featured performers include the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus, under the direction of Gull Lake High School's own vocal music teacher, David Woolf. Also performing will be Wildcard, the 2004 Pioneer District barbershop champion group, and Go4it! You have two opportunities to enjoy this great show: 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, at the Comstock Community Auditorium. Tickets are $12, only $10 for students and seniors. And there's an afterglow, too ($8). Don't miss this opportunity to hear some of the best voices around!

Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus is always looking for men who enjoy singing--no experience necessary! Check their website for more info.

Postscript to all Performing Arts Foundation members: Don't forget that we'll be meeting this Thursday, September 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center!

Music, music, music

Yes, there's a lot of music around, and now's the time to grab the chance to hear some out in the fresh air, before the air starts getting a little too fresh, if you know what I mean.

Emily Nott and Sarah Denick will be singing and playing at the Richland Farmers' Market on Wednesday, September 3. The Market runs from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue (that's the post office road), every Wednesday into October. Since September 3 is a first-Wednesday-of-the-month, there's the additional draw of a craft fair along with the Farmers' Market, so it's going to be a fabulous, festive evening.

On Thursday evenings, Clocktower Green, 8860 N. 32nd Street, offers live music in the great outdoors, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. On September 4, the Mossy Mountain Band brings their great bluegrass out here to the countryside.

Remember, folks, it's all free and in the fresh air. Enjoy!

Richland Fest and Horse Trials

For the first time, the festival on the village green in Richland has been timed to coincide with the fabulous Richland Park Horse Trials. So prepare to spend your entire weekend outdoors, shuttling between the two.

Richland Fest starts Friday, August 22, as piano bar entertainer Matt Giraud plays from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by the live dance band Montage. On Saturday, August 23, there are kids' games from noon to 5 p.m.--including a bouncy thing, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, bingo, and a climbing wall. From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be a tumbling exhibition by Greater Kalamazoo World of Gymnastics. From 6 to 7, prepare to be amazed by the magic of Alan Smola. And then, from 7 to 11 p.m., Bottoms Up will provide live dance music. Food from the Blackhawk Bar & Grill and Gull Lake View's East Course Grill will be available for purchase. The event is sponsored by RABA, the Richland Area Business Association.

And don't miss the wonderful Richland Park Horse Trials! World-class riders and their world-class horses come from across the country to compete on a top course right here in Richland. There's nothing more fun and exciting to watch . . . and I justify the event's inclusion here by pointing out that there's a lot of art as well as athleticism to riding. Oh, and the horses are beautiful. The event runs Thursday through Sunday, August 21 - 24, at Richland Park, 8651 N. 30th Street in Richland--just south of M-89. Admission and parking is only $10 each day or $15 for the whole weekend, and the proceeds go to benefit the Cheff Center.

Have a great Richland weekend!

Irish Music and the Wild Life

Outdoors and in, there's plenty of art to enjoy in August!

Start with a free outdoor concert of traditional Irish music by Whiskey Before Breakfast, 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, at Kindleberger Park in Parchment. If it happens to rain, the fun will move to Parchment Middle School, 307 N. Riverview.

On Friday, August 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy the wild life at the opening reception for artists C. J. McAllister and Stephen J. Lawrence. Their work, in oils and watercolor respectively, takes a close-up look at wild animals. The show continues through October 18 at the Little Yellow Frame Shop and Gallery, 8174 N. 32nd Street in Richland.

Make August 8 a complete Richland Art Hop night by visiting the Blue Water Gallery's reception from 6 to 9 p.m. for their Spirit of the Horse show, featuring guest artists Jeri Hollister and Alec Hall and other artists' horse-inspired work. The show runs through September 10 at 8860 N. 32nd Street in Richland.

A rumor involving Combat Corduroy and the Black Crowes!

