Holiday theatricals!

It's easy to get in the holiday spirit, whether you're at the Tiny Tim or the Scrooge end of the spirit spectrum. Gull Lake alumna Lisa Watson is stage managing the fun family musical cabaret Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings, now through December 27 at the Farmers Alley Theatre. Enjoy dessert and coffee along with some great holiday harmonies in the intimate Farmers Alley space downtown.

If you're a little more on the adult/cynical side, you'll enjoy seeing Gull Lake's Adam Carter as one of the title characters in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at the Whole Art Theatre mainstage in the Epic Center through December 19. As the Whole Art puts it: "Accusations, rumors and all-out attacks are flying fast and furious around Santa's toyshop this holiday season. Told in a series of witty monologues, each of Santa's flying hoofed critters confesses the truth behind the reported shocking allegations. The jolly old elf himself is at the top of the naughty list, and you won't believe what his trusted reindeer have to say. If you've had your fill of traditional, feel-good Christmas fare, leave the kids at home and enjoy an antler-packed evening of acid-tongued reindeer."

Enjoy!

Time for Wassailing!

It's December and that can only mean . . . Wassailing in Richland! Come out for more fun than ever this Thursday, December 3, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in and near the village square in Richland. There will be treats of all kinds, and music galore. On the village green, you can hear the Gull Lake Middle School Band, the Ryan Chorus, the Middle School Minors, and the High School Choir. After 6:30, groups from the Gull Lake High School Band will play at the Richland Community Library. At the Little Yellow Frame Shop and Gallery, enjoy the seasonal harmonies of the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus. The choir will be practicing inside First Presbyterian Church. And students from the Daisies Dance Studio will perform at the Library at 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, Richland merchants will be open and offering deals and treats, Santa will be at the Community Hall, the Scouts will be selling Christmas trees, the Presbyterian Church will have an alternative gift market going on, and there will be live reindeer in the park. The whole festive evening is sponsored by the Richland Area Business Association. Happy holidays!

Thanksgiving Cheer

Once you've had a good solid helping of food and family, you'll want a cheery outing, and you're not likely to find anything cheerier than the improv show "Bury The Hatchet" by the duo t&a, aka Tara Sytsma and our own Adam Carter. The show goes on at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, at the Whole Art Studio, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall.

Laurie Cartwright

We were so very sorry to hear of the death of Laurie Cartwright, a 2009 graduate of Gull Lake High School and wonderful, talented member of both the Performing Arts Company and the GLHS Band. Our deepest sympathies to her family and all of her many friends. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue in Richland. More about Laurie's life and the remembrance can be found at the Kalamazoo Gazette website.

Quick summary of November's PAF meeting

Hello, all--

Thought I'd try posting an abbreviated version of the Performing Arts Foundation minutes here. Contact us at performingartsfoundation@gmail.com if you'd like the full treatment! And join us for our next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue.


GLCS Performing Arts Foundation
Regular meeting November 10, 2009

Present: Murray Cooper, Pat Hanavan, Robin Nott, Jan Watson

Guest artists: Robin reported that Kinetic Affect will come to Gull Lake High School and Middle School as spoken word artists this spring, doing two performances at each school and conducting a workshop with a creative writing class. Robin will apply for grants from PAF and the GL Schools Foundation.

PAF Promise: Robin has received 10 requests for “pay for play” scholarships so far; he expects a few more by the time payment is due—around November 23, when PAC’s state tour show auditions begin—and will submit a request to PAF at that time. PAF has received several donations in response to, some specifically designated for, this need and will be able to provide the scholarships.

PAC Tour Show: This year’s show's playwright Julia Jordan has approved the Performing Arts Company’s shortening the play for festival use, and also has kindly asked that her royalty be donated; it will go to PAF.

Grant requests for pizza for an informational/recruitment meeting for PAC’s state tour show on November 17 and for materials for the successful Scream Team event at Halloween were approved.

PAF Banner: Randy Walbridge will have camera-ready text and image by a student ready for the December 8 PAF meeting.

Respectfully submitted,


Pat Hanavan, secretary

Get literary in Richland!

