Community Calendar

Show off your fabulous footwear and join us at the KIA for an evening of fun and connection with DJs, a cash bar, savory bites and sweet treats, dancing and a “kicks contest” inspired by the KIA’s next exhibition Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (Feb. 7 to June 7, 2026).

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and feels of the KIA’s latest exhibitions with Future Now celebrating innovation, transformation and sustainability, the KIA’s incredible permanent collection, and the future in our own community with Young Artists of Kalamazoo County (closing March 22, 2026).

What to expect:
DJs spinning
Cash bar with signature beer from Wax Wings Brewery
Savory bites & sweet treats
A “kicks contest” and brief remarks from KIA’s executive director
Photo opportunities galore
Access to all KIA galleries including entry to Future Now
Raffle tickets & drawing (top drawing is one free class voucher to the Kirk Newman Art School!)

Tickets: $75 general admission & day of / $65 for KIA Members

Become a member today to secure your ticket at the member’s price. Must be 21+. Ticket includes entry for 1 person, 1 drink ticket, hors d’oeuvres, live DJs and access to the KIA galleries, including entry to Future Now.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

From the aftermath of war, a vibrant estate in Messina becomes the stage for both blossoming romance and bitter deception. Soon after coming to visit her father, the honorable Claudio swiftly falls in love with the radiant Hero. But amidst this joy, a fiery battle of wits rages between the fiercely independent Beatrice and the confirmed bachelor Benedick, two souls who swear off love with every sharp and hilarious retort. Yet, beneath their barbed exchanges, could a hidden affection be ignited by the playful meddling of their friends? As they scheme to unite these reluctant hearts, a darker plot unfolds. The vengeful Don John, fueled by malice, orchestrates a cruel lie that threatens to shatter the very foundations of Claudio and Hero's happiness.

On the eve of their wedding, a devastating illusion is planted, leading to a shocking public accusation and leaving Hero seemingly ruined. In the face of such betrayal, alliances shift, and the witty Beatrice makes a startling demand of Benedick. Will truth prevail against calculated deceit? Can love truly conquer all, even when shadowed by the darkest intentions? Prepare to be captivated by a story where laughter and heartbreak intertwine, and where the most unexpected heroes might just save the day.

It’s been quite the winter . . .
Say hello to spring with us at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. Wander a short lantern lit trail to the beach to watch the sunset, then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate on your way out.
Note: the sun will set at 8:25 that day. This event is open-house style, so come as you please, but the event will end at 9:30 pm.

Additional info
♦ Though leashed dogs are normally welcome on the preserve, we ask that you please leave your furry friend at home for this hike.

Yoga with Apral Milar-Corcoran March 21, 10-11:30 amAudience: Adults & TeensMeet: Cooper’s Glen Auditorium Yoga is a great way to re-center yourself, connect with your surroundings, and strengthen your body. Join us and instructor Apral Milar-Corcoran for a course that’s great for beginners, returning practitioners, or anyone looking for a relaxing experience. Please bring your own yoga mat. Fee: KNC Members $12, Non-Members $15

Mark your reading place in style using a shoe bookmark! We will provide all of the materials to make a bookmark to take home. Take inspiration from the exhibition on view Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks, shoes in literature, or be your own creative designer! The librarian will have some templates on hand to help you get started.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

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

Deos Contemporary Ballet’s fan-favorite winter repertory ballet performance returns for one powerful weekend, blending bold new works with iconic choreography.

The program features the world premiere of “Trojan Women” by Tess Sinke, inspired by Euripides’ timeless tragedy and exploring resilience, loss, and survival in the aftermath of war. Balancing the evening is Dennis Spaight’s “Crayola” -- a rare, historic ballet performed entirely in silence -- and “Lamentation Variations,” presented in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company, examining grief, hope, and human connection.

Honoring legendary choreographers while amplifying local contemporary voices, EMBER Series 26 offers an intimate, emotionally charged night of dance—on stage for one weekend only.