There's a rumor that our friends Combat Corduroy will open for the Black Crowes at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids on Sunday, July 27! The show is for ages 16 and up. Tickets are $35 in advance, $38 on the day of the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Also playing: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

Don't ask where I hear these things . . . I just do.

Theater camps

It's summer, so it must be time for summer camp! Why, yes, as it happens: There are two great summer camp weeks coming up for kids aged 8 to 13, all about theater. Gull Lake drama and storytelling teacher extraordinaire Robin Nott and his able assistants are running two great camps this summer, and there's still time to sign up. Kids will experience ensemble theater technique, including creative movement, improvisation, and story theater, and they'll apply those techniques to classic literature to create theater pieces.

The camps will be held:

July 21 - 26, Monday through Friday, 9 - 11:30 a.m., at the Gull Lake Country Club. $100 per child. Call the Country Club to register: 269-629-9714.

August 4 - 8, Monday through Friday, at Sherman Lake YMCA. Call the Y for information: 269-731-3000.

Thursdays at Clocktower Green

The beautiful new Clocktower Green is nearing completion--most of the stores and the restaurant have opened already--and their free Thursday night outdoor concerts are in full swing. Head up to 8860 North 32nd Street (M-43, just north of the village of Richland), sit a while, and enjoy the tunes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Here's the schedule of upcoming concerts:

July 3 – Mossy Mountain Band
July 10 – North Point Combo
July 17 – Martha Reid Quartet
July 24 – Lana Hawkins & Steve Kamerling
July 31 – Mark Duval & Traci Seuss
August 7 – Swing City
August 14 – Brothers Kalamazov
August 21 – Earlier Braggs Quartet
August 28 – Tim Collins Group

Hair and more

I'm trying to resist the apparently irresistable urge that salons seem to have to name themselves with a hair pun . . . I've made it past the title . . . just barely . . . and I'll try to make it through to the end of the posting with my dignity intact.

And yet I must urge you (adults, that is) to go see the Whole Art Theatre's production of the 1968 musical Hair, which continues Fridays and Saturdays, June 20, 21, 27, and 28 at the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. Adam Carter choreographed the show, and they do a great job with all the songs that you had forgotten came from Hair. (Okay, I'm the one who forgot that "Easy to Be Hard" was in there . . . I did remember "Aquarius.") Tickets are $22, seniors $18, students $14. Check the Whole Art's website for more info.

By the way, auditions for the one-woman show Bad Dates are being held June 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Whole Art Theatre at the Epic Center. That show will play at the Whole Art September 11 to 27. More info on that at the website.

The musical Les Miserables is at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, now through July 6. Tickets are $29. Their website has details.

You can catch Richland area musicians playing in Kalamazoo on Saturday, June 21, as part of the worldwide Fete de la Musique. And it's all free! Fractal will be at the Union at 2 p.m. and at Bell's at 6, and the Gull Lake Jazz Orchestra will be playing on the North Kalamazoo Mall at 3 . . . Again, check the website for more and better info.

Speaking of local musicians, you can usually catch Tim Tillbury playing at the Richland Pub, 8253 N. 32nd Street, of a Friday night, starting about 8 p.m.

And a great new venue, the Clocktower Green, has live music outdoors on Thursday nights. Check their website for the calendar of events.

There's more live music from time to time at the Richland Farmers' Market, which has outgrown its original site and is now at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue (that's the post office road), from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. June 25 will feature a visit by a calf from a local farm, but live music will return from time to time--including the wonderful Hoot Owls.

Okay, that should keep you busy for a while, and you've been spared a single hair joke! What a lucky day! Enjoy.

Thanks, Hoot Owls!

The Richland Farmers' Market got off to an amazing start on a beautiful day . . . and it was all made more festive by the music of the Hoot Owls. Thanks to them for the great tunes! They've promised to return from time to time . . . Meanwhile, come on down to the Farmers' Market at the Clocktower Green, 8860 N. 32nd Street (M-43) every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Hoot Owls at Farmers' Market

The new Richland Farmers' Market opens this Wednesday, June 11, and the Hoot Owls will bring their old time - bluegrass - gospel sounds to celebrate. The Market will be open this and every Wednesday through October, from 4 to 8 p.m., and this week the Hoot Owls will start playing around 6. Come on out to hear them--and to buy your fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce! The Market is held at the new Clocktower Green, 8860 North 32nd Street (M-43), just north of the village and south of the Blackhawk.

And if you grow food or flowers you'd like to sell at the Market--or if you know someone who does--click here to download a vendor application.

Meanwhile, come out on Wednesday for great fun, fresh food, and music. Big thanks to the Hoot Owls for donating their talent and time!

Many, many May marvels

It's been so mesmerizing to gaze back at the photos from recent arts events that we've been remiss in providing reminders about some great upcoming events. So now you must run, not walk, to the following:

Wednesday, May 21, 6 p.m., Shaw Theatre, Western Michigan University: Marley in May, an evening with John Grogan, author of the bestseller Marley & Me. Tickets are $10 and benefit the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation; check their website for more info.

Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m., Gull Lake High School: GLHS Band concert

Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m., Gull Lake High School: Spring Choral Concert

Thursday, May 22, through Saturday, May 31, Civic Theatre in Kalamazoo: Little Women the Musical continues, with Lisa Watson working behind the scenes. The show goes on at 7:30 on Thursday nights, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. More info at the Civic's website.

Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m., Whole Art Theatre at the Epic Center: Last chance to see The Playboy of the Western World, the great play by Irish writer J. M. Synge . . . and you can spot Mary Teutsch amongst the cast. Tickets are $20 general admission, $14 seniors, $10 students. More at Whole Art's website.

June 5 - 28, Whole Art Theatre at the Epic Center: Hair, the classic 1968 musical, is back, and this time it's choreographed by Adam Carter. You might want to get your tickets now . . . which you can do via Whole Art's website.

Festival Fotos

The second annual Spring Fine Arts Festival last weekend was a huge success. There was drama, comedy, sculpture, painting, singing of all kinds, music from classical to blues/rock . . . something for everyone--no, lots of things for everyone! And all the proceeds from ticket sales and concession purchases go to the Performing Arts Foundation for use by all the arts at Gull Lake. Thanks to the students for great performances and art pieces, to all the spectators for coming out, and to the expert staff and loyal volunteers working behind the scenes. It was a great night!

Performing Arts Foundation board members were especially thrilled to be presented with this year's "Local Hero" award--including handsome plaques and kind words from Robin Nott--at the Friday night performance. We love to do the work we do for kids because of the great support from Gull Lake schools staff and a wonderfully generous community. Thanks so much for a very special award!

And thanks to photographer Jack Sizer for a visual sampling of the Spring Fine Arts Festival. It was a great event!

Storyteller comes to Gull Lake Community Schools

Nationally-known storyteller Len Cabral came to Gull Lake schools as artist in residence for May 5 through 8, mesmerizing students in all the buildings with his fantastic tales, and giving workshops for storytelling students at the high school. His visit was made possible by grants from the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, the GLCS Performing Arts Foundation, and the Gull Lake Educational

Association. It was an amazing experience for all the students and teachers. Thank you, arts supporters! And thank you, Jack Sizer, for these wonderful photos!

It's spring, so it must be . . . the Spring Fine Arts Festival!

It's that time again--time to enjoy ALL the arts in colorful profusion at the second annual Spring Fine Arts Festival at Gull Lake High School. Two gala evenings of art are coming: Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $6; students get in for $3--it's a great bargain and a great way to enjoy and support the arts at Gull Lake.

We've got it all:

Feast your eyes on a visual art gallery around the perimeter of the high school cafeteria, featuring 2D and 3D work by art students under the guidance of teachers Carolyn Massey and Randy Walbridge.

Drink in vocal music by ensembles and solo performers under the direction of David Woolf. A special treat: the sweet sound of barbershop harmonies.

Enjoy instrumental music by a variety of ensembles--including Dynamic Pulse Drumline--under the direction of Floy Latham and Michele Chabitch.

Drama and comedy take center stage for the Performing Arts Company's annual One-Act Play Festival. Four very short plays, directed by GLHS seniors, will be produced by Robin Nott, Catherine Kane, and Steve Van Dyke. This year, three of the plays were also written by students.

If your taste runs to rock and blues, enjoy a couple of numbers by a great band from Rick Bengelink's alternative education program.

This is your opportunity to see the amazing work of our own talented young local artists, all in one place at one time. To add to the festive evening, the Performing Arts Foundation will be offering snacks and drinks and congratulatory flowers for sale; every purchase helps the Foundation to support arts education at Gull Lake.

And, take note: This is the first major arts event to take place at the new high school's arena theater. Come see this great new space, filled with lots of art, fun, food, and folks! See you there!

Gull Lake alumni in the news . . .

Hope you spotted a photo of Performing Arts Company alumna Jessica Bard in the Kalamazoo Gazette's Sunday, April 20 supplement on Kalamazoo College. The article is online, but, unfortunately, that particular photo is not. Go back through your recycling pile and check it out: Page 4 of the special section shows K College students volunteering as mentors to bilingual kids in the AMIGOS program at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts, and there's Jessica.

Then move on to the Thursday, April 24 Ticket section of the Gazette and read John Liberty's article about Jordan Lunardini, who is touring with Dave "Biscuit" Miller and his Indianapolis-based blues/funk band, The Mix. You can catch them locally this Saturday, April 26, at 9 p.m. at the Stagecoach Barn, behind the Blackhawk, right here in Richland.

Okay, back to my reading, and I'll let you know what I find.

Gilmore for Kids--at Gull Lake

Do not miss the chance to hear fabulous pianist Alpin Hong playing at Gull Lake High School on Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m.! His program is part of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, and this bit of it is intended for kids--but everyone will enjoy this energetic, creative pianist. Kids get in FREE . . . adults pay only $5. How can you miss? It's a great opportunity to hear world-class music, live in Richland, with a little showmanship thrown in. And you never know--you might learn something, too! Details at the Gilmore Festival's website.

Crawlspace sightings!

You can spot improv comedy favorites Crawlspace Eviction in a free performance this weekend, in support of a great cause, the Open Door/Next Door Shelters. Their “Celebration of Partnership” Event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo on Sunday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. In addition to the comedy performance, they'll have food and drinks and a silent auction to benefit the shelters. Open Door/Next Door provides shelter and many support services for homeless young men and women in Kalamazoo County, and it's a great cause. Learn more and enjoy the comedy show on Sunday!

Crawlspace--which, as you know, includes Gull Lake's Adam Carter--will also perform two shows at the Whole Art Studio, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall, at 8 p.m. May 16 and 17. This one, "Business Casual Sex," promises to be a bit more adult-oriented than the April 20 show. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 for all others.

Arts on parade

Some last-minute pointers for you:

Locally, visual arts are on parade this weekend. Don't forget the "Colors of Life" show of glass art at the Blue Water Gallery, starting tonight, Friday, April 11, with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m., and continuing through May 6. Blue Water is the new gallery at 8860 N. 32nd Street. You'll see lots of Richland and area artists represented.

And one of our greatest local art treasures, Tom Kendall, is having an open house and sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at his studio, Oak Leaf Pottery, 10936 Three Mile Road in Plainwell (the area our family calls generically "the Cresseys" because, even though we now live out this direction, we're always lost and wind up on Cressey Road--check Mapquest for help--it isn't far from Richland at all). Even if you think you don't know Tom's work, you've seen his stunning ceramic vases, sculptures, and tableware in places of honor all over town--and beyond. Check the Oak Leaf Pottery website to jog your memory.