Edith Wharton and Emily Dickinson in Richland? This week? Yes, thanks to a special reading at the Blue Water Gallery by two local authors.

Katherine Joslin, professor of English at WMU, will read from her new book, Edith Wharton and the Making of Fashion. And Daneen Wardrop, also a professor of English at WMU, will read from her new book, Emily Dickinson and the Labor of Clothing.

This evening of literature and fashion will start with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street, in the Clocktower Green. The readings will begin at 7 p.m. in, appropriately, the classroom of Fabrications.

Boo!

Get in the spirit tonight, Saturday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 with the seventh annual Trick or Treat in the Park! The Richland Area Business Association (RABA) sponsors this fun and safe evening of trick-or-treating on the village green in Richland.

PAF meeting October 13

The Gull Lake Community Schools Performing Arts Foundation will meet Tuesday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue.

All are welcome to join us as we make plans for this school year and consider grant requests.

Community Harvest Sampler

Wish I could promote your purchase of a ticket to this event, but I happen to know that they are completely sold out! But for those of you lucky enough to be in possession of a ticket already, tonight should be a fun night at the Richland Area Community Center, where the Community Harvest Sampler will bring together great, fresh, local food and the music of the Hoot Owls, featuring Robin Nott. Chef John Merucci of Brook Lodge will offer a delicious entree made from local ingredients, the farmers of the Richland Farmers' Market will offer tastes of their homegrown and homemade goodies, a century-old cider press will be in operation, the Hoot Owls will play bluegrass, old-timey and gospel favorites, and there will be a pick-your-prize raffle going on throughout the evening. It's all to benefit the Richland Area Community Center.

Hope to see you there--if you already have a ticket in hand!

Fiddler on the Roof at the Civic

I have a feeling they'll go fast, so be sure to get tickets now to see Fiddler on the Roof at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Shows start Friday, September 25, and run through Saturday, October 10. It's your opportunity to see--and hear--Mary Teutsch in the role of Hodel. And, backstage, Mary's Gull Lake classmate Stacy Bartell will be wrangling props. You can call 269-343-1313 for tickets, or buy them online. Just don't wait too long!

Open Mic Night at RACC Sept. 12

On Saturday, September 12, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue, will host another great Open Mic Night. You're invited to come read your short story or poem, sing or play, or tell a story; reserve your time at the mic by calling RACC exec director Bonnie Feldkamp at 629-9430, or e-mail her at Bonnie@RichlandAreaCC.org . The rest of us can show up and enjoy the entertainment and a cup of Biggby's coffee. Sales of coffee will benefit RACC, and proceeds from the "tip" jars on each table will benefit the GLCS Performing Arts Foundation. Come on out for a really fun evening in a coffeehouse atmosphere!

Art in Richland

Don't miss the beautiful visual arts that are on display right now in Richland. At the Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street in the Clocktower Green complex, the current exhibit is "Heartland," beautiful and functional porcelain pieces by Young Ae Park and paintings by Alec Hall. Two magnificent 8-foot-tall horse sculptures by Holly Fisher are also on display. Blue Water Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Heartland" is on exhibit through September 12.

Richlandfest!

A near miss . . . but do not miss Richlandfest, which is going on even as I type, in Richland Village Park--you know, in front of the library. Tonight, Saturday, August 29, the Douglas James Band plays until 11 p.m., and there's great food and drink to be had from the Richland Meat Center and Mission Point Restaurant. Admission is $5 for the evening. The expected rain seems to have held off today, so head on over and enjoy the mild weather!

Music at Richland Farmers' Market

Don't miss an especially great day of music at the Richland Farmers' Market! On Wednesday, August 19, Emily Nott will sing and play with Sarah Denick, Celeste Mora, Ray Marolt and other Gull Lake High School students and alumni. They'll be performing songs from their just-recorded CD--which, with any luck, will be available for purchase.

The Market is open every Wednesday through October, from 3:30 to 6:30, at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. In addition to the music, you'll find fresh local produce--including peaches, beans, greens, berries, tomatoes, squash, jam, honey, eggs, maple syrup, granola, and fabulous baked goods. Come shop while you listen!

A Sunday Afternoon of Barbershop Harmony, Ice Cream, and Art

It's August, so it must be time for . . . Americana in August!

What could be more delightful than a summer Sunday afternoon of barbershop harmony and an old-fashioned ice cream social? Come on out and join the fun this Sunday, August 16, from 2 to 5 at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. The Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus and its offshoot quartets will provide the sweet sounds of barbershop. Performing Arts Foundation volunteers will be scooping the ice cream--cold, delicious, local Plainwell Ice Cream. And the Center will be exhibiting its new collection of prints of classic American works of art. The Picturing America collection is the result of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the images will be used by Gull Lake teachers at all levels and in all curriculum areas to enrich their classroom teaching. Sunday is the first opportunity for teachers and the community to view the entire collection.

So, come one, come all, and bring the whole family for a festive, all-American afternoon! Suggested donation is $5 per person or $10 per family, all of which benefits the Performing Arts Foundation.

Your presence requested at PAF meeting Tuesday

You are urged even more enthusiastically than usual to join us at the monthly GLCS Performing Arts Foundation meeting this Tuesday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Why? Well, it's our last meeting before our big--and fun!--fundraiser, Americana in August, next Sunday, August 16. We'll be discussing the logistics--which will mostly involve taking donations and scooping the cold stuff for the old-fashioned ice cream social--and trying on our (fake) straw boaters. You're invited to pitch in! If you'd like to volunteer for Sunday but can't make it to Tuesday's meeting, please contact Jan Watson (mjwats4@aol.com).

Then we'll see EVERYONE for a great afternoon of barbershop harmony by the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus, ice cream, and great American artworks on Sunday, August 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at RACC. Your suggested donation of $5 ($10 for the whole family) will get you a free ice cream cone and all the fun you can stand. Even better, the whole event goes to support arts education for kids in our school district. Come on out!

Micaela Kingslight releases her first CD

Gull Lake grad and singer-songwriter-guitarist extraordinaire Micaela Kingslight has recorded her first CD, titled Still. The official release party is scheduled for October 2 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, but you can get a preview Friday, August 7, at 9 p.m. at the Strutt in Kalamazoo. Admission is $5. For more on Micaela and the genesis of the CD, check the Gazette!

Downtown plays with Gull Lake connections

Gull Lake arts grads are everywhere, so it's not surprising to find people we know in at least two productions at any given time.

This is the last weekend for Forbidden Broadway at the Whole Art Theatre in the Epic Center. It's a hilarious, satirical, but loving tribute to Broadway musical theatre, featuring Adam Carter. Catch it at 8 p.m. on July 24 and 25. Details at the Whole Art's website.

Lisa Watson is stage managing Blue's Clues Live! at the Farmers Alley Theater downtown, July 24 through August 8, part of Farmers Alley's Children's Series. Join the fun as that inquisitive pup, Blue, follows clues with his friend Steve. There are morning, afternoon, and evening performances; check the Farmers Alley website for details.

July 18 Double Whammy: Art Fair and Garden Show

Busy Saturday! From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 18, area artists will be showing and selling their work on the Richland Village Green, in the heart of the Village of Richland. This is the 37th annual Richland Art Fair sponsored by the Gull Lake Area Community Volunteers. Profits from the fair fund some of the Volunteers' programs, which provide educational, medical, dental and emergency funds to help individuals in the Gull Lake Community School district.

And, on your way to or from the Art Fair, be sure to stop in at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue (the post office road), between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see gorgeous plants, flowers, and arrangements at the "Come Bloom With Us" flower show being held by the Seedlings Garden Club. There will be flower-arranging workshops and a host of experts who can give you garden ideas and advice. RACC never looked more beautiful!

Music at the Market

What could be more festive than shopping and chatting at the Richland Farmers' Market, accompanied by live music? Wonderful musicians have been giving their time to perform at the Market, including Robin and Emily Nott, Kendall Jennings, Sarah Denick, and Caitlin Brooks. Next up: Alice Karosas will play cello on July 15, and the joint will be jumpin' on July 29 as a saxophone quartet of Kelly Morcombe's students swing it out. Stop by, enjoy, and give them a round of applause!

