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!