And you only have this weekend and next to see Hollywood Arms at the Civic Theatre in Kalamazoo. Our Lisa Watson is working behind the scenes on this comedy-drama based on the life of Carol Burnett. Shows Fridays and Saturdays, April 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $20. Call 343-1313 or check the website.

This is no time for spring break! There's art happening!

Yes, it IS almost April, so get out your calendar and a big red pen, and start scribbling in the plethora of fabulous arts events:

Thursday, April 3, 8 p.m., Fractal plays at Fire, 1249 Portage Road in Kalamazoo, $7. Also on the bill: When Sanity Fails and Afternoon Round.

Friday, April 11, 5 - 9 p.m., opening reception for the "Colors of Life" show of glass art at Blue Water Gallery, 8860 North 32nd Street in Richland. In honor of Michigan Glass Month, the show will feature new work by Kathy Kreager, Gloria Badiner, Jarry Catania, Jerry Harty, Judy Koneski, Becky Stewart, and Barb Yerace.

Friday, April 11, 9 p.m., another chance to hear Fractal, this time at Dino's, corner of Academy and Stadium in Kalamazoo, $2.

Tuesday, April 15, 3 p.m., Tiffany Tea at the Kellogg Manor House. Enjoy an elegant tea and a tour of the historic mansion. Prepaid reservations required; adults $20, children 5 - 12 $12. Call 269-671-2400. (By the way, with the same call you could reserve spots for the Mother's Day brunch on May 11. Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; adults $18.95, seniors $17.95, children 5 - 12 $9.95.)

Tuesday, April 15, 4 p.m., first session of the Ballet class for 7- to 9-year-olds at the Gull Lake Middle School Cafeteria. Classes run 6 weeks, through May 20, and cost $35. Register through Gull Lake Community Education; call 269-488-5018 for more information.

Tuesday, April 15, 5 p.m., first session of the Creative Movement class for 3- to 4-year-olds at the Gull Lake Middle School Cafeteria. Classes run 6 weeks, through May 20, and cost $35. Register through Gull Lake Community Education; call 269-488-5018 for more information.

Thursday, April 17, 4 p.m., first session of the Ballet class for 10- to 12-year-olds at the Ryan Intermediate Band Room. Classes run 6 weeks, through May 22, and cost $35. Register through Gull Lake Community Education; call 269-488-5018 for more information.

Thursday, April 17, 5 p.m., first session of the Creative Movement class for 5- to 6-year-olds at the Ryan Intermediate Band Room. Classes run 6 weeks, through May 22, and cost $35. Register through Gull Lake Community Education; call 269-488-5018 for more information.

And bon voyage to the great Gull Lake High School Band! They're off to Florida for spring break, where they'll be playing to the big crowds at Disney World--and, we hope, having a fantastic time.

Choral music and other talents

Quickly dig out from the snow and get ready for a fantastic week of arts treats!

This Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m., the Stoughton, Wisconsin, High School Concert Choir gives a preview of their upcoming Carnegie Hall concert right here at Gull Lake High School. They're one of the finest high school choirs in the country, and we're privileged to be one of two stops on their way to New York--the only other stop being at the Western Michigan University choral department earlier in the day. The Choir’s director, Ryan Casey, is a graduate of Western Michigan University’s music school. In addition to teaching several choirs at Stoughton High School, he regularly performs solo and ensemble music in the Madison, Wisconsin area and in Chicago. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear a great choir right here in Richland. And did I mention that the concert is free? It's a wonderful gift to the community.

Then save next Saturday night--and maybe get a ticket in advance--for the always fabulous annual Glitter variety show, presented by the Gull Lake High School PTO. The 18th (yes, 18th!) annual edition starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at Comstock Auditorium. Reserved seats are available for $10; general admission is $8. For more information call Rona Evarts, 665-6521. Come one, come all to enjoy a great evening of entertainment by our most wildly talented neighbors and friends.