The Market is held every Wednesday through October, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Thanks to Susan Brooks, the Richland Farmers' Market Committee, and all the great musicians for making Wednesday afternoons so musical!

Theatricals for tweens at the libe

Richland Community Library will bring Dr. Tom's Semi-Silent Theatre to the First Presbyterian Church (next door to the library) on Thursday, July 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The show, which includes mime, comedy, European-style clowning, and other performing arts, is intended for pre-teens, but all kids who will be in third grade or higher this fall are welcome. The show is free. For more info, call teen librarian LeeAnn Martens at 269-629-9085 or check the library's website.

Barbershop Harmony

Gull Lake High School's vocal music teacher, David Woolf, will be performing with his prizewinning barbershop quartet, Go 4 It!, at 7 p.m. this Thursday, June 25, at the Amphitheater at Celery Flats in Portage (rain site: Hayloft Theatre). They'll headline a concert that will feature other local vocal harmony groups as well. Tickets are only $5, and this City of Portage Parks Department event is sponsored by Portage Noon Rotary.

This will be your preview for the Performing Arts Foundation's big fundraiser on August 16, Americana in August, when Dave's larger group, the Kalamazoo Barbershop Chorus, and other vocal ensembles will perform at an old-fashioned ice cream social at the Richland Area Community Center. In addition, reproductions of classic American works of art will be on display throughout the Center that day. Suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family will include an ice cream cone. Mark your calendar now for 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, August 16!

"Summer Bouquet" at Blue Water Gallery

Richland has its own Art Hop on the second Friday of each month. This month, a new show opens at the Blue Water Gallery on Friday, June 12. "Summer Bouquet" features floral and garden pastels by Roseann Maguire. The opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. will offer wine, punch, and appetizers, plus music in the outdoor sculpture garden by local musician Larry Lowis. The Gallery is located at 8860 N. 32nd Street, in the Clocktower Green complex.

Speaking of that pleasant spot, the Clocktower Green Summer Music Series starts on June 18, with live outdoor music every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Clocktower Green. Enjoy!

Time change for June PAF meeting

The June meeting of the GLCS Performing Arts Foundation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, but at an earlier time than usual: 3 p.m. We meet at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue.

Hope to see you on Tuesday at 3!

Young Artists of Gull Lake

Be sure to stop in at the Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street in the Clocktower Green complex, to see some fabulous artwork by Gull Lake students. The Young Artists of Gull Lake exhibit continues through Friday, June 5. You'll also want to peruse the Mother's Day Extravaganza show through June 6, featuring fiber designs by Lestra Hazel, and jewelry and other great gifts for moms by local artists including Tim Bastianse, Kara Daniel, Jeannette Maxey, and Patti Oakland. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday: A good cause at Whole Art

This Thursday, May 21, at 8 p.m., the Whole Art Theatre will give a special performance of Dog Sees God to benefit the Kalamazoo and Richland chapters of PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays). Admission for this performance will be only $10, half of which will go to PFLAG. If you ever wondered what happened to the Charlie Brown gang when they hit adolescence, this dark comedy throws it all at you, from bullying to drugs, violence, issues of sexual identity, and even suicide. Come out on Thursday night to see our own Adam Carter on stage, and to support a great cause. If you can't make it to the benefit, regular performances continue through May 23, with tickets $20. It all happens at the Whole Art's Epic Theatre, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. Call 345-7529 for reservations. More info is available at Whole Art's website.

Open Mic Night, and you're invited

Saturday, May 16, from 7 to 10 p.m., the microphone will be open at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. The Center will be set up as a coffeehouse, with comfy seating and the appropriate beverages supplied by Biggby's. Local writers, musicians, comedians, and storytellers will take turns entertaining. You're invited to participate--all skill levels welcome, call RACC director Bonnie Feldkamp, 629-9430, to reserve a time at the microphone--or just to enjoy the performances, community, and coffee. There's no admission charge. It may be so much fun that it will have to be repeated on a regular basis!

