May 02 Thursday
In a special Festival event, British pianist Paul Lewis will present a survey of Franz Schubert’s monumental contribution to the classical repertoire: his piano sonatas. Mr. Lewis has received critical and public acclaim worldwide, consolidating his reputation as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the central European classical repertoire. He regularly works as a soloist with the world’s great orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw, and Cleveland Orchestras, among many others.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. Bluey's Big Play run time is approximately 50 minutes.There is no intermission.
Four-time GrammyⓇ-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton’s innovative approach to jazz has charmed audiences and critics across the globe. Son of bass player and composer John Clayton, Gerald’s training began young, and he honors the legacy of his father and all his musical ancestors through a commitment to artistic exploration, innovation, and reinvention. Clayton studied with piano icon Billy Childs and fellow Festival performer Kenny Barron. He has performed and recorded with artists including Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dayna Stephens, Kendrick Scott, John Scofield, and Avishai Cohen.
Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil hail from the isolated beauty of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Their joyful style of dance music is defined by its improvised folk piano tradition. Expect instrument-switching, solo dancing, and inspiring harmonies, as they explore the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton, along with original compositions. Their performances offer a shared sense of fun and years of making music together.
Join us at a venue akin to the village halls where the musicians grew up. The evening will be introduced by radio hosts Dave Marlatt and Cara Lieurance of The Pure Drop on WMUK 102.1, celebrating its 20th anniversary of featuring music “from Ireland and beyond.”
May 03 Friday
Announcing the return of the ultimate glass blowing competition! Glass blowers from all over the region will descend upon Kalamazoo for two days of head-to-head battle in the hot shop and flame shop. Witness the thrilling action as they clash to capture the victory belt in a series of artistic competitions. Cheer on your favorite performances and cast your vote to help decide who receives cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights!
This year’s Glass Blowers Battle competition will begin on Friday May 3 with the collaborative Bronson Children’s Hospital “Sculpture Throwdown” in the Hot Shop as well as the “Flourishing Functional Art” event in the Flame Working studio. On Saturday May 4, the competition in the Hot Shop will feature the “Centerpiece Showoff”, along with individual Marble and Pendant making competitions in the Flame Working studio.
Friday May 3 (2pm-11pm)Saturday May 4 (11am-6pm)
Glass Blowers Battle is THE event of the year at Glass Art Kalamazoo, and is free and fun for all ages! More information including a full schedule of events at https://glassartkalamazoo.org/glass-blowers-battle-2024/
Part of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo’s first-Friday Art Hop throughout downtown Kalamazoo. This event will be outdoors, with concessions available.
Patio & Bar: 5:30 PM | Live Music: 6:00 PM
State on the Street is back for select Fridays this Summer! Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street featuring A Cape Breton Trio on Friday, May 3!
We’ll have free live music outside our iconic Theatre, patio seating, drink specials, merchandise available for purchase, and more! All of the events will be held on Fridays, with our patio and bar opening at 5:30PM and live music starting at 6PM.
About A Cape Breton Trio:
Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil hail from the isolated beauty of Nova Scotia, Canada. Their joyful style of dance music is defined by its improvised folk piano tradition. Expect instrument-switching, solo dancing, and inspiring harmonies, as they explore the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton, and original compositions. Their visit is presented in collaboration with Bell’s Eccentric Café, Education for the Arts, the Kalamazoo State Theatre and WMUK 102.1FM
RSVP at this link; https://www.miclimateaction.org/troubled_water_screening_kalamazooEasy to do. Free movie for your Friday night, complete with snacks – come on out to Kalamazoo on May 3rd!MiCAN, Oil & Water Don't Mix, Kalamazoo Remembers, and Kalamazoo 350 are presenting Troubled Water at the Fetzer Auditorium. The adventure/conservation documentary has packed theaters around the state, selling out twice in Ann Arbor and again in Grand Rapids, so don't miss your chance to see it in Southwest Michigan!The event is free, but capacity is limited and each individual must RSVP separately and show your email confirmation for entry.Learn more about the film and this event at the ticket link above!
Sixteen-time Grammy Award®–winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster joins forces with acclaimed singer and television/Broadway star Katharine McPhee to bring their show on the road. This intimate show with the powerhouse duo will be packed with Foster’s hits, featuring music from artists including Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé, and McPhee’s biggest songs from American Idol, Smash, and Waitress—plus some of their personal favorites!