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/
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.
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!
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre presents “Catch Me If You Can” in the Civic Auditorium, May 3-19, 2024.
Based on the hit film and the incredible true story, Catch Me If You Can is a high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical.
Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager, Frank Abagnale, Jr., runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. When Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, though, Carl pursues Frank across the country to make him pay for his crimes.
Catch Me If You Can is a big and bright spectacle with high-energy dance numbers and a riveting story.
Catch Me If You CanMay 3 - May 19, 2024Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PMKalamazoo Civic Auditorium Tickets: https://kazoocivic.ludus.com/200435296 | 269-343-1313
Based on the DreamWorks Motion PictureBook by Terrence McNallyLyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc ShaimanCATCH ME IF YOU CAN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The enduring love story of John and Abigail Adams began with a whimper rather than a bang in 1762. John Adams accompanied his friend Richard Cranch to the Smith house. Richard was interested in courting Miss Mary Smith.
It just so happened that Mary was the older sister of Abigail Smith. Abigail was 17 and John was 26. She was a minister’s daughter he a country lawyer.John described the visit in his diary as a waste of time.
John would soon change his mind. John and Abigail got to know each other over the next three years and were wed on October 25, 1764, five days before John’s 29th birthday.
They were married for 50 years and had five children. They witnessed revolution, war, and the birth of a new nation.
During their long separations, they wrote thousands of letters to each other. Of those letters written between 1762 and 1801, just over 1,000 survive.It is those letters that are the inspiration behind John & Abigail: An American Love Story.
A collaboration between James & Jennifer Furney, John & Abigail, explores the relationship of our nation’s first Vice-President and second First-Lady. In this play, Jim & Jennifer take us on a journey appearing as Mr. & Mrs. Adams, reading their letters and discussing the nation’s events of the time.Whether you love live theatre, history, or love stories, John & Abigail: An American Love Story is sure to delight your senses.
Doors @ 7:30Show @ 8Matt Landon - guitarCarlo De Rosa- bassJoe Miller - drums
Introducing the Faith Quashie Quartet – a harmonious fusion of musical talents that redefines the essence of jazz.This quartet is not just a musical group; it's an enchanting journey through the realms of rhythm, melody, and soulful improvisation. Led by the brilliant vision of Faith Quashie, a virtuoso musician and visionary, this quartet is poised to captivate hearts and minds with their distinctive blend of sounds.
With every performance, the Faith Quashie Quartet transports audiences to a realm where musical genres converge and emotions take center stage. Faith's masterful command over her voice sets the tone, painting vibrant sonic landscapes that range from the classic nostalgia of traditional jazz to the bold explorations of contemporary improvisation. Her compositions are a testament to her creativity, weaving intricate melodies that tell stories and evoke emotions in ways words cannot.Experience the magic of the Faith Quashie Quartet as they weave intricate tapestries of sound, taking you on a sonic adventure that leaves an indelible mark on your musical soul. Prepare to be mesmerized by their virtuosity, moved by their passion, and uplifted by their collective energy.
May 04 Saturday
Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown National Register Historic District, is open 9am to 1 pm each Saturday this summer. The mill is adjacent to the Buchanan Farmers’ Market, which is in operation during the same hours. There is no charge.
A celebration of the arts: Music, educational workshops, bands, artist, food and fun! Bands: Calabogie Road Bluegrass Band, The Bronk Brothers Country Band, The award-winning Allegan High School Band, Crooked Root Americana Band. Denise Davis and the Motown Sensations Band from Detroit. Lots of artist and their art will be available to the public. Food provided by the Allegan Band Boosters throughout the day. Band performances will be in the high school Performing Arts Center. A full day of fun for the entire family and free.