KalamazooBlog.com: Arts

Kalamazoo Highlights

Since 1999, Southwest Michigan First has been a local organization committed to creating and supporting a thriving economy through entrepreneurial innovation. They have created a top list of why living in the region is cool.

Here are just a few from the list:

#3- Derek Jeter
#7- Creation of big yellow taxi cabs
#16- At one point in time, 90% of the world's peppermint oil was supplied from A.M. Todd - a Kalamazoo company
#30- Home of the United Kennel Club
#35- Kalamazoo County is the leading producer of bedding plant in the U.S.
#58- Westnedge Avenue is the second busiest street in Michigan
#66- Oakwood Bistro ranks among the nations 100 top restuarants as selected by culinary professionals

May 13, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gilmore Keyboard Festival

The largest gathering of keyboard artists in North America is right around the corner - the 2008 Gilmore Keyboard Festival. It's 20 music-filled days featuring incredible performances and exceptional musical experiences from classical to jazz, from morning to night across West Michigan. With more than 100 events, you're sure to find musical adventures that will delight you, your friends and your family.

The first Gilmore International Keyboard Festival took place in 1991. The Festival spanned nine days and encompassed 46 musical events, including a Music Critics Institute. We introduced the first Gilmore Artist - David Owen Norris, and our first Gilmore Young Artists - Christopher Taylor, Brenda Huang, Wendy Chen and Peter Miyamoto. The Festival's Master Series included performances by Alicia de Larrocha, Leon Fleisher, Chick Corea, Peter Nero, Steve Allen, George Shearing, Billy Taylor and Van Cliburn, among others.

Now, every two years The Gilmore presents two+ weeks of superb piano performances -more than 100 events. The Gilmore Keyboard Festival has become aleading American festival known the world over for celebrating the joy and power of keyboard music in concerts, lectures, master classes and films. Names of eminent classical keyboard artists, jazz greats and contemporary stars fill the program booklet, but The Gilmore also showcases lesser-known artists and music that merit wider exposure. The Festival is the best known aspect of The Gilmore's core mission of nurturing keyboard musicians and music.

March 23, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

International Festival

See and taste the world in a single evening at the 19th Annual International Festival at Western Michigan University will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Bernhard Center East Ballroom.

International Festival promises to be a great opportunity for campus and community members to come together and learn about the diversity of cultures existing in Kalamazoo. More information can be found at the International Festival website.

March 11, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Garage Sale Art Fair

100+ art fair artists will be selling their leftovers, irregulars and supplies for rock bottom prices. If you are looking for great prices on handmade pottery, jewelry, glass, weaving, wood, photography, paintings, and more... "Come early for the best selection, come later for the best bargains." Located at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds.

February 03, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kalamazoo Ringers

Over the Christmas holiday, I felt moved to listen to Christmas carol bells. Doing a quick Google search, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the Kalamazoo Ringers who are from Kalamazoo and are possibly the oldest community handbell choir in the United States. You can preview their arrangements on iTunes (click button below) and can download and listen to the songs today!

If you know of other musical groups in Kalamazoo that are featured on iTunes, please comment on this post.

January 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Concerts in the Park

Bandshell 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

June 03, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.