March 21–22
St. Cecilia Music Center
Grand Rapids, MI
Tickets & info: deosballet.com

Meet the Flock: Pigeon Walk 
Saturday, March 21, 2-3 pm 
Audience: All Ages
Meet: Visitor Center Lobby; walk to Bird Enclosures 

Have you heard the news? Some of KNC’s newest animal ambassadors are here and ready to meet the public. Get acquainted with Henry, Gorgonzola, and Parm, and learn more about pigeons and their fascinating life histories.   

Fee: Included in regular KNC admission. KNC members are free!

From the aftermath of war, a vibrant estate in Messina becomes the stage for both blossoming romance and bitter deception. Soon after coming to visit her father, the honorable Claudio swiftly falls in love with the radiant Hero. But amidst this joy, a fiery battle of wits rages between the fiercely independent Beatrice and the confirmed bachelor Benedick, two souls who swear off love with every sharp and hilarious retort. Yet, beneath their barbed exchanges, could a hidden affection be ignited by the playful meddling of their friends? As they scheme to unite these reluctant hearts, a darker plot unfolds. The vengeful Don John, fueled by malice, orchestrates a cruel lie that threatens to shatter the very foundations of Claudio and Hero's happiness.

On the eve of their wedding, a devastating illusion is planted, leading to a shocking public accusation and leaving Hero seemingly ruined. In the face of such betrayal, alliances shift, and the witty Beatrice makes a startling demand of Benedick. Will truth prevail against calculated deceit? Can love truly conquer all, even when shadowed by the darkest intentions? Prepare to be captivated by a story where laughter and heartbreak intertwine, and where the most unexpected heroes might just save the day.

Deos Contemporary Ballet’s fan-favorite winter repertory ballet performance returns for one powerful weekend, blending bold new works with iconic choreography.

The program features the world premiere of “Trojan Women” by Tess Sinke, inspired by Euripides’ timeless tragedy and exploring resilience, loss, and survival in the aftermath of war. Balancing the evening is Dennis Spaight’s “Crayola” -- a rare, historic ballet performed entirely in silence -- and “Lamentation Variations,” presented in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company, examining grief, hope, and human connection.

Honoring legendary choreographers while amplifying local contemporary voices, EMBER Series 26 offers an intimate, emotionally charged night of dance—on stage for one weekend only.

March 21–22
St. Cecilia Music Center
Grand Rapids, MI
Tickets & info: deosballet.com

Samuel Fedele, is a classical pianist composer from Battle Creek, Michigan. For the upcoming concert, Fedele plans to play Liszt's two Legends, S. 175, and his third Mephisto Waltz, S. 216. In addition to a Clementi sonata, Op. 37, No. 2 in G major, Fedele may include a Beethoven sonata (op.53), a sonata of his own, or a Liszt transcription of a Bach organ Fugue. The repertoire is still in the planning stages. More information will be provided as the concert approaches.
After graduation from Lakeview High in Battle Creek, Fedele went to Canada in 2019 to pursue studies at the University of Windsor with Dr. Philip Adamson. During his education, he won an impressive number of competitive scholarships for musical performance, composition, and academic achievement. Notably among them were the Ron W. Ianni Scholarship for his performance of Prokofiev's 6th piano sonata, the George T. Marshall award for the composition of his Preludes, and the University of Windsor's concerto competition for performing Beethoven's 3rd piano concerto. In the Summer of 2025, he finished a composition program with the European American Musical Alliance in France. Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance at the University of Toronto under the guidance of Dr. James Parker.
Sunday Afternoon Live! concerts are free to the public, and include a family friendly reception where patrons can meet the artists and enjoy fellowship with each other.
The mission of Sunday Afternoon Live! is to enrich the cultural life of the greater Battle Creek Community and to continue the tradition of the First Congregational Church as a patron of artistic creativity and expression. We endeavor to do this by sponsoring a series of free concerts that present musical artistry that is exciting, beautiful, varied and enjoyable. We will underwrite the concerts by means of donors and sponsors in order to make the concerts available to the entire community.