The evening is sponsored by RACC, its Writers' Circle, and yours truly, the GLCS Performing Arts Foundation.

Festival of the Senses!

Okay, this is a huge DO-NOT-MISS! The Festival of the Senses, this year's edition of the Spring Showcase of the Arts at Gull Lake High School, will be in full swing this Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $5, children $3. The gala evening will include the Performing Arts Company's One-Act Play Festival, fabulous vocal and instrumental music of all kinds, and visual arts on display in and around the high school cafeteria. The Performing Arts Foundation will be running the box office and concessions, and your support helps to bring lots of great arts experiences to students at Gull Lake. If you have time to volunteer on either night, please contact Jan Watson, mjwats4@aol.com.

You won't believe the fantastic talent we have at Gull Lake High School--until your own senses prove it this weekend. See you there!

Gull Lake Fine Arts Alumni Reunion

Gather 'round, everyone! This Sunday, May 3, all Gull Lake alumni who participated in the fine arts--band, PAC, choir, or visual arts--in all eras are invited to a reunion gathering to reminisce, eat, play, and generally have fun. Come on along! This first event for GLFAA (that looks official!) takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue (the post office road). Need more info? Contact Kim Ford at GLFineArtsAlumni@yahoo.com.

Oh, and don't forget to join the GLFAA group on Facebook!

Stage Door

Be sure to catch our own Hannah Homnick in the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre's current production of Stage Door. Gull Lake alumna Stacy Bartell is properties master, too.

Theater buffs will love the backstage drama and comedy in this classic. The Civic says, "It's often said that there's a broken heart for every light on Broadway. Modeled on the actual Rehearsal Club in Manhattan, this fast paced American classic traces the hopes, dreams and disappointments of aspiring actresses living in the Footlights Club, a popular boarding house for young theatricals. The adventures of these talented young women and their gentlemen callers unfold as we get to know the dancers, actors, and waitresses who are looking for their first big break. Written by Kalamazoo native Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, Stage Door offers a wonderfully nostalgic look at the Broadway of a bygone era." The show runs through April 25. Check the Civic's website for schedule and tickets.

"Teens take the stage, learn life lessons . . . "

Hope you caught the article in the Hometown section of Saturday's Kalamazoo Gazette headlined, "Teens take the stage, learn life lessons while acting," by Jane C. Parikh. Quoted and pictured (at least in the paper edition) is Gull Lake's Robin Nott, speaking on the importance of drama and storytelling to teens, and on the great programs at Gull Lake. The print edition also featured photos from Gull Lake's state tour production of Bamboozled! If you missed the article, go here.

Spring catch-up

Wow, one minute it's winter and things are all boring, and the next minute we're springing into action!

First, a catch-up on congratulating Richland photographer Mary Whalen on winning the grand prize at the annual Area Show at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts! The Area Show showcases some of the best art produced in a 14-county region of West Michigan, as selected this year by guest juror Larry Fink. Mary's ambrotype titled "Man" was chosen from more than 600 pieces initially submitted for the show. You can see the show through April 26, and check the Gazette coverage here.

More arts events:

March 20, 21, 27, 28, and April 3 and 4 at 8 p.m.: When Pigs Fly at the Whole Art Theatre at the Epic Center (359 S. Kalamazoo Mall) features Gull Lake alumnus Adam Carter in a fun and funny musical revue. Tickets are $22, seniors $18, students $14.

Sure, maple syrup is an art form! Watch how sap gets boiled down to syrup and have a taste of the fresh stuff at Maple Syrup Open House at Kellogg Forest on Saturday, March 21, from noon to 5 p.m. Cost is $1 per person. Maple syrup and maple candy will also be on sale.

Check out lots of Gull Lake Community Education offerings in the arts realm. There are classes in ballroom dance for all ages, hip hop for pre-teens, teens and adults, sewing for 10- to 12-year-olds, cartoon drawing for all ages, DIY wedding flower design, and more.

