KalamazooBlog.com

Kalamzoo Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is more than a program. It is a philosophy – a way of being. Girls on the Run is a life-changing character development program for girls in third, fourth and fifth grade (ages 8-12) that uses the power of running to teach every girl about her personal power and the importance of being healthy and active. The after-school program combines training to participate in a running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and a community service project. The teams - which consist of 8 to 15 girls - meet two times per week right after school for an hour and a half. Most teams begin meeting at about 3:30 or 3:45 pm. We do have some community organizations with teams that meet in the evening (6 pm or later).

The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Furthermore, we encourage participants to talk with their family every day about what is going on with them. The 10-week curriculum attempts to help each girl find and stay true to her REAL self.

Your help is needed for the upcoming 5K Celebration on June 7. Learn more how you can help.

Concerts in the Park

Concerts in the Park, co-sponsored by the Arts Council and the City of Kalamazoo, is back for its eighth season of free Sunday afternoon concerts in Bronson Park. The series offers a mix of old favorites and new sounds featuring performances by local musical groups. The 2007 lineup is listed below. Read this article on myKalamazoo.com.

All concerts start at 4 p.m. in Bronson Park at the Rotary Club Stage, free of charge. First Baptist Church at 315 W. Michigan Ave. is the rain site for this concert. More information about Kalamazoo fine and performing arts can be found at the Kalamazoo Arts Council site.

• June 3: Kalamazoo Singers
• June 10: Northside Jazz Quintet
• June17: Kalamazoo Concert Band (rain site Civic Auditorium)
• June 24: "Jazz on a String" with Rick Ridenour and Barry Ross
• July 1: Earlie Braggs Jazz Quartet
• July 8: Blue Moon
• July 15: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (begins at 8pm; rain site is Miller Auditorium)
• July 22: Greater Kalamazoo Dixieland Society Jazz Band
• August 5: Los Bandits
• August 12: Schlitz Creek
• August 19: Kalamazoo Big Band

Downtown Mixers on the Mall

It’s an after-work party that features fantastic, unique, and up-and-coming musicians along with great beverages; and the opportunity to network and meet new people. What a great way to see and hear new music.

All throughout the summer of 2007, the Mixers happen on the Kalamazoo Mall- downtown on Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Here's this summer's line up:

• June 13 - Pretzel Logic, cover band
• June 20 - Wild Woody's, rockabilly originals
• June 27 - Montage, cover tunes from the 80s and 90s
• July 4 - No mixer due to the holiday
• July 11 - A Pre-event Musical Celebration with Blues Fest
• July 18 - Dutch Henry, contemporary country/rock
• July 25 - Deep Blue Underground, alternative and pop
• August 1 - Kelly Richey, blues rock original music/national
• August 8 - Funkilinium, motown plus funk
• August 15 - Universal Expression, reggae, national band from Chicago
• August 22 - Weatherly Band, cover band with originals

Kalamazoo Island Festival

From its humble beginnings the Island Festival has grown to be the largest celebration of Caribbean Culture in Michigan. Also known as “A Taste of the Caribbean” the Island Festival brings the unique cuisine of the Islands to Kalamazoo! Visit this article on myKalamazoo.com.

Entering its eleventh year, the 2007 Island Festival is slated for June 22-23 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave. and Edwards in downtown Kalamazoo, MI.

This outdoor festival is intended as a celebration of Caribbean music, food and culture and will bring much of the best of the Caribbean to Kalamazoo. In the past, beverages included Red Stripe beer and many of the flavored juices and liquors from Bacardi and Minute Maid. Caribbean regional cuisine from Jerk Chicken to Mango Papaya Chutney, fresh oysters with cajun sauces, steamed Crawfish, Coconut Shrimp, Black Bean, Veggie and Lou Lou Burgers, Chimichurri Pork, plus various breads and desserts will be served by area vendors including Francois Steak and Seafood, Caribbean Corner, Jazzy’s Catering, Cajun Grille, Niskers, and Q-it-Up and many others.

The festival begins each midday with regional vendors selling Caribbean cuisine and beverages. Walk through “little Jamaica” and experience the arts and crafts vendors selling items ranging from woodcarvings to handmade drums, t-shirts to jewelry and everything in between. Visit the Island Festival's Site