Juggling the PAF meeting

Alert! Alert! As it seems we must from time to time--more often than we'd like--we need to change the monthly Performing Arts Foundation meeting for March from March 13 to March 20. It's still a Thursday, it's still at the Richland Area Community Center, but we're also going to meet earlier, at 5 p.m. So, to review: We will NOT meet on March 13; we WILL meet on Thursday, March 20, at 5 p.m. at RACC. To look on the plus side, perhaps some folks who can't make it to our usual time will be able to join us this month.

Meanwhile, do not forget the following upcoming events featuring local friends:

Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m.: Improv comedy troupe Crawlspace Eviction gives a benefit performance for KNOW, the Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents of War, and the Department of Peace and Nonviolence campaign at the Fetzer Center Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Admission is $15, $7 for students.

Saturday, March 22, 5 to 11 p.m.: Ten bands perform at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Admission is $8.

Hope to see you at one or more of these three events!

Poetry opportunities

John Rybicki is a wonderful writer from our very own neighborhood--and, as so often happens, probably finds greater fame and recognition outside of it. So we locals should not miss the opportunity to hear him read from his new book, We Bed Down Into Water, published by Northwestern University Press. Convenient opportunities to do so include:

Monday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Public Library.

Thursday, April 17, 8 p.m. with novelist Paula Nangle at the Little Theatre, Oakland Drive, Western Michigan University, part of the Gwen Frostic Reading Series.

If you haven't read Rybicki's poetry and prose before, Northwestern University Press offers this description of Rybicki's new collection: "John Rybicki offers up an unafraid set of poems in this charged book of verse. We Bed Down Into Water is rich with imagery of family, love, illness, death, and, indeed, water, which seeps in throughout the pages: rivers, pools, rain, and tears. His moving stories, in both prose and verse, struggle to hang on to a vision of the world that can still allow benevolence, luck, and laughter. In this, the collection embodies a contradiction: it is a tender book of fury, a book of bleak hopefulness."

March! You heard me!

You go out of town for one second and things start happening and then it's March already. There will be more to follow, but for now, please put the following on your calendar and MARCH yourself over there at the appropriate times.

First of all, on Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m., our favorite improv comedy troupe Crawlspace Eviction is giving a benefit performance for KNOW, the Kalamazoo Non-Violent Opponents of War, and the Department of Peace and Nonviolence campaign at the Fetzer Center Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Admission is $15, $7 for students.

Then, on Saturday, March 22, from 5 to 11 p.m., ten, count 'em, 10 bands will be performing at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue, right here in Richland. That's ten bands for one low admission of $8. You actually can't afford to miss it. Scheduled to play: I See Stars, Rising Vacancy, La Dispute, From A Standpoint, Oshtemo, What Happened In Vegas, Doombringer, With Wings of Lead, The Skies Revolt, and Enormousaurus.

Okay, that's enough for you to be getting on with. Spring into action!

February directives

Sorry to be bossy, but we do have a few instructions for you:

Do not miss your chance to see Shakespeare in Hollywood at the Civic Theatre. The remaining performances are Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23, at 8 p.m. You'll enjoy the show and, in particular, the opportunity to see Mary Teutsch treading the boards. She--oh, and the show--got a boffo review in the Gazette. Call 343-1313 for tickets, or check the Civic's website.

Speaking of the Kalamazoo Gazette, see also the Young Artists column in the Sunday, February 17, edition--page D5. It doesn't seem to be available online yet, but it does feature four great young artists from Gull Lake High School.

The Battle of the Bands continues at Richland Area Community Center on certain Saturdays--for example, February 23 and March 22--from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is only $8, and you can hear a whole host of up-and-coming local bands. Hear them here first!

And, HEY! Now you can buy a CD or download an MP3 file of the Gull Lake Girls' "Let's Have Some Fun (Hey)" at PayPlayFM, iTunes, CDBaby, and All Music. That's assuming you've had a chance to see their infectious video.