All Ears Theatre will hold open auditions for three radio plays on March 23 and 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Epic Center. The performances will be recorded at First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo during May, and will be broadcast later on WMUK-FM. No previous experience is needed. For details, go to the Arts Council website.

Metalmorphosis

Pat Ex and Denise Fletcher create amazing works of art from metal, and they're the centerpiece of "Metalmorphosis," the show that runs March 13 through April 4 at the Blue Water Gallery, 8860 N. 32nd Street, at Clocktower Green. Other artists include Amy Culp, Bobbie Peters, Char Short, and Meg Tank, presenting "Green Jewelry: Reuse, recycle, repurpose." There's an artists' reception at the gallery tonight, Friday, March 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PAF meeting March 10

Much ado about many things! Please join us at the regular meeting of the Performing Arts Foundation on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Avenue. Among the items for discussion will be a barbershop harmony fundraising event paired with an old-fashioned ice cream social; an open-mike night for poetry, prose, and music at RACC; the Gull Lake Fine Arts Alumni reunion in May; and grant requests. All fun, all good, all mean the arts are hopping in Richland. Hope you'll be there.

Those awesome Gull Lake bands

This news from Kim Ford via the Gull Lake Fine Arts Alumni group on Facebook (which you're encouraged to join, if you partake of the Facebook at all): On Friday the Gull Lake Middle School Band went to Portage for the Middle School District Band Festival. The 7th Grade Band received straight 1s, and the 8th Grade got straight 1s in performance and a 2 in sightreading for an overall 1. This means that all Gull Lake bands received 1s at Festival, and all qualify for State. Congratulations, all! Our bands are indeed awesome.

And, by the way, all Gull Lake Fine Arts alumni--whether you're on Facebook or not--there will be an all-arts-alumni reunion on the afternoon of Sunday, May 3. Mark your calendars now, and watch for more info!

A call to help the arts in Michigan!

Did you read our local friend Tim Putney's Viewpoint in the Gazette on March 3? In it, Tim addresses Governor Granholm's proposal to cut state arts funding entirely--yes, entirely--for 2010, and he discusses the terrible effects this would have on our state and its economy. If you haven't read the whole article (it's short but shocking), please go here now.

And then there IS something you can do! The budget has not yet been passed by the legislature, so supporters of the arts still have a voice. I reprint the last couple of paragraphs of Tim's Viewpoint:

"Rejecting the governor's recommendations to eliminate this funding is possible with your help. Our state Legislature will soon be making some very tough decisions, and they do have the power to restore our funding.

"State Sen. Tom George will be a significant player in this process, and I hope you will choose to contact him at sentgeorge@senate.michigan.gov., in Lansing (866) 305-2120, and in Kalamazoo is (269) 226-0124. Please also contact Gov. Granholm at (517) 373-3400 or fax (517 )335-6863."

We know how important the arts are. Let's not be silent!

The return of Combat Corduroy

This week, thanks to spring break, the band Combat Corduroy is complete, and they'll be performing Thursday night, February 26, at Up and Under on Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo. Jump on the opportunity to hear and see one of the best bands to come from our area in a long time!

Musical Extravaganza at Comstock

If you can believe it, the Center Stage Theatre--previously known to most of us as Comstock Community Theatre--is 35 years old, and it's celebrating with a fabulous musical revue this weekend. Among other Gull Lake luminaries, Mary Jasiak and Lisa Watson will be performing numbers from some of your favorite musicals. The 35th Anniversary Celebration Showcase runs this Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $8 and can be purchased online at the Center Stage Theatre's website or at the door. The show is in the Colt Center at Comstock Community Auditorium, 2107 North 26th Street.

Love Is in the Air!

Valentine's Day is on its way . . . What could be more romantic than a lovely Sunday afternoon spent listening to gorgeous piano music, followed by a fancy tea reception? On Sunday, February 8, pianist Doug Decker will perform at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Richland, on the Village Green in the heart of Richland. A freewill offering will be taken, and the tea afterwards is free. The concert is part of the Village Green Arts series.

