Community Calendar

KJSO "Northern Lights" Concert Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 pm at Chenery Auditorium, 714 S Westnedge, Kalamazoo: Tickets can be purchased by going to the KJSO website at kjso.org

Nobuntu is an all-female a cappella quartet from Zimbabwe that has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances ranging from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel. The ensemble’s concerts are performed with pure voices, augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements.

In the last few seasons, the quintet has performed at festivals and concert halls in Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic and throughout the African continent. Their first tour to Canada in 2016 included performances in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Victoria.

RIVER & RAIL
Sunday, Nov. 2
Doors 6:00pm, Show 7:00pm sharp
$15 advance / $20 door

River & Rail come to Glow Hall for a special Sunday evening performance. The duo quietly stole the show at Bell’s earlier this year, opening for The Arcadian Wild and leaving with a lot of new Kalamazoo fans. Their songs live somewhere between folk and slow-burning Americana, with harmonies that feel unforced and close, built around voice, guitar, and mandolin.

Two local openers will be added to the bill.

Always all ages. 246 N Kalamazoo Mall

Unlock the Power of Mindful Living - FREE Mindfulness Session

Join mindfulness teacher Eric Nelson (20+ years of experience) for a free, monthly Zoom series—part of UUCC’s Living from the Heart program. Newcomers are always welcome!

When: November 3 and 1st Monday each month, 7–8 PM

Where: Zoom (join from home!)

Experience guided mindfulness, insights from Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chödrön, and meaningful community dialogue to nurture calm, compassion, and clarity.

Can’t make it live? Register to get the recording! tinyurl.com/UUCCMindfulLiving

Kalamazoo in Bloom invites you to bring your appetite and generous spirit to this delicious tasting competition featuring local chefs who have prepared food made with pumpkin especially for this event.

Pumpkin Soirée participants include:
- Fetzer Center (on behalf of Millennium Restaurant Group)
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Kalamazoo Public Schools
- Kzoo Cream
- LFG Gaming Bar
- One Well Brewing
- Schultz Sweets
- 418 Restaurant-KVCC

Admission is $85 per person. Each ticket purchase comes with a complimentary drink ticket, a tray to carry your food, a People's Choice voting ticket, and a door prize ticket! The event also includes silent auction tables, live jazz music by the Grant Rupp Trio, ample free parking, and a cash bar. Water, tea, and coffee are included with your admission.

A pre-event ONLINE AUCTION is taking place through November 2. Bid on exclusive packages that are only available online here,
https://new.biddingowl.com/pumpkinsoiree2025auction

Get your TICKETS by November 4 here,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/e/pumpkin-soiree-2025

SPONSORSHIPS are still available,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/e/sponsor-the-pumpkin-soiree-2025

If you can't make it that night but would like to contribute, DONATE here,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1270033

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

The biennial Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review features new works by Kirk Newman Art School faculty members who work and teach in a wide variety of artistic media. During this extended Gallery Gathering, explore the exhibition with a few of the talented artist-educators whose work is included in the show.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
Gallery Gatherings are short, lightly-moderated conversations about selected artworks from ongoing exhibitions. Chairs and gallery stools are available for guests. This program is free, but preregistration is encouraged.

Homeschool families are invited to learn, create and explore at the KIA and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (KVM). This collaborative event offers interactive activities designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity and an appreciation for art, history and science. This event is included with KIA admission. KVM admission is free. Planetarium shows are $3 per student and $1 per chaperone.

To learn more about KVM please visit kalamazoomuseum.org.

KIA Activities:

Art Project (Best for Ages 9+)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Library: Storytime (Best for Ages 3-8)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Guided tours of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:45pm

Drop-in activities (All ages)
Library: Literacy activity
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
School Commons: Art project

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KVM Activities:

Planetarium show (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:30pm

Hands-On STEM Table (All ages)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Early Learning Table (Best for Ages 3-6)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Drop-in Activities (All ages)
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
Innovation Lab: Paper Airplanes

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Join us for a guided walk through Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, with interactive activities along the way. This exhibition features two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations. Discover the remarkable ways nine Japanese artists transform paper into art.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Take a Wonder Walk through the galleries! The walk will include close looking at a few artworks as well as gallery games and activities. This is a great way to introduce your little one to art and the museum. Wonder Walks is for children 2-4 years old (but all are welcome) and is free with the cost of admission. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times. Preregistration is encouraged. Adults, remember to register your children!

Come to the KIA's Meader Fine Arts library and express yourself through collage with a sampling of washi paper, a traditional Japanese handmade paper. Some washi paper and tape will be provided to incorporate into your pieces. Be inspired by the exhibition on view, Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. All supplies will be provided.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC