Arts & Culture

Bluegrass band takes over library

Submitted by Lisa Donner on Sunday, May 12th, 9:00 am

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--Music lovers of all ages are invited to a free performance of bluegrass music at Spring Lake District Library Sunday, May 19.

"Patchwork Band", one of West Michigan’s favorite bluegrass bands, will play traditional and modern bluegrass as well as some original songs during its 3 p.m. performance.

Band members Ruth and John Lakatos of Grand Haven, Bryan Garlotte of Comstock Park, and Mark Walker of Dorr are veterans of the bluegrass music scene. Known for their tight harmonies, they perform throughout Michigan and Indiana. Ruth plays guitar, John plays bass, Bryan plays banjo, and Mark plays mandolin. Visit their website, www.patchworkband.com to sample music from their "Barkin’ Up the Right Tree” and “Patchwork Band Live” CDs.

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Grand Rapids Beer City USA 2013 - the time to vote is now!

Submitted by dvanderkooi on Thursday, May 9th, 9:00 am

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- There is no question 2012 was great year for Grand Rapids and beer.

A record number of breweries opened, including Eastown’s Harmony, Mitten Brewing, and Grand Rapids Brewing Company as well as both Pike 51 and White Flame in Hudsonville, Perrin in Comstock Park and Rockford Brewing Company. Additionally, Grand Rapid’s most successful brewery, Founders, celebrated their 15 year anniversary in style which included the release of their 15% Bolt Cutter Barleywine. But perhaps the defining moment in 2012 was the nomination and securing of the title Beer City USA in a tied vote along with previous year victors Asheville, North Carolina.

Read Article: http://www.imabeerhound.com/michigan-brewery-news/grand-rapids-beer-city-usa-2013-the-time-to-vote-is-now.html

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'Mom 2 Mom Sale' to help replace old band uniforms

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Monday, April 29th, 2013, 12:19pm

'Mom 2 Mom Sale' to help replace old band uniforms

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.—The Comstock Park Band Boosters is holding a fundraiser this Saturday to replace the band’s 18 year old uniforms.

The “Mom 2 Mom Sale” featuring used children’s items will take place May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Comstock Park High School Gym. It coincides with the annual Spring Carnival, which will feature games, prizes and food. Tickets to the carnival are four for $1.

If you’d like to help, contact bandboosters@cppschools.com.

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Beauty and the Beast Showing in Sparta

Submitted by Kal Kamyszek, Part-time Blogger, Part-time Receptionist & Cook on "In the Kitchen w/Kal"

Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 9:36am

Beauty and the Beast will be presented by the Sparta High School Drama department beginning this evening at Spartan High School Auditorium located at 475 W. Spartan Dr.

The curtain goes up at with performances at 7:00pm tonight, Thursday, April 25th, through Saturday evening along with a matinee on Sunday at 2:00pm.

Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6:00 for students and seniors. For additional ticket information, call 616-887-8213 ext. 1353.

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Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Sunday, April 21st, 2013, 9:00am

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

(Detroit Pistons) – Does your library or gym need a new look?

Here’s your chance to win a makeover in the School Makeover contest from the Detroit Pistons and NBA Live, Learn or Play, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The School Makeover, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Detroit Pistons, is accepting submissions from elementary and middle schools in the state of Michigan, through June 1. Submissions at www.nba.com/pistons/farm-bureau-school-makeover should include at least four images of the school’s library or gymnasium to be considered in the selection process.

“Farm Bureau Insurance agents are involved in their local communities all across the state. Michigan isn’t just a market for us, it is our home,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance vice president of Marketing. “We firmly believe in supporting safe and clean learning environments for our youth.

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No Place like Home in Alpine Township's Blog

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, March 25th, 1:16 pm

In February of 2009 the Alpine Township Blog was launched and the first article to appear was titled "No Place Like Home", a story about Alpine Township artist Sheryl Budnik and her paintings of scenery around the "Apple Ridge" http://alpinetwp.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html Sheryl's artwork was featured at the Keeler Gallery at Fountain Street Church and after the exhibition Sheryl allowed some of her work to be displayed at Alpine Township Hall.

More than 4 years have passed, Alpine Township still has its blog, and Sheryl Budnik is still painting. This month, her work has been on display at the Terryberry Gallery at the St. Cecelia Music Center. Sheryl's interests have expanded from scenes from the Ridge to water and Lake Michigan... Read More

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Frolic on the Titanic

Submitted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 24th, 11:00 am

There was plenty of frolic Tuesday night as Rotarians from local clubs gathered together at Wolverine World Wide in Rockford for their annual Interclub meeting. The theme of the meeting was the Titanic and club members ate what was thought to be close to the last meal ever served on the Titanic, which perished on April 10, 1912.

Club members were entertained and educated as a program was presented not only about the sinking of the ship and the aftermath, but also about many real characters that were on board of the ship.

One of those on board was me, Karl Backstom, a Finnish carpenter who was offered a job as a construction foreman in the United States. I convinced two of my wife's brothers to accompany us on the trip. Tragically neither the brothers or myself survived, but my pregnant wife made it back to Finland. My body was never recovered... Read More

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