Local Heroes

If you've attended any Gull Lake High School or Middle School event in the last--oh, just about ever--from plays to track meets to football games to--well, just about anything--then you've seen Jack and Marcia Sizer. They're always there, taking wonderful photographs, rooting for the kids, and offering support to the adults. Then, as often as not, you'll see them quietly handing kids or parents prints of those photos--priceless keepsakes of great times in their lives. For dozens of Performing Arts Company productions, they've provided photographs for the archives. All of this they do quietly, and usually at their own expense.

On Friday, January 30, at a home performance of PAC's state tour show, Bamboozled!, the Sizers were recognized as true Local Heroes with the Department of Fine Arts' annual award. Robin Nott presented them with a plaque on stage before the show began--and before the Sizers returned to their cameras to continue their wonderful work. Thank you, Marcia and Jack!

Bamboozled! and Baker's Wife

Two theatricals not to be missed:

The Gull Lake High School Performing Arts Company presents its annual state competition show, Bamboozled!, in three home performances on Friday, January 30, Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. Take special note that, because the competition requires a large stage, these home shows will take place at the Gull Lake Middle School cafetorium. You'll be charmed and entertained by this traditional Renaissance comedy in the commedia dell'arte style. To add to the wonder of the performances and technical ingenuity, I hear the costumes are fabulous!

This is PAC's eighteenth year going to state competition, sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association. Home performances will replicate the competition situation, in which the company must move all scenery and props onto a bare stage, perform the play, and completely clear the stage again, all in a total of 45 minutes or less. It's always an amazing spectacle as well as a great performance.

If you're free to travel, the show will be performed in district competition at Greenville High School on January 24, in regional competition at Olivet High School on February 7, and, if Gull Lake wins there, they'll perform at state finals at Chelsea High School the weekend of February 13 and 14. Watch this space for news!

Another theatrical must for your calendar: The Baker's Wife opens January 30 at the Civic's Parish Theatre and runs through February 15 2009. Gull Lake alumna Mary Teutsch plays the title character. Says the Civic: "Old world charm permeates every moment of this bittersweet, wise and gently romantic fable of life and love in southern France. The bickering residents of a small Provencal town at last find peace and contentment in the heavenly bread of the newly arrived baker and his attractive young wife. But when she is lured away by the attentions of a handsome young gigolo, the middle-aged baker is heartbroken and loses all zest for life and baking, throwing the community into chaos. If you're looking for a musical that is warm, mature, intelligent and melodic, you're sure to enjoy The Baker's Wife. But be warned, you should only see it if you're prepared to fall in love. (Adult Themes)" See the Civic's website for times and ticket info.

Celtic Concert and Tea Report!

If you weren't able to be at the Richland Area Community Center in person on December 28, we're sorry to tell you that you missed one of the most delightful afternoons in a long time. PAF's Celtic Concert and Tea was a great success. Even the weather cooperated to let more than 85 people attend the concert by Erica Holcomb, who played the Scottish harp and a guitar and sang songs both traditional and original.

Afterwards, Jeri Holcomb of Tudor House Tea served an amazing array of treats and delicious teas on fine china and white tablecloths. It was quite a day. Jeri had also donated a beautiful tea gift basket, which was raffled, and copies of Erica's two CDs were sold. Huge thanks to all the Holcombs for sharing their musical and culinary gifts, and for doing all the hard work for the event. Rick Holcomb designed and printed the beautiful posters and tickets, so many thanks to him, too.

Between ticket sales and raffle tickets, the event raised just over $1,000 for the Performing Arts Foundation. That will go a long way towards arts education projects in our schools. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported PAF!

Thanks, too, to all the volunteers who helped it to happen. Robin and Sarah Nott, Pat, Louise and Emily Hanavan, Jan and Lisa Watson, Murray Cooper, and of course the Holcombs all pitched in. Even some of the folks who attended as guests wound up lending a hand. Thank you! And we are grateful to the Richland Area Community Center for hosting the event--and for hosting PAF's monthly meetings all year long.

One last note, speaking of PAF's monthly meetings: Our longtime regular meeting day has been changed. The new meeting time for PAF will be 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, starting this month. So our next meeting is not this week but will instead be on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Area Community Center. See you then!