Jordan Lunardini has taken his blues guitar on the road and is playing in Florida and Nashville, Tennessee, about the time of this writing. But you can hear him closer to home at 9ine Lounge and Grill on Tuesday nights, February 19 and 26--that's at the Twin Star Ice Arena near 9th Street and N Avenue (take exit 72 off I-94). He'll be at the State Theatre in downtown Kalamzoo on February 29, Louie's Trophy House on March 1, and right here in Richland at the Blackhawk on Saturday, March 22. Check his website for more info.

Finally, we'll justify this listing as a "performing arts" item because it features a performance of a new song written in honor of Captain Crochet, one of Louise Hanavan's illicit chickens. If you missed seeing Louise (and her three chickens) on the Canadian national television news, you can still hear an interview with her and coverage of a rally in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in support of her keeping three chickens within the city limits. Go to the CBC radio program The Current and listen to a podcast of their February 12 program, "Diet For A Hungry Planet: Urban Agriculture."

More photos from A Little Princess

Excellent! Now we have some photos by the pros, i.e., Jack and Marcia Sizer. Many thanks, Sizers! These came from last Saturday's performance of A Little Princess by Gull Lake High School's Performing Arts Company. Enjoy.

First, Robin Nott introducing this year's seniors:

A Little Princess is off to regionals

After a great home stand--shortened slightly by the snow day on Friday--the Performing Arts Company's production of A Little Princess is off to regional competition in Olivet on Saturday, February 9. They will be first to perform that day, so be there by 8:30 a.m. if you want to see the show . . . and then relax for the rest of the day and enjoy the other productions that moved up from district festivals in our region.

Gull Lake scored a solid 1 at district competition, in spite of running a minute over the allotted time, and won several special citations for the total content of the production, acting, and original music.

A win at the regional festival would take the production to state competition February 15 and 16 at Auburn Hills Avondale High School.

Break a leg, Gull Lake!

A Little Princess hits the stage

It's that great time of year . . . when Gull Lake High School’s Performing Arts Company gives three home performances of its state tour show. This year's production is A Little Princess, a beautiful adaptation of Francis Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, set in Victorian England.

Your chance to see the play comes this weekend at Gull Lake Middle School (you know, the FORMER high school) stage this Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, February 3, at 2 p.m. General admission is $5; $3 for children under 12.

A Little Princess is PAC's entry in this year’s state drama festival. They've already performed it at the district theater festival competition on January 26. In spite of running about a minute too long--which loses competition points--the production won the highest possible rating, a 1.

Following this weekend's home stand, PAC will take the play to regional competition on February 9, and state finals will be held February 15 and 16 at Auburn Hills Avondale High School.

But we're lucky enough not to have to travel all the way to Auburn Hills to see this great production. Just come on down to Gull Lake Middle School this weekend to experience A Little Princess.

Fight cabin fever! We've got the cure.

Time to take off the fuzzy slippers and get OUT, everyone!

Start with a healthy dose of the blues. Jordan Lunardini is playing right down the street at the Stagecoach Barn at the Blackhawk Grill, M-89 and C Avenue, this Saturday, January 26, starting at 9 p.m.

Then head downtown to hear Combat Corduroy play Thursdays, February 7 and 14 at Rugger's Up and Under and Friday, February 8, at Harvey's on the Mall.

There are two exciting openings on Friday, February 8: First, it's the grand opening of the new Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street, in the equally new Clocktower Green. Come between 5 and 9 p.m. and commune with artworks of all kinds--sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, wood, fiber--by Kathy Kreager, Maryellen Hains, Gretchen Huggett, Michael Dunn, and many other great Michigan artists.

Also opening Friday, February 8, and continuing through Saturday, February 23, is Shakespeare in Hollywood at the Civic Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo. This fast-paced comedy, in which Oberon and Puck materialize on a Warner Brothers' 1934 film production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, is our chance to spot Mary Teutsch on stage again.

Wee folks in need of an outing should head for the Richland Community Library. Preschool story hour happens at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:15 a.m. Fridays; toddlers love Wednesday Wigglers at 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, of course.

And finally: Could this be the end of house concerts at Chicken House Concerts in Halifax, Nova Scotia? The concerts may go on, but Louise Hanavan's chickens must go, apparently. Check the CBC News for the latest!

A glance back at 2007--with thanks!

Before we get too much farther into the new year, let's take a little look back at 2007. You--with your donations, work for PAF, contributions in kind, and moral support--have made fantastic things happen. Thank you!

Now join me in the Way Back Machine . . .

As the year changed to 2007, PAF presented a plaque to Marcell Klett, longtime devoted costumer for the Performing Arts Company, to show our appreciation as she and her husband Doug moved to St. Louis. Marcell will be much missed as this year's state tour show gets under way.

Two home performances of PAC's 2007 state tour show, The Handicapper General, were snowed out. PAF came to the rescue with funds to replace the lost ticket revenue so that the show could go on.

PAF ran the food concession and sold shirts and videos at the first-ever Spring Arts Showcase at Gull Lake High School in May. The event truly was a showcase for the work of students in all the arts--PAC, Jazz Band, Choir, and visual arts students--and promises to be a great annual event.

Gull Lake drama teacher Robin Nott received a grant from Education for the Arts to attend a storytelling workshop in New Hampshire in the summer; PAF approved a grant for Robin's gas expenses to travel to the workshop, but Robin returned the grant, having minimized expenses (hey, and carbon emissions!) by carpooling with other attendees. Robin worked with some internationally-known storytellers at the workshop and plans to bring one of them, Len Cabrell, to Gull Lake this spring to work with our students. PAF will help to fund his visit.

PAF provided funds for the repair of a computer and to add to the play library in the arts department at the high school.

PAF provided a scholarship for a high school student to travel with a PAC group to Stratford, Ontario, to see several productions and take some fascinating behind-the-scenes tours. The group also took an acting class with a Stratford company member, an opportunity paid for by a PAF grant.

PAF purchased amplifiers and cases for the electric guitars of three special education students of Rick Bengelink at the Middle School. The three have formed a group that has been learning to play guitar and hope to perform at the Glitter talent show this spring.

A high school band student will receive a PAF scholarship to join the band’s trip to Florida during spring break 2008.

Those were some of the highlights of PAF's work in 2007. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it all happen! Now PAF is preparing to help with PAC's 2008 state tour show, The Little Princess . . . planning to help bring storyteller Len Cabrell to our schools . . . providing scholarships to arts students . . . and much more. Your support means so much to so many kids--and to the community at large. Thank you!

PAF meeting rescheduled

The Performing Arts Foundation meeting scheduled for this Thursday, January 10, has been cancelled--no, let's say rescheduled (see below). That means that on Thursday you can enjoy some bluegrass and old time music with the Hoot Owls, featuring Robin Nott. They're playing this Thursday, January 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Koffee Klutch, 2 W. Michigan Avenue in Galesburg. Have fun!

In the meantime, if you have business that PAF needs to attend to before we meet again, please e-mail us at PerformingArtsFoundation@gmail.com.

Our next regular PAF meeting is on the calendar for February 14 . . . but something tells us that some folks might have other plans for that particular evening. So we're going to split the difference and combine the January and February meetings into one Super Meeting on Thursday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center.

So, to reiterate: We won't meet on January 10 or February 14; we WILL meet on February 7. See you then, if not before!

Hoot Owls

If you enjoy bluegrass and old time music, don't miss the Hoot Owls playing this Thursday, January 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Koffee Klutch, 2 W. Michigan Avenue in Galesburg. The Hoot Owls feature our own Robin Nott.

And, by the way, happy birthday, Robin!