Downtown Kalamazoo's Mixers on the Mall are a middle of the week community social after hours on Wednesdays. A blend of music, co-workers, great weather, and good times happen each Wednesday from 5:00 until 7:30 starting June 4. Save the following dates:
More details will be posted on myKalamazoo.com
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:
This Saturday May 10, 2008 is the Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Kalamazoo area letter carriers will be collecting non-perishable food items that are set out by your mailbox. (No expired items or glass containers) Local food pantries will benefit from their collection. Many thanks to the efforts and energy of our local food carriers!
The 2008 Greek Festival organized by Theo and Stacy's is slated for June 5, 6 and 7, 2008 at the Arcadia Festival Place in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo. In it's 32 year history, this festival has been known to kick off the summer season in Kalamazoo on Super Saturday. Learn more about this year's festival.
Downtown Kalamazoo will host the first citywide Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday May 10, 2008 at the Arcadia Festival Site from noon until 11:30 pm. Highlights include:
Fit MI is a self-directed fitness program designed to increase your level of physical activity and do your part to improve the health of your community. Bring the kids! Or form a team at work, church, school, or in your neighborhood. Compete for recognition. It's more fun to do as a team. Consider all of the moving activities that can be done to improve our health.
Register online to participate. There is no fee. You will be immediately connected to other Fit MI movers.
The 2008 Kalamazoo Borgess Run for the Health of It series of races takes place on April 25 and 26. Learn more about the 2008 races including a 5K/half marathon, 5K walk, Kids Fun Run, 5K Racewalk and a Motivational Mile. Visit www.BorgessRun.com for more details.
The annual Southwest Michigan Race for the Cure is scheduled at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place on May 17, 2008 from 7:30-11:30. Take part in this annual event that aims to